Supreme Court ruling means while MPs get a vote, the Welsh Government won't have a formal say

The Welsh Government has lost its legal battle to have a formal say in the process which would kick-start Britain's departure from the European Union.

Judges in the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the UK Government has no legal obligation to consult the Assembly, nor the Scottish Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly.

The Supreme Court did say that the UK Government must have the approval of MPs before it triggers Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which would mark the formal start of the UK leaving the EU.

Welsh ministers, along with those from Scotland and Northern Ireland had argued that because the process would change devolution, those devolved assemblies and parliaments should have a say.

The Welsh Government has said it will continue to work with the UK, Scottish and Northern Irish governments to influence the Brexit process.

Plaid Cymru has described the judgement as 'disappointing' and that it 'regrets' that the Assembly has been left without a voice in the Article 50 process.

A Welsh Conservative source said the ruling was 'expected' and criticised the Welsh Government for wasting taxpayers' money on taking its case to the Supreme Court.