The first legal challenge over Brexit, focussed on the question of whether the Prime Minister requires the approval of MPs to activate Article 50 and begin the process of leaving the European Union, will be heard by the High Court in London this October.

Several challenges along the same lines are likely to be combined, with the case brought by London firm Mischcon de Reya to be designated as the lead case and the others as interested parties.

It will be heard over two days in mid-October by Lord Thomas, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.

Jason Coppel QC, acting for the Government, yesterday told the High Court there are no plans to activate Article 50 before 2017.

Kasra Nouroozi, partner and head of dispute resolution at Mishcon de Reya, has said the aim of the action is to “ensure that the Government follows the correct process to have legal certainty and protect the UK Constitution and the sovereignty of Parliament in these unprecedented circumstances”.

It has retained Baron David Pannick QC and Tom Hickman to act as counsel, along with Rhodri Thompson QC and Anneli Howard.