Sir John Major has warned that Boris Johnson might try to use “political chicanery” to get round a law requiring him to ask Brussels for a Brexit delay. The former prime minister said that Mr Johnson could pass an order of council — which are made by the privy council — to suspend the legislation that blocked a no-deal exit. The device, which would not need the Queen’s approval, would be a piece of “political chicanery that no one should ever forgive and forget”, Sir John said. Previously it has been suggested that the government could use legislation in the Civil Contingencies Act to suspend statute law, such as by declaring a national emergency. Alternatively Mr…

Source: The Times September 26, 2019 23:03 UTC