The Queen has approved a request from Boris Johnson’s Government to shut down Parliament, restricting MPs from blocking a no-deal Brexit.
The plan will pave the way for the government to hold a Queen’s Speech – laying out its plans – on 14 October.
“The royal orders – approved at Balmoral – state that parliament will be prorogued ‘no earlier than Monday 9th September and no later than Thursday 12th September’, meaning that it will retire sometime early the week after next,”
The Prime Minister denied that the decision to suspend Parliament was intended to ensure Britain leaves the EU without a deal.
In a letter to MPs, Boris Johnson called on MPs to show ‘unity and resolve’ to ensure Britain can get a ‘new deal’.
Dominic Grieve called Boris Johnson’s plan ‘outrageous’ and threatened to help bring down the Government, even if it means ushering in Jeremy Corbyn as PM
The speaker John Bercow said ‘shutting down Parliament would be an offence against the democratic process’. The Speaker also called into question Boris Johnson’s commitment to Parliamentary democracy. Former chancellor Philip Hammond said the move is ‘profoundly undemocratic’.
Leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn said:
“I am appalled at the recklessness of Johnson’s government, which talks about sovereignty and yet is seeking to suspend parliament to avoid scrutiny of its plans for a reckless No Deal Brexit. This is an outrage and a threat to our democracy.
“That is why Labour has been working across Parliament to hold this reckless government to account, and prevent a disastrous No Deal which parliament has already ruled out.
“If Johnson has confidence in his plans he should put them to the people in a general election or public vote.”
