UK PM defeats pro-EU rebels

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government saw off a rebellion by her pro-European MPs yesterday after making further concessions over parliament's role in the final Brexit deal.

MPs in the House of Commons voted to reject a motion that would have strengthened the power of lawmakers to intervene if no deal is reached with Brussels before Brexit in March 2019.

Just hours earlier, Brexit Secretary David Davis issued a statement offering a clarification that the rebels said would ensure parliament would have a "meaningful vote".

In the end, MPs voted by 319 to 303 reject a rebel amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, which sets the legal framework for Brexit.

The government's proposal was passed through without a vote.

Winning the vote is a huge relief for the prime minister, who has struggled to maintain her authority over a deeply divided government.

A defeat would also have been a humiliating setback as she heads to a summit next week with fellow EU leaders, although she still faces tough negotiations with Brussels.

May has offered parliament a vote on the final terms of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union, but has been engaged in months of negotiations over what happens if it is rejected.