MPs reject no-deal exit from the EU – by just four votes

MPs have dramatically rejected crashing out of the European Union without a deal at any time and under any circumstances.

The Commons voted 312 to 308 – a majority of four – in favour of an amendment tabled by Tory former cabinet minister Dame Caroline Spelman.

Dame Caroline attempted to withdraw the amendment, but it was moved by fellow signatory Yvette Cooper and won the support of a majority of MPs during a string of crunch Brexit votes on Wednesday evening.

The amendment is not legally binding, but it changes the Government’s motion to say the House “rejects the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a Withdrawal Agreement and a Framework for the Future Relationship”.

Theresa May said on Tuesday night that she would bring forward a motion on Thursday on whether Parliament wants to seek an extension to Article 50, if the Commons declined to approve leaving without a deal.

However no-deal remains the default option unless an extension is agreed with the 27 other EU states, or a deal is passed before the end of the month.

To avoid a walkout by Cabinet ministers who oppose a no-deal Brexit, Mrs May has given Tories a free vote on the Government motion.

The wording of the motion declares the Commons “declines to approve” leaving without a deal on March 29 – but notes that remains the default position unless an agreement is reached.

An extension to Article 50 can only be granted by unanimity among the 27 remaining EU member states, and Brussels has made clear they will do so only if the UK presents a “credible” justification for being given more time.