Wakefield MP Mary Creagh will vote against Article 50

Speaking in today's debate on the Government's Brexit Bill, the chair of the Environmental Audit committee said she her Labour values of "solidarity, internationalism and social justice" prevented her from voting to trigger Article 50.

The Yorkshire MP has long been a critic of the decision to hold a referendum last year, and has expressed serious concerns about the impact of leaving the EU on environmental regulations and the farming industry.

Her decision puts her among an estimated 30 Labour MPs prepared to defy a three line whip and vote against a second reading of the Brexit Bill.

Explaining her position, Mrs Creagh acknowledged that her own West Yorkshire constituency had voted strongly in favour of leaving the EU.

However, she argued it was her duty to use her judgement as an elected politician to ensure her constituents are not left poorer and with fewer jobs.

"This hard Brexit was not what leave campaigners promised people in the referendum. The UK's access to the largest free trade area in the world will be worse after 2019 and that puts thousands of British jobs at risk," she said.

"To the people of Wakefield, I say I have always sought to act in your best interests and my duty is to use my judgement to make your lives better

"My judgement is that this vote will make people in Wakefield poorer, will destroy jobs and businesses, remove social, consumer and environmental rights, and reduce the tax base that funds our NHS, schools and services.

"I can no more vote for this because its against my conscience, I can no more vote for this because its against my values, I can no more vote for this, than I can vote against my DNA."

Two Labour shadow frontbenchers have already resigned over tonight's vote, and at least three other frontbenchers - including a whip - have stated they cannot support triggering Article 50.

The York MP Rachael Maskell, whose constituency of York voted to remain, is expected to set out her position later today.

Other backbench rebels include the Exeter MP and former health minister Ben Bradshaw, former leadership contender Owen Smith and Tottenham MP David Lammy.

Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has urged all his MPs to back the Government's legislation, and focus their efforts on achieving an exit deal that upholds protections on workers's rights and the environment.

MPs have had two days to debate the EU (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill ahead of a vote on its second reading tonight.

The legislation is expected to pass, in which case it will pass to committee stage next week, before a deciding vote in the Commons next Wednesday.

The SNP are expected to oppose the Bill, and seven of the nine Lib Dem MPs have said they will vote against it unless they can secure a second referendum on the final deal with the EU.