Damian Green resigns - as it happened: Theresa May's deputy quits as MPs vote on Brexit Bill

All the updates from Westminster on Wednesday - as they happened

Theresa May appears to downplay seriousness of homelessness that is not rough sleeping

Damian Green has resigned as the First Secretary of State after admitting he made “misleading” statements about pornography found on his Commons computer.

Mr Green described allegations that he downloaded or viewed pornography on his parliamentary computer as "unfounded and deeply hurtful", but admitted he had not been clear in his past statements on the issue.

Meanwhile, Theresa May has been accused of trying to wriggle out of giving MPs a "meaningful vote" on the terms of the Brexit deal, after she repeatedly dodged calls to guarantee it by senior MPs.

Ms May underwent a 90-minute grilling by the Liaison Committee - the only Commons committee able to compel the Prime Minister to give evidence - where Brexit, social care and sexual harassment featured heavily on the agenda.

She also faced Jeremy Corbyn for the last Prime Minister's Questions clash of the year, where Ms May struggled on homelessness figures before admitting that Brexit could be delayed in "exceptional circumstances".

Rounding off the day, MPs are debating the eighth - and final - day of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill's committee stage, where efforts to amend the bill by Tory rebels appear to have been thwarted by the Government.

For all the latest updates, see below:

Key Points

• Damian Green resigns as Theresa May's deputy
• Theresa May tries to duck out of 'meaningful vote' promise during grilling by senior MPs
• PM admits Brexit could be delayed in "exceptional circumstances"
• Michel Barnier says Brexit transition to end by December 2020 and trade deals will be like ones signed with Canada
• May U-turn on securing rigid Brexit date in UK law during final day of Commons debate on EU (Withdrawal) Bill
• Michael Gove says MPs could block a post-Brexit trade deal with the US over fears on animal welfare standards

[20 December 2017 08:32 · Lizzy Buchan]

[20 December 2017 09:07 · Lizzy Buchan]

It's the penultimate day before the Christmas recess and there is plenty going on in Parliament.

Theresa May will face a grilling from senior MPs this afternoon when she makes her first appearance this year before the Commons Liaison Committee.

The powerful committee is made up of the heads of select committees - and led by respected Tory Health Committee chair Dr Sarah Wollaston, who was one of the 11 Brexit rebels who inflicted defeat on the Government last week

Expect plenty of questions on Brexit, as well as the NHS, social care and sexual harassment.

[20 December 2017 09:14 · Lizzy Buchan]

Another developing story here - reports suggest the Bank of England will allow EU banks to operate as normal after Brexit.

[20 December 2017 09:29 · Lizzy Buchan]

Also today, Theresa May will square off against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for the final Prime Minister's Questions clash of the year.

She will then head to Liaison Committee (see here), before returning to the Commons this evening to vote on the final day of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.

The Independent's political editor Joe Watts has more on what to expect from day eight of the bill's marathon committee stage, where the Government hopes it has thwarted another rebellion from its own benches.

[20 December 2017 09:46 · Lizzy Buchan]

Cabinet ministers Michael Gove and Damian Green will also make high-profile appearances before committees today.

Prominent Brexiteer Mr Gove will appear before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs committee, where he will discuss the impact of Brexit on the food trade.

Theresa May's ally Damian Green -  who is still awaiting the outcome of a Cabinet Office probe into his personal conduct - will appear before the Lords EU committee to discuss Brexit and devolution.

[20 December 2017 09:55 · Lizzy Buchan]

Over in Brussels, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is due to give a press conference later this morning.

He has been making a splash in the UK for saying there could be no special deal for the City in future trade talks.

Downing Street gave his comments short shrift. See the full story below:

[20 December 2017 09:59 · Lizzy Buchan]

[20 December 2017 10:11 · Lizzy Buchan]

The Government has been condemned for taking an “unacceptably complacent” attitude towards tackling homelessness by the influential Public Accounts Committee, as soaring numbers of people are forced to live on the streets or in temporary accommodation. 

Social affairs correspondent May Bulman has the story:

[20 December 2017 10:22 · Lizzy Buchan]

The White House has said it will announce details "soon" of President Donald Trump's proposed visit to the UK, amid growing expectations that he will come to London in February to open the new US Embassy, according to PA's political editor Andrew Woodcock.

There was no confirmation from London or Washington of reports that Mr Trump told Theresa May his plans in a phone call on Tuesday evening.

Mrs May's offer of a state visit this year was put on hold amid fears of demonstrations against the US president, but there has been widespread speculation that he could open the embassy in Vauxhall on a more low-profile working visit, which would not involve a meeting with the Queen.

Asked whether the possibility of a visit to the UK had been discussed, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told a Washington press conference: "That invitation has been extended and accepted. And we're working with them to finalise the details, which we expect to announce soon. And we'll keep you guys posted on that once that's finalised."

Ambassador Woody Johnson, a close friend of Mr Trump who was appointed by the president earlier this year, last week came close to confirming plans for a visit when he was asked whether he expected a presidential visit for the embassy opening.

"Absolutely, I think he will come, I hope he will come," Mr Johnson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

[20 December 2017 10:38 · Lizzy Buchan]