Earlier this morning, the Supreme Court’s historic 11-strong bench ruled to uphold an earlier decision in the High Court that Prime Minister Theresa May could not trigger Britain’s exit from the European Union using royal prerogative powers, but rather will need to seek the approval of Parliament. While the blow for the Government was widely expected, Prime Minister May and her fellow MPs have assured Brexiteers that there will be no consequent delay in triggering Article 50, with the Government planning to lock in Parliamentary ratification of the move in time for its 31 March deadline.

The historic judgement read: ‘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.’ However, the court also dismissed the argument that the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly should get a vote on Article 50 before it is triggered, insisting that ‘relations with the EU are a matter for the UK government.’

The Supreme Court’s full 97-page judgement can be read here. 

Sources: The Lawyer; BBC