PRU, AFP | A video grab from footage broadcast by the UK Parliament's Parliamentary Recording Unit (PRU) shows Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson gesturing towards the opposition.

British PM Boris Johnson failed on Wednesday in his bid to gain the support of enough lawmakers to proceed with a snap election, following the earlier passage of a bill by opposition and rebel lawmakers to block a no-deal exit from the EU.

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He needed to win the backing of at least 434 lawmakers, but only 298 voted in favour of an election while 56 voted against. The opposition Labour Party instructed its lawmakers to abstain on the vote.

The prime minister had called for parliament to vote in favour of holding an early election on October 15, insisting Britain must leave the EU as planned on October 31, with or without a deal with Brussels.

The opposition Labour Party had said it would not support a snap poll until the law blocking a no-deal Brexit received final approval.

In an earlier parliamentary revolt, the House of Commons voted 327 to 299 in favour of a bill that could delay Brexit for three months.

It will now be scrutinised by the House of Lords, but peers have only a few days to pass the bill before Johnson suspends parliament next week.

Follow FRANCE 24's blog below for live coverage.

(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)

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