Prime Minister Theresa May's EU withdrawal deal has been rejected in the biggest parliamentary defeat for a sitting government in history.

After eight days of debate on the withdrawal agreement with the European Union, MPs rejected the government's deal in the 'meaningful vote'. MPs voted by 432 votes to 202, a majority of 230, to reject the deal, which sets out the terms of Britain's exit from the EU on 29 March 2019.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said it was the "greatest defeat for a Government in this House since the 1920s." He also confirmed that he had tabled a motion of no confidence in the government. "I have always believed that the best way forward is to leave in an orderly way with a good deal, and I have devoted much of the past two years to negotiating such a deal,” May stated.

May said that her government would make a statement about the way forward and table an alternative plan by Monday.

The UK is still set to leave on 29 March 2019, but the defeat casts further doubt into the manner and timing of the departure.

The BBC reported that MPs who want either a further referendum, a softer version of the Brexit proposed by May, to stop Brexit altogether or to leave without a deal, will ramp up their efforts to get what they want, as a weakened PM offered to listen to their arguments.

Neil Carberry, Recruitment & Employment Confederation Chief Executive, responded to the defeat of the government’s EU withdrawal deal: “Crashing out of the EU without a deal would do real damage to British businesses and the millions of families they support. A no deal Brexit is not a tolerable way forward.”

“Businesses critically need certainty on Brexit plans. Political paralysis is already impacting firms – slowing down investment decisions and damaging our reputation globally,” Carberry said.

“Recruiters have been clear that Britain needs a deal with a clear transition period and a sensible approach to EU immigration, which will help to calm economic fears,” Carberry added. “Any Brexit “plan B” must involve these two elements. Across the country, recruiters are already working with companies to help them find the people they need for their future workforce, taking into account the challenges Brexit will bring.”