On September 24, 2019, the UK Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s suspension of the legislature was unlawful. PM Johnson suspended, or prorogued, Parliament to terminate current negotiations and convene a new session on October 14th, 2019. While such a decision is not uncommon, imposing a 5 week long break and sharply limiting the ability of lawmakers to intervene in a high stakes dispute, is uncommon and was deemed unlawful. The Supreme Court’s ruling was another blow to the Prime Minister’s plans to deliver Brexit on October 31st, 2019, as it shortly follows Parliament’s vote to prohibit leaving the EU without an agreement.
The decision is both a rebuke for Boris Johnson and an extraordinary intervention by British judiciary in the political sphere. It is unclear exactly how lawmakers will use time for Brexit related matters, although they will continue efforts of exposing the repercussions of a no deal Brexit. Labor party leader Jeremy Corbyn has made no indication of trying to force PM Johnson out of office with a vote of no confidence, stating that elections shouldn’t be held until after Brexit is delayed in order to avoid further political uncertainty.
