Constitutional protest
The encampment of journalists outside Parliament is growing to resemble a mediaeval jousting tournament. Somerset is not being left out though. Since the Prime Minister’s decision to prorogue Parliament, “Stop the Coup” protests have taken place in Taunton, Bridgwater . At issue here is not the decision to prorogue Parliament, which is in itself routine. It is the length of time for the prorogation which at 5 weeks is exceptional.
In Bridgwater anti Government protesters gathered at the foot of the great Parliamentarian admiral William Blake. At least they seemed reasonably sure whose side they were on. Suddenly Parliament and Parliamentarian, words that have been very much out of fashion in recent decades are very much back in vogue.
The Prime Minster on the other seems a little confused. Happy to be likened to Charles I last week when proroguing Parliament, yesterday he seemed content to conduct his equivalent of Pride’s Purge. If this is a re-enactment of the English Civil War it is going to be a confusing one…..
No doubt the protests will continue this week as events unfold.