Brexit minister Davis advocates discretion over the UK's plans post-exit

David Davis, the Secretary of State in charge of exiting the EU, was questioned by members of Parliament on Monday over the High Court’s ruling on the implementation of Article 50.

“The government’s priority at every stage following the European Union referendum was to respect the outcome of that referendum and to ensure it’s delivered on.

“To leave the European Union was the decision of the British people it was taken after a six to one vote in this house to put that decision in their hands.

“As the government told the voters this is your decision, the government will implement what you decide. No ifs no buts,” said Davis in his opening statement.

With Prime Minister Theresa May having made clear that she would not invoke Article 50 this year, Davis said there was ample time to develop a detailed negotiating position before invoking Article 50 by the end of March.

“The court has come to the decision that Parliament does not have the prerogative power to invoke Article 50 without the legislation to do so. We believe in and value the independence of our judiciary and the foundation upon which our rule of law, we also value the freedom of our press both these things underpin our democracy.

“The government disagrees with the court’s judgement. The country voted to leave the European in a referendum approved by Parliament. As a result we will appeal the high court’s judgement in the supreme court.”

Questions were raised over the details of the government’s negotiating strategy by Andrew Tyrie, chair of the treasury select committee.

He asked whether the government would give “some indication of when they will set out its negotiating position on the core objectives of whether we will remain in the customs union, whether we are attempting to maintain full access to the single market and whether we intend to retain passporting for our financial services”.

Davis responded that the government would have to make a judgement for what is best for Britain “both in terms of access to the European market and to the rest of the world and we’ll make that judgement in due course and we’ll make it public in due course”.

Conservative MP Nick Herbert argued that ahead of the Lisbon treaty the government issued a white paper setting out its objectives but will not set out a similar document for the exit from the EU.

“We have our broad aims: control of laws, control of borders, maintenance of our security, aim to get the maximum possible access to free markets in Europe and elsewhere. In terms of detail we will be as open as possible as is consistent with maintaining our negotiating stance.”

Davis said revealing the government’s negotiating points would only compromise their ability to reach a good deal for the British public, effectively “tying the hands of the negotiator”.

As for giving members of parliament a say, David indicated that a repeal bill will be released that will allow members of parliament to amend the final plan after it has been laid out.

Some MPs advocated for Parliament to use its sovereignty to act before the High Court ruling is decided in January, which Davis disagreed with saying the government is going to abide by the law and wait for the outcome before making any moves.