Brexit legal challenge: 'A six year old child could see flaws in Government's Brexit plans', Supreme Court told
Fourth and final day of the Supreme Court Brexit legal challenge has been heard and the judges have now retired to consider their decision
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Your support makes all the difference.The Government's Brexit plans are so flawed "even a six year old child could see it", the Supreme Court has been told.
The claims were made by Richard Gordon QC, Law Officer of the Welsh Government, who told the court Welsh politicians should be allowed to approve plans to trigger Article 50.
The Supreme Court was hearing final arguments in the Brexit legal challenge as the case entered its fourth and final day.
Opponents to the Government's Brexit plans outlined their case; with representatives of Wales, Scotland, ex-pats and children's rights putting their case to judges.
The Government's lawyers then had their final opportunity to refute the claims and make their case that Theresa May has sufficient authority to trigger Article 50 without a vote from MPs. The argued the 2015 Referendum Act which outlined the terms of the EU referendum did not specify who could trigger Article 50.
Latest updates:
- Theresa May admits EU leaders will try to 'punish' UK in Brexit negotiations
- Welsh Government's lawyer tells court Brexit 'has split the UK into four parts' and is 'one of the most divisive political events in decades'
- Labour hit by backbench revolt over Article 50 Tory 'trap' fears
- EU judges to decide on UK cases for years after Brexit
- Scotland and Northern Ireland must approve Article 50, Supreme Court told
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All 11 of the Supreme Court justices, who are the most senior judges in the UK, heard the case and have now retired to reach their decision.
A judgment is expected to be announced early in the new year.
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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