Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte has said he is disappointed that the British government has been ‘unable to ensure a majority for the withdrawal agreement’ even after after multiple additional assurances from the EU.

‘A solution must come from London, Rutte said on Twitter, following Tuesday evening’s no vote to the amended withdrawal deal thrashed out between Theresa May and European officials.

‘With only 17 days left until March 29th, the Dutch government will keep working tirelessly to make sure the damage for NL and Dutch citizens living and working in the UK is minimised in the now more likely case of a no-deal Brexit.’

If, as some commentators think is likely, Britain requests an extension to the March 29 deadline, Rutte said he expects ‘a credible and convincing justification’.

Any extension must be agreed by all 27 EU members, the Dutch prime minister said, adding that ‘the smooth functioning of the EU institutions needs to be ensured’.

MPs will vote later on Wednesday whether to block the UK from leaving the EU without a deal on 29 March.

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