George Eaton of the New Statesman has explained very well why this vote very much matters and why it can be used to force the government to seek a softer Brexit or even to stop Brexit altogether.
As Oliver Letwin, who opposed the amendment, stated in the debate, this amendment can be used to halt Brexit. And quite right: parliament should have the right to decide whether we exit the EU; we are, after all, a parliamentary democracy, and this is parliament "taking back control" from a few hard right wingers on the Tory backbenches.
Three cheers too to Stephen Hammond, who had the temerity to put country before party and was sacked for his efforts.
Chris