BREAKING NEWS: Brexit VICTORY! MPs give FINAL approval on bill to trigger Article 50

GETTY

MPs tonight voted to approve the Government's Brexit bill

MPs tonight voted 494 to 122 in favour of approving the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, which will now proceed to the House of Lords.

Despite a Labour rebellion, which saw a number of MPs ignore Jeremy Corbyn’s three-line whip, the bill passed by a clear 372 majority at 8.15pm this evening.

It followed an evening of disappointment and frustration for Westminster Europhiles, who saw several amendments rejected in a series of other votes.

Now the bill will progress to the House of Lords, where it is also expected to be approved, before Theresa May finally begins exit negotiations with the European Union itself.

As well as a boost to Brexiteers, tonight's vote was a huge blow to Mr Corbyn and Labour, which now face yet another period of turmoil.

BBC

Theresa Mad had warned MPs not to oppose the will of the people prior to the vote

While Tory MPs listened to Mrs May's warning earlier in the week that "now is not the time to oppose the will of the people", Mr Corbyn was given no such respect.

Despite asking his party to vote with the Government, around 50 rebel MPs refused.

Clive Lewis resigned from his shadow cabinet minutes before the result was announced, explaining he could not vote for something which would hurt his Norwich South constituency.

Rumours were circulating in Westminster this morning Mr Corbyn was considering stepping down as leader – claims rejected by his own team who claimed someone was spreading "mischief".

Regardless of the truth in these whispers, the opposition leader now faces his biggest crisis yet.

Theresa May's Brexit plan
Mon, January 16, 2017

It's finally here!

Play slideshow

1 of 7

Continued cooperation with the EU to tackle terrorism and international crime.

Green Party co-leader lashed out at Labour following tonight’s result.

She said: “The Labour party has colluded with the Tories today. Despite not a single Labour amendment being accepted their leadership trooped through the lobbies with the Government, holding their hand as they lurch towards an extreme Brexit.

“I congratulate those Labour MPs like Clive Lewis who stood up for what’s right tonight – I know that their decision to defy the whip won’t have been taken lightly.”

This is a developing story. More to follow…

Original Article