London, Oct. 23 -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cleared one hurdle Tuesday when lawmakers approved his European Union divorce bill in principle in the House of Commons, but he faces another vote that could still derail his plans to take Britain out of the bloc on Oct. 31.

The House of Commons voted 329-299 to send the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill on for further scrutiny and possible amendments.

The government wants the Commons to approve the bill by Thursday, sending it on to Parliament's upper chamber, the House of Lords. The aim is to make it law before Oct. 31 so that Britain can leave the EU on time.

But first lawmakers must approve the fast-tracked timetable, in a second vote Tuesday evening.

If Parliament d...