That’s the nativity play ruined then! Brexit election in December wreaks havoc with festive calendar as primary schools will be needed for polling stations
- Jeremy Corbyn staged a U-turn and said Labour would support a December poll
- The Prime Minister has suggested an date of December 12 for voters to have say
- But parents have said on Twitter that the date could clash with their nativity play
A December general election could see nativity plays cancelled up and down the country, as primary schools will be needed for polling stations.
An election later this year became more likely today after Jeremy Corbyn staged a U-turn and said Labour would support a pre-Christmas poll.
Mr Johnson has suggested an election date of December 12 while Jo Swinson’s Liberal Democrats and the SNP want December 9.
If the Bill goes through by the end of the day it will move to the Lords, and Parliament is expected to be dissolved as early as Monday for the campaign.
The Prime Minister’s suggested date could clash with a number of already-scheduled nativity plays it has emerged, as disgruntled parents voice their concern online.
The Prime Minister’s suggested date could clash with a number of already-scheduled nativity plays it has emerged, as disgruntled parents voice their concern online (above and below)
Among those concerned by the date is Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill, who warned that December 12 is the latest possible date or the election would mean turfing pantomimes, parties and nativity plays out of village halls and schools used as polling stations
Writing on Twitter, Gemma Dillon, from Yorkshire, said: ‘Would you believe it? Just checked and daughters nativity is the Dec 12? #mummyproblems #politicalreporter #whodhaveguessed.’
While another said: ‘I had my youngest’s Nativity show which will be shifted or cancelled as the school is a polling place.’
And Andrew Smith said: ‘Just checked – our local primary school, which our girls attended and has been our polling station for 30 years has its reception Nativity play on December 12.’
Mr Corbyn’s sudden decision to back an election came less than 24 hours after he dismissed Mr Johnson’s demand to go to the country to resolve the Brexit standoff.
Trying to put a brave face on the humiliating capitulation this morning, the Labour leader insisted his test of ruling out No Deal has been met. ‘I can’t wait to get out there on the streets,’ he said.
Mr Johnson (pictured in Parliament today) has suggested an election date of December 12 while Jo Swinson’s Liberal Democrats and the SNP want December 9
Others were more sympathetic to the news of an election, saying it could save them from having to sit through a nativity play.
Pete Smith said: ‘I would have thought parents up and down would be rejoicing at the thought of all those cancelled nativity plays. Five minutes to vote or one to two hours of torture’.
Among those concerned by the date is Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill, who warned that December 12 is the latest possible date or the election would mean turfing pantomimes, parties and nativity plays out of village halls and schools used as polling stations.
Ministers cannot go any later than December 12 because they risk running into the Christmas period.
A December general election is not guaranteed however, as Labour is pushing amendments that could effectively wreck the Bill triggering one.
Backbenchers have been deployed to table changes that would reduce the voting age to 16, and give EU citizens living in the UK the right to participate.
But Downing Street has warned that if such amendments are passed they will simply pull the legislation – pointing out that it would be impossible to get the young people on the electoral roll in time.