The Latest: EU lawmaker appeals to British ‘responsibility’

LONDON (AP) — The Latest on Brexit (all times local):

10:30 a.m.

A top European Parliament leader is appealing to lawmakers in London to show “responsibility” as they resume consideration of Britain’s divorce deal with the European Union.

Many British lawmakers detest the deal agreed between Brussels and Prime Minister Theresa May. Britain is due to leave the EU March 29, and fears have risen that it may do so without a deal in place.

Manfred Weber, a German conservative who heads the biggest group in the European Parliament, said in Berlin Wednesday that “it’s Britain’s move. Our colleagues in Britain’s lower house carry great responsibility now — the agreement is on the table.”

News agency dpa reported that Weber said everyone must realize that a no-deal withdrawal on March 29 would “lead to very difficult, perhaps even chaotic situations.”

___

8:35 a.m.

The British government is bringing its little-loved Brexit deal back to Parliament, a month after postponing a vote on the agreement to stave off near-certain defeat.

Lawmakers are beginning five days of debate Wednesday on the agreement with the European Union setting out the terms of Britain’s departure from the bloc on March 29.

A vote, initially slated for December, is scheduled for Jan. 15.

But opposition remains strong from both pro-Brexit and pro-EU U.K. lawmakers. Brexiteers are urging the government to ramp up preparations for leaving the EU without a deal.

But many lawmakers, and businesses, say that could cause economic turmoil.

The de-facto deputy Prime Minister, David Lidington, said the only way to avoid a disruptive no-deal “is for Parliament to endorse and ratify a deal.”