Thousands march on streets against UK parliament suspension

Backlash against prime minister's decision to suspend parliament as protests spread across 30 cities

A woman argues with police during an anti-Brexit protest in London, Britain August 31, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Coombs

An anti-Brexit demonstrator whirls an EU and Union Flag during a demonstration against the British government's move to suspend parliament in the final weeks before Brexit outside Downing Street in London on August 31, 2019. Demonstrations, being dubbed "Stop The Coup" by organisers, were to be held across Britain on August 31 against Prime Minister Boris Johnson's move to suspend parliament in the final weeks before Brexit. The protests come ahead of an intense political week in which Johnson's opponents will seek to block the move in court and legislate against a no-deal departure from the European Union. / AFP / Niklas HALLE'N

epa07807746 Anti Brexit protesters block the road and stop traffic in Trafalgar Square following a protest against Brexit and the prorogation of parliament in London, Britain, 31 August 2019. A number of 'Stop The Coup' protests are taking place across the Britain because the British government is to suspend Parliament after the summer break, a move that might block Members of Parliament from voting against a possible no-deal Brexit. EPA/VICKIE FLORES

A woman shouts during an anti-Brexit protest in London, Britain August 31, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Coombs

A protestor holds signs during an anti-Brexit protest in Westminster in London, Britain, August 31, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

***BESTPIX*** LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: An anti-Brexit sign is displayed on a gate after a protest in Westminster on August 31, 2019 in London, England. Left-wing group Momentum and the People's Assembly are coordinating a series of "Stop The Coup" protests across the UK aimed at Boris Johnson and the UK government proroguing Parliament. (Photo by Chris Furlong/Getty Images)

Thousands of people across the UK took part in public demonstrations on Saturday voicing their anger against Boris Johnson’s decision to suspend Britain’s parliament for up to five weeks.

Central London was brought to a standstill as protesters marched towards the Houses of Parliament, chanting “Boris Johnson, shame on you”.

Sit-down protests also took place outside Buckingham Palace and across London’s West End shopping district.

Demonstrations were held across 34 towns and cities, including Manchester, Liverpool, Cambridge, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Protesters also gathered outside Balliol College, Oxford University, where Britain’s prime minister studied.

Anti-Brexit protests also happened on Saturday on mainland Europe, in Amsterdam, Berlin and Riga.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn attended a rally in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

“Demonstrations are taking place everywhere because people are angered and outraged about what is happening,” he said.

Mr Johnson’s decision to suspend parliament on Wednesday sparked outrage across political parties looking to stall a no-deal Brexit.

His decision to prorogue parliament, the official term used to suspend parliament with permission from the Queen, means MPs have no time to pass through legislation that could prevent Britain crashing out of the European Union without a deal.

Former British prime minister Sir John Major announced on Friday that he will take legal action against the current occupant of 10 Downing Street to stop the suspension of parliament before the October Brexit deadline.

Mr Major announced on Friday his plan to join one of three legal efforts to prevent the current premier Boris Johnson from cutting the number of days that MPs would sit.

MPs loyal to Mr Johnson claim that the suspension has precedence in a country that has no written constitution. It relies on previous practice as a guide to parliamentary procedures and making laws.