British lawmakers give backing to Brexit delay ahead of critical Brussels summit

Source: Xinhua| 2019-04-10 01:35:53|Editor: yan
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LONDON, April 9 (Xinhua) -- British MPs in the House of Commons voted in favor Tuesday of seeking to delay Britain's membership of the European Union until June 30.

Following debate, lawmakers backed the call by 420 votes to 110.

They want the EU to agree to what would be a second extension to Article 50, the measure that determines Britain's departure date from the bloc.

Without an extension or a potential withdrawal deal with Brussels, Britain is due to leave the EU this coming Friday.

The vote will be seen as a boost for Prime Minister Theresa May who will be asking for a delay when she addresses leaders Wednesday April 10) of the 27 other member states of the EU in Brussels.

May has spent the day in Europe seeking support for an extension ahead of tomorrow's emergency summit meeting of the EU council, called specifically to discuss the Brexit crisis.

May met Germany's chancellor Angela Merkel Tuesday before heading to Paris to meet French President Emmanuel Macron.

In London May's top ministers were holding talks with the main opposition Labour Party to seek a potential deal to break a Brexit logjam.

Britain had originally been scheduled to reach a deal with the EU by March 29.

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