What's next after Johnson's goal of Brexit on Oct. 31 fades?
LONDON (AP) — Prime Minister Boris Johnson's goal of taking Britain out of the European Union on Oct. 31 looks to have bitten the dust after lawmakers blocked his attempt to fast-track a Brexit bill through Parliament. The ball is now in the court of the EU, which must decide whether to agree to postpone the U.K.'s departure for a third time.
"I don't think the people of this country want a delay. I don't want a delay," Johnson said Wednesday. But a delay is on the cards.
Here's a look at what could happen next.
BRITAIN LEAVES THE EU WITHOUT A DEAL ON OCT. 31
As it stands, Britain is due to leave the bloc in eight days even if no divorce deal is in place setting out the terms. A no-deal Brexit would bring instant barriers to trade between Britain and the EU, and severely hit economies on both sides. Britain could see gridlock at ports, shortages of some food and medicines and a deep recession.
To avoid that, Parliament passed a law ordering Johnson to ask for a three-month delay to Britain's exit if Oct. 31 was looking without a deal in place. Johnson made the request Saturday, and European Council President Donald Tusk says he will recommend the 27 EU national leaders agree.
Leaders of the 27 other EU countries — who must agree unanimously — are weary and frustrated at Britain's interminable Brexit melodrama. But they also want to avoid the economic pain that would come to both the U.K. and the bloc from a sudden and disruptive British exit. That means that, despite their grumbling, they are likely to grant a delay.
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