Britain's political establishment has been thrown into apparent crisis following the country's vote to quit the European Union. The latest political casualty is a senior member of the official Labour opposition’s shadow cabinet, Hilary Benn, who's been sacked. It comes as members of the ruling Conservative Party struggle to find a new leader in the wake of UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s sudden resignation.
Hilary Benn speaks in Parliament for the Official Labour Opposition on foreign affairs. He is among the Party’s elite. Now he’s been fired, accused of plotting the downfall of Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn.
"At this critical time for our country, following the EU referendum result, we need strong and effective leadership of the Labour Party. I told Jeremy Corbyn last night that I no longer had confidence in his leadership and he dismissed me from the shadow cabinet and I want to thank him for having given me the chance to serve our party," Benn said.
Reports suggest up to half of the Shadow Cabinet, the highest level of the Labour Party, is set to follow Hilary Benn out the door.
Corbyn has come under sustained attack, including from many in his own Party, for what was seen as a half-hearted effort to campaign in favour of European Union membership during the referendum. Many Labour members in Parliament want him out and a vote of no
confidence has been tabled with Party leaders.
If successful it could force the Labour leader to resign. And with UK Prime Minister David Cameron saying he’s standing down in the Autumn, it could put Britain in the
remarkable position where it’s two main political parties are simultaneously without a clear leadership or direction. All that at a time when many here are angry that the momentous decision to quit the EU was tipped by less than two per cent of those who voted, a majority according to opinion polls older voters.
"75 per cent of people our age wanted to stay in the EU and it’s people who isn’t going to affect them because it’s going to take a while for it to come into effect, have spoken for us. They’ve spoken for us on a bunch of lies and empty promises and racism really.”
"It’s 48 per cent of those who came out to vote. You know, it’s far to many people for this, for our voices not to be heard."
"I think maybe the older generations’ a little bit more sentimental, whereas the younger’s a bit more pragmatic. Maybe that’s it."
UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s on his way out, but the leadership campaign to replace him will take months. This man, Boris Johnson, the former London Mayor and a prominent anti-European Union campaigner could replace him.
A high level ‘stop Boris’ movement’s already underway, it’s reported, which suggests turbulence ahead in the party of government. While, in Scotland the devolved government there is already preparing for a second independence referendum, based on Brexit and the majority north of the border who voted for the European Union.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron begins his week ahead chairing a cabinet meeting at which the fallout from Brexit will be all around him.
