Johnson\'s decision to suspend parliament attacked by Major.

Johnson's decision to suspend parliament attacked by Major.

Boris Johnson's decision to suspend parliament in the run-up to Brexit has come under attack from former leader Sir John Major.

The court began hearing a third and final day of legal arguments on whether the suspension, or prorogation, was unlawful. A lawyer representing Major has now spoken. 

The Supreme Court case stems from Johnson's decision to ask Queen Elizabeth to prorogue parliament from Sept. 10 to Oct. 14, on the grounds that he needed the time to prepare a new legislative agenda.

Johnson's opponents say the real reason why he sought the suspension was to prevent parliament from interfering with his Brexit strategy, and that he unlawfully misled the sovereign with his advice.

If Johnson loses the case, he may be compelled to recall parliament earlier than scheduled, giving additional time for legislators to scrutinise and oppose his plans to lead Britain out of the European Union, with or without a divorce deal, on Oct. 31.

Before the suspension, Johnson suffered one defeat after another in parliament, where he has no majority. Most members of the House of Commons are opposed to a so-called "no-deal Brexit" scenario, predicting that it would cause economic damage and severe disruption, including to food and medicine supply chains.

A ruling could come late on Thursday at the earliest, but is more likely to be delivered in the following days. The 11 justices have given no indication of how long they would take.

Published: by Radio NewsHub
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