THE Archbishop of York is to stage a vigil of prayer ahead of the Commons vote on the Brexit deal.

Dr John Sentamu's Brexit vigil will start at 6am on Sunday and run until midnight on Tuesday.

The Archbishop said he had written a special prayer which he was urging everyone to pray on the hour, every hour, throughout the three days, and it would be said by the duty Chaplain at York Minster throughout Monday and Tuesday.

He said: “At this time of uncertainty I have been asked by many people to call for prayer.

"Please may I encourage you to join me in this Prayer Vigil as we work for peace and unity at this time.”

The Archbishop’s prayer reads:

God of eternal love and power,

Save our Parliamentary Democracy;

Protect our High Court of Parliament and all its members

From partiality and prejudice;

That they may walk the path of kindness, justice and mercy.

Give them wisdom, insight and a concern for the common good.

The weight of their calling is too much to bear in their own strength,

Therefore we pray earnestly, Father,

send them help from your Holy Place, and be their tower of strength.

Lord, graciously hear us. Amen.