Hertfordshire MPs back Government in no-confidence vote

Mr Corbyn has called Theresa May's administration a "zombie government" that "cannot govern" as he called for a general election.

Opening a debate on a no-confidence motion, Mr Corbyn said the Government "should do the right thing and resign".

The Prime Minister said an election was "simply not in the national interest".

The vote is expected to be held at about 7.00pm.

South West Hertfordshire MP David Gauke said: “Parliament should demonstrate its confidence in the Government today.

“The last thing the country needs is a General Election when we should all be focused on addressing the Brexit situation.”

During an interview with BBC radio 5, Mr Gauke said it was important to get a clear view of the opinion in parliament and backed the PM’s words in saying MPs had to engage and be constructive.

Under the Fixed Term Parliaments Act 2011, UK general elections are only supposed to happen every five years. The next one is due in 2022.

But a vote of no confidence lets MPs decide on whether they want the government to continue. The motion must be worded: "That this House has no confidence in Her Majesty's Government."

If most MPs vote for the motion, then it starts a 14-day countdown.

If during that time the current government, or any other alternative government cannot win a new vote of confidence, then an early general election would be called.

Oliver Dowden

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden

Hertsmere MP, Oliver Dowden, said: “I will of course be supporting the Government in the vote this evening.

“To have a General Election at this point of maximum national challenge would be the height of folly.”

Watford MP Richard Harrington said: “I’m backing Theresa May as she reaches out to members across the house to achieve consensus for a Brexit deal that will protect jobs and prosperity.

“We must now rule out a hard Brexit.”