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THE FINAL VOTE

Jeremy Corbyn braced for rebellion from Remainer MPs as Brexit Bill set for final debate and vote today in the Commons

MPs will vote to give the Government the power to trigger Article 50 - but it must get through the Lords next

JEREMY Corbyn is preparing for more resignations from his Shadow Cabinet today as MPs gear up for their last Commons vote on the Article 50 Bill.

After two days of debate, the Brexit Bill will have its third reading vote this evening, but scores of Labour MPs are gearing up to defy their leader again and vote against it.

 Jeremy Corbyn wants his MPs to back the Article 50 Bill - whether it secures amendments to it or not
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Jeremy Corbyn wants his MPs to back the Article 50 Bill - whether it secures amendments to it or notCredit: PA:Press Association

MPs are set to give the Government the go-ahead to trigger Article 50 next month in a final vote at 8pm tonight.

And the next battle will play out in the House of Lords - where more amendments could be taped on there too.

It will come to the Upper Chamber after it returns from recess on February 20.

 MPs will vote for the final time on the Article 50 Bill later - before it's sent to the Lords
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MPs will vote for the final time on the Article 50 Bill later - before it's sent to the LordsCredit: Getty Images

But the Labour leader faces a headache over his decision to impose a three-line whip on his MPs to back the Bill whether the party's amendments are accepted or not.

He said Labour would "respect the result of the referendum" but he understood the "challenges" for MPs in Remain constituencies who want to vote against the Bill.

However, Shadow Business Secretary Clive Lewis has said he will oppose the Article 50 legislation if Labour's amendments don't get through.

He told reporters earlier today: "I'm going to make my mind up - I don't know. I've got a lot on my plate."

Labour's shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer defended the party's stance, telling BBC Radio 4's Today programme he was "chipping away" at the Government position.

On what measures should be taken over Labour rebels - and Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott, who abstained from last week's vote with a migraine - he said: "The leader of the Labour Party and the chief whip will have to decide what action to take - that's not my responsibility."

 Mr Corbyn said he would be 'lenient' with his MPs - but that he expected them all to back the Bill tonight
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Mr Corbyn said he would be 'lenient' with his MPs - but that he expected them all to back the Bill tonightCredit: PA:Press Association

And Theresa May faces a fresh rebellion from her own MPs tonight - who could back a Labour amendment to guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK to stay.

Some angry Tories voted against the Government last night to try to force ministers to get Parliament's approval first before walking away from any bad EU deal.

The PM saw off the biggest challenge to her authority yet when the Government defeated the amendment by 326 to 293.

 Theresa May also faces trouble from her own MPs - some last night backed a Labour amendment
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Theresa May also faces trouble from her own MPs - some last night backed a Labour amendmentCredit: PA:Press Association

Seven Tory MPs voted with Labour, including four ex-ministers.

And a further three abstained, including heavyweight ex-Chancellor George Osborne and former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan.

They wanted promises that the Government would be able to go back to Brussels if MPs voted down a deal, rather than a 'take it or leave it' vote as offered.

Downing Street hit back to say any conditions slapped on Mrs May would weaken her hands around the Brussels talks table.

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