The UK government's appeal against the High Court ruling begins today 5 Dec

We posted on the original 3 Nov decision here and now the highest court in the land will begin a landmark legal hearing into whether Parliament's consent is required before official Brexit negotiations can begin.

The High Court ruled that rights conferred by Parliament when it passed the 1972 European Communities Act - which paved the way for the UK to join the then European Economic Community - were likely to be affected by Brexit.

As a result, it concluded, any process leading to the potential withdrawal of rights could only be determined by Parliament.

Here's the key points:

  • The case is about whether the government needs Parliament to trigger the process for the UK to leave the EU
  • The government argues it can start the Article 50 process using "prerogative powers", a remnant of the era of all-powerful kings and queens
  • Justices will be ruling on who has the legal power to change the rights of British citizens

It's worth noting though that this petition is not designed to prevent Brexit but that Parliament should be allowed to have its say. Indeed Gina Miller leading the campaign last week conceded on BBC Radio that Brexit was still very likely to go ahead.

Govt ministers will have a number of options if they lose the appeal, but it has been reported that a 16-word bill is being prepared which could be fast-tracked though Parliament, asking MPs and peers "to give permission" to the government to trigger Article 50 in time to meet the March deadline.

And yes folks, you can watch the whole thing live here but don't forget that this part of the process is scheduled to last a few days ( 5 to 8 Dec. Start times: 5 Dec - 11:00 GMT 6 Dec - 10:15 7 Dec - 10:30 8 Dec - 10:15) and a decision not due until January.

However, given the market's penchant for dancing on hot coals right now we might expect some reaction to headlines/comments in the meantime.

Full back story from the Beeb here

GBPUSD currently 1.2691 down from its 1.2740 highs but still finding support from EURGBP supply.

UK Supreme Court starts its landmark session today