Parliament deals British PM Brexit blow before suspension

British MPs rejected a second attempt by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday to call an early election to break the Brexit deadlock, in a final show of defiance before he controversially suspends parliament.

After a tumultuous few days that exposed Johnson's weakness in the face of hostile lawmakers, the House of Commons again refused to grant a snap poll that might have bolstered his position.

MPs had earlier also voted to demand the government publish confidential documents about Britain's readiness to leave the EU on October 31 without a divorce deal.

Johnson took office in July promising to deliver on the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit, even if that means leaving without exit terms agreed with Brussels. But many MPs reject a "no deal" divorce and in the past few days have rushed through a law that would force Johnson to delay Brexit if he failed to strike a deal.

Addressing a rowdy chamber late into Monday night, the prime minister told MPs: "I will not ask for another delay."
Johnson told Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn: "If you really want to delay Brexit... then vote for an election and let the people decide."