Fight breaks out between pro and anti-Brexit protesters outside the Supreme Court as judges hear landmark case

A FIGHT has broken out outside the Supreme Court between pro-and anti Brexit protesters as judges gathered inside to hear the landmark case.

Police were forced to intervene as two men got into a scrap on the first day of the court hearing on whether the Government needs a vote from MPs before starting Brexit.

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Last month ministers were defeated in a High Court ruling brought by millionaire Gina Miller, which said they needed a vote from MPs before starting Brexit proceedings.

Theresa May has said the Government don't need MPs to vote on it, and they can use prerogative powers to implement the referendum vote.

Judges will hear the appeal in the Supreme Court over the next four days, and a decision will be made in the new year.

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If the Government loses, it could knock back the timetable for triggering Article 50.

The Prime Minister said she wanted to set the ball rolling on talks by March next year.

If a vote has to go through parliament, critics fear that Opposition politicians will try to tack on a number of conditions, which would slow the Brexit process down.

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The Attorney General, Jeremy Wright, opened the case for the Government at 11am, and argued that Brexit could be delayed if their claim is thrown out.

Theresa May wants to start the process for leaving the EU by March of next year, but this could be pushed back if the Government has to have a vote.

Mr Wright said that Government triggering Brexit was the “logical conclusion”, in which parliament has been “fully” involved.

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“It’s clearly important that the referendum result is respected,” said David Gauke, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury this morning.

“Our case is that this is in the capability of the Government to trigger Article 50,” he added.

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READ MORE:

• What is the Article 50 Appeal?
• Theresa May will still trigger Article 50 by end of March 2017 despite High Court defeat, says No10
• Brexit ‘could be delayed for FOUR YEARS by Remainers, warns QC
• Theresa May’s plan for leaving the EU in tatters after judges rule Parliament needs approval on Article 50 in Brexit legal challenge
• What is Article 50, why is it key to EU Brexit and will Parliament get to vote on it?
• Theresa May uses first Tory conference speech as PM to vow Britain will quit the EU by April 2019 
• Conservatives could QUADRUPLE their majority in the Commons if Theresa May called a snap election

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