Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
EURO JUDGES ‘STILL RULING AFTER BREXIT’
Powers could continue for years despite May’s vow
EUROPEAN judges could continue ruling over the UK for years after Brexit, it emerged.
Theresa May has pledged the European Court of Justice’s jurisdiction over Britain would end once the UK quits the EU – due to happen in March, 2019.
But the latest blueprint from ministers admits the court’s reach could extend during a transition after Britain has formally left.
Brexit campaigners insisted voting Leave at last year’s referendum would see the UK “take back control” of its laws.
But yesterday’s revelation paves the way for the UK to remain subject to ECJ laws for years.
It came in a future partnership paper on enforcement and dispute resolution, published by the Brexit Department. PM May added to the confusion by insisting the court’s jurisdiction would end – despite the document only pledging to end “direct jurisdiction”.
It outlines options for ending the ECJ’S role and suggests setting up different bodies to rule on disputes between the UK and EU.
But the plan says: “The UK will work with the EU in the design of the interim period, including the arrangements for judicial supervision, enforcement and dispute resolution.”
It paves the way for the Luxembourg court’s rulings to bind Britain during an interim period before the final Brexit deal comes into force. The Government wants a new “dispute resolution mechanism” to settle disagreements once the new relationship is in place.
That could involve tribunal panels which include ECJ judges.
Labour peer Lord Adonis, of the Open Britain campaign, said: “Not much is left of David Davis’ so-called ‘red line’ of taking back control from European judges. “This is a climb down camouflaged in jingoistic rhetoric.
“Even if we leave the single market, European judges will still have considerable power over decisions made in the UK.” Lib Dem Brexit spokesman Tom Brake added: “It’s a desperate attempt to hold together a divided Conservative Party and prevent a rebellion amongst Eurosceptic backbenchers.
“Despite Theresa May’s tubthumping rhetoric, it’s clear that protecting British trade, security and families will mean accepting a role for the European Court.”