DROITWICH Labour Party has slammed the Prime Minister’s proroguing of Parliament, labelling it a ‘threat to the very core of our democracy’ and criticised Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston for his support of the move.
The party is also urging those in the town who disagree with the prorogation to sign the online ‘Do Not Prorogue Parliament’ petition which has already gleaned 1million signatures in less than a day.
Droitwich Labour spokesperson Helen Russell said: “This is clearly an attempt to stop Parliament debating Brexit and Boris Johnson is obviously trying to avoid Parliamentary scrutiny.
“This is an appalling threat to our democracy and sets a very dangerous precedent.”
Boris Johnson set in motion the suspension of UK Parliament on Wednesday morning, deciding there will be a new Parliamentary session from October 14.
The PM argues a new Parliamentary session needs to be opened so the Government can map out its plans for the term, which include ‘investing in the NHS, dealing with violent crime and cutting the cost of living’.
He has come under fire for both the decision and the length of time – some five weeks – with critics saying the move would give MPs just two weeks to use Parliamentary procedures before Brexit Day on October 31. They add it will increase the risk of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Mr Huddleston told The Standard he felt there had been a misunderstanding surrounding the proroguing of Parliament as the conference recess was due to start in mid-September and run until October and it was only a few extra days MPs would be away.
“Labour has been repeatedly saying we need a Queen’s Speech and we do – there is usually one every year.
“This has been the longest Parliamentary session in 400 years and this Government, with a new Prime Minister, needs the Queen’s Speech so we can clearly map out our domestic agenda.
“Brexit has already been discussed at length and there will be plenty of time before the recess and after it to debate the issues surrounding it.
“Also, the EU Council meeting takes place on October 17 and 18 so we can discuss that as well when Parliament returns.”
He said he, the Prime Minister and the Government were all determined to get an agreement to prevent the UK leaving without a deal.
And he criticised MPs of all parties for not supporting the deal former Prime Minister Theresa May had in place.
“I voted three times for that and all MPs had the chance to do the same – they are now the same ones who are vowing to do everything they can to prevent no-deal.”
Visit https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/269157 to sign the ‘Do Not Prorogue Parliament’ petition.
