France says risk of 'no deal' Brexit increased 'very strongly'

PARIS: The French presidency said Friday that a vote by British lawmakers to reject Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal for a third time "increased very strongly the chances of a no deal exit".

"The United Kingdom needs to urgently present an alternative plan in the next few days. Failing this, and it is becoming the most likely (outcome), we will see the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a deal," read a statement issued by the presidential palace.

Parliament voted down May's withdrawal agreement by 344 votes to 286.