The Prime Minister falls 14 votes short – and says that the Bill will be paused while he speaks to EU leaders.
There are now 15 independents, plus the Change UK factions and a smattering of pro-Brexit rebel Labour MPs.
The Government won by 11 votes, 298 to 309, in a setback for Letwin – though the result doesn’t guarantee No Deal any more than a vote the other way would barred it.
The role of these MPs in pro-Leave seats abstaining on or voting against the Cooper amendment in defiance of the whip was crucial.