UK Supreme Court to hear Brexit appeal in December

Britain’s Supreme Court said on Tuesday that it had set aside four days starting on December 5 to hear the government’s appeal against a landmark ruling that it must seek the Parliament’s approval to start the Brexit process.

All 11 Supreme Court judges will hear the case, which could delay Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union, and would deliver their judgement “probably in the New Year”, said a court statement.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative government is appealing against a High Court ruling last week which says it does not have the executive power to trigger Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treat alone. Negotiations will begin after triggering Article 50.

The judgment prompted outrage among those who fear that some members of parliament — most of whom wanted to stay in the EU ahead of June’s shock referendum vote to leave — may seek to delay or block Brexit, or ease the terms of the divorce.

Such was the extent of the personal attacks on the judges — branded “Enemies of the People” by one tabloid newspaper that the justice minister was forced to issue a statement defending the independence of the judiciary.

The government insists it will stick to its timetable for Brexit whatever the outcome of the court case, a message relayed by May to EU leaders on Friday.

On Monday, Brexit minister David Davis said, “This timetable remains consistent with our aim to trigger Article 50 by the end of March next year.”