Bury St Edmunds MP and junior health minister Jo Churchill has called on MPs to show respect and act pragmatically in the wake of this week’s stormy scenes in the House of Commons.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jo Churchill's open letter to constituents. Picture: JO CHURCHILLJo Churchill's open letter to constituents. Picture: JO CHURCHILL (Image: Archant)

She has broken her silence on troubles facing the government after the Supreme Court ruled it had acted unlawfully in trying to prorogue parliament at the start of the month.

Mrs Churchill tweeted a open letter she has written to constituents following scenes in the House of Commons which have seen Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox clashing with opposition MPs.

There was particular concern about some of the language used in the Commons - and the effect it might have on some people in the wake of the murder of MP Jo Cox three years ago.

Mrs Churchill wrote: "Following the last two days, I really feed it is incumbent on all of us in this place to lead by example. A calm, respectful, pragmatic approach is a good place to start.

While she respected the decision of the Supreme Court which led to the recall of parliament, she "respectfully disagreed" with the decision.

She wrote: "Prorogation is a Royal Prerogative, meaning it is exercised by the Monarch on the advice of ministers." The High Court had earlier decided it was a political matter and one that courts should not interfere with.

"One thing the Brexit debate has not lacked is time for Parliament to discuss the issue. Over 500 hours in the chamber, over 200 hours of Select Committee time and thousands of hours of other meetings of various groups and other discussion have occurred in Parliament.

"What has been missing throughout the last three years has been a pragmatic consensus from across the House."

Mrs Churchill said she had supported the government in two attempts to call a general election which were both defeated.

And she added: "The current situation is not sustainable. The House of Commons has rejected the Withdrawal Agreement on three occasions, a second referendum twice and a general election twice.

"Crucially it is hindering efforts to leave the EY with a negotiated deal and deliver on the result of the referendum.