MPs and Peers to get vote on final Brexit deal

In a high-profile speech in London setting out her objectives for post-Brexit Britain, the Prime Minister also said her plans cannot allow the UK to remain in the European single market.

The announcement about a parliamentary vote on the deal meets one of the key demands of MPs worried about the impact of EU withdrawal on the UK.

Mrs May did not make clear whether a vote against the agreement would result in the UK remaining in the EU or in Britain crashing out of the 28-nation bloc without a deal.

Speaking at Lancaster House, Mrs May: "When it comes to Parliament, there is one ... way in which I would like to provide certainty. I can confirm today that the Government will put the final deal that is agreed between the UK and the EU to a vote in both Houses of Parliament before it comes into force."

Under Article 50 of the EU treaties, Britain will have two years to negotiate a deal after it informs the European Council of its intention to quit - something which Mrs May has said she will do by the end of March.

Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier has suggested that an agreement must be concluded by October 2018 to allow time for ratification before Britain leaves in March 2019, meaning that the Commons and Lords votes are likely to come during that six-month period.

Also read: Theresa May Brexit speech: We do not want 'half-in, half-out' EU deal