A British Cabinet minister has refused to confirm that the government would abide by any law preventing a no-deal Brexit if one is forced through Parliament this week.
Questioned on Sunday about what the government would do if attempts in Parliament by the opposition were successful to prevent the UK exiting the European Union without a deal, Michael Gove told the BBC’s Andrew Marr: “You’re asking me about a pig in a poke and I will wait to see what legislation the opposition may try to bring forward.
“For me, the most important thing is to bear in mind actually, we already have legislation in place which an overwhelming majority of MPs voted for.”
Gove, who is responsible for no-deal planning, was speaking ahead of what is set to be one of the most tumultuous weeks in British politics.
On Tuesday Parliament resumes after a summer recess, and the showdown begins against Boris Johnson’s plan to suspend Parliament, a move opposition parties and Conservative Party rebels say limits opportunities for MPs to prevent a no-deal Brexit. Legal challenges are also expected to be heard in courts around the UK.
Johnson says lawmakers will have “ample time” to discuss Brexit before the October 31 deadline, which he has repeatedly pledged to stick to, “do or die.”
Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said Gove’s stance was “breathtaking.”
“For ministers not to confirm that this Government will accept and comply with legislation lawfully passed is breathtaking,” the Labour Party politician tweeted. “No Government is above the law.”
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Article URL : https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/01/uk/brexit-government-no-deal-law-intl-gbr/index.html