Theresa May could call a general election if MPs and peers vote down legislation to trigger the start of Brexit talks, a Cabinet minister has suggested.

Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, strongly hinted that the Prime Minister would have to call an election if Parliament blocks the start of talks.

Mr Hunt also warned that any attempt to force the Government to reveal its negotiating hand for Brexit would damage the economy.

Last week, the High Court ruled that the Government does not have the power to trigger Article 50, the formal notification of Britain's intention to leave the bloc, without the approval of Parliament.

Government ministers are privately expecting that they will lose an appeal to the Supreme Court, which is due to be heard next month.

Speaking on BBC One's The Andrew Marr Show, Mr Hunt raised the stakes by suggesting that if MPs or peers obstruct the triggering of Article 50, a general election could be called.