UK MP’s to vote on no-deal Brexit

MPs will vote later on whether to leave the European Union without an agreement in 16 days, after again rejecting the PM's withdrawal agreement.

The deal was defeated in the Commons on Tuesday evening by 149 votes.

Meanwhile, the UK government has said it will cut tariffs on a range of imports from outside the EU and introduce measures to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland in a no-deal scenario.

The EU said no deal plans were "more important than ever" after the defeat.

Numerous EU leaders expressed their dismay after MPs voted by 391 to 242 votes to reject May's deal.

On Wednesday morning the government announced that most imports into the UK would not attract a tariff in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Under a temporary scheme, 87% of imports by value would be eligible for zero-tariff access - up from 80% at present. Tariffs would be maintained to protect some industries, including agriculture.

The government also announced it will not introduce any new checks or controls, or require customs declarations for any goods moving from across the border from Ireland to Northern Ireland if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Wednesday's no-deal debate will begin after Prime Minister's Questions and Chancellor Philip Hammond's Spring Statement economic update.

MPs are expected to vote on the government motion, which says: "This House declines to approve leaving the European Union without a withdrawal agreement and a framework on the future relationship on 29 March", at about 19:00.

If no-deal is rejected, MPs will vote on Thursday on delaying Brexit by extending Article 50 - the legal mechanism that takes the UK out of the EU.

The EU has said it would need "a credible justification" before agreeing to any extension. Leaving the EU in 16 days' time remains the UK's default position under the law.

Labour has called for no-deal to be "taken off the table" - and said it would continue to push its alternative Brexit proposals, including a customs union.