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Vicarious liability in tort

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The Supreme Court has given judgment in two cases concerned with Vicarious Liability in Tort.  Previous posts: <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/vicarious-liability-for-intentional.html">Vicarious liability for intentional tort</a> (16th January 2012) and <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/supreme-court-judgment-on-viacrious.html">Catholic Child Welfare case</a> (21st November 2012). 
 
The cases: 
 
Cox v Ministry of Justice [2016] UKSC 10 was a case brought against the Ministry of Justice by Mrs Cox in respect of injury caused to her by the negligence of a prisoner assigned to work in the prison kitchen.  Whilst the more usual case of vicarious liability involves the responsibility of an employer for the actions of an employee, this form of liability has been applied in other situations.

Vicarious liability in tort

The Supreme Court has given judgment in two cases concerned with Vicarious Liability in Tort. Previous posts: Vicarious liability for int...

5:51:00 AM

It is Brexit (2) ~ A short note on developments since Thursday 23rd June.

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A short note on some of the developments since the Referendum on 23rd June. 
 
1. The European Council has issued this statement - <a href="http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2016/06/24-joint-statement-uk-referendum/">Statement by the EU leaders and the Netherlands Presidency on the outcome of the UK referendum.</a>

It is Brexit (2) ~ A short note on developments since Thursday 23rd June.

A short note on some of the developments since the Referendum on 23rd June. 1. The European Council has issued this statement - Stateme...

5:11:00 AM

CCRC Statement following R v Jogee

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As a consequence of the decision of the Supreme Court of the UK in R v Jogee, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has <a href="http://www.ccrc.gov.uk/the-ccrc-joint-enterprise-and-the-judgment-in-the-case-of-ameen-jogee/">issued this statement</a>.  The statement notes that there may be a "significant impact on the number of applications received by the CCRC" but also notes that "the decision will affect other cases only in very specific circumstances." 
 
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CCRC Statement following R v Jogee

As a consequence of the decision of the Supreme Court of the UK in R v Jogee, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has issued this ...

5:02:00 AM

Secondary Legislation and the Powers of the Lords ~ Commons report

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Remember the <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/tax-credits-row.html">Tax Credits row</a> and how it was blown up into a constitutional crisis when the House of Lords voted for a DELAY in implementing the <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2015/9780111138946">Tax Credits (Income Thresholds and Determination of Rates)(Amendment) Regulations 2015</a>   The government had claimed that cuts to tax credits were crucial to its plans for public finances but the cuts were abandoned in the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/spending-review-and-autumn-statement-2015-key-announcements">Autumn Statement</a> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/spending-review-and-autumn-statement-2015-key-announcements"></a> 
 
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Secondary Legislation and the Powers of the Lords ~ Commons report

Remember the Tax Credits row and how it was blown up into a constitutional crisis when the House of Lords voted for a DELAY in implementi...

7:05:00 PM

Iraq Inquiry Report to be published

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<a href="http://www.iraqinquiry.org.uk/">Iraq Inquiry</a> 
 
 
The report of the Iraq Inquiry is to be issued - without redactions - on 6th July 2016.  See the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prime-ministers-response-to-sir-john-chilcots-letter--2">letter from the Prime Minister to Sir John Chilcot</a> (the Inquiry Chairman). 
 
Earlier posts <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/chilcot-and-difficult-question-of.html">14th August 2015</a> and <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/iraq-inquiry-little-more.html">1st September 2015</a>. 
 
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Iraq Inquiry Report to be published

Iraq Inquiry The report of the Iraq Inquiry is to be issued - without redactions - on 6th July 2016. See the letter from the Prime Mi...

1:37:00 AM

"Celebrity" injunction remains ~ Is the law an ass? Supreme Court answers NO.

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<a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/three-in-bed-should-they-be-named-court.html">Earlier post 12th April 2016 </a> 
 
 
The Supreme Court has ruled that the "celebrity" injunction in PJS v News Group Newspapers Ltd [2016] UKSC 26 is to remain in place - <a href="https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2016-0080.html">Supreme Court UK Judgments</a>.  The Supreme Court held that the Court of Appeal erred in law and therefore substituted its own decision.

"Celebrity" injunction remains ~ Is the law an ass? Supreme Court answers NO.

Earlier post 12th April 2016 The Supreme Court has ruled that the "celebrity" injunction in PJS v News Group Newspapers Ltd [...

2:00:00 AM

Parliament and Death by Drone

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Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights has called upon the government to clarify the legal basis on which it contributes to the use of lethal force abroad outside armed conflict by other countries such as the US - <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/joint-select/human-rights-committee/news-parliament-2015/drones-report-published-15-16/">Government must clarify legal case for lethal drone strikes outside armed conflict</a> 
 
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Parliament and Death by Drone

Parliament's Joint Committee on Human Rights has called upon the government to clarify the legal basis on which it contributes to the ...

9:24:00 PM

Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners ~ a post Hillsborough inquest reflection

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Update 1: <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2016/police">PCC Election results 2016 </a> 
 
Update 2: <a href="http://5essexcourt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/7040_PCC_Guide_P8b.pdf">Essential Law and Practical Guidance for Police and Crime Commissioners</a>- 5 Essex Court.  
 
Following the end of the Hillsborough Inquest, the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire (Mr David Crompton) was suspended by the Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire (Dr Alan Billings) - <a href="http://www.southyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/News-and-Events/News/2016/April/Police-and-Crime-Commissioner-suspends-South-Yorkshires-Chief-Constable.aspx">Announcement by the Commissioner</a>.  It is an interesting question as to whether the Police and Crime Commissioner should also carry some responsibility for the way in which the South Yorkshire Police conducted themselves at the inquest.  The answer is not entirely clear.

Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners ~ a post Hillsborough inquest reflection

Update 1: PCC Election results 2016 Update 2: Essential Law and Practical Guidance for Police and Crime Commissioners - 5 Essex Court...

1:10:00 AM

The Coroners Court ~ a system that cannot remain unreformed

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Update: <a href="http://nigelpooleqc.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/lets-be-honest-inquests-often-are.html">Let's be honest: Inquests often are adversarial</a> - Nigel Poole QC (Learned Friend blog 6th May).  Also, New Law Journal 5th May - <a href="http://www.newlawjournal.co.uk/nlj/content/long-road-justice">The long road to justice</a> - Patrick Roche (barrister). 
 
After the experience of Hillsborough, is it possible to pretend that Coroners Courts continue to be satisfactory?  The system received severe criticism in an article in The Guardian 29th April <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/apr/29/hillsborough-inquest-legal-system-key-part-establishment-failed-families-years?CMP=twt_gu">The other villain of Hillsborough saga: legal system that left families in torment</a> - " .... over 27 years, the whole Hillsborough ordeal has sadly also illustrated why too many people who go to court do not find justice, but only the next phase of the nightmare which sent them there in the first place."

The Coroners Court ~ a system that cannot remain unreformed

Update: Let's be honest: Inquests often are adversarial - Nigel Poole QC (Learned Friend blog 6th May). Also, New Law Journal 5th M...

3:46:00 AM

Important Human Rights Report ~ The UK, the EU and a British Bill of Rights

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Updated 12th May 
 
The <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/hleu">House of Lords EU Committee</a> has issued an important report - <a href="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201516/ldselect/ldeucom/139/13902.htm">The UK, the EU and a British Bill of Rights</a> - 12th Report of Session 2015-16 - 9th May 2016.

Important Human Rights Report ~ The UK, the EU and a British Bill of Rights

Updated 12th May The House of Lords EU Committee has issued an important report - The UK, the EU and a British Bill of Rights - 12th R...

5:59:00 AM

Litanies of Lies ~ Orgreave - June 1984 and Hillsborough - April 1989.

Litanies of Lies ~ Orgreave - June 1984 and Hillsborough - April 1989.

Update: Orgreave inquiry calls grow after damning Hillsborough verdict for police - The Guardian 16th May. New Zealand judge Pete...

5:33:00 AM

Parliament prorogued - Hillsborough - Finucane remembered - Judicial Power

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-27224172">Filey (see here)</a></td></tr>
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The Parliamentary Session 2015-16 ended on Thursday 12th May.   <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2016/may/2015-16-parliamentary-session-ends/">Parliament is "prorogued"</a> until the <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2016/may/lords-state-opening/">Queen's Speech on 18th May</a>.   Certain Bills received Royal Assent and became Acts of Parliament on Thursday 12 May 2016: 
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><a href="http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/armedforces.html">Armed Forces Act</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><a href="http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/criminalcasesreviewcommissioninformation.html" target="_blank">Criminal Cases Review Commission (Information) Act</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><a href="http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/drivinginstructorsregistration.html" target="_blank">Driving Instructors (Registration) Act</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><a href="http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/energy.html" target="_blank">Energy Act</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><a href="http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/houseofcommonsmembersfund.html" target="_blank">House of Commons Members’ Fund Act</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><a href="http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/housingandplanning.html" target="_blank">Housing and Planning Act</a></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><a href="http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2015-16/immigration.html" target="_blank">Immigration Act</a> </li></ul>

Parliament prorogued - Hillsborough - Finucane remembered - Judicial Power

Filey (see here) The Parliamentary Session 2015-16 ended on Thursday 12th May. Parliament is "prorogued" until the...

8:36:00 AM

General Election 2015 ~ Thanet South and allegations of unlawful electoral expenses

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The <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000948">General Election 2015</a> resulted in a Conservative government and it has a working majority in the House of Commons of 17 - (<a href="http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/current-state-of-the-parties/">State of Parties</a>).

General Election 2015 ~ Thanet South and allegations of unlawful electoral expenses

The General Election 2015 resulted in a Conservative government and it has a working majority in the House of Commons of 17 - ( State of ...

6:36:00 AM

A few items of legal interest

A few items of legal interest

Whilst the impending EU referendum is dominating the news, here are some other items of interest.

8:51:00 AM

Deep cut

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Update - Addendum 6th June 2016  
Privates Sean Benton (died June 1995) - Cheryl James (died November 1995) - Geoff Gray (died September 2001) - James Collinson (died March 2002).  They were all at Deepcut Barracks and all died from gunshots - <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35458611">BBC News 1st February 2016</a>.

Deep cut

Update - Addendum 6th June 2016 Privates Sean Benton (died June 1995) - Cheryl James (died November 1995) - Geoff Gray (died September 2...

7:21:00 AM

EU Referendum - Voter Registration - A nightmare of a paper chase!

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I had planned to do a walk today: fresh air and exercise and all that.  Unfortunately, the weather turned dull with bouts of heavy rain so I abandoned the idea of the walk.  I suppose that I could have found something better to do but I ended up delving into the law behind Voter Registration for the EU Referendum.  Get a life I hear you say!

EU Referendum - Voter Registration - A nightmare of a paper chase!

I had planned to do a walk today: fresh air and exercise and all that. Unfortunately, the weather turned dull with bouts of heavy rain so...

8:59:00 AM

Extending the Voter registration deadline

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Update 10th June:  The Regulations were approved by both Houses of Parliament on 9th June.  It seems likely that House of Commons will examine further the problems that arose.  See <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/636/pdfs/uksi_20160636_en.pdf">The Regulations</a> - "made" at 6.29 pm on Thursday 9th June.  Somewhat in excess of 400,000 people were added to the electoral register over 8th and 9th June.

Extending the Voter registration deadline

Update 10th June: The Regulations were approved by both Houses of Parliament on 9th June. It seems likely that House of Commons will ex...

9:02:00 AM

Justice Committee - The Magistracy (2)

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The <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/justice-committee/">House of Commons Justice Committee</a> is conducting an <a href="http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/justice-committee/inquiries/parliament-2015/role-of-the-magistracy-inquiry-15-16/">Inquiry into the Role of the Magistracy</a> and has concluded its evidence sessions.  The first of those sessions was covered in an earlier post on 24th March - <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/justice-committee-magistracy.html">Justice Committee - The Magistracy</a>.

Justice Committee - The Magistracy (2)

The House of Commons Justice Committee is conducting an Inquiry into the Role of the Magistracy and has concluded its evidence sessions....

6:46:00 AM

Inquests - legal aid for families

Inquests - legal aid for families

An amendment to the Policing and Crime Bill aimed at getting parity of representation for families at inquests failed in the House of Com...

9:59:00 AM

UK and the EU (11) - The event horizon approaches - What if it is Brexit

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA53l7AG7Pg">Event Horizon</a></td></tr>
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Suppose that the outcome of the EU Referendum is Leave.  The UK will then start its journey along Brexit Road - a road without any detailed road map.  This post takes a somewhat speculative look at some of the matters that might arise along the way.  First of all, a couple of points of law: 
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1.   The referendum result does NOT bind the UK government or Parliament in law.  There is nothing in this Referendum Act (or elsewhere) to require - as a matter of law - the government or Parliament to either do anything at all or to do any particular thing.  For further discussion on this point see the article by David Allen Green in the Financial Times (£) - <a href="http://blogs.ft.com/david-allen-green/2016/06/14/can-the-united-kingdom-government-legally-disregard-a-vote-for-brexit/">Can the UK government legally disregard a vote for Brexit</a>?<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a> 
 
2.   The Treaty on European Union (TEU) <a href="http://www.lisbon-treaty.org/wcm/the-lisbon-treaty/treaty-on-European-union-and-comments/title-6-final-provisions/137-article-50.html">Article 50</a>  sets out the ground rules for withdrawal.  Art 50(1) - "Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements." 
 
So, what are the constitutional requirements in the UK?  Since this referendum result will not, in domestic law, bind the government or Parliament it would seem that Parliament ought to somehow endorse the result.  Unless that is done there may not actually be a "Decision" for the purposes of Article 50. 
 
The formal process set out in Article 50 does not begin until the British government gives notice to the European Council.  The notice would trigger everything including the 2 year (possibly extendable) timescale as set out in the Article - see Art 50(3).  Precisely what constitutes "notice to the European Council" seems not to be specified but it probably requires a formal communique of some sort from the British government to the European Council President. 
 
The process of leaving - some issues arising: 
 
Things would undoubtedly be very tricky POLITICALLY and there would be much to do BEFORE any formal Article 50 notice of Brexit is given to the EU.   
 
1.   The government will have to respond in an appropriate way to the Brexit vote.  That will require a sensible withdrawal plan setting out clearly the steps to be taken.  There would be little point posting a letter straightaway to the European Council giving notice of withdrawal as required by <a href="http://www.lisbon-treaty.org/wcm/the-lisbon-treaty/treaty-on-European-union-and-comments/title-6-final-provisions/137-article-50.html">Article 50</a> (TEU). All that would do is kick start the withdrawal process without any clear idea of how the process would be conducted.  The government would do well to take a sensible period (say 6 months or so) to establish and consult about such a withdrawal plan. 
 
2.   Parliament itself may feel the need to assert its right to be consulted at all stages.  That might entail some form of Parliamentary Committee being established to monitor and report on events as they unfold. 
 
3.   Talks with the EU about the withdrawal process would be essential and these should take place before any notice is given under Article 50.  That would enable both sides to have a clear understanding of the process to be followed. 
 
Article 50(2) requires that an agreement shall be negotiated in accordance with <a href="http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:12008E218&from=EN">Article 218</a>(3) of the TFEU and it shall be concluded on behalf of the Union by the Council, acting by a qualified majority, after obtaining the consent of the European Parliament. 
 
Article 218 TFEU sets out a procedure for negotiation of agreements: - "The Commission, ........, shall submit recommendations to the Council, which shall adopt a decision authorising the opening of negotiations and, depending on the subject of the agreement envisaged, nominating the Union negotiator or the head of the Union's negotiating team" - [Art 281(3) with some words omitted]. 
 
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In passing, it can be noted that Art 218(11) provides that a Member State, the European Parliament, the Council or the Commission may obtain the opinion of the Court of Justice as to whether an agreement envisaged is compatible with the Treaties. 
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4.   A further point is Art 50(4) which would operate to exclude the UK from certain discussions in the European Council including any decision on whether to extend the 2 year timescale.  Particular clarity would be required on the matter of participation.  Crucially, this could make it very difficult (if not impossible) for the UK to assume the <a href="http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/council-eu/presidency-council-eu/">EU Council Presidency</a> planned for July 2017. 
 
5.  Before giving formal notice, the UK would have to have some clear idea about whatever trading and other arrangements it wanted to have with the EU in the future.  Similarly, the European Union would need to have a clear view as to what it was prepared to accept.  At least that would form a starting point for Brexit negotiations. 
 
6.  Before giving formal notice the British government would have to have a very clear understanding of the position of the devolved governments in the UK.  As an example, if the referendum result was a Brexit majority in England but not in Scotland then what would happen?  Even to ask such a question is to get a glimpse of the Pandora's Box which may open. 
 
7.  Would the approval of Parliament be required before giving formal notice of withdrawal? 
 
Article 50 is not in play here since the Article states that "Any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements." 
 
Negotiations to enter into a new Treaty are normally the province of Ministers who negotiate under prerogative powers (see <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/243164/7239.pdf">Ministry of Justice Consultation Paper 26/2007</a>).  Parliament is involved in the ratification of treaties - see <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/25/part/2">Part 2 of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010</a>. 
 
Negotiations about withdrawal from the EU Treaties would be conducted by (or on behalf of) Ministers.  Parliament would inevitably become involved since the European Communities Act 1972 would have to be repealed (and replaced with appropriate new legislation). 
 
 
At least, all of this seems to point to a political need to obtain the approval of Parliament before entering into formal negotiations.   In any event, Parliament would expect to have its say on the outcome of any talks with the EU prior to the time of formal notice. 
 
Could the UK give notice under Article 50 but rescind the notice later? 
 
Art 50(5) - If a State which has withdrawn from the Union asks to rejoin, its request shall be subject to the procedure referred to in Article 49. 
 
It seems that there is nothing legally to prevent the UK rescinding its notice to quit but it is a moot point whether this situation would ever arise.  It appears that it would be a matter for agreement between the UK government and the EU. 
 
Could a Brexit Vote lead to a General Election? 
 
One possibility is that the Prime Minister resigns having been unable to win his Remain argument.  The most recent Prime Ministerial resignation is that of Tony Blair in 2007.  HM The Queen appointed Gordon Brown as Prime Minister and he held the office until the General Election in 2010.  Thus, a Prime Ministerial resignation does not trigger a General election.  (Whether it should do so is another issue). 
 
The Fixed-Term Parliaments Act (FTPA) determines when there may be another General Election.  The FTPA is discussed in <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/uk-and-eu-10-what-if-it-is-brexit.html">UK and the EU - No. 10</a> 
 
Essentially, the next election will be in May 2020 unless a general election is called because one of the procedures in <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2011/14/section/2/enacted">section 2 of the FTPA</a> is applied.  These are basically - (1) that the House of Commons votes for an early election (note the two-thirds requirement) or (2) that there is a successful motion of no confidence in the government and that is not reversed within 14 days.  Parliament cannot be otherwise dissolved. 
 
The only other way to a General Election would be for Parliament to repeal the FTPA and, as part of doing so, put other arrangements in its place.  (Note: I do not think that simple repeal of the FTPA would result in a return to the "Prime Minister can call the shots" system that existed before the FTPA though Parliament could legislate for such a system). 
 
Could a Brexit vote be ignored or not acted upon? 
 
It would be politically impossible to simply ignore a Brexit vote.  The more likely approach will be that Ministers will enter into talks with the EU - (not at this point formal negotiations) - to see what the EU position is.  Similarly, they will see what the view of the devolved governments is. 
 
It is quite possible to envisage scenarios where the government (or Parliament) might think that the result was not decisive enough. An article <a href="https://constitution-unit.com/2016/04/28/in-the-event-of-a-leave-vote-brexit-would-dominate-westminster-for-years/">by Lord Lisvane (a former Clerk of the House of Commons)</a> and published by the Constitution Unit suggests this possibility - 
 
"If the result is narrow and the turnout is low then the possibilities become a lot more complicated. Remember that the outcome of the Scottish independence referendum was 55.3 per cent No, 44.7 per cent Yes, on an extremely high turnout of 84.59 per cent. If the result on June 23 was, say, 51 to 49 in favour of Leave on a turnout of 55 per cent then that would move quite a lot of goalposts – especially if Scotland had voted to stay and England to leave. The Prime Minister could say that such a result is not sufficiently decisive and so we will negotiate heads of agreement on withdrawal, and then have a second referendum to decide whether to trigger the exit process on that basis." 
 
How would Brexit itself be handled? 
 
Legislation will be necessary to deal with the vast volume of legislation involved in the UK's membership of the EU.  The aim of any such legislation would be to implement the final withdrawal agreement by whatever date membership ceases.  It would not necessarily involve the removal from domestic law of everything linked to the EU since the withdrawal agreement will have to deal with the on-going UK-EU relationship.  It is perfectly possible to envisage a number of matters remaining in place such as the European Arrest Warrant system. 
 
To cope effectively with what is likely to be a lengthy and complicated process, it seems likely that Parliament will enact enabling legislation and leave it to Ministers to make implementing legislation.  I have a vision of yet another Act<a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/lord-judge-ceding-power-to-executive.html"> amounting to an enormous Henry VIII power</a> ! 
 
Endpiece: 
 
Withdrawal from the EU will be a legally interesting process but it is potentially a nightmare politically.  The UK government would need to obtain the best possible deal for the British people.  The EU will obviously act (as it must) in its own best interests.  What those are in these circumstances must be a matter of speculation at the moment. 
 
Those who have read the above may well think that Brexit is a process best avoided.  Alternatively,   you may think that the difficulties are not insurmountable and that travelling along Brexit Road is necessary.   You might think either of those things - I cannot possibly comment!  
  
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: Earlier posts in this series :</div>
 
 
20th February - <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/brexit-referendum-few-points.html">Brexit ~ referendum ~ a few points</a> - including link to the deal secured by the Prime Minister 
 
UK and the EU (1) - <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/uk-and-eu-1-history-and-background.html">History and Background</a> 
 
UK and the EU (2) - <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/uk-and-eu-2-eu-treaties-key-points.html">The EU Treaties - key points</a> 
 
UK and the EU (3) - <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/uk-and-eu-3-parliament-commission-and.html">The Parliament, the Commission and the Court</a> 
 
UK and the EU (4) - <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/uk-and-eu-4-freedom-of-movement-of.html">Freedom of movement of persons</a> 
 
UK and the EU (5) - <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/uk-and-eu-5-referendum-people-need.html">Referendum - People need facts not slogans (Lord King)</a> 
 
UK and the EU (6) -<a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/uk-and-eu-6-will-brexit-be-simple.html">Will Brexit be a simple process?</a> 
 
UK and the EU (7) -<a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/uk-and-eu-7-your-rights.html">Your Rights</a> 
 
UK and the EU (8) - <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/uk-and-eu-8-trading-bloc-or-emergent.html">Trading bloc or emergent State </a> 
 
UK and the EU (9) - <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/uk-and-eu-9-monumental-referendum.html">A monumental referendum - information to assist</a> 
 
UK and the EU (10) - <a href="http://obiterj.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/uk-and-eu-10-what-if-it-is-brexit.html">What if it is Brexit </a>

UK and the EU (11) - The event horizon approaches - What if it is Brexit

Event Horizon Suppose that the outcome of the EU Referendum is Leave. The UK will then start its journey along Brexit Road - a road w...

9:56:00 AM

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