LONDON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- A move that would have given MPs the power to stop Britain leaving the European Union (EU) without a deal was rejected Tuesday in the House of Commons.

By 324 votes to 298, MPs rejected an amendment by the House of Lords that would have guaranteed lawmakers a meaningful vote on a Brexit deal.

The vote was a major victory for Prime Minister Theresa May and her government who feared success for the amendment would have tied their negotiating arm.

The House of Commons is debating a crucial bill to pave the way for Britain to exit the EU next March.