MPs reject May's EU withdrawal deal for 3rd time

The United Kingdom Members of Parliament on Friday rejected for the third time Prime Minister Theresa Mays European Union withdrawal agreement, throwing Brexit plans into more confusion.

The deal was turned down by 344 votes to 286 -- a majority of 58 votes, the BBC reported. Britain was earlier scheduled to leave the EU on Friday.

May said the vote would have "grave" implications and the "legal default" was that the UK would leave on April 12.

That meant there would not be enough time to get legislation through to avoid a no-deal Brexit.

It was the third time the deal was brought before the MPs, after being rejected twice by large margins.

According to the Guardian, the UK could ask for a further extension. But that would mean holding European elections. The MPs will consider further options on Monday.

May said it was a "matter of profound regret that once again this House been unable to support leaving European Union in an orderly way".

She said the "implications are grave" of the decision and added: "The default is the UK due to leave on April 12 -- in just 14 days time".

"I fear we are reaching the limits of this process in this house," the Prime Minister said, adding that she will continue to press the case for an "orderly Brexit".

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called for May's resignation and sought an election.

Responding to the vote, European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted: "In view of the rejection of the Withdrawal Agreement by the House of Commons, I have decided to call a European Council on April 10."

The pound fell following the announcement of the result.

--IANS

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