London: Sikh Federation UK said in a written release that it looked increasingly likely that the UK would face a snap General Election that will focus the minds of politicians on the task of the UK leaving the EU.
“The new Conservative leader could be in place as early as 2 September and is likely to want to go to the country quickly in order to unite the Conservative Party behind a detailed plan for Brexit, as well as to secure a personal mandate. At the moment the Labour Party could be crushed unless it quickly resolves its infighting and dilemma concerning a leadership and policies that will appeal to the majority of voters”, the statement reads.
S. Amrik Singh GIll, Chairman of Sikh Federation UK
The Fixed-term Parliament Act designates the next General Election should take place in May 2020, but this can be over-ridden by politicians uniting to activate a clause permitting two-thirds of MPs to spark an early contest. An alternative is the Government, given it has a majority, could propose a motion of no confidence in itself and then after a two-week waiting period, the House of Commons has to be dissolved and an election held. Some have even mentioned party conferences being cancelled and an election being held as early as 13 or 20 October.
Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair of the Sikh Federation (UK) said:
“The Sikh Federation (UK) is already making preparations for a snap General Election, which we think is inevitable with a new Conservative leader. The manifesto on which David Cameron was elected last May is now not relevant as we are now in a different Britain. A General Election would allow each of the political parties to set out in their manifestos how they envisage the new relationship with Europe will work, which will also put the country in a better shape to begin negotiations.”
“The Sikh Network, a collaboration and collective of like minded professional Sikhs who developed the Sikh Manifesto before the last General Election that proved to be an excellent initiative will have a crucial role to play in the comings months. We need to push Sikh issues with the leadership of each of the main parties.”