LONDON (AP) The landmark British Supreme Court ruling that Prime Minister Boris Johnsons suspension of Parliament was unlawful did not deal directly with plans for Britains anticipated departure from the European Union. Brexit will however be top of the agenda in Parliament now that lawmakers have returned.
Questions abound over how all this affects Brexit.
WHAT IS THE LEGAL SITUATION?
As things stand, Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on Oct. 31 unless the British government requests an extension and the other 27 EU countries agree to a further delay.
However, Parliament passed a bill earlier this month before Johnson suspended Parliament requiring the prime minister to seek a three-month extension if no withdrawal agreement has been reached with the EU by Oct. 19.
Johnson insists that he is pursuing a deal with the EU, but has repeatedly said that if there is no deal, he will take Britain out of the EU on the scheduled Brexit date rather than request an extension.
For most economists, including those in government and the Bank of England, a no-deal Brexit would trigger a recession as trade barriers, including tariffs, are put up between Britain and the EU. Theres also a widespread expectation that there will be gridlock at Britains ports, and shortages of some food and medicine.
DOES THE SUPREME COURT RULING CHANGE THIS?
No. Supreme Court President Brenda Hale went out of her way to make clear that the ruling would not have any impact on Britains departure. The ruling does mean that the legislature has more time to challenge the government and take concrete legislative steps to try to prevent a no-deal split with the EU.
WHAT MORE CAN PARLIAMENT DO TO STOP A NO-DEAL BREXIT?
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said Wednesday that opposition parties will now seek to find further legal ways to make sure Johnson complies with the legislation preventing no-deal that is already on the statute book. Backers of the bill that has already passed fear Johnson is looking for loopholes that might allow him to sidestep the law.
Johnson has emphasized repeatedly that there are no circumstances under which he would seek an extension. If that is the case, his options are somewhat limited. To make good on that assertion, he would either have to reach a deal with the EU and have that passed by Parliament resign and let another prime minister deal with the matter, or find a way he believes he can avoid seeking an extension despite the legislation.
WILL PARLIAMENT TRY TO BRING JOHNSON DOWN?
It doesnt look like anything is imminent. Labour Party leader Corbyn says the oppositions top priority is to halt a no-deal Brexit on Oct. 31. He and other opposition figures say they will only call a vote of no confidence in the government and seek a new election once an extension has been agreed.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS NO DEAL AND NO EXTENSION REQUEST?
