world

Johnson threatens election ahead of Brexit battle in parliament

73 Comments
By Guy Faulconbridge, Kylie MacLellan and William James

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2019.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

73 Comments
Login to comment

respect the referendumg and resort to endless scheming to keep the UK within the EU cleptocracy. Shameful.

No they just want a Deal Brexit not a no deal which will be disastrous for the UK economy.

Why is it that many Brexiteers think that bluffing the EU with a no deal Brexit will suddenly make them change their minds and give them the deal they want, just isnt going to happen

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am really disgusted by the remainers who are simply unwilling to respect the referendumg and resort to endless scheming to keep the UK within the EU cleptocracy. Shameful.

Yeah because it makes more sense to follow a non-binding referendum result outdated by three years, than to find out if it’s still what the people want now that they’ve had three years more information.

The sound of my facepalm is still echoing around the world.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I am really disgusted by the remainers who are simply unwilling to respect the referendumg and resort to endless scheming to keep the UK within the EU cleptocracy. Shameful.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Toasted HereticSep. 3  07:11 pm JST

"I think there should be a referendum on the issue but as it's Northern Ireland that will effectively cease to exist and the loyalists in the north are far outnumbered by the nationalists all over the whole of Ireland it should be held in Northern Ireland only."

Only if one sees the statelet as legitimate, though. Ireland was partitioned against the will of the majority, which created serious schisms, not to mention serious sectarianism.

Indeed. But now the majority of MPs elected from Northern Ireland are unionists, indicating that for good or ill the majority of voters there see it as legitimate.

"Otherwise the people in Northern Ireland will end up like the Scots, who mostly voted to remain in the EU but are going to get dragged into Brexit anyway because of all the English who voted to leave."

Scotland didn't have plantations akin to what happened in Ireland.

Scotland has had a less than harmonious relationship with England but there's not a whole lot that can be done about it now. There's no justification I can think of for setting up a referendum so that their views are marginalised, especially since it will have a bigger impact on them than it does on anyone in the Republic.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Tangerine2000

There will be Northern Irish citizens identifying with various identities.

One or the other or both.

If a Catholic and a Protestant were to meet in NI, they might not be able to be acquainted beyond a very superficial relationship.

On the mainland they could have a social relationship and be seen together.

I suggest a visit there to see and hear for yourself.

@zichi

The English didn’t do much at all for the people of Ireland.

Due to the Irish potato crop failing, the English government imported Indian corn that was pretty much inedible.

And as you well know, this led, in part, to Irish mass emigration.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Oh dear, oh dear.

Only the Catholic Irish decide to have the dual nationality.

What you said wasn't correct, was it?

Non-catholics living in Northern Ireland can have Irish nationality. Therefore, Northern Irish people can be as Irish as people in R.o.I.

Please don't bother writing a response. I've had enough of your non-relevant waffle and anti-English bigotry.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

This is brutal, he is being mauled.

Johnson is all over the place. Imagine spending your life wheedling, conniving, glad handing and back stabbing your way into a job you thought you were born to do, and then when you get it realise you are rubbish at it.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

There is no no such nationality has Northern Irish. They are Irish or British. Only the Catholic Irish decide to have the dual nationality.

Wrong I'm afraid. ALL Northern Irish people are entitled to dual nationality. Not just Catholic Irish.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

One Tory after another is tearing into Johnson. He has little backing or support from his back benches.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

You should have seen Johnson's face as he was blustering away, totally at sea, as he watched Lee walk across and sit on the Opposition benches.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Johnson has just lost his one seat majority. Phillip Lee just crossed the floor to join the LibDems while Johnson was speaking.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

"I want everybody to know there are no circumstances in which I will ask Brussels to delay: we are leaving on 31st October, no ifs or buts,"

October 31... how appropriate...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

So as you say:

None of the people living in Northern Ireland are English.

And:

They are British with the right to dual nationality of being Irish too.

So why say this:

All of Ireland rightly belongs to the Irish not the British.

If all of the people in Northern Ireland can be Irish, then Northern Ireland already is Irish.

None of the people living in Northern Ireland are English.

So, they are Northern Irish (British)? If yes, then they are just as Irish as Irish people living in the R.o.I.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Johnson can't call a General Election, why are people acting as if he can. The UK has fixed term parliaments, unless two thirds of parliament votes to have a GE before the fixed term is up, it won't happen.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

So, if there are many such people in Northern Ireland, it is unlikely that re-unification will happen any time soon.

If the British people living in Northern Ireland are not English, and they are not Irish, then what are they?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

But you have no problem about Ireland not belonging totally to the Irish.

Not at all. I am very happy for Ireland to belong totally to the Irish. Do you think the people of Northern Ireland are not Irish?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

the illegal English occupation

What did the English do to help the Irish

The English land owners forced the potato on the Irish

The English treated the Irish like shite!*

Why is it "The English"? Why numerous times? Why don't you differentiate between the British Government and the English people?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Lucas Simms

Yes! Good link.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Does this help?

Polling in Northern Ireland indicates that support for remaining in the U.K. hinges on how Brexit is resolved.

A united Ireland has majority support in the case of a no-deal Brexit. But remaining in the U.K. is more popular if Brexit does not go ahead. The two sides are neck and neck if the U.K. parliament finally approves the Brexit deal negotiated by the U.K. government, according to polling by LucidTalk.

https://www.politico.eu/article/election-two-thirds-of-irish-would-vote-for-united-ireland/

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@toasted

Can you show some polls which have a consistent majority (over 50%) of people in the Republic of Ireland wishing reunification? AND can you show the same for Northern Ireland.

Of course -

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/majority-would-now-back-a-united-ireland-with-support-highest-in-the-border-region-says-poll-38014834.html

Proceeds to provide a link to a single poll conducted only in R.o.I.

Where is the consistent polling for R.o.I. AND N.I.?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Boris Johnson has been left with little choice, lose the a standing order 24 vote and a General Election is inevitable.

If Johnson is successful, on a clean break, Toasted Heretic, the EU commission will insist that the Republic of Ireland erect and enforces a hard boarder, how do you feel about that. the costs are eye watering.?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

I think there should be a referendum on the issue but as it's Northern Ireland that will effectively cease to exist and the loyalists in the north are far outnumbered by the nationalists all over the whole of Ireland it should be held in Northern Ireland only.

Only if one sees the statelet as legitimate, though. Ireland was partitioned against the will of the majority, which created serious schisms, not to mention serious sectarianism.

Otherwise the people in Northern Ireland will end up like the Scots, who mostly voted to remain in the EU but are going to get dragged into Brexit anyway because of all the English who voted to leave.

Scotland didn't have plantations akin to what happened in Ireland.

If a majority of people in Northern Ireland do vote to leave the UK though, I'm all for it.

Same here.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Toasted HereticToday  06:19 pm JST

The majority of people in the UK want to leave the EU. I don't personally think it's the right thing to do, but I accept the "will of the people". And I think that referendum on the 23rd of June should be respected.

The majority of the people of the island of Ireland want Irish unification. Will anyone accept and respect their wishes?

I think there should be a referendum on the issue but as it's Northern Ireland that will effectively cease to exist and the loyalists in the north are far outnumbered by the nationalists all over the whole of Ireland it should be held in Northern Ireland only. Otherwise the people in Northern Ireland will end up like the Scots, who mostly voted to remain in the EU but are going to get dragged into Brexit anyway because of all the English who voted to leave. If a majority of people in Northern Ireland do vote to leave the UK though, I'm all for it.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Can you show some polls which have a consistent majority (over 50%) of people in the Republic of Ireland wishing reunification? AND can you show the same for Northern Ireland.

Of course -

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/majority-would-now-back-a-united-ireland-with-support-highest-in-the-border-region-says-poll-38014834.html

Even if a majority in the R.o.I. want it, unless a majoirty in N.I. also do, it's not going to happen.

So you keep saying. To be honest, the UK has no right to dictate as to what direction the island of Ireland takes.

Pretty much like the EU has no right to dictate to the UK, yes?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The majority of the people of the island of Ireland want Irish unification. Will anyone accept and respect their wishes?

Can you show some polls which have a consistent majority (over 50%) of people in the Republic of Ireland wishing reunification? AND can you show the same for Northern Ireland.

Even if a majority in the R.o.I. want it, unless a majoirty in N.I. also do, it's not going to happen.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

The majority of people in the UK want to leave the EU. I don't personally think it's the right thing to do, but I accept the "will of the people". And I think that referendum on the 23rd of June should be respected.

The majority of the people of the island of Ireland want Irish unification. Will anyone accept and respect their wishes?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

I'm talking about the land onwers who colonised Ireland in 1606/1609 onwards.

There's more colonisation than just that period.

You keep getting it wrong, toasted. I'm not in support of partition. I am in support of the native people choosing their own destiny.

Which is what the Irish will do, eventually.

No matter how you dress it up, the Northern Irish people of today who live there now, are the native people.

Are you referring to just one particular community? Because they're not the only ones. Or, nationwide, believe it or not, there's Protestants in the south who support unification as well.

Still would like to know why Zichi hates English people, though.

Pointing out the horrors visited upon the Irish doesn't mean he hates the English. I think you know that.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Using a single poll doesn't provide evidence of a long term trend.

Of course not - as I said, the situation can change in a matter of years or even months. Another poster gave a result from a poll 46 years ago - as if that had any bearing on today.

Johnson, Rees Mogg et al are living in an imperialist past. More fool them for doing so.

The UK is changing, rapidly. And as such, that will impact its nearest neighbour. For better, or worse, depending on one's stance.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Wiki, eh?

If you bothered to look, you will see there is a whole section on the 20 years of polling coducted by

"the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey". So, no, it's not Wiki.

Are you talking about the Plantations or land owned by British in general?

I'm talking about the land onwers who colonised Ireland in 1606/1609 onwards.

What is it with your support for partition, forced upon the Irish people?

You keep getting it wrong, toasted. I'm not in support of partition. I am in support of the native people choosing their own destiny. No matter how you dress it up, the Northern Irish people of today who live there now, are the native people.

Still would like to know why Zichi hates English people, though.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Support for unification has always been around 20-25%. Even after the Brexit vote in 2016, support for unification in Northern Ireland was 22% in 2018.

Wiki, eh?

Let's do Politico, so

https://www.politico.eu/article/election-two-thirds-of-irish-would-vote-for-united-ireland/

You do know that the majority of land owners in Ireland were Scottish, don't you?

Are you talking about the Plantations or land owned by British in general?

What is it with your rabid hatred of English people?

What is it with your support for partition, forced upon the Irish people?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

illegal English occupation

What did the English do to help the Irish

The English land owners forced the potato on the Irish

You do know that the majority of land owners in Ireland were Scottish, don't you?

What is it with your rabid hatred of English people?

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

The English treated the Irish like shite!*

I don't think the English people had much say on the matter, Zichi.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

42% polled say they want to be in a united Ireland.

Using a single poll doesn't provide evidence of a long term trend.

Looking at the Irish Unification poll that has been carried out every year for the last 20 years in Northern Ireland by the same polling company, you can see a clear picture.

Support for unification has always been around 20-25%. Even after the Brexit vote in 2016, support for unification in Northern Ireland was 22% in 2018.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Ireland

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

 In the 2016 EU referendum, 58% of voters in Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. This result, and the continuing uncertainty over the impact of Brexit on the Irish border, has led to calls to revisit the constitutional future of Northern Ireland.

That's the 2016 referendum. A lot can change in a few years. Just look at the 1973 poll:

The first border poll took place in Northern Ireland in 1973, when voters were asked whether they wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK or be joined with the Republic of Ireland. 99% voted in favour of remaining in the UK. However, the poll was boycotted by most of the nationalist community; turnout was only 59%.

Johnson and his merry band of brexiteers may accelerate full Irish independence. Acknowledging that doesn't mean automatic membership of the 'RA.

https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainers/irish-reunification

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Only for the IRA and their apologists, Toasted Heretic. In their referendum on whether or not they wished to be part of the U.K., Northern Irish chose to remain by no less than 98%, I believe.

42% polled say they want to be in a united Ireland.

https://www.thejournal.ie/united-ireland-poll-3-4059433-Jun2018/

You would have the entire United Kindom held to ransom by a small minority of Irish terrorists.

I think you're back to the DUP, who have held your kingdom in ransom since May invited them on board.

Your opinions on this matter can be safely dismissed.

As can the opinions of those who believe aspiring to a united Ireland means one is a terrorist.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

The UK isn't in Ireland. Ireland is it's own independent country, apart from the UK and a member of the EU. Aside from tourists, the UK isn't in Ireland.

Let me rephrase that. The occupied 6 counties are part of the UK, through partition, which is still deemed as illegitimate today.

If the UK can leave the EU, surely the 6 counties can leave the UK?

Perhaps those people need to be reminded that Britain only ever joined the Common Market (in 1973) and voted to remain in that two years later. 

And how does that relate to the GFA, specifically?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

It is simple Great Britain! Follow the rules of the contract that you signed! You want to leave then fine. Pay the penalty that you agreed to in the legally binding contract that you signed to join the EU.

Hard Brexit, Hard borders and Hard luck! LOL!

1 ( +5 / -4 )

@Wakarimasen

The concern around economic disruption is real, but that essentially means that no country can ever really leave the EU unless the EU agrees AND the EU is able to completely dictate the terms on which that country leaves.

Your name is fitting. You sign a legal binding contract with another party then you are bound by the rules of that contract. The EU is the only professional in these negotiations. Their stance hasn't changed. They are following the rules of the contract that everyone signed. It's Great Britain that wants to break the rules. If they want to break the contract then they must pay the penalties under the rules of the contract. Great Britain wants to get of scott-free!

Great Britain just wants its cake and eat it too! Sorry, buddy! Only professionals in the EU! LOL!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@Allistair Carnell

At this stage, the only people who think a no deal Brexit under Boris, is a a good thing, are the same people that think that Trump is a ‘great guy’ ... go figure.

Don't forget.....and Putin! LOL!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Huh. I've been able to follow Boris Johnson up until now, but this one seems like a strange manoeuvre. For him to be so confident that he'd win an election would suggest that he has something up his sleeve that he's waiting to play. I hope that's the case anyway, and that it doesn't back fire. We've been going through a heck of a lot of turmoil these past 3 years, it's time for that to end.

At this stage, the only people who think a no deal Brexit under Boris, is a a good thing, are the same people that think that Trump is a ‘great guy’

Wrong. There are a lot of people who support a No Deal under Boris who also recognise that Trump is a monster and one of the worst human beings to ever stain our species. Myself included. Don't resort to slandering everyone who disagrees with you. That's what Trump does, isn't it? Respect people's opinions rather than painting them as Nazis or whatever.

Does the UK have any legitimacy being in Ireland?

The UK isn't in Ireland. Ireland is it's own independent country, apart from the UK and a member of the EU. Aside from tourists, the UK isn't in Ireland.

For some, the EU is a guarantee of livelyhood, not to mention keeping the GFA intact.

Perhaps those people need to be reminded that Britain only ever joined the Common Market (in 1973) and voted to remain in that two years later. Our relationship with the EU had always been intended as a purely financial one, not a political one. They should be reminded that it was the EU who used underhanded methods to sneak their way into our political dealings via the economic agreements we'd set up, and used those channels to then dictate policies, restrict trade negotiations, force regulations upon us and generally strangle our economy. They should be reminded that in 1984, despite us being the 3rd poorest member at the time, they tried to make us one of the chief contributors until Margeret Thatcher appealed against it and earned us a rebate. They should be reminded that the EU are the ones who pushed us to vote on whether or not to stay as a member, whether to hold onto a membership we never wanted in the first place but had thrust upon us.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Can the whole world stop laughing at us here in the UK please? 

Who cares what the whole world thinks? The only opinions that truly matter are those of Brits, Irish and euros. Others are just observers (and most of them know very little about Europe, Britain & the EU.)

Euros are as divided re the EU as you guys are over brexit. I just feel genuinely sorry for the good ppl on both sides who love both their country and Europe (perhaps not this EU) and are being taken for a ride( by their pollies.)

4 ( +5 / -1 )

I thought "No Deal is better than a Bad Deal".  I thought the vote was to Leave.  The concern around economic disruption is real, but that essentially means that no country can ever really leave the EU unless the EU agrees AND the EU is able to completely dictate the terms on which that country leaves.

The EU may have done some good but it is not an unqualified success (ask the Greeks and the Italians as well as huge swathes of the under 25's across the continent)  and the Brits are entirely justified in voting as they did and in wanting to leave on their own terms if the EU is not prepared to properly compromise.  Sad that the last 3 years were so wasted on trying to find that compromise.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

We were told by Brexiteers on this site and elsewhere that an election before October 31st was completely impossible.

Interesting.

I was wrong.

Never expected the Government to sack its own MPs in order to lose its majority to force an election.

But please bear in mind that even if the date is said to be Oct 14, Johnson could your his royal prerogative powers to change the date to after Oct 31.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

BungleToday  10:40 am JST

You see, those remainers who wish to remain part of a nascent United States of Europe claim that Johnson has no legitimacy to take the U.K. out of the EU.

The fact that the remain cabal has even less legitimacy, however, is completely overlooked.

True, it appears from the referendum result that they represent a minority, some 16 million or so British citizens. Going by the result of the party leadership election Boris Johnson represents less than a hundred thousand Conservative Party members. Until 1832 Members of Parliament from constituencies with no one living in them could claim to be "legitimately" elected as well. Legitimacy isn't all it's cracked up to be.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

You see, those remainers who wish to remain part of a nascent United States of Europe claim that Johnson has no legitimacy to take the U.K. out of the EU.

Does the UK have any legitimacy being in Ireland?

For some, the EU is a religion.

For some, the EU is a guarantee of livelyhood, not to mention keeping the GFA intact.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Hopefully Johnson has the courage and stamina to make it happen.

Unlikely, the man is a liar and a coward.

His own ambition comes before everything.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

JimizoToday 07:32 am JST

We were told by Brexiteers on this site and elsewhere that an election before October 31st was completely impossible.

Interesting.

The Brexiteers on this site tell us many things, most of which are quickly deleted....

Here's Johnson fluffing his lines and sinking into waffle/bluster mode:

https://skwawkbox.org/2019/09/02/video-rattled-johnson-completely-fluffs-big-speech-leaving-establishment-scrambling-to-cover-for-him/

2 ( +5 / -3 )

The party has been taken over by morons.

Hmmmm, purging those who dissent. Doesn't sound like democracy to me.

This will not end well for the UK and its citizens.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

At this stage, the only people who think a no deal Brexit under Boris, is a a good thing, are the same people that think that Trump is a ‘great guy’ ... go figure.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

8T,

Exactly.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

LOL!

Boris Johnson appeared 'rattled' by booing crowd chanting 'stop the coup' during speech

https://news.yahoo.com/boris-johnson-appeared-to-rattled-by-booing-crowd-chanting-stop-the-coup-during-speech-191350795.html

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Go ahead, Bozo. Call for it! I hope the Brits dump your fanny out of Buckingham Palace.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

We were told by Brexiteers on this site and elsewhere that an election before October 31st was completely impossible.

Interesting.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

@Brian Wheway, this Canadian is not laughing at you. And I don't think the world is. I think the world is looking to see whether you have the backbone our mutual ancestors had. Mine are Scottish and English, with some French thrown in. Get out of the EU. Make me proud enough to come back for a lengthy visit and some deep discussion.

-13 ( +5 / -18 )

We are not laughing, we are hoping the U.K. finally has the guts to leave the European Union. Hopefully Johnson has the courage and stamina to make it happen.

-14 ( +7 / -21 )

How about holding another referendum instead !?

4 ( +10 / -6 )

Can the whole world stop laughing at us here in the UK please? I know that we must be the laughing stock of the world at the moment.

12 ( +18 / -6 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites