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As it happenedended

Brexit news - live: Three ministers resign as MPs vote to seize control over EU exit from May

Follow The Independent's live coverage of today's political events 

Benjamin Kentish,Lizzy Buchan
Monday 25 March 2019 20:59 EDT
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House of Commons votes 329 to 302 to approve Letwin's amendment A: The Brexit Next Steps motion

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Theresa May has suffered another humiliating defeat in the Commons after MPs dramatically wrested control of the Brexit process from the government.

Pro-EU Tory ministers Steve Brine, Alistair Burt and Richard Harrington resigned from their posts to back a cross-party bid to hold indicative votes on Wednesday, allowing the Commons to test support for different Brexit options.

Some 30 Conservative MPs rebelled against the government to support the amendment tabled by Tory MP Sir Oliver Letwin, potentially paving the way for a softer Brexit deal that keeps the UK closer to Brussels.

It comes after the prime minister admitted there was "still not sufficient support" to bring her Brexit deal back to the Commons for a third "meaningful vote". MPs have overwhelmingly rejected her plan twice already.

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Roland Rudd, chairman of the People's Vote campaign, said it was "possible" that a second referendum would be one of the options that MPs could consider in indicative votes this week.

The point about these indicative votes is we've got to be very careful we don't end up with a whole range of undeliverable options

One of the great lessons from the last referendum is if you promise something that is undeliverable you hit an inevitable impasse. I think we need a word of warning on that.

What we really now need is a long extension. We've got to have a purpose for a long extension but this is what's needed. It's what the Prime Minister originally said was one of her options, and she then did a remarkable U-turn and took it off the table. She now needs to put it back on the table.

She's got to really speak for the country, not just the party."

Shehab.Khan25 March 2019 10:37

The European Union has announced it has completed its no-deal preparations. Have a read of The Independent's Europe Correspondent, Jon Stone's report: 

Shehab.Khan25 March 2019 10:43

Conservative minister Mark Field has said he would rather revoke Article 50 and cancel Brexit than leave the EU without a deal. Full story:

Benjamin Kentish25 March 2019 10:58

Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, has urged Tory Eurosceptics to back Theresa May's deal, saying they should accept that no deal is no longer an option.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning:

"For a lot of my colleagues, I think they still believe there is a route to no deal. I have come to the conclusion some time ago that was unlikely given the House of Commons that we have.

"I think we will see today that there is a mood in the House of Commons to stop us leaving without a deal, even if that means no Brexit. I think that is a constitutionally disastrous position."

Benjamin Kentish25 March 2019 11:15

A spokesperson for the European Commission has said the sight of a million people marching in London on Saturday in support of a fresh Brexit referendum was "very telling".

Asked about the Put it to the People march, Margaritis Schinas said: "Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in the European Union.

"We saw, indeed, the very telling images of the march that do not warrant any additional comment from our side. We take note of this march but our only interlocutor is the UK government."

Benjamin Kentish25 March 2019 11:32

Cabinet ministers have begun leaving No.10 after a meeting with the PM.

Lizzy Buchan25 March 2019 11:51

MPs will debate a motion tabled by Theresa May under the terms of an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Act forced on her by MPs.

The motion simply states that the House has considered a written statement delivered by the Prime Minister following the second defeat of her Brexit plan in a meaningful vote earlier this month.

But crucially, it is amendable, allowing MPs an opportunity to seek support for their preferred options for the next steps forward.

So which amendments are being voted on today?

Lizzy Buchan25 March 2019 12:14

Lots of wild speculation from political journalists now, as ministers leave the emergency cabinet meeting.

In the past, senior ministers were absolutely forbidden from briefing journalists on cabinet talks but discipline has broken down to such an extent that rumours are on Twitter within minutes of the meeting ending.

But hold onto your hats - we've got a briefing with the PM's spokesman at 12.30, so there should be *some* clarity then.

Lizzy Buchan25 March 2019 12:27

Environment Secretary Michael Gove, who has been tipped as a possible successor to Theresa May, told the BBC: "I think it's very important that everyone recognises that this is an immensely serious week.

"We need to ensure that we leave the European Union and we do so in an orderly fashion, and as many people as possible (need to) recognise that that means supporting the PM and making sure she gets the deal through."

Asked if it was possible to get Ms May's deal through, Mr Gove said: "I believe we can and I think it's critically important that we do.

"The country sent a clear instruction at the time of the referendum, 17.4 million people said that we need to leave the European Union.

"The PM is honouring that, she is giving everything she can to get the deal over the line and we need to support her in that effort."

Lizzy Buchan25 March 2019 12:38

Theresa May has apparently left No10 in a car with Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay after a special meeting of her cabinet.

Lizzy Buchan25 March 2019 12:40

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