Brexit bill: Queen to approve law on UK's withdrawal from European Union in days, says Theresa May

PM promises to inform MPs she has formally triggered Article 50 by end of March

The Queen will approve the Government's Brexit Bill in days, Theresa May has said.

The Prime Minister confirmed she expected royal assent to be granted "in the coming days" to the Bill granting her the power to begin negotiations with the EU.

She promised to come to the Commons before the end of March to inform MPs she had formally triggered Article 50.

"This will be defining moment for our whole country as we begin to forge a new relationship with Europe and a new role for ourselves in the world," Ms May said.

"We will be a strong, self-governing, global Britain with control once again over our borders and our laws.

"And we will use this moment of opportunity to build a stronger economy and a fairer society so that we secure both the right deal for Britain abroad and a better deal for ordinary working people at home."

Ms May also warned the SNP it was "not a moment to play politics or create uncertainty" after Nicola Sturgeon launched plans for a fresh referendum on Scottish independence before Britain leaves the EU.

The Scottish First Minister's bombshell announcement overshadowed the House of Lords vote which finally cleared the way for the Prime Minister to start the formal Brexit process.

The Prime Minister added: "It is a moment to bring our country together, to honour the will of the British people and to shape for them a better, brighter future and a better Britain."