UK High Court blocks so-called 'soft Brexit' challenge

UK's High Court has blocked a Brexit legal challenge that asserts parliament must approve the country's departure from the European Economic Area (EEA).

Judges declined to approve the challenge. Their reasons would be issued at a later date, multiple reports said.

In January, the UK Supreme Court ruled parliamentarians had to approve the triggering Article 50 of Lisbon treaty. The bill was backed on its second reading on Wednesday.

The latest challenge was brought by proponents of a so-called 'soft Brexit', their idea being that the UK would remain a member of the EU's internal market.

The UK government contented that the EEA agreement would end immediately the UK quit the EU.