Says MP amid attacks ahead of Article 50 hearing

points of law which fall within its jurisdiction.

“The Justices of the Court are of course aware of the public interest in this case.

“And we are aware of the strong feelings associated with the many other wider political questions surrounding the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.

“However, as will be apparent from the arguments before us, those wider political questions are not the subject of this appeal.

“This appeal is concerned with legal issues, and, as judges, our duty is to consider those issues impartially, and to decide the case according to the law. That is what we will do.”

Shadow Attorney General Baroness Chakrabarti defended the judiciary’s role, saying they faced scrutiny “verging on vilification”.

She said: “The judges are not fair game. They cannot speak up for themselves and we all need them in the end if we are going to settle our disputes in a civilised way in the courtroom.”

The peer told the BBC: “As a matter of law, our overarching constitutional principle in this country – one indeed that many Brexiteers wanted to champion – is the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.

“The fact that the people have spoken via a referendum means that the people have spoken to Parliament.”

Lady Chakrabarti insisted that if Parliament was given a say, MPs and peers would not veto Brexit.