Brexit news: UK to request Article 50 extension to delay EU exit until at least June
May finally wins a key showdown but cabinet unity in tatters as top ministers oppose her motion
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Your support makes all the difference.MPs have overwhelmingly voted to delay Brexit after the Commons backed a motion ordering Theresa May to ask the EU to extend article 50 until at least June.
Amid dramatic scenes, Labour provoked fury among pro-EU MPs by abstaining on a bid for a Final Say referendum, which was defeated by 249 votes.
Rebel calls to allow parliament to take control of the Brexit process through "indicative votes" were also defeated, though narrowly.
It comes after the US president Donald Trump also made an explosive intervention into the debate, saying a public vote would be "unfair" and he was "surprised at how badly" the Brexit talks had gone.
But worryingly for Ms May cabinet unity crumbled when it came to a free vote on the government's Brexit delay motion.
Eight of her top ministers voted against it – and a further 180 Conservative MPs did likewise.
Ms May will now eye a third vote on her withdrawal agreement while Britain asks the EU for a delay to the date of its exit from the bloc.
See below how we covered Thursday's events live
The Labour leadership had a "constructive" meeting with backbench MPs Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson - who have put forward a plan to back Theresa May's deal on the condition it is put to a referendum.
A Labour Party spokesman said: "This afternoon Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell, Nick Brown and Keir Starmer had a useful and constructive discussion with Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson as part of Labour's engagement with MPs across Parliament to find a practical solution to break the Brexit deadlock."
The move comes after Labour MPs where whipped to abstain on an amendment calling for a second referendum.
Interesting gossip from the lobbies. Apparently, several ministers are voting AGAINST the PM.
The government's motion has passed very comfortably - 412 votes in favour, 202 votes against.
Here's our quick take:
Following the vote, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reiterated his support for a People's Vote.
He said: "Today I reiterate my conviction that a deal can be agreed based on our alternative plan that can command support across the House.
"I also reiterate our support for a People's Vote - not as a political point-scoring exercise but as a realistic option to break the deadlock."
Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson praises Ruth Smeeth, who resigned from his department to so she could vote against a second referendum.
A European Commission spokesperson said: "We take note of tonight's vote.
"A request for an extension of Article 50 requires the unanimous agreement of all 27 member states.
"It will be for the European Council (Article 50) to consider such a request, giving priority to the need to ensure that functioning of the EU institutions and taking into account the reasons for an duration of a possible extension.
"President Juncker is in constant contact with all leaders."
The division lists have not been published yet but it looks like several cabinet ministers voted against delaying Brexit.
It was a free vote but this is an extraordinary matter nonetheless. Remember, the cabinet is bound by collective responsibility which means ministers are expected to support the government or resign.
It sounds like the Brexit secretary Steve Barclay, defence secretary Gavin Williamson, Liam Fox the international trade secretary, and Commons leader Andrea Leadsom voted against an extension.
Liz Truss, the chief secretary to the Treasury, openly tweets about her decision.
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