Brexit
European Union declares little chance of Brexit deal by Thursday summit
By Robert Stevens, 15 October 2019
Johnson has called an emergency session of parliament Saturday. There is rising speculation that he may be able to win support for a deal if he secures one, but parliament will not support a no-deal Brexit.
UK: Factional warfare in Corbyn leadership after McDonnell allies with Blairites over Brexit
By Chris Marsden, 15 October 2019
If Corbyn is removed, it will not be as the “victim” of political disloyalty from either the Blairites or his own allies. He is the architect of his own fate.
European Union continues talks with Johnson government over possible Brexit deal
By Robert Stevens, 12 October 2019
Labour MPs are reported to be “blitzing” party leader Jeremy Corbyn with demands that he support a fresh Brexit referendum being held before a general election.
UK ruling class considers whether to entrust Corbyn with overcoming Brexit crisis
By Chris Marsden, 10 October 2019
There are indications of powerful sections of the ruling class having concluded that it is now necessary to call on the services of Labour leader Corbyn—who has proven again and again to be a pliant political tool—to lead a “national unity” government.
European Union set to reject Johnson’s Brexit proposal
By Robert Stevens, 8 October 2019
The government is set on a massive escalation of the constitutional crisis opened up by Brexit.
Johnson faces possible legal action as he plots to ensure UK leaves EU on October 31
By Robert Stevens, 5 October 2019
Stating last month that he would rather “die in a ditch” than request an extension, Johnson is set on a collision course with the dominant pro-Remain faction of the ruling elite that could end in legal action.
UK Prime Minister Johnson outlines Brexit proposals and Thatcherite agenda at Tory conference
By Robert Stevens, 3 October 2019
Johnson’s speech, framed around his pledge to “Get Brexit Done,” was dedicated to outlining what Sky News described as his “election manifesto.”
Corbyn holds pro-Remain party discussions over leading “caretaker” administration or stepping aside to allow “government of national unity”
By Chris Marsden, 2 October 2019
Corbyn’s refusal to take any position that is not acceptable to Britain’s ruling elite is what keeps Boris Johnson in power today.
The socialist answer to Brexit: For the United Socialist States of Europe
By Chris Marsden, 27 September 2019
The answer to the Brexit crisis is not unity with the EU, but working class unity in a continent-wide struggle against all of Europe’s governments for the United Socialist States of Europe.
British MPs return to Parliament after Supreme Court rules prorogation illegal
By Robert Stevens, 26 September 2019
The House of Commons resumed sitting Wednesday, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson acted illegally in proroguing Parliament for five weeks from September 10.
UK Supreme Court rules Johnson’s prorogation of Parliament illegal
By Robert Stevens and Chris Marsden, 25 September 2019
British politics entered uncharted waters yesterday as the Supreme Court—the UK’s highest judicial body—declared illegal Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s authoritarian prorogation of parliament.
Corbyn tries to unite Labour Party to solve Brexit crisis for ruling class
By Thomas Scripps, 21 September 2019
The Labour Party conference beginning Saturday will be dominated by the conflict over the party’s Brexit policy.
UK public meetings—The Socialist answer to Brexit: For the United Socialist States of Europe
18 September 2019
The Socialist Equality Party (UK) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality are holding a series of meetings outlining the socialist answer to Brexit.
Boris Johnson gets short shrift from European Union leaders in Brexit talks
By Richard Tyler, 17 September 2019
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday in advance of his trip, Johnson had sought to present a tough-guy image, ridiculously invoking the Marvel superhero, the Incredible Hulk.
Blair congratulates Corbyn for “sensible and skillful” opposition to no-deal Brexit
By Thomas Scripps, 17 September 2019
Pressure is being applied on Corbyn to commit Labour to campaigning for Remain in any Brexit referendum and any general election.
The Brexit crisis and the struggle for the unity and political independence of the working class
By Thomas Scripps, 16 September 2019
The authoritarian turn represented by Johnson’s prorogation of parliament is the most advanced expression of the breakdown of the traditional mechanisms of parliamentary rule.
UK: “Operation Yellowhammer” details savage austerity and confirms plans for state repression post-Brexit
By Thomas Scripps, 13 September 2019
The document is dated 10 days after Johnson became prime minister, confirming that Yellowhammer is the expected outcome of a no-deal Brexit.
Scottish court rules Johnson’s suspension of parliament unlawful
By Robert Stevens, 12 September 2019
Scotland’s highest court, the Edinburgh Court of Session, ruled on appeal yesterday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s proroguing of parliament for five weeks was unlawful.
The Financial Times lays down the law to Labour’s Corbyn
By Thomas Scripps, 11 September 2019
The Financial Times is acutely aware that a Labour government could come to power, or that Labour could be essential to forming a “government of national unity.”
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson prorogues Parliament
By Robert Stevens, 10 September 2019
Johnson’s anti-democratic suspension of Parliament was carried out to prevent opposition MPs from taking control of Parliament’s order paper over the next five weeks and derailing his plans to withdraw the UK from the European Union, without a deal if necessary.
UK: Johnson hails police as “bedrock of society” as Brexit crisis intensifies
By Robert Stevens, 7 September 2019
Johnson’s paean to the police must be understood in the context of the plans by the government, under Operation Yellowhammer, to deploy the full might of the state to contain social unrest post-Brexit.
Northern Ireland: Harland and Wolff shipyard workers continue occupation
By Steve James, 6 September 2019
Workers at Belfast’s Harland and Wolff have been occupying its shipyard since late July.
In Brexit crisis, Corbyn lines up with Tories and Blairites
By Chris Marsden, 5 September 2019
In emerging as the leading figure for the anti-Brexit wing of the ruling class, Corbyn is making clear that he has no independent political alternative to offer the working class.
British lawmakers win vote to debate bill authorising Brexit delay
By Robert Stevens, 4 September 2019
MPs voted Tuesday evening to pursue the passage of a cross-party bill to prevent the Conservative government leaving the EU without a trade and customs deal.
UK: Johnson considers suspending parliament to enforce no-deal Brexit
By Robert Stevens, 27 August 2019
The fact that the suspension of parliament to thwart opposition to government policy is being considered for the first time in more than 70 years is a testament to the crisis wracking British imperialism.
Demo article just for testing
UK: Johnson considers suspending parliament to enforce no-deal Brexit
By Robert Stevens and Zweiter Autor, 27 August 2019
The fact that the suspension of parliament to thwart opposition to government policy is being considered for the first time in more than 70 years is a testament to the crisis wracking British imperialism.
UK Prime Minister Johnson fails to secure Brexit concessions from Germany and France
By Robert Stevens, 24 August 2019
Corbyn’s meeting with Remain-supporting parties and MPs is his latest capitulation to the agenda of sections of big business opposed to leaving the EU.
Germany’s Merkel tells UK government no Brexit concessions—Labour’s Corbyn steps up calls for caretaker government
By Robert Stevens, 22 August 2019
UK prime minister Boris Johnson is seeking concessions based on convincing European Union leaders that Britain crashing out also poses major problems for Europe.
UK government prepares for social unrest following no-deal Brexit
By Robert Stevens, 21 August 2019
The crisis wracking the ruling elite over Brexit is the most severe since the Second World War.
Corbyn makes his pitch to head a “caretaker government” to stop no-deal Brexit
By Chris Marsden, 16 August 2019
Corbyn’s letter sees him bend over backward to reassure his political opponents, including the Blairites in his own party, as well as big business that he has only the “national interest” at heart.
UK: Johnson government considers post-Brexit snap election, while Labour’s Blairites plot “national unity” government
By Chris Marsden, 12 August 2019
It is thanks to Corbyn that every likely outcome in parliament ends in governments committed to further austerity, militarism and war.
Brexit threatens to destabilise Ireland on both sides of the border
By Steve James, 9 August 2019
Transatlantic tensions and the Brexit crisis are undermining the Good Friday Agreement.
UK: By-election defeat for Conservatives but Labour almost wiped out
By Robert Stevens, 5 August 2019
The vote for the Labour Party in Brecon and Radnorshire collapsed, with its candidate coming fourth and only just retaining his deposit on a 5.3 percent share of the vote.
Jeremy Corbyn and the coming to power of Boris Johnson
By Chris Marsden, 30 July 2019
Corbyn has acted as political midwife to a Johnson government, thanks to his suppression of all attempts by workers to wage a struggle against big business and its political defenders.
Johnson plans for a no deal exit from the European Union
By Robert Stevens, 29 July 2019
The Conservative government of Boris Johnson announced over the weekend that it is “working on the assumption” that it will leave the European Union (EU) without a trade and customs deal on October 31.
UK: Boris Johnson selects extreme right cabinet
By Chris Marsden and Robert Stevens, 26 July 2019
Johnson’s is a class war government, with all the main positions filled by representatives of the extreme right of a very right-wing party.
Boris Johnson premiership deepens Brexit crisis and heralds bitter class conflict
By Robert Stevens, 24 July 2019
Despite Johnson’s boast that he will “deliver Brexit, unite the country and defeat Jeremy Corbyn,” his position is precarious.
UK: Domestic row seized on in effort to block Boris Johnson premiership
By Robert Stevens and Chris Marsden, 25 June 2019
Reports indicate that up to 12 Tory MPs are contemplating voting against a government led by Johnson if a no-confidence motion is brought by the Labour Party.
European election debacle for Conservatives and Labour
By Robert Stevens, 28 May 2019
The ruling Conservatives have suffered their worst ever election result, while Labour suffered a debacle almost as bad.
UK Prime Minister May to quit as Conservative leader June 7
By Chris Marsden, 25 May 2019
May came to lead the country in 2016 as a hated figure and leaves it as a despised political failure.
999 Brexit/Government crisis
24 May 2019
The rise of the Brexit Party and how to fight it
By Chris Marsden, 23 May 2019
Nigel Farage is intent on portraying the European elections, which will see a massive abstention, as a plebiscite on Brexit and a weapon against any move towards a second referendum.
George Galloway tried to become Brexit Party candidate—and failed
By Robert Stevens, 17 May 2019
Galloway’s failed attempt to represent Nigel Farage’s party is indicative of how an entire layer of ex-Stalinists and the pseudo-left have become part of a new right.
UK: May unable to stem Tory crisis over Brexit, but still propped up by Corbyn
By Robert Stevens, 26 April 2019
For Corbyn’s faction, the political function of these talks over Brexit is to side-line a discussion on the political crisis facing the government that could precipitate a general election.
George Galloway declares for Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party
By Chris Marsden, 24 April 2019
Having spent over three years hailing Corbyn as the left rebirth of Labour, Galloway now parrots the claim that Farage’s politics articulate the views of the working class on what he insists is the main issue of the day—Brexit.
Six-month Brexit extension resolves nothing for UK
By Robert Stevens, 12 April 2019
At best the European Union have kicked the can down the road, with no guarantees of a resolution.
EU summit considers extension of Brexit deadline
By Robert Stevens, 10 April 2019
In another public humiliation, UK Prime Minister Theresa May met separately with the German Chancellor and French President, hoping to secure the backing of the EU’s two heavyweight powers.
The political implications of the Corbyn/May Brexit talks
By Chris Marsden, 5 April 2019
The talks on an alternative Brexit deal between UK Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn decisively refute all claims that his election as leader of the Labour Party offered a way forward for working people.
May offers Corbyn “national unity” Brexit agreement talks
By Chris Marsden, 3 April 2019
After accepting talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would hold “in reserve” a no-confidence vote in her government.
British MPs again fail to reach agreement on alternative Brexit motions
By Robert Stevens, 2 April 2019
None of the four non-binding “indicative votes” on an alternative to Prime Minister Theresa May’s negotiated withdrawal agreement for Brexit secured a majority vote by MPs Monday night.
Class struggle and socialism are the only answer to the Brexit crisis
By Chris Marsden, 1 April 2019
The answer to the Brexit crisis is a united mobilization of the millions of workers coming into struggle against Europe’s governments.
“No deal” Brexit threatened after May’s EU withdrawal agreement rejected for third time
By Robert Stevens, 30 March 2019
Labour’s nominally “left” leader Jeremy Corbyn is working to ensure that the gravest peacetime crisis in the history of British imperialism is resolved through the worm-eaten parliamentary system, with the working class left as spectators.
Parliament rejects all alternatives as May’s offer to resign fails to stem Brexit crisis
By Robert Stevens, 28 March 2019
May’s pledge to resign is her last card in the attempt to convince the Tories’ hard-Brexit wing and the Democratic Unionist Party to back her European Union withdrawal agreement.
British parliament to make “indicative votes” in an attempt to overcome Brexit impasse
By Robert Stevens, 27 March 2019
MPs may indeed have formally taken control of the next stage of the Brexit crisis, but any positions arrived at in today’s votes are not legally binding on the government.
Anti-Brexit “Put it to the People” march mobilises hundreds of thousands
By Robert Stevens, 25 March 2019
The Socialist Equality Party was the only political party at the rally advancing a perspective for the political independence of the working class.
“Brexit is a shambles—it will affect so many people in many ways”
By our reporters, 25 March 2019
Reporters for the World Socialist Web Site spoke to demonstrators at Saturday’s anti-Brexit protest in London.
Answer Brexit with the struggle for socialism throughout Europe!
By the Socialist Equality Party (UK), 23 March 2019
Far from trusting their fate to Merkel, Macron, Juncker and Tusk, those protesting today must ally themselves with the European working class now waging political and social battles against the EU and its member state governments.
European Union leaders grant May extra time to pass Brexit deal in UK parliament
By Robert Stevens, 22 March 2019
The EU has agreed a plan allowing a delay of Brexit to May 22 on condition that UK MPs approve the deal the EU agreed with Prime Minister Theresa May by the previous official exit date of March 29.
May asks Brussels for Brexit extension amid worsening political crisis
By Chris Marsden, 20 March 2019
If May’s extension is rejected by Brussels at a summit on Thursday, Brexit is set for March 29, in just nine days.
Corbyn props up May government after more Brexit vote defeats
By Robert Stevens, 16 March 2019
Ever since May took office as a minority dependent on the DUP, she has headed a government of permanent crisis, with her survival dependent on Labour leader Corbyn’s suppression of the class struggle amid a rising tide of anti-Tory sentiment.
UK: May’s Brexit deal rejected by parliament again
By Robert Stevens, 13 March 2019
With just 16 days to go before the UK is scheduled to leave the EU, no deal has been agreed on trading relations after Brexit.
UK Labour leader Corbyn endorses Blairite call for second Brexit referendum
By Robert Stevens, 27 February 2019
This week’s events signify that the Blairites have de facto total control over party policy, just over three years after they were annihilated by Corbyn in the leadership contest.
Brexit divisions lead to intensified discussions on Conservative and Labour Party splits
By Robert Stevens, 16 February 2019
Theresa May suffered a further defeat in Parliament over her Brexit policy, while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was further undermined by a sizeable rebellion by the party’s Blairite right wing.
British government’s “Project After” plan for post-Brexit economic crisis
By Steve James, 13 February 2019
The Financial Times reported on a secret economic planning group in the British government, tasked with planning for a deep post Brexit economic crisis.
Brexit, Free Ports and the super-exploitation of the working class
By Steve James, 4 February 2019
Both Tory and Labour politicians support new Free Port deregulation zones.
UK’s May fends off demands to delay Brexit or rule out “no deal”
By Robert Stevens and Chris Marsden, 30 January 2019
May’s pledge to try to extract more concessions from the EU ensured that the government won the day, although this could prove to be a pyrrhic and very short-lived victory.
Leaks expose UK and EU government plans for military deployment in Brexit crisis
By Chris Marsden, 29 January 2019
Under conditions of intolerable levels of social inequality that will be exacerbated no matter the Brexit outcome, the power of the state will be directed against the true source of social discontent—the working class.
UK: Remain and Leave factions line up for battle prior to next Brexit vote
By Robert Stevens, 25 January 2019
Theresa May is calculating that enough rebel Brexiteers in her ruling Conservative Party, who voted against her original deal, will support her to ensure no possibility of Brexit being overturned.
24 January 2019
The Brexit crisis and the struggle for socialism
By Chris Marsden, 23 January 2019
The answer to austerity is not a pro-capitalist Labour government dedicated to rebuilding “national unity” across the Brexit divide, but the unification of workers in Britain with the working class across the continent in the fight for the United Socialist States of Europe.
UK: Corbyn endorses second referendum after May stonewalls on her Brexit plan
By Chris Marsden, 22 January 2019
With just 67 days before Brexit is scheduled to take place on March 29, Corbyn has once again folded his hand and united with his right-wing.
British PM May to reveal “Plan B” as Brexit infighting continues
By Robert Stevens, 21 January 2019
The various options being debated are solely concerned with securing the strategic interests of British imperialism.
Factional warfare hots up after collapse of May’s European Union Brexit deal
By Robert Stevens, 19 January 2019
Led by the Blairite wing of the Labour, Pro-Remain politicians calculated that the decks would now be cleared for them to campaign for a second “People’s Vote” to overturn the 2016 referendum.
UK: Blairites spearhead campaign to commit Labour to remaining in the European Union
By Thomas Scripps, 18 January 2019
The Blairites are opposed to a general election and aim to block Brexit without letting what is nominally their own party under Corbyn anywhere near power.
Theresa May’s Conservative government survives no-confidence vote
By Robert Stevens and Chris Marsden, 17 January 2019
What should have been a day of reckoning for May turned out to be a humiliating verdict on every capitulation made by Labour leader Corbyn to his party’s right wing since he became leader in September 2015.
UK parliament votes down Prime Minister May’s Brexit deal
By Robert Stevens and Chris Marsden, 16 January 2019
In response to the resounding rejection of May’s proposal, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called a vote of no confidence for Wednesday.
UK parliament to vote on Brexit deal today
By Chris Marsden, 15 January 2019
The fight over Brexit revolves around the best means of advancing the interests of British imperialism for control of global markets.
British prime minister suffers second defeat at hands of pro-European Union MPs
By Robert Stevens, 10 January 2019
The vote was the second defeat of the government in less than 24 hours as a result of pro-Remain Tories blocking with the opposition parties.
Debate begins in British parliament over May’s Brexit deal with EU
By Robert Stevens, 9 January 2019
May is using the growing possibility of a “no-deal” Brexit, with its unforetold economic and social consequences, to pressure Brussels for more and to force MPs to back her deal.
Military prepare for post-Brexit civil war in Britain and Northern Ireland
By Steve James, 8 January 2019
Preparations involve 50,000 troops in mainland Britain and 1,000 more police in Northern Ireland—close to half the current size of the British Army and more than the force sent by the government to invade Iraq.
UK: Cross-party moves escalate to prevent Brexit and secure second referendum
By Robert Stevens, 31 December 2018
Amid an unprecedented crisis of rule, Corbyn’s major concern is to preserve the unity of the Labour Party on the basis that only a Labour government can rescue British imperialism.
UK government announces draconian Brexit immigration policy and deployment of troops
By Robert Stevens, 21 December 2018
With the working class unable to articulate its own independent interests, a crisis-ridden Tory government is moving to rapidly enact its reactionary Brexit agenda.
Corbyn, Brexit and the struggle for the United Socialist States of Europe
By Chris Marsden, 17 December 2018
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has cast himself as a guarantor of national stability, denouncing the inability of May and the Conservatives to “end the chaos.”
UK: May staggers on as more than a third of Tory MPs oppose her
By Robert Stevens, 13 December 2018
The vote against her by her hard-Brexit wing, combined with the loss of support from the 10 Democratic Unionist Party MPs, confirms that May’s days are numbered.
UK: May faces possible leadership contest after seeking concessions from EU on Brexit
By Robert Stevens, 12 December 2018
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn yesterday once again insisted that he would not call a vote of no confidence—allowing the crisis ridden Conservative government to stagger on.
May delays Brexit vote while Corbyn refuses to move no confidence motion
By Chris Marsden, 11 December 2018
May called off today’s scheduled vote because she knew her proposed agreement with the EU would be heavily defeated.
Parliamentary debate on Brexit deal begins after three defeats for May government
By Robert Stevens, 6 December 2018
Whatever happens in the Brexit crisis, Britain is in the grip of a historic crisis of rule that threatens to unleash social upheavals.
British PM May attacked from all sides ahead of parliament Brexit vote
By Robert Stevens, 28 November 2018
As it stands there is no parliamentary arithmetic under which May can get the Brexit deal passed.
The only answer to Brexit is the United Socialist States of Europe
By Chris Marsden, 19 November 2018
Every faction of Britain’s ruling elite—whether pro- or anti-EU membership or urging some form of continued relations—is viciously opposed to the interests of the working class.
Some of the main provisions of the draft EU-UK proposed Brexit deal
By our reporter, 16 November 2018
The 585-page document includes a legal guarantee to ensure the Irish border remains open after Brexit, with the UK remaining in a customs union with the EU until a broader EU-UK trade deal can be finalised.
Brexit deal threatens survival of May government
By Robert Stevens, 16 November 2018
Prime Minister May has been brought face to face with the full implications of the growing antagonisms between the US and Europe.
British prime minister tries to minimise cabinet rebellion against draft Brexit agreement
By Robert Stevens, 14 November 2018
So acute is the crisis facing May’s government that sections of the ruling class and the state apparatus are factoring in the possibility that a general election might be unavoidable, and that a Corbyn government is becoming a distinct possibility.
UK: May fends off challenge by hard-Brexiteers
By Robert Stevens, 26 October 2018
That May, who supported Remain in the 2016 referendum, was able to seize the day reflects a pronounced shift in ruling circles, who cannot countenance a hard Brexit.
People’s Vote campaign ups ante against hard Brexit with large London protest
By Robert Stevens, 22 October 2018
The campaign in support of a second referendum on British membership of the EU is a cross-party initiative with significant support and funding from the political and corporate elite.
British PM addresses EU summit as “no deal” Brexit threatened
By Thomas Scripps, 17 October 2018
With the government in turmoil, Labour is advancing itself as a responsible representative of the British ruling elite.
Brexit crisis leaves fate of May government in balance
By Robert Stevens, 15 October 2018
If the May government fails to secure an EU deal without precipitating a pro-Brexit Conservatives and Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) rebellion, a general election might result, bringing a Jeremy Corbyn Labour-led government to power.
Risk of no-deal Brexit staggers European companies and economy
By Alex Lantier, 5 October 2018
With mass layoffs prepared in auto firms, plans in ruling circles are well advanced to place the cost of any Brexit crisis firmly on the backs of workers internationally.
Auto manufacturers in UK cut production, threaten jobs as Brexit crisis deepens
By Margot Miller, 27 September 2018
The UK car industry faces massive disruption if the government fails to agree unfettered access to the EU single market, with the loss of tens of thousands of jobs threatened.
UK Labour conference passes Brexit motion with option for “people’s vote”
By Thomas Scripps, 26 September 2018
Labour Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer, speaking for the Blairites and dominant sections of British business, sees the latest compromise as a step toward committing Labour to retaining membership of the EU.
EU summit marked by Brexit threats and ultimatums
By Chris Marsden, 22 September 2018
Theresa May's address was met with silence and her implied threats were stonewalled, as the main players within the EU combined the next day to declare her proposals to be “unworkable.”
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