Brexit vote - as it happened: Theresa May caves in to Tory rebels in major negotiations climbdown

All the latest updates from Westminster, as they happened

Labour MP Matthew Pennycook on Brexit bill: 'This bill began its life as a fundamentally flawed piece of legislation'

​Theresa May has caved in to Tory rebels in an eleventh-hour climbdown on the government’s flagship Brexit legislation.

In a key victory for pro-EU backbenchers, the government opened the door to MPs taking control of the negotiations if ministers fail to strike a deal in Brussels.

The revolt appeared to be called off only after Robert Buckland, the solicitor general, agreed that there was "merit" in plans to allow MPs to vote on the proposed Brexit strategy and said his would be the basis of further discussions with rebels.

The rebels want MPs to be given a vote on the next steps if there is no deal by the end of November. It is unclear whether ministers will agree to that time limit, which is likely to be proposed in a further amendment to be tabled in the House of Lords.

Nevertheless, for the first time, the prime minister appeared to be entertaining the idea of a deadline for success in the talks.

In total, the government hopes to overturn 14 amendments made in the Lords to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill during two days of debate but it faces threats of a Tory rebellion on a series of knife-edge votes.

Key Points

• Theresa May heads off major defeat on EU withdrawal bill after last-minute climbdown
• MPs win concession to enshrine pledge for no checks on Irish border
• Fury from Scots and Welsh MPs over lack of time to debate devolution
• Justice minister Phillip Lee resigns in order to speak out on Brexit

[12 June 2018 09:00 · Kristin Hugo]

Welcome to The Independent's live coverage from Westminster on a crucial day in the Brexit process.

[12 June 2018 09:18 · Kristin Hugo]

Theresa May looks to have avoided a defeat on the customs union after agreeing a deal with Tory rebels that will see the government pledge to try to negotiate a "customs arrangement" with the EU. Full story: 

[12 June 2018 09:39 · Kristin Hugo]

NEW: The government has just confirmed it will not support a last-minute amendment tabled by Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, ahead of today's votes. That is more significant than it perhaps sounds.

Mr Grieve's motion was a compromise designed to allow pro-EU Tories to back the government in voting against a House of Lords amendment that would give MPs a "meaningful vote" on the final Brexit deal.

The fact that No 10 has rejected it increases the chance of the government suffering a defeat, with a number of rebels ready to vote in favour of the Lords amendment.

Mr Grieve's proposal would give ministers until the end of November to get Parliament's approval for the final Brexit deal. If they fail to do so, the Commons would be given a greater role in the negotiating process.

[12 June 2018 09:49 · Kristin Hugo]

BREAKING: A government minister has resigned ahead of today's crunch Brexit votes. Phillip Lee, a justice minister, said he was stepping down in order to speak more openly on "how Brexit is currently being delivered". Looks like the rebels could have added another one to their ranks...

[12 June 2018 10:04 · Kristin Hugo]

It could be a busy day...

[12 June 2018 10:10 · Kristin Hugo]

Here's Tory MP Phillip Lee's full statement on his resignation this morning:

"If, in the future, I am to look my children in the eye and honestly say that I did my best for them I cannot, in all good conscience, support how our country’s current exit from the EU looks set to be delivered.

I voted to remain in the European Union and have not changed my view that continued membership would have been the better strategic course. Even so, I believe that it would be impossible and wrong to seek to go back to how things were before the referendum.

If Brexit is worth doing, then it is certainly worth doing well; regardless of how long that takes.

When MPs vote on the House of Lords’ amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill I will support the amendment which will empower Parliament to reject a bad deal and direct the Government to re-enter discussions. For me, this is about the important principle of Parliamentary sovereignty.

Then, when the Government is able to set out an achievable, clearly defined path – one that has been properly considered, whose implications have been foreseen, and that is rooted in reality not dogma – it should go to the people, once again, to seek their confirmation.

We must be honest and open at all times with each other and with the public. We must renew our effort to bring the nation back together and proceed in our collective national interest, drawing on the best talent our country has to offer.

We will not change our country overnight – but we can and must hand our children a better legacy.

For me, resigning is a last resort - not something that I want to do but something I feel I must do because, for me, such a serious principle is being breached that I would find it hard to live with myself afterwards if I let it pass."

[12 June 2018 10:12 · Kristin Hugo]

And here's our story on that resignation - which could, if reports are to be believed, be the first of several...

[12 June 2018 10:54 · Kristin Hugo]

Tory rebels are admitting there is now only one realistic prospect of a government defeat this week...

[12 June 2018 11:14 · Kristin Hugo]

Tory MP Nick Boles has had a not-too-subtle dig at David Davis, who was reported to be considering resigning last week over disagreements with Theresa May on Brexit...

[12 June 2018 11:34 · Kristin Hugo]

Labour MP Chuka Umunna, a supporter of the People's Vote campaign for a second referendum, said: "The resignation of a Government minister who has immediately gone on to endorse a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal is a hugely significant moment.

"Brexit is going badly not just because of incompetence but because it is impossible to deliver in the form it was promised, and it is the people of Britain who will suffer the consequences.

"That is why it is so important that principled politicians from all parties, like Dr Phillip Lee, take a stand now and put country before party."