22 votes

Conservative MP Phillip Lee has defected to the Liberal Democrats ahead of a crucial no-deal vote, leaving the PM with no working majority

12 comments

  1. [2]
    Comment deleted by author
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    1. rkcr
      Link Parent
      Why is the house of commons so empty (maybe 30% full)? Shouldn't it be packed full of MPs?

      Why is the house of commons so empty (maybe 30% full)? Shouldn't it be packed full of MPs?

      4 votes
  2. [3]
    rkcr
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    I've got a question for anyone more informed about the situation - why is Boris Johnson pushing so hard for a no-deal brexit?

    I've got a question for anyone more informed about the situation - why is Boris Johnson pushing so hard for a no-deal brexit?

    8 votes
    1. nacho
      Link Parent
      You'll get any number of different answers on this. Some of the reason is surely the belief that pushing for a hard Brexit will lead to concessions from the EU and a better deal for leaving. Some...

      You'll get any number of different answers on this.

      Some of the reason is surely the belief that pushing for a hard Brexit will lead to concessions from the EU and a better deal for leaving.

      Some of the reason is surely the strong belief that Britain is better off outside the EU.

      Some of the reason is surely legacy. Two conservative prime ministers have failed to take the UK out of the EU after the referendum vote. The PM in office when the UK leaves the EU will have their name in all the history books in schools for generations. If Johnson is to be that prime minister, now that he doesn't even have a majority in parliament, he's gotta get it done quick. An election is one of several options on the cards in the near future.

      7 votes
  3. [4]
    patience_limited
    (edited )
    Link
    I'm confused. There's ample polling data suggesting that current (August 29) survey respondents think the U.K. is wrong to leave the EU, 50% vs 40%, but news stories are reporting a majority for a...

    I'm confused. There's ample polling data suggesting that current (August 29) survey respondents think the U.K. is wrong to leave the EU, 50% vs 40%, but news stories are reporting a majority for a fast Brexit. Any informed parties care to comment?

    [I've read through this summary of the party strategy involved, and am now more confused. British party politics are too deep for this dumb 2-party American.]

    4 votes
    1. [2]
      JoylessAubergine
      Link Parent
      I don't think those are exclusive views. A not insignificant number of people who were pro-remain believe in honouring the result of the referendum even though they disagree with the result. In...

      I don't think those are exclusive views. A not insignificant number of people who were pro-remain believe in honouring the result of the referendum even though they disagree with the result. In addition many on both pro-leave and pro-remain sides just want "Brexit" over with so we can focus on domestic issues instead of being in this kind of awful stasis that we have been in for the past 3 years. We've done nothing with the past 3 years i don't see how another extension will help when no polling has shown a major shift in any direction.

      7 votes
      1. goodbetterbestbested
        Link Parent
        That does not imply that the same people are for a no-deal Brexit. It seems rather unlikely that a significant portion of them would be for a no-deal Brexit.

        A not insignificant number of people who were pro-remain believe in honouring the result of the referendum even though they disagree with the result.

        That does not imply that the same people are for a no-deal Brexit. It seems rather unlikely that a significant portion of them would be for a no-deal Brexit.

        2 votes
    2. Litmus2336
      Link Parent
      Lots of Labour MPs/Voters also toe the line between pro/leave, with a decent amount of Labour MPs (Corbyn being the most influential) disliking the EU, but wanting more than a no-deal Brexit.

      Lots of Labour MPs/Voters also toe the line between pro/leave, with a decent amount of Labour MPs (Corbyn being the most influential) disliking the EU, but wanting more than a no-deal Brexit.

  4. [3]
    moocow1452
    Link
    So, for somebody not in the know, approximately how much popcorn should I make for whatever this turns into?

    So, for somebody not in the know, approximately how much popcorn should I make for whatever this turns into?

    1 vote
    1. NaraVara
      Link Parent
      If you're actually in Britain you might want to hold onto it in case no-deal Brexit happens and they're in a food shortage.

      If you're actually in Britain you might want to hold onto it in case no-deal Brexit happens and they're in a food shortage.

      10 votes