Top EU court hears Brexit challenge

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s highest court has begun considering whether Britain can unilaterally change its mind about leaving the EU, as British Prime Minister Theresa May struggled to contain criticism of her divorce deal from U.K. politicians and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Brexit session opened Tuesday by the European Court of Justice will assess the issue under an accelerated procedure, since Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29.

Since Article 50 of the EU treaty of Lisbon dealing with departing members is scant on details — largely because the idea of any country leaving the bloc was considered a remote possibility — a group of Scottish legislators wants to know whether the U.K. can pull out of the withdrawal procedure on its own.

The case comes as pressure builds from Brexit opponents for a second referendum on the decision to leave the bloc.

The court decision is not expected for several weeks and could be dragged out into the new year, close to Britain’s departure date.

May is making a blunt appeal to voters and to lawmakers to support her divorce deal, arguing that any alternative would be a jump into the unknown.

The Scottish lawmakers want to make clear there is an alternative.

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