BSRIA and Supreme Court Judgement
On 27 January 2017, BSRIA commented on the judgement of the Supreme Court that Parliament – and not Government – will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty – beginning formal discussions with the EU and activating Brexit. The government responded that it will keep the ‘process as straightforward as possible’ while respecting the Supreme Court’s decision.
Julia Evans, BSRIA Chief Executive, said:
“BSRIA believes we need to be encouraging government to act with haste to speed the processes required by law. Indeed, today’s announcement of a government Brexit White Paper will support this and will be welcomed by BSRIA members and industry alike.
"Last summer, the country voted and the decision was ‘out’. Yesterday’s ruling in the Supreme Court, and the subsequent government response, simply reiterates BSRIA’s position: what industry needs is clear leadership to bring economic confidence and stability.
"BSRIA does not want months and months of parliamentary obstacles ahead. We are calling for a clear Brexit timetable and not layers of filibustering. Government must provide a clear direction for industry.
"The realist impact of this ruling, not the political minutiae, is what matters to BSRIA members and industry across the UK. Industry needs to know that this ruling will not affect the timeline they are already anticipating.
"In essence, we need a strategic vision that doesn’t derail from the Prime Minister’s optimistic announcement on Monday of an ‘Industrial Strategy’ and last week’s speech on the ‘UK’s future relationship with the EU’.”
The Government will seek approval of MPs and peers before the end of March to meet the Prime Minister’s deadline.
--BSRIA
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BSRIA reaction to Hinkley decision.
- BSRIA response to 2016 Autumn Statement.
- BSRIA response to Brexit speech.
- BSRIA response to Brexit white paper.
- Brexit - the case for infrastructure.
- Brexit Topic Guide.
- Overcoming the challenges of Brexit.
- What does Brexit mean for construction?
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”

























