Lawmakers approve Brexit bill, UK on course for Jan 31 exit

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s House of Commons has given final approval to the bill authorizing the country’s departure from the European Union, paving the way for Brexit at the end of the month.

Lawmakers voted 330-231 on Thursday to pass the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill. It will become law once it is approved by Parliament’s upper chamber, the House of Lords, which does not have the power to overturn decisions of the elected Commons.

The bill’s Commons passage is a victory for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has vowed that Britain will leave the EU on the scheduled date of Jan. 31.

The comfortable majority won in last month’s election by Johnson’s Conservatives ended years of political deadlock over Brexit and allowed the bill to be was approved despite opposition from smaller parties.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

LONDON (AP) — Britain is set to pass a major milestone on the road to Brexit Thursday, when the bill authorizing the country’s departure from the European Union receives final approval from the House of Commons.

Lawmakers are set to vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, and the comfortable majority won in last month’s election by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservatives means it is certain to pass, despite the opposition of smaller parties.

After passing through Parliament’s upper chamber, the House of Lords, the bill should become law in time for the U.K. to leave the EU on the scheduled date of Jan. 31. It will be the first nation to ever leave the bloc, which currently has 28 members.

Thursday's vote will be a major victory for Johnson. Before the Dec. 12 election, lawmakers repeatedly defeated attempts by both Johnson and predecessor Theresa May to secure backing for their Brexit...