While more than a million people took to the streets for a second vote on Brexit in the UK over the weekend, Prime Minister Theresa May is coming under increasing pressure. The British press was full of speculation on Sunday about resignation or rumors of a „coup“ against the prime minister.
The Sunday Times wrote of a „coup“ in May’s cabinet with the aim of „depositing“ it. Numerous ministers, also from their own ranks of the head of government, wanted their resignation and would express this wish at a cabinet meeting on Monday, it said in various reports. An unnamed minister was quoted as saying „the end“ is near, „she will be gone in ten days“.
The Times also wanted to know that May’s deputy David Lidington should be installed as an interim „emergency premier“. If the prime minister did not bow to the demands, cabinet members wanted to threaten to resign. The newspaper blamed May on „Brexit Chaos“. The Daily Telegraph quoted „high-ranking“ Tories (members of May’s Conservative Party) as saying they must be forced to resign „to save Brexit.“
Minister of Finance strengthens May’s back
The government denied the reports. Finance Minister Philip Hammond said he did not expect a coup against May. „No, I do not think that’s so,“ he told Sky on Sunday when asked about reports of a possible upcoming uprising of high-ranking ministers and then, May May be on the decline.
Harsh words in the direction of parliament
May had recently snubbed many MPs with a harsh statement blaming Parliament for the impending Brexit delay. „MEPs were unable to agree on a way to implement the UK’s exit,“ she said. „I personally regret that very much.“
There is also growing popular discontent about the government’s Brexit policy and the growing domestic chaos. Up to one million people followed the call of the „People’s Vote“ campaign on Saturday, demonstrating in London against their leaving the EU or for a second referendum on it in London. At a similar rally last October, around 700,000 people were counted – 300,000 less than this weekend.
„Holy Chaos“
A number of politicians, including some of the ruling Conservatives, turned to the demonstrators. Among them was the Deputy Chief of the opposition Labor Party, Tom Watson, and the Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon. With the delay from Brussels, a „window“ has opened, she said. This „opportunity“ would have to use the Brexit opponents now.
„Brexit is a total and utter chaos,“ said London Mayor Sadiq Khan, demanding „that the British people have the last word.“ An online petition for a second referendum has now signed nearly five million people. The UK Parliament must consider the content of each petition with more than 100,000 signatures for debate.
Still unclear scenario
Even after years of debate and tough negotiations with the EU, it is still unclear when and if Britain ever leaves the EU. One week before the originally planned EU exit on 29 March, the EU leaders gave Great Britain a breather on Thursday evening. If the British Parliament agrees to the negotiated withdrawal agreement that has already been rejected twice in the lower house next week, Brexit will be postponed until 22nd May for the necessary legal implementation.
However, if the lower house does not agree, there will initially be an extension until April 12th. In any case, the EU wants to avoid consequences for the European elections from 23 to 26 May. Meanwhile, May is considering a waiver of a third Brexit poll. If there is not enough backing in the parliament, they will refrain from it, wrote the head of government in a letter to the deputies.
In the referendum in June 2016, 52 percent of the British had voted in favor of Brexit, 48 percent voted for their country to remain in the EU. Since then, opponents of the resignation have repeatedly demanded a second referendum. May has always refused. She argues that a renewed plebiscite on Brexit would deepen the division of the country.
