Brexit tension: Jeremy Corbyn fires Hilary Benn

World Today

EU referendumBritish opposition Labour Party MP Hilary Benn has been sacked Sunday by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn after he raised concerns about the party leadership. (Daniel Leal-Olivas / PA via AP)

Britain’s political establishment has been thrown into chaos, following the vote to quit the European Union.

Members of the ruling Conservative Party are struggling to find a new leader, in the wake of Prime Minister David Cameron’s resignation.

Richard Bestic reports from the United Kingdom.

There is growing tension in the Labor Party following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union.

Britain’s opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn sacked shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn.

He is among the Party’s elite. Now he’s been fired, accused of plotting the downfall of Party leader.

Reports suggest up to half of the Shadow Cabinet, the highest level of the Labor Party, is set to follow Hilary Benn out the door.

Jeremy Corbyn has come under sustained attack, including critics from his own Party, for what was seen as a half-hearted effort to campaign in favor of European Union membership during the referendum.

Many Labor members in Parliament want him out and a vote of no confidence has been tabled with Party leaders. If successful it could force the Labor leader to resign.
Britain could soon be in a challenging position after Cameron’s resignation. Two of the country’s main political parties are simultaneously without a clear leadership or direction.

While, in Scotland the devolved government there is preparing for a second independence referendum, based on Brexit and the majority north of the border who voted for the European Union.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron begins his week ahead chairing a cabinet meeting at which the fallout from Brexit will be all around him.


Brian Beary discusses the future of the UK’s Labour Party