Davis McCardle/DigitalVision/Thinkstock(LONDON) — Members of the United Kingdom’s House of Commons voted on Wednesday to approve the first step towards leaving the European Union.
After two days of debate and a number of emotional arguments, 498 MPs voted in favor of the so-called “Brexit,” versus just 114 votes against. The bill would still face further scrutiny from the House of Commons and the House of Lords before it becomes law.
Prime Minister Theresa May wants to invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty by the end of March in order to begin negotiations with the European Union.
Last June, nearly 52 percent of British voters decided to leave the EU. Just 48.1 percent voted to remain.
BBC News reports that one MP shouted “suicide” when the result of Wednesday’s voting was announced.
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