Newark MP Robert Jenrick votes with the Government on no-deal Brexit motions
MPs voted to reject a no-deal Brexit under any circumstance in the House of Commons last night.
The House of Commons voted 312 to 308 to reject a no-deal Brexit under any circumstances.
The vote saw Newark MP Robert Jenrick and Sherwood MP Mark Spencer back the government and vote against Yvette Cooper's motion to rule out a no-deal Brexit at any time.
Both MPs abided by the Conservative whips and voted against the government's amended motion to rule out a no-deal Brexit.
The government lost the vote by 321 to 278, a majority of 43.
However, these votes are not legally binding and the default position is still to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal, unless an extension is granted or a deal is agreed.
MPs also voted to reject the Malthouse Compromise amendment.
The amendment was rejected by 374 to 164.
The Malthouse Compromise asked the Commons to delay Brexit until May 22, so that there can be what its supporters call a "managed no-deal" Brexit.
Mr Spencer was absent for this vote, while Mr Jenrick voted in favour of it.
Mr Jenrick said: "Last night I voted to keep no deal on the table.
"I believe and still do that it's extremely important to be able to walk away - that's the basis of all negotiations.
"Sadly a majority of MPs disagreed and voted to strip us of this remaining leverage.
"I also voted for the so called "Malthouse Compromise" which offered a managed way in which we could leave without a deal today, but agree one over a period of time - without the backstop arrangement.
"This was backed by Brexit supporters and a small number of others who wanted to find a way forward that respected the referendum result. Again, this was unsuccessful.
"MPs must stop voting against what they do not like, and start voting positively for something. This damaging deadlock needs to be broken quickly and without a long delay to Brexit."
A vote will take place tonight in the Commons on whether Brexit should be delayed.
