In Britain thousands have taken to the streets across the country to protest UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plans to suspend Parliament for five weeks. The demonstrators claim the government's decision to shut down Parliament is an attempt to block resistance to a "No Deal" Brexit. Some Members of Parliament are scrambling for legislation that would block the British leader from carrying out Brexit on October 31st WITHOUT an approved withdrawal agreement. Meanwhile, the prime minister says his government is actively pursuing a new deal with EU leaders. But, the EU is now striking a less than optimistic tone about avoiding a "No Deal". For more, Richard Bestic reports from the gates of Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister's official residence.

The thousands on the streets of London mirrored demonstrations in more than 30 of Britain's major cities.

Whitehall at the heart of British government in the UK capital brought to a standstill, along with other famous landmarks.

RICHARD BESTIC LONDON "The protests at least here at the gates of Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister's official residence had something of a carnival atmosphere about them. However, for these people there was a much deeper issue at stake, what they regard as the undermining of their democracy."

They're angry UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who has radically promised Brexit with or without a deal, is to close Parliament for 23 working days as an imminent October deadline approaches.

"I was so outraged how Boris Johnson and his government is trying to undermine democracy here in Britain."

"He's trying to force through his agenda without letting MPs debate and scrutinize it."

"I don't think he's undermining democracy, but I don't think he's going through things as a democrat should, democratically."

"Parliament should be allowed to come back and express their views and find a way forward."

"He's just stopping the democratic process from functioning the way it should in this country."

Challenges to the UK government on the street are echoed in Parliament and in the courts. Members of Parliament, returning next week, plotting to overturn Johnson's plans. Despite the evident passion on the streets, it's not yet apparent whether the people or Parliamentarians have either the time or numbers to overturn the Prime Minister's ruling. RB, CGTN, London.