What is the Fate of the UK now?

The Conservative Party needed to obtain 326 out of 650 seats to govern with a full majority. Theresa May, has failed to secure a majority in the election which serves as a major counterblast to British Prime Minister, after calling for a ‘snap election’. The actual elections were dated on May 7^th, 2020 but May called for an early election, on 8^th June, 2017 expecting to secure her majority. 

Government Undecided, Brexit Unclear…

Since power is vested in the ruling party, a snap election would usually result in favourable results for the party in power. The turn of events in UK’s election deliver a strong message to the concerned leaders.

A ‘hung parliament’ is taking the UK by surprise, the situation means the election results reveal that no one party is able to secure a majority. When a hung parliament persists, the normal protocol that is followed is for the party with the largest number of seats to form a coalition with a smaller party. The second largest party would also attempt to do the same in this case. On failing to secure a ‘full-majority’, Theresa May may have to team up with a minor party to continue ruling. 

What’s ticking?

Brexit is on the way, with formal talks due to be held on June 19^th, between the British Government and the European Union (EU). However, this would be next to impossible without a British Government in place. Therefore, both parties would try to speed up processes to form a coalition government.

Will the Race Continue?

Some of May’s policies were not applauded especially in the wake of the terror attacks at Manchester and London. Her role in providing security to the people was questioned as she was known to cut back on the police personnel, as Interior Minister. The ‘dementia tax’ making elderly people pay more for social care was no less damaging to her campaign. Adding fuel to the fire, Sweden's former foreign minister also described this poor result for the Conservatives is the price to be paid for the lack of 'true leadership'.

With the Brexit talks less than 2 weeks away, not securing a majority party in the government means May’s initial decision to strong handle the situation will falter. Many rival party leaders, like Labour Party Leader, Jeremy Corbyn and UKIP leader Nigel Farage are of the opinion that Theresa May should consider ‘stepping down’.

However, the present scenario seems apt for the negotiations on Brexit to begin. Brussels diplomats are expecting to start the informal talks soon before the official commencement. On the other hand, the step UK would take now is uncertain as they are yet send Brussels a single position paper.