Judges will give their ruling later on whether the Government must get MPs' consent to trigger Article 50 to start the UK's exit from the European Union.

Campaigners who brought the case argue that the Prime Minister and her Cabinet cannot invoke the crucial clause to begin Brexit negotiations without the backing of the House of Commons.

Theresa May has said she will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty by the end of March, starting the clock on a two-year window to leave the EU and get the best deal.

The Prime Minister said MPs would get to debate the exit plans but would not get a vote on the timing of Article 50.

If MPs get a say, analysts believe there is more chance of a "soft Brexit" where the UK potentially retains access to the single market.


Article 50 could come as early as January

Lawyers for the campaigners said the verdict of Lord Chief Justice John Thomas and two other senior judges would come at 10am today.

Whichever side loses is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Government lawyers had argued it was firmly established convention that the Government is able to make the decision unilaterally on making or withdrawing from international treaties.

But the challengers, led by investment banker Gina Miller, argued that rights under the European Communities Act could not be taken away without Parliament's approval.