Meriden's MP wins backing to reject no-deal

DAME Caroline Spelman has won backing from fellow MPs to rule out a no-deal Brexit.
The Meriden MP had put an amendment to the Prime Minister's deal to Parliament, working alongside Labour's Jack Dromey, who represents Birmingham Erdington.
The pair, whose neighbouring seats are both heavily reliant on a strong manufacturing base, had said they were worried what a no-deal scenario would mean for the local economy.
Tonight (Tuesday), their call won narrow backing in the House of Commons - with 318 MPs in favour and 310 against.
Ahead of the vote, Dame Caroline had insisted the amendment wasn't an attempt "to block or delay Brexit."
"I am committed to honouring the result of the 2016 referendum and ensuring the country leaves the European Union, which is due to happen on March 29.
"However, I cannot sanction the country leaving the EU without a deal. In the face of dire warnings from local businesses about job losses, it is critical that we leave the EU with a deal that works for the country and our region.
"I have consistently supported the Prime Minister's withdrawal agreement to ensure an orderly exit from the EU."
Dame Caroline's amendment won support from around a dozen Conservative backbenchers but drew the majority of votes from the opposition benches.
It is not legally-binding but carries symbolic weight and paved the way for a meeting between the Prime Minister and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn this afternoon.