This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48936711

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Prorogation: How can the government suspend Parliament? Prorogation: How can the government suspend Parliament?
(6 days later)
Parliament will be suspended just days after MPs return to work in September, after the Queen agreed to a request from Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Parliament is due to be suspended, just days after MPs returned to work.
It means MPs will have less time to pass laws that could stop the UK leaving the European Union without a deal on 31 October. Known as prorogation, the closure will follow a High Court ruling that the prime minister's decision was "not an unlawful abuse of power".
That current exit date is written into law, so if nothing changes the UK will leave automatically - whether or not a deal has been reached. So, why is it happening?
Can the prime minister close Parliament?Can the prime minister close Parliament?
Yes, he can.Yes, he can.
The official term for shutting down Parliament is "proroguing".The official term for shutting down Parliament is "proroguing".
MPs do not vote to prorogue - it's a power that rests with the Queen, done on the advice of the prime minister.MPs do not vote to prorogue - it's a power that rests with the Queen, done on the advice of the prime minister.
So, it is within Mr Johnson's gift to ask the Queen to shut Parliament, dramatically reducing the influence of MPs. So, it is within Boris Johnson's gift to ask the Queen to shut Parliament, dramatically reducing the influence of MPs.
With Parliament not sitting, MPs would not be able, for example, to hold a vote of no confidence in the government.With Parliament not sitting, MPs would not be able, for example, to hold a vote of no confidence in the government.
How is Parliament normally closed?How is Parliament normally closed?
Parliament is normally prorogued once a year for a short period - usually in April or May.Parliament is normally prorogued once a year for a short period - usually in April or May.
During this time, all business stops, so most laws that haven't completed their passage through Parliament die a death (although some may be "carried over" to the next session).During this time, all business stops, so most laws that haven't completed their passage through Parliament die a death (although some may be "carried over" to the next session).
MPs keep their seats and ministers remain in position - but no debates and votes are held in Parliament.MPs keep their seats and ministers remain in position - but no debates and votes are held in Parliament.
This is different to "dissolving" Parliament - where all MPs give up their seats to campaign in a general election.This is different to "dissolving" Parliament - where all MPs give up their seats to campaign in a general election.
It's also different to a recess - a break in the Parliamentary session - which was due to take place this year from roughly 13 September - 8 October.It's also different to a recess - a break in the Parliamentary session - which was due to take place this year from roughly 13 September - 8 October.
So, in theory, prorogation only loses MPs up to seven parliamentary days. But, unlike recess dates which MPs get to approve, they will not be consulted.So, in theory, prorogation only loses MPs up to seven parliamentary days. But, unlike recess dates which MPs get to approve, they will not be consulted.
It's normal for new governments to shut down Parliament, in order to hold a Queen's Speech, which sets out its plans for the next year or so.It's normal for new governments to shut down Parliament, in order to hold a Queen's Speech, which sets out its plans for the next year or so.
The length of time varies - in 2016 Parliament was closed for four working days, while in 2014 it was closed for 13 days.The length of time varies - in 2016 Parliament was closed for four working days, while in 2014 it was closed for 13 days.
This year, Parliament would be suspended for about 23 working days before the new Queen's Speech on 14 October.This year, Parliament would be suspended for about 23 working days before the new Queen's Speech on 14 October.
While prorogation is normal, the timing of it in this case is "clearly hugely controversial", says Maddy Thimont-Jack at the Institute for Government think tank.While prorogation is normal, the timing of it in this case is "clearly hugely controversial", says Maddy Thimont-Jack at the Institute for Government think tank.
Why is it controversial?Why is it controversial?
As well as reducing the influence of the elected Parliament in a major decision, it could also make planning for a no-deal Brexit harder. As well as reducing the influence of the elected Parliament in a major decision, it could also make planning for the possibility of no-deal Brexit harder.
That's because the prime minister - without a sitting Parliament - will not be able to pass laws to cushion the impact of no deal. Such laws, for example, might deal with allocating extra money or resources.That's because the prime minister - without a sitting Parliament - will not be able to pass laws to cushion the impact of no deal. Such laws, for example, might deal with allocating extra money or resources.
It also brought the Queen right into the Brexit dispute. Normally, a prime minister's request to the Queen to prorogue is extremely straightforward. In fact, the House of Commons Library says it has been a formality in the UK for more than a century.It also brought the Queen right into the Brexit dispute. Normally, a prime minister's request to the Queen to prorogue is extremely straightforward. In fact, the House of Commons Library says it has been a formality in the UK for more than a century.
The government has defended the decision, saying that proroguing Parliament to enable a Queen's Speech will allow the PM to address domestic policies like NHS fundingThe government has defended the decision, saying that proroguing Parliament to enable a Queen's Speech will allow the PM to address domestic policies like NHS funding
But opponents say it is undemocratic and undermines MPs' ability to prevent a no-deal Brexit. Tory backbencher Dominic Grieve called the move "an outrageous act". Opponents, on the other hand, say it is undemocratic. When the decision to prorogue was first made public, many MPs were concerned it would limit the time available to find ways to block a no-deal Brexit.
Could it be stopped? However, despite having less Parliamentary time, MPs hope to pass legislation that seeks to extend the Brexit deadline before the suspension begins. A bill designed to stop no-deal Brexit is due to be passed next week.
Could prorogation be stopped?
In response to Mr Johnson's decision to prorogue, the former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major announced he would use the courts to try and overturn it.In response to Mr Johnson's decision to prorogue, the former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major announced he would use the courts to try and overturn it.
Joining forces with the anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller, Sir John said it is possible to legally challenge the advice the prime minister gave to the Queen. Joining forces with the anti-Brexit campaigner and businesswoman Gina Miller, Sir John said he would challenge the advice the prime minister gave to the Queen.
In a statement, Sir John said: "I promised that, if the prime minister prorogued Parliament in order to prevent members from opposing his Brexit plans, I would seek judicial review of his action. However, on 6 September High Court judges rejected the case.
An appeal is expected to be heard at the Supreme Court on 17 September.