Ex-pats lose bid for ‘void’ result

A group of British ex-pats who want to halt Brexit have failed in a High Court bid to have the EU referendum result declared void.

The UK in EU Challenge group argued at a hearing on Friday that breaches of spending limits by proleave organisations meant the 2016 referendum was not a “free and fair vote”.

Their lawyers argued that the vote was “not democratic” and asked Mr Justice Ouseley for the issues to be considered at a full judicial review.

But, announcing his decision at the outset of a ruling on Monday, the judge refused permission for a further hearing.

Vote Leave was fined £61,000 and referred to the police, while Leave.eu was fined £70,000 following investigations by the Electoral Commission.

The UK in EU Challenge group had argued that these electoral offences rendered both the result of the referendum, and the notification to leave the EU under Article 50, void.

Their lawyers previously told the court that the case, brought against Prime Minister Theresa May, was one of “grave constitutional importance”.

But Mr Justice Ouseley said he was refusing permission on the grounds of delay and lack of merit.

The judge is continuing to give his ruling.