Sindi Mules

More than 75 politicians - including new Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson and SNP MP Joanna Cherry QC - have put their name to a petition to stop any moves to ‘prorogue’ parliament, effectively ending any debate on the prospect of leaving the European Union without a deal.

At the Court of Session yesterday, Lord Doherty agreed to hear arguments from both sides on September 6th.

Sindi Mules, a partner at the firm - which is representing all the petitioners - said the Scottish courts had effectively given the go-ahead for a full substantive hearing on the issues raised by the case.

The petitioners want the courts to declare that it is “unconstitutional for any Minister of the Crown, including the Prime Minister, with the intention and aim of denying before Exit Day any further parliamentary consideration of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, to purport to advise the Queen to prorogue the Westminster Parliament”.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly refused to rule out proroguing parliament.

Ms Mules added: “The petitioners are delighted by the decision and look forward to getting across their views on 6th September.”

The petitioners are represented by the same team as brought the successful Wightman action, with Balfour and Manson instructing a team led by Aidan O’Neill QC and assisted by Professor Kenneth Armstrong.