Outrage over the government’s decision to suspend Parliament is “phoney”, Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg has said.
He also denied it was part of a bid to “railroad” through a no-deal Brexit.
But government whip Lord Young has resigned in protest, arguing the move risks “undermining the fundamental role of Parliament”.
And a Scottish court hearing is under way which could block the suspension of Parliament.
The prime minister’s decision sparked criticism from those who argue Boris Johnson is trying to prevent MPs from blocking a no-deal Brexit.
The government said the five-week suspension in September and October will still allow time to debate Brexit.
Commons leader Mr Rees-Mogg said the outrage was “phoney”, and that the move was “constitutional and proper”.
“The candyfloss of outrage we’ve had over the last 24 hours, which I think is almost entirely confected, is from people who never wanted to leave the European Union,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Speaking on Radio 4’s World At One, the former Justice Secretary David Gauke has said it looks like next week is “the only opportunity” for MPs to ensure “it has a say” before the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
And shadow chancellor John McDonnell has said he believes that Parliament will be able to find a way to stop a no-deal Brexit but that nobody should “underestimate” how difficult it would be.
Despite having little time, MPs still have options for trying to block a no-deal Brexit.
They could try to take control of the parliamentary timetable in order to pass legislation which would force the PM to request an extension to the Brexit deadline.
Another option would be to remove the current government through a vote of no confidence.
Conservative peer Lord Young of Cookham resigned from his role as government whip in the House of Lords in protest at the suspension, known as prorogation.
In his resignation letter, he said the timing and length of the suspension “risks undermining the fundamental role of Parliament at a critical time in our history”.
Meanwhile, Ruth Davidson has also confirmed she is quitting as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, citing personal and political reasons for stepping down.
Ms Davidson – who backed Remain in the 2016 EU referendum – added she had never sought to hide the “conflict” she felt over Brexit, and urged Mr Johnson to get a Brexit deal.
