Boris Johnson's attempts to deliver Brexit received a boost today, as a Scottish court ruled there is "no doubt" that the Prime Minister accepts he must ask for an extension in the event of no deal.

The Court of Session ruled it would neither be "necessary nor appropriate" to force the Government to ask for a Brexit delay.

Judge Lord Pentland gave his ruling, saying he was "not persuaded that it is necessary for the court to grant the orders sought or any variant of them".

"I am not satisfied that the petitioners have made out their case based on reasonable apprehension of breach of statutory duty on the part of the Prime Minister," he added.

The campaigners have said they will now appeal the result at the Inner House of the Court of Session tomorrow.

Jolyon Maugham, one of those bringing the action, has said "there are now risks of an unlawful Brexit that" would not have otherwise existed.

It comes as Mr Johnson prepares to launch his own legal action in the Supreme Court.

Sources claim he is willing to mount a legal effort to avoid having to write a letter asking for a delay to Brexit.

It raises the possibility that Mr Johnson could give evidence in such a court case in an attempt to persuade judges in person against forcing him to ask the EU for a delay.

However, Mr Johnson will first try to salvage his proposed deal by phoning European leaders today.

Emmanuel Macron yesterday told the PM he has until the end of the week to find a way out of the logjam with EU negotiators.