Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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
Comments
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)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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.

Latest updates:

Please wait a moment for the live blog to load:

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.

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

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in