British MPs' rejection of Brexit deal does not mean no-deal situation, says Dutch PM

THE HAGUE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The British parliament's rejection of the Brexit deal does not mean a no-deal situation, said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday evening.

"I regret, yet respect the result of the vote in #HouseofCommons on current #Brexit deal. NL & EU are still behind the agreement, but will keep preparing for all scenarios. Despite this setback, it does not mean we are in a no-deal situation. The next step is up to the UK," tweeted Rutte.

Earlier, the British parliament overwhelmingly voted against the Brexit deal reached between the British government and the EU.

Britain is expected to leave the EU on March 29.