Major Narrowly Survives Key Vote in British Parliament

British Prime Minister John Major won a narrow victory Monday on a crucial vote to increase Britain’s contribution to the European Union, saving him from calling a general election that he would almost certainly have lost.

But the ruling Conservative Party, lagging 25 points behind the Labor Party in public opinion polls, was left with deep internal wounds after Major adopted strong-arm tactics to force anti-European members of Parliament into line.

An opposition Labor Party amendment designed to wreck the bill was defeated on a 330-303 vote, with Major having to rely on Northern Ireland MPs to shore up his fragile majority of 14. On the final question, Labor Party members abstained in the 329-44 vote.

The bill would boost Britain’s $3.75-billion contribution to the European Union next year by $118 million. Future contributions also would be increased. About 20 government rebels originally threatened to scuttle the measure, but Major warned that he would call a general election if the bill were defeated.

In the end, seven Conservative MPs ignored strong pressure and abstained on the vote. They now risk being barred from taking part in ruling-party business in the House of Commons.