A fresh legal challenge over Brexit and exactly how the UK would leave the single market has been blocked by the High Court.

The case was brought by campaigners pushing for a 'soft' Brexit, with the hope of forcing the Government to seek MPs' permission if it wanted to leave the trading bloc.

Refusing to give the go-ahead to the new challenge, the judges said they would giver their reasons later.

During the application hearing they had expressed concerns the court action might have come too soon.

James Eadie QC, appearing for the Government, said: "This application is premature and should be dismissed for that reason."


David Davis presents the White Paper on Brexit

Legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg told Sky News: "What the claimants are saying is they want the court to say the way in which the UK government could pull out of the single market, if that is what it decides to do."

He added: "The judge was saying to the claimants was, really, you've come here too soon.

"Your argument is premature - the Government hasn't made its decisions. If it hasn't made up its mind, there really is nothing we - the High Court - can do to help you."

:: Official Brexit negotiating strategy revealed

The case was brought by Tory lobbyist Adrian Yalland and Peter Wilding, chairman of pro-Europe group British Influence.

Four anonymous applicants, referred to as W, L, T and B, also joined the action.

Their lawyer, George Peretz QC, argued the Government could not choose to leave the single market on its own, but would need the authorisation of Parliament - and also to give a withdrawal notice.

Memorable moments from the Brexit Bill debate

A judge, who heard the case in private in December refused them permission to apply for a judicial review, but the applicants exercised their right to renew their application in open court.

Responding to the High Court ruling, a government spokeswoman said: "We are glad this attempt to seek a judicial review has been dismissed.

"As the Prime Minister has said, we will not be a member of the single market and we will be seeking a broad new partnership with the EU including a bold and ambitious free trade agreement."

MPs have given their approval for the PM to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and begin Brexit negotiations.

The proposed legislation faces dozens of amendments in Parliament next week but a spokesman for Theresa May said the Government is determined to stick to the Brexit timetable.