THE GIST of Editorial for UPSC Exams : 19 September 2019 (UK govt insists suspension of Parliament was not illegal (The Hindu))

UK govt insists suspension of Parliament was not illegal (The Hindu)

Mains Paper 2 : International
Prelims level: Prorogation
Mains level: In terms of prorogation highlights the current status of Brexit

Context

• British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has prorogued Parliament for five weeks (till October 14).
• It is seen as an attempt to silence elected representatives on the key issue of Britain’s future ties with the European Union (EU).
• It will limit parliament’s ability to derail his Brexit plan by cutting the amount of time it will sit before EU exit day on October 31.

Define prorogation

• Prorogation is to bring a parliamentary session to end by the monarch on the advice of the government.
• Usually, Parliament is prorogued every year. But last year, then PM Theresa May didn’t recommend prorogation due to Brexit debates.
• This year, Queen Elizabeth II approved the Johnson government’s request, which he says that prorogation was long overdue.

What does it mean for Brexit?

• It has effectively curtailed lawmakers’ opportunities to reject his Brexit plans.
• This would have been a crucial time for rebel MPs to come up with legislation against a no-deal Brexit, which Mr Johnson has not ruled out.
• There’s an EU summit on October 17 and 18 in which Mr Johnson could seek a fresh Brexit deal.
• After the summit, if he has a new deal, he will present that to the lawmakers, which means the MPs will get only 9 working days to either pass or reject the deal.
• It is not sure whether PM Johnson will even have a Brexit deal that’s different from Ms. May’s deal.
• Thus, the threat of no-deal will be hanging over lawmakers.

What is the current status of Brexit?

• When PM Theresa May proposed deal that provides 21-month transition period for Brexit, MPs rejected her deal thrice. They failed to come up with an alternative plan either. The deadline for Brexit was extended to 31 October.
• The only thing they agreed regarding Brexit was to oppose a no-deal Brexit.
• In a no-deal scenario, the UK would immediately leave the EU with no agreement about the transition process.
• Now, to avoid a no-deal Brexit on 31st October, the UK government must pass a Brexit divorce plan into law, obtain another extension from the EU, or cancel Brexit.

Way ahead

• Legal bids to halt the suspension of Parliament was filed in Scotland and London.
• Scotland and London judges rejected the request for a temporary injunction.
• The appeal of the rulings will go directly to the U.K Supreme Court.

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Prelims Questions:

Q.1) Consider the following statements about “Bumphead Parrotfish”:
1) It is legally protected in India.
2) It is Vulnerable as per IUCN Status.
3) Bumphead Parrotfish causes bio-erosion, with negative consequences on the coral reefs.

Which of the above is / are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) All 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B
Mains Questions:
Q.1) Define prorogation. What does it mean for Brexit?