Brexit Bill clears Parliament after May heads off backbench revolt

Theresa May's flagship Brexit bill has cleared its final parliamentary hurdle after she avoided a backbench rebellion with an eleventh hour concession to pro-EU Tories.

MPs voted by 319 to 303 to reject a House of Lords amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill that would have ensured the Commons would have the chance to block a "no deal" Brexit.

The legislation subsequently returned to the Upper House in the final stage of "parliamentary ping-pong", where it passed without a vote.

The Department for Exiting the EU said it marked a "crucial step" in the UK preparations for leaving the bloc.

"It is a good moment for all those who want a smooth and orderly exit," a spokesman said.