Economist Podcasts

Suspend, disbelief: Parliament and Brexit

Aug 29, 2019
John Peete, Brexit editor for The Economist, discusses the fallout from Boris Johnson's controversial suspension of Parliament amid Brexit, sparking outrage and protests. Jane Rickards, correspondent on Taiwan, examines the implications of Taiwan's recent arms deal with the U.S., showcasing its military buildup against Chinese assertiveness. They also touch on the emotional efforts to conserve New Zealand's endangered kakapo, highlighting a global sense of responsibility toward wildlife preservation amidst political upheavals.
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INSIGHT

Parliament Suspension and Brexit

  • Boris Johnson's suspension of Parliament ignited outrage, seen as a move to force a no-deal Brexit.
  • This action triggered protests and raised concerns about the health of UK democracy.
INSIGHT

Justification for Suspension

  • The Prime Minister defended the suspension as standard procedure for a new government.
  • Critics argue that the circumstances surrounding Brexit make this suspension different.
INSIGHT

Impact of Suspension on Brexit

  • Suspending Parliament is legal but cynical, aimed at limiting MPs' ability to prevent a no-deal Brexit.
  • This move minimizes time for crafting legislation to avoid crashing out of the EU.
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