by Michael Ge and Seth Gellman
Since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union three years ago, Britain has been in political turmoil and is on its third prime minister. Britain is no closer to leaving the European Union than at the time of the vote. But due to new developments, including the actions of Britain’s new prime minister, Boris Johnson, Britain may finally leave the European Union on October 31st.
After months of extensions on the date that Britain is officially going to leave the European Union under former Prime Minister Theresa May, Johnson wants to leave the European Union on October 31, with or without a deal. On the other hand, Parliament disagrees. In a close vote, Parliament voted to reject a no deal Brexit under any circumstances.
In order to stop any opposition, Johnson suspended Parliament from September 11 to October 14. This has caused a backlash amongst the people of Britain. Lawsuits have ensued as a result. As of September 18, the British Supreme Court will be hearing a case about the legality of Parliament’s suspension by the Prime Minister.
Johnson is committed to a withdrawal from the European Union on October 31, but opposition leaders are working to make sure a no deal Brexit does not happen. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, wants to make sure a no deal Brexit is off of the negotiating table.
Corbyn then wants to call a general election to try and boost his party’s standing in Parliament. Corbyn hopes that Labour will be able to repeat their success in the 2017 general election. But Labour MPs are split over the issue of following through on Brexit or holding a second referendum. Johnson is calling for general elections but refuses to abide by the law passed by Parliament that says a no deal Brexit will not happen, prompting a rejection of elections by Corbyn.
After three long years, there is still no end to Brexit, and it remains to be seen whether Britain will indeed exit the European Union on October 31st.
