MPs to vote on taking Brexit into extra time.

Published 14th Mar 2019
Last updated 15th Mar 2019

MPs are set to vote on whether to keep Britain in the EU longer than planned after Prime Minister Theresa May's authority over Brexit sustained another major blow.

The vote on extending Article 50 comes after MPs defied the Government and dramatically decided to rule out a no-deal withdrawal from the EU in scenes some Tory Brexiteers described as chaotic''.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell was one of four Cabinet ministers who did not take part in the vote, but said he would not resign over the matter.

After the defeat, Mrs May made it clear that she intends to put a third meaningful vote'' on her Brexit deal to the Commons within days.

Following the Commons move on no deal, the Government put down a motion for debate on Thursday that offers to seek a one-off extension of Article 50, delaying the scheduled Brexit date of March 29 to June 30 if MPs approve the deal negotiated with the EU by next Wednesday.

However, the PM warned if the deal - which has already been twice rejected by overwhelming majorities - is not approved, a longer extension will be needed, requiring Britain to take part in the European Parliament elections in May.

"I do not think that would be the right outcome,'' the Prime Minister said.

"But the House needs to face up to the consequences of the decisions it has taken.''

After the 149-vote rejection of her Withdrawal Agreement on Tuesday, Mrs May suffered a second defeat in as many days when MPs backed the cross-party amendment rejecting a no-deal Brexit under any circumstances on Wednesday.

In a surprise move, the Commons voted 312 to 308 - a majority of four - in favour of the proposal tabled by former Conservative chairman Dame Caroline Spelman.

The vote was later confirmed by a more emphatic 321 votes to 278, overriding a Government motion from Mrs May that would have rejected no-deal on the scheduled date of March 29 but left it on the table for other times.

Work and Pensions Minister Sarah Newton quit after defying the whips to vote for the cross-party proposal.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told MPs Mrs May had repeatedly offered a choice between her deal and no deal, adding: In the last 24 hours, Parliament has decisively rejected both.''

Mr Corbyn said: Parliament must now take control of the situation.

"Myself, the shadow Brexit secretary and others will have meetings with members across the House to find a compromise solution that can command support in the House."