David Cameron warns Boris Johnson not to break law ahead of crucial Supreme Court ruling
‘He’s very busy. He knows my views on most things’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.David Cameron has warned Boris Johnson that breaking the law is “not a good idea” ahead of a critical ruling from the Supreme Court on the suspension of parliament.
In just days, the UK’s highest court will determine whether the prime minister’s decision to prorogue parliament until 14 October was unlawful.
Depending on the legal basis upon which the judges reach their conclusions, the Commons may have to reconvene if Downing Street, which has refused to rule out a second suspension, loses the case.
Mr Cameron, the former Tory prime minister, said he had been in contact with Mr Johnson since he entered Downing Street, and told him breaking the law was the wrong path to take.
Speaking to Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Mr Cameron added he had not yet had a one-to-one meeting with Mr Johnson, but said the pair had exchanged texts.
“He’s very busy. He knows my views on most things,” the former Conservative leader said. “No deal is not a good idea. Breaking the law is not a good idea. Focus everything you’ve got on getting that deal, and that’s what he’s doing, to be fair to him.
“The most important thing he is trying to do, he has my support for, which is going to Brussels, getting a deal, bringing that deal and trying to end this period of uncertainty and I wish him well as he does that.”
On the case, Labour’s shadow Brexit secretary and former director of public prosecutions Sir Keir Starmer, said: “I’m not sure why the judgement needs as much time as it’s being given – it’s fairly short, easy judgement, isn’t it?
“He’s lied to every other woman he’s ever met – why would he make an exception for the Queen? Proroguing overturned.”
A panel of 11 justices heard appeals over three days arising out of separate legal challenges in England and Scotland, in which leading judges reached different conclusions.
At the close of the unprecedented hearing on Thursday, the court’s president Lady Hale said the judges hope to give their decision early next week.
She said: “I must repeat that this case is not about when and on what terms the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
“The result of this case will not determine that. We are solely concerned with the lawfulness of the Prime Minister’s decision to advise Her Majesty to prorogue Parliament on the dates in question.
“As we have heard, it is not a simple question and we will now carefully consider all the arguments that have been presented to us.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments