Brexit latest news: Theresa May to introduce Bill 'within days' after Supreme Court ruling
Supreme Court says Government must seek parliamentary approval to trigger Article 50
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Your support makes all the difference.The Supreme Court has ruled Theresa May cannot withdraw Britain from the EU alone and must get approval from MPs and peers first.
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Their decision will affect whether Ms May has enough authority to trigger Article 50 on her own, the process through which a country can begin to leave the EU.he case has been brought by banker Gina Miller, along with other appellants including a crowd-funded cohort titled The Peoples' Challenge. They argued that despite the 23 June referendum, which saw Britain vote to leave the EU, MPs are still entitled to vote on whether or not it actually happens.
In November, the High Court heard the case and ruled against the government. The Prime Minister's lawyers appealed the case meaning it was transferred to the Supreme Court.
It is widely expected the government will also lose this case.
Ms May has spoken of her desire to trigger Article 50 by the end of March.
She has also outlined a so-called Hard Brexit, which would feature withdrawal from the single market.
The Government cannot trigger Article 50 without Parliament being consulted, the judges. The referendum is of great political significance, they add.
The desenting judges believe he 1972 Act renders the domestic effect of EU law conditional on EU treaties.
BREAKING: Government minister not compelled or required to consult the devolved nations
Caroline Lucas, the co-leader of the Green Party, responds:
“This case is a win for parliamentary democracy, and a blow for those minister who planned to railroad Brexit through without any proper scrutiny.
"The spotlight now falls on MPs – and in particular the Labour Party – to properly scrutinise the Government’s plans and act accordingly. That must mean that Labour rethink the support they’ve given to triggering article 50 prematurely, and instead join those of us who refuse to be pushed into Theresa May’s artificial Brexit timetable.
“It’s astonishing that Ministers ever thought it was right to trigger Article 50 without a vote in Parliament - and their battle in the courts really does expose a contempt for the democratic process within the Conservative party.
"I will not be capitulating to the Tories over Brexit – and will vote against prematurely triggering Article 50 in the Spring. As the co-leader of a Party which stands for environmental, social and economic justice I will not support a Government offering no assurances to EU nationals living in Britain, threatening to turn this country into a tax haven and planning to throw us off the Brexit cliff edge by ending our membership of the Single Market and Customs Union.”
A spokesperson for Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, said:
“Labour respects the result of the referendum and the will of the British people and will not frustrate the process for invoking Article 50.
“However, Labour will seek to amend the Article 50 Bill to prevent the Conservatives using Brexit to turn Britain into a bargain basement tax haven off the coast of Europe.
“Labour will seek to build in the principles of full, tariff-free access to the single market and maintenance of workers' rights and social and environmental protections.
“Labour is demanding a plan from the Government to ensure it is accountable to Parliament throughout the negotiations and a meaningful vote to ensure the final deal is given Parliamentary approval."
Commenting on today's Article 50 judgement at the Supreme Court, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said:
"I welcome today's judgement. But this court case was never about legal arguments, it was about giving the people a voice, a say, in what happens next.
"This Tory Brexit government are keen to laud the democratic process when it suits them, but will not give the people a voice over the final deal. They seem happy to start with democracy and end in a stitch up.
"The Liberal Democrats are clear, we demand a vote of the people on the final deal and without that we will not vote for Article 50."
Gina Miller, the lead claimant is now speaking outside the Supreme Court.
"There is no doubt Brexit is the most divisive action for a generation...but this wasn't about politics," she says.
"In Britain we are lucky to voice legitimate concerns and views... I have therefore been shocked by the personal abuse I have received from the many quarters for simply asking a legitimate questions..."
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