Brexit - as it happened: Theresa May attempts to heal divisions on whistlestop tour to mark one year countdown
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Theresa May has sought to heal Brexit divisions with a whistlestop tour to mark the one year countdown to Britain's departure from the European Union.
Marking the first anniversary of triggering of Article 50, the prime minister visited all four UK nations, where she said the UK would "thrive as a strong and united country that works for everyone, no matter whether you voted Leave or Remain".
Meanwhile, Tony Blair called on Labour MPs to defy Jeremy Corbyn if he takes the wrong approach to Brexit, while further party splits emerged when shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer said Labour could vote down the government's deal - after fellow frontbencher Emily Thornberry suggested they might support it.
Labour was also plunged into a fresh antisemitism row, after its disciplinary chief Christine Shawcroft resigned for questioning the suspension of a council candidate accused of suggesting the Holocaust was a "hoax".
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Top Independent political commentator Andrew Grice has taken a hard look at Theresa May's balancing act on Brexit, and asks how long it can last.
Read his comment piece here:
Today is the last day in the Commons before Parliament's Easter recess. MPs are just starting an Urgent Question on the contaminated blood scandal.
The Government has announced it will pay for the legal advice of those affected by the contaminated blood scandal, in response to an urgent question from Labour's Diana Johnson.
Theresa May announced plans last year for a full statutory inquiry into the scandal that left at least 2,400 people dead, after they were given contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 80s.
Cabinet Office minister Chloe Smith confirmed in the Commons that funds would be provided for families seeking legal advice on the terms of reference of that inquiry.
Trade Secretary Liam Fox has warned he will refuse to support any extension to the Brexit transition period, amid calls for more time for firms to adjust to EU withdrawal.
The Cabinet minister said anything more than the current proposed 21-month period set out by negotiators would not be “popular”.
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On contaminated blood, minister Chloe Smith said: "I can confirm that ministers have decided that reasonable expense properly incurred in respect of legal representation for the purpose of responding to the consultation of the infected blood inquiry on the terms of reference prior to the setting update will be awarded."
She added: "I hope that is good news to the House this morning."
The decision to launch the inquiry was made after victims and families expressed strong views over the involvement of the Department of Health.
About 7,500 people, many with an inherited bleeding disorder called haemophilia, were given blood products infected with hepatitis C and HIV in the 1970s and 80s.
Labour MP Diana Johnson said: "In this case 2,400 people have already died and since the announcement of a public inquiry last year, another 70 people have died.
"Many people are living with HIV and Hepatitis C, and many are co-infected, so they're in poor health.
"I am really pleased that the minister and the Government have accepted the argument that whilst the organisations are well-funded to put their case, individuals should also have access to legal advice and guidance."
Ms Smith later apologised for a letter sent to victims by the Cabinet Office which compared the inquiry to the one being held into the Grenfell Tower fire.
She said: "I have reflected on the letter that has been sent by my officials and am sorry for any concern that has been caused from it.
"What I would just return to, by way of explanation, is that, actually, Cabinet Office officials were in fact expressing the normal position under the Inquiries Act, which is that ... ministers would decide by exception to be able to provide funding for this preliminary stage of any inquiry.
"Now, I have already explained that we certainly do see this tragedy as exceptional, and therefore ministers have made the decision that I've conveyed to the House today."
Andrea Leadsom has announced a rather thin list of Government business for after recess. However it includes an eye-catching debate on antisemitism - which is likely to make life difficult for Labour.
Theresa May has said she is "looking forward" to Brexit day next year during her anniversary tour of the UK nations.
She told LBC: "Yes, I am looking forward to it because it presents great opportunities for the United Kingdom.
"What I'm doing today, I'm visiting the four nations of the United Kingdom, I'm starting here in Scotland, visiting a company that is exporting into the European Union but also exporting around the rest of the world, hearing from people what they think about Brexit and talking about the opportunities that we can seize once we're outside the European Union.
"But, also, making sure that we strengthen the bonds between the four nations of the United Kingdom."
A U-turn will restore housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds, after charities protested that young people would be made homeless if they could not live with their parents.
The controversial policy – first unveiled by David Cameron back in 2014 – has been dropped to “reassure young people’ they will receive the help with housing costs that they need.
Jobless under-22s no longer qualified for help with their rental costs, because it is “not acceptable for young people to go from school straight to benefits”, George Osborne said at the time.
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