UK: Ultimate test for PM May as parliament votes on her policy programme
British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a test of her authority on Thursday when parliament votes on her policy programme, watered down after an election setback and growing pressure over her Brexit and austerity plans.
May cut short a visit to Germany and dashed back to Britain for the late afternoon vote, underlining her precarious position after she lost her Conservative Party’s parliamentary majority in an election on June 8 that she did not need to call.
On Wednesday, she saw off an attempt by the opposition Labour Party to defeat her in a vote on public sector pay, thanks partly to the support of a small Northern Irish party which she secured under a deal to help her pass legislation.
“The government is confident that the vote will go through,” her spokeswoman said, referring to the government’s policy programme set out to parliament by Queen Elizabeth last week.
Asked whether she would make it back from Germany in time for the vote, she said: “She will be there.”
The vote is not without its difficulties. Opposition parties have proposed amendments which could test the discipline of May’s supporters.
The speaker of parliament said three amendments would be considered – one to ease concerns over abortion …read more
