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As it happenedended

Brexit - as it happened: Corbyn faces Labour rebellions as MPs vote on EU withdrawal bill

Follow all the latest updates from Westminster

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
Wednesday 13 June 2018 17:58 BST
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SNP MPs walk out of PMQs as Ian Blackford is expelled from the chamber

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​MPs have debated for a second day on the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, with key votes expected on plans by peers for membership of the single market and the customs union.

A potentially explosive rebellion over customs arrangements appears to have been headed off for the moment by government whips, but pro-EU Conservatives are thought to be keeping their powder dry until the trade bill comes to the Commons next month.

Attention now turns to Labour as scores of MPs are expected to rebel against Jeremy Corbyn over a Lords amendment that would effectively keep the UK in the single market.

It comes after prime minister's questions descended into chaos when the SNP’s leader in Westminster was expelled from the chamber and his party performed a mass walkout.

Ian Blackford was kicked out when he attempted to force a vote to make the Commons sit in private in protest over the lack of time to debate key devolution issues during the bill's session on Tuesday.

During the session, Jeremy Corbyn tackled Theresa May on Brexit as he attempted to highlight divisions within the Conservative party.

Mr Corbyn also mocked the prime minister asking whether she has invited Donald Trump, the US president, to take control of the negotiations in Brussels – a reference to Boris Johnson’s recorded remarks last week.

This liveblog has now closed

Labour MP Emma Reynolds, representing Wolverhampton North East has broken rank and informed her front bench she plans to support the Lords' EEA amendment.

She said: "My approach to this question is simple, the economy has to come first and the economics are clear. I feel that I have a duty to prioritise jobs, livelihoods and public services for my constituents.

"I acknowledge the EEA isn't perfect but for the minute the combination of the EEA and the customs union is the only way to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland."

Jon Sharman13 June 2018 19:24

Thanks for following today - this liveblog has now closed, but follow our politics pages for the results of voting on the amendments.

Ashley Cowburn13 June 2018 19:27

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