A Scottish judge has refused to order a temporary halt to Boris Johnson’s plan to shut down the UK Parliament.
A group of 75 parliamentarians were seeking an interim interdict – similar to an injunction – at the Court of Session ahead of a full hearing.
Their request was declined by Lord Doherty, who said he was not satisfied there was a “cogent need” for an interdict.
However the full hearing will now be heard next Tuesday, rather than Friday.
Lord Doherty said this was because it was in the interests of justice, and in the public interest, for the case – which is opposed by the UK government – to proceed as quickly as possible.
But he said: “I am not satisfied that it has been demonstrated that there is a need for an interim suspension or an interim interdict to be granted at this stage.”
More than 70 MPs and peers have brought the legal challenge, headed by SNP MP Joanna Cherry and Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson, with support from the Good Law Project.
On Thursday, Aiden O’Neill QC, for the petitioners, urged the court to step in and stop the suspension of parliament, arguing it would prevent an “abusive” and “unconstitutional” use of government powers.
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