Theresa May has been dealt an historic blow at the House of Commons after her Brexit deal was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs.

Following the Tory Government's defeat, First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon had her say. 

Here is her statement in full.

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“This is a defeat of historic proportions for the Prime Minister and her government. We have reached the point now where it would be unconscionable to kick the can any further down the road.

“After two and a half years of Westminster chaos, Scotland must not be ignored any longer. Our place in Europe must be protected.

“It has been crystal clear for months that the Prime Minister’s approach was heading for a crushing defeat. Instead of facing up to that fact, she wasted valuable time with her postponement of the meaningful vote in December. There is no more time to waste.

“What must happen now is clear. Firstly, and most urgently, the clock must be stopped on the Article 50 process. This is the only way to avoid any possibility of the UK crashing out of the EU on 29 March without a deal.

“Secondly, legislation must be brought forward to put this issue back to the electorate in another referendum. The government has had more than two and a half years to deliver a workable Brexit plan and it has completely failed to do so. The notion that it can do so now in a matter of weeks is farcical.

“The SNP supports the tabled vote of no confidence in the Government – but regardless of who leads the government, the reality is that a second EU referendum, with the option of remain on the ballot paper, is now the only credible option to avoid untold damage to the economy and the prospects of future generations.

“It is also the only option, within the UK, that would allow Scotland’s democratic wish to remain in Europe to be respected.”

READ MORE: May loses Brexit vote and Corbyn tables no-confidence motion