MPs vote for greater disclosure of Brexit plan and triggering Article 50 by March

MPs voted in favour of scrutinising Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plan before she triggers Article 50 by the end of March 2017.

On Wednesday evening MPs voted for Labour’s motion to “properly scrutinise” the government's plan to leave the European Union before Article 50 is triggered, which starts a two-year clock on negotiations, by a margin of 373 votes - 448 in favour and 75 against.

A second vote also passed the government's amendment to the motion that its timetable for activating the clause by March should be respected. This was voted with a margin of 372 votes, with 461 in favour with 89 against.

Former Chancellor Ken Clarke was the only Conservative MP to vote against the amendment along with about 23 Labour MPs, five from the Liberal Democrats, 51 from the SNP, three SDLP, three Plaid Cymru, two independents and one Green.

Labour’s motion was opposed by nine of its own MPs.

May was facing a revolt from Conservative backbenchers, after repeated calls from businesses and politicians for greater clarity over Brexit. She conceded to Labour’s motion on Tuesday and added the amendment for her timetable to be respected.