MPs opted to push his deal through to the next stage by 329 - 299 (52 per cent to 48 per cent - just like the referendum result) in a huge victory for the PM after months of negotiations with Brussels and with his own backbenchers.

The PM did tonight what Theresa May was unable to do in three years - get a majority in the Commons to actually leave the EU.

Boris this evening said it was "joyful" that MPs had finally "embraced a deal".

But minutes later the PM tonight lost his vote 308 - 322 on the crucial timetable motion, leaving his "do or die" promise to get us out of the bloc by Halloween in tatters.

Furious MPs had claimed they didn't have enough time to look at the 100 page bill.

The PM revealed he would put the Brexit Bill on ice and hit "pause" while the EU consider what to do.

"The EU must now make up their minds on  how to answer Parliament's request for a delay," he said.