UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson failed in his attempt for snap election, as he got only 299 votes in favor, well short of 424 needed, or two-third absolute majority. After the defeat, he told the parliament, “we will not allow this paralysis to continue and, one way or another, we must proceed straight to an election. This House cannot any longer keep this country hostage.”
Johnson would try an easier route on Tuesday, by proposing a one-line bill that changes the date of the next election to December 12. In this case, he only need a simple majority in the Commons, rather than two-thirds. However, other MPs could set conditions to on the change that Johnson might not like.
Earlier, Johnson wrote to European Council President Donald Tusk to accept the Brexit flextension granted. But he also emphasized, “this unwanted prolongation of the UK’s membership of the EU is damaging to our democracy.” “I would also urge EU member states to make clear that a further extension after 31st January is not possible. This is plenty of time to ratify our deal.”
