UK High Court ruling complicates Brexit

Britain’s High Court ruling that the UK government cannot trigger the process of exiting the European Union without parliamentary approval complicates an already confusing situation riddled with uncertainties

HOW IS GOVERNMENT AFFECTED?

British Prime Minister Theresa Maymay have to contend with drawn-out debates in Parliament that could reveal her government’s negotiating positions to European Union officials

WHAT DOES RULING MEAN?

Both houses of Parliament must approve government’s plan to trigger Article 50 of Lisbon Treaty, which sets two-year time limit on negotiating EU exit

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Government expected to appeal ruling at Supreme Courtin December – if successful, Article 50 will be triggered byend of March. If government loses, lawmakers will have opportunity to impose Brexit conditions, delaying process

CAN THIS STOP BREXIT?

Government could consult Parliament by holding short “yes or no” vote. Alternatively, new bill would be required, taking months to go through both houses. However, lawmakers would be unlikely to defy British public,who voted by 52 percent to leave EU in June referendum

CAN LEGAL BATTLE DRAG ON?

Case could possibly go to European Court of Justice in Luxembourg –EU’s highest court – but only if UK Supreme Court refersit there to study any point of EU law

Source / Picture: Associated Press