The Guardian reports:

The Commons Speaker, John Bercow, issued a stinging criticism of Boris Johnson’s intention to prorogue parliament, describing it as a constitutional outrage aimed at preventing MPs from debating Brexit.

In a furious statement he said he had not been consulted by the prime minister, who he said risked undermining his democratic credentials.

Bercow is expected to ensure the Commons has a chance to discuss the move, and table legislation to combat no deal, as soon as it returns from the summer recess.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The Speaker, who is away on holiday, added: “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.” [Continue reading…]