If it is rejected, lawmakers will then vote on whether to leave the EU without an agreement or seek to postpone Brexit by up to three months. May is calculating that the prospect of a delay may persuade pro-Brexit lawmakers to support her deal despite their reservations. They will also consider a motion guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens in Britain to continue to live and work in the country, even if Britain leaves the bloc without a Brexit deal. They warn that without a deal, Britain risks a chaotic departure that could disrupt trade between the UK and the EU, its biggest trading partner. Chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Wednesday that there must be clarity that extending negotiations wouldn't just prolong the impasse facing both sides.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 27, 2019 21:22 UTC