The Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled that Boris Johnson’s advice to the Queen was unlawful

Boris Johnson last night defied MPs’ orders that he publish private messages on proroguing parliament only hours after a court ruled the shutdown to be illegal.

The prime minister rejected the demand by the Commons to see advisers’ communications, calling it “unprecedented, inappropriate and disproportionate”. He added that MPs were to blame for the “real failure of democracy” because the result of the EU referendum had not been honoured.

Downing Street published planning documents yesterday confirming that Britain could run short of fresh food, fuel and medicines after a no-deal. The secret analysis, entitled Operation Yellowhammer, was demanded by MPs after The Sunday Times published extensive leaked details last month. The documents show that No 10 fears at least three months of border delays.