UK parliament rejects move to postpone Brexit

Members of parliament in the United Kingdom voted Tuesday to reject an amendment that would have allowed lawmakers to delay Brexit should they not be able to ratify a deal by the end of the month.

Sky News reported that members voted 321-298 against a proposal from Labour Party member Yvette Cooper. The amendment would have required that the government allow time for a bill to postpone the U.K.’s departure from the European Union by nine months.

Cooper said the amendment would “make sure there is a safety net” in the event lawmakers are unable to reach a deal by the March 29 deadline, Sky News reported.

The rejection of Cooper’s proposal came on a day when lawmakers weighed a variety of potential amendments to Brexit plans. Prime Minister Theresa May has urged parliament to support an amendment that would allow her to re-open negotiations with the EU.

The lower house in U.K. Parliament, the House of Commons, voted earlier this month 432-202 to reject May’s proposed Brexit deal. The overwhelming defeat prompted critics of Brexit to call for a new referendum.

May said following the vote that she was against holding a second referendum, arguing that it would threaten “social cohesion” in Britain.

Voters said in a 2016 referendum that they wanted to leave the continental body.