THE Church of Scotland has said it is "deeply concerned" about Boris Johnson's plan to suspend Westminster ahead of the Brexit deadline. 

Rev Dr Richard Frazer, convener of the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland, hit out at the "seemingly cynical move". 

It comes after it emerged the Prime Minister will seek an extended suspension of Parliament ahead of a Queen's Speech on October 14 in a move which would hamper efforts by MPs to thwart a no-deal exit.

Rev Dr Frazer said: “We are deeply concerned to learn of proposals to suspend the Westminster parliament for several weeks during a crucial period before the UK’s planned departure from the EU.

“Given the current context, this is not an act of good faith and undermines, rather than upholds, parliamentary democracy.

“The Church of Scotland has repeatedly stated that Brexit is, and remains, a divisive issue and that leaving the EU without a deal would have a damaging, long-term impact on the poorest and most vulnerable people in our communities.

“The UK Government should work towards reaching consensus in all parts of the UK about our future relationship with the EU and use whatever mechanisms are necessary to create the time for this to happen.

“This latest, and seemingly cynical move, seems a step in the very opposite direction which increases the risk of the UK crashing out of the EU in a way that will cause real harm to our communities and our shared wellbeing.”