UK Says Brexit Timetable 'unchanged' Despite Shock Ruling
Fakhir Rizvi Published November 04, 2016 | 10:55 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 the government was confident of winning its appeal of Thursday's High Court ruling that it must seek parliament's approval before starting EU exit talks. "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 -- in a chamber that overwhelmingly opposed Brexit -- although EU leaders 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." A so-called "hard Brexit" would see Britain pull out of the bloc's single market and impose tough immigration controls.
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
Fresh wave of rainfall in AJK continues for the second consecutive day
Babar, bowlers help Pakistan level series 2-2 against New Zealand
Attack in restive Chilean province leaves three police officers dead
PM, Saudi Royal court advisor discuss ways to boost economic ties
England clinch third successive Women's Six Nations Grand Slam
DC Bahawalnagar leads fight for fair bread prices
Sheffield Utd relegated from Premier League
02 proclaimed offenders arrested by Wah Police
Pakistan level T20I series with nine-run victory over New Zealand
Minister meets Chinese Consul General, discusses bilateral cooperation, Chinese ..
MS Children Hospital takes over charge
3 dacoits arrested, illegal weapons recovered
More Stories From World
-
RugbyU: French Top 14 results - collated
27 minutes ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results -- collated
27 minutes ago -
Football: English Championship table
27 minutes ago -
Golf: PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans scores
27 minutes ago -
Olympic champion Jacobs gets season underway with 10.11 time
37 minutes ago -
Pro-Palestinian protests embroil US colleges, prompting arrests
7 hours ago
-
Depleted Milan hold Juve to close in on Champions League
7 hours ago -
RugbyU: French Top 14 results
8 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results -- 3rd update
8 hours ago -
Italy summons Russian envoy over Ariston subsidiary takeover
8 hours ago -
Italy summons Russian envoy over Ariston subsidiary takeover
8 hours ago -
Liverpool's Premier League title hopes suffer blow, Sheffield Utd relegated
8 hours ago