A four-day hearing at the Supreme Court to decide if the UK Government has the authority to trigger Brexit without the prior consent of MPs will begin later on Monday.

The question is being heard at the Supreme Court after the High Court last month ruled in favour of an investment fund manager, Gina Miller, who challenged the Prime Minister's authority.

The UK Government believe the Prime Minister has the right to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty without having to seek the consent of parliament first.

"We believe the government has got strong legal arguments," the Prime Minister said.

"We'll be putting those arguments to the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court will make its judgement."

All 11 permanent Supreme Court justices will preside over the case, a first since the court was established in 2009. A decision is expected in January.

The Scottish Government has been permitted to intervene in the case.

James Wolffe, the lord advocate, will deliver St Andrews House's argument on Wednesday and Thursday.

Mr Wolffe will call for Downing Street to require consent from Holyrood as well as Westminster.

In his written submission to the court, the lord advocate argues "withdrawal from the EU" will "change the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament" and "disapply or disable laws" which currently apply in Scotland.

Mr Wolffe points out Westminster would "not normally" change the legal competence of Holyrood without the "consent of the Scottish Parliament".

When announcing the lord advocate's involvement in the case, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The Scottish Government is clear that triggering Article 50 will directly affect devolved interests and rights in Scotland.

"So legislation should be required at Westminster and the consent of the Scottish Parliament should be sought before Article 50 is triggered.

"Let me be clear - I recognise and respect the right of England and Wales to leave the European Union. This is not an attempt to veto that process.

"But the democratic wishes of the people of Scotland and the national Parliament of Scotland cannot be brushed aside as if they do not matter."

The Prime Minister has pledged to trigger Article 50 before the end of March 2017. Once triggered the legal process of leaving is expected to last two years.