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THREAD - Brexit facts: If May’s deal fails this week (as it almost certainly will) then the vote on no deal and/or extension of Art 50 is not legally binding. That means that even if Parliament votes to rule out no deal, this does not actually prevent no deal 1/5
The default legal position is that we leave the European Union- with or without a deal- on 29 March 2019. Only a statutory instrument could override this default legal position & such an instrument would have to be moved by a Minister of the Crown (eg the Government) 2/5
The European Union Withdrawal Act sets out the default legal position. Regardless of motions passed by Parliament, only statute could override statute. Such an instrument would have to pass the HoC & the Lords prior to 29 March 2019- almost impossible 3/5
The reality is that unless the Government move legislation to override the default position or in the event Parliament approves a Withdrawal Agreement (virtually impossible) then there is no way to possibly stop Brexit, or to prevent no deal. 4/5
All that is required is for those committed to upholding the democratic will of the people is to run the clock down. Parliament has to vote FOR something, and something that will have the force of law. The cooper amendment & the non-binding motions does not have that force 5/5
