The UK Supreme Court has ruled against the decision, taken by Theresa May and her government, that they could trigger Brexit without having to put any such decision Parliament.

The verdict – in a case taken by Gina Miller, the British businesswoman who heads the True and Fair Campaign – was widely predicted in legal circles. But it comes as a blow to the Prime Minister nonetheless, albeit one she had expected and had prepared for – though the whole Brexit strategy has indeed been exposed as an exercise in lack of planning.

It is crystal clear from the judgement that the Government got it hopelessly wrong and that the Prime Minister will have to seek the permission of MPs. Unless,of course, Ms. May decides to appeal to a higher court – which can be found in Europe!

Speculation in that regard is, of course, an exercise in mischief making – a vote in the House of Commons is anticipated before the end of March, following which Article 50 will be invoked, thus beginning the projected two-year countdown to Brexit.

The decision of the Supreme Court was not helpful to those in Scotland and Northern Ireland, who had hoped that their opposition to Brexit might be recognised in some tangible way. Instead the court ruled that Teresa May’s government does not need permission from either local parliament, to confirm the end of the UK’s involvement in the EU.