The Supreme Court finally delivered their verdict today about whether Boris Johnson’s suspension of Parliament had been legal or not, and kinda surprisingly unanimously found that it was 100% illegal. Really didn’t see that coming.
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I’m not gonna pretend to understand everything about the political and constitutional ramifications of this verdict, but I imagine Boris Johnson will probably just ignore it like he’s ignored everything else during his chaotic reign as Prime Minister and just continued bumbling around and screwing everything up. Wonder if he’s even awake to hear this considering he’s in New York right now? Probably hasn’t even been to bed and is up partying all night with Jennifer Arcuri hey?
Anyway, that’s my analysis of it, here’s some live tweets on how it went down courtesy of the BBC that probably make stuff a little more clear:
Lady Hale and justices in court. Lady Hale: It is important once again to emphasise that these cases are not about Brexit. “They are only about whether the advice given by the PM to the Queen that Parliament should be prorogued was lawful.”
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: This may be a one-off case.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: 15 August, Nikki da Costa, legislative director to the PM, sent a memo to Mr Johnson, recommending prorogation as per the terms we now know – ie 5 weeks. Pm advised The Queen to prorogue on 28 Aug. Privy Council met Queen at Balmoral & she agreed the order.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: Parliament returned on 3 Sept, knowing it was facing prorogation, and rushed through the no-deal blocking Act. London’s High Court dismissed Gina Miller’s challenge to prorogation – but Edinburgh Court of Session said the opposite.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: We convened a panel of 11 – the max number. THIS IS A UNANIMOUS JUDGEMENT: The question of whether prorogation is justiciable? YES IT IS.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
(That means the PM has LOST on the FIRST limb of the case.) Lady Hale: this court has concluded this case “is about the limits on the power to advise the Queen to prorogue Parliament”.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: The conduct of government, by PM, accountable to Parliament, lies at the centre of Westminster democracy.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: A decision to prorogue will be unlawful **if** it frustrates without reasonable justification the ability of Parliament to carry out its constitutional functions [to hold government to account].
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: ***This was not a normal prorogation. It prevented Parliament from carrying out its constitutional role.*** Parliament has not been able to hold ministers to account, ask questions and bills have been lost.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: “this long suspension of parliamentary sovereignty took place in quite exceptional circumstances … parliament has a right to a voice. The effect on sovereignty has been extreme.”
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: There has been no explanation from the government about why the PM needed a five-week prorogation.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: The court is bound to conclude that the decision to advise The Queen to prorogue Parliament WAS UNLAWFUL.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
PRIME MINISTER LOSES PROROGATION CASE – **UNANIMOUS JUDGMENT** OF THE SUPREME COURT’S 11 JUSTICES. Jaws are dropping in court.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: What is the remedy? What must happen now? She says the Order in Council, closing Parliament, is quashed. The prorogation is VOID. “Parliament has not been prorogued. This is the unanimous decision of all 11 justices.”
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Lady Hale: “It is for Parliament and the Speakers of the Houses to decide what happens next.”
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
THIS IS THE WORST OUTCOME FOR THE PRIME MINISTER. GASPS IN COURT. EVEN APPLAUSE. STUNNED.
— Dominic Casciani (@BBCDomC) September 24, 2019
Damn. Another great twist in the latest season of Brexit. Can’t wait to see what happens next, even though I doubt it’s going to be good whether you’re a Remoaner or Brexiteer. The entertainment doesn’t stop though – just a shame we all weren’t so invested in the outcome.
For more of the same, check out when Boris Johnson vowed to make Britain the greatest place on Earth. Good luck pal.
