Britain's Parliament narrowly voted on Wednesday to reject having the country leaving the European Union without a divorce agreement, a decision that lessens but does not remove the chance of a chaotic "no-deal" Brexit.
The vote Wednesday night also increases the chances that Britain's exit from the bloc will be delayed.
British Members of Parliament in the House of Commons voted 312 to 308 for a motion that "rejects the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a Withdrawal Agreement and a Framework for the Future relationship."
The vote has political but not legal force. A no-deal Brexit could still happen unless Britain and the EU ratify a divorce agreement or Britain decides to cancel its departure.
British Prime Minister Theresa May says Parliament will vote Thursday on whether to seek a delay to Britain's March 29 departure from the European Union.
May said lawmakers are at the point where they must approve a withdrawal agreement in coming days and request a short postponement to Brexit day or request a "much longer" extension from the EU to negotiate a new arrangement.
The prime minister warned that a long extension would mean Britain would have to take part in European Parliament elections in late May.
She says this is not her preferred outcome and urged Parliament to "face up" to the consequences of the decisions it has made.
-TIMES/AP
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