The Latest on Britain's upcoming exit from the European Union (all times local):4:35 p.m.Britain's main lobby group for the automotive industry has warned of a "catastrophe" if the country crashes out of the European Union without a deal. Both Britain and the EU ramped up their "no-deal" preparations this week amid a political impasse in the British Parliament. Prime Minister Theresa May has postponed a vote on her Brexit deal with the EU until mid-January because she knew she didn't command a majority of lawmakers. Parliament breaks up Thursday for a 17-day Christmas recess, with no decision on whether to approve the government's divorce deal with the European Union. The government hopes the prospect of a disruptive Brexit will persuade lawmakers to vote for May's deal when they come back.

Source: ABC News December 20, 2018 11:46 UTC