Brexit news - LIVE: Government defeated after MPs back amendment in bid block no-deal exit

20 Conservative MPs rebel against government

The government suffered a fresh defeat over Theresa May's Brexit strategy after MPs backed an amendment to the Finance Bill that will limit tax powers in the event of a chaotic exit from the EU.

The amendment, tabled by ex-ministers Yvette Cooper and Nicky Morgan, seeks to force the government to take a no-deal Brexit off the table.

MPs backed the amendment by 303 votes to 296, in a vote that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn called "an important step" in reducing the chances of a no-deal exit.

Theresa May's authority was further weakened after 20 Conservative MPs rebelled by voting against the government.

The rebels included former cabinet ministers Nicky Morgan, Ken Clarke, Oliver Letwin, Justine Greening, Michael Fallon and Dominic Grieve.

Yvette Cooper said that she was "very glad" that the House of Commons voted in favour of her amendment.

Government sources played down the significance of the latest defeat, saying the amendment to the Finance Bill would not have a major impact.

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But MPs plan to table similar amendments to other bills, including on trade, fisheries and healthcare, that are crucial to implementing a no-deal Brexit.

The vote came as Irish premier Leo Varadkar said the EU was happy to offer fresh reassurances over the backstop, in a boost to the prime minister who is scrambling to secure support for her Brexit deal ahead of a Commons showdown next week.

If you want to read how the vote unfolded live, please see what was our live coverage below: