United Kingdom and Gibraltar European Union membership referendum
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Two months before Britain's plans to leave the EU, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered a forced break in London. Many parliamentarians were angry. And many citizens do not want to accept this, in their eyes undemocratic, step.
Queen Elizabeth II agreed on Wednesday to Johnson's request to extend the traditional parliament break until October 14. The decision gives MEPs far less time than they would like to prevent unregulated Brexit. Johnson thinks that is possible. Critics say he is actively advancing him.
The anger over the compulsory break for the parliament is growing. An online petition against the controversial measure was signed by more than a million people within hours.
For the weekend, new demos are announced
Thousands of people took to the streets in several cities on Wednesday evening. In London, protesters gathered near Parliament and Johnson's office on Downing Street. They called for an end to the "coup" and waved European flags. There were also peaceful protests from many other cities in the UK, including Manchester, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Birmingham and Liverpool. For the weekend, the organizers have already announced further, even larger demonstrations.
The reactions of the political opponents are also more than clear. Parliament President John Bercow, who was not informed about the planned compulsory break for the Parliament, described the extended break as a "constitutional frustration". It was obvious that the government wanted to prevent Parliament from debating about Brexit and "doing its duty" in setting the country's course.
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Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn called the forced break a "scandal" and accused Johnson of smashing democracy to "force a no-deal Brexit". Corbyn had announced a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister next week. Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Wollaston accused Johnson of behaving "like a minor dictator." In hectic conferences, Tory MPs and opposition parties tried to forge a "rebel alliance" on Wednesday as quickly as possible, as several British media report.
Johnson does not want to see any reason for all the excitement
Against plans for a forced longer parliament break had already formed resistance on Tuesday. Some 160 MPs signed a statement cautioning Johnson against bypassing the lower house. Such a move would trigger a "historic constitutional crisis," they warned.
Johnson did not seem to be impressed by this pre-protest protest - and unflinchingly announced his plan on Wednesday. He himself dismissed the accusation of nullifying Parliament as "completely untrue". One government official stressed that the longer parliamentary recess meant that only four days of sitting were lost.
In the video: "There will be plenty of time to discuss Brexit
AFP
Finally, many Johnson opponents are also considering legal action against the Prime Minister's plan. For example, former Prime Minister John Major is one of those critics who want to seek legal advice. The prospects, however, are uncertain. Parliament itself can not prevent its compulsory break.