UK Parliament censures government on Brexit

• In a U.K. parliamentary first, British lawmakers have found the government in contempt of Parliament for refusing to publish advice from the country's top law officer about Brexit.
• The vote has little direct impact on the Brexit debate, but reflects mounting tension between the government and Parliament over the next steps in Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street in central London for the House of Commons where she will open a five-day debate on the Brexit withdrawal deal ahead of the 'meaningful vote' scheduled for the 11th of December. December 04, 2018 in London, England. 

Wiktor Szymanowicz | Barcroft Media | Getty Images

In a U.K. parliamentary first, British lawmakers have found the government in contempt of Parliament for refusing to publish advice from the country's top law officer about Brexit.

The House of Commons voted 311-293 in favor of a motion by opposition parties censuring the government for failing to reveal the full guidance from Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, despite an earlier vote by Parliament calling them to do so.

Labour Party Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said the contempt finding was "unprecedented," and the government said it would now publish the advice.

The vote has little direct impact on the Brexit debate, but reflects mounting tension between the government and Parliament over the next steps in Brexit.

Parliament is set to begin debating the divorce deal agreed between the government and the European Union, before a vote on Dec. 11.