AN IMPROMPTU protest took place yesterday (Thursday August 29) as around 70 people voiced their concerns at the Prime Minister’s controversial decision to suspend parliament.
Protesters gathered on the steps of the Town Hall and were addressed by speakers including Labour parliamentary candidate Debbie Bannigan.
They walked through town and ended up outside the office of Mark Pawsey MP.
Beck Hemsley, who publicised the rally via social media, said: “It was humbling to see such a range of people in Rugby willing to stand up and be heard at such short notice. Lots of cars were honking support, and there was lots of friendship and cameraderie.
“It was a peaceful protest, a collective outcry of anger and frustration.
“I have never seen such a good turnout for such an impromptu short-notice protest in Rugby, and many are asking when the next one will be.”
On Wednesday, Boris Johnson set in motion the suspension of Parliament for five weeks ahead of October 31, the day the UK is due to leave the EU – meaning MPs will have less time to debate Brexit.
Mr Johnson wants to start a new parliamentary session, with a fresh programme, from October 14. Instead of a normal three-week autumn recess, Parliament will now wrap up some time around September 10.
Dr Bannigan said it was a direct attack on the civil rights of both Leave and Remain voters, adding: “The British people know this is a cynical misuse of power to avoid Parliament exercising its sovereignty – the sovereignty that we were told we would reclaim through Brexit.”
But Mr Pawsey responded: “The prorogation of Parliament will lead to the House of Commons sitting for only three fewer days than was scheduled. It is wrong for people to claim that the loss of these three days is somehow an affront to democracy.”
