Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party got a sweeping mandate in the elections held in December 19. This has three prominent outcomes as under:
- Firmly putting a final seal on fast tracking the process of Brexit.
- Biggest defeat of Labour Party since 1935.
- A sweep of Scotland’s seats lead by Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) and its implications on possible Scottish Independence.
Why is it being said that the election was about Brexit?
The Conservative Party had a more clear plan for Brexit than the Labour Party. The revised Bexit plan of the Labour Party had to emerge following a second referendum in Britain, which would have been a long drawn out process of which the people were getting tired. Prospect of an early closure seems to have weaned away more votes from the Labour to the Conservatives in this election.
How possibly will the Brexit Proceed?
No plan offered so far had complete support of the parliament. However with the overwhelming support behind him, Boris Johnson’s plan is likely find more acceptability in the parliament now. With the parliament likely to sit in the last week of December 19, he would try to pass the ‘Withdrawal Agreement Bill’ in December itself. After this the government will renegotiate the terms of treaty and it’s time frame with the European Union. Even though ‘Brexit Day’ is on 31 January 2020, its implementation would take much longer time after that.
Implications of Better performance of ‘Scottish Nationalist Party’
Biggest implication of this feat is that both the Conservatives and the Labour Party are losing hold in Scotland. In the referendum held in 2014, Scotland had rejected the move for independence. However, people in Scotland are largely in favour of remaining in European Union. Therefore after the Brexit takes place, public support for SNP may increase, thereby leveraging greater pressure of Independence from UK. None the less breaking away from Britain is a complex and long drawn out process.
What does the result mean for Britain beyond Brexit?
It strengthens Johnson’s ideological vision of nationalism and therefore would result in tougher laws on immigration. Besides it will also have long term effect on British economy. This will include long process of new bilateral trade agreements with many countries.
What does this mean for the Labour Party and its leader Jeremy Corbyn?
It is the smallest share of votes ever since 1935. It’s minority during Margaret Thatcher was much larger. Even though the Labour Party policies were more popular with dedicated Labour voters, people trusted Johnson more that Jeremy Corbyn. In a way, this defeat is seen more a defeat for Johnson Corbyn rather than a defeat for Labour Party.