Brexit. It’s all that’s been talked about for three years. Ever since Boris Johnson became the PM, he has refused to rule out a no-deal Brexit. Why does the PM continue to do this?
It’s simple. Boris Johnson is a fervent Brexiteer. He campaigned for Brexit. He ran for PM based on the fact he was a Brexiteer. He believes in the referendum held in 2016.
During the recent G7 summit. The press repeatedly asked what the PM would do if MPs tried to thwart his policy. The PM declined to rule out shutting down parliament.
The PM spoke about Brexit “I think people are tired of Brexit. They’re yearning for the day Brexit comes off the front pages of the papers. This will only happen on October 31st. When Britain leaves the EU. And that is what I am calling on all my fellow MPs to do.”
When the PM was pressed on what he would do if MPs tried to force his hand. He said “I think it’s the job of every MP to get this done. And it’s what our friends and partners on the other side of the Channel want.”
And when asked outright about whether he would consider proroguing parliament, he said: “I rely on parliamentarians. They need to do the right thing. Honouring the pledge that they made to the people of this country.”
Johnson said he was “marginally more optimistic” about the prospects for a deal after the G7 summit. However he added: “Remember any statistical estimates I give. Whether that’s expressed in odds of a million to one or whatever. They all depend exclusively on the willingness of our friends and partners. They need to compromise on that crucial point. And get rid of the backstop.”
Johnson has avoided conversations with EU leaders at the summit. Downing Street was encouraged that the Donald Tusk, agreed to meet him again. At a UN general assembly in Paris next month.
Does the PM want a no-deal Brexit?
We can’t be sure. Although it’s highly likely. Before he was the PM, he campaigned for Brexit. So he clearly wants to leave the EU. He has also stated that “Britain will leave the EU. No ifs. No buts.”
Although some may argue that the PM doesn’t want a no-deal Brexit. In fact, he only wants to get rid of the Irish backstop. A rather contentious issue. However, this isn’t backed up by Johnson himself. He has said he considers a no-deal Brexit as a bargaining chip.
When the PM visited Scotland he talked about the Irish backstop. More importantly, his opinions. He said “The backstop is no use. It’s dead. It has to go.” He then talked about May’s withdrawal deal. He said “The withdrawal deal is dead. It has to go. But there is a scope to do a new deal.”
He then added “My assumption is that we can get a deal. We are aiming for a deal.” The PM said at the launch of his campaign “(he was) Not aiming for a no-deal outcome.” However, he knows a no-deal Brexit is a vital negotiation tool.
What will the PM do next?
The PM has no plans to meet the EU leaders over the summer. He is not interested in a charm offensive. However, he will meet them on one condition. They’ll reopen Brexit negotiations. Instead, he will give them the cold shoulder for a month.
The PM is now preparing for Britain leaving the EU. With or without a deal. Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow has made a statement. He will not allow the PM to take Britain out of EU by suspending parliament.