Local MPs react to PM's suspension of Parliament

Date published: 28 August 2019


MPs across Greater Manchester have had their say about the controversial decision to suspend parliament from the middle of next month

The Queen's approved Boris Johnson's request to suspend Parliament for more than a month - during the run up to the Brexit deadline on the 31st October.

The Prime Minister says the decision has been made to allow him to set out his priorities for the next year, including plans for the NHS and policing across the country.

MP for Ashton, Angela Rayner has described the decision on Twitter as "A constitutional outrage"

"An unelected PM seeking to shut parliament down for his own political gain, this isn't taking back democracy this is destroying democracy."

Andrew Gwynne, MP for Reddish and Denton called the decision a "A very British coup".

"Our unelected Prime Minister decides to shut up shop in the midst of a national crisis.

So much for taking back control to our Sovereign British Parliament.  Whatever your views on the 2016 Referendum result, this is quite wrong."

Boris Johnson's decision has sparked anger amongst opposing parties, with some saying the stop on parliamentary decisions- is a smash and grab on democracy and a ploy to force through a no-deal Brexit. 

MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth Debbie Abrahams told the Oldham Chronicle "This is a profoundly undemocratic, unconstitutional and potentially illegal move by the unelected Prime Minister".

“Johnson’s actions are those of a despot, leading an elite clique, seeking to stage a coup. This Prime Minister is treating Parliament, its elected Members of Parliament and the citizens of this country with contempt. No one who voted to 'take back control' did so to see Parliamentary sovereignty undermined, with the people’s elected representatives shut out of decisions on Brexit."

Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton expressed his anger on social media, describing the matter as 'Pure gaming'.  He told his 19,000 followers "There isn’t a new government. There hasn’t been an election. There hasn’t been a successful vote of no confidence."

The PM has rejected claims he's deliberately trying to block MPs from stopping his Brexit plans.


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