Wednesday, January 30, 2019 - 13:31

The Commons agreed last night to accept the Withdrawal Agreement, if the backstop is replaced with an alternative. It followed an amendment which was won by the Government with 317 voting in favour and 301 against.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: There is a substantial and sustainable majority in this House for leaving the EU with a deal.

She sees the result of the vote as 'a mandate to return to Brussels and re-open negotiations.

But the EU has repeatedly said that it is against re-opening negotiations. This was stated again in Brussels last night.

It means that Mrs May will have to convince the EU to change their position.

Further Northern Ireland is against a hard border with the Republic, so that if negotiations take place with the EU the 'alternative' to the backstop must deliver a fluid border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

30-01-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR