There are a couple of Parliamentary by-elections taking place in England this week but neither offer any suitable betting opportunities.
Witney, the former seat of ex-PM David Cameron, is almost certain to be held by the Conservatives even though their new candidate Robert Courts is unlikely to match the majority of his predecessor. Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Brabin looks a shoe-in for Labour in Batley and Spen as none of the other major parties are fielding candidates as a mark of respect following the murder of Jo Cox.
Those wanting a bet on British politics at the moment may be better served concentrating on the timing of Brexit (don’t you abhor that abbreviation!) or Scottish Independence, which is looking increasingly like an unwanted by-product.
Betfair are offering 4/9 that Theresa May invokes Article 50 between January and June next year. She has already voiced her intentions to do so – but there may be constitutional barriers in her way. Downing Street has confirmed that Parliament has the right to reject any final Brexit deal – so could Britain’s controversial EU exit yet be halted?
The prospect of Parliament exerting some control over a final settlement caused the pound to surge immediately against the dollar in exchange markets having plummeted last week. There is currently a legal challenge against the Government’s separate refusal to give Parliament a vote before Article 50 is invoked.
It raises the prospect, at the very least, that MPs and peers could amend the Brexit deal if they opposed key elements of the impact on trade, immigration or other areas. However, it could also mean Britain being forced out of the EU by 2019 with no deal, whatsoever, in place.
Ladbrokes, meanwhile, are now offering only 5/6 that another Scottish Independence Referendum takes place before the end of 2020 (though, to be fair, they are offering the same odds that a referendum doesn’t take place within that time period).
To take advantage of these odds, follow our link Ladbrokes.
Scotland voted comprehensively to remain in the EU and it is 1/2 that they reverse an earlier vote and plump for Independence next time.
