Brexit debate: Tory MP Desmond Swayne appears to fall asleep while Ken Clarke speaks

Senior Conservative nods off during lengthy speeches from MPs on the EU (Withdrawal) Bill

A Conservative MP appeared to fall asleep during a debate on Brexit while Tory grandee Ken Clarke extolled some of the virtues of the European Union.

Eurosceptic Sir Desmond Swayne was caught on camera slumped against the green benches as Mr Clarke delivered a 10-minute speech mocking the Government for wanting to leave the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Sir Desmond, a former minister and a popular figure in Parliament, was seen snoozing for at least a minute before jolting awake with a sheepish smile.

It came as MPs were debating the Government's flagship Brexit legislation, which seeks to transfer EU law onto the domestic statute books after Britain leaves the EU.

Mr Clarke, a committed Europhile, said it was an "illusion" to think the EU (Withdrawal) Bill would have an "untroubled passage" through the House of Lords, where it is expected to head tomorrow after clearing report stage and third reading in the Commons.

The former Chancellor said: "I hope that the other place will make an enormous number of changes to this Bill.

"The idea that the Bill with all these Henry VIII clauses is going to have an untroubled passage through the House of Lords is an illusion."

He continued: "The House of Lords, I hope, will throw back some of the bizarre extensions of the Henry VIII principle in this Bill but also some of the European things."

Mr Clarke had spoken in support of keeping the Charter of Fundamental Rights but MPs voted against the amendment tabled by Labour.