ASSESSMENTS

Boris Johnson and the British Opposition Struggle for Brexit Traction as October Looms

Sep 10, 2019 | 09:45 GMT

Pro-Brexit protesters stage a rally outside the Houses of Parliament in London on Sept. 9, 2019.

Pro-Brexit protesters stand with "We Voted Leave" placards among signs calling for "Brexit Now" and EU flags outside the Houses of Parliament in London on Sept. 9, 2019.

(ISABEL INFANTES/AFP/Getty Images)

Highlights

The United Kingdom will probably hold a general election by the end of the year, but the government and the opposition will fight to select a date that benefits them.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will look for ways to circumvent legislation forcing him to ask for a Brexit delay, but he could eventually resign or face a no-confidence motion if he refuses to enforce it.
Even if the opposition prevents a no-deal Brexit in late October, a hard-line Tory government could still try to make it happen later in the year or in early 2020.

The struggle between the British government, which has promised to make Brexit happen Oct. 31 no matter what, and the British Parliament, where a majority of lawmakers oppose a hard exit, has only intensified. While British Prime Minister Borish Johnson has lost several votes in the House of Commons and faces legal and legislative challenges to his political strategy, his rivals lack a common agenda to defeat him and a coherent message to deliver in a general election. Even if his rivals manage to block a hard Brexit in October, a reinvigorated Johnson could win general elections before year's end and make the exit happen at some point in early 2020....

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