On Tuesday, the Court of Session granted MPs Tom Brake (Lib Dem Brexit spokesperson) and Chris Leslie (Labour) permission to become involved as ‘directly affected’ parties in ongoing litigation about the withdrawability of the Article 50 notice to leave the EU that was given by Prime Minister Theresa May on 29 March 2017.

The MPs argue they and other parliamentarians should have a definitive ruling from the European Court of Justice on whether the notice can be unilaterally withdrawn by the UK in the event no withdrawal deal is agreed with the EU, or what is agreed is unacceptable to Parliament.

A further hearing to decide whether the withdrawability question should be referred to the ECJ has been scheduled at the Court of Session for 22 May 2017.

The MPs are being jointly represented by a team of Scottish and English lawyers, which includes Harper Macleod partner Jennifer Jack, Morag Ross QC, Gerry Facenna QC and Anneli Howard and solicitor John Halford.