Let’s Talk: Is Brexit a decision for the politicians or the people?

Remember when the British people voted in favour of Brexit – the exit from the European Union – in June?

Well, there’s been a hiccup which could see the people’s vote not taken into account.

The High Court has ruled the British Government must have a vote in parliament to approve Brexit.

The ABC is reporting the British Government argued it had the right begin the Brexit process before the end of March.

You might be wondering why the High Court made the decision it did?

Well, Lord Chief Justice John Thomas argued the UK constitution’s “most fundamental rule” is that parliament “can make and unmake any law it chooses”.

The High Court’s argument is that the job of the parliament is to vote on and make laws.

How did this even happen?

Well, the case was brought before the High Court by entrepreneur Gina Miller and a hairdresser, who argued the government did not have the power to trigger Brexit.

“The result today is about all of us, it’s not about me or my team … it’s about our United Kingdom and all our futures,” Miller said.

So, what does this mean for Brexit?

Well, the parliament could go against the 52% of the population who voted in favour of Brexit and block any moves to leave the European Union.

But both major parties have come out saying they respect the decision of the British people.

However, a large number of MPs voted to remain in the EU in June.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s government has expressed disappointment in the court’s decision.

“The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Act of Parliament. And the Government is determined to respect the result of the referendum,” the government said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is calling for greater transparency around Brexit.

“Labour respects the decision of the British people to leave the European Union. But there must be transparency and accountability to parliament on the terms of Brexit,” he said.

Leaders on opposing sides of the debate have also had their say.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has described the court’s ruling as “hugely significant”.

She said it underlined the “chaos” and “confusion” at the heart of the push to leave the EU.

“We should remember that their refusal to allow a vote in the House of Commons is not because of some matter of high constitutional principle, it is because they don’t have a coherent position and they know that if they take their case to the (chamber) that will be exposed,” she said.

On the other side of the debate, Nigel Farage the head of the anti-EU party, wrote on Twitter that he feared it was an attempt to scuttle Brexit.

“I worry that a betrayal may be near at hand,” he said.

“I now fear every attempt will be made to block or delay triggering Article 50. They have no idea (of the) level of public anger they will provoke.”

So, what’s next?

Well, the British Government has appealed the decision, which will be heard in Britain’s Supreme Court from December 5 to 8.

What do you think? Should the people’s vote on Brexit be taken into consideration?