He told the BBC that he had called for his Conservative government to move forward, insisting that a deal with the EU is still possible by October 31. His decision was not supported by the House of Commons but was welcomed by the majority of ruling party members.
Since taking office in July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal. He was said to be in a difficult situation where he has been facing the possibility of resignation or being dismissed if members of the UK parliament vote against his government.