UK lawmakers approve measure to block Parliament shutdown

British MPs on Thursday voted for a measure that could block efforts by the next prime minister to force through a no-deal Brexit by suspending the parliament, amid concerns that a hard Brexit could plunge the British economy into recession.

A grab from a handout video made available by the UK Parliamentary Recording Unit shows members of parliament convening for the announcement of voting on the 'Benn Amendment' in the British House of Commons at Westminster, London, Britain, July 18, 2019. The Benn Amendment is aimed at preventing the next prime minister from suspending Parliament to pursue a no-deal Brexit. [Photo: EPA/UK Parliamentary Recording Unit Handout via IC]

The lawmakers voted by a majority of 41 to approve the amendment.

The move came as the Tory leadership forerunner Boris Johnson failed to rule out suspending the parliament to force through a no-deal Brexit that he openly supported.

Britain is scheduled to leave the European Union by Oct. 31.

MPs have voted against a no-deal Brexit, but the prime minister could try to get around that by suspending Parliament in the run-up to the deadline, denying them an opportunity to block it.