The Conservative government have been slammed as ‘running scared of British democracy‘ after rumours emerged indicating that Theresa May has tabled a motion proposing to shut down Parliament five days early.
Government sources have now confirmed that the rumours are indeed true, and that Parliament will be voting tomorrow on whether or not to allow MPs to leave five days ahead of schedule.
Many are speculating that the Prime Minister is desperate to bring forward the rising of Parliament in order to avoid further clashes with opposing Brexit factions within her own party – factions which have the potential to topple an increasingly wobbly Prime Minister at any moment.
Parliamentary sources confirm MPs' motion to go on holiday five days early is on the House of Commons order paper for tomorrow. Seems extraordinary.
— Christopher Hope (@christopherhope) July 16, 2018
Here is is: Government lay down a motion to give MPs an early summer holiday! This is NOT going to go down well… pic.twitter.com/nAeBlQVAGU
— Zach Purser Brown (@zachjourno) July 16, 2018
Parliament is currently scheduled to break up on Tuesday 24th July, but should the Tories’ motion be approved, MPs will be allowed to leave on Thursday 19th July instead.
Labour are reportedly set to vote against the motion.
Some on social media branded the Tories as ‘lazy‘ and slammed Theresa May for running scared of democracy at a critical time in the UK’s history:
Holy guacamole. Theresa May has tabled a motion to shut Parliament down for the entire summer, 5 days early, with immediate effect. Vote tomorrow. She is running scared of British Democracy. Nothing but an absolute disgrace
— Tory Fibs (@ToryFibs) July 16, 2018
Whilst a Labour source reportedly said of the Tories’ proposals:
“It is staggering that the Tories are in such a state they are considering just packing up and going home. Theresa May is running scared of her own MPs.”
Left-wing political commentator Paul Mason believes that the Tories’ proposal to rise early indicates that Theresa May could be planning ‘something big‘ such as either resigning, backing a second referendum or extending the transitional phase of Brexit – all scenarios which would lead to chaos within the party:
Tory cave-in on ERG amendments plus attempt to close parliament early suggest to me: once no MPs around May will do something big. Either resign, go for 2nd ref or extend transition. Govt no longer functioning…
— Paul Mason (@paulmasonnews) July 16, 2018
Whilst Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, Angela Rayner, branded the Tories as ‘pathetic’:
https://twitter.com/AngelaRayner/status/1018957088654053378
Despite widespread speculation, the Tories have so far refused to give a reason for tabling the motion.
Govt source confirms that parliament will rise on Thurs for summer recess – rather than Tues next week – if Commons motion agreed to by tomorrow
— Emily Ashton (@elashton) July 16, 2018
Look forward to the govt's explanation for tabling this – they appear to be reluctant to share their reasoning so far
— Emily Ashton (@elashton) July 16, 2018
We will bring you more news on this story as and when it emerges.
