A new law to give Theresa May the green light to begin divorce proceedings with the European Union passed a major hurdle after an overwhelming majority of MPs gave it their backing.

A total of 47 Labour MPs defied their leaders' three line whip joining the Scottish National Party, Liberal Democrats and a sole Conservative MP Ken Clarke to vote against the bill. But the legislation still moved to the next stage after it passed by 498 votes to 114 - a majority of 384.

The historic vote came after a series of shadow cabinet resignations by Labour MPs who said they could not follow leader Jeremy Corbyn and back the bill. But Norwich South MP Clive Lewis voted for a second reading despite concerns about the prime minister's plan for Brexit. He has indicated he will be willing to vote against the triggering of Article 50 if assurances about workers rights and the environment are not given during the committee stage.

Only seven out of the nine Liberal Democrat MPs voted against the bill after North Norfolk MP announced he was not able to vote to block the triggering of Article 50 and abstained.

Norwich North MP Chloe Smith, who returned to parliament from maternity leave to vote for the bill, took her four-month old baby Alastair through the voting lobby.

On the second day of the debate, former Chancellor and prominent remain advocate George Osborne warned blocking Brexit risked 'putting Parliament against people' and provoking a 'deep constitutional crisis' in Britain.

The former chancellor added people who already feel estranged would be alienated further as he pledged to back legislation designed to allow Prime Minister Theresa May to start the formal Brexit talks.

His remarks came after Labour former leader Ed Miliband warned Mrs May against feeling an inevitable consequence of leaving the EU is being 'driven into the arms' of US president Donald Trump.

Opening the second day of the debate, Mr Miliband said he accepted the referendum result - adding he will vote for the Bill to receive a second reading.

He said the referendum in part stemmed from a deep frustration about politics.

The vote followed a marathon 17 hours of debate over two days, MPs will now await the publication on Thursday of the Government's promised white paper setting out its strategy for withdrawal from the EU.

The major Commons skirmishes on the Bill are expected to take place next week during its committee stage, when the Government is likely to face attempts to amend it from all sides.

Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis FOR

Norwich South MP Clive Lewis FOR

Keith Simpson FOR

Richard Bacon FOR

Henry Bellingham FOR

Elizabeth Truss FOR

Chloe Smith FOR

Norman Lamb ABSTAIN

George Freeman FOR

Peter Aldous FOR

Steve Barclay FOR

Therese Coffey FOR

Matthew Hancock FOR