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Boris Johnson suffers defeat in Parliament over Brexit

Author
Newstalk ZB / news.com.au,
Publish Date
Wed, 4 Sep 2019, 9:43AM
Boris Johnson's Conservative government has had their majority of one wiped out during an explosive parliamentary session.

Boris Johnson suffers defeat in Parliament over Brexit

Author
Newstalk ZB / news.com.au,
Publish Date
Wed, 4 Sep 2019, 9:43AM

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has suffered a stinging defeat in Parliament that could lead to a general election in the UK.

Opposition MPs and rebel members of his Conservative party voted for delaying Brexit beyond October 31 if he cannot agree exit terms with Brussels.

The motion was passed 328 to 301 - meaning Johnson suffered a defeat in his first parliamentary vote since coming to power.

One MP yelled out "Not a good start Boris" after the result was read out.

Around 15 Conservative MPs said they would vote against their own government, including Winston Churchill's grandson Nicholas Soames.

They all now risk expulsion from the party.

They essentially passed a motion to allow a debate tomorrow on a bill to prevent a 'no deal' Brexit departure from the EU on October 31.

Johnson has indicated he would go to a general election rather than risk a 'no deal' Brexit.

After the result was announced, Johnson says he will table a motion to call for an election if tomorrow's delay on Brexit is passed.

"The leader of the opposition has been begging for an election for two years," he said.

"I don't want an election but if MPs vote tomorrow to compel another pointless delay to Brexit then that would be the only way to resolve this."

The vote defeat comes after Johnson's Conservative government has had their majority of one wiped out during an explosive parliamentary session over the future of Brexit.

The Westminster chamber erupted in a chorus of jeers yesterday as Johnson addressed the packed house in the first session since MPs returned from their summer break.

Speaking 80 years on from the day Britain entered World War II, Johnson said "this country still stands then as now, for democracy, for the rule of law."

"This whole house is united in defending those values."

The comments were met with widespread jeers from fellow MPs, given Johnson has recently asked the Queen to prorogue parliament until October 14 and threatened Conservative MPs with deselection for opposing his Brexit strategy.

Speaker John Bercow was forced to repeatedly call for order during Johnson's short speech.

"Order, order … I ask the house to have some regard for how proceedings are viewed … outside our chamber," he said.

"The Prime Minister is making a statement and that statement should be heard … he will be heard, as will every other member."

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