MPs reject Lords' amendments on EU citizens' rights and Brexit vote

MPs have overturned the House of Lords amendments to the Brexit Bill guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens to stay in the UK post-Brexit and allow a final "meaningful" parliamentary vote before Theresa May triggers Article 50.

MPs rejected by 335 to 287 the amendment on EU nationals' rights. The second amendment to guarantee EU citizens' rights after the UK leaves the EU was voted down by 331 to 286, a majority of 45.

It is the second time MPs have voted against the guaranteeing for EU citizens to stay in the UK. Last time, MPs voted against the amendment 332 by 290, a majority of 42.

MPs also voted down a second Lords amendment to the Brexit Bill which would have meant the PM would allow both the House of Commons and Lords to have a final say on the deal on how Britain will leave the EU by 331 to 286.

The vote means the Brexit Bill will once again go back to the House of Lords where peers are expected to accept it, clearing the way for the prime minister to trigger Article 50 and formally begin the Brexit process.

May was reported to be considering triggering Article 50 immediately in the wake of the vote, but Downing Street denied suggestions and said the government has repeatedly indicated towards the end of March was more likely.

A spokesperson said: "I have said END [their capitals] many times but it would seem I didn't put it in capital letters quite strongly enough."