Why Didn't the Queen Refuse to Allow the Parliament Prorogation? Is She a Covert Brexiteer?

Every once in a while, a major political event can leave us all questioning the roles and the actions of our leaders. One such event was the controversy surrounding the Queen's decision to allow the Parliament prorogation. Many wondered why the Queen, in her role as the head of state, would align her actions with her government's advice, particularly when it came to a matter of great public contention: Brexit. Let's delve into the reasons behind this action and explore whether the Queen could be seen as a covert Brexiteer.

Understanding the Role of the Queen

The Queen's position is a blend of tradition and constitutional law. Her role is to act as a symbol of unity and stability, representing the United Kingdom in its international affairs and serving as a moral compass at home. One of the key principles of the British constitution is the concept of her Majesty’s peace, which means that the sovereign must act according to the advice of her ministers, who are ultimately responsible for guiding the government. Therefore, on most occasions, the Queen follows the direction given by her prime minister, who has the confidence of the House of Commons.

Actions of the Queen During Prorogation

In the case of the Parliament prorogation, the Queen acted exactly as per protocol. Her prime minister, Boris Johnson, advised her to prorogue Parliament to pave the way for the UK's departure from the European Union without a deal. The Queen, in accordance with her role, signed the prorogation order on the advice given. This decision was not made in isolation but followed in line with established constitutional norms.

Public Contention and the Issue

The issue at hand, the prorogation of Parliament, was indeed a matter of significant public contention. The decision to prorogue Parliament and accelerate the process of Brexit raised eyebrows, especially considering the uncertainties and complexities of the situation. Many argued that this move was aimed at bypassing the need for parliamentary approval, which could lead to an irregular and potentially conflictive exit from the EU. The cry of a covert Brexiteer came from those who believed that the Queen was acting against the democratic process and the interests of the nation.

The Constitutional Argument

It is crucial to understand that the Queen is constitutionally bound to follow the advice of her government. Despite the intense public debate, her decision to prorogue Parliament was within her constitutional role. In the context of the UK's constitutional framework, the Queen’s role is largely ceremonial. This means that the actual work of governing falls on the prime minister and her cabinet. In this case, the prime minister's advice was to prorogue Parliament, and the Queen’s constitutional duty was to follow that advice.

Is the Queen a Covert Brexiteer?

The term "covert Brexiteer" implies that the Queen, despite her non-political stance, has some hidden or unexpressed support for the Brexit cause. However, the Queen's actions and statements during this period can be interpreted within the framework of her constitutional duties. If her prime minister advised her to prorogue Parliament, then she had no choice but to act in accordance with that advice. Not acting would have been seen as interference in government affairs, which is outside the scope of her constitutional role.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Queen’s decision to allow the prorogation was not a deviation from her constitutional duties but a reflection of the established constitutional norms of the United Kingdom. The role of the Queen is to act as a liaison between the government and the public, ensuring the stability of the nation. In a matter as contentious as the Brexit process, the Queen’s role was to follow the advice of her prime minister, who was elected to represent the democratic will of the people.

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References

This article is based on constitutional rights and governmental protocols as provided by resources from the official sources and legal bodies of the United Kingdom including the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and other constitutional legal documents.