Theresa May wins major Brexit vote in Parliament

Lawmakers voted by 326 to 290 in favour of backing the EU Withdrawal Bill, which will now go forward for further scrutiny by MPs.

The bill is aimed at overturning the 1972 European Communities Act, which took the UK into the then European Economic Community (EEC).

It will convert all existing EU laws into UK law to ensure there are no gaps in legislation on Brexit day, scheduled for March, 2019.

May averted a rebellion within her own Conservative party during the post-midnight vote on the EU Withdrawal Bill, which resulted in her government securing a victory at the end of the bill's second reading debate in the Commons.

"Although there is more to do, this decision means we can move on with negotiations with solid foundations and we continue to encourage MPs from all parts of the UK to work together in support of this vital piece of legislation," May said at the end of the tough vote.

Tory party backbenchers have warned May that their support on the bill, which will end the supremacy of

EU law in the UK, is not unconditional and have demanded a series of amendments to the bill as it progresses to the next stage in the parliamentary process before becoming law.

It will now receive a line-by-line scrutiny in its committee stage.

The government claims it needs the power to be able to make minor technical changes to ensure a smooth transition.

"The House of Commons has rightly backed this crucial piece of legislation, giving its support to an orderly exit and helping to provide certainty to businesses, organisations and individuals up and down the country," said Steve Baker,

junior minister in the UK's Department for Exiting the European Union (EU).

However, those opposed to the bill fear it gives ministers the power to make changes to laws during the process without consulting MPs.