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Tom Watson gave a cold, brutal assessment of Theresa May’s failure to lead Britain out a Brexit crisis her own party created, as MPs prepared for a vote of no confidence in the Government.

The Prime Minister forced to sit, smiling awkwardly on the front bench, as Labour ’s deputy leader systematically chipped away at her premiership, accusing her of "humiliating the United Kingdom".

“The country feels genuinely sorry for the Prime Minister,” he said. “I feel sorry for the Prime Minister.

"But she cannot confuse pity with political legitimacy".

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

He said: “No-one doubts her determination, which is generally an admirable quality.

“But misapplied it can be toxic. And the cruellest truth of all is that she doesn’t possess the necessary skills, the political skills, the empathy, the ability and most crucially the policy to lead this country any longer.

Speaking in a calm, measured tone, he said: “Now I know there are many good people in the government examining their consciences as the clock runs down on these Brexit negotiations.

“Because she has refused to resign we now face a choice between a general election to sort out this mess or continued paralysis under her leadership."

He went on:“But now the ante has been raised. The government has been defeated on a Brexit plan which has been the sole reason for its existence for the past two years.

“It has not just been defeated on the most crucial issue facing our country, it has suffered the worst defeat of any British government in history.

“And the clock is ticking. MPs have shown they’re ready to take back control over what has been from start to finish a failed Brexit process."

(Image: AFP/Getty Images) (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

As MPs prepared to head to the voting lobbies, he continued: “The question facing the House tonight is whether it is worth giving this failed Prime Minister another chance to go back pleading to Brussels.

“Another opportunity to humiliate the United Kingdom.

“Another few weeks to waste precious time. Our answer tonight must be a resounding no.”