header-logo header-logo

Rejoin the EU: a constitutional case

06 October 2024 / David Wolchover
Issue: 8088 / Categories: Opinion , EU , Constitutional law , Brexit
printer mail-detail
191474
Keir Starmer says the UK won’t rejoin the EU in his lifetime. David Wolchover looks back at the withdrawal process & re-examines the legality of Brexit

Suddenly, on the very eve of the general election, Labour dropped its strategy of silence on rejoining the EU, with Sir Keir Starmer KC coming out to declare it would never happen in his lifetime.

In fact, this strategy reflected no departure from his long-adopted stance. As shadow secretary for exiting the EU, he became an accessory to Brexit by latching on to the faux democratic imperative of the 2016 referendum. Yet, as a distinguished silk, he could hardly have been unaware of substantial articles in the legal press explaining the compelling constitutional reason why it should have been halted. Instead, he was politically compelled to align with the facile ‘will of the people’ slogan.

As prime minister, he should take stock. The issue is bigger than his ego. Extraordinary as it may seem, Theresa May’s activation of Art 50 of the

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Mike Wilson, Blake Morgan

NLJ Career Profile: Mike Wilson, Blake Morgan

Mike Wilson, managing partner of Blake Morgan chair of the CBI’s South-East Council, reflects on his career the challenges that have defined him

Clarke Willmott—Alexandria Kittlety

Clarke Willmott—Alexandria Kittlety

Partner joins commercial property team in Birmingham

Birketts—Will MacFarlane & Sarah Dodds

Birketts—Will MacFarlane & Sarah Dodds

Family team expands with double appointment in Bristol office

NEWS
Lawyers have expressed dismay at the Chancellor Rachel Reeve’s decision to impose a £2,000 cap on salary sacrifice contributions
NLJ is inviting its readers to take part in this year’s annual reader research, a short survey designed to help shape the future direction of the magazine. The questionnaire consists of just eight quick questions and offers an opportunity for legal professionals to share their views on the content, coverage and issues that matter most to them.
The Law Society has urged regulators not to ban the term ‘no win no fee’, as the profession contemplates measures to prevent a disaster like the SSB Group collapse from happening again
The legal profession's leaders have mounted a robust defence of trial by jury, following reports that Justice Secretary David Lammy is considering restricting it to rape, murder, manslaughter and other cases that are in the public interest
CILEX (the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) has been granted permission to appeal Mazur, a decision which has caused consternation among litigation firms
back-to-top-scroll