Value of pound surges following news that UK Parliament must approve Brexit

The UK Parliament alone has been given the power to trigger Brexit, contrary to the opinion of British PM Theresa May.

May has previously said that the Cabinet could trigger Brexit by notifying Brussels of the UK’s intention to leave the European Union.

In one of the most important constitutional cases in generations, three senior judges ruled that the Prime Minister cannot use the royal prerogative to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to start the UK’s exit from the EU without the prior authority of Parliament.

This ruling is a setback for May, who has said the government alone would decide when to leave the EU.

However, the UK government has been given the go-ahead to appeal against the ruling at the Supreme Court.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said the government is “disappointed” at the High Court decision on Article 50 adding “the government is determined to respect the result of the referendum”.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Fox said “the Government is determined to respect the result of the referendum”.

“The Government is disappointed by the court’s judgement,” he said.

“The country voted to leave the European Union in a referendum approved by Acts of Parliament. The Government is determined to respect the result of the referendum.

“This judgment raises important and complex matters of law and it’s right that we consider it carefully before deciding how to proceed.”

He added: “I have nothing to add other than to reiterate that it’s right that the Government will consider carefully before deciding how to proceed following the judgment.”

Former Liberal Democrat leader Lord (Menzies) Campbell of Pittenweem said the ruling was a “slap in the face” for Mrs May.

“This is a clear illustration of the well-known legal principle that no matter how high you are, the law is above you,” he said.

“It is a slap in the face for the Government. It shows the dangers of playing ducks and drakes with the constitution and particularly the sovereignty of Parliament.”