Two leading Brexiteers have left British Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet within 2 hours. That reports Business Insider.
The Secretary of State, Boris Johnson, resigned on Monday 9 July. This shortly after the departure of Brexit Secretary David Davis. That's what spokespersons for the British Prime Minister have Theresa May announced.
Battle of Directions
Within the British Conservatives there is a battle of direction over the strategy to be followed. A wing of the party, led by Johnson and to which Davis belonged, wants to a departure from the European Union (EU), whereby the United Kingdom (UK) is given the opportunity to conclude trade agreements independently and has control over migration.
It does mean serious damage to the trade relationship with the EU, the possibility of border controls and a weakened position of London's financial sector in Europe. However, May opted for Friday 6 July a soft version, with the goods market remaining closely aligned with the EU. This limits the possibilities to independently conduct an international trade policy. The hardliners among the Brexiteers are vehemently against this.
Coup against Theresa May in the making?
"A possible rescue from Brexit", conservative House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg called Davis's departure. However, that was before Johnson's resignation was announced. Rees-Mogg, chair of the pro-Brexit European Research Group, praised Davis for his decision. "He has done his country a favor," Rees-Mogg said.
When Rees-Mogg was asked whether he would support May's opponent in a power change, he did not rule out the possibility. At the same time, he indicated that he considers a different policy more important than another prime minister. "I am striving for a Brexit. The most important thing is that the Brexit decent being implemented," Rees-Mogg told LBC Radio.
Is anyone going to dispute May's position?
It will not escape anyone's attention that the call for a leadership change is getting louder; especially now that Johnson has also resigned. He was named as an opponent of May (as leader of the British Conservatives). Many Brexit supporters were furious when (after the cabinet meeting on Friday 6 July) a statement was issued, advocating a softer brexit than May had initially suggested.
For leadership re-election, 48 Conservative MPs must send a written request to Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Backbench Committee. Brady has reportedly received between 25 and 40 requests so far, although some were submitted before the cabinet meeting in question. Those votes could be withdrawn if MPs find that a no-confidence vote against May is not in the country's interest.
The brand new ex-minister Davis stated on Monday 9 July that he would not vote against May. "I won't encourage people to do that," he told BBC Radio 4. "I think it's wrong to do that."
Consequences
Marcus Fysh refused to support the prime minister. He described government policy as a gutsy, warning: "It's her business if May wants to break her promises, but things like this have consequences." The May camp is confident that the prime minister will survive a vote of no confidence. The pro-Brexit camp does not have the 150 signatures needed for a change of power.
Most MPs also fear that the political chaos may culminate in real elections. That could play into the hands of Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn. For a conservative, that would really be a horror scenario.
Read more on Business Insider:
- Chaos is (once again) complete in the British cabinet
- If there is a hard Brexit, Philips may leave the UK
- The Irish border remains the biggest threat to a smooth Brexit
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