Labour's Brexit Bill defiance was 'difference of opinion', says Corbyn

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed a fresh wave of defiance over the Brexit Bill and insisted he still has the backing of his MPs.

He said he understood that there was a "difference of opinion" over the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill and said it was down to MPs wishing to represent their constituents.

Clive Lewis quit as shadow business secretary to vote against the bill alongside 51 other Labour MPs.

Corbyn said there would not be a "wider reshuffle" of his shadow cabinet but an announcement on Mr Lewis' replacement would be made on Thursday.

"There is a difference of opinion about that from MPs who represent strongly remain constituencies felt that they should represent their constituents, I understand that," Corbyn said.

"However it was a national referendum, a national decision and a national result and I think parliament has to respect that."

"The disconnect between people and politicians would remain much, much worse if parliament just ignored the results of the referendum," he added.

His shadow home secretary and close ally Diane Abbott, who was criticised for not attending the first vote blaming a migraine, voted for the Bill despite calling it a "Tory Brexit".

Earlier, Corbyn told BBC Breakfast: "She wasn't voting for Tory Brexit She was voting as the rest of us were to respect the result of the referendum and open negotiations."

The Labour leader also said rumours swirling around Westminster on Wednesday that he had set a date for stepping down are "complete nonsense".

"I am not standing down, I'm carrying on and we as a party are campaigning on the National Health Service, on social care and on housing."