iAs 2016 draws to a close and we await the Supreme Court’s confirmation that the UK’s Parliament is the Sovereign authority that Theresa May and her Government must respect and obey, our thoughts turn to the process by which our MPs will determine what is in the best interests of the UK and its citizens.

An overarching theme of the People’s Challenge has been that fundamental rights & benefits of ordinary citizens have been almost totally ignored during the debate on the UK’s membership of the EU and the (in)actions of the current self-appointed and autocratic government.

Even when those rights have been referred to, it has often been done using the phrase “freedom of movement” with little knowledge, much less explanation, of what that represents, in simple practical terms, to ordinary UK citizens.

The People’s Challenge has grounded its case in the fundamental principles of citizenship rights, not just the grand principles but also the more down to earth, everyday implication and implementation of those grand principles.

These rights have been in place for long enough that many people have enjoyed them their whole lives, and many others have forgotten how things were before we had them.

We are now planning out the next stage in our challenge to the UK Government and the Brexiteers and the protection of the fundamental rights and benefits we all have as citizens of the EU.

This will show that EU citizens have rights that extend far beyond the simple phrases “freedom of movement” and “right to remain”. Furthermore, it will demonstrate that for many people these rights, once lost because of withdrawal from the EU, could not be restored or replicated by actions of the UK Government.

It will involve, amongst other things, further legal work to produce a detailed document that can be turned into a definitive “plain English” guide to the fundamental rights enjoyed by all EU citizens.

We will also be assessing the extent to which these rights are protected as acquired rights under EU and International law so that we know what we can expect if the UK, through Government incompetence or intention, falls outside not only the EU but also the Single Market.

We are investigating other issues raised by Brexit and the government’s (in)actions, advice is being sought and we will keep you informed as things develop.

Now, however, “tis the season to be jolly”. We wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas.

As was once said “Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope”

Have a wonderful festive season and see you again in January!

Very best wishes from us all,