London – UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent a message to rebels within his own party, telling them to vote against what he called a “pointless” opposition plan to block his bid to suspend Parliament.
Chants of “stop the coup” could be heard in Downing Street on Monday as the prime minister spoke – ostensibly to the nation, but mostly to the 22 Conservative MPs thought to be considering voting with opposition figures.
“We will not accept any attempt to go back on our promises or scrub that referendum,” Johnson said. “Armed and fortified with that conviction, I believe we will get a deal at that crucial [European Council] summit in October.”
But more signs of dissent have emerged with former Justice Minister David Gauke telling The Times in a newspaper column that he intends to vote against his party on Tuesday.
“The national interest must come first. Leaving the EU without a deal on October 31 would damage our prosperity, security and risk the integrity of the United Kingdom,” Gauke wrote.
“Today I will vote against my party’s whip for the first time in over 14 years as a member of parliament.”
At the 10 Downing Street meeting, Johnson opened his address stating again how his government would go on a spending spree on traditional vote-winning issues, including boosting police numbers, upgrading hospitals, and investing in schools.