SDLP Foyle MP and member of the Westminster Brexit Committee Mark Durkan has welcomed today’s ruling by the High Court in London stating that Parliament must vote on whether the UK can start the process of leaving the European Union.
Mr Durkan called on MPs from across the North of Ireland to commit to representing the democratically stated will of people in Northern Ireland to remain in the European Union.
During June’s EU referendum, 56 per cent of the voters voted to say in the European Union.
Mr Durkan said: “I welcome this important ruling by the High Court.
“I have consistently called on the government not to begin the formal process of triggering Article 50 on withdrawal from the EU until its proposals have been fully considered in the House of Commons and voted upon by MPs.
“Parliament has the right and the duty to ensure that we best consider how these matters are dealt with. However, the idea seemed to be that Parliament had no role whatsoever, and could entrust these matters entirely to the royal prerogative and those who are meant to be leading the process. That would constitute a request for us to commit a dereliction of duty.
“The SDLP has been consistent in its objection to the use and abuse of the dubious royal prerogative powers. Those of us who believe in parliamentary democracy know that major decisions where substantive details and strategic options count, should be debated and voted upon by MPs, rather than being pocketed as a private or personal tactic for a Prime Minister.
“SDLP MPs will unapologetically defend the will of the 56% of people who voted to remain in the European Union and the will of our constituents.
“It is now incumbent on other MPs from Northern Ireland to commit to representing the democratically stated will of people here.”