Court rejects challenge by opponents of UK parliament suspension

A Scottish court has dismissed a move to stop the UK government from suspending parliament, but similar motions have been filed in London and Belfast.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Source: AP

A Scottish court has rejected a motion aimed at blocking Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plan to suspend parliament from mid-September to mid-October.

Judge Lord Doherty of the Court of Session in Edinburgh decided against issuing an interim interdict - Scotland's equivalent of an injunction - that would prevent the suspension of parliament pending a full hearing set for September 6, news agency PA reported.

The lawsuit was filed earlier this summer and backed by 75 British MPs.

Lord Doherty outside the Court of Session in Edinburgh where oversaw the legal bid. Source: AAP

Johnson on Wednesday said the break was necessary for his government to be able to formally launch its legislative agenda for the coming year.

Critics deem the plan an attempt by Johnson to rob opposition politicians of time to block a no-deal Brexit, meaning Britain would leave the European Union on October 31 without a negotiated settlement.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Source: AP

Similar bids to block the suspension have been filed with the High Courts in Belfast and London. Former conservative prime minister John Major said Friday that he would support such an endeavour.