Constitutional law

The conflict between legal & political obligations is at the root of the current crisis, says Geoffrey Bindman QC

MPs face ‘unprecedented threats’, with many reporting persistent online abuse, according to a ‘snapshot’ report last week by the Institute for Government thinktank. 

MPs have defeated a second attempt by the prime minister to trigger an October election, demanded the government adhere to the rule of law and backed a motion calling for the publication of government communications relating to the prorogation of Parliament and the government’s own Operation Yellowhammer plans for a no-deal Brexit.

Fears of a no-deal Brexit mounted this week during a tumultuous session in Parliament. 

Michael Zander QC explains the current state of affairs playing out in Parliament

The Scottish Court of Session has ruled the five-week prorogation of Parliament lawful, ahead of a High Court challenge to be brought by businesswoman Gina Miller and two MPs later in the week.

Two separate legal challenges to the five-week prorogation of Parliament began this week, amid rising concern about Britain’s economic future following a no deal Brexit

Could a legal challenge to the proroguing of Parliament succeed? Michael Zander considers the arguments

Michael Zander reacts to the announcement that Parliament is to be prorogued on 10 September

Updated code underlines PM's Brexit commitments