Government defeated in key Brexit vote - here's how the day unfolded

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The Government has been defeated by Conservative rebels and Labour MPs in a critical vote on its key piece of Brexit legislation.

MPs amended the EU Withdrawal Bill against Theresa May's will, so guaranteeing Parliament a "meaningful" vote on any Brexit deal she agrees with Brussels.

Ms May's whips applied heavy pressure on Conservative rebels who remained defiant in the Commons throughout the day and in the end the Government was defeated by 309 votes to 305, a margin of just four votes.

Here is how the day unfolded.

Key Points

• Government suffers defeat by 309 votes to 305, meaning any Brexit deal will have to be approved by Parliament
• Rebel Stephen Hammond sacked as Vice Chair of party 
• Result 'reveals Commons majority for soft Brexit' 
• Why is tonight's Brexit vote so important?

[13 December 2017 19:44 · Kristin Hugo]

These are the Tory MPs who rebelled against the government.

[13 December 2017 19:50 · Kristin Hugo]

Jeremy Corbyn says the vote means parliament is taking back control: “This defeat is a humiliating loss of authority for the government on the eve of the European Council meeting. 

“Labour has made the case since the referendum for a meaningful vote in Parliament on the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. 

“Theresa May has resisted democratic accountability. Her refusal to listen means she will now have to accept Parliament taking back control.”

[13 December 2017 19:57 · Kristin Hugo]

Among those who have rebelled tonight is Stephen Hammond. Which appears to have not been taken lightly in Downing Street.

[13 December 2017 20:17 · Joe Watts]

The Government has been defeated by rebel MPs in a critical Brexit vote independent.co.uk/news/uk/politi…

[13 December 2017 20:21 · Kristin Hugo]

Brexit has been driven from the backbenches by Conservative rebels for several decades. Pro-Brexiteer Nadine Dorries now gives her view on her party colleagues, who have rebelled.

[13 December 2017 20:24 · Kristin Hugo]

In fact, the correct number of Conservative rebels is eleven. John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, voted no and yes, by being counted in both lobbies. This is the archaic method through which to register a formal absention.

[13 December 2017 20:30 · Kristin Hugo]

For all the convulsions within the Conservatives, this being Brexit, the story on the Labour side of the house is just as dramatic.

Traditionally staunch Brexiteers like Dennis Skinner and John Mann all had to be talked into supporting the amendment.

Ivan Lewis and Jared O'Mara are suspended but were absent from the chamber and didn't vote.

With a total of four votes in it, which only requires two to change the result, the instability of this House of Commons is almost unprecedented. 

[13 December 2017 20:32 · Kristin Hugo]

Only Frank Field and Kate Hoey voted against the Labour whip and supported the government.

[13 December 2017 20:36 · Joe Watts]

The Government has been defeated by rebel MPs in a critical Brexit vote cms.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politi…

[13 December 2017 20:37 · Joe Watts]

Full story: The Government has been defeated by rebel MPs in a critical Brexit vote independent.co.uk/news/uk/politi…