On 5 September, Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) returned after the summer break. And Jeremy Corbyn used the opportunity to deliver the mother of all one-liners.
Speaking about Theresa May’s plans for Brexit, Corbyn stated:
She can’t keep dancing around all the issues.
The PM can't "keep dancing around the issues" over #Brexit, says Jeremy Corbyn #PMQs https://t.co/MTFXGTc1B9 pic.twitter.com/4WOUXQxZX6
— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) September 5, 2018
Get down and boogie
Corbyn was, of course, referring to the excruciating footage of May dancing during her trip to Africa:
Dancing around the issues …. 🤣#PMQs pic.twitter.com/BkpC3h0XTr
— Frances Lilley (@frances_lilley) September 5, 2018
Although one Twitter user pointed out:
#PMQs The gurning expressions on May's face as Corbyn made his 'dancing round the issues' comment were almost as painful as the original crime against dance itself (speaking as an ex professional dancer)
— Lindsay (@lindsay_hibbs) September 5, 2018
Others agreed his comment was a knock-out blow:
https://twitter.com/sketchaganda/status/1037297812311089152
A zinger from Corbyn: May “can’t keep dancing round all the issues”. #PMQs
— George Eaton (@georgeeaton) September 5, 2018
Words without meaning
It was clear from May’s answers on Brexit that she still has no coherent plan for Brexit. In an earlier question, Corbyn asked:
The prime minister says no deal is better than a bad deal. The chancellor says no deal would cause a catastrophic collapse of our economy. And yesterday, the Brexit secretary waded in to say there were countervailing opportunities to a no-deal Brexit. Could the prime minister enlighten us as to what these countervailing opportunities actually are?”
The answer appears to be she can’t. May responded:
This government is working to ensure that whatever the outcome of the negotiations, this… country makes a success of coming out of the European Union – we see that global Britain and a brighter future for people here in this country.
You can watch the full exchange here:
https://twitter.com/Corbynator2/status/1037308288344498177
A second referendum?
Corbyn also commented:
A majority of people might have voted to leave. But they expected the negotiations to be handled competently and they certainly are not.
He also refused to rule out calling for a second referendum on the terms of the UK’s proposed exit from Europe. This led people to speculate that the Labour Party might be moving to support a People’s Vote:
Most notable #PMQs line from Corbyn: "A majority of people voted Leave but they expected the negotiations to be handled competently" – potential case for a second referendum. https://t.co/3NxmCaPM0o
— George Eaton (@georgeeaton) September 5, 2018
“A majority voted Leave but they expected the negotiations to be handled competently” – Jeremy Corbyn at #PMQs
Corbyn has never ruled out a second referendum. This would be a good month to announce his support for one
— Tom London (@TomLondon6) September 5, 2018
With the official date for leaving the EU just over six months away, Corbyn is right. May has not handled the negotiations competently and is still unable to provide a coherent and meaningful strategy of what Brexit will actually mean.
The country needs more than just soundbites. It needs the government to present a clear plan. That plan then needs putting to the people. We need to have a final say on whether we want the actual deal or the idea of Brexit based on lies and election fraud presented during the initial referendum. Then we can truly say whether the Brexit “negotiated” by May is really the will of the people.
Get Involved!
– Support the campaign for a People’s Vote.
Featured images via screengrab
