MPs have backed the Government to formally start EU withdrawal no later than the end of March - but only if it publishes its Brexit plan first.

The symbolic motion, which is non-binding, was approved by 448 votes to 75, with a majority of 373.

Hove MP Peter Kyle and the country's only Green MP, Brighton Pavilion's Caroline Lucas, were among the few who voted against the motion.

The two backed the Remain cause at an EU debate held by The Argus shortly before the referendum in June.

Former chancellor Ken Clarke was the only Conservative to vote against it along with eight other Labour MPs.

Faced with a revolt by up to 40 Tory MPs, Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday bowed to pressure and backed a Labour motion which said she should publish a plan before triggering the formal process of leaving.

In return, most of the rebels and Labour backed a compromise Government amendment to support Mrs May's pledge to invoke Article 50 to start Brexit by April.

MPs held two votes, with the first to add the Government amendment to the original Labour motion approved by 461 votes to 89, majority 372.

This was opposed by 23 Labour MPs and one Conservative in the form of Mr Clarke.

The amendment was also opposed by five Liberal Democrat MPs, three Plaid Cymru MPs and 51 SNP MPs.

A total of 150 Labour MPs backed adding the Government's amendment.

The second vote asked MPs to approve the amended motion, and therefore give their symbolic consent to both the call for a plan and for Brexit to be formally triggered by no later than the end of March.

Read tomorrow's Argus for full analysis.