Boris Johnson asks Queen to suspend parliament - cutting time to block no-deal Brexit

Boris Johnson has asked the Queen to suspend parliament from the middle of next month, which will restrict MPs' ability to block a no-deal Brexit.

Under the government's plan, which has prompted a furious political row, parliament will be prorogued from the week beginning 9 September until 14 October.
This is the date on which a new Queen's Speech - detailing the legislative agenda of Mr Johnson's administration - will be held.
The move will see parliament lose a number of sitting days prior to the UK's scheduled departure from the EU on 31 October.
Asked if he was denying opposition MPs the time to stop a no-deal Brexit, the prime minister said: "No, that is completely untrue.

"We are bringing forward a new legislative programme on crime, hospitals, making sure we have the education funding we need."