More Confusion: Daniel Mitov Declines Offer for Acting Foreign Minister
GERB MP Daniel Mitov has announced his refusal to accept the offer to serve as acting foreign minister, citing concerns about becoming a pawn in the current power struggle
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Labour Party opened its annual conference on Sunday facing a huge choice — whether to change policy and call for a new referendum that could halt the country’s departure from the European Union.
The support of the main opposition party would be a major boost to campaigners for a second vote on Brexit.
Ever since the U.K. voted in 2016 to leave the EU, Labour has said it will respect the result — but it wants a closer relationship with the bloc than the one that Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative government is seeking.
Now, with EU divorce negotiations stuck and Britain due to leave the bloc in March, many Labour members think the left-leaning party must change its course.
“Labour have to come to a decision. The time has gone for sitting on the fence,” said Mike Buckley of campaign group Labour for a People’s Vote.
More than 100 local Labour associations have submitted motions to the conference, which starts Sunday, urging a “People’s Vote” — a new referendum — with a choice between leaving on terms agreed by the government or staying in the EU.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has long opposed the idea of such a vote. He told the Sunday Mirror newspaper “I’m not calling for a second referendum.”
But, he said, if Labour’s conference “make a decision, I will not walk away from it and I will act accordingly.”
Deputy leader Tom Watson was even firmer. “We must back it if Labour members want it,” he told The Observer newspaper.
Still, Labour faces a major political dilemma. Most of the party’s half a million members voted in 2016 to remain in the EU, but many of its 257 lawmakers represent areas of the country that wanted to leave.
“For Labour to adopt a second referendum policy would spell political disaster in all those Labour seats that voted leave,” said Brendan Chilton of the pro-Brexit group Labour Leave.
We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!
GERB MP Daniel Mitov has announced his refusal to accept the offer to serve as acting foreign minister, citing concerns about becoming a pawn in the current power struggle
The Bulgarian National Assembly has unanimously voted in favor of a 30% salary increase for military personnel
Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the Bulgarian government is closely monitoring the situation and stands prepared for the potential evacuation of Bulgarian citizens
In a recent meeting of the European Council, Acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev underscored Bulgaria's unwavering support for Ukraine amidst discussions surrounding the fight against disinformation and foreign manipulation of information
In a testament to enduring friendship, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China
Acting Minister of Transport, Georgi Gvozdeikov, has taken the unprecedented step of canceling the tender for the supply of 35 single-deck motor trains, valued at a staggering BGN 1.1 billion
UN Happiness Report: Bulgaria's Astonishing Leap in Rankings
Bulgaria: 3 Regions With Lowest Life Expectancy - EU Report 2022