If The Queen’s Speech Is Defeated Number 10 State Boris Won’t Resign

Prime Minister Boris Johnson walks back through the Peers Lobby after the State Opening of Parliament by Queen Elizabeth II, in the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London.

Prime Minister Johnson will not resign if MPs hand him another defeat by voting down his legislative agenda set out in the Queen’s Speech, Downing Street has said.

Number 10 also has made it clear the Prime Minister could drive on to introduce all the Bills announced, even if Parliament rejected his Government’s plans.

Boris Johnson on Monday used his first Queen’s Speech as PM to insist the Government’s priority is delivering Brexit by the October 31 deadline.

A large list of anti-crime Bills also dominated the state opening of Parliament, which also saw legislation proposed on immigration and the environment.

Opposition leaders accused the PM of using the speech as a pre-election stunt to win over voters, while Jeremy Corbyn branded it a “farce”.

With Mr Johnson commanding no majority in the Commons after expelling 21 rebels who defied him over a no-deal Brexit, there is every chance his announcements are defeated.

Asked if Mr Johnson would resign if he is handed such a blow, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman flatly replied: “No.”

He later added: “If MPs do choose to vote against the Queen’s Speech it will be up to them to explain to the public why they are voting against greater support for our public services, including police, schools and hospitals.”

He also ruled out a defeat on the Queen’s Speech being a matter of confidence, which could pave the way for an early general election.

And asked whether the PM could continue to progress the bills through Parliament even if the speech is defeated, his spokesman replied: “Yes, you can.”

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