Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Was Boris Johnson's move to prorogue parliament legal?
Position1 of 3›

No, it was illegal

This position holds that Boris Johnson's 2019 prorogation of Parliament was illegal. It argues that the move was without legal precedent and breached the British constitution — that he effectively lied to the Queen — a view the UK Supreme Court went on to uphold.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Boris Johnson was in breach of the British constitution
    The constitution does not allow a Prime Minister to prorogue parliament for the purpose of stymying debate and bypassing the democratic process.
  2. Boris Johnson had no legal precedent
    Parliament has never been prorogued for as long as Mr Johnson proposed, leaving it without legal precedent.
  3. Boris Johnson lied to the Queen
    Boris Johnson lied to the Queen in his request to prorogue parliament. He was not honest in his intentions for doing so, making the move unlawful.