Prorogues

Prorogues, or prorogations, are the formal ending of a legislative session in a parliamentary system. The act is a prerogative power of the Crown, exercised in most Commonwealth countries by the head of state or their representative (such as a governor-general or governor) on the advice of the prime minister or cabinet. When prorogued, the current session is formally closed; the legislative agenda is set aside, and ordinary business before the parliament ceases until a new session begins with a throne speech or address outlining the government’s agenda.

Prorogation is distinct from dissolution, which ends the entire parliamentary term and typically triggers elections. An adjournment, by contrast, is a temporary break within an ongoing session. In most systems prorogation does not alter the constitutional term of the government, but it can have political implications by resetting committees, stalling debates, or enabling a fresh start for legislation.

Notable examples include the United Kingdom, where prorogation has traditionally been a routine procedure but became controversial in 2019 when Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised prorogation ahead of a planned suspension of Parliament. The UK Supreme Court later held that the advice to prorogue was unlawful in its effect on Parliament’s ability to perform its functions. In Canada, prorogation has been used in times of political crisis, notably in 2008-09 after a vote of non-confidence. In many other Commonwealth realms, similar prerogatives exist and are exercised on the advice of the government, subject to constitutional conventions and, in some jurisdictions, judicial review.