Court to rule on parly closure

BREXIT: JUDGE LOOKS ONLY AT ‘QUESTION OF LAW’, NOT EXIT DEAL

Britain’s Supreme Court began considering legal challenges yesterday to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s controversial decision to suspend parliament for over a month, as the country’s political crisis over Brexit intensifies.

The court started hearing three days of arguments over Johnson’s move last week to shutter, or prorogue, the House of Commons until October 14 – just two weeks before the country is scheduled to leave the European Union.

The politically charged case, unprecedented in Britain, could lead to parliament being recalled and Johnson’s political hand severely weakened in the run-up to the departure date.

The appeals revolve around “whether it was lawful for the prime minister to advise Her Majesty to order prorogation,” Supreme Court President Brenda Hale said.

“This is a serious and difficult question of law. We are not concerned with the wider political issues.

“The determination of this legal issue will not determine when and how the UK leaves the EU.”

At a small demonstration outside, protesters held up placards reading “Defend democracy”.

One was dressed as the Incredible Hulk – a reference to an analogy made by Johnson between the comic book character and Britain as it prepares to leave the EU.

It is not known when Britain’s highest court will reach a decision.

Johnson chaired a Cabinet meeting yesterday, the day after holding his first face-to-face talks with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.

Following the meeting in Luxembourg, he insisted there remained a “good chance” of striking a new divorce deal.

But Juncker’s office appeared more pessimistic, saying Britain must “come forward with legally operational solutions” to the existing agreement. – AFP