No-deal Brexit seems the most likely outcome for the UK on October 31, as the government, helmed by leave voter Boris Johnson, reiterates a strict do or die stance. The new Prime Minister has formed a crack team of Brexiteers to pass through a deal by the leave date on Halloween, but resistance from within Parliament makes Mr Johnson’s success unlikely. MPs are currently on summer recess but once they return, they have an array of options open to them.
Could Boris Johnson pass a no-deal Brexit through Parliament?
Boris Johnson’s pledge to pass a no-deal would need to overcome a rebellious Parliament with several tools at their disposal.
MPs could theoretically prorogue Parliament, vote to extend article 50, and even petition the Queen to force Boris Johnson against his current plans.
There is one instance, however, where a motion from rebel MPs could bolster the Prime Minister’s power.
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One option currently being considered by the Labour Party is a vote of no confidence against Boris Johnson.
Since the Prime Minister was elected by 160,000 people – less than one percent of the UK electorate – some MPs are hoping to oust Mr Johnson’s government.
If they were successful, the Prime Minister would have two weeks to form a new government, as per the rules of the Fixed Term Parliament Act.
MPs could then persuade the Prime Minister to ditch his hardline stance.
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However, if Mr Johnson lost a no-confidence vote, Parliament would dissolve, which could force a no-deal.
While if Mr Johnson won said no-confidence vote, he would gain legitimacy.
Winning the vote would strengthen his position and make it easier for him to pass a no-deal through Parliament.
As such, MPs are holding back from calling a no-confidence vote, fearing it would only steer the country further towards a no-deal.
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In the meantime, the government is hoping to arrive at a new deal before October 31.
A Number 10 spokesperson said the government is hoping to enter negotiations with “the spirit of friendship” and aims to negotiate the withdrawal agreement.
They said: “The prime minister wants to meet EU leaders and negotiate a new deal – one that abolishes the anti-democratic backstop.
“We will throw ourselves into the negotiations with the greatest energy and the spirit of friendship and we hope the EU will rethink its current refusal to make any changes to the withdrawal agreement.”
