MPs have cleared the way for Theresa May to formally start Britain's exit from the EU after overturning Brexit Bill amendments made by peers.

The House of Commons voted to disagree with two changes made in the Lords to the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, which gives the Prime Minister the power to choose when to begin the two-year Brexit talks.

MPs first voted against a proposal to unilaterally guarantee the rights of EU nationals living in the UK within three months by 335 votes to 287, majority 48.

They then voted against an amendment designed to give Parliament a "meaningful" vote by 331 votes to 286, majority 45.

The Bill will return to the Lords later on Monday where peers will weigh up whether to make further amendments.

Just two Conservative MPs voted against the Government's attempt to overturn the amendment on EU nationals. They were Alex Chalk (Cheltenham) and Tania Mathias (Twickenham).

The two Tories were joined by 210 Labour MPs, 54 SNP, nine Liberal Democrats, three SDLP, three Plaid Cymru, two Ulster Unionist Party, three independents and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas in opposing the Government.

Six Labour MPs voted with the Government, including Frank Field (Birkenhead), Kate Hoey (Vauxhall), Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North), Rob Marris (Wolverhampton South West), Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) and Gisela Stuart (Birmingham Edgbaston).

They were joined by 319 Conservatives, eight DUP, Ukip's Douglas Carswell and independent Simon Danczuk.

Around 3.2 million EU citizens live in the UK while more than a million British expats reside in other EU member states.

Brexit Secretary David Davis earlier told MPs he expected a "swift" agreement with EU member states on the issue.

A potential Tory rebellion on the second vote - to overturn the proposal from peers for a "meaningful" vote - failed to materialise.

Division list analysis shows no Tories opposed the Government's motion to disagree with the Lords amendment.

A number of Tory MPs who expressed concerns over the Government's approach appeared to abstain on the meaningful vote amendment by not voting.

They included former ministers Nicky Morgan and Anna Soubry, former attorney general Dominic Grieve, Justice Select Committee chairman Bob Neill, as well as backbenchers Heidi Allen (South Cambridgeshire) and Ben Howlett (Bath).

There were 213 Labour MPs who voted against removing the meaningful vote amendment from the Bill and they were joined by 54 SNP MPs.

Nine Liberal Democrats, three independent, three Plaid Cymru, three SDLP and Green MP Ms Lucas also voted against removal.

The Government's position was backed by 313 Tory MPs, eight DUP, six Labour, two UUP, Ukip's Mr Carswell and independent Mr Danczuk.

The six Labour MPs were: Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley), Mr Field, Ms Hoey, Mr Hopkins, Mr Stringer and Ms Stuart.