Added at 18:24 Berlin time: Independent Group MP Sarah Wollaston’s amendment, which called for an extension of Article 50 for another referendum to take place, has been rejected by 334 votes to 85.
Added at 18:38 Berlin time: Labour MP Lucy Powell’s amendment, which asked that Article 50 should only be extended until 30 June, was rejected by 314 votes to 311.
Added at 18:55 Berlin time: an amendment signed by Labour’s Hilary Benn and Yvette Cooper and Conservatives Oliver Letwin and Dominic Grieve as well SNP, Liberal Democrat and Plaid Cymru MPs. The amendment is designed “to enable the House of Commons to find a way forward that can command majority support”. The amendment was narrowly rejected by 312 votes to 314. The House of Commons has not been able to take control over the Brexit process. Theresa May must be relieved.
Added at 19:08 Berlin time: Labour MP Ruth Smeeth resigned as a shadow ministerial aide in protest against a possible second referendum. [added at 19:11: She said “We need to leave…” She is for a Brexit as demanded by her constituents].
Added at 19:08 Berlin time: an amendment by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn rejecting Theresa May’s Brexit plan as well as a no-deal, advocating that government should “provide parliamentary time for this house to find a majority for a different approach”. The amendment was rejected by 302 votes to 318.
Added at 19:24 Berlin time: with one amendment withdrawn, it’s now up to the government’s Article 50 motion to seek permission from the EU to delay Brexit beyond 29 March. The government’s motion has been adopted by votes 412 to 202.
Added at 19:38 Berlin time [updated and enlarged at 19:56]: Jeremy Corbyn said after the adoption of the government’s motion: “After the last few days of government chaos and some defeats, all of us now have the opportunity and the responsibility to work together to find a solution to the crisis facing this country, where the government has so dramatically failed to do so. We have begun to hold meetings with members across the House to find a consensus and a compromise that meets the needs of our country. But the last few days have also put a responsibility on the Prime Minister. First, to publicly accept that both her deal and no deal are simply no longer viable options. Secondly, to bring forward the necessary legislation to amend the exit date of 29 March. Tonight I reiterate our conviction that a deal can be agreed based on our alternative plan that can command support across the House. And I also reiterate our support for a public vote not as political point-scoring but as a realistic option to break the deadlock.”
