Regarding the Supreme Court ruling on the triggering of Article 50

European Movement UK welcomes today’s ruling by the Supreme Court that confirms there must be a vote in Parliament before the triggering of Article 50 and the start of formal negotiations between the government and European Union. This decision allows for proper scrutiny by MPs and Members of the House of Lords of this process and ensures that Parliament remains ‘sovereign’.

European Movement UK will continue to represent the views of the millions of people who voted against ‘Brexit’. Today’s ruling means that MPs will be able to make a conscious decision about what is best for their constituents and our country. As we now know the choice is between a hard and destructive Brexit which includes our withdrawal from the Single Market, the Customs Union, and the end of Freedom of Movement or continuing to enjoy all of these benefits and more by remaining part of a reformed EU.

We would urge all MPs to think carefully about the upcoming Bill and to vote with their conscience and in the interests of their constituents. The country did not vote for a hard Brexit which leaves people poorer or less safe. MPs must now seek guarantees that we will not begin the process of leaving the EU if the Government cannot ensure that we will be better off out of Europe.

European Movement UK encourages all members of the public to get in touch with their local MP to lobby them to vote against invoking Article 50 until these guarantees are made.

Stephen Dorrell, European Movement UK Chair and former Health Secretary, said:

“Today is a victory for parliamentary sovereignty. As the Leave side has maintained since June 23rd last year, the British public voted to take back control and now the UK Parliament will have full control in deciding whether and how we leave the European Union.

“All Parliamentarians have a responsibility to put the national interest over populist pressure and to ensure that there are sufficient checks and balances on forthcoming negotiations. That must include a commitment for the Government to demonstrate how British citizens will be safer and better off outside of the EU and a firm guarantee that there will not be a border in Northern Ireland.”