BSRIA has commented on yesterday’s judgement of the Supreme Court that Parliament – and not Government – will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty – beginning formal discussions with the EU and activating Brexit. Government responded that it will keep the ‘process as straightforward as possible’ while respecting the Supreme Court’s decision.
Julia Evans, BSRIA Chief Executive, said:
“BSRIA believes we need to be encouraging government to act with haste to speed the processes required by law. Indeed, today’s announcement of a government Brexit White Paper will support this and will be welcomed by BSRIA members and industry alike.
Last summer, the country voted and the decision was ‘out’. Yesterday’s ruling in the Supreme Court, and the subsequent government response, simply reiterates BSRIA’s position: what industry needs is clear leadership to bring economic confidence and stability.
BSRIA does not want months and months of parliamentary obstacles ahead. We are calling for a clear Brexit timetable and not layers of filibustering. Government must provide a clear direction for industry.
The realist impact of this ruling, not the political minutiae, is what matters to BSRIA members and industry across the UK. Industry needs to know that this ruling will not affect the timeline they are already anticipating.
In essence, we need a strategic vision that doesn’t derail from the Prime Minister’s optimistic announcement on Monday of an ‘Industrial Strategy’ and last week’s speech on the ‘UK’s future relationship with the EU’.”
Government will seek approval of MPs and peers before the end of March to meet the Prime Minister’s deadline.
Draft legislation to start Brexit will be released this week.
Article 50 (of the Lisbon Treaty) is the process of when an EU Member State decides to withdraw and notify the European Council of its intention. The Union negotiates and concludes an agreement with that State, setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal, taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union. It is concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament.