Ending the widely-feared possibility of Britain crashing out of the European Union without a Brexit agreement, Parliament voted narrowly against the no-deal “option” Wednesday evening.
MPs have voted by 312 to 308 to reject leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement. It is not a legally-binding decision – and it does not rule out the UK leaving the EU. But it means MPs could now get a vote on delaying Brexit. That vote would take place on Thursday, and if it is passed – and the EU agrees to it – the UK will not leave the EU as planned on 29 March.
The vote increases the likelihood of a softer Brexit or even none at all, though it’s anyone’s guess how it will shake out. A vote to ask the EU to extend the UK’s deadline comes next, but a new referendum, a general election and further negotiation with Brussels are all on various power-players’ agendas. Prime Minister May may even try to save her twice-thrashed deal.