Protesters wave the EU and Union flags outside the Palace of Westminster, London, Britain, December 20, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain’s lower house of parliament approved a bill on Thursday that will sever ties with the European Union, handing the legislation over to the upper chamber where it may face a more difficult journey.

Lawmakers voted 324 to 295 in favor of passing the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill in the 650-seat House of Commons.