House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has issued a blistering response to Boris Johnson after the UK Prime Minister announced he will suspend Parliament in just two weeks' time.
The Commons Speaker accused the Tory leader of a "constitutional outrage" after he took the audacious move while Mr Bercow was on a family holiday - and didn't tell him.
Mr Bercow added: "Shutting down Parliament would be an offence against the democratic process."
Mr Johnson has dramatically announced a Queen's Speech on October 14 after a month-long break for MPs - cutting short their chance to block no-deal Brexit .
Mr Bercow said in an angry statement: "I have had no contact from the Government, but if the reports that it is seeking to prorogue Parliament are confirmed, this move represents a constitutional outrage.
“However it is dressed up, it is blindingly obvious that the purpose of prorogation now would be to stop Parliament debating Brexit and performing its duty in shaping a course for the country.
"At this time, one of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history, it is vital that our elected Parliament has its say.
"After all, we live in a parliamentary democracy. Shutting down Parliament would be an offence against the democratic process and the rights of Parliamentarians as the people’s elected representatives. Surely at this early stage in his premiership, the Prime Minister should be seeking to establish rather than undermine his democratic credentials and indeed his commitment to Parliamentary democracy.
“My family and I are away on holiday and I will make no further comment at this stage.”
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