Commenting on today’s judgement by the Supreme Court, Seema Malhotra MP (Labour and Cooperative MP for Feltham and Heston and member of the Brexit Select Committee) said:

“Today’s Supreme Court judgement confirms the long standing constitutional principle of the sovereignty of Parliament.  It has clarified the legal position for the triggering of Article 50 and will allow Parliamentarians to undertake their responsibilities in contributing and scrutinising the process going forwards.

MPs have a duty to scrutinise legislation as part of the democratic process, including putting forward amendments we consider would be right for Britain’s future.  The Government was wrong to call that democratic process into question and in my view should not have appealed the decision of the courts.

This path is not going to be without huge challenges. Leaving the European Union will require major changes to the statute book. In addition to Article 50 and the negotiations that will follow, we expect the “Great Repeal Bill” in the next Queen’s Speech. I believe the terms of Brexit must safeguard crucial British interests such our economic competitiveness, worker’s rights, environmental protection and security issues. The EU-UK settlement must balance the economic imperative of access to the single market and access to skills with the political imperative to respond to the concerns of the British people expressed with regards to immigration. Remaining in a reformed single market, to the greatest possible extent is essential for our future prosperity as a country.”