Senior High Court judges have ruled UK MPs must vote on leaving the European Union in the most extraordinary and unexpected twist in the Brexit story.

The Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas said Theresa May alone does "not have power" to trigger Article 50.

Lead campaigner Gina Miller, who brought the case, said the government should make the “wise decision of not appealing” and that the judgment was about “all our futures”.

Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Show all 12 1 /12 Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A woman poses with a home-made European Union flag as Remain supporters gather on Park Lane in London to show their support for the EU in the wake of Brexit PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Remain supporters demonstrate in Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Tens of thousands of people gathered to protest the result of the EU referendum PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London A majority of people in the capital voted to remain in the European Union Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Protesters chanted: “What do we want to do? Stay in the EU” PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The march follows a similar rally in Trafalgar Square that was cancelled due to heavy rain – but which tens of thousands of people turned up to anyway Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Britain voted to leave the European Union in a referendum by 52 per cent to 48 per cent Reuters Brexit protest: Thousands march in London But support for the Leave campaign in urban areas and among young people was significantly lower Rex features Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Marchers gathered at Park Lane at 11am and marched towards Parliament Square PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London Some protesters held up baguettes in a display of affection for our continental neighbours PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The disparity between different parts of the country has promoted a four million signature petition calling for a second referendum and even a renewed push for Scotland to cede from the UK PA Brexit protest: Thousands march in London The event’s organiser, King’s College graduate Kieran MacDermott, wrote: “We can prevent Brexit by refusing to accept the referendum as the final say and take our finger off the self-destruct button" Reuters

The pound has also enjoyed a 1 per cent rise on the dollar, the biggest jump since August, in the aftermath.

The dramatic bombshell judgment has sparked outrage among pro-Brexit politicians, including Nigel Farage, who said “they have no idea the level of public anger they will provoke”.

The landmark ruling however surrounded a complicated network of unwritten constitution law and historical background.

Here, The Independent brings you the full 32-page judgment. And below, is the court's full two-page summary.