As predicted, Boris Johnson has decided to end the current parliamentary session (the longest in modern times), and trigger a new Queen’s Speech. Remainists are naturally going crazy, and talking of constitutional outrage.
But what does it actually mean for Brexit on 31 October? Is there time for fast-tracked, Bercow-enabled law that would either revoke Article 50, extend the deadline, or somehow prevent a “no deal”? What about passing a law that would stop prorogation itself? Is there even time left now in the parliamentary session?
We discuss all this and the finer details of the Fixed Term Parliament Act, and whether Boris has pulled a blinder.
Fixed Term Parliament Act 2011 – http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2011/14/enacted
House of Commons Library Briefing Paper on Prorogation – https://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CBP-8589
Andrew: https://twitter.com/no_coercion
Nic: https://twitter.com/MrNicElliott