Britain’s upper House of Lords on Friday gave final approval to a law aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit in a major defeat for Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government.
The law, which would require Johnson to seek a three-month delay to Brexit if he does not manage to strike a deal with the EU by October 19, will now go for formal approval by Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen will give the bill her ‘Royal Assent’, thereby making it law.
This comes after Conservative peers initially intended to filibuster proceedings, that is to say delay so the law cannot go to a vote. However, early on Thursday peers came to an agreement to approve the bill before Friday at 5pm BST.
The UK’s opposition parties have all also rallied together to block Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s second attempt at calling an election for before the EU summit in October. The vote is scheduled for Monday and Labour, the Scottish National Party, the Liberal Democrats, and Plaid Cymru have confirmed they will vote against the motion or abstain.
