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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics
Luke O'Reilly

General election news latest: Boris Johnson will pull early election bill if EU citizens and 16 year olds given vote

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has threatened to pull his bill for a December 12 election if amendments to allow 16 year olds and EU citizens to vote pass in parliament tonight.

The PM’s official spokesman told reporters that it would be “logistically impossible to deliver” the changes in time for a national vote in little more than five weeks’ time.

A vote will take place later this evening on whether to hold a general election on December 12.

Unlike yesterday's failed bill, this is a single line bill. This means that it only needs a simple majority to pass but it is also open to amendments.

Also, Stella Creasy's successful amendment to the bill earlier today has made it easier for MPs to suggest further amendments.

The opposition amendment wish-list includes votes for EU Citizens and votes for 16/17 year olds.

However, the Prime Minister has indicated that if either of these amendments pass he will pull the bill.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said that the Labour Party is ready for a December election.

However, they have also tabled an amendment looking to change the date to December 9.

Voting is expected to happen around 7.45pm tonight.

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