Brexit order: Shock for May

A piquant situation has developed in Britain after Thursday’s sensational high court ruling that the government of Prime Minister Theresa May does not have the sovereign right to set in motion the process to withdraw from Europe, and that only Parliament can trigger Brexit. The government is set to appeal. Ms May had earlier declared her intention to initiate Brexit by March 2017, and complete the process in two years. It is to be seen if the Supreme Court in Britain gives the government any relief. At the very least, Brexit is likely to be delayed, and it may not be a hard exit in the end. A total break from the European Union will hurt Britain.

The Conservative government has a small majority in the House of Commons. Its members are largely thought to favour “Stay”. The disposition of the Lords is not clear. Nevertheless, if a Brexit bill is brought, will MPs shoot it down Or, will they be mindful that the PM’s decision to implement Brexit draws support from the June 23 referendum.

While “Leave” narrowly won the referendum, polls since then have suggested that its numbers have shrunk. If Parliament considers this, the plausible course will be to order a second referendum, or a national election. The PM would like to have the election only when it’s due in four years. But her hand could be forced, depending on the way the Parliament debate goes. There’s also the Scotland factor. The Scots look keen to leave Britain if they can’t remain in Europe.