Supreme Court Rules That Boris Johnson's Prorogation Of Parliament Was Unlawful

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that Boris Johnson's decision to suspend Parliament until 14 October was unlawful.

The ruling centred around Johnson's advice to the Queen to prorogue parliament, which the court concluded was not lawful, describing Johnson's actions as 'unlawful, void and to no effect'.

Lady Hale, announcing the verdict, said that effectively 'Parliament has not been prorogued' and it is now for the speakers of the Houses of Commons and Lords to 'take immediate steps to enable each house to meet as soon as possible' should they wish to.

She confirmed that it is the prerogative of Parliament to decide what to do next.

Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow immediately issued a statement that said: "As the embodiment of our Parliamentary democracy, the House of Commons must convene without delay. To this end, I will now consult the party leaders as a matter of urgency."

The Prime Minister and his supporters had argued to the court that the suspension was not a political matter and therefore not a court matter, while his opponents believed the Government's intention was to limit the amount of scrutiny Parliament would be allowed on Boris Johnson's Brexit plans.

The UK is due to leave the European Union on 31 October.

Throughout the legal challenges against his decision to suspend Parliament at this crucial time in the UK's politic history, Johnson has refused to rule out a second prorogation.

However, after this ruling it may be that the Prime Minister faces new calls to resign.

On this matter, Johnson has previously said that he would wait for the ruling to be made and that his government 'fully respects the law and fully respects the judiciary'.

During a three day hearing heard last week, the court heard two separate challenges, one from the campaigner Gina Miller arguing that any Brexit deal must be approved by Parliament.

The second was from the government.

This came after the English High Court ruled Johnson's prorogation a 'purely political' matter, whereas the Scottish Court of Session ruled it unlawful after a challenge was brought before them by a group of MPs across a variety of parties led by SNP MP Joanna Cherry.

The court upheld Miller's challenge but dismissed Cherry's.

That challenge contested that Johnson was using the suspension of Parliament in an effort to 'stymie' Parliament.

Mr Johnson is currently attending a UN summit on climate change in New York.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, Politics

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

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