By just one vote, British parliament approves Labour legislation to delay Brexit, in bid to avoid no-deal departure from EU

The delay, passed by MPs by 313-312, must now be approved by the House of Lords and the European Union

The vote came as PM Theresa May negotiated with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, in a last-ditch bid to come up with a Brexit plan that will pass parliament

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A handout photo made available by the UK Parliament shows Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow (centre) speaking during a debate on the second reading of the European Union Withdrawal bill, proposed by Labour MP Yvette Cooper, in the House of Commons in London on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

Published: 8:52am, 4 Apr 2019Updated: 8:55am, 4 Apr 2019

British parliamentarians late Wednesday narrowly approved a bill seeking to delay Brexit, as they attempt to avoid a no-deal exit from the European Union.

In a third reading, the House of Commons, parliament’s elected main house, voted by 313 votes to 312 in favour of forcing Prime Minister Theresa May to seek an extension of the current Brexit date of April 12.

British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during Prime Ministers Questionsin the British House of Commons on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

The European Union Withdrawal bill, proposed by Labour MP Yvette Cooper, would require May to bring a motion to delay the date of Brexit. It now needs to be approved by the upper house, the House of Lords. The European Union would also need to agree to a delay.

May met Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Wednesday as she sought a last-minute consensus that would allow Britain’s orderly withdrawal from the European Union.