The pound strengthened yesterday as the Supreme Court announced their verdict on prorogation, deeming it unlawful. However, sterling has lost those gains this morning as uncertainty weighs. The decision was unanimous with all 11 judges, who concluded that the government had suspended Parliament “because it had the effect of frustrating or preventing the ability of Parliament to carry out its constitutional functions without reasonable justification.” According to Lady Hale, the prorogation is now ‘void’.
Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, has now called for Parliament to reconvene today. Bercow has said that there will be no Prime Minister’s Questions, however urgent questions and ministerial statements will be heard. Several party leaders, including Jeremy Corbyn and Jo Swinson, have called for the Prime Minister to resign.
Johnson has responded to the court’s decision by saying that he doesn’t agree with it, but will “respect” it. He also still insisted that the UK will leave the EU by the 31st of October. The government’s approach to the ruling is expected to be outlined by the Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, later today.
Jeremy Corbyn has been urged by Labour front-benchers to call a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister today, if he refuses to resign. On the possibility of a general election, Corbyn has said that “it would be the height of irresponsibility to have a general election when we’re just days away from having to resolve the Brexit challenge.”
