The EU and European governments have warned that the British parliament's rejection of a Brexit deal heightens the risk of a disorderly withdrawal from the bloc.
Following are some of the key reactions to Tuesday night's huge defeat for British Prime Minister Theresa May.
"I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up," European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.
"The Withdrawal Agreement is a fair compromise and the best possible deal. It reduces the damage caused by Brexit for citizens and businesses across Europe. It is the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
"The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote. While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared."
"If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?"
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said delaying Brexit beyond March 29 would make no sense. "It would only make sense if there is a path to the goal of a deal between the EU and Great Britain."
"In that case, we'll look into it. Maybe we'll make improvements on one or two things, but I don't really think so because we've reached the maximum of what we could do with the deal."
France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau said the EU could push back the March 29 deadline if London made such a request. "Legally, technically, it's possible."
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