'Shame on you': MPs push and shove as parliament is suspended for five weeks

Parliament has officially been suspended - or prorogued - for five weeks, with MPs not due back until 14 October.

There were bizarre scenes in the Commons shortly before 2am as some MPs brought out protest signs which said: "Silenced" while there were shouts of: "Shame on you."

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's second attempt to call a snap general election next month was defeated for a second time following a vote.

Opposition MPs refused to back it, insisting a law blocking no-deal Brexit must be implemented first.

Just 293 MPs voted for Mr Johnson's motion for an early election, far short of the two-thirds he needed.

A cabinet meeting is taking place in Downing Street this morning.

The Speaker, John Bercow, announced he was standing down earlier in the day (AFP/Getty Images)

Earlier in the lengthy parliamentary session, Speaker John Bercow announced his resignation.

As he was due to lead MPs in a procession to the House of Lords to mark the suspension, a group of angry opposition backbenchers seemed to attempt to block his way.

At one point, Brighton MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle attempted to hold on to the Speaker.

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As proceedings went on into the early hours, MPs also burst into song, with traditional Welsh and Scottish songs, and the Red Flag being heard.

While it is standard practice for new governments to suspend Parliament, allowing them to schedule a Queen's Speech to set out a new legislative programme - the extraordinary length of this prorogation has sparked controversy.

Protests outside Parliament before it was prorogued in the early hours (PA)

The prorogation means a general election is extremely unlikely - until at least mid-November.

Mr Corbyn said he would not let his party walk into "traps laid by this Prime Minister.

"This government is only interested in shutting down Parliament to avoid any scrutiny," the Labour leader said.

Mr Johnson said: "It's plain from the turbulent reaction of the benches opposite that they simply want another delay and I will not have that.

"I must warn members that their behaviour in thwarting the will of the people is undermining respect for this House in the country.

"If honourable members want a delay, the only proper way to do it is to ask permission from our masters the people, from our masters the voters."

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