Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in the UK to protest against Boris Johnson's decision to suspend parliament.
Major demonstrations got underway in more than 30 towns and cities this lunchtime.
The British prime minister earlier this week announced he would 'prorogue' parliament for five weeks in the run-up to the planned Brexit date of October 31st.
Mr Johnson has insisted it's a routine prorogation ahead of a Queen's Speech - a traditional event allowing a government to start a new parliamentary session and lay out their legislative agenda.
However, opponents have claimed it's an effort to limit the amount of time available to the opposition and rebel MPs to potentially pass legislation blocking a no-deal Brexit.
Three separate legal challenges to the decision are now underway, and today thousands have joined demonstrations across the UK opposing Mr Johnson's move.
In London, huge crowds gathered at Downing Street:
View from the stage in front of Downing Street. We can't see the end of the crowd.
Can you hear us, @BorisJohnson? We're coming for you!#StopTheCoup pic.twitter.com/YgcKGI9gy1— Another Europe is Possible 🧡 (@Another_Europe) August 31, 2019
Several thousand people were reported to be at the protest in Manchester, with large crowds also reported in the likes of Glasgow, Bristol, Nottingham and Newcastle.
The people with only 48 hours notice have gathered in Leeds in their thousands to #DefendOurDemocracy pic.twitter.com/MFRuzQ3mKN
— Alex Sobel MP 🟣 (@alexsobel) August 31, 2019
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among those encouraging people to protest today.
Ahead of the demonstrations, he said: "The public outrage at Boris Johnson shutting down democracy has been deafening.
"People are right to take to the streets - and I encourage everyone to join the demonstrations in London and across the country."
Meanwhile, British chancellor Sajid Javid today defended Boris Johnson's move.
He told BBC Radio 4: "It's quite usual this time of year for parliament to go in to a recess. It's perfectly correct and appropriate to prorogue parliament.
"I think it's absolutely right that this prime minister and his government get the chance to set up their agenda."
