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As it happenedended

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

Siobhan Fenton
London
Tuesday 06 December 2016 11:19 GMT
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Top UK judges grill govt lawyer on Brexit plans

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Here are the latest updates:

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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.

Ronan Lavery QC rests his case

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 15:19

A few further thoughts from me on Northern Ireland and Article 50...

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 15:20

It would be extremely interesting to see if a petition of concern could apply here in Northern Ireland- it's a mechanism of power sharing...

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 15:21

... which enables parties to completely block Assembly from doing certain things. Few other parliaments have anything like it.

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 15:21

It was designed to protect minority communities from damaging majority rule but has been used recently to block marriage equality by DUP

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 15:22

I think most people in NI would acknowledge its not been fit for purpose for a while, but it has remained

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 15:22

Would be interesting if possibility of petition of concern at Stormont blocking Brexit would finally 'inspire' Conservatives to address this

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 15:23

Long term could improve things in Northern Ireland, where people are still fighting for marriage equality which is blocked by this mechanism

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 15:25

However, as always in NI, any heavy handed or paternalistic involvement of British govt in local affairs will be extremely contentious

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 15:25

Just another example of the very complex and far reaching implications of the Brexit referendum on Northern Ireland

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 15:26

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