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Jeremy Corbyn imposes three-line whip on Labour MPs in Brexit bill vote

The Labour leader's decision to impose a three-line whip risks the resignation of high-profile shadow cabinet ministers.

Jeremy Corbyn attends an event to mark National Holocaust Memorial Day
Image: Members of Labour's shadow cabinet could resign over Mr Corbyn's move
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Jeremy Corbyn has ordered his MPs to back the Brexit bill in its final House of Commons stage, a Labour source has said.

The move paves the way for Theresa May to trigger Article 50 by her end of March deadline, formally beginning the process of leaving the European Union.

Mr Corbyn's decision to impose a three-line whip on Wednesday's vote also risks the resignation of high-profile shadow cabinet ministers like Clive Lewis.

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The party source told the Press Association the decision to vote for the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) bill at its third reading, the final Commons stage, was agreed by the shadow cabinet on Tuesday morning.

There was a heated debate over the issue at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party on Monday after 47 MPs defied Mr Corbyn and voted against the bill at the first stage of its passage through the Commons last week.

It is believed the party's chief whip Nick Brown wanted "consistency" in dealing with the bill, which Labour is trying to amend at the committee stage.

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MPs later, following seven hours of proceedings on Monday.

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The decision to impose a three-line whip before knowing if the changes demanded by Labour are successfully added to the bill risks forcing the resignation of Mr Lewis.

The shadow business secretary has said he will oppose the bill unless Labour amendments, including a bid to ensure a "meaningful" parliamentary vote on any final deal the Prime Minister secures, are passed in the Commons.

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Remain-backing Conservative MPs have indicated they could be willing to support amendments seeking to ensure Parliament has a say on the "endgame" if exit negotiations end without a deal.

Mr Corbyn's order could also put pressure on his close ally and shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, who did not vote on the bill last week after a migraine forced her to leave Parliament early.

Sceptics have accused Ms Abott of coming down with a bout of "Brexit flu" because her constituency voted overwhelmingly for Remain in the referendum.