The High Court today (Thursday 3 Nov 2016) has told the Government that the Parliament must vote on whether the UK can start the process of leaving the EU or not. This means the UK Government cannot trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon treaty- beginning formal exit negotiations with the EU-on its own.
Theresa May had reportedly said that the Referendum result itself is binding enough and the MPs do not need to vote separately, but the campaigners led by Gina Miller called that unconstitutional.
The government is appealing, with a further hearing expected next month, where the campaigners have promised to counter-appeal if the case goes to the Supreme Court.
Prime minister's official spokesman on Monday had reportedly said the government had "no intention of letting" the judgement "derail Article 50 or the timetable we have set out. We are determined to continue with our plan".
Brexit Secretary David Davis said he presumed the court ruling meant an act of Parliament would be required to trigger Article 50 - so would be subject to approval by both MPs and peers.
But the government was going to contest that view in an appeal, saying that the referendum was held only following "a six-to-one vote in the Commons to give the decision to the British people".
"The people are the ones Parliament represents - 17.4m of them, the biggest mandate in history, voted for us to leave the European Union. We are going to deliver on that mandate in the best way possible for the British national interest," he told the BBC.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn urged the government "to bring its negotiating terms to Parliament without delay", adding that "there must be transparency and accountability to Parliament on the terms of Brexit".
But UKIP leader Nigel Farage said he feared a "betrayal" of the 51.9% of voters who backed leaving the EU in June's referendum and voiced concern at the prospect of a "half Brexit".
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said: "Ultimately, the British people voted for a departure but not for a destination, which is why what really matters is allowing them to vote again on the final deal, giving them the chance to say no to an irresponsible hard Brexit that risks our economy and our jobs."
Another setback in the Supreme Court could force Mrs May to put legislation through Parliament, opening the door for Europhile MPs and peers to delay or even wreck Brexit.
Two-thirds of the Commons backed staying in the EU, and the Lords is also believed to have a Remain majority.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon suggested her 54 SNP MPs could oppose invoking Article 50 if there is a Commons vote.
