Amber Rudd apologises after missing close Brexit Bill vote

Amber Rudd has been forced to apologise after she missed a crucial Brexit vote in the Commons last night. 

The Home Secretary is understood to have been on the phone discussing a National Crime Agency issue as MPs voted on an amendment tabled by Jeremy Corbyn.

She voted on four amendments to the Government's flagship EU Withdrawal Bill on Tuesday evening, but was absent for the closest division, which concerned the retention of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The amendment was defeated by 311 to 301, leaving Theresa May with a majority of just 10 votes. 

Her failure to turn up and vote sparked speculation about her commitment to Brexit.

However, a source close to Ms Rudd said: “Between the votes last night Amber had to deal with an urgent call about a National Crime Agency issue.

"She cut it too fine and missed one vote for which she has apologised to the whips. She voted in the other four out of five votes last night."

The Cabinet Secretary strongly backed Remain in last year's EU referendum.

Last night's Labour amendment would have allowed the Charter of Fundamental Rights to continue to apply in relation to retained EU law following Brexit