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John Bercow: Suspending Parliament is a ‘constitutional outrage’

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, has called the planned suspension of Parliament a “constitutional outrage” in an extraordinary intervention.

In an angry statement, the Speaker said: “I have had no contact from the Government, but if the reports that it is seeking to prorogue Parliament are confirmed, this move represents a constitutional outrage.

“However it is dressed up, it is blindingly obvious that the purpose of prorogation now would be to stop Parliament debating Brexit and performing its duty in shaping a course for the country.

“At this time, one of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history, it is vital that our elected Parliament has its say.

“After all, we live in a parliamentary democracy.

“Shutting down Parliament would be an offence against the democratic process and the rights of Parliamentarians as the people’s elected representatives.

“Surely at this early stage in his premiership, the Prime Minister should be seeking to establish rather than undermine his democratic credentials and indeed his commitment to Parliamentary democracy.

“My family and I are away on holiday and I will make no further comment at this stage.”

The Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, has written to The Queen expressing his concern over the planned prorogation of Parliament.

Mr Corbyn, who is leader of the Labour Party, has also requested a meeting with the monarch.

In his letter to The Queen, Mr Corbyn said: “There is a danger that the royal prerogative is being set directly against the wishes of a majority in the House of Commons.”

He ended his letter by questing a meeting with the 93-year-old monarch before reaching a decision.

Mr Corbyn will be hoping that The Queen resists attempts by the Prime Minister to shut down Parliament.