The Supreme Court today handed down its judgment, ruling that the UK Government requires a Parliamentary vote before triggering article 50 and formally starting the Brexit process. Theresa May’s government had argued that it was not necessary to publish an Act of Parliament and that the Government had the authority to use the Royal Prerogative to start formal negotiations with the EU.
Julie Girling, Conservative MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, said today: “It is no secret I supported the ‘remain’ campaign. However this judgement is not about whether you are for or against EU membership; it is about the procedural requirements necessary before starting the Brexit process. “It is important that our Houses of Parliament play a central role in these complex negotiations, in order to ensure the UK gets the best possible deal. Trade with the EU accounts for around half of both UK exports and imports in goods and services.
“The referendum simply showed a majority of voters wanted to leave the EU – the procedural requirements and the terms of a future relationship have never been put to a vote. “I am convinced that a hard Brexit would be hugely detrimental to the UK and therefore believe it is key for our elected representatives to remain central to the discussions. Parliamentary sovereignty is a cornerstone of our constitution and must be respected.”
