Parliament Prorogued: Scuffles And Bursts Of Song As MPs Protest Shutdown

Reading out the Queen’s Address, Lady Evans said: “My Lords, and members of the House of Commons, we are commanded to deliver to you Her Majesty’s speech in Her Majesty’s own words.

“My Lords and members of the House of Commons. My legislative programme has laid the foundation for the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union while pursuing wide-ranging domestic reform.

“Landmark legislation was passed and has now been commenced to repeal the European Communities Act.

“Other laws are in place to enable the United Kingdom’s smooth exit from the European Union, establishing new arrangements on international sanctions, nuclear safeguards, customs and reciprocal healthcare arrangements.

“Close to 600 statutory instruments have been made to ensure a functioning statute book following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.”

The unusually long period between the ceremony of prorogation and the Queen’s Speech on October 14 has provoked warnings about a lack of time to deal with Brexit matters ahead of the next deadline on October 31.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had hoped to call a general election for mid-October but failed twice to secure enough support from MPs for his idea.

Instead, MPs approved legislation which is designed to stop the government from forcing through a no-deal Brexit at the end of next month – something they feared the lengthy prorogation could have aided.

Unlike during a normal recess, recalling MPs in the event of an emergency is very difficult and would require a Royal Warrant.

The prorogation ceremony began in a bad-tempered manner with some MPs shouting “no” when Black Rod Sarah Clarke, the senior House of Lords officer tasked with leading the ceremony, asked MPs to visit the Lords.

With the ceremony ongoing in the Lords, a sing-off emerged in the Commons.