US Chamber urges UK parliament to seek Brexit delay

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is calling for the deadline for Brexit to be extended after the United Kingdom parliament passed an amendment delaying the decision on Britain leaving the European Union.

“Today’s outcome makes it clear there is more work to be done to achieve Parliament’s approval,” Marjorie Chorlins, executive director of the chamber’s U.S.-UK Business Council, said in a statement.

“Time is running short. We urge the Prime Minister to move immediately to request – and the EU to grant – an extension to avoid the risk of a disastrous no deal exit,” Chorlins added.{mosads}

The U.K. House of Commons voted Saturday to pass an amendment that “withholds its approval” of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal “unless and until implementing legislation is passed.”

The legislative body said in a tweet that Johnson is now required to ask for an extension of the current Oct. 31 Brexit deadline. Johnson, however, remained defiant on Saturday.

According to The Associated Press, the prime minister implied that he would request a required three-month delay while arguing against a postponement.

“I’m not dismayed by this particular result,” Johnson said. “The best thing for the UK and for the whole of Europe is for us to leave with this new deal on October 31.”

“I will not negotiate a delay with the EU, and neither does the law compel me to do so,” he added. “Further delay will be bad for this country.”

British lawmakers and companies have warned about the economic consequences of leaving the E.U. without arrangements to protect trade.

The Trump administration, meanwhile, has indicated support for a post-Brexit trade deal with the U.K.