Brexit: Boris Johnson denies lying to the Queen

London - Johnson said the current session of parliament was longer than any since the English Civil War in the 17th century.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday denied lying to Queen Elizabeth over the reasons for suspending the British parliament after a court ruled his decision was unlawful and opponents called for lawmakers to be recalled to discuss Brexit.
Since Johnson won the top job in July, Britain's Brexit crisis has spun more furiously, leaving investors and allies bewildered by an array of decisions that have pushed the once stable political system to its limits.
Parliament was prorogued - suspended - on Monday until October 14, a move Johnson's opponents said was designed to thwart their attempts to scrutinise his plans for leaving the European Union and to allow him to push through Brexit on October 31, with or without an exit deal to smooth the way.
Scotland's highest court of appeal ruled on Wednesday that the suspension was not lawful and was intended to stymie lawmakers, prompting opponents to question whether Johnson had lied to Elizabeth who must formally order the prorogation.
"Absolutely not," Johnson said when asked by a TV reporter if he had misled the queen, who is the world's longest reining monarch and is widely respected for more than 67 years of dedicated service during which she has stayed above the fray of politics.
Johnson said the current session of parliament was longer than any since the English Civil War in the 17th century, adding that lawmakers would have plenty of time to again discuss Brexit after an EU summit on October 17-18.
He said parliament was suspended to allow the government to present its legislative programme.