JEREMY Corbyn has been called on to swing Labour “wholeheartedly” behind a People’s Vote after his attempt to get his party’s alternative plan through Parliament again failed.

His Labour colleague Ian Murray, a leading campaigner for a second EU poll, told The Herald: “The Labour Party tonight tried for the final time to change the direction of this Tory Brexit shambles and it failed to get a parliamentary majority.

“So, we now move with enthusiasm to a public vote as promised by the Labour leadership this week. I look forward to working with them to get that parliamentary majority that we know is possible,” added the MP for Edinburgh South.

Matthew Pennycook, the Shadow Brexit Minister, tweeted he was "disappointed" Labour's amendment was rejected by the Commons but added: "Now time to wholeheartedly get behind efforts to facilitate a new public vote that includes the option of staying in the EU."

Labour’s plan for a permanent and comprehensive customs union with the EU and close alignment with the single market was rejected by 323 votes to 240, a margin of 83.

Following it, Sir Keir Starmer, the Shadow Brexit Secretary, tweeted: "Disappointed the Government has rejected Labour's alternative Brexit deal.

"We must do all we can to protect jobs and the economy. That's why Labour will put forward or support an amendment in favour of a public vote to prevent a damaging Tory Brexit."

But what some have termed Labour’s "constructive ambiguity" on Brexit appeared to continue when the Labour leader, responding to the Commons votes, said: “We will back a public vote to prevent a damaging Tory Brexit or a disastrous no-deal outcome.”

He added: “We will also continue to push for the other available options to prevent those outcomes, including a close economic relationship based on our credible alternative plan or a general election.”

Richard Burgon, the Shadow Justice Secretary, also suggested Labour was not yet ready to throw its full weight behind another referendum.

“Given Parliament looks set to extend Article 50, there'll be further opportunities to secure support for Labour's alternative Brexit deal. This would bring the country together and defend jobs, rights and our security," said the Leeds MP.

Mr Corbyn's plan was supported by Ken Clarke, the former Conservative Chancellor, and Jo Swinson, the Deputy Liberal Democrat leader. The party later said she had made a “genuine mistake”.

MPs later rejected an SNP amendment to rule out a no-deal Brexit in any circumstances and at any time by a margin of 324 to 288, a majority of 36. The Nationalist leadership accused Scottish Conservatives of “betraying Scotland”.

The House overwhelming backed Labour MP Yvette Cooper's amendment - which the Government supported - to pin Theresa May down to the commitments she gave on holding a vote to extend the Article 50 process next month. It was backed by 502 votes. However, some 20 Tory Brexiteers voted against it while another 100 abstained in a show of defiance towards the Prime Minister.

A proposal from Conservative backbencher Alberto Costa for a UK/EU treaty to protect expat citizens' rights in the event of a no-deal was passed without a vote.

The South Leicestershire MP quit his position as an unpaid parliamentary aide to David Mundell, the Scottish Secretary, despite the Government supporting his proposal.

This was because there is a long-standing convention that members of the administration, including Parliamentary Private Secretaries, do not table amendments to Government motions.

The move caused some consternation within Tory ranks. Fellow Scot, MSP Murdo Fraser tweeted: “Hard to understand this. @AlbertoCostaMP has shown courage and leadership on this issue, he should be rewarded not punished.” Labour claimed Mr Costa had effectively been sacked.

Wednesday night’s Commons votes now set the scene for a week of Brexit drama in March when MPs are expected to hold a series of votes on the PM’s new Brexit plan, a no-deal Brexit and extending Article 50.