Johnson says will pause Brexit legislation until EU decides on delay

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks at the House of Commons as parliament debates on Withdrawal Agreement bill, in London, Britain, October 22, 2019, in this screen grab taken from video. Parliament TV via REUTERS

LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday the government would pause legislation to ratify its Brexit deal with the European Union while the bloc decides whether to offer a delay to Britain's planned Oct. 31 exit.

Speaking after parliament rejected the government's planned timetable for the legislation, Johnson said: "The EU must now make up their minds over how to answer parliament's request for a delay."