15:26

Charles Michel, the president of the European council, welcomed the vote, tweeting that it was an “important step in the article 50 ratification process”. He added: “A level playing field remains a must for any future relationship,” referring to the EU’s demand for fair competition in exchange for a free-trade agreement with zero tariffs and zero quotas.



The European parliament expects to ratify the withdrawal treaty on 29 January, if the next stages at Westminster go to plan, paving the way for the UK to leave the EU on 31 January.