Boris Johnson’s flailing Conservative government have put forward a second motion to hold a snap General Election which will be debated by MPs on Monday.
Due to the PM’s decision to prorogue Parliament for five weeks, if members of Parliament do not pass Monday’s motion, there will be no time to pass another General Election bill before the 31st October – the current Brexit deadline.
Speaking in the House of Commons, the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg, confirmed that the government would be tabling a motion proposing an early General Election.
However, Rees-Mogg did not confirm whether or not the motion would be put forward under the Fixed Term Parliament Act.
Last night, the government’s motion proposing an early General Election failed because it did not secure a supermajority of two thirds of MPs – as required under the Fixed Term Parliament Act (FTPA) for early General Elections.
The government are rumoured to be considering excluding the FTPA from Monday’s General Election motion so they would only require a simple majority of MPs in order for it to pass.
Despite being asked by Labour MP Valerie Vaz whether the government were going to exclude the FTPA from Monday’s motion, Rees-Mogg did not address the question.
The Labour Party abstained on last night’s General Election motion because they fear Boris Johnson is using it to try and force through a No Deal Brexit by default.
Despite proposing the election for October 15th, Boris Johnson could theoretically use his Prime Ministerial prerogative powers to change the election date to after the 31st October Brexit deadline – thus forcing a No Deal Brexit.
Labour have indicated that they would be prepared to support a General Election motion after No Deal has been legally ruled out.
Hilary Benn’s bill, which would legally compel the Prime Minister to seek a Brexit extension – and thus avoid No Deal – is expected to gain royal assent and pass into law on Monday.
The Conservatives had attempted to filibuster Benn’s bill in the House of Lords by putting forward an astonishing 92 amendments, but caved in at 01:30 in the morning after striking a deal with the opposition.
