What just happened with Theresa May's Brexit vote - and what happens next?

(AFP/Getty Images)

After another dramatic set of evening votes in the Commons, the next stage in the Brexit process remains – perhaps unsurprisingly – as uncertain as ever.

In a bid to salvage her deal that was defeated by a historic margin just a fortnight ago, Theresa May has vowed to return to Brussels and seek "legally binding" changes to the UK-EU withdrawal agreement.

1. What happened in the House of Commons on Brexit last night?

   Just two out of seven amendments that were put to a vote last night were passed by MPs: one relating to a no-deal Brexit, and another addressing the Northern Irish backstop - or the "Brady amendment" as its being referred to.

   The first was a non-binding motion, but made clear the House of Commons will not countenance a no-deal Brexit. It does not legally prevent such a scenario and rather acts a symbolic move.

   A further motion seeking to give MPs the legal power to request an extension to Article 50 - the "Cooper amendment" - and prevent a no-deal Brexit in March was actually voted down in parliament on Tuesday evening.

   But the "Brady amendment" has more significance. It is quite ambiguous, but calls for alternatives to the backstop - the EU's insurance policy in the withdrawal agreement to prevent a hard border in Ireland.

   Theresa May is using this victory in the Commons in the hope of returning to Brussels to negotiate changes to the UK-EU agreement.

2. Will Theresa May be able to renegotiate the Irish backstop with the EU?

   While the "Brady amendment" does for the first time demonstrate there is a majority in the Commons for one type of Brexit, there is one very significant problem with the plan.

   Immediately after MPs passed the amendment, European Council president Donald Tusk's spokesman said "the withdrawal agreement is not open for renegotiation". French president Emmanuel Macron also said the agreement was "not renegotiable".

   Expect more messages today from European leaders denouncing the proposals, and a major confrontation between the UK and the EU over the next stage in the Brexit process.

3. What happens next?

   Downing Street aides admitted the task ahead look difficult, and Ms May herself admitted there was "little appetite" in Brussels for renegotiations over the backstop. But they highlighted her previous deal had been heavily defeated and that the Commons had shown what was needed to happen for the deal to pass.

   If Ms May does manage to secure any changes to the deal she will put it to another “meaningful vote”. If she does not then she must return to the Commons by 13 February to give MPs another chance to propose alternative measures.

   Jeremy Corbyn has also dropped his opposition for talks over Brexit with the prime minister, and is expected he will meet with Ms May later on Wednesday. Expect not much to be agreed between them at this stage.

   Reminder: there are just 58 days now until Britain is set to leave the EU on 29 March.