UK's May Tells EU Brexit Timetable 'unchanged' Despite Shock Ruling
Rukhshan Mir (@rukhshanmir) Published November 04, 2016 | 06:25 PM
LONDON, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 04th Nov, 2016 ) - British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday told European leaders that her March deadline for triggering Brexit negotiations "remains unchanged" despite a court ruling that she first needs parliament's approval.
May told European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the "government's planned timetable for notification of Article 50 remains unchanged", during separate phone calls, according to a statement released by Downing Street.
She added that the government was confident of winning next month's Supreme Court appeal against Thursday's High Court ruling that her government does not have the power on its own to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which would formally start the process.
"The PM explained to both Chancellor Merkel and President Juncker that while the government was disappointed with the judgement, it had strong legal arguments ahead of the case moving to the Supreme Court," the statement said.
The decision raises the prospect of a protracted parliamentary debate before then -- in a chamber that overwhelmingly opposed Brexit -- although EU leaders themselves have urged a swift departure.
Lawmakers could also demand to know May's negotiating strategy and seek to maintain stronger ties with the bloc before agreeing to invoke Article 50. Liberal Democrat MP Nick Clegg told BBC Radio Friday that he and other pro-EU lawmakers would "seek...
to amend the legislation such that parliament would say to government it should pursue a soft Brexit, not a hard Brexit." Bookmakers have slashed the odds of a general election early next year, three years ahead of schedule, as May could decide to expose obstructive anti-Brexit lawmakers to the pressure of public opinion and take advantage of her Conservative Party's huge polling lead.
In a sign of the likely parliamentary storms ahead, Conservative pro-Brexit lawmaker Stephen Phillips resigned as an MP on Friday, citing "irreconcilable policy differences with the current government".
Related Topics
Recent Stories
UHS to issue MBBS degrees within three months after final result
Aiman Khan granted UAE Golden Visa
PSX achieves significant milestone, surpasses 72,000 mark
Pak Vs NZ T20I: Orphaned children extended special invitation to watch match
Finance Minister lauds UNDP’s unwavering support during floods
President Raisi leaves for Iran from Karachi
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 24 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 24 April 2024
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
More Stories From World
-
Biden pledges swift weapons delivery to Ukraine
6 minutes ago -
Ukraine attack drones strike Russia energy sites
25 minutes ago -
UK Rwanda deportation law leaves asylum seekers fearful
35 minutes ago -
More floods expected in China's Pearl River basin: ministry
36 minutes ago -
Water release resumes after partial power outage at Fukushima plant
46 minutes ago -
Spain court says investigating PM's wife for graft
55 minutes ago
-
'So hot you can't breathe': Extreme heat hits the Philippines
55 minutes ago -
Thousands in heatwave-hit Bangladesh pray for rain
56 minutes ago -
China-Pakistan Investment and Trade Symposium held in Qingdao
56 minutes ago -
Escaped army horses bolt through central London
2 hours ago -
China to send fresh crew to Tiangong space station
2 hours ago -
Critics fear Togo reforms leave little room for change in election
2 hours ago