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BREXIT SHOWDOWN

Supreme Court will deliver verdict in landmark Brexit case on whether Theresa May needs Parliamentary approval to trigger Article 50 next Tuesday

THE SUPREME Court will deliver its verdict on the landmark Brexit legal case next Tuesday.

It is expected to publish a judgment saying Theresa May has to give MPs a vote before triggering Article 50.

 The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on the Brexit case on Tuesday
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The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on the Brexit case on TuesdayCredit: Alamy

It comes after the Government lodged an appeal to the highest court in the land against losing a case in the High Court last year.

The ruling blocked the use of the royal prerogative by the PM to kickstart Britain's exit from the EU and do it without Parliament having a say.

It was won by campaigners led by investment manager and chief Brexit-wrecker Gina Miller, and hairdresser Deir Dos Santos.

 The appeal was against a ruling in favour of Brexit-wrecker Gina Miller
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The appeal was against a ruling in favour of Brexit-wrecker Gina MillerCredit: PA

In a case of major constitutional importance, three High Court judges unanimously decided in November the PM did not have the authority to unilaterally invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

The decision threw Mrs May’s plans for Brexit off course and jeopardised her ability to meet her own timetable of beginning the two-year exit process by the end of March.

Within hours the Government asked a record 11 Supreme Court justices to overturn the decision and rule the use of prerogative powers did not interfere with the sovereignty of Parliament.

A televised four day hearing took place last month, and the decision will be handed down at 9.30am on Tuesday, January 24.

Ministers had been racing to draft a piece of legislation to try and force through Parliament after it was revealed they expect to lose the appeal.

Sources said they had drawn up at least two versions of a Bill that could be put to both the House of Commons and the Lords so politicians can give their express consent to Brexit starting.

The aim would be to pass a very short bill and still be able to trigger Article 50 before March 31, but there are concerns that the Liberal Democrats – who are set to lay down a number of amendments to any Bill – will try to derail the process.

Leader Tim Farron wants a second referendum on the terms of a Brexit deal, and other MPs are likely to press for a close relationship with Europe to be part of the wording.

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