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Updated September 3rd, 2019 at 23:02 IST

Boris Johnson loses parliamentary majority as MP joins Lib Dems

Only a month after taking over as the UK’s new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson lost his working majority in Parliament as Tory MP Phillip Lee joined Lib Dems.

Reported by: Aanchal Nigam
Boris Johnson
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Only a month after taking over as the UK’s new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson lost his working majority in parliament after Tory MP Phillip Lee sided with the pro-EU Liberal Democrats. This comes ahead of a showdown with rebel MPs over Brexit that could lead to a snap election within weeks. 

Read - UK Parliament Reconvenes To Challenge PM Johnson On No-Deal Brexit

Conservative govt pursuing Brexit in unprincipled ways: Lee

Lee shared a letter to the Prime Minister and explained that he has reached the conclusion that it is no longer possible to serve his constituents’ and country’s best interests as a Conservative Member of Parliament. "This Conservative government is aggressively pursuing a damaging Brexit in unprincipled ways. It is putting lives and livelihoods at risk unnecessarily and it is wantonly endangering the integrity of the United Kingdom," Lee wrote in the letter.

"Resign", lawmakers shout

On a day of high drama and acerbic debate in the House of Commons, lawmakers returned from their summer recess to confront Johnson over his insistence that the U.K. leaves the European Union on Oct. 31, even without a withdrawal agreement to cushion the economic blow. Many shouted, “Resign!”

Rebel Brexit law will destroy negotiations: UK PM 

PM Johnson said that he had achieved "real momentum" in Brexit talks with the European Union over the summer. He added that lawmakers' bid to pass a law to block a no-deal exit would destroy the negotiations. In an attempt to seize control of parliamentary time, lawmakers opposed to a no-deal exit plan to pass the legislation. Reacting to this, Johnson said it would force to beg for yet another pointless delay. The PM added that it would destroy any chance of negotiations.

Read - UK’s Boris Johnson Moves To Suspend Parliament Ahead Of Brexit

The Prime Minister took the office in July and promised to take action on the 2016 referendum vote for Britain's exit from European Union, with or without an agreement. The Prime Minister has also threatened to expel the conservative MP's who join the main opposition, Labour Party. However, the rebels who have been one of the main members of the party have replied sarcastically on Television, social media and newspapers. The attorney general in David Cameron's government has pointed out PM Borris's threats to the party members as his ruthlessness. 

Read - UK’s PM Boris Johnson Takes Aim Against Opponents Of Brexit Plans

Pound falls to lowest amid Brexit turmoil

The pivotal days of Brexit are also raising concerns for international investors. The pound sterling fell as low as $1.1960 on September 3, down about a cent after yesterday, stabilizing around $1.1990. This is deemed as the lowest level since “flash crash” in October 2016 when uncertainty was high. 

Read - British MPs Press Boris Johnson To Recall Parliament Over Brexit

Read - Now British PM, Brash Boris Johnson Faces Brexit Conundrum

(with inputs from AP)

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Published September 3rd, 2019 at 21:46 IST

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