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MPS tonight voted by 326 votes to 290 votes to back Theresa May’s Brexit Bill - despite warnings of a “power grab” by ministers.

No 10’s “confident” predictions of victory were vindicated in a 36-vote Government majority vote after a clutch of Labour rebels pledged to team up with Tories and the DUP so the EU (Withdrawal) Bill could clear its latest Commons hurdle.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: “This is a deeply disappointing result.

“This Bill is an affront to parliamentary democracy and a naked power grab by Government Ministers. It leaves rights unprotected, it silences Parliament on key decisions and undermines the devolution settlement.

“It will make the Brexit process more uncertain, and lead to division and chaos when we need unity and clarity.

“Labour will seek to amend and remove the worst aspects from the Bill as it passes through Parliament. But the flaws are so fundamental it’s hard to see how this Bill could ever be made fit for purpose”.

(Image: PA)

Responding to the vote, Theresa May said: "Earlier this morning Parliament took a historic decision to back the will of the British people and vote for a bill which gives certainty and clarity ahead of our withdrawal from the European Union.

“Although there is more to do, this decision means we can move on with negotiations with solid foundations and we continue to encourage MPs from all parts of the UK to work together in support of this vital piece of legislation.”

An amendment tabled by Jeremy Corbyn which would have thrown the bill out failed by 22 votes.

Lib Dem Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said: "Tom Brake, Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson, said: “This is a dark day for the mother of parliaments. The Liberal Democrats will fight to amend the bill in Committee to stop this affront to democracy.”

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“Labour rebels have handed the government sweeping anti-democratic powers. A significant number walked hand in hand with the Tories and have given the government extreme powers not seen since the Middle Ages."

The Bill shifts existing EU laws on to the UK statue book to give businesses and citizens certainty for when Britain leaves the bloc.

But Jeremy Corbyn labelled it “a power grab by the Government at the expense of our democratically elected Parliament”.

The Labour leader will tell the TUC Congress in Brighton tomorrow of his fears that Britain will end up as a “deregulated free market tax haven” under the Tory approach to Brexit.

(Image: AFP)

The landmark legislation which paves the way for the UK’s withdrawal from Brussels comes 15 months after the country voted by 52% to 48% to quit the bloc.

Overturning the decision to enter the European Economic Community, it repeals the 1972 Act that took Britain in, and moves EU rules and regulations onto the domestic law book.

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But senior Tories warned they would try and amend the flagship Bill, previously called the Great Repeal Bill, as it continues its passage through Parliament - vowing to change it in the committee stage.

Select committee chairs Maria Miller, Bob Neill and Bernard Jenkin, along with Labour’s Frank Field, pledged support for tonight's second reading vote but demanded amendments to ensure the Bill becomes law.

Ms Miller said people “did not vote for a diminution of their rights”.

Former minister Mr Neill said the Bill was “necessary” but there were a “number of areas” where it needed “improvement”.

Breakdown by party

Tory MPs were told to vote in favour of the Bill, and Labour MPs were told to vote against.

Not one Tory MP voted against the Bill - but seven Labour MPs voted in favour.

They were all known Brexit-backers:

Ronnie Campbell

Frank Field

Kate Hoey

Kelvin Hopkins

John Mann

Dennis Skinner

Graham Stringer

In addition, records show 14 Labour MPs did not vote.

Of these, some are said to have been deliberate abstentions. Those include Caroline Flint.

For the rest, some are Speakers or committee chiefs, or illness or personal reasons could be to blame. Anna Turley was in hospital for example.

MPs are often unable to vote because it means turning up to the House of Commons in person - in this case well after midnight. In these cases they 'pair' off with an MP in another party who agrees not to vote.

Six Tories did not vote.

How Labour MPs voted on the Repeal Bill 2nd Reading, Sept 11 How Tory MPs voted on the Repeal Bill 2nd Reading, Sept 11 How Lib Dem MPs voted on the Repeal Bill 2nd Reading, Sept 11 How SNP MPs voted on the Repeal Bill 2nd Reading, Sept 11

SNP MPs voted on the Repeal Bill