MPs vote for Brexit, as Article 50 passes first hurdle

Brexit moved a step closer after MPs voted for the first time in favour of legislation to pave the way for Theresa May to trigger the formal process of leaving the EU.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Feb 2017, 20:37 BST
Updated 1st Feb 2017, 21:08 BST
MPs in the House of Commons, London, as legislation to allow Theresa May to start formal Brexit talks has cleared its first Commons hurdle after MPs gave it a second reading by 498 votes to 114 - a majority of 384. Photo: PA WireMPs in the House of Commons, London, as legislation to allow Theresa May to start formal Brexit talks has cleared its first Commons hurdle after MPs gave it a second reading by 498 votes to 114 - a majority of 384. Photo: PA Wire
MPs in the House of Commons, London, as legislation to allow Theresa May to start formal Brexit talks has cleared its first Commons hurdle after MPs gave it a second reading by 498 votes to 114 - a majority of 384. Photo: PA Wire

The European Union (Notification Of Withdrawal) Bill will allow the Prime Minister to invoke Article 50 of the EU treaties and was backed by 498 MPs to 114, a majority of 384, at second reading in the House of Commons, its first stage.

But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was unable to contain a revolt on his frontbench as two shadow cabinet ministers quit so they could defy his orders and vote against the Bill.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shadow environment secretary and York Central MP Rachael Maskell and shadow equalities minister and Brent Central MP Dawn Butler both defied a three-line whip so they could vote in line with their heavily Remain-backing constituencies.

Mr Corbyn will decide later on how to respond to an expected rebellion among junior frontbenchers over Article 50.

Following a marathon 17 hours of debate over two days, MPs will now await the publication on Thursday of the Government’s promised white paper setting out its strategy for withdrawal from the EU.

Downing Street said it would “reflect the Government’s plan for Brexit as the PM set out in her speech on our negotiating objectives”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The major Commons skirmishes on the Bill are expected to take place next week during its committee stage, when the Government is likely to face attempts to amend it from all sides.

A total of 47 Labour MPs defied Mr Corbyn’s orders and voted against the Bill.

Former chancellor Ken Clarke was the only Conservative to vote against the legislation.

A total of 10 Labour junior shadow ministers and three whips, who are supposed to enforce party discipline, voted against triggering Article 50 in revolt against Mr Corbyn.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The frontbenchers were shadow sport minister Rosena Allin-Khan, shadow culture minister Kevin Brennan, shadow police minister Lyn Brown, shadow housing minister Karen Buck, shadow crime minister Rupa Huq, shadow Northern Ireland minister Stephen Pound, shadow housing minister Andy Slaughter, shadow foreign office minister Catherine West, shadow energy minister Alan Whitehead and shadow transport minister Daniel Zeichner.

The whips were Thangam Debbonaire, Vicky Foxcroft and Jeff Smith.

Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, a close ally of Mr Corbyn, did not vote.

A Labour source said she was “taken ill” and left Parliament at about 5pm.

Related topics:Jeremy CorbynPrime MinisterBrexitMPsLabourTheresa MayDowning StreetGovernment