Brexit legal challenge live: MPs don't actually want to vote on Article 50, government lawyer claims
The appeal against MPs voting on Article 50 is now in its second day
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Your support makes all the difference.Here are the latest updates:
- Theresa May performs U-turn and now will reveal Brexit plans before Article 50 vote
- Government rejected an opportunity to make EU referendum legally binding, lawyer claims
- MPs don't actually want to vote on Article 50, government lawyer claims
- Judges accuse the Government's lawyer of contradicting himself "twice in five minutes"
- Amber Rudd reveals EU citizens living in Britain will need identity cards after Brexit
- EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier says Brexit deal could be reached by October 2018
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The Supreme Court is today hearing the second day of arguments in the Brexit legal challenge.
11 of the most senior judges in the UK are hearing the government's appeal to a High Court ruling that Theresa May must let MPs vote on whether to trigger Article 50.
Yesterday, the court heard from government lawyer James Eadie QC and Attorney General Jeremy Wright. The lawyers argued the Prime Minister has authority to trigger the mechanism and begin EU withdrawal processes.
However, the judges questioned why more details haven't been provided about what will be in the Great Repeal Bill, the legislation through which the government intends to legislate for life outside the EU.
The judges also said serious threats have been made to claimants in the case and warned they must be stopped.
The case is expected to last four days in total, ending on Thursday.
5. A majority in Northern Ireland voted Remain (56%) 6. NI stands to lose special 'peace money' from EU for post-conflict projects
To the best of my knowledge, the cost of UK paying for peace projects in Northern Ireland was never factored into financial claims of Leave
Also, as some in NI don't accept authority of UK govt and some don't accept authority of Irish govt, EU has been a neutral body for disputes
David Scoffield QC "continued membership of the EU is an integral part of" the Good Friday Agreement
David Scoffield QC asks judges to look at a copy of the Good Friday Agreement, which has been given to them. Asks them to consider Strand 1
"The North South ministerial council is not merely a talking shop" (this is a cross border group of politicians from NI and the Republic)
"Northern Irish politicians are obliged to participate in the North South ministerial council, that is not a matter of choice"
Further context on the Good Friday Agreement for those unfamiliar with Northern Irish politics...
It was voted on through a referendum in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland too, before being lodged as a treaty with the UN
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