Brexit Secretary David Davis urges MPs to stage their own vote on triggering Article 50

The Government will await the verdict of the Supreme Court, but Mr Davis suggested MPs could organise a vote – to show the will of the Commons

Brexit Secretary David Davis: 'It’s within the power of the House, if it so chooses, to make such resolutions' (PA wire)

Brexit Secretary David Davis has urged backbench MPs to stage their own pre-Christmas vote to bind the Commons into supporting Britain’s exit from the EU.

Making a statement, Mr Davis rejected calls from angry Tory MPs to fast-track the triggering of the Article 50 notice, despite last week’s High Court ruling that the Government cannot act alone.

However, he made clear there was nothing to stop Parliament taking that step immediately – hinting the Government would be delighted if it did.

Such a vote could force Labour to come off the fence and back the invoking of Article 50, despite Jeremy Corbyn’s weekend threat to block it, unless his ‘bottom lines’ were satisfied.

Although a vote staged by backbenchers would not be binding technically, it could make it impossible for Labour to change it stance next year, even if it opposed Theresa May’s exit proposals.

Repeatedly, Mr Davis was asked if there was any legal reason to delay a vote on Article 50 – despite the Government's Supreme Court challenge to try to overturn the ruling that Parliament must give its consent, a verdict due in early January.

He replied: “It’s within the power of the House, if it so chooses, to make such resolutions”. Asked if a Bill could be passed straightaway, he replied: “Yes”

Later, Mr Davis added: “I have stated my view on what is the proper approach for the Government. That does not constrain Parliament at all.”

He also rejected calls from several Conservative backbenchers to abandon next month’s Supreme Court challenge altogether, after the Government’s case was savaged in the High Court.

During the two hour statement, Mr Davis also:

* Insisted the Government had yet to decide whether to remain in the EU’s customs union – despite suggestions that the promises made to Nissan mean Britain must.

* Said he did not “recognise” a report that the Government is seeking a transitional deal to prevent Britain tumbling out of the single market without a trade deal in 2019 – but did not deny it.

* Refused to say whether the Government is already drawing up an Article 50 Bill, to comply with the High Court ruling –.despite the Supreme Court appeal.

* Claimed calls for a second referendum – on the deal to be offered at the end of the Article 50 process – would allow the EU to get British people to “change their minds”.

* Did not repeat the claim made by Theresa May's spokesman's that the Government is “confident” of success in Supreme Court.

* Condemned the abuse received by businesswoman Gina Miller over her High Court action as possibly “criminal” – but refused to condemn tabloid vilification of the judges.

Despite legal wrangling, Mr Davis insisted the Government remained on track to begin leaving the EU by the end of March – just 11 weeks after the likely Supreme Court verdict.

For Labour, Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer accused Mr Davis of again failing to answer basic questions about Brexit, including what will happen if the challenge is lost.

He protested: “There's only so many times you can say 'is that it?'"