That doesn’t mean they’re happy about the result
If you’re feeling upset about the referendum results, let lawyers assure you a UK exit from the European Union might not even happen.
It’s shaping up to be a pretty shocking Friday morning. Despite the bookies predicting otherwise, months of vehement campaigning have today culminated in the UK voting by 52% to 48% to leave the EU.
The news has come as quite a surprise to the country, but especially so to the comfortably pro-Bremain profession. Matrix Chambers barrister Matthew Ryder and Howard Kennedy media law partner Mark Stephens both seemed in shock.
Watching this nightmare in complete shock.
— Matthew Ryder (@rydermc) June 24, 2016
Yikes didn't expect #Brexit – I guess Cameron begins a re negotiation with the EU?#EUreferendum Leave wins 51.8% to 48.2%
— Mark Stephens (@MarksLarks) June 24, 2016
Others, including top legal blogger Carl Gardner, family law QC Philip Marshall and human rights barrister Adam Wagner, seemed shaken by the news.
I'm devastated. This is truly awful news. A self-inflicted disaster for our country.
— Carl Gardner (@carlgardner) June 24, 2016
Well, there it is. I'm appalled. But a vote is a vote. So well done, Boris. Get ready to sort out the mess you've created #Brexit
— PJM QC (@pjm1kbw) June 24, 2016
Right now a wall is being raised around us which will take a generation to take down
— Adam Wagner (@AdamWagner1) June 24, 2016
Though the results were announced just hours ago, in true lawyer style chatter has now turned to the legal implications of the out vote, largely courtesy of expert UK legal affairs commentator David Allen Green.
Green was quick to point out that referendums are not actually binding, and in that sense have “no legal impact”.
There is *no* legal change in the UK. Every law which was in effect yesterday is still in effect. Legal status as EU member unaffected
— David Allen Green (@DavidAllenGreen) June 24, 2016
A Brexit from the EU will only be triggered as and when the UK submits its Article 50 notice, the first step being notifying the European Council of its intention to leave.
Until that happens, the UK’s position in the EU remains unaffected by today’s shock announcement.
There is *no* legal change in the UK. Every law which was in effect yesterday is still in effect. Legal status as EU member unaffected
— David Allen Green (@DavidAllenGreen) June 24, 2016
Every politician knows the Article 50 Notification button is now there, waiting to be pressed.
And not one will want to do it.
— David Allen Green (@DavidAllenGreen) June 24, 2016
Commentators are already joking that the UK will probably stall on doing this, or may never do it at all.
In a room in Downing Street, there is a big red button marked "Article 50 Notification".
It has not been pressed.
— David Allen Green (@DavidAllenGreen) June 24, 2016
But political forces will surely force the nation’s hand…