Brexit: Peers pass Article 50 bill

Environment Minister George Eustice hails the poultry industry as a "dynamic and valuable sector" which has been "more efficient" as it has not been in receipt of Common Agricultural Policy subsidies. 

He says the government will seek to champion poultry farmers and related businesses as the process of leaving the EU begins.  

The DUP's Ian Paisley discusses the importance of the poultry industry to Northern Ireland, and warns that changes to immigration rules after Brexit could deprive the sector of workers. 

He urges the government to back a Brexit which will protect UK food security. 

"It would add greatly to the soft power of this country," says the foreign secretary in response to party colleague Jake Berry on calls for a new royal yacht.

Today's adjournment debate is from the DUP's Ian Paisley, concerning the effect of the UK leaving the EU on poultry producers.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Simon Kirby winds up the debate on the Budget, telling MPs: "Living standards grew at their fastest in 2015 and should improve in 2016."

There are jeers as he describes the Conservatives as "the party of the workers".

Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury Jonathan Reynolds on the Budget: "The chancellor may be known as Spreadsheet Phil but on this occasion he did not Excel."

Groans all round.  

HoLCopyright: HoL

Shortly after the bill is approved the House of Lords adjourns. 

Peers return tomorrow at 2.30pm for 30 minutes of questions to government minsters followed by debate on the Broadcasting Bill.

Join us then.

PACopyright: PA

And that’s that.

After 70 hours of debate the bill triggering Article 50 has been approved, unamended by both Houses of Parliament.

The final stage is for the bill to receive "Royal Assent" - a legislative formality.

Once that is done the prime minister is free to begin exit negotiations with the EU.

Peers have voted to reject the Lib Dem amendment by 274 votes to 118.

That's a majority of 156.

Peers are voting on the Lib Dems' amendment B1.

This would reintroduce the veto for Parliament on the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

The result is expected at 10:10pm.

HoLCopyright: HoL

Lord Bridges of Headley tells peers that MPs have now rejected an amendment establishing an exit deal vote twice.

"The other place is clearly satisfied with this approach," he says. 

Lib Dem Baroness Ludford tells peers that there is "a huge onus on us" to maintain the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.

She urges the House not to abandon that principle "in the face of considerable bluster" and pushes the Lib Dem amendment to a vote. 

Labour's Brexit spokeswoman Baroness Hayter begins by expressing "deep regret" that the Commons "did not hear our plea".

MPs will not change their mind, she says, and adds that she will not make a pointless gesture by insisting on the Lords' original amendment. 

However, she assures the government that her party will seek another route to establishing a parliamentary vote.