Brexit: Northern Irish legal challenge to referendum to involve Attorney General
The case claims triggering Article 50 is illegal if done without parliamentary consent
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.One of Northern Ireland’s most senior legal figures will be involved in a legal bid to stop the UK from leaving the European Union.
The case is being described as “the most important constitutional legal case in recent history” and will feature Attorney General John Larkin QC, the Belfast Telegraph reported.
To ensure Mr Larkin’s participation a formal notice of devolution has been served.
A series of high-profile Northern Irish politicians are demanding a judicial review on Brexit.
The argument being offered is that triggering Article 50 – the formal clause the UK must invoke to leave the European Union – would be illegal if done so without securing parliamentary authorisation.
Fifty-six per cent of Northern Irish voters backed Remain. Among nationalist areas support for Remain was stronger, while in areas with majority unionist communities support tended to be greater for the Leave campaign.
Northern Ireland shares the UK’s largest land border with another EU country – the Republic of Ireland. It is not yet known how the border will be affected by Brexit. Some politicians have raised concerns a “hard border” would have to be introduced, prompting fears this could exaccerbate tensions surrounding the constitutional status of the island.
Northern Ireland also receives grants and funding from the EU for cross-community projects to support post-Troubles relations between nationalist and unionist communities, known locally as “peace money”.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt said following the referendum result announcement that Northern Ireland now faced “a decade of uncertainty”.
Campaigner Raymond McCord welcomed the Attorney General’s involvement and said the majority of Northern Ireland wants to remain in the EU.
“We are a devolved nation and our views should count for something,” Mr McCord told the Belfast Telegraph.
All the implications of leaving the EU specific to Northern Ireland will be examined by a judge at a preliminary hearing at the High Court in Belfast.
The Independent has contacted the Attorney General’s office for comment.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments