ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

An amendment calling for a second EU referendum has been tabled by MPs from the Independent Group with backing from other political parties.

The amendment, which has support from others in the Scottish National Party, Liberal Democrats, and Plaid Cymru, has been put forward for debate in the Commons on Wednesday.

It would instruct the Prime Minister to table a motion for debate and decision before March 8, setting out the steps necessary for preparing a public vote on whether to leave the EU on terms agreed by Parliament or remain a member.

TIG MP Chris Leslie said: "At this eleventh hour, it's vital that preparations take place for a People's Vote."

MPs are due to debate and vote on a Brexit motion tabled by the Government and a series of amendments on Wednesday.

In a statement today, Theresa May promised to give MPs a vote on withdrawing from the EU without a deal or extending Article 50 and delaying Brexit if her plan is rejected at the next "meaningful vote" next month.

Mrs May will propose the sequence of votes on her deal in the motion for debate and vote tomorrow, she told the Commons.

MPs also have the opportunity to table amendments putting forward their say on the next Brexit steps. Speaker John Bercow will select which amendments are voted on.

TIG will seek to pave the way for a second referendum at the Commons vote, it was revealed on Tuesday.

Mr Leslie added: "This cross-party amendment would require the Prime Minister to take the steps needed now so the public could take control and break through the Brexit gridlock. There is no more time to waste.

"With Labour now signalling it may support a confirmatory referendum in the weeks ahead, there is no reason to hold back on vital measures to pave the way. If the Labour leadership support this amendment, we could make real progress on a People's Vote.

"Now is the time to put the national interest first. Parliament must act now."

Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement will be put to a meaningful vote by March 12, it was confirmed today.

If that fails MPs will vote on a no-deal Brexit by March 13, and if that is defeated there will be another vote on requesting a short extension to Article 50 by March 14.