MPs urge Theresa May to scrap Brexit ruling appeal

The Prime Minister is being urged by MPs to abandon an appeal against a High Court ruling which states Parliament must vote on leaving the EU.

Former head of the Government's Brexit preparations Oliver Letwin has called for Theresa May to scrap the Supreme Court appeal over the decision on Article 50.

Ex-attorney general Dominic Grieve and former solicitor-general Sir Edward Garnier also echoed this opinion.

The Conservatives, who all supported the Remain campaign, instead want the process commenced as soon as possible with a Bill in Parliament.

Mr Grieve told the BBC's Today programme that the Government's chance of success at the Supreme Court hearing, scheduled to start on December 5, is low.

Theresa May says she remains committed to triggering Article 50 by the end of March Credit: Reuters

He added: "I can't see the point in the Government continuing with the case and also agree that if they enact primary legislation, they will get it through Parliament."

On November 3 three High Court judges ruled that Mrs May does not have the power to trigger Article 50 alone.

The Government quickly announced that it would appeal against the decision.

A spokesman for the Department for the Exit of the European Union said the Government is determined to respect the result of the EU referendum:

"We will robustly defend our position in the forthcoming appeal. As the Prime Minister made clear (on Friday), our work is on track and we remain committed to triggering Article 50 by the end of March next year."