SWINDON’S MPs have damned the recent High Court ruling that demands the Government seek permission from Parliament before proceeding with Brexit.

Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland both condemned Thursday’s verdict, which saw a legal challenge to the Prime Minister’s power to trigger Article 50, which will formerly begin the process of leaving the European Union.

The two MPs backed opposing sides in June’s referendum campaign, but they have since stressed their commitment to working together in the interests of the country and their Swindon constituents.

They also made it clear that the will of the people ought to be respected.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, who backed the Leave campaign, said: “I was disappointed to see the High Court ruling. The UK and Swindon voted to leave and we should respect their democratic decision. Rightly the Government will appeal this is in the Supreme Court.

“Unfortunately, out of touch Labour, Lib Dem and SNP MPs are determined to try to frustrate the will of the people. The PM has been crystal clear that Brexit means Brexit.”

After a legal challenge to the Government’s plan to bypass Parliament and instead call on the Royal Prerogative to instigate Brexit, the High Court on Thursday ruled that MPs in Parliament must first be consulted.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland agreed with Mr Tomlinson and claimed the Government would appeal the ruling. He said: “The Government is disappointed by the Court’s judgement. Swindon and the country voted to leave the EU in a referendum approved by Act of Parliament. The Government is determined to respect the referendum result. We will appeal this judgement.”

Businesswoman and philanthropist Gina Miller, who led the legal charge, claimed from the outset that the case was not an attempt to overturn the referendum decision. She told the media that it was intended to “answer a fundamental legal question about the powers that can be used by the Prime Minister and whether they can side-step parliament”.

It is not thought that Thursday’s verdict will stop the possibility of Britain leaving the EU, but it may well delay the process and will likely add to the animosity on both sides.

Speaking to Swindon Business News, Mr Buckland said: “It’s important that everybody in political circles calms down. This judgment wasn’t about the referendum. It was about how the button is to be pressed to trigger Article 50.”