MPs have knocked back a fresh attempt by the government to call a snap election - inflicting another defeat on Boris Johnson as he battles to get a Brexit deal.

The vote saw 293 MPs back the call - not enough to meet the majority needed to trigger a poll tonight - and the government, as expected, suspended Parliament for five weeks.

The Prime Minister opened the debate by attacking the two main opposition parties and accusing Jeremy Corbyn of trying to put off a poll. "The only options he likes are dither and delay," he said, adding that he would not ask for another delay.

Mr Corbyn replied saying he did want an election and accused the Prime Minister of shutting down Parliament to avoid scrutiny.

“This government is only interesting in shutting down parliament to avoid scrutiny. His obfuscations and evasions are being rumbled, both at home and abroad,” Mr Corbyn said.

Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson said an election would not resolve the Brexit issue. "The only way to solve this is to hold a people's vote on the Brexit crisis," she said.

The Tonbridge and Malling MP Tom Tugendhat told the Commons a general election was the only way to solve the crisis. "The only way to answer it is to ask the British people, ask them who do they want speaking for them not just on one issue but every issue," he said.

MPs are expected to back a bill blocking a no-deal Brexit that will require the government to write to the EU requesting a further three-month delay to Brexit.

Earlier this evening, MPs voted for ministers to release correspondence relating to the suspension of Parliament and no-deal Brexit plans codenamed Operation Yellowhammer.

Two Kent MPs now who are now sitting as independents - Charlie Elphicke, Dover MP and Greg Clark, MP for Tunbridge Wells - backed the government in opposing the disclosure of documents.

The Prime Minister faced further pressure at the weekend when the work and pensions minister Amber Rudd quit.

She did so in protest at the way Brexit was being managed and the expulsion of rebel 21 MPs, who include the Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark.

Meanwhile, the government is facing a backlash from Kent council chiefs and MPs over its plans for five customs clearance sites in the county. Ministers have been urged to reconsider the plans amid warnings it will cause “mayhem.”

Tonight's result will also decide when John Bercow stands down as speaker of the house.

Speaking in parliament, the 56-year-old said he will resign his post at the next election or on October 31, whichever comes first.

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