HARWICH'S MP has claimed the overwhelming defeat of the Brexit deal has put the Prime Minister in a "strong position".

Sir Bernard Jenkin, MP for Harwich and North Essex, voted against Theresa May's deal last night.

But he says the result, 432 votes against to 202 for, actually gives her a way to push back for better terms.

Sir Bernard said: "All of the key leave supporters in the Conservative Party voted against the deal on offer from the EU because it represents a long, dark tunnel of uncertainty costing £39billion with no free trade deal guaranteed at the end of it.

"Theresa May is now in a very strong position to go back to the EU and to tell them to change the agreements so that it is acceptable to the House of Commons and that would be the best thing.

"Have no doubt that Parliament has made the law that we leave on March 29 and it is very difficult for that to be changed.

"Most MPs accept the referendum result and therefore we will leave.

"Politicians are trying to take back control from the people, 170 MPs are trying to stop Brexit but they won't win.

"German industry in particular wants to avoid a WTO Brexit and Germany are in charge of Europe.

"The Conservative Party is the only party that can deliver Brexit."

The government today faces a vote of no confidence put forward last night by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.