MP quips as ‘broken’ UK parliament leaks water

The main hall of the UK parliament, known as the House of Commons, has been forced to close down for a day as a water leak caused by heavy rain prompts lawmakers to banter about a "broken" legislature which has failed to find a way forward on Britain’s departure from the European Union.

According to Press TV, water began to rain down into the debating chamber of the Commons early on Thursday as lawmakers were debating a tax policy.

The leak in the 19th century Gothic palace finally forced Commons Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to suspend the session only after MPs repeatedly joked about it and used it to draw attention to a current parliamentary standoff over Britain’s withdrawal from the EU.

Member of Parliament Justin Madders said while speaking over the noise of pouring water that it was a sign parliament was not functioning properly while delivering on important issues like Brexit.

“I hope I can complete my speech before rain stops play. I think there is probably some kind of symbol, about how many people view how broken parliament is, going on there,” said Madders.

With just over a week remaining until a new deadline imposed by the EU for Britain’s withdrawal from the EU, the Commons have yet to agree on a single strategy that could guarantee a smooth Brexit.

The House on Wednesday voted with 313 to 312 for a bill that could force the government to avoid a disorderly Brexit by seeking a long extension to negotiations with the EU beyond the April 12 deadline.

The government, whose draft Brexit deal has been rejected by the Commons for three times, said on Thursday the tight vote further complicated the situation as it raised the possibility of an accidental hard Brexit next week.

ME