Boris Johnson’s prospects of leaving the European Union without a deal on October 31st narrowed on Thursday after MPs voted to prevent him suspending parliament to force through a no-deal Brexit. The amendment to the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill obliges the government to report to parliament during September and October on progress towards restoring the Stormont institutions. MPs would be able to debate and vote on a motion after each report, so the government would not be able to prevent parliament from sitting. During the Conservative leadership campaign, Mr Johnson has declined to rule out suspending parliament to prevent MPs from blocking a no-deal Brexit. MPs voted overwhelmingly in favour of amendments extending same-sex marriage and abortion rights to Northern Ireland, with 328 in favour and 65 against.

Source: The Irish Times July 19, 2019 01:52 UTC