Authors of Article 50 give their perspective for panel discussion

From left: Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, Lord Boswell of Aynho and Professor Giuliano Amato

On 30 January 2017, the Centre of European Law bought together an expert panel to discuss Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon.

Article 50 is a part of European Union (EU) law that sets out the process by which a member state can withdraw from the EU. It is the mechanism which is due to be triggered by the UK government, following a vote in the UK to leave the EU in a referendum held last June.

On the panel were former Italian Prime Minister and Constitutional Court Justice Professor Giuliano Amato and Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, both of whom were involved in the drafting of Article 50. Chairing the event was Lord Boswell of Aynho, Chairman of the House of Lords European Union Select Committee.

The expert panel were invited to provide their perspective on the drafting and original conception of Article 50, as well as their opinion on the position which this provision has acquired in the Brexit process. Speaking under Chatham House rules, the panel also discussed the role of the constitutional requirements of the Member States as well as the operation of the provisions with regard to the withdrawal agreement and the agreement relating to a Member State’s future relationship with the Union.

The event was attended by a selection of distinguished guests who were able to address questions to the panel and share their own thoughts on the current and future role of Article 50 in the Brexit process. This event was part of the School’s Thought Salon series of events funded by the Dickson Poon gift.

Photographs from the event are available on the School’s Flickr pages.

Find out more about the Centre of European Law in The Dickson Poon School of Law.