An impeachment trial against Donald Trump will begin on Tuesday in the US Senate, following a landmark vote in the House of Representatives.

The House voted largely on party lines for the impeachment trial, with 228 Democrats voting in favour, and one Democrat joining 192 Republicans to vote against sending the charges on to the Senate.

Although Mr Trump is expected to be acquitted of the charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, because the Republicans control the Senate, he is still required to face a trial.

The US president is accused of abusing his office by asking the Ukrainian president to investigate the son of his political rival Joe Biden.

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Republicans control the Senate, the US’s second chamber, by 53-47 and it would take 51 votes to approve rules or call witnesses during the trial.

If four Republican senators joined with Democrats, they could insist on new evidence.

Mr Trump’s trial will be only the third in US presidential history and the second to be televised.

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