Brexit: UK can revoke Article 50 unilaterally, EU judges rule

[Denzil_DC]

The European Court of Justice has ruled that the UK can unilaterally stop Brexit by revoking its Article 50 notification.

Judges in Luxembourg decided that the UK can stay in the EU "under terms that are unchanged" if it decides to change its mind on Brexit "through a democratic process".

It comes on the eve of a crucial vote in the House of Commons on Theresa May's Brexit deal. Scottish politicians who brought the case said "a bright light has switched on above an 'EXIT' sign" that meant a second EU referendum was "closer than ever before".

Issuing its judgement, the EU’s top court said that “when a member state has notified the European Council of its intention to withdraw from the European Union, as the UK has done, that member state is free to revoke unilaterally that notification.”

https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/brexit-uk-can-revoke-article-50-unilaterally-eu-judges-rule-1-4841642

This is developing amid strong rumours that tomorrow's Commons vote may be delayed - three government statements will be made later this afternoon:

Link to tweet

Laura Kuenssberg
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@bbclaurak

Two cabinet sources tell me vote being pulled - not, repeat not, yet officially confirmed

There are also questions about whether May can do this without Parliament's agreement:

Link to tweet

Laura Kuenssberg
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@bbclaurak

Not trying to make your head explode, but there is a possibility that the govt might not actually be able to pull the vote - at least not without an enormous parliamentary row - (checks Erskine May)