Another Brexit Delay?

On Saturday Britain’s Parliament declined to approve Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plan for the U.K.’s exit from the European Union on Oct. 31.

The assembly says it has opted to withhold approval until legislation to implement Brexit is passed.

The U.K.’s original departure date at the end of March was extended that month to the end of October. Parliament’s deferred decision on Saturday triggered a new law, the month-old Benn Act, which requires Johnson to ask the EU for a three-month postponement for Brexit.

Johnson has insisted he will not negotiate another postponement. He did submit an unsigned letter over the weekend that asks for the required extension. But he accompanied it by a signed cover letter that urges the EU not to agree to another deferral.

Scotland’s high court is expected to rule as soon as today whether Parliament can make the request for postponement on behalf of the prime minister. Meanwhile, Johnson is expected to present his Brexit plan again today or tomorrow. He needs to attract nine votes to ratify the deal and begin a new round of legislative review.