Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 14:57 IST, September 30th 2019

Boris Johnson apologized to Queen following Supreme Court prorogation

Boris Johnson apologized to Queen following Supreme Court prorogation said sources to UK media. There is huge disquiet in Queen's household over the issue.

Reported by: Tanima Ray
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly apologised to the Queen after the Supreme Court ruled his decision to prorogue Parliament unlawful. A British Prime Minister requires the Queen’s approval to go ahead with such decisions. A source told the media that the Prime Minister at once dialled the Queen's number to tell her how sorry he was. Even before the Supreme Court ruling, there was reportedly huge disquiet in the Queen’s household over the parliamentary shutdown. Johnson is now as distrusted as David Cameron by the Queen, after the former PM recounted details of his private conversations with her while promoting his memoir, cited a Whitehall source.
Read: Boris Johnson: ‘Terrifying Limbless Chickens’ But Little Brexit

When Johnson prorogued the Parliament

Earlier this month, Johnson suspended or prorogued, Parliament for five weeks saying it was to allow for a Queen's Speech to outline policies of his new government. Opposition MPs and many members of his own Conservation Party had accused him to trying to escape parliamentary scrutiny during a crunch phase ahead of the October 31 Brexit deadline. Queen Elizabeth II, who is expected to formally give the go-ahead to all decisions, was not informed by the Supreme Court about the advice given by Johnson. Since they had already found that the effect of the prorogation was itself unlawful, it was a question they did not need to address. A day later, the MPs returned to the House of Commons.
Read: UK Court Rules PM Johnson Suspended Parliament Unlawfully

Advertisement

The US-style vetting process for appointment of judges

On the other hand, Boris Johnson has hinted that a US-style vetting process could be introduced for the appointment of judges to Britain's Supreme Court. Speaking to the media, he said that there was a need for more accountability to the system and it needs to be worked through. He also raised concerns over the political questions by the judges. The PM concludes that the lessons of America are relevant. Explaining why the judges are under scrutiny, Johnson said that though he respected the 11 justices ruling, they did choose to adjudicate on the question of whether or not Parliament should be using this particular period, to be discussing Brexit. As they did so, it seems that the justices are involving themselves in acute political matters at a time of national controversy. He also doubted the evaluation of the consequences of that judgment.

(With inputs from PTI)

Read: Iran Deal Should Be Renewed, Says Boris Johnson In United Nations

Advertisement

Also, read: Thomas Cook: Boris Johnson Admits Government Refused Bailout
 

19:44 IST, September 29th 2019