Protests and plots: Opponents escalate planning to halt No Deal Brexit

Tens of thousands of ­protesters demonstrated across Britain yesterday against Boris Johnson’s controversial plan to ­suspend parliament.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed a crowd of more than 2,000 in George Square in Glasgow, one of more than 30 cities and towns – including Edinburgh, London and Belfast – where demonstrations were held.

Crowds holding banners also ­gathered outside Balliol College in Oxford, where Mr Johnson studied at university.

There was even a demonstration staged at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

The protests were held to voice ­opposition to Mr Johnson’s plan to suspend, or prorogue, Westminster for five weeks, cutting the amount of time opponents of no-deal Brexit will have before the deadline to reach agreement with the EU on October 31.

Today, writing in The Sunday Post, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says his decision to suspend parliament “chills the blood” but rejected suggestions the move would justify Scotland ­staging an unauthorised independence referendum.

Instead, she says, the Scottish Government will press ahead with plans for a referendum on Scottish independence but will act in a “calm, considered and consensual way”.

In Glasgow, Mr Corbyn said: “Demonstrations are taking place every­where because people are angered and outraged about what is happening…Angered that the government and a Prime Minister elected by 93,000 ­members of the Tory party is trying to hijack the needs, aims and aspirations of 65 million people.

“Well, think on, Boris, it’s not on and we’re not having it. Fundamentally, this is an issue of democracy.

“However you voted in 2016 and however you voted in 2017, however you vote in any future election of any sort – the important thing is you should have your voice and your say and your rights.

“One thing I’m absolutely clear on is that nobody voted to lose their rights or give up on democracy.”

Mr Corbyn paid tribute in his speech to the history of protest in George Square by justice and civil rights campaigners.

He said: “Today we are standing in the footsteps of those who have gone before us to achieve that justice and those rights.

“I’m proud to be here with all of you supporting that, to say to Boris Johnson, ‘No way, it’s our parliament. No way do you take us out without a deal – we will stop you and give the people their rights and their say to determine their future’.”

Mr Corbyn, at the end of a three-day visit to Scotland, called for all parties to come together in the House of Commons on Tuesday, when parliament reconvenes after the summer recess, to prevent a no-deal Brexit.

He also said the Government should “stand aside” for a general election, arguing it does not have the confidence of a majority of people or of MPs.

Yesterday’s protests were triggered by Mr Johnson’s decision to suspend parliament for up to five weeks ahead of the October 31 Brexit deadline.

Opponents claim he wants to ­prevent cross-party efforts to block a no-deal Brexit, an allegation denied by No 10. Ministers says the suspension is only five days longer than usual during the party conference season, is routine before a Queen’s speech and that opponents of a no-deal Brexit will have plenty of time to debate in parliament.

Mr Johnson has warned that efforts to frustrate Brexit on October 31 would be seized on by Brussels to avoid ­offering a good deal.

However, MPs returning to Westminster this week are expected to attempt to rush through a bill designed to stop the UK from leaving the EU without a deal.

According to reports, Tory rebels will be immediately disqualified from standing for their party again at the next general election if they don’t back the Government.

But the No 10 decision was criticised by former Chancellor Philip Hammond, who has been a vocal opponent of a no-deal Brexit.

Mr Hammond wrote on Twitter yesterday: “If true, this would be staggeringly hypocritical: eight members of the current cabinet have defied the party whip this year.

“I want to honour our 2017 manifesto, which promised a ‘smooth and orderly’ exit and a ‘deep and special partnership’ with the EU.

“Not an undemocratic no deal.”

This week he will face three ­separate legal challenges in Edinburgh, London and Belfast to his decision to prorogue Westminster.

Last week in Edinburgh Judge Lord Doherty rejected a call for an interim interdict to block the suspension of parliament, but said a full hearing would take place on Tuesday.

A separate challenge by businesswoman Gina Miller will be held in London on Thursday. She is being backed by former Prime Minister Sir John Major.

Mr Johnson could also face a vote of no confidence by MPs this week.

But his former Tory leadership rival Rory Stewart said he would not be prepared to see Mr Corbyn as an interim prime minister to avoid a no-deal Brexit.

The MP for Penrith and the Border said: “I can’t quite see how it would help at all.

“If what we want to do is stop a no-deal Brexit, we can introduce ­legislation on Tuesday and Wednesday to stop a no-deal Brexit.

“A Jeremy Corbyn government is completely irrelevant to the question of stopping a no-deal Brexit.”

He said a no-deal scenario will be viewed in future in a similar way as Margaret Thatcher is remembered in some areas of the country.

“The Tory no-deal will become for 40 years a huge explanation for almost every­thing going wrong in our society. And, on the other hand, Remain would do the same thing.”

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has claimed European leaders would be willing to give another Brexit extension to avoid no-deal.

He said he believes they will remove the October 31 deadline so MPs can vote against a no-deal Brexit.