The ruling unsettled the proponents of exiting the European Union, who warned against any backsliding. But he added that the government’s timetable could still be met if the Supreme Court rules in its favor. The government argued that under residual powers of royal prerogative, which cover international treaty-making, it had the power to invoke Article 50 without a vote in Parliament. Many supporters of the opposition Labour Party also voted to leave the European Union, which will make it harder for their lawmakers to oppose a withdrawal. Along with the Supreme Court, the ruling might ultimately be referred to the European Court of Justice, an institution opposed by many who argued for Britain to leave the bloc.

Source: New York Times November 03, 2016 10:11 UTC