Nicola Sturgeon has accused Theresa may of "pathetic cowardice" as the Prime Minister is set to delay a vote on her Brexit deal.

She is expected to announce today the meaningful vote in the House of Commons will not go ahead tomorrow as planned.

The news comes as the Prime Minister was facing a heavy defeat on the deal she negotiated with the EU and as the European Court of Justice ruled today that Article 50 notice to leave the EU could be withdrawn by the UK.

Theresa May is to make a statement this afternoon to the Commons where the announcement is expected to me made.

Cabinet sources told reporters at Westminster the vote will be delayed.

Ms Sturgeon it is more evidence the UK Government is "collapsing".

The First Minister said: “Assuming these reports are accurate, this is a watershed moment and an act of pathetic cowardice by a Tory government which has run out of road and is now collapsing into utter chaos.

"It is final proof that the interests of a deeply-divided Tory party matter far more to the Prime Minister than people’s jobs and living standards.

"That is an unforgivable dereliction of responsibility, and the UK Government should now get out of the way and allow others to take charge."

She added the delay was about Theresa May saving her own job.

She added: “The Prime Minister’s deal should come before the House of Commons immediately so that it can be voted down and we can replace Tory chaos with a solution that will protect jobs, living standards and Scotland’s place in Europe.”