In the Bretonian Parliament

[pbrione]

Lord Canning led the applause following the Prime Minister's stirring speech. It had truly come as a terrible blow when he had had to inform Mountbatten of Liberty's Declaration of War against Rheinland only minutes after the news of the invasion of Leeds had broken, and now the entire Government was desperately in need of strong leadership. Mountbatten had done much to calm the fears of the assembled Lords, but there was still need for urgent action. As Mountbatten hurried from the chamber to meet privately with the Queen and Admiralty Board to review the military situation, it was left to Lord Canning to stand and push through the hastily drawn up War Measures Act in an all-night sitting of both Houses of Parliament.

"My Lords, I wish to echo the fine words of the Prime Minister. We are not defeated, but let us be under no illusions - if we do not act decisively now to bring the full weight of Bretonian resources to bear, then we will be overwhelmed. The War Measures Act is, I readily admit, rash, unpleasant, hastily put together, painful no doubt to many of you here, and will place great strains on our citizens. But it is also neccessary. No, more than neccessary, it is vital, vital that it is passed, passed now, and passed unanimously. We must stand together if we are to have any hope of halting this invasion, we must put aside our political differences and unite in defence of Queen and country! I know that the time for debate has been limited tonight, but the time has come. I call a move to vote, let the joint Houses now divide at this desperate and decisive hour in our History."

Article I
A War Cabinet shall be established to direct the Bretonian War Effort, coordinating all government departments, state corporations, police and military forces and all other Crown agencies in defence of the Realm and Empire of Bretonia. The War Cabinet shall consist of the Prime Minister, the Fleet Admiral and one other Admiral of the Armed Forces, the Chief and Deputy Commissioners of the Police Authority, the CEOs and a designated second of Border World Exports, Bretonia Mining and Manufacturing, Gateway Interstellar, and Planetform Inc., and shall be presided over and chaired by Her Majesty Queen Carina. The War Cabinet will have full executive powers to direct the forces under the Crown's authority in any way deemed neccessary for the War Effort. The War Cabinet shall meet at least weekly to guide the ongoing war effort.

Article II
Until further notice, the Leeds and Dublin systems shall be under Martial Law. Regular BPA operations in these systems are being withdrawn, and the BAF will have ultimate authority over civilian vessels in these two systems, in terms of restricting activity considered detrimental to the Bretonian War Effort. BAF BAF will have powers to demand that civilian ships in Leeds accept BAF escorts, or turn back from the system. Any civilian ships attempting to cross the blockade into Kusari-held territory with war-materials onboard may be shot on sight by BAF officers. Provisions put in place are also to allow for the BAF to assist in the typical BPA responsibilities of enforcing the Bretonian Constitution and Bretonian Charter of Interstellar Law.

Article III
The Civilian population on Planet Leeds, between the ages of 18 and 50, is to be mobilised into Civil Defence Corps by the Bretonian Armed Forces, in order to defend the Planet's surface in the event of Kusari invasion. Essential personnel in careers vital to the war effort will be exempt from this provision. Firearms and munitions are to be stockpiled on the planet in secure bunkers, and fortifications are to be constructed around key spaceports and faciliites.

Article IV
All heavy industry in Bretonia with the available capacity is to be nationalised and turned over to the production of munitions and ships for the war effort. This is to be coordinated under Bretonia Mining and Manufacturing and Border World Exports corportate structure. Farming industries on Planet Cambridge are to recieve similar government coordination and a rationing policy is to be implemented amongst the civilian populace in all systems.

Article V [Part of this Article is Classified under the Official Secrets Act and not publicly available]
Due to the increased Kusari presence in Tau, and the fall of Upper Leeds, the Orkney System is declared to be off limits to all non-authorised vessels. This is done to protect our last foothold in the Empire of Tau, and keep open supply lines to the Tau 23 BMM Site, and to prevent the Kusari from opening a new front against us in Edinburgh. Bretonia's sovereignty in the Ornkey System is to be enforced by official agents of the Bretonian Crown.

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Sir Stanley Nelson




<span style="color:#000066">Charles Canning </span><span style="color:#000066"> Foreign Secretary</span>