Boris Johnson news - live: PM ‘could refuse to recall parliament’ even if Supreme Court rules it unlawful, as government admits it cannot meet Brexit ultimatum

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Government QC says parliament might not be recalled even if prorogation ruled unlawful

Boris Johnson could refuse to recall parliament even if the Supreme Court rules that his decision to suspend it was unlawful, the government has said.

Speaking shortly before the 11 judges hearing the case retired to consider their verdict on Thursday, government lawyers told the court that a ruling against the prime minister did not necessarily mean parliament would be allowed to resume sitting.

And even if the entire prorogation is declared void, Mr Johnson would be entitled to simply ask the Queen to suspend parliament again, they said.

Meanwhile, Sir John Major compared Boris Johnson to a dishonest estate agent in his written submission to the Supreme Court, claiming Mr Johnson’s stated reason for suspending parliament “can’t be true”.

It comes as Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay said the UK “cannot meet” EU demands for a backstop replacement. Mr Barclay suggested the UK should be given another year to find a new policy for the Irish border.

See below for live updates

Key Points

• John Major compares PM to dishonest estate agent in court submission
• EU gives Johnson 12 days to show Brexit plan or 'it's over'
• Stephen Barclay says UK 'cannot meet' EU demands
• Parliament may remain suspended even if Johnson loses
• Hilary Benn claims PM will 'find himself in court' if Brexit deadline not pushed back
• Irish premier 'will try to get Brexit deal' during PM meeting in New York
• PM 'could refuse to recall parliament even if Supreme Court rules suspension unlawful'
• Corbyn admits prospect of becoming PM is 'daunting'

[19 September 2019 20:28 · Chiara.Giordano]

Mr Corbyn told the BBC that he is “absolutely” ready to become PM, but asked if he was daunted, he replied: “Yes.”

But he added that he is “utterly determined to carry through into government our programme to bring about better social justice all across this country”.

Mr Corbyn has called for economic reform to tackle wealth inequalities between different parts of the UK ahead of his party conference, which begins in Brighton on Saturday.

He said Labour analysis of Office for National Statistics data suggesting “dramatic” inequality across the nation is a “sign of a sick economy”.

He added: “The system is broken when it inflates the wealth of the richest while failing to invest in our future.

“This inequality doesn’t just undermine our future prosperity, it’s linked to all sorts of social problems, including violent crime, worse health outcomes and reduced access to education.

“But we can change things. Democracy moves power from the bank balance and the boardroom to the voting booth.”