For Corby.
Addressing Edinburgh’s Court of Session on Wednesday, Lord Doherty said any decision to prorogue Parliament was “political territory”.
He said: “In my view, the advice given in relation to the prorogation decision is a matter involving high policy and political judgement.
“This is political territory and decision-making, which cannot be measured by legal standards, but only by political judgements. Accountability for the advice is to Parliament and, ultimately, the electorate, and not to the courts.”
“I do not accept the submission that the prorogation contravenes the rule of law and the claim is justiciable because of that,” he added.
“In my opinion, there has been no contravention of the rule of law. The power to prorogue is a prerogative power and the Prime Minister had the vires to advise the sovereign as to its exercise.”
The group of MPs and peers behind the legal challenge, who are headed by SNP MP Joanna Cherry and Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson, have said they will appeal against the ruling.