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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.

Govt argued at the time that it could do this through prerogative powers- However court ruled that hotel owner was entitled to compensation

Siobhan Fenton5 December 2016 12:41

So what does a hotel being occupied by army personnel during WWI have to do with Brexit? Similar issues in defining powers of executive...

Siobhan Fenton5 December 2016 12:43

... in relation to the rights of citizens.

Siobhan Fenton5 December 2016 12:43

Judge asks government lawyers again- What are the limits of prerogative powers to make treaties? Seem to be pushing this point particularly

Siobhan Fenton5 December 2016 12:56

Court has just been adjourned for lunch. We'll be back at 2pm when James Eadie QC will continue making his arguments on behalf of the govt

Siobhan Fenton5 December 2016 13:00

Protester outside Supreme Court "Nigel Farage was sent by Christ to get Britain out of Europe &fulfil bible prophecy" http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cy6lrWdWIAAx-kU.jpg

Siobhan Fenton5 December 2016 13:19

Protester outside Supreme Court dressed as a leprechaun and jigging to Irish music, telling us the bible backs Brexit http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cy6n7z9XUAAkrRt.jpg

Siobhan Fenton5 December 2016 13:29

Protesters chanting outside Supreme Court- "Theresa May hear us say- immigrants are here to stay!" http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cy6odywWgAAqROl.jpg

Siobhan Fenton5 December 2016 13:32

Also spotted outside Supreme Court, leader of Northern Irish SDLP Colum Eastwood, who has pledged the party's 3 MPs will vote against A50

Siobhan Fenton5 December 2016 13:34

In my opinion, opposing Brexit is a great opportunity for the SDLP to distinguish themselves in Northern Irish politics

Siobhan Fenton5 December 2016 13:35

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