Less than six months after Britain voted by the slimmest of margins to leave the European Union, exit plans have hit a snag with Britain's High Court ruling it must first be debated in parliament.
The decision temporarily stalls preparations by Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, which formally starts the departure.
The British government says it will appeal, with the case expected to go before the Supreme Court within weeks.
Leave campaigner Richard Tice says the challenge was a desperate move.
"It is to delay, subvert and deny the will of the people. And of course that's a concern because people will be very, very angry and actually it's investment and jobs that could suffer as a result of these silly games by the rich metropolitan elite within the legal system who are carrying on with this action."
But lead claimant Gina Miller argues that without parliamentary approval, leaving the 28-member EU could strip the UK of key rights, including free movement within the bloc.
She says the lawsuit was about ensuring proper processes are followed.
"This case was not about whether the government can take us in or out of the EU, it was about how they debate and then have a vote and then an act of parliament to leave. This is about setting us on the strongest possible footing to leave the EU. It is not about the government's decision to leave or not to leave. The government has made it plain: this is a case about process, not about politics."
The victory of the leave vote in June came as a surprise, with many global leaders, economic institutions and experts having backed the "stay" campaign.
Some investors have welcomed news of the court challenge, hoping it will ease the transition out of the bloc and avoid a disorderly departure.
This scenario could see Britain exit the single EU market totally and revert to trading under World Trade Organisation rules, and probably imposing tariffs.
European leaders are becoming increasingly frustrated with what they call the mixed messages coming out of London since the referendum.
In Germany, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has expressed his dismay at yet another hold-up in the path to the U-K's departure.
Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, says the ruling indicates deeper divisions within the government.
"It is hugely significant and it underlines the total chaos and confusion at the heart of the UK government. We should remember that their refusal to allow a vote in the House of Commons is not some matter of high constitutional principle; it's because they don't have a coherent position and they know that if they take their case to the House of Commons that will be exposed."
It's unclear if a new law will now need to be passed to start exit proceedings.
Britain's Brexit Minister, David Davis, promises the will of the people will be honoured.
"The people have spoken and given us the biggest mandate in history. The result of the referendum must be respected. Parliament voted by six votes to one to give the decision to the people. No ifs or buts and that's why we are appealing this to get on with delivering the best deal for Britain: the best deal for growth, the best deal for investment, the best deal for jobs. The people want us to get on with it and that's what we intend to do."
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