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Corbyn fills four vacancies in his shadow cabinet

Jeremy Corbyn has filled four vacancies in his shadow cabinet following the Brexit vote.

The Labour leader appointed Rebecca Long-Bailey as shadow business secretary, Sue Hayman as shadow environment secretary, Christina Rees as shadow Wales secretary and Peter Dowd as shadow chief secretary to the Treasury

In total, 52 Labour MPs rebelled against Mr Corbyn's orders and voted against triggering Article 50 on Wednesday night.

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Brexit Bill approved by majority of MPs in Commons

MPs have voted overwhelmingly in support of the Brexit Bill in its final stage in the House of Commons.

The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill was passed at the third reading by 494 to 122 votes - a majority of 372.

The Bill, which came through committee stage unamended, will allow Prime Minister Theresa May to begin withdrawal talks under Article 50 of the EU treaties.

One MP was heard to shout "shame" after the result was announced, while there was some applause from the Tory benches.

A series of amendments were earlier defeated by the Government, including measures requiring Britain to unilaterally guarantee the rights of EU nationals living in the country.

The Bill will now progress to the House of Lords for further scrutiny by peers.

Mrs May hopes to start the formal Brexit talks by the end of March.

A total of 52 MPs rebelled against Jeremy Corbyn's orders and voted against triggering Article 50, up from the 47 who opposed the legislation at second reading last week.

Former chancellor Ken Clarke was again the only Conservative to vote against the Bill.

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