MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, March 29th 2024 - 01:14 UTC

 

 

Queen's speech: “priority has always been to secure UK's departure from EU on Oct. 31”

Tuesday, October 15th 2019 - 09:25 UTC
Full article 4 comments
“My government's priority has always been to secure the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on Oct 31,” the 93-year-old monarch said “My government's priority has always been to secure the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on Oct 31,” the 93-year-old monarch said

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday set out his government's priorities at a parliamentary ceremony full of pomp and pageantry attended by the queen, with Brexit top of the agenda.

But with time running out for an amicable divorce deal before EU leaders meet later this week, few of the proposals look likely to be enacted, with predictions of a snap election.

Queen Elizabeth II announced in a speech to lawmakers a list of 26 new bills ranging from implementing a yet-to-be finalized EU divorce agreement to criminal sentencing and the environment.

“My government's priority has always been to secure the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on Oct 31,” the 93-year-old monarch said from a gilded throne, delivering words written by government officials.

“My government intends to work towards a new partnership with the European Union, based on free trade and friendly cooperation.”

The raft of policies outlined included plans for an EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill to enshrine in British law a deal that Johnson is still racing to agree with Brussels, before the scheduled end-of-month departure date.

The Conservative leader has repeatedly said Brexit must happen this month, more than three years after Britons voted narrowly in a 2016 referendum to leave the bloc after nearly five decades of membership.

But if he fails to get the deal by an EU summit on Thursday and Friday, he risks having to ask Brussels to delay under a law intended to prevent a potentially damaging “no deal” exit.

Categories: Economy, Politics, International.

Top Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules
  • RMN

    For the same reason that other International newsworthy events appear in the International section. The clue is in the section title!

    Oct 16th, 2019 - 12:31 pm 0
  • Lu

    The question is why is this piece appearing in Mercopenguin, a British government propaganda organ supposedly devoted to America, South America and the “South Atlantic”?

    Oct 17th, 2019 - 04:26 am 0
  • YourWorseNightmare

    “...strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government! ”

    Oct 17th, 2019 - 04:32 am 0
Read all comments

Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!