The UK government is continuing its attempt to persuade 11 Supreme Court Justices to rule in its favor over the planned strategy for leaving the European Union.
James Eadie QC for the government is urging the panel to overturn the ruling against the Government that was made by the High Court on November 3.
The British people voted to leave the EU at a referendum on June 23, however it was decided by the High Court, which included the Lord Chief Justice Thomas and two other judges that the UK Prime Minister Theresa May lacked power to use the Royal Prerogative to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and start the two-year process of negotiating Brexit without the prior authority of Parliament.
This case was brought by a businesswoman, Gina Miller, and others, saying that May did not have the right to push the Brexit button alone.
The democratic will of the British people must always come first #SupremeCourt pic.twitter.com/uKQaXKxXG9
— Jonathan Arnott MEP (@JonathanArnott) 5 December 2016
We should all say thank you to the amazing Gina Miller. A Courageous woman we can ALL be proud of. #brexit #SupremeCourt pic.twitter.com/J6RSTN5qWH
— Jon Proctor (@Jon_Lee_Proctor) 5 December 2016
The Supreme Court has heard a claim that it is the Government's responsibility to exercise prerogative powers in the conduct of the UK's affairs internationally. However, more pressure is building as the UK Prime Minister Theresa May faces revolt from certain Conservative MPs over the already complicated Brexit issue.
A fresh Conservative revolt is in force, as up to 40 Tory backbenchers are believed to be ready to vote with Labour to bind the Prime Minister into "publishing the government's plan for leaving the EU before Article 50 is invoked," according to Anna Soubry, a key pro-Remain Tory MP.
The Labour motion demands the government set out its broad aims for Brexit, including its stance on the single market, freedom of movement of EU citizens, and security matters.
"These things are incredibly important. This actually transcends party politics and tribalism," Soubry said in a recent interview.
Further confusion was added when protests started outside the Supreme Court, both Leave and Remain voters started to riot in a bid to try and persuade the Supreme Court.
Pro and Anti Brexit Protesters clash outside the #supremecourt at the #brexitcase today pic.twitter.com/nETGDD4gsD
— Spectrum SINO Radio (@SINOinUK) December 5, 2016
The Supreme Court hearing will last until Thursday, December 8, with a verdict expected in January.
