British Parliament Speaker John Bercow on Monday blocked the House of Commons from holding a new vote on Brexit, the latest setback for Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his effort to have Britain divorce itself from the European Union.
British lawmakers had failed to support Johnson's exit plan Saturday and Bercow said the attempt to hold a new vote "will not be debated today as it would be repetitive and disorderly to do so."
Johnson last week struck a Brexit deal with the 27 other EU countries, but the lawmakers voted to delay their backing for the agreement until legislation is approved spelling out the terms of Britain's split from the EU after 46 years of membership in the continent's coalition.
Johnson plans to introduce the government's key Brexit measure later Monday, with more debate and votes on Tuesday. But Brexit opponents say they will try to derail Johnson's plan with amendments that Brexit supporters would find unacceptable.
It is unclear whether the government has the votes or time to enact the legislation before Britain's planned departure from the EU on October 31.
British lawmakers are debating whether to leave with a deal with the other EU countries, without a deal or hold another referendum. British voters narrowly favored Brexit in a 2016 referendum, but British leaders have failed since then to draft an exit plan with the EU that also could clear the House of Commons.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May resigned in Johnson's favor after parliament three times defeated her Brexit proposals.
As required under another Brexit-related law, Johnson sent a note to the EU asking for a Brexit delay until January 31, but did not sign it. He sent another signed note as well saying he opposes any delay.
