Following a Supreme Court ruling this morning (24 January) Parliament will now have the right to vote on the process of Britain leaving the European Union - otherwise known as Brexit.
The judgement, passed down by 11 Law Lords, means that the UK Prime Minister Theresa May will not be allowed to officially start talks with the EU over the country's exit plans until MPs and the House of Lords give their backing.
However, despite speculation to the contrary, this is expected to happen in time for the government's 31 March deadline to file the controversial Article 50, allowing Britain to start the process of removing itself from the single market.
Addressing the ruling, Lord Chancellor Elizabeth Truss, said: "Our independent judiciary is the cornerstone of the rule of law and is vital to our constitution and our freedoms. The reputation of our judiciary is unrivaled the world over, and our Supreme Court justices are people of integrity and impartiality.
"While we may not always agree with judgments, it is a fundamental part of any thriving democracy that legal process is followed. The government has been clear that it will respect the decision of the court."
The Law Lords rejected the case put by ministers by a majority of eight to three and, despite the decision, Westminster will not have to consult with either the Scottish Parliament or the Welsh Assembly. The government is expected to make a statement to MPs in Parliament later today.
In a statement, the UK government said: "The British people voted to leave the EU, and the government will deliver on their verdict – triggering Article 50, as planned, by the end of March. Today’s ruling does nothing to change that.
"It’s important to remember that Parliament backed the referendum by a margin of six to one and has already indicated its support for getting on with the process of exit to the timetable we have set out. We respect the Supreme Court’s decision, and will set out our next steps to Parliament shortly."
The case against the government was brought by investment manager Gina Millers Miller and hairdresser Deir Tozetti Dos Santos.
The decision by the Supreme Court backs up a ruling last year from the High Court.
