The Government will take its battle to start the process of leaving the EU to the Supreme Court today, in what is seen as one of the most significant constitutional battles in decades.
Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC will argue that Theresa May can trigger Article 50 using so-called prerogative powers - meaning MPs do not have to vote on the matter in Parliament.
The Government is appealing against an earlier decision by the High Court which ruled in favour of businesswoman Gina Miller and others who want to see Parliament decide.
Ms Miller told Sky News that the court battle "is about two very fundamental constitutional questions".
She said: "One is that Parliament is sovereign and you cannot bypass it.
"Second, the Government can't use prerogative powers to strip people of rights and we will lose rights if we leave the EU."
Ms Miller said that since the High Court ruling she has suffered threats and intimidation.
She added: "There have been, as you would expect, a lot of trolls and keyboard warriors.
"But it has moved beyond that to sexual and racial threats and death threats that have come via emails, phone calls and letters to my office.
"My staff have been bombarded, my family threatened, there is even a bounty on my head via social media."
:: Attorney General prepares for Supreme Court Brexit battle
It is a sign of the strength of feeling around the issue that the High Court judges who handed victory to Ms Miller have themselves come under attack.
Many will now be looking to the Supreme Court to overturn that decision and such is the significance of the case that for the first time ever all of the court's eleven justices will sit together to consider the Government's appeal.
Constitutional law expert Professor Vernon Bogdanor believes both sides have strong legal cases.
He told Sky News: "The legal strength of the Government's position is that treaty matters are for the executive (the government) and therefore they are an exercise of prerogative power and that, I think it is agreed, would be true of every treaty.
"But the case on the other side is that the treaty concerned with the European Union is not just an ordinary treaty because it has been incorporated into British law."
Prof Bogdanor added: "If the arguments were cut and dried they would have been settled at a much lower level.
"The fact that they are going to the Supreme Court shows that there are strong arguments on each of the debate."
The worry for the Government is that if Parliament gets to vote it could interfere with the timetable for triggering Article 50 or, in a very unlikely scenario, thwart it.
The case was fast-tracked to the Supreme Court to avoid any accusation that the judiciary was holding up the political process, but a former attorney general fears there may be a backlash against the court regardless of which result emerges.
Dominic Grieve QC told Sky News: "The judiciary are there to uphold our constitution.
"We don't have a written constitution in this country but we do have perfectly clear principles and they have to be interpreted by our judges."
He added: "When the judges go about this work, whether it is the decision in the High Court or the decision that will come out of the Supreme Court, they are doing exactly what we require them to do.
"Whilst you can certainly disagree with the decision they might come up with…to attack them for doing their job is quite wrong".
Mr Grieve's warning is unlikely to prevent a strong reaction whatever the outcome - such are the sensitivities around Brexit.
The Government will have to wait until January to hear if it has won its appeal.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key in surprise resignation
John Key has announced that he will resign as prime minister of New Zealand, after eight years in the job.
Called it "the hardest decision I've ever made," an emotional Mr Key said "I don't know what I'll do next".
Deputy PM Bill English is likely to take over until the National Party holds a caucus to choose a new PM.
Mr Key, a popular leader, is stepping down at the request of his wife Bronagh, the New Zealand Herald reports.
He won a third term for the National Party at elections in September 2014. He said he would not be contesting the 2017 election.
Profile: John Key from financier to three-term president
'Nothing left'
Mr Key made the announcement during his weekly press conference, citing family reasons for the surprise decision. He set a date of 12 December for the formal resignation.
He said his job required great sacrifices "from those who are dearest to me" and that his children had coped with "an extraordinary level of intrusion".
"All I can say is that I gave it everything I had. I have left nothing in the tank."
My Key, who was formerly at Merrill Lynch as a foreign exchange dealer, ended nine years of Labour Party rule in 2008 when he ousted Helen Clark as prime minister.
Labour leader Andrew Little tweeted: "John Key has served New Zealand generously and with dedication. I wish him and his family the best for the future."
Green Party co-leader Meteria Turei also wished him well.
"I fought every day against John's politics but always supported his right to be a dad and a husband first," she tweeted.
Known by the local media as "Teflon John" because very little controversy has stuck to him during his time in office, Mr Key is credited with steering New Zealand through the 2008 global economic crisis and out of recession.
He has sought to build closer ties with the US, taking a leading role in supporting President Barack Obama's Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) - a 12 country trade deal covering 40% of the world economy.
However, Donald Trump's recent victory in the US has derailed that process, our correspondent says, with his announcement the US would be quitting the TPP on his first day in office in January.
Great loss'
When Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull learned of the news, he sent Mr Key a text message reading "say it ain't so, bro".
Mr Turnbull said New Zealand had boxed above its weight under Mr Key's leadership.
"He will be a great loss to New Zealand and a great loss to the world," Mr Turnbull said.
Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott played on their two countries' cricketing rivalry to say Mr Key had enjoyed a "fine innings".
"Not many pollies retire unbeaten on a double ton," he tweeted.
Australian Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said: "John Key has been a good friend to Australia. I wish him and his family all the best."
Virgin Galactic test flight success above California's Mojave Desert
A Virgin Galactic spaceship has come safely through a free-flying test above the Mojave Desert in southern California.
Sir Richard Branson was watching as SpaceShipTwo - known as VSS Unity - landed about 10 minutes after detaching from its carrier aircraft.
The carrier - WhiteKnightTwo - also made it safely back to the ground.
It comes more than two years after a man was killed when the first craft crashed during a powered test flight.
An investigation last year by the National Transportation Safety Body found the October 2014 accident was caused by a catastrophic structural failure.
It was triggered when co-pilot Michael Alsbury unlocked the craft's braking system early.
Mr Alsbury was killed and pilot Peter Siebold seriously injured when the spaceship broke apart - again over the Mojave Desert.
As this weekend's test got underway, British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted: "Good luck with this new phase of the test programme @virgingalactic - safe flight #pushingboundaries."
Sir Richard, the Virgin Group founder, was with Virgin Galactic chief executive George Whitesides as the test was carried out.
The two men were later pictured congratulating Chief Pilot Dave Mackay and Test Pilot Mark Stucky.
There will be further glide flights, after which the team will check the Unity's hybrid motor during rocket-powered tests.
Virgin Galactic has said it will begin a commercial operation from Spaceport America in New Mexico "once it believes it is safe to do so".
It will also need regulatory approval.
Sir Richard Branson was watching as SpaceShipTwo - known as VSS Unity - landed about 10 minutes after detaching from its carrier aircraft.
The carrier - WhiteKnightTwo - also made it safely back to the ground.
It comes more than two years after a man was killed when the first craft crashed during a powered test flight.
An investigation last year by the National Transportation Safety Body found the October 2014 accident was caused by a catastrophic structural failure.
It was triggered when co-pilot Michael Alsbury unlocked the craft's braking system early.
Mr Alsbury was killed and pilot Peter Siebold seriously injured when the spaceship broke apart - again over the Mojave Desert.
As this weekend's test got underway, British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted: "Good luck with this new phase of the test programme @virgingalactic - safe flight #pushingboundaries."
Sir Richard, the Virgin Group founder, was with Virgin Galactic chief executive George Whitesides as the test was carried out.
The two men were later pictured congratulating Chief Pilot Dave Mackay and Test Pilot Mark Stucky.
There will be further glide flights, after which the team will check the Unity's hybrid motor during rocket-powered tests.
Virgin Galactic has said it will begin a commercial operation from Spaceport America in New Mexico "once it believes it is safe to do so".
It will also need regulatory approval.
Bowe Bergdahl seeks pardon from Obama before Trump takes office
A soldier accused of abandoning his post in Afghanistan has asked the outgoing US President to pardon him.
Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, 30, was captured by the Taliban and held hostage for five years after leaving his unit back in 2009.
He was subsequently released in a controversial prisoner swap with the militants.
US military prosecutors allege the initial 45-day search for the soldier after he disappeared, put the lives of his military colleagues at risk and diverted attention from the fight against the Taliban.
The former prisoner of war was freed in May 2014 after the Obama administration decided to exchange him for five Taliban detainees held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
The move was criticised by some Republicans who accused Mr Obama of jeopardising the nation's safety.
Some politicians were also outraged by the administration not giving Congress 30-days notice about the transfer of detainees, as required by law.
Sgt Bergdahl claimed he walked off his post because he wanted to draw attention to what he saw as problems with his unit.
If his request for leniency is granted it would mean he would avoid a military trial scheduled for April, where he faces charges of desertion and misbehaviour before the enemy.
But if his pardon bid fails he could face life in prison if convicted.
President-elect Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of Sgt Bergdahl calling him a traitor, who should have been executed.
If the pardon is not granted by the time Mr Obama leaves office, Sgt Bergdahl's defence team has said it will file a motion arguing Mr Trump violated their client's due-process rights with his scathing public comments about the case.
The White House confirmed it has received Sgt Bergdahl's pardon application, but said it was standard practice not to comment on pending cases.
Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, 30, was captured by the Taliban and held hostage for five years after leaving his unit back in 2009.
He was subsequently released in a controversial prisoner swap with the militants.
US military prosecutors allege the initial 45-day search for the soldier after he disappeared, put the lives of his military colleagues at risk and diverted attention from the fight against the Taliban.
The former prisoner of war was freed in May 2014 after the Obama administration decided to exchange him for five Taliban detainees held at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
The move was criticised by some Republicans who accused Mr Obama of jeopardising the nation's safety.
Some politicians were also outraged by the administration not giving Congress 30-days notice about the transfer of detainees, as required by law.
Sgt Bergdahl claimed he walked off his post because he wanted to draw attention to what he saw as problems with his unit.
If his request for leniency is granted it would mean he would avoid a military trial scheduled for April, where he faces charges of desertion and misbehaviour before the enemy.
But if his pardon bid fails he could face life in prison if convicted.
President-elect Donald Trump has been a vocal critic of Sgt Bergdahl calling him a traitor, who should have been executed.
If the pardon is not granted by the time Mr Obama leaves office, Sgt Bergdahl's defence team has said it will file a motion arguing Mr Trump violated their client's due-process rights with his scathing public comments about the case.
The White House confirmed it has received Sgt Bergdahl's pardon application, but said it was standard practice not to comment on pending cases.
Italian PM Matteo Renzi to resign in wake of referendum defeat
Italian PM Matteo Renzi has said he will resign after losing a key referendum on constitutional reform.
Mr Renzi had staked his future on a "Yes" vote, vowing to quit if voters rejected his plans - which opponents denounced as dangerous for democracy - to reduce the role of the country's Senate and take back powers from regional authorities.
The result plunges the country into political turmoil, with the effects likely to be felt on the markets and across the rest of Europe.
"The experience of my government ends here," Mr Renzi said in a televised address to the nation.
Mr Renzi, who came to power in 2014, said he took full responsibility for the "extraordinarily clear" defeat, with projections suggesting the "No" camp, would win by a margin of 60% to 40%.
He will convene his cabinet for the last time on Monday afternoon and then hand in his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella.
Spearheaded by the populist Five Star Movement, the biggest rival to Mr Renzi's Democratic party, the "No" campaign took advantage of the Mr Renzi's declining popularity, a struggling economy and problems caused by tens of thousands of migrants arriving from Africa.
The vote is a major victory for Five Star leader Beppe Grillo, who urged Italians to follow their gut instincts.
But it is another blow to the European Union, which is struggling to overcome a number of crises and was keen for Mr Renzi to continue his reform drive.
Turbulence on the markets also looks inevitable, although they seemed initially to take Mr Renzi's departure in their stride.
Stocks and the euro fell in early trading in Asia but there were no signs of panic with the possibility of his resignation having already been largely factored in.
Some analysts fear a deeper crisis of investor confidence could derail a rescue scheme for Italy's most indebted banks, triggering a wider financial crisis across the eurozone.
President Mattarella is now charged with brokering the appointment of a new government, or if that fails, ordering early elections.
Mr Grillo called for an election to be called "within a week" on the basis of a recently adopted electoral law which is designed to ensure the leading party has parliamentary majority.
Many analysts think the most likely outcome is that Mr Renzi's administration will be replaced by a caretaker one dominated by his Democratic Party which will carry on until the next election, which must be held by spring 2018.
After the Brexit vote and Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, the result is likely to be interpreted as another victory for populist forces and a potential stepping stone to government for Mr Grillo's Five Star.
The result plunges the country into political turmoil, with the effects likely to be felt on the markets and across the rest of Europe.
"The experience of my government ends here," Mr Renzi said in a televised address to the nation.
Mr Renzi, who came to power in 2014, said he took full responsibility for the "extraordinarily clear" defeat, with projections suggesting the "No" camp, would win by a margin of 60% to 40%.
He will convene his cabinet for the last time on Monday afternoon and then hand in his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella.
Spearheaded by the populist Five Star Movement, the biggest rival to Mr Renzi's Democratic party, the "No" campaign took advantage of the Mr Renzi's declining popularity, a struggling economy and problems caused by tens of thousands of migrants arriving from Africa.
The vote is a major victory for Five Star leader Beppe Grillo, who urged Italians to follow their gut instincts.
But it is another blow to the European Union, which is struggling to overcome a number of crises and was keen for Mr Renzi to continue his reform drive.
Turbulence on the markets also looks inevitable, although they seemed initially to take Mr Renzi's departure in their stride.
Stocks and the euro fell in early trading in Asia but there were no signs of panic with the possibility of his resignation having already been largely factored in.
Some analysts fear a deeper crisis of investor confidence could derail a rescue scheme for Italy's most indebted banks, triggering a wider financial crisis across the eurozone.
President Mattarella is now charged with brokering the appointment of a new government, or if that fails, ordering early elections.
Mr Grillo called for an election to be called "within a week" on the basis of a recently adopted electoral law which is designed to ensure the leading party has parliamentary majority.
Many analysts think the most likely outcome is that Mr Renzi's administration will be replaced by a caretaker one dominated by his Democratic Party which will carry on until the next election, which must be held by spring 2018.
After the Brexit vote and Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, the result is likely to be interpreted as another victory for populist forces and a potential stepping stone to government for Mr Grillo's Five Star.
Italian PM Matteo Renzi to resign in wake of referendum defeat
Italian PM Matteo Renzi has said he will resign after losing a key referendum on constitutional reform.
Mr Renzi had staked his future on a "Yes" vote, vowing to quit if voters rejected his plans - which opponents denounced as dangerous for democracy - to reduce the role of the country's Senate and take back powers from regional authorities.
The result plunges the country into political turmoil, with the effects likely to be felt on the markets and across the rest of Europe.
"The experience of my government ends here," Mr Renzi said in a televised address to the nation.
Mr Renzi, who came to power in 2014, said he took full responsibility for the "extraordinarily clear" defeat, with projections suggesting the "No" camp, would win by a margin of 60% to 40%.
He will convene his cabinet for the last time on Monday afternoon and then hand in his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella.
Spearheaded by the populist Five Star Movement, the biggest rival to Mr Renzi's Democratic party, the "No" campaign took advantage of the Mr Renzi's declining popularity, a struggling economy and problems caused by tens of thousands of migrants arriving from Africa.
The vote is a major victory for Five Star leader Beppe Grillo, who urged Italians to follow their gut instincts.
But it is another blow to the European Union, which is struggling to overcome a number of crises and was keen for Mr Renzi to continue his reform drive.
Turbulence on the markets also looks inevitable, although they seemed initially to take Mr Renzi's departure in their stride.
Stocks and the euro fell in early trading in Asia but there were no signs of panic with the possibility of his resignation having already been largely factored in.
Some analysts fear a deeper crisis of investor confidence could derail a rescue scheme for Italy's most indebted banks, triggering a wider financial crisis across the eurozone.
President Mattarella is now charged with brokering the appointment of a new government, or if that fails, ordering early elections.
Mr Grillo called for an election to be called "within a week" on the basis of a recently adopted electoral law which is designed to ensure the leading party has parliamentary majority.
Many analysts think the most likely outcome is that Mr Renzi's administration will be replaced by a caretaker one dominated by his Democratic Party which will carry on until the next election, which must be held by spring 2018.
After the Brexit vote and Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, the result is likely to be interpreted as another victory for populist forces and a potential stepping stone to government for Mr Grillo's Five Star.
Mr Renzi had staked his future on a "Yes" vote, vowing to quit if voters rejected his plans - which opponents denounced as dangerous for democracy - to reduce the role of the country's Senate and take back powers from regional authorities.
The result plunges the country into political turmoil, with the effects likely to be felt on the markets and across the rest of Europe.
"The experience of my government ends here," Mr Renzi said in a televised address to the nation.
Mr Renzi, who came to power in 2014, said he took full responsibility for the "extraordinarily clear" defeat, with projections suggesting the "No" camp, would win by a margin of 60% to 40%.
He will convene his cabinet for the last time on Monday afternoon and then hand in his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella.
Spearheaded by the populist Five Star Movement, the biggest rival to Mr Renzi's Democratic party, the "No" campaign took advantage of the Mr Renzi's declining popularity, a struggling economy and problems caused by tens of thousands of migrants arriving from Africa.
The vote is a major victory for Five Star leader Beppe Grillo, who urged Italians to follow their gut instincts.
But it is another blow to the European Union, which is struggling to overcome a number of crises and was keen for Mr Renzi to continue his reform drive.
Turbulence on the markets also looks inevitable, although they seemed initially to take Mr Renzi's departure in their stride.
Stocks and the euro fell in early trading in Asia but there were no signs of panic with the possibility of his resignation having already been largely factored in.
Some analysts fear a deeper crisis of investor confidence could derail a rescue scheme for Italy's most indebted banks, triggering a wider financial crisis across the eurozone.
President Mattarella is now charged with brokering the appointment of a new government, or if that fails, ordering early elections.
Mr Grillo called for an election to be called "within a week" on the basis of a recently adopted electoral law which is designed to ensure the leading party has parliamentary majority.
Many analysts think the most likely outcome is that Mr Renzi's administration will be replaced by a caretaker one dominated by his Democratic Party which will carry on until the next election, which must be held by spring 2018.
After the Brexit vote and Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, the result is likely to be interpreted as another victory for populist forces and a potential stepping stone to government for Mr Grillo's Five Star.
Nigeria’s north-east on the brink of famine
According to the United Nations, 400,000 children in the Nigerian states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe are at risk of starvation. Save the Children UK’s Kevin Watkins has just been to a centre for malnourished infants in the region.
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