Last-ditch bid to avert no-deal Brexit (2nd Lead)

IANS  |  London 

A cross-party group of MPs in Britain's announced on Tuesday they plan a new bid to block a no-deal by tabling a bill to extend Article 50 beyond April 12.

and Labour MP unveiled draft legislation on Tuesday that will force May to ask for an extension of Article 50, the process that sets Britain's departure date from the bloc.

They aim to get the measure debated in the on Wednesday, with a fast-track legislative process through both Houses of Parliament if it wins MPs' backing.

MPs would have to vote on Wednesday to pave the way for a full debate in the

"We are now in a really dangerous situation with a serious and growing risk of 'no deal' in 10 days," Cooper was cited as saying by the Guardian, adding "the has a responsibility to prevent that from happening. She needs to put a proposal, including saying how long an extension she thinks we need to sort things out."

Letwin said: "This is a last-ditch attempt to prevent our country being exposed to the risks inherent in a no-deal exit. It's difficult, but definitely worth trying."

Letwin had put the proposal that enabled MPs to hold a series of indicative votes as a way of ending the deadlock over May's under-fire deal, which has been rejected three times.

Although a range of options have been voted on by MPs, none have won majority backing.

Meanwhile, EU's said earlier in the day the threat of a no-deal Brexit was becoming likelier by the day, but it was up to the to present a new plan for the country's withdrawal from the EU.

Addressing a foreign affairs commission at the European Parliament, Barnier doubled down on agreement struck with the was the only treaty that would allow for a so-called orderly Brexit.

"No-deal was never our desired or intended scenario, but the EU27 is now prepared. It becomes day after day more likely. The UK should now indicate a way forward," he said.

on Monday voted on four alternatives to deal, but none gained a majority. In the Commons votes, MPs rejected a customs union with the EU by three votes. A motion for another referendum got the most votes in favour, but still lost.

--IANS

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First Published: Tue, April 02 2019. 21:04 IST