U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffers embarrassing defeat in parliament over Brexit bill
(The Star Toronto Raptors)

LONDON - On a day of humiliating setbacks, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffered a major defeat in Parliament on Tuesday night as rebellious lawmakers voted to seize control of the Brexit agenda, prompting the embattled prime minister to say he would call for a new general election.The 328 to 301 vote, made possible by fellow Conservatives who turned their back on Johnson´s pleas, cleared the way for his opponents to introduce a bill Wednesday that would seek to prevent Britain from leaving the European Union without a deal Oct. 31. It was a momentous day in Britain´s centuries-old Parliament as the legislature rose up to successfully challenge the power of the prime minister and his government over vital Brexit policy.Even if they can force Johnson to seek a delay to that deadline, any extension would have to be approved by each of the other 27 EU nations.The cross-party rebels are determined to prevent a `no-deal` Brexit because of fears it would gravely damage the economy and plunge Britain into a prolonged recession while also leading to possible medicine and food shortages. The vote came hours after Johnson suffered a key defection from his party, costing him his working majority in Parliament.On a day of high drama and acerbic debate in the House of Commons, lawmakers returned from their summer recess to confront Johnson over his insistence that the U.K. leave the European Union on Oct. 31, even without a withdrawal agreement to cushion the economic blow. Many shouted, `Resign!` and protesters gathered outside Parliament to call for Britain to remain in the EU.A new general election would take Britain´s future directly to the people for a third general election in four years. It is not clear Johnson would immediately get the two-thirds majority in Parliament needed to call a fresh vote because opponents are wary he might postpone the election date until after Brexit has taken place.`I don´t want an election but if MPs vote tomorrow to stop the nego ...