MPs reject Theresa May's Brexit deal

MPs voted 432 to 202 to reject the deal this evening in a humiliating defeat for the government.

And the government will face a vote of no confidence tomorrow, Wednesday, following a motion tabled by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

This leaves the future of the Brexit process uncertain - and could even mean a fresh General Election.

Speaking before MPs voted this evening, Mrs May pleaded with them to support her deal, saying the result of the 2016 referendum was "clear and decisive".

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"The responsibility of each and every one of us at this moment is profound, for this an historic decision that will set the future of our country for generations," she said.

She added: "I believe we have a duty to deliver on the democratic decision of the British people, and to do so in a way that brings our country together."

She also criticised calls by Labour for a new General Election, saying it would only create "two more months of uncertainty and division".

The prime minister said the deal in front of MPs was the only choice, and a new trade agreement with Europe could not be negotiated until it was agreed.

"We cannot begin this task unless we agree the terms of our withdrawal, and the European Union will not agree to any other deal for that withdrawal," she said.

Theresa May, pictured after the result of this evening's vote. Picture: House of Commons/PA Wire

Concluding, Mrs May said an extension to Article 50 would go against the referendum result.

She said: "A vote against this deal is a vote for nothing more than uncertainty, division and the very real risk of no deal or no Brexit at all."

But Mr Corbyn called the deal "a reckless leap in the dark" and said the government had "spectacularly failed" to deliver an agreement which would be agreed on by all.

"Labour will vote against it because it is a bad deal for this country," he said.

He added re-opening negotiations with the EU "should not and cannot be ruled out" and called for a general election to allow Labour to take over.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn listens at the conclusion of the debate ahead of a vote on the prime minister's Brexit deal in the House of Commons. Picture: House of Commons/PA Wire

Speaking after the vote - which saw 118 Conservative MPs oppose the deal - was announced, Mrs May said: "It is clear that the house does not support this deal, but tonight's vote tells us nothing about what it does support. Nothing about how or even if it intends to honour the decision in a referendum Parliament decided to hold."

She also assured Parliament the government was not attempting to "run down the clock".

She said: "I've always believed that the best way forward is to leave in an orderly way with a good deal and have devoted much of the last two years negotiating such a deal."

She added: "Every day that passes without this issue being resolved means more uncertainty, more bitterness and more rancour. The government has heard what the house has said tonight, but I ask members on all sides of the house to listen to the British people who want this issue settled and to work with the government to do just that."

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Mr Corbyn was scathing about the result, calling it "a catastrophic defeat for this government."

"After two years of failed negotiations the House of Commons has delivered its verdict on her Brexit deal and that verdict is absolutely decisive," he said.

He added: "Labour has laid out our priorities consistently, no deal must be taken off the table, a permanent customs union must be secured and people's rights and protections must be guaranteed so they do not fall behind."

After the result was announced, first minister Mark Drakeford tweeted: "The prime minister's deal always fell well short of what is needed to protect our economy and jobs.

"Since its publication we have called on her government to go back to Brussels and ask for a deal that truly works for all of the UK. It's time for her to listen to us."

A protester wears stickers on his head outside the House of Commons in London as MPs debate the prime minister's Brexit deal. Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

And, also writing on Twitter, European Council president Donald Tusk said: "If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?"

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, who had pulled out of an event in Strasbourg on Wednesday because of the vote, said in a statement: "I take note with regret of the outcome of the vote in the House of Commons this evening.

"On the EU side, the process of ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement continues.

"The Withdrawal Agreement is a fair compromise and the best possible deal.

"It reduces the damage caused by Brexit for citizens and businesses across Europe. It is the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union."

He added: "The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote.

"While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared.

"I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible."

In Gwent, only Monmouth MP David Davies voted for the deal, with Newport East’s Jessica Morden, Torfaen’s Nick Thomas-Symonds, Islwyn’s Chris Evans and Blaenau Gwent’s Nick Smith opposing it. Newport West MP Paul Flynn has been unable to attend Parliament due to his health.