UK government is preparing for an early election

Significance

Johnson's cabinet overhaul is the largest in decades, replacing 17 cabinet ministers from the previous government mostly with individuals who support Johnson’s hard-line stance on Brexit.

Impacts

• Brussels could offer London a ‘Northern Ireland only’ backstop, but this will be rejected by the UK government.
• The government will likely pass legislation to protect EU citizens’ rights in the United Kingdom if there is a no-deal Brexit.
• The EU will only grant another extension if a deal is almost agreed, or if there is a UK general election or second Brexit referendum.