MPs support Brexit delay but reject second referendum

UK lawmakers have voted in favor of delaying the Brexit process, acknowledging that more time is needed to break the deadlock over Britain’s departure from the EU. 

The motion instructs Prime Minister Theresa May to seek an extension to Article 50, the legal process under which Britain is leaving the European Union. Any delay beyond March 29 would require unanimous approval from the remaining 27 EU member states. 

The Prime Minister is now likely to seek the extension at a European Council summit in Brussels next Thursday, after putting her twice-rejected divorce deal back to the House of Commons earlier in the week.

May has warned that a longer delay to Brexit will be required if her deal is rejected a third time. That would force the UK to take part in elections to the European Parliament in May.

Results are expected in under 15 minutes.

British lawmakers have rejected an amendment that was brought forward by opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn that called for a delay in order for parliament "to find a majority for a different approach" to Brexit.

It noted that parliament had "decisively" rejected both Theresa May's deal and a no-deal Brexit.

Labour MP Ruth Smeeth has resigned after the lead opposition party called on its members to abstain on the amendment that was calling for a second referendum.

She represents a constituency that largely voted to leave the European Union.

"This was a difficult decision but I have a duty to support the will of my constituents," Smeeth wrote on Twitter.

"We need to leave, and leave with a deal that works for the Potteries," she added, referring to the region.

Though a win by two votes might not seem much to celebrate, seeing off a backbench attempt by opposition MPs to take control out of Theresa May's hands is great news for the Prime Minister. A day of indicative votes before she heads to Brussels a week from now would have been problematic and likely unhelpful. It would have also been a hit to her credibility.

Results expected in under 15 minutes.

British MPs narrowly rejected an amendment giving parliament the opportunity to take control of the process from Theresa May's embattled government by 314 votes to 312.

It would have given lawmakers -- instead of the government -- the power to control the parliamentary agenda, including debating Brexit without a time limit.

It comes after they overwhelmingly rejected calls for a second referendum.

Results expected in under 15 minutes.

UK lawmakers rejected a move to support a second referendum on Brexit by 334 votes to 85. It’s a blow to campaigners for a so-called People’s Vote.

The cross-party proposal was the first time the House of Commons has held a formal vote on whether to endorse another referendum.

The vote on the amendment was indicative and would not have been legally binding if it had passed. It also doesn't rule out the possibility of parliament revisiting the idea down the line.

Lawmakers will now vote on further amendments before voting on the government’s main motion that could delay Brexit.