Boris Johnson challenges Jeremy Corbyn to bring down his government and force an election
2 min read
Boris Johnson has called on Jeremy Corbyn to bring down his government and spark a general election.
The Prime Minister challenged the Labour leader to table a motion of no confidence to be voted on by MPs on Thursday.
If it passed, Parliament would then have two weeks to back an alternative administration or an election would have to be called.
Mr Johnson's move comes after two unsuccessful attempts by the Government to call an election itself.
In a statement to the Commons on the day it was recalled after the Supreme Court ruled the PM's decision to suspend Parliament unlawful, he goaded Mr Corbyn by asking if he "even wants to be Prime Minister".
He added: "It would be a curious state of affairs indeed if Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition had every faith in the Government of the day.
"So if the party opposite does not in fact have confidence in the Government, they will have the chance to prove it.
"They have until the House rises today to table a motion of no confidence in the Government, and we can have that vote tomorrow.
"Or if any of the other smaller parties fancy a go, table the motion, we'll give you the time for that vote.
"Will they have the courage to act or will they refuse to take responsibility yet again and do nothing but delay?
"Let's have a vote - a proper one, not the kind of dodgy show of hands we saw at their conference - and see where that leads. Why would they not? What are they scared of?"
Mr Johnson added: "This Parliament must either stand aside and let this government get Brexit done or bring a vote of confidence and finally face the day of reckoning with the voters."
Mr Corbyn described the PM's statement as "ten minutes of bluster from a dangerous Prime Minister who thinks he is above the law but in truth is not fit for the office that he holds".
And the Labour leader blasted: "Quite simply, for the good of this country, he should go."
But he refused to take Mr Johnson up on his challenge to call a vote of no confidence.
And Mr Corbyn said of the PM: "He says he wants a general election. I want a general election. It's very simple: if he wants an election, get an extension and let's have an election."
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