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MPs vote to take charge of the Brexit process and Brexit gets even messier.

This means that next week there will be a series of non-binding votes on the Brexit process. No-deal, second ref and the Norway option will all be debated and voted on in Parliament against the wishes of the Government. May has already said she will ignore the votes, which would lead to a fresh constitutional crisis because in Britain our executive an legislative branches are merged (May and her ministers are MPs as well as the Government.)

The problem MPs have is that they have no legal or constitutional right to negotiate Brexit or sign the withdrawal agreement. Any international treaty or law has to be signed off by Theresa May and she is still Prime Minister. A zombie Prime Minister who won't listen, adapt or compromise is still the person whose signature matters. Another issue is that MPs voting against a no-deal Brexit but that is a bit like voting against gravity because unless a deal is agreed, we crash out with no deal. So a crash out Brexit could happen by accident unless this is resolved some other way.

Maybe the Americans here can imagine Congress and the Presidency being combined but then the Presidency and Congress refusing to work with each other and both insisting that they have the democratic mandate. Well yeah, this does happen but also imagine that the political system has a safety valve in which elections are usually called if a Government collapses. Now imagine that the nominally ruling Government has collapsed about five times but refuses to hold elections... or remove their leader or vote for bills that their leader wants to pass. Imagine that members of the actual Government regularly and openly disagree with their leader and vote against her bills knowing that she lacks the political capital to fire them. Also, imagine that the main opposition party is also divided on what it wants and confused over strategy. Imagine all this happening at a time of national crisis where time is of the essence and stakes are high.

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Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M
I suspect it's to build a sufficient head of steam so that the idea of an election is thought more as an essential rather than a Joe Public 'Can't be arsed' political strategy.
Which the electorate right now would probably perceive it as.

Seen uncertain political times before.
Lot of people with a view but none of them match !
Consequently 650 headless Chickens in the Parliamentary coup !
jackjjackson · 61-69, M
Isn’t it too late for all that? @Picklebobble2
Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M
@jackjjackson Oh yes ! Two years too late !

So either the 'plan' is to crash out and (presumably) impose something they have planned.(God help us)
Or run the clock down and withdraw article 50 altogether.
jackjjackson · 61-69, M
How can they withdraw 50? @Picklebobble2
Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M
@jackjjackson the European court ruled some time ago that Article 50 could be withdrawn at any time.
jackjjackson · 61-69, M
1. Can they do that since the people voted for Brexit?

2. What happens if 50 is withdrawn?

3. If they do will the citizens go nuts?

@Picklebobble2
Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M
@jackjjackson Now THOSE are the questions Parliament is having trouble with !
What is the constitutional cost of ignoring a referendum where the majority give you a clear answer ?
jackjjackson · 61-69, M
I would think pillories in the public square for starters. @Picklebobble2
Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M
@jackjjackson Oh brother trust me, half the country would just [i]lurve[/i] to see the Tower of London open for 14th century business about now !
jackjjackson · 61-69, M
Perhaps some of those oily politicians should check in now. @Picklebobble2
Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M
@jackjjackson You watch. As soon as a decision is made, i'll bet a good number of them will be packing their bags and heading for 'warmer' climbs !
jackjjackson · 61-69, M
None are welcome at my house not even to clean the toilets. @Picklebobble2