United Kingdom
Related: About this forumLetwin amendment passes
322 for the amendment
306 against it
Johnson now has to write to the EU requesting an extension to the Brexit deadline.
A major factor in tipping the vote by such a margin was the DUP voting for it.
Soph0571
(9,685 posts)This is about to get very rocky!
Denzil_DC
(8,001 posts)"I will not negotiate a delay with the EU and neither does the law compel me to do so."
I think he'll find it does, due to the Scottish Court of Session decision.
Indications elsewhere are that he'll comply and send the extension request letter.
If not, maybe he'll end up in clink, while the court sends the letter on his behalf.
Nothing can compel him to actively negotiate beyond that, of course.
Denzil_DC
(8,001 posts)That is, of course, a possibility, Dyson said. He told me that Jonathan Sumption, another former Supreme Court justice, was recently asked a question on whether, if Boris Johnson simply crashed out without a deal in breach of the Benn Act, that would be unlawful, and he said yes it wouldand thats obviously right. As to what the consequence of that would be, well, he wouldnt be committing a contempt of court unless the court actually injuncted him beforehand. As yet the courts have not gone beyond seeking government assurances, but a second hearing is scheduled in the Scottish Appeal Court for 21st October, to assess the situation again and, if necessary, make an immediate order.
If the courts were persuaded to grant an injunction, and Johnson still nevertheless [refused], then he would be committing a contempt of court for which he could be punished, possibly even sent to prison.
https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/lord-dyson-what-happens-if-johnson-defies-brexit-extension-law-benn-act-parliament-supreme-court
rurallib
(63,256 posts)Sounded like defiance in his speech.
Mike 03
(17,135 posts)Denzil_DC
(8,001 posts)The debate may continue, but today's main action is over, except for the question of what happens about the withdrawal request letter.
Mike 03
(17,135 posts)Are they allowed to take up the Kyle Amendment with just the MPs remaining?
Denzil_DC
(8,001 posts)The Kyle amendment refers to a different motion in favour of a no-deal Brexit, and calls for a second referendum. The government hasn't moved that motion, and it looks like it won't in view of this vote on Letwin.
I think I can now safely go outside and get on with some of the chores I've been putting off anyway!
Denzil_DC
(8,001 posts)so that definitively answers your question!
BooScout
(10,407 posts)Lest we forget, lol
https://m.
muriel_volestrangler
(102,625 posts)Despite the prime ministers insistence that he would not negotiate a further extension of the UKs membership of the EU, he confirmed on Saturday evening that he would be seeking such an extension.
Waiting for the letter, Tusk tweeted. I just talked to PM Boris Johnson about the situation after the vote in the House of Commons.
An EU source said that in the call between Tusk and Johnson at 8.15pm Brussels time on Saturday the UK prime minister confirmed that the letter would be sent within hours.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/19/eu-will-grant-brexit-extension-if-johnson-sends-letter-says-brussels
On the Guardian's front page, this is just above "No delays, vows PM after humiliating Commons defeat" ...
Denzil_DC
(8,001 posts)The cover letter:
The extension request, phrased exactly as stipulated by the Benn Act:
(The fact it has no handwritten signature is of no legal significance.)
Johnson's woe-is-me-my-parliament-are-such-a-shower-of-meanies letter, which he bothered to sign:
Tusk has acknowledged receipt of the request and is now acting on it. The two-page whine may be in his office bin.