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As it happenedended

Brexit legal challenge live: British citizens will lose rights through EU withdrawal, Supreme Court told

A third day of arguments has been made in the Brexit Supreme Court appeal

Siobhan Fenton
London
Wednesday 07 December 2016 05:22 EST
Comments
Brexit at the supreme court: Day Three

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Gina Miller's legal representative has outlining the case against the Government in day three of the four day Supreme Court appeal on Brexit.

Lord Pannick QC represented Ms Miller and told the court Theresa May does not have sufficient authority to trigger Article 50 and instead the case must go to MPs.

Representing fello claimant Deir Dos Santos, a hairdresser born in Brazil, QC Dominic Chambers told the court only parliament has the power to take away British citizens' rights, which EU withdrawal would inevitably do.

The court was also told both Scotland and Northern Ireland must approve triggering Article 50 before the Government does so. A majority of people in Scotland (62 per cent) and Northern Ireland (56 per cent) voted to Remain.

The day before, while the court was sitting, Ms May announced during a visit to the Gulf that she will reveal her Brexit plans before triggering Article 50, in what appears to be a signifcant U-turn on her previous position.

Catch up on everything that happened in court today:

The Prime Minister has previously said she plans to trigger Article 50 by the end of this Spring.

If MPs are entitled to vote on Article 50, it could delay Brexit considerably or ensure it is a 'soft Brexit' rather than a 'hard Brexit' as politicians could insist protectionist clauses are inserted before EU withdrawal.

The Supreme Court case is expected to last four days.

A judgment is anticipated for early in the new year.

5. A majority in Northern Ireland voted Remain (56%) 6. NI stands to lose special 'peace money' from EU for post-conflict projects

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:38

To the best of my knowledge, the cost of UK paying for peace projects in Northern Ireland was never factored into financial claims of Leave

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:39

Also, as some in NI don't accept authority of UK govt and some don't accept authority of Irish govt, EU has been a neutral body for disputes

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:41

David Scoffield QC "continued membership of the EU is an integral part of" the Good Friday Agreement

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:43

David Scoffield QC asks judges to look at a copy of the Good Friday Agreement, which has been given to them. Asks them to consider Strand 1

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:45

"The North South ministerial council is not merely a talking shop" (this is a cross border group of politicians from NI and the Republic)

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:46

"Northern Irish politicians are obliged to participate in the North South ministerial council, that is not a matter of choice"

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:51

Further context on the Good Friday Agreement for those unfamiliar with Northern Irish politics...

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:53

It was voted on through a referendum in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland too, before being lodged as a treaty with the UN

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:54

Therefore on a legislative level it is arguable it has considerably more weight than the EU referendum (despite only applying to N Ireland)

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:55

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