Prime Minister wins vital Brexit vote after Labour rebellion on EU Withdrawal Bill

on Brexit and defence and foreign affairs, offering a “deep security partnership” with the remaining 27-nation EU.

Under the proposals Britain would, post Brexit, continue contributing troops and military assets to EU operations, agreeing joint foreign policy positions with Brussels and co-operating on international sanctions against states or terrorist organisations.

In her Article 50 letter triggering the Brexit process, the Prime Minister warned failure to reach a deal would mean “co-operation in the fight against crime and terrorism would be weakened”.

The statement was taken by some in Brussels as a threat to future security links.

The Government said the new paper demonstrated Britain’s continuing commitment to European security, making clear it would seek to use its assets, capabilities and influence in a security partnership that was “deeper than any other third country and that reflects interest”.

Mr Johnson said: “As we leave the EU, the UK’s commitment to European security is undiminished. We will pursue a global foreign policy and continue to work in partnership with our neighbours to promote

our

shared peace, democracy and security in our continent and across the world.”

Labour’s Chris Bryant, on behalf of the pro-EU Open Britain campaign, welcomed the Government’s move.

But he added: “It makes a mockery of their threat to leave the EU with no deal at all.

“Doing so would overnight end our security relationship with Europe, putting our citizens and theirs at risk.

“It is high time the Government dropped its absurd no-deal threat.”