Skip to main content
Case

Benn Act

The Prime Minister stated that the UK would leave the EU on 31 October 2019 come what may, statements that could not be reconciled with his clear legal obligations under the Benn Act to request an extension.

We asked the Court for an Order requiring the Prime Minister to comply with the Benn Act and ask for an extension and, if he refused, to exercise its nobile officium jurisdiction to ask for the extension itself.

The Government kicked, screamed, and briefed against its obligations. The court, on our petition, kept a watchful eye.

The result was that the Prime Minister eventually, under protest, was forced by law to write a letter asking for an extension of Article 50. The UK did not leave the EU on the day the Prime Minister had promised.

Why we need your support

Good Law Project only exists thanks to donations from people across the UK. We are incredibly grateful to all of our supporters, without whom our work would not be possible.

Every single penny that we receive makes a huge difference to our ability to hold those in power to account and demand a better, fairer future.

If you’re in a position to support our work, you can do so here. Thank you

Support us now