That means MPs will have the opportunity to debate, scrutinize and vote on any final Brexit agreement, and reject or amend legislation. Britain could therefore leave the EU without a deal if MPs vote down the final agreement.

“I can now confirm that once we've reached an agreement we will bring forward a specific piece of primary legislation to implement that agreement," Davis told Parliament. “This also means that parliament will be able to debate, scrutinize and vote on the final agreement we strike with the European Union. This agreement will only hold if Parliament approves it.”

Monday’s announcement comes after weeks of discussions with Tory rebels who had warned that they were prepared to defeat ministers by demanding a legally-binding vote on Brexit. Prime Minister Theresa May is under pressure to offer Parliament the chance to have a 'meaningful vote' on any deal on Britain's departure from the European Union, with members of her own party willing to vote against the government to stymie legislation needed to sever ties with the bloc.

Shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer said it was a “significant climbdown” from a “weak government on the verge of defeat.” He added: “Ministers must now go further. They need to accept Labour’s amendments that would ensure transitional arrangements, and protect jobs and the economy from a cliff edge.”