MP condemn’s prime minister’s decision to suspend Parliament

WARRINGTON South MP Faisal Rashid was among those who condemned the Government’s decision to suspend Parliament during a Westminister Hall debate.
The debate was held on two petitions relating to proroguing parliament – “Do not prorogue Parliament” and “The Prime Minister should advise Her Majesty the Queen to prorogue Parliament”.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to prorogue Parliament until the middle of October has been met with fierce opposition, even from within his own party, said Mr Rashid.
“ Many believe the Prime Minister is suspending Parliament to avoid scrutiny of its Brexit plans and force through a No Deal Brexit after being defeated in all five of his first parliamentary votes.
“Prorogation is a formal mechanism to end a session of parliament. It means parliament’s sitting is suspended and it ends all current legislation under discussion.
Mr Rashid described dthe mov4e as a “reckless and opportunist gamble.”
He said: “As always, it is the hard-working people of this country who will suffer most as a result. In the last few years, poverty, inequality and homelessness has been on the rise. Against this backdrop, parliament has been reduced to endlessly banging on about Europe under this Government.
“The Prime Minister has suspended parliament to try and take us out of Europe without a deal – while industry experts and the government’s own advisers warn of food shortages and limited access to medical supplies in the event of a No Deal Brexit.
“That they can proceed with such arrogance is astonishing. But after all, it won’t be their families on the breadline. It won’t be their livelihoods destroyed.
“The damage of a ‘no deal’ Brexit will not be temporary. It threatens profound systematic damage to our economy. The Bank of England says that this outcome will permanently—not temporarily, permanently—reduce the UK’s export potential.
“The Treasury believes that it will result in an economy 8 – 10 per cent smaller in 15 years’ time than if we remain within the European Union. The president of the National Farmers Union, Minette Batters, has said that it would be socially and economically catastrophic for farming in Britain. Make UK, the manufacturers organisation, has said that it would be disastrous for the majority of UK manufacturers and the livelihoods of the millions of people they employ and their families.
“To realise this disastrous outcome, the Government has resolved to gag parliament in these most critical days for our country. I will continue to work tirelessly to stop the government from destroying hard-working towns such as Warrington, who would be hit the hardest if we crashed out of the EU without a deal.
“That is why I have chosen to delay voting for a General Election in Parliament this week UNTIL leaving the EU without a deal has been ruled out. If we do not rule this out before calling a General Election, the Prime Minister can use prerogative powers or arrangements in relation to the date of the election to force through a no-deal Brexit on 31 October. This would be a catastrophe.”