Supreme Court to hear government appeal over Brexit powers

The 11 Supreme Court justices (pictured with Lord Toulson - top row, far left - who is now retired) will preside over the government's appeal

The Supreme Court will begin a landmark legal hearing on Monday into whether Parliament's consent is required before official Brexit negotiations can begin. 

Its 11 justices will hear a government appeal against last month's High Court ruling that only Parliament has the authority to trigger Article 50. The hearing, to be streamed live by the BBC, is expected to last four days, with the verdict expected in January.


The outcome will have implications for Theresa May's strategy for EU exit.

• Brexit Live: Rolling text and video updates
• What is the Article 50 case all about?
• Who are the 11 Supreme Court justices?
• What if ministers lose?
• Who is the woman behind the Brexit case?

The UK voted to leave the EU, by a margin of 51.9% to 48.1%, in a referendum in June. The prime minister has said she intends to officially notify the rest of the EU of the UK's intention to leave - beginning two years of talks over the terms of separation - by the end of March.

But campaigners, led by investment manager Gina Miller and hairdresser Deir Dos Santos, insist that decision can only be taken by Parliament.

Monday's hearing begins at 11:00 GMT with the government putting forward its case.