A divisive High Court ruling now means Brexit cannot happen without a vote by MPs.

The UK voted to leave the European Union in an historic referendum in June.

Cheshire West and Chester balloted for Brexit with a 50.6% share of the vote.

Each of the borough’s MPs came out in favour of the Remain campaign before the referendum.

Today (November 3), the High Court decided the Government could not enact Brexit without a Parliamentary vote.

Vote Leave campaigners from Chester UKIP Sue Tims, Frank Samuel, John Eccles and Danny Watling celebrate victory after the EU referendum in June

Introducing his judgement, Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas said: “This is a pure question of law.

“The court is not concerned with and does not express any view about the merits of leaving the European Union. That is a political issue.

“The court expressly accepts the principle arguments of the claimants. The government does not have the power of prerogative.”

The value of the pound rose sharply following the decision, with sterling shooting past 1.24 US dollars, up nearly 1% on the day.

Prime Minister Theresa May had said Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which would kickstart two years of negotiations for the Brexit process, would be triggered by the end of March 2017.

The Government has announced it will appeal the decision to the Supreme Court and is ‘determined to respect the result of the referendum’.

Leave votes totalled 98,082 (50.6%) with Remain trailing on 95,455 (49.4%) in Cheshire West.

Major employers Vauxhall and Airbus had expressed their support for staying in the European Union.

The new Astra Sports Tourer at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant
The new Astra Sports Tourer at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant

Car manufacturers Nissan recently committed to their Sunderland plant despite the UK facing a future outside the EU.

Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders has pressed the Government to hold similar discussions with General Motors, who own Vauxhall.

Vauxhall said there was no foundation in speculation they would close their Ellesmere Port factory due to the Brexit vote.

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