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As it happenedended

Brexit legal challenge: 'A six year old child could see flaws in Government's Brexit plans', Supreme Court told

Fourth and final day of the Supreme Court Brexit legal challenge has been heard and the judges have now retired to consider their decision

Siobhan Fenton
London
Thursday 08 December 2016 05:06 EST
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Lead claimant in the Article 50 case, Gina Miller arrives at the Supreme Court in London
Lead claimant in the Article 50 case, Gina Miller arrives at the Supreme Court in London (EPA)

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The Government's Brexit plans are so flawed "even a six year old child could see it", the Supreme Court has been told.

The claims were made by Richard Gordon QC, Law Officer of the Welsh Government, who told the court Welsh politicians should be allowed to approve plans to trigger Article 50.

The Supreme Court was hearing final arguments in the Brexit legal challenge as the case entered its fourth and final day.

Opponents to the Government's Brexit plans outlined their case; with representatives of Wales, Scotland, ex-pats and children's rights putting their case to judges.

The Government's lawyers then had their final opportunity to refute the claims and make their case that Theresa May has sufficient authority to trigger Article 50 without a vote from MPs. The argued the 2015 Referendum Act which outlined the terms of the EU referendum did not specify who could trigger Article 50.

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All 11 of the Supreme Court justices, who are the most senior judges in the UK, heard the case and have now retired to reach their decision.

A judgment is expected to be announced early in the new year.

Dominic Chambers QC rests his case now on behalf of Deir Dos Santos

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:31

The Supreme Court is now hearing about the 'Agnew case'- which specifically looks at how Brexit will impact on Northern Ireland

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:32

The case was originally heard in Northern Ireland and was unsuccessful. It has been granted leave to be heard on appeal along with this case

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:32

David Scoffield QC and Ronan Lavery QC are representing Agnew and McCord in this case

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:33

A quick explainer for those unfamiliar with Northern Irish politics...

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:33

It's difficult to overstate the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland for a number of reasons

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:34

1. Shares a land border with EU (via Republic of Ireland) 2. Northern Irish people are entitled to identify as Irish & have Irish passports

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:35

3. Good Friday Agreement specifies NI's relationship with the Republic of Ireland, in terms of trade, meetings, co-operation etc

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:36

Which could be affected by Brexit once NI is out of EU, but Republic of Ireland remains

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:36

4. Northern Ireland, owing to the nature of the Troubles, often has complex legal human rights cases- so access to European courts is vital

Siobhan Fenton7 December 2016 14:37

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