British MPs have passed a key stage of a bill transferring EU law into domestic legislation.

The EU withdrawal bill now moves to the next stage of the lawmaking process.

British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a battle against MPs who want to amend the bill before it becomes law.

Anti-Brexit protesters have voiced their opposition to the bill and Britain’s planned clean break from the EU.

The government says the bill would ensure a smooth departure from the bloc.

Its passage is expected to take months to complete.