NPR

Johnson To Call For Snap Election After Conservatives Suffer Key Parliamentary Defeat

In a dramatic day, a defection robbed Johnson's ruling Conservative Party of its single-seat majority in Parliament and lawmakers set the way to vote to prevent the U.K. from a no-deal Brexit.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, seen hosting health service workers Tuesday at No. 10 Downing St. in London. The same day in the House of Commons, Johnson was dealt a political blow when the defection of a fellow Conservative left him without a working majority in Parliament.

Updated at 6 p.m. ET

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he is ready to call a snap election after lawmakers cleared the way for a vote on Wednesday to prevent the U.K. from leaving the European Union without a withdrawal agreement at the end of October.

The announcement was the culmination of a dramatic day that saw a defection rob Johnson and his ruling Conservative Party of their single-seat majority in Parliament.

"I don't want an election, but if

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR1 min read
'Wait Wait' for May 18, 2024: With Not My Job guest Maya Hawke
Maya Hawke broke out in 2019, with a role in Stranger Things and her first single. Now, she's got a new album and a new movie in the same month, but can she answer our questions about birdwatchers?
NPR8 min read
'There Is No Respect Anymore' As Ambulances Come Under Attack In South Africa
That's what one paramedic says of the targeting of ambulance crews. Criminals are after phones and wallets along with medical equipment and drugs. We ride along with a Cape Town crew in a Red Zone.
NPR4 min read
A Look At What Could Be The Future For Postpartum Care In America
Postpartum care in America leaves most facing a critical and often overlooked "fourth trimester" in isolation. Metro Detroit-based Fourth Tri Sanctuary offers support.

Related Books & Audiobooks