Brexit bill completes remaining Commons stages

MPs approved the second reading of the European Union bill by 358 to 234 votes on 19 December, before it progressed to the Committee stage on 7 January where it was debated for two days.

The bill has now passed its report stage and third reading by 330 votes to 231, and is now due to begin its Lords stages.

According to local media, the bill is expected to gain royal assent by 23 January, ahead of the scheduled 31 January departure of the UK from the EU.

Outside Westminster, negotiators are preparing for the second phase of Brexit talks aimed at finalising a free trade agreement before the end of 2020.

"We cannot expect to agree on every aspect of this new partnership,'' Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator told media, adding, "We are ready to do our best in the 11 months."