British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gestures in the House of Commons in London Sept. 3, 2019. (Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament/Handout via Xinhua)
British PM Boris Johnson has rejected accusations that he lied to the Queen over his suspension of Parliament in the run-up to the Brexit deadline.
LONDON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave his first public response on Thursday in the row over the suspension of the British Parliament, insisting he did not lie to Queen Elizabeth II.
Opposition politicians have demanded a recall of Parliament, suspended on Monday for five weeks, after judges in Scotland ruled the government had not told the British monarch the real reason Johnson wanted the shutdown.
The issue will go before the highest legal body in Britain, the Supreme Court, next Tuesday for a final decision.
During a boat trip on the River Thames in London, Johnson was asked about the suspension of Parliament.
The Guardian reported that the prime minister denied lying to the Queen over the suspension, insisting such claims were "absolutely not true".
John Bercow, speaker of the House of Commons, announces his intention to step down in London, Britain, on Sept. 9, 2019. (Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament/Handout via Xinhua)
Johnson was asked if he had lied to the Queen when he asked her to prorogue Parliament for five weeks.
The Guardian reported that Johnson replied: "Absolutely not. The high court in England plainly agrees with us but the supreme court will have to decide."
Media reports said Johnson was very hopeful there would be a deal with the European Union (EU) on Britain's departure.
He said the British Parliament will have time both before and after the crucial European Council summit on Oct. 17-18 to talk about a Brexit deal.
With less than 50 days before Britain's planned exit from the EU on Oct. 31, Johnson added: "I'm very hopeful that we will get a deal at that crucial summit. We're working very hard -- I've been around the European capitals talking to our friends.
"I think we can see the rough area of a landing space, of how you can do it. It will be tough, it will be hard, but I think we can get there."
Demonstrators gather outside the Houses of Parliament holding placards in London, Britain, on Sept. 9, 2019. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/Xinhua)■
