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The Liberal Democrats rejected a move from party members to ignore the Brexit referendum result and back scrapping Article 50 in a dramatic conference row.

Members tabled a motion that would have changed party policy, to back reversing Brexit without a second vote.

But after a lengthy and passionate row on the floor of the party's Autumn Conference in Bournemouth, members voted against the move.

Former Leader Sir Menzies Campbell was among the senior party members opposing the move.

(Image: PA)

He told party faithful: "We've got to be concerned not only about avoiding principle for process, we've got to be concerned about strategy and outcomes.

"And which do you think is more likely - forming a Liberal Democrat government or wining a referendum in association with other parties who like us believe that the best interests of the United Kingdom are to remain in the European Union."

He added: "I tell you, go outside and ask Ladbrokes, you'll get a pretty clear indication."

(Image: PA)

An amendment to the motion tabled by MP Tom Brake, which retains the party's policy of calling for a vote on the terms of the deal, was passed in a final floor vote.

Lib Dem leader Vince Cable told the BBC's Andrew Marr this morning public opinion had not changed much since the Brexit referendum, but it would once the economic reality of withdrawal from the EU sank in.

He said voters should be offered a 'first referendum on the facts' once the terms of a Brexit deal were known so that the UK could vote on the option of staying in the EU.