MPs representing constituencies within Caerphilly County Borough have condemned the Prime Minister’s decision to suspend Parliament.
On Wednesday, August 28, Boris Johnson announced the suspension parliament for five weeks during September and October in order to guarantee the UK’s exit from the European Union on October 31.
The Prime Minister has insisted his actions are to prepare for a new session of Parliament to bring forward a new legislative agenda.
However, Mr Johnson’s actions have attracted fierce opposition.
Caerphilly MP Wayne David said: “This is a disgraceful decision. It is a crude attempt to prevent Parliament taking decisions which Boris Johnson, an unelected Prime Minister, may not like.
“There is a clear majority in Parliament against a disastrous no-deal Brexit and Boris Johnson knows this. But rather than listen to the country’s Parliament, he is committing a constitutional and democratic outrage.
“Never in modern times has a Prime Minister behaved in such an appalling way. This takes us back to the 17th century and the English Civil War.”
Mr David added: “Make no mistake about it, a no-deal Brexit would have hugely negative consequences for the Caerphilly constituency.
“Food prices would go up, there could well be food shortages, medicines will be in short supply, criminals will have a field day, young people will have fewer opportunities, jobs will be lost and the economy will suffer a massive body blow.
“There is no way I will sit back and allow this to happen. Nobody in Caerphilly voted in favour of such a doomsday scenario.”
Gerald Jones MP, who represents the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency, said: “It is outrageous, not to mention dictatorial, that Johnson and his dreadful government are trying to shut down Parliament in this way, to force through a reckless and catastrophic no-deal Brexit.
“Earlier this week I joined over 250 MPs from across parties, and from every corner of the UK, to sign the Church House Declaration, pledging to stop Johnson gagging Parliament and forcing through his chaotic no-deal.
“The damage caused by a No-deal Brexit like this government is pursuing would be felt much worse in areas like ours, and make the communities I represent poorer – MPs have a duty to do what they believe is best for their constituents, and I simply cannot support a no-deal exit which would cause huge damage to our area and place those I represent at risk.”
Meanwhile, Islwyn MP Chris Evans said: “I signed the Church House Declaration simply because I believe at this critical time, Parliament should be sitting as much as possible to scrutinise the government’s plans.
“To prorogue at this time is a grave error. We are still no clearer to understanding how the Prime Minister intends to proceed in negotiations.
“Little over two months away from the proposed date Britain leaves the European Union, the moves by the Prime Minister are deeply concerning.”