Brexit vote result – will the EU Withdrawal Bill now become law and what did MPs decide?
Arch-rebel Dominic Grieve was among those to back the government - after abandoning his own amendment at the 11th hour
AFTER months of fierce debate the flagship EU Withdrawal Bill has finally been voted through.
Theresa May's last-minute talks with MPs on both sides paid off with a tight victory as Tory rebels backed down at the 11th hour. Here's what you need to know about the vote.
Will the EU withdrawal vote now become law?
The Government defeated an amendment tabled by Dominic Grieve over a "meaningful vote" for MPs on the final Brexit Deal.
In a tight vote, the Commons opposed the Lords' final amendments 319 votes to 303, giving them a majority of 16.
The result means that the EU Withdrawal Bill can finally become law almost a year after it was first tabled.
The legislation is key to making Brexit happen, as it will repeal the European Communities Act 1972 - the law that brought us into the EU - and incorporate European regulations into British law.
Why was it so controversial?
There's a fraught background to the bill, which has been discussed heatedly over the past six months.
Last week the Commons voted on the 15 Lords amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill.
The final point of contention was how much control Parliament should have over the Brexit process.
MPs had been weighing up two amendments over the remaining sticking point over the "meaningful vote" - to decide which one to add to the bill before it passes completely.
The replacement amendment stated that if the UK and Europe can't strike a successful deal, Parliament will get a debate and vote where MPs can express their views on the next step.
But rebels didn't think it went far enough - and so Dominic Grieve wrote his own version.
MOST READ IN BREXIT
This would have allowed MPs not only to vote on a No Deal scenario, but to amend the motion in order deliver a more specific message to the Government.
However, the rebel ringeader announced he would switch sides and back the Government after being told Parliament COULD get a say on what ministers do if talks with Brussels break down.
Grieve said he was abandoning his revolt in response to an admission by ministers that if they fail to strike a Brexit deal with the EU, Parliament may get the chance to tell the Government what to do next.
David Davis issued a statement saying it will be up to the Commons Speaker John Bercow to rule on whether MPs can give specific instructions to ministers in the event of No Deal.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.