Parliament set to be suspended for second time next week ahead of a Queen's Speech
2 min read
Parliament is to be suspended again - less than two weeks after the Supreme Court ordered MPs back to the Commons.
The Government confirmed a second attempt at prorogation will take place from close of business on October 8, to allow for a Queen’s Speech setting out the Government’s new legislative agenda the following week.
It is set to go ahead on 14 October, the initial date scheduled by Boris Johnson in the initial failed bid to shut down Westminster.
In contrast to the first attempt designed to last around six weeks, this second prorogation is due to last just six days.
Downing Street said the period was the "shortest time possible" to allow for preparations for a State Opening to take place.
They added that ministers aimed to make an agreed Brexit deal a "central feature" of the event, ahead of the EU Council summit to take place later in the week.
In a statement, Boris Johnson said: “I want to deliver on the people’s priorities.
“Through a Queen’s Speech, the Government will set out its plans for the NHS, schools, tackling crime, investing in infrastructure and building a strong economy.
“We will get Brexit done on 31 October and continue delivering on these vital issues.”
Mr Johnson was forced to allow MPs back to the Commons after the Supreme Court last week found the move to suspend Parliament from early September "unlawful".
Lady Hale, president of the court, said: "The court is bound to conclude that the decision to advise Her Majesty to prorogue Parliament was unlawful, because it had the effect of frustrating or preventing the ability of Parliament to carry out its constitutional functions without reasonable justification."
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