Nicola Sturgeon: If Boris Johnson suspends Parliament it'll be 'dark day for democracy'

Nicola Sturgeon has branded reports Boris Johnson plans to suspend Parliament a 'dark day for democracy'

Nicola Sturgeon said Boris Johnson's reported move to suspended Parliament was a 'dark day for democracy'

Boris Johnson is expected to seek an extended suspension of Parliament ahead of the Queen's Speech on October 14 in a move which could hamper efforts by MPs to block a no-deal Brexit.

The Prime Minister's plan will be considered in a Privy Council meeting at the Queen's Balmoral estate, according to reports.

Responding to the news in a tweet, Ms Sturgeon wrote: "So it seems that Boris Johnson may actually be about to shut down Parliament to force through a no deal Brexit.

"Unless MPs come together to stop him next week, today will go down in history as a dark one indeed for UK democracy."

The First Minister then called out Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson. Ms Sturgeon tweeted: "Given her past statements opposing a no deal Brexit, it would be good to have confirmation from Ruth Davidson today that all Scots Tory MPs will back the cross party effort next week to stop it - and that they will also oppose Boris Johnson’s attempt to shut down Parliament."

Following a surprise announcement on Tuesday that Chancellor Sajid Javid will set out Whitehall spending budgets next week, speculation was also fuelled there could be a snap General Election.

Nicola Sturgeon said Boris Johnson's reported move to suspended Parliament was a 'dark day for democracy'

Ms Sturgeon told Boris Johnson to call one before the end of October.

The First Minister tweeted: "Bring it on. Have the courage of your convictions, Boris Johnson."Call an election now - with polling day before Oct 31 - and let the people vote. Or are you frit?"

The House of Commons is currently expected to resume sitting after its summer break on September 3 and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other opposition leaders have agreed to seek legislative changes to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

But, the Prime Minister will seek to suspend Parliament from around September 11 until the Queen's Speech - a process known as prorogation.

In response to the reports of a parliamentary suspension, Tory Party chairman James Cleverley said: "Or to put is another way: Government to hold a Queen's Speech, just as all new governments do."

Scottish Labour MP Ian Murray, one of the petitioners, said: "Boris Johnson's plan to suspend Parliament is an assault on our democracy."This is the people's Parliament and the people deserve to have their representatives in Parliament during this vital period. This is the opposite of taking back control."Legal action to prevent the Prime Minister suspending Parliament has already been fast-tracked through the courts and the legal team will now consider the appropriate next steps, including seeking interim orders."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie urged Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson to condemn the move by Mr Johnson."This is an Eton coup and a democratic outrage," he said.

"I hope that Ruth Davidson will join the chorus of condemnation that this decision deserves and confirm that Scottish Conservatives will oppose any measures to prevent parliament having its say.

"This process began with a democratic vote, it must not end with a behind closed doors stitch up."