British government loses Brexit court case

Campaigners – including one from Gibraltar - have won their High Court battle over Theresa May's decision to use the royal prerogative to trigger the UK’s exit from the EU.

The ruling means the Prime Minister cannot use the prerogative to trigger Article 50 and must instead seek prior authority from Parliament.

The British Government has been granted permission to appeal the ruling before the Supreme Court, which has set aside dates in early December to deal with the matter.

The government had argued that the June 23 referendum and existing ministerial powers meant MPs did not need to vote on leaving the EU, but campaigners called this unconstitutional.

“The court does not accept the argument put forward by the government,” said Lord Chief Justice John Thomas, reading out the three judges' ruling.

“For the reasons set out in the judgment, we decide that the government does not have power ... to give notice pursuant to Article 50 for the UK to withdraw from the European Union.”

Among the interested parties in the case was 50-year Gibraltarian Paul Cartwright, who became involved in a crowdfunded legal action after campaigning to remain in the EU.