Chapter 640： prime minister resigns

The cabinet meeting ended, and Churchill's opinion was passed. Although, everyone still believes that it will be very difficult for Churchill's plan to be realized. However, on the premise that there is no better way, it is a good way to prepare according to Churchill's suggestion. More importantly, everyone still has a glimmer of hope for the future, hoping that their army can withstand the German attack. In that case, it is in the best interest of the British Empire and these ministers.

Even if it is bad, they can escape from Britain in advance and go to other colonies. As Churchill said, the British Empire has vast colonies. Even if the British mainland falls, they can flee to the colonies and continue to persist. In that case, even if Germany cannot be defeated, it is still possible to persist until the end.

So, after the meeting, Churchill made one more appointment. Although he was Lord of the Admiralty, Prime Minister Asquith appointed him with full responsibility for the defense of the Homeland. Even Richard Haldane, Secretary of State for War, seemed to have no objection to this.

Everyone left, only the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lloyd George, stayed.

"George, the current British Empire has reached its final moment. Although Churchill is still unwilling to give up. But you and I both know that the British Empire has already lost a complete defeat in this war. If you give up the mainland, If you retreat to the colony, even if you can continue to hold on, it doesn't make much sense." Prime Minister Asquith said.

"Yes, Your Excellency the Prime Minister. However, there is always no harm in letting Churchill try. As he said, no matter how bad it is, it will not be much worse than it is now. No matter how bad it is, we can still go to the colonies." Lloyd George said.

Prime Minister Asquith nodded: "George, I want to resign as Prime Minister."

Prime Minister Asquith's sudden words made Lloyd George's eyes widen.

Although Asquith has long since wanted to be prime minister. Especially when Britain continued to lose on the battlefield, he wanted to resign as prime minister. To put it bluntly, I just want to put down the pick and run away, and I don't want to bear the responsibility of losing the battle anymore. Such behavior is undoubtedly despised. However, anyone can understand it if they put themselves in their shoes and think about it. If it were someone else, it is estimated that they would not do better than Prime Minister Asquith, let alone persist for such a long time like him.

Prime Minister Asquith is now sixty-three years old, but he looks older than people of the same age. Although the prime minister has great power, he also has great responsibilities and pressure. Especially after the outbreak of this war, Prime Minister Asquith was very busy, and he couldn't even sleep a few times. Under such circumstances, even hard-working people can't hold on!

What's more, now that the British Empire is about to fail, this makes him even more reluctant to continue.

"Your Excellency, the British Empire still needs your leadership! How could you have such an idea?" Lloyd George immediately persuaded.

If Lloyd George decides for himself, he absolutely disagrees with Asquith's resignation as prime minister. There is only one reason, that is, as the chancellor of the exchequer, he is regarded as the deputy prime minister of the cabinet by convention. Once Prime Minister Asquith resigns, he is very likely to step up. If it was at other times, he might be very happy, but now, he is not willing to take over this mess.

Although, being prime minister has always been Lloyd George's goal. But taking over as prime minister under such circumstances is something he is unwilling to do. This was clearly Asquith's desire to find a hapless guy as a scapegoat. Lloyd George is no fool, of course he won't do it.

"George, my health is getting worse and worse, and I can no longer perform the duties of prime minister. Therefore, I can't continue to do this job anyway. I will go to Buckingham Palace early tomorrow morning to submit my resignation to His Majesty the King !” Prime Minister Asquith said firmly. This time, he made up his mind completely and wanted to resign. This is the way out that he has long thought of.

After resigning as prime minister, the mess can be thrown out. It is even possible to find a way to leave the UK and go to Canada, or even the United States. thereby avoiding war.

Once the German army lands on the British mainland, no one knows whether it will survive the war. After all, in war, human life will be very fragile. Whether it is the prime minister or ordinary civilians, they may die.

Lloyd? George opened his mouth, wanting to persuade him again. However, after seeing Prime Minister Asquith's resolute expression, he knew that it would be futile to persuade him any longer. Prime Minister Asquith had made up his mind.

"Your Excellency, who will take over as Prime Minister?" Lloyd George asked.

Since Asquith resigned as Prime Minister, it cannot be changed. Then, what he has to do is absolutely not being able to take over as the prime minister. Lloyd George also wants to continue to live, and it is best to continue to hold power. But if he is asked to serve as Prime Minister and be responsible for the future destiny of the British Empire, he will never do it.

"George, according to the usual practice, you will take over the position of prime minister when I have not served the full term." Prime Minister Asquith said.

"No, absolutely not. Your Excellency, I am not capable of leading the British Empire. Especially under such circumstances, I am simply not capable of leading the British Empire out of the predicament. Therefore, if Your Excellency wants to resign as Prime Minister, I cannot stop it." However, I also have the right to refuse to take over as Prime Minister. If Your Excellency insists, then I will also submit my resignation!" Lloyd George jumped up like a cat whose tail was stepped on.

Lloyd George's attitude is also very firm. Anyway, he is determined not to take over as prime minister. Asquith wants to put down the pick and evade responsibility. He is also not a fool, and he will not be a scapegoat at this time.

Prime Minister Asquith's complexion suddenly became a little ugly. If he wants to resign, a successor must be found. Otherwise, His Majesty the King would definitely not accept his resignation.

"George, this is your responsibility. As the deputy cabinet minister, after I leave office, you are the best candidate to succeed the prime minister." Prime Minister Asquith said.

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, I'm sorry. The position of Prime Minister is too important. My ability is limited and I cannot take on such responsibilities!" Lloyd George refused to budge.