The Supreme Court in UK has ruled that Parliament must vote on whether the government can start the Brexit process. During the Supreme Court hearing, campaigners argued that denying the UK Parliament a vote was undemocratic. <br/><br/>But the government said it already had the powers to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty – getting talks under way – without the need for consulting MPs and peers. <br/><br/>Reading out the judgement, Supreme Court President Lord Neuberger said by a majority of eight to three, the Court rules that the Government cannot trigger Article 50 without an Act of Parliament authorising it to do so. <br/><br/>The court also rejected arguments that the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly should get to vote on Article 50 before it is triggered. Lord Neuberger said relations with the EU are a matter for the UK government. <br/><br/>The apex court judgement means Prime Minister Theresa May cannot begin talks with the EU until MPs and peers give their backing – although this is expected to happen in time for the government's 31 March deadline. <br/>

The Supreme Court in UK has ruled that Parliament must vote on whether the government can start the Brexit process. During the Supreme Court hearing, campaigners argued that denying the UK Parliament a vote was undemocratic. <br/><br/>But the government said it already had the powers to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty – getting talks under way – without the need for consulting MPs and peers. <br/><br/>Reading out the judgement, Supreme Court President Lord Neuberger said by a majority of eight to three, the Court rules that the Government cannot trigger Article 50 without an Act of Parliament authorising it to do so. <br/><br/>The court also rejected arguments that the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly should get to vote on Article 50 before it is triggered. Lord Neuberger said relations with the EU are a matter for the UK government. <br/><br/>The apex court judgement means Prime Minister Theresa May cannot begin talks with the EU until MPs and peers give their backing – although this is expected to happen in time for the government's 31 March deadline. <br/>