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The House of Commons has been cancelled for the rest of the day after water started pouring through the ceiling.

The torrential leak is understood to have started in the roof above the press gallery canteen, on the floor above the chamber.

A smell of damp wood rose from the gallery benches as the heavy flow of stagnant rainwater cascaded through the 60-year-old ceiling.

The abrupt cancellation of the day's sitting means the Government has definitely missed its deadline to table a Brexit motion in time to be debated on Monday.

Commons deputy speaker Lindsay Hoyle initially suspended the sitting of the House while the leak was dealt with.

But around 25 minutes later, he returned to the chamber and adjourned the sitting for the rest of the day.

As he drew proceedings to a close, he said: "Goodnight everyone."

(Image: @RossThomson_MP/Twitter)

Members of the press were removed from the gallery, as water was seen pouring through light fittings and down concrete walls at the back of the chamber.

Despite some claims that the leak is sewage, Commons authorities later clarified that this was not the case.

House of Commons authorities tweeted: "We are aware of a water leak on the estate and are taking urgent action to resolve it."

(Image: Parliament)

Tory MP Ross Thomson joked: "Not the first time there has been a leak in Parliament I’m sure"

And Huddersfield MP Neil O'Brien said: "The Commons Chamber has a new water feature! I've never been in a debate before where rain stopped play but it has happened now!"

The 3.12pm finish meant Theresa May missed a crucial deadline to table her Brexit plan for debate in the Commons on Monday.

Talks were continuing today as the Prime Minister tried to agree a softer Brexit plan with Jeremy Corbyn - which could include his key demand of a customs union.

But it they agree, their plan can now only be debated by MPs on Tuesday - ONE day before an emergency EU summit.

That is despite the EU wanting a clear plan from the UK this weekend, ahead of 27 leaders meeting in Brussels.

(Image: @NeilDotObrien/Twitter)

And it comes despite Brexit still legally being timetabled for next Friday, April 12.

Mrs May was hoping she could agree a deal with Mr Corbyn, then win a short delay to Brexit up to May 22.

But her decision to enter talks with the “Marxist” Labour leader enraged hardline Tory MPs who want to oust her.

And her Cabinet remained split over whether they would accept an extension longer than May 22 - which could mean standing in EU elections.

And all the while, Labour sources admitted the PM had been unclear about how far she would compromise.

Meanwhile Labour's split over Brexit deepened as Jeremy Corbyn faced mounting pressure from both sides over a second referendum.

Big beasts Tom Watson and Emily Thornberry urged him to demand any deal he signs with Theresa May is put to a public vote.

But Mr Corbyn indicated he would only back a referendum "to prevent crashing out or leaving on a bad deal."

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

The issue led to a clash in last night's Shadow Cabinet, where one source told the Mirror seven shadow ministers urged caution over a 'People's Vote'.

One, party chair Ian Lavery, said Labour "could be finished" by a referendum and it could make Mr Corbyn "the Labour Prime Minister that splits the Labour Party".

And 25 Labour MPs including six shadow frontbenchers wrote to Mr Corbyn urging him not to let the issue hold up a deal.

Despite the House of Commons ending early, the House of Lords was set to sit as late as 3.30am tonight.

Peers were rushing through a Bill that will force Brexit to be delayed beyond April 12, avoiding No Deal.

But Brexiteer peers tried to hold up the Bill - which passed the Commons by just one vote - with furious complaints that it was not getting enough scrutiny.

Last night furious Tory MP Mark Francois quoted Jesus, saying of MPs: “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do”.