British Parliament rejects PM Boris Johnson's attempt to fast-track Brexit deal

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plan to fast-track his Brexit deal through Parliament in time for 31st of October deadline was blocked by MPs last night even after he threatened to pull it and press for a general election.

The lawmakers rejected the three-day deadline for debating the Brexit Bill after passing it in principle. They voted against wrapping up the debate on Thursday by 322 to 308. This was against the wishes of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said, he was pausing the legislation until he had spoken to European Union leaders. The Commons supported the Withdrawal Agreement Bill earlier, but voted against the short time-table. Earlier, the bill had cleared the first Parliamentary hurdle, with MPs backing it 329 votes to 299. It effectively meant



Johnson's Brexit Withdrawal Agreement with the EU could become law, but the MPs then voted 322 to 308 against the sped-up timetable for the bill.

Expressing his disappointment, Mr Johnson said, they now face further uncertainty. He said, approval for the time-table would have guaranteed that the UK would be in a position to leave the EU on 31st of October with a deal. Mr Johnson had earlier threatened to pull the bill and seek a General Election instead of delaying Brexit beyond the October 31 deadline. 

Meanwhile, in a tweet, the President of the European Council Donald Tusk said last night that he will recommend to EU leaders that they postpone Brexit beyond the current deadline.