This archive report was first published on 24 September 2019.
On September 24, 2019, the UK Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling that dealt a significant blow to Boris Johnson's Brexit plans.
The court's decision, which was announced on Tuesday, found that Johnson's decision to suspend parliament was unlawful and had the effect of frustrating or preventing the ability of parliament to carry out its constitutional functions without reasonable justification.
The ruling was a response to multiple legal challenges that were announced after Johnson announced the suspension of parliament on August 28, while most MPs were still away on their summer holidays.
The court's 11 judges decided that they had the power to issue a ruling, citing the fact that the courts have exercised a supervisory jurisdiction over the lawfulness of acts of the government for centuries.
Johnson's decision to suspend parliament was seen as a bid to limit the scope for MPs to have a say on his hardline Brexit strategy, which was widely interpreted as a move to undermine the UK's constitutional order.
The court's ruling has significant implications for Johnson's plans to deliver Brexit by October 31, and it sets a precedent that will make it difficult for him to suspend parliament again in the future.
According to the court, the circumstances were 'exceptional' due to the looming prospect of Brexit, which is a 'fundamental change' for the country.
Parliament 'has a right to have a voice in how that change comes about,' the court said.
As a result of the ruling, House of Commons speaker John Bercow has asked parliamentary authorities to make preparations for MPs to resume their proceedings from 1030 GMT on Wednesday.
Bercow said the judges had 'vindicated the right and duty of parliament to meet at this crucial time to scrutinise the executive and hold ministers to account.'
