PM warns MPs they now have to 'face up' to the consequences

Brexit was thrown into fresh doubt tonight after MPs voted to block a no-deal exit in any circumstances. A rebel amendment to rule out a cliff-edge Brexit passed by 312 votes to 308 in a fresh humiliation for Theresa May (left), who warned MPs they had to choose a path on Brexit. In chaotic scenes in the House of Commons (right), the Government imposed a last-minute whip against its own motion in a bid to block the rebel proposal at the second attempt - but MPs voted by 321 votes to 278 to confirm their original plan. The Commons also rejected the so-called Malthouse Compromise, a Brexiteer plan to secure radical 11th hour concessions from Brussels ahead of a delayed no-deal exit on May 22, but several Cabinet ministers voted for the plan in a sign that Tory leadership rivals are jostling for position.
Tonight's votes do not change the law and Brexiteers insist it is not binding - but it will be seen in Brussels as a clear signal Britain is blinking over Brexit.