In a major victory for 55-year-old British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the House of Commons voted 329-299 to accept the Brexit deal, something his predecessor former Prime Minister Theresa May couldn’t do. Johnson wants the deal consummated in nine days by the Oct. 31 deadline, something not possible with Parliament’s red tape. Johnson reluctantly asked the European Union, specifically European Council President Jean Claude Juncker to extend the Oct. 31 deadline, something that should happen in the next few days. EU officials want the deal done as much as Johnson but won’t have a problem granted another short-term delay. House of Commons needs less than a month more to complete any additional amendments to guarantee that the deal doesn’t fall through, becoming the dreaded “no-deal” Brexit, something the vast majority in Parliament don’t want.
Instead of rejoicing the Common’s approval, Johnson continues to press for the Oct. 31 deadline. Johnson said he would “pause” the legislation until he gets final approval for a deadline extension from Juncker. “[The Constitution] takes not of tonight’s result and expects the U.K. government to inform us about the next steps,” said a spokesman for the European Commission. Johnson said he was “disappointed” that the Commons “voted for a delay,” stating the U.K. “now faced more uncertainty.” But the only thing Johnson should be concerned about now is placating the House of Commons. Whether the U.K. leaves on Halloween or Thanksgiving, what’s the difference? He’s already won approval for his deal, something that eluded May. “One way or another, we will leave the EU with this deal to which the House has just give its assent,” Johnson said, making more sense.
No one opposes Johnson’s Brexit deal more than Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, seeking a new referendum. Corbyn sarcastically called Johnson “the author of his own misfortune,” conceding that Brexit is moving to completion,” asking Johnson to come up with a “sensible” timetable. Scottish National Party [SNP] leader Ian Blackford couldn’t resist taking a swipe at Johnson. Calling the delay “another humiliating defeat,” the MPs had “spoken with a very clear voice to tell the PM that he is not on.” But Blackford knows that whether it’s this or next month, Johnson’s on his way to a successful Brexit. Liberal Democrat leader Jo-Swinson asked Johnson to “end the brinkmanship and replace it with some statesmanship,” as he tries to work out a reasonable extension with the EU. Johnson hasn’t yet caught up to the reality that he’s pulled a rabbit out of his hat.
Getting the EU to allow Northern Ireland to remain in the EU Customs Union has gotten over the major hurdle to a deal: The continued open border with the Irish Republic, a proud EU member. Approving the so-called “back-stop” enabled the Brexit deal to go through, reassuring the Northern Ireland Democratic Unionist Party [DUP] to sign on to the deal. May couldn’t get the DUP on board because she had no deal with the EU to keep Northern Ireland in the EU Customs Union. As Corbyn said, Johnson was “the author of his own misfortune” by going to Queen Elizabeth Aug. 28 to extend “prorogation” or recess for Parliament. Johnson’s maneuver was tossed out by Britain’s High Court Sept. 24, creating the bad blood that’s left the House of Commons asserting control over Brexit. Johnson’s lucky to have any deal after trying to pull a fast one on Parliament.
Parliament wants a reasonable amount of time to assure that there’s no no-deal Brexit, as Johnson has pushed. “I will speak to EU member states about their intentions [but] until they have reached a decision—until we reach a decision, I will say—we will pause the legislation,” Johnson said, showing he’s working more with Parliament. Johnson still hopes that Brexit can be completed by Oct. 31`. “Let me be clear. Our policy remains that we should not delay [and] the EU on 31 October,” Johnson said, though more resolved to the alternative. Juncker will grant the U.K. at least a one-month extension, knowing that he’s getting close to the finish line. No one in European Commission or European Parliament wants to drag the Brexit deal out any further, three years after the June 23, 2016 referendum. All parties want to move on from the Brexit chaos.
Fighting hard for a Brexit deal, Johnson finally can see light at the end of the tunnel. Whether he gets Brexit on Halloween or Thanksgiving, he’s finally got the Parliament accepting an orderly deal that guarantees the Northern Ireland border remains open indefinitely. Instead of pushing for the Oct. 31 deadline, it’s time for Johnson to show more deference to the House of Commons, giving them a little more time to tie up any loose ends. “We will now await further developments for London and Brussels about next steps, including [the] timetable for the legislation and the need for an extension,” said Irish Taoseach [Prime Minister] Leo Varadkar, accepting Johnson’s new deal with any extension. Whatever Johnson’s mistakes, he’s managed to push a Brexit deal over the finish line, even if it’s not Oct. 31. Once the deal’s done, watch the British Pound skyrocket.
