The 432 to 202 vote was nothing short of humiliation for May, who had spent the last two years trying to sell the deal of UK's exit from the EU to the public. UK is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29.

According to the BBC, this was the largest defeat for any government in the country's history.

The May government now faces a no-confidence motion on Wednesday. If defeated, the UK could be staring at a general election.

Tuesday's vote was originally scheduled to take place in December but the PM had delayed it to seek the support of more MPs.

After the defeat May in a statement said: "It is clear that the House does not support this deal. But tonight’s vote tells us nothing about what it does support. Nothing about how — or even if — it intends to honour the decision the British people took in a referendum parliament decided to hold."

She said she would  come back to the Commons next Monday with another plan if she survives the confidence vote, holding that "first, we need to confirm whether this Government still enjoys the confidence of the House."

"I believe that it does, but given the scale and importance of tonight’s vote it is right that others have the chance to test that question if they wish to do so..," she said.

"The events in Parliament today are really quite remarkable," said The Washington Post quoted Cambridge University political historian Luke Blaxill. "This doesn't happen."

He was referring to the fact that even some of her party members deserted May.

"The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement. "While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared."

Theresa May full statement:

"Mr Speaker,

"The House has spoken and the Government will listen.

"It is clear that the House does not support this deal. But tonight’s vote tells us nothing about what it does support. Nothing about how — or even if — it intends to honour the decision the British people took in a referendum parliament decided to hold.

"People, particularly EU citizens who have made their home here and UK citizens living in the EU, deserve clarity on these questions as soon as possible. Those whose jobs rely on our trade with the EU need that clarity.

"So with your permission Mr Speaker I would like to set out briefly how the Government intends to proceed.

"First, we need to confirm whether this Government still enjoys the confidence of the House. I believe that it does, but given the scale and importance of tonight’s vote it is right that others have the chance to test that question if they wish to do so.

"I can therefore confirm that if the official opposition table a confidence motion this evening in the form required by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, the Government will make time to debate that motion tomorrow. And if, as happened before Christmas, the official opposition decline to do so, we will – on this occasion - consider making time tomorrow to debate any motion in the form required from the other opposition parties, should they put one forward.

"Second, if the House confirms its confidence in this Government I will then hold meetings with my colleagues, our confidence and supply partner the DUP and senior parliamentarians from across the House to identify what would be required to secure the backing of the House.

"The Government will approach these meetings in a constructive spirit, but given the urgent need to make progress, we must focus on ideas that are genuinely negotiable and have sufficient support in this House.

"Mr Speaker I want to end by offering two reassurances.

"The first is to those who fear that the Government’s strategy is to run down the clock to 29th March. That is not our strategy. I have always believed that the best way forward is to leave in an orderly way with a good deal and have devoted much of the last two years negotiating such a deal.

"As you confirmed Mr Speaker, the amendment to the business motion tabled last week by [Dominic Grieve] is not legally binding, but the Government respects the will of the House. We will therefore make a statement about the way forward and table an amendable motion by Monday.

"The second reassurance is to the British people, who voted to leave the European Union in the referendum two and a half years ago. I became Prime Minister immediately after that referendum. I believe it is my duty to deliver on their instruction and I intend to do so.

"Mr Speaker every day that passes without this issue being resolved means more uncertainty, more bitterness and more rancour. The Government has heard what the House has said tonight, but I ask members on all sides of the House to listen to the British people, who want this issue settled, and to work with the Government to do just that."