Tory MP Mike Wood: Court's decision 'weakens our hand' with EU

Mike Wood said the decision would have "no impact" on Brexit debate in the Commons, which is due to return at 11.30am tomorrow after Mr Johnson's prorogation of Parliament was ruled unlawful.

But the Dudley South MP said it had "seriously weakened" the Government's negotiating position with the EU.

Mr Wood is one of a small number of Tory MPs to address the issue up to now, with Downing Street said to be planning a statement on the Government's plans this afternoon.

He told the E&S: "In the first instance I would ask what on Earth Parliament is being recalled for? There is nothing that could be done regarding Brexit that could not be done in the two weeks following the scheduled return in October.

"I fully respect the court's decision, but in practical terms it makes no difference to Brexit as far as Parliament is concerned.

"What it does do is sends a message to Brussels that they can rely on our Parliament to try and stop Brexit from happening and seriously weaken our negotiating position."

Mr Wood hit back at claims that the court's verdict proved Mr Johnson had lied to the Queen – an allegation put forward by numerous Labour MPs who have called for him to resign.

"The verdict was about the impact of prorogation and there was no ruling on the Prime Minister's intentions," Mr Wood said.

"Any suggestions that he was misleading the Queen are complete codswallop and should be treated as such."

Mr Wood said he had received a small number of emails from constituents who were against Brexit saying they were concerned about the prorogation of Parliament.

"The fact remains that the vast majority of people are more bothered about the threat to the democratic decision in the EU referendum," he said.

He added that the outcry over the suspension of Parliament was "purely a cover for people who want to revoke Article 50 and overturn the result of the referendum".