Daily Times

As 29 March 2019, is approaching, Brexit deal seems to be caught up in a dilemma with every passing day. On Wednesday, 12 December, in response to the delay of the parliamentarian vote of the British Prime Minister (PM) Theresa May; conservatives have decided to vote and they do not have confidence in her leadership. At least 48 conservative members have cast the vote of non-confidence in May’s leadership. While May has vowed to fight the vote and said; transition of power would jeopardize the deal. Her removal would be certain if 158 of her party’s 315 lawmakers don’t express allegiance to her. And if she wins favor from them; she would remain unchallenged for a year. With her decision to postpone the parliamentarian vote, Theresa May has beckoned havoc for herself and for the UK.

Earlier, on the 10th of December, the decision taken by the British Prime Minister (PM) Theresa May has expedited the Brexit deal into uncertainties. Yes, on Monday, House of Commons experienced fracas when Theresa May delayed a parliamentary vote on Brexit deal. Her move to postpone the vote has suspended the future of European Union (EU) into the air. She is doing so to garner support from the sides of Member of Parliament (MPs). May said, “If we went ahead and held the vote tomorrow (11 Dec), the deal would be defeated by a significant margin.” She also added, “We will, therefore, defer the vote scheduled for tomorrow and not proceed to divide the house at this time.” With all this, she claimed that she would go to Brussels in earnest to seek reassurance. Downing Street said PM May would hold talks with Angela Merkel and Dutch PM Mark Rutte and also indicated that vote is likely to delay till January 2019. However, following May’s decision EU’s President Donald Tusk in his tweet, has categorically stated that he is not going to renegotiate the deal. Head of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has also hinted that there would be no further concessions to Britain.

No sooner did May make up her mind to delay the vote, she then had to undergo severe criticism from almost every side. The leader of the British opposition Labor party took a hard stance against PM by saying that “Britain had a no longer functioning government.” He also called on May “to pave the way” for Labor government. Even those who want to remain in Europe are of the view that her deal would weaken the UK socially and economically. With her decision of pulling the vote, May has shaken the credibility of herself along with her government. Moreover, when she came into power with tall claims of not calling the elections early but she took a U-turn and called a snap election for June 2017, which portrayed her as a leader who didn’t adhere to her words.

The leader of the British opposition Labor party took a hard stance against PM by saying that “Britain had a no longer functioning government.” He also called on May “to pave the way” for Labor government. Even those who want to remain in Europe are of the view that her deal would weaken the UK socially and economically

Her decision of delaying parliamentary vote has implication for the British economy as well. The pound witnessed a sharp decline in the last two years. Neil Wilson, the chief market analyst at the financial trading company Markets.com, stated that pound experienced its worst days since the referendum of 2016. Her decision had repercussions for the food industry as well. The food industry is witnessing events engulfed with bated breath. “FDF members will be dismayed by the political and economic turmoil spurred by a further delay to the Brexit process,” remarks Ian Wright, Chief Executive, Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

The decision by PM May to postpone the vote just paved its way when Brexit deal deadline looms. This move could thrust the UK into further crisis since March 29 is drawing closer delay and would not bestow MPs much time. And if trends keep treading the same trajectory with uncertainties and ambiguities, then the UK will leave the bloc with no deal. This delay can inflict the UK on many fronts, like by now the UK would have time to shape the policies ahead. Along with it, the UK has many other affairs to sort them out, but the delay would deviate UK’s focus from other matters. Furthermore, if the government of Mrs. May is toppled, this would affect the deal anyhow, plus transition of power delays many state’s affairs as well.

The disorder that reared its head following the decision of Theresa May has trodden the UK on the path of uncertainty. Proponents of another referendum are of the view that after this mess, pro-Brexits will opt to remain in EU. Few MPs are arguing to go for soft Brexit which means the will remain the member of the single market. But now another incredible move has grasped the UK which is of the vote of non-confidence. So, in a nutshell,, the future of Brexit seems forlorn. Let’s see if Brexit does find its way?

Muhammad Usman Ghani Twitter: @iamusmanghani

Published in Daily Times, December 19^th2018.