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SNP hints at backing short-term Corbyn government | SNP hints at backing short-term Corbyn government |
(32 minutes later) | |
The SNP has given its most explicit suggestion yet that it could back a time-limited government led by Jeremy Corbyn to prevent a no-deal Brexit. | The SNP has given its most explicit suggestion yet that it could back a time-limited government led by Jeremy Corbyn to prevent a no-deal Brexit. |
Party leader Nicola Sturgeon said she "agreed" installing the Labour leader or "someone else" after a vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson was the only" failsafe" option. | Party leader Nicola Sturgeon said she "agreed" installing the Labour leader or "someone else" after a vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson was the only" failsafe" option. |
She added that leaving the EU without a deal was a "terrible" idea. | She added that leaving the EU without a deal was a "terrible" idea. |
Mr Johnson has said Brexit will happen on 31 October. | Mr Johnson has said Brexit will happen on 31 October. |
The prime minister is promising this, with or without a fresh withdrawal agreement with Brussels. | The prime minister is promising this, with or without a fresh withdrawal agreement with Brussels. |
However, MPs have approved a law aimed at forcing the prime minister to request an extension to Brexit negotiations beyond 31 October, unless MPs approve a no-deal exit. | |
Downing Street has consistently said the government will obey the law, but Mr Johnson has also insisted he will not seek a delay to Brexit, which the act mandates. | |
Ms Sturgeon tweeted that she "agreed" with a suggestion made by journalist Sonia Sodha that the "only failsafe way is ensuring we get an extension [to Article 50, which would delay Brexit] if there's no deal is for opposition parties to pass a vote of no confidence and install Corbyn or someone else as PM". | Ms Sturgeon tweeted that she "agreed" with a suggestion made by journalist Sonia Sodha that the "only failsafe way is ensuring we get an extension [to Article 50, which would delay Brexit] if there's no deal is for opposition parties to pass a vote of no confidence and install Corbyn or someone else as PM". |
Ms Sturgeon added: "Nothing is risk free but leaving Johnson in post to force through no-deal - or even a bad deal - seems like a terrible idea to me." | Ms Sturgeon added: "Nothing is risk free but leaving Johnson in post to force through no-deal - or even a bad deal - seems like a terrible idea to me." |
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court ruled the government's prorogation - or suspension - of Parliament for five weeks was "unlawful". | |
Critics accused the prime minister of trying to stop MPs scrutinising his Brexit plans arguing the suspension was far longer than necessary. | |
The prime minister insisted he wanted to prorogue Parliament to outline the government's policies in a Queen's Speech. | |
'The keys to No 10' | |
The SNP's Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, told the BBC: "We need to remove Boris Johnson from office. We need to take the keys of Number 10 away from him. | The SNP's Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, told the BBC: "We need to remove Boris Johnson from office. We need to take the keys of Number 10 away from him. |
"The key issue here is extending Article 50 and having an election. Whether it's Jeremy Corbyn or someone else - we need a candidate who can deliver on that mandate of extending Article 50 and calling an immediate election." | "The key issue here is extending Article 50 and having an election. Whether it's Jeremy Corbyn or someone else - we need a candidate who can deliver on that mandate of extending Article 50 and calling an immediate election." |
Asked specifically if that meant the SNP could support Corbyn-led government he said: "We will put in Number 10 whoever can deliver an extension to Article 50 and an immediate election. | Asked specifically if that meant the SNP could support Corbyn-led government he said: "We will put in Number 10 whoever can deliver an extension to Article 50 and an immediate election. |
"This isn't about a government of national unity… it's a mechanism to extend Article 50 and deliver an election." | "This isn't about a government of national unity… it's a mechanism to extend Article 50 and deliver an election." |
What is a vote of no confidence? | |
A motion of no confidence in Parliament allows MPs to hold a vote on whether they want the government to continue - and it has the power to trigger a general election. | |
If the government loses the vote, MPs have 14 days to express their support for an alternative government. | |
If an alternative government cannot command a majority in the House of Commons in that time, a general election could be held. | |
MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit have previously considered passing a vote of no confidence in the government, but there has not been a clear consensus on who would replace Boris Johnson as prime minister. | |
Mr Corbyn has said he would be "ready to serve" as prime minister but Lib Dems and former Conservative MPs have so far been reluctant to support him. | |
In August, Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson suggested senior Tory MP Ken Clarke or former deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman could act as caretaker prime minister. |