UK parliament must approve start of Brexit talks
LONDON: The British government must win parliament’s approval before starting talks to leave the EU, the Supreme Court ruled yesterday, in a landmark judgement that also said regional lawmakers had no say.
While the ruling is a blow to Prime Minister Theresa May, the government insisted it would do “nothing” to change the timetable for triggering Article 50 – the formal procedure for leaving the EU – by the end of March at the latest.
But the main opposition Labour party and the Scottish National Party (SNP) have said they will table amendments to any government legislation to start Brexit, which could potentially cause a delay.
“The Supreme Court rules that the government cannot trigger Article 50 without an act of parliament authorising it to do so,” Supreme Court president David Neuberger told a packed courtroom in London.
He said a majority of the 11 judges had agreed that withdrawing from the EU meant there would have to be changes to Britain’s domestic laws, and therefore national parliament had to be consulted.
The government had argued that it enjoyed executive powers to withdraw from international treaties.
Lawmakers in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have no say in the process, however, the judges said, in a setback for Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
SNP leader Sturgeon has argued that since Scotland voted to stay in the EU, it should not be taken out “against its will” and has warned it is “very likely” she will call a referendum on independence.
Northern Ireland also voted against Brexit.
“UK ministers are not legally compelled to consult the devolved legislatures... Relations with the EU are a matter for the UK government,” Neuberger said.
Attorney General Jeremy Wright said the government was “disappointed” but the ruling was widely expected and draft legislation is already being prepared in order to meet May’s Brexit timetable.
Brexit minister David Davis will address MPs later on Tuesday to provide details.
“Supreme Court has spoken. Now parliament must deliver will of the people – we will trigger A50 by the end of March. Forward we go!” Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, a leading Brexit advocate during the referendum campaign, said on Twitter. — AFP