MPs have dramatically seized control of the Brexit agenda from Theresa May - potentially paving the way for a "softer" deal that keeps the UK closer to Brussels.

The Commons voted by 329 to 302 - a majority of 27 - for a cross-party amendment to enable MPs to stage a series of "indicative votes" on alternatives to the Prime Minister's deal.

The vote came as pro-EU ministers Richard Harrington and Alistair Burt announced they were quitting the Government.

Mr Harrington, a Business Minister, accused the the Government of "playing roulette" with the lives and livelihoods of the people of Britain in its handling of Brexit.

The result is another humiliation for Mrs May, who earlier warned MPs not to "overturn the balance of our democratic institutions" which means the Government normally controls business of the House.

She made clear she would not feel bound by the result of any indicative votes - which could include a "softer" Norway-style deal, or a second referendum.

"No Government could give a blank cheque to commit to an outcome without knowing what it is," she said.

"So I cannot commit the Government to delivering the outcome of any votes held by this House. But I do commit to engaging constructively with this process."

It is understood no Somerset MPs were among the 30 who voted against the government.