Parliament must vote on Article 50

The Supreme Court has ruled that Parliament must vote on whether the government can trigger Article 50.

Although the ruling means Prime Minister Theresa May cannot begin talks with the EU until MPs and peers give their backing this is still expected to happen in time for the government's 31 March deadline.

During the hearing, campaigners argued that the government’s intention to deny the UK Parliament a vote was ‘undemocratic’ and a breach of long-standing constitutional principles.

Meanwhile, the government argued that under the Royal Prerogative (powers handed to the government by the Crown), it could make this move without the need to consult MPs.

Reading out the decision, Supreme Court President Lord Neuberger said: "By a majority of eight to three, the Supreme Court today rules that the government cannot trigger Article 50 without an act of Parliament authorising it to do so.

“Withdrawal effects a fundamental change by cutting off the source of EU law, as well as changing legal rights. The UK's constitutional arrangements require such changes to be clearly authorised by Parliament."

Brexit Secretary David Davis commented: “I can announce today that we will shortly introduce legislation allowing the government to move ahead with invoking Article 50. We will work with colleagues in both Houses to ensure this Bill is passed in good time for us to invoke Article 50 by the end of March this year, as the Prime Minister has set out.”