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Labour Shadow Business Minister Chi Onwurah is to ask her constituents whether she should vote for the Government’s legislation triggering Article 50 and beginning the process of Brexit.

She is one of a number of Labour figures who could potentially defy party policy and vote against Brexit.

The MP, who represents Newcastle Central, said she would consult constituents, and also wanted to see exactly whet the Government proposed.

Prime Minister Theresa May surprised the House of Commons by announcing at Prime Minister’s Questions that she will set out her negotiating objectives in a formal document.

She told MPs: “I can confirm to the House that our plan will be set out in a White Paper published in this House.”

Mrs May made clear that she regarded the Article 50 debate as “a separate question” from the publication of what she said would be “a bold vision for Britain for the future”.

The PM’s official spokeswoman later said that the White Paper would be published “in due course”, but made no commitment that MPs would see it before the crucial Article 50 vote.

A Bill to approve the triggering of negotiations will be published today, Thursday. It follows the Supreme Court’s confirmation that Mrs May cannot invoke Article 50 without getting the consent of MPs.

(Image: PA)

A vote is likely to take place on the Bill’s “second reading” on Wednesday.

It will then go into what is known as the Committee stage, when it will be considered in more detail and amendments can be proposed.

In principle, an MP could vote for the Bill next week but then attempt to amend it, and consider opposing it at the final “third reading” vote if the amendments are rejected.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said his party will attempt to amend the Bill, for example to ensure workers’ rights are protected.

However, he also appears to be saying his party will ultimately support triggering Article 50 even if his demands are rejected.

Ms Onwurah is one of a number of Labour MPs who may refuse to vote for Article 50. She said on Twitter she was keen to hear constituents’ views, adding: “I’ll be waiting to see government motion before deciding.”

Shadow Business Secretary Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, told his local newspaper last week: “I don’t think what is currently on the table, given the irreversibility of Article 50, means that signing Article 50 under these conditions is in the best interests of people in Norwich or the country.”

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And a senior Labour source said that Jeremy Corbyn recognised the “difficulties” some of the party’s MPs face from pro-Remain constituents.

Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said the announcement of a White Paper represented a “significant and welcome U-turn” by the Prime Minister, but he said it must be published before MPs were expected to vote.

He said: “This U-turn comes just 24 hours after (Brexit Secretary) David Davis seemed to rule out a white paper, and failed to answer repeated questions from MPs on all sides of the House.

“The Prime Minister now needs to confirm that this White Paper will be published in time to inform the Article 50 process, and that it will clear up the inconsistencies, gaps and risks outlined in her speech.”