Decision to prorogue parliament shows 'contempt for democracy', UCU says

Responding to the prime minister's decision on Wednesday to prorogue parliament from mid-September, UCU general secretary Jo Grady said:

'The Prime Minister's move to prorogue Parliament has confirmed his utter contempt for democracy. Today's decision has placed the country in uncharted territory, and increased the uncertainty facing staff and students across the UK. It will seriously undermine the ability of our elected MPs to scrutinise the impact of the government's Brexit plans on further and higher education, and must be opposed.

'As trade unionists who are committed to democratic organisation, we need to channel our anger and despair into action. I will be attending the protest at Downing Street on Saturday, and I urge all members of UCU to join me.'