‘Real fight starts now’ says Jeremy Corbyn, after MPs overwhelmingly vote for Brexit

Corbyn - PA

Jeremy Corbyn has said Labour’s “real fight starts now” after his party ensured Britain will leave the European Union.

MPs voted by 494 to 122 to pass legislation to trigger Article 50 – the formal process to leave the EU – without a single amendment.

Among 52 Labour MPs who defied the party whip to vote with the SNP and Liberal Democrats were three whips and Shadow Business Secretary Clive Lewis, who resigned from the front bench.

Defeated amendments included attempts to guarantee the rights of EU citizens currently living in the UK, calls for both Houses of Parliament to be given a veto on the final Brexit deal, and a plea for a second EU referendum.

“Real fight starts now,” tweeted Corbyn. “Over next two years Labour will use every opportunity to ensure Brexit protects jobs, living standards & the economy.”

The message provoked an angry reaction, not least from Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who replied: “How? You've just handed the Tories a blank cheque. You didn't win a single concession but still voted for the Bill. Pathetic.”

SNP MPs were reprimanded by Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle for whistling and singing the anthem of the European Union ‘Ode to Joy’ as MPs voted.

Earlier, Prime Minister Theresa May had said: “Our European partners now want to get on with the negotiations. So do I, and so does this House.”

She added: “It is time to get on with leaving the European Union and building an independent, self-governing, global Britain.”

In a statement issued just minutes before the vote, Lewis said: “I cannot, in all good conscience, vote for something I believe will ultimately harm the city I have the honour to represent, love and call home.

“It is therefore with a heavy heart that I have decided to resign from the shadow cabinet. It has been a privilege to work with Jeremy Corbyn and be part of the shadow cabinet. I will continue to support our party and our leader from the back benches to the very best of my ability.”