PM poised to prorogue parliament again
The Prime Minister is poised to prorogue parliament for a second – shorter – time, in order to bring forward a Queen’s Speech on the same date of 14 October.
The government has been scrutinising the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that Number 10’s initial attempt to prorogue parliament for five weeks was unlawful. However the judgement stated that a shorter period, of just under a week, would be permitted.
A spokesman said Johnson “intends to request that the current session of Parliament be prorogued from the evening of Tuesday 8 October, with a Queen’s Speech on Monday 14 October”.
The Prime Minister 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.”
One source told City AM the date had been kept on ice to avoid timetable issues with the Queen.
Johnson and his team have repeatedly stressed the need for a Queen’s Speech to set out his “ambitious domestic agenda”. But until now they have insisted 14 October was not in play.
Main image: Getty