UK lawmakers start Brexit agreement vote

British lawmakers begin voting on whether to approve or reject the divorce agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Prime Minister Theresa May tells the House of Commons it is a “historic decision which will set the future of our country for generations.”

She says the decision is one “that each of us will have to justify and live with for many years to come.”

Wrapping up a multi-day debate, May urges legislators to “choose certainty over uncertainty” by backing the agreement and securing an orderly UK departure from the EU on March 29.

Her words may fall on deaf ears — all signs pointed to a defeat for the deal that would plunge the Brexit process into turmoil.

Lawmakers start voting on an amendment to the deal, followed by a vote on the deal itself.

— AP