By Zain Qureshi ’22 News Reporter
In the United States we have a set federal election days: every two years, the first Tuesday after November 1; however, many countries, such as the United Kingdom, allow their parliaments to dissolve and call for a general election at any time. This is called a “snap election.” Boris Johnson, the prime minister of the UK, has been calling for a snap election since his ascension to his post this summer after his predecessor, Teresa May, resigned, but Parliament has only finally agreed to an election this week. The next British General Election will be held on December 12, and all seats in the UK House of Commons will be up for election with the Conservative (right wing) party and the Labour (left wing) party being the major parties.
This 2019 election is being called “The Brexit Election” by many because Brexit is the most important issue in this election. Those that wish to leave the European Union will most likely vote Tory, while those that wish to remain in the EU will most likely vote Labour. Right now, Parliament is in a standstill over Brexit; the Conservatives have a plan to leave, but the Labour party does not support it. The Tories also does not have an outright majority in Parliament. While they have the most seats, they do not have enough MP’s to pass bills (one half of Parliament) without cross-aisle support. Johnson believes that a general election will give his party an outright majority in Parliament, and in turn, they will be able to pass a bill approving the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
I do not support Brexit; therefore, I hope the Tories do not win this upcoming election. I believe that a government formed by the Labour Party will be better for many across the UK, and that their position on Brexit, to hold another referendum, is better than simply leaving the EU, the position taken by the Conservative party. Brexit will have a negative effect on Britain’s economy and will lessen the quality of life in Britain. Labour will democratically allow Britons to choose between leaving the EU with a deal or remaining in the EU.
While Brexit is the major deciding factor in this election, I hope a Labour government will win a majority for reasons not limited to Brexit. For one, the Labour Party has pledged to continue support to the NHS, the National Healthcare Service. Boris Johnson and the Conservatives have been cutting aid towards the NHS gradually, leaving British nurses and doctors underpaid and overworked. The Labour party will properly deal with the NHS and make sure British doctors and nurses are treated fairly under the system.
The Tories have been in power since 2010 and have tried to work Brexit since 2016, yet they have failed at governing and have divided the UK more so than it has been in recent history. It is time for another government to solve these problems. It’s time for real change, and Labour will bring forward the change needed for the many, not the few.