Article 50 ruling: what happens next

What is Article 50?

Article 50 forms part of the 2009 Lisbon Treaty, which introduced a number of organisational reforms to the European Union.

The article states that “any Member State may decide to withdraw from the Union in accordance with its own constitutional requirements”.

It explains that a country wishing to leave must inform the European Council, thereby triggering the article.

What does the Supreme Court ruling mean?

Today's decision by the Supreme Court means the UK Government cannot trigger Article 50 without a vote in Parliament.

Therefore, formal negotiations with the European Union cannot take place until ministers secure the backing of MPs and peers.

Theresa May has set herself a deadline of the end of March for triggering Article 50, so will need to move quickly to pass legislation through the Commons and the Lords before this date.

What happens next?

Brexit Secretary David Davis is expected to make a statement to Parliament later today, explaining the Government's next steps.

It has been suggested that the Government will bring forward a short Bill in order to minimise the chance of amendments and delays.

The Telegraph reports that ministers could be ready to table this legislation within hours of this morning's ruling.

Labour has revealed that it will seek to amend the Bill to incorporate the principles of “full, tariff-free access to the single market and maintenance of workers' rights and social and environmental protections”.

Meanwhile, the Lib Dems will attempt to secure a second referendum on the final deal achieved with the EU, and have said they will oppose Article 50 if this is not granted.

And what then?

If the Government's legislation is passed, Theresa May will trigger Article 50 and "divorce" negotiations with the EU will get underway.

The Treaty allows up to two years for these talks, with an option for the EU to agree an extension.

There is a dispute as to whether EU negotiators are willing to conduct exit talks and new trade arrangements in parallel, despite the Government making it clear this is their intention.

It is understood to be highly unlikely that either the Commons or the Lords will reject a Brexit Bill, but they could delay the process.

Some reports suggest it could be pushed back until after the 2020 General Election.