One attempt to stop UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson from ‘proroguing’ – or suspending – Parliament for five weeks in September and October to help prevent lawmakers from thwarting his plan to take the UK out of the EU with or without a deal has itself been foiled by a top court in Scotland, which on Friday rejected a request to stop the prime minister’s plan, CNN reports.
The action was brought by a cross-party group of 70 lawmakers opposed to a ‘no deal’ exit who were seeking an injunction against the attempt to prorogue Parliament until a final decision had been reached, and is one of three legal challenges to Johnson’s plan to circumvent any challenges from Parliament.
However, the ruling shouldn’t be characterized as a defeat for Johnson. The judge in the case, Lord Raymond Doherty, ruled only that there is no need for an immediate order to block the plan, while moving forward a full decision on the matter until Thursday.
“I’m not satisfied that it has been demonstrated that there’s a need for an interim suspension or an interim interdict to be granted at this stage,” Doherty said, according to PA.
The suspension of Parliament is due to start Sept. 12, so opposing lawmakers have until then to secure a favorable ruling. And there are two other legal challenges currently moving forward. Next week, Gina Miller’s challenge will be heard on Sept. 5 – she will be joined in her campaign by former PM John Major, according to a tweet.
Court hearing re @BorisJohnson proroguing Parliament will be heard next Thursday 5th September. I will be adjoined by Sir John Major.
— Gina Miller (@thatginamiller) August 30, 2019
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One legal expert, Good Law Project Director Jolyon Maugham said Friday’s decision “just kicks the can a few days down the road.”
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage, founder of the Brexit Party and considered by some to be the ‘godfather’ of Brexit, complained about the ‘remainer sabotage’ on Twitter following the court cases.
Endless Remainer sabotage, we really do need to be free. https://t.co/hOdZGfbyDF
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) August 30, 2019
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That tweet was in response to petitioners in the Scottish court demanding that Johnson provide an affidavit explaining why he wants to suspend parliament, something that could open him up to cross examination, according to the FT.
With a full hearing now due before Scotland’s Court of Session next Tuesday and Gina Miller and John Major’s case set to be heard next Thursday, attention will now turn to Belfast’s High Court, which will hear another challenge later on Friday.
The legal challenges come as Johnson is trying to step up talks with the EU about possible modifications to the withdrawal agreement.
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