Thought Brexit Mess Couldn’t Get Worse? It Has

Boris Johnson’s Early U.K. Election Bid Has Been Thrown Into Doubt

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October 25, 2019 at 6:13 AM EDT

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Just when you thought Brexit couldn’t get any more intractable, it’s plunged further into the absurd.

Frustrated by Parliament from leaving the European Union on Oct. 31, Boris Johnson’s drive to break the deadlock with an election relies on the same lawmakers to go along with him.

But the main opposition Labour Party isn’t rolling over. Its leader Jeremy Corbyn says his decision depends on the length of a Brexit extension expected to be granted by EU governments. EU officials say they require clarity from London and today deferred a decision until after Parliament votes on Monday.

“It’s our duty to end this nightmare,” Johnson told Corbyn in a letter. The premier plans to suspend all efforts at legislating in the “zombie Parliament” and press relentlessly for a fresh ballot.

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