LONDON, Sept 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered yet another setback after MPs rejected a request to briefly suspend business for his party’s conference, highlighting the hostility he faces in parliament just weeks before Brexit.
In his seventh successive defeat in parliament, MPs voted to reject his call for three days off next week to hold his Conservative party’s annual conference.
Parliament usually holds a recess during all the main party’s conferences, but tensions are currently at boiling point among MPs over Britain’s scheduled exit from the European Union next month.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Johnson’s decision to suspend parliament for five weeks was unlawful, as it had the effect of frustrating lawmakers ahead of the Oct 31 deadline.
MPs reconvened on Wednesday but, in a stormy session that evening, Johnson showed no contrition and instead vowed to press ahead with Brexit come what may.
Johnson was said to be “disappointed” by the vote not to allow conference recess, although party sources said it will still go ahead as planned.
Johnson only took office in July but his threat to leave the EU even without a divorce deal with Brussels has put him on a collision course with some MPs.
Most members of the House of Commons, where he no longer has a majority, fear a “no deal” exit would bring huge economic disruption.
During a combative, three-hour debate on Wednesday evening, Johnson condemned the court ruling as “wrong” and accused MPs of betraying the Brexit referendum.
He repeatedly slammed parliament for passing a “surrender act” requiring him to seek to delay Brexit if he fails to reach a deal with the EU in time.
Downing Street says Johnson is now focused on getting an agreement with Brussels, which he hopes to agree with EU leaders when they meet on Oct 17/18.
Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay will hold talks Friday with EU negotiator Michel Barnier, while Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney will also travel to Brussels.
Johnson insists progress is being made in trying to rework the exit terms struck by his predecessor Theresa May, but rejected by the British parliament. — NNN-AGENCIES
