NI: High Court to hear judgment in case aiming to prevent Brexit in Northern Ireland

NI: High Court to hear judgment in case aiming to prevent Brexit in Northern Ireland

All eyes will be on Belfast tomorrow morning as the High Court delivers its judgment in a case aimed at preventing Northern Ireland from leaving the European Union.

The judicial review lodged by victims’ campaigner Raymond McCord argues that the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU as a whole would be contrary to the UK’s international obligations under the Good Friday Agreement.

His solicitor, Ciaran O’Hare of McIvor Farrell Solicitors, explained: “His case challenges the UK government’s decision to withdraw from the EU without the consent of the people of Northern Ireland. This is on the basis of guarantees given in the Good Friday Agreement.”

Mr O’Hare has also argued that any notification under Article 50 that does take place “should at least be done lawfully and constitutionally, in particular by way of a prior mandate from Parliament”.

The judgment will be handed down at 10am tomorrow.

In a press statement issued today, Mr O’Hare added: “The case breaks new legal ground. Therefore no matter how compelling the argument, the court may feel bound by precedent (existing law) and not able to make any positive ruling for Mr McCord.

“It is expected however that no matter what the result is that there will be appeal. This will, in all likelihood, be directly to the Supreme Court which is not bound by precedent.”

Share icon
Share this article: