Britain can avoid long Brexit delay by passing deal this week: minister

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain can avoid a long delay to Brexit and leave the European Union in 11 days' time if parliament passes a deal this week, Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Monday.

Barclay hinted that the Prime Minister Theresa May's deal could return to parliament for a fourth time this week after lawmakers did not give a majority to any alternatives in so-called indicative votes.

“The only option is to find a way through which allows the UK to leave with a deal. The government continues to believe that the best course of action is to do so as soon as possible,” Barclay told lawmakers after the vote.

“If the house were to agree a deal this week, it would still be possible to avoid holding European parliamentary elections,” he said, referring to EU elections in May which Britain would take part in if it needs a lengthy delay to Brexit.