The United Kingdom Supreme Court has ruled that Boris Johnson’s suspension of Parliament was unlawful, in a stunning and historic blow to the Prime Minister.
Lady Hale, President of the UK Supreme Court, said in her ruling Tuesday that the prorogation came about in “exceptional circumstances.”
Parliament “has a right to a voice” as to how a rise in its sitting comes about, she added.
She said the effect on democracy of the prorogation was “extreme,” and that no evidence showed why such a long suspension was necessary.
The PM claims he shut down Parliament to prepare for a new session, but critics say it was to stifle opposition over Brexit.
UK politics has been in turmoil since it organised a referendum to exit the European Union. The process has consumed two PMs so far with Johnson on the chopping board.
In his speech to celebrate the Supreme Court decision Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn asked Johnson to “consider his position” and taunted him by saying he will be the shortest Prime Minister in the country’s history.
Other Members of Parliament have called on the Speaker to reconvene parliamentary immediately. The Supreme Court decision is a blow to the Brexit crowd including the PM who has said Britain can leave the continental body even without a deal.
Meanwhile, John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has said lawmakers must reconvene “without delay” after the Supreme Court’s stunning decision to not only rule Boris Johnson’s suspension unlawful, but to quash the prorogation entirely.
In a statement, Bercow said: “I welcome the Supreme Court’s judgement that the prorogation of Parliament was unlawful.”
“The judges have rejected the Government’s claim that closing down Parliament for five weeks was merely standard practice to allow for a new Queen’s Speech.”
“In reaching their conclusion, they have vindicated the right and duty of Parliament to meet at this crucial time to scrutinise the executive and hold Ministers to account,” he added.
Johnson who is attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York has been accused by commentators of lying to the queen.
