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The case argues that the Brexit negotiations are illegal because long-term British expatriates were excluded from the 2016 vote that led to the talks, effectively penalising them for using their EU free movement rights.

Mr Fouchet told Connexion he was optimistic after a hearing at the General Court of the EU in Luxembourg. “There were long debates, the judges were very interested and asked a lot of questions,” he said. “The case and the procedure are unprecedented, the result is uncertain.”

He thinks the case could lead to the talks being called off and a new referendum being held with long-term expats included.

It comes as an EU-wide bid has been launched gathering signatures calling for an EU law enabling Britons to keep their EU citizenship and rights after Brexit. Due to a technicality, however Britons in France cannot take part (see our website for more).