Brexit legal advice: your questions answered – Stephen Parkinson quoted in The Times

Stephen Parkinson,  senior partner and a partner in Kingsley Napley's Criminal Litigation team, was quoted in an article by The Times about the legal advice provided to ministers on Brexit. 

Stephen Parkinson, senior partner at Kingsley Napley andformer deputy legal secretary to the law officers:

"This is one of those wholly exceptional situations in which thefull advice should be published. Parliament has been given theresponsibility to decide whether or not to accept the dealbrought back by Theresa May and it is essential that parliamentfully understands the legal impact of the deal before it votes onit, The situation is similar to when a minister makes decisions –there the ministerial code requires that they should be given thecomplete text of law officers’ advice."

"But the impact of publishing the AG’s advice should also berecognised. Publishing it will make it less likely that futureattorney-general will feel confident in giving honest andforthright advice. Advice on complex issues such as this shoulddraw attention to, and weigh up, all the realistic differentinterpretations of the text. Inevitably therefore proper advicewill include all necessary caveats and nuances. Unfortunately, iffuture attorney-generals know that such advice will bepublished in full, they will be more hesitant about what theysay.”

Click HERE  to see the full article, subscription required.

Further information

If you should have any questions or require advice concerning Brexit related issues please visit our Brexit hub.