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Brexit timetable: What will happen now Boris Johnson's plans to suspend parliament have been approved by the Queen?

Key dates in countdown to 31 October

Ewan Somerville
Wednesday 28 August 2019 16:40 BST
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Boris Johnson confirms prorogation of parliament

Boris Johnson will suspend parliament for five weeks from mid-September, in a move that further heightens the threat of a no-deal Brexit.

The prime minister’s plan would strip MPs of the ability to debate and pass laws in the run up to the 31 October deadline for Britain to leave the EU.

It was branded a “constitutional outrage” by John Bercow, the House of Commons speaker.

Wednesday’s announcement comes as the latest twist in a turbulent tale of events that began in April when Theresa May, the former prime minister, set the Halloween deadline after she failed to rally MPs behind her deal with Europe.

Here are the key dates in the countdown to 31 October, when the UK will leave the EU with or without a deal.

Early days of September

  • 3 September: MPs return to the House of Commons for their first session after summer recess.
  • 4 September: Sajid Javid, the chancellor, is due to unveil the annual autumn Budget in the House of Commons on government spending in 2020/21.
  • 9 September: Parliament likely to begin process for prorogation.
  • 10 September: Parliament will be suspended through until 14 October.

Conference season

With parliament out of action, party conference season – a staple event in the political calendar – will take on even greater significance, with every leader due to make important speeches on Brexit developments.

The importance of the speeches are raised further by growing speculation of an impending general election, meaning leaders could use the opportunity to make bold policy statements.

  • 17 September: Jo Swinson likely to give a speech at Lib Dem conference.
  • 21 September: The Labour party conference begins in Brighton.
  • 25 September: Jeremy Corbyn likely to give a speech.
  • 2 October: Boris Johnson likely to give a speech.

Parliament returns

  • 14 October: State Opening of Parliament, including the Queen’s Speech.
  • 21 and 22 October: Parliament will then likely hold a series of votes on the Queen’s Speech.
  • 31 October: UK due to leave the EU.

Additional reporting by Press Association

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