“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!”
PM Johnson is imprisoned in his own web of deceit. His Government dragged unwillingly back to Parliament today to face uncomfortable scrutiny. Guilty of misleading the Queen, of acting unlawfully, of lying to Parliament and frustrating parliamentary democracy. PM Johnson, his Commons’ Leader, Mr Rees-Mogg, and Attorney General, Mr Cox, should “consider their positions” and do the honourable thing. However I suspect our PM will attempt to brazen it out.
Johnson’s Government has a majority of minus 46. He’s lost every vote so far. And of course stands no chance of winning any votes that matter. He can’t pass any legislation. He can’t prorogue Parliament again. He’s prevented from implementing a “No Deal” Brexit, as he’d like to. He’s been humiliated by EU leaders who’ve called his bluff – he has no answers to the vital Irish question.
Johnson still insists the UK will leave the EU on 31st October – “No ifs. No buts” / “die in a ditch” etc – but he has destroyed his chances of delivering. And he can’t have a General Election for now because his lies have undermined any trust in him until the 31st October deadline has passed without a “no deal”! It’s a form of political purgatory. Entirely of his own making.
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!” (Sir Walter Scott, 1808).
The answer for Parliament is: 1) a vote of no confidence; 2) a Government of national Unity with cross-Party representation; followed by 3) a final confirmatory referendum on Brexit; and 4) a General Election. I’d prefer 3 & 4 on the same day.