Nicola Sturgeon accuses PM of acting like dictator on ‘dark day for democracy’

Nicola Sturgeon has hit out at the Prime Minister over his bid to suspend Parliament, accusing Boris Johnson of acting like a “dictator” by pushing through an “outrageous assault on basic democratic principles”.

The Scottish First Minister joined a chorus of outrage at the PM’s plan, which would see the Commons shut down for more than a month in the run-up to Britain’s European Union departure date.

The Prime Minister’s actions make it “clearer than ever that Scotland cannot be properly served by a shambolic, crumbling Westminster system, and that our future lies as an independent country”, she added.

Mr Johnson, however, insisted there would still be “ample time” for MPs to debate Brexit either side of a crunch EU summit on October 17 – despite seeking a parliamentary suspension from around September 11 until the State Opening on October 14.

But Commons Speaker John Bercow labelled the move a “constitutional outrage”, saying he had not been consulted.

And Ms Sturgeon said: “This is a dark day for democracy. Attempting to shut down Parliament to force through a no-deal Brexit is an outrageous assault on basic democratic principles.

“In doing so, Boris Johnson is acting more like a dictator than a prime minister in what is still supposed to be a parliamentary democracy.

“Instead of this abuse of process Boris Johnson should have the courage of his convictions and call a general election.”

The SNP leader pledged the PM’s plan would be “fiercely resisted” by her party and other opposition politicians in the House of Commons, urging Conservatives who are “concerned about the direction their party and government is taking” to speak out against the Government.

Ms Sturgeon also called on Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson to join in actions to try to halt Mr Johnson, stating that she “keeps telling us she opposes a no-deal Brexit – today she must say what she will do to help stop it”.

SNP depute leader Keith Brown however claimed that the Scottish Conservative chief had “gone into hiding”, along with other leading figures in her party.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack cancelled media interviews which had been scheduled to take place in Edinburgh on Wednesday morning.

Mr Brown hit out: “The Scottish Tories are too scared to defend the shocking and unprecedented actions of their own government – choosing to hide in their bunker rather than answer to the public.”

Amid the outcry a group of more than 70 cross party MPs and peers launched a legal bid to try to stop Mr Johnson from proroguing Parliament.

Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project, which is supporting the move, confirmed a motion had been filed at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

One of the politicians involved, Labour Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray, said: “Boris Johnson’s plan to suspend Parliament is an assault on our democracy.

“This is the people’s Parliament and the people deserve to have their representatives in Parliament during this vital period.”

Meanwhile, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie hit out at what he branded “an Eton coup and a democratic outrage”.

He added: “I hope that Ruth Davidson will join the chorus of condemnation that this decision deserves and confirm that Scottish Conservatives will oppose any measures to prevent Parliament having its say.”

Scottish Greens co-Leader Patrick Harvie said: “Boris Johnson led a Leave campaign which cheated and broke the law to win.

“It’s no surprise that now he’s the Prime Minister he is continuing his assault against democracy.

“If we need to ‘take back control’ from anyone, we need to take it back from him.”

Scottish Conservative constitution spokesman Adam Tomkins said the party’s opponents were “being predictably hysterical” about the PM’s plan.

The Tory MSP added: “And, of course, Nicola Sturgeon wasted no time in using this as another way of agitating for independence.

“MPs within Labour, the SNP and the Lib Dems need to remember they were presented with three opportunities to vote for a deal, and they spurned that opportunity each time.

“The aim is still to strike a deal with the EU and, if and when that happens, there will be plenty of time for MPs to either vote for that, or vote for a no-deal Brexit.”