UK turmoil as Brexit talks could be delayed
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SENIOR members of British Prime Minister Theresa May’s government rallied to her defense yesterday amid doubts over her ability to remain in power following a disastrous election result.
As the Conservative Party digested the loss of its majority in last week’s election, government officials suggested both the announcement of the prime minister’s agenda, known as the Queen’s Speech, and talks over Britain’s divorce from the European Union could be postponed.
The possible delays come as critics urge cross-party discussions to reach a consensus on Britain’s exit from the EU. May’s failure to get a majority has undercut her tough Brexit strategy, which had raised fears that Britain was heading for a so-called “hard Brexit,” which could potentially see tariffs slapped on British exports to the bloc.
May moved to demonstrate that she understands the frustration of voters by moving up a meeting with rank-and-file Conservative Party lawmakers, some of whom have called for her to step aside sooner rather than later.
The prime minister’s most prominent potential rival, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, sought to quash any suggestion she would be ousted imminently. In the Sun newspaper, Johnson wrote: “The people of Britain have had a bellyful of promises and politicking. Now is the time for delivery — and Theresa May is the right person to continue that vital work.”
With opinion polls showing the Conservatives had a commanding lead over the opposition Labour Party, May called an early election in hopes of increasing her majority in Parliament and strengthening her position in Brexit negotiations.
Instead, the election stripped May of her majority and obliterated her political authority. The Conservatives are now trying to secure the support of Northern Ireland’s 10 Democratic Unionist Party lawmakers to assure passage of May’s program.
May restored former Justice Secretary Michael Gove to the Cabinet in another move designed to show she was willing to listen to critics. Gove, a long-time opponent dismissed when May became prime minister last year, will serve as environment secretary.
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