Hundreds marched along Aberystwyth promenade on Saturday in protest at the “undemocratic” suspension of the UK Parliament for five weeks ahead of Brexit.

Last week, the Queen gave approval for the prorogation of Parliament requested by Prime Minister Boris Johnson from the week of 9 September through to a Queen’s speech on 14 October.

Opponents say the length of the prorogation is “unprecedented in modern times” and is “designed to restrict parliament’s capacity to conduct democratic processes of scrutiny and legislation”. They say it will make a no-deal Brexit much more likely as it reduces the time for Parliament to either agree a new deal or to scrutinise fully Government proposals.

Ceredigion Ben Lake MP said: “I am completely dismayed by Johnson’s decision. At such a critical time for the UK, it’s hard to believe that the Government could even contemplate closing the door on Parliamentary democracy for a period of five weeks.

“The situation is developing with every hour that passes, however please be assured that alongside parliamentary colleagues I will be doing my upmost in the short time available to challenge this unprecedented decision, and I sincerely hope that Parliament will finally put aside its party differences to avoid the reckless possibility of leaving the European Union without a deal.”

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