In yet another shameful night to forget in the mother of all parliaments the House of Commons descended into chaos as MPs voted 293 to 46 in favour of a snap election, which fell short of the two-thirds majority needed. The Prime Minister had said he wanted to head to the polls next month to break the political deadlock, after saying opposition parties had been making “outrageous excuses” to delay. The vote was then followed by the prorogation of Parliament, with some Labour MPs holding signs saying “silenced”, while shouting “shame on you” as the ceremony unfolded.
Brighton MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle appeared to try to hold on to the Speaker John Bercow, who also announced his resignation yesterday, at the point he was requested to lead MPs to the Lords as part of the prorogation proceedings.
Many people took to social media to share their views on the chaotic evening.
MP for Monmouth David Davies blasted the opposition for their protests.
He wrote on Twitter: “Labour MPs scuffling with House of Commons staff as they complain about no democracy.
“They have just voted against holding an election.”
Tim Dawson called the Commons a “disgrace” for voting down Mr Johnson’s bid for an election.
He said: “The Prime Minister wants an election.
“The reason they are saying no is simple: Boris will win, they will lose. Dire.”
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But Mr Corbyn hit back that he would not let his party walk into “traps laid by this Prime Minister”.
He said: ”This Government is only interested in shutting down Parliament to avoid any scrutiny.”
Mr Johnson added he would not ask for another Brexit delay, despite royal assent being given to legislation requiring an extension to the UK’s EU membership unless a divorce deal is approved or Parliament agrees to leaving the EU without one by October 19.
He said: “It’s plain from the turbulent reaction of the benches opposite that they simply want another delay and I will not have that.
“I must warn members that their behaviour in thwarting the will of the people is undermining respect for this House in the country.
“If honourable members want a delay, the only proper way to do it is to ask permission from our masters the people, from our masters the voters.”
Following the defeat, Mr Johnson said the Government would “press on with negotiating a deal while preparing to leave without one” ahead of the European Council summit on October 17.
The Prime Minister said: “No matter how many devices this Parliament invents to tie my hands I will try to get an agreement in the national interest.
“This Government will not allow Brexit to be delayed any further. While the opposition run, they cannot hide forever.”
