Photo taken on Oct. 19, 2019 shows the House of Commons holding a debate for the Brexit deal in London, Britain. (Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament/Handout via Xinhua)

Boris Johnson's rapid timetable for Brexit bill was voted down by the MPs, which means his government could push for a general election.

LONDON, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday was defeated in a vote on his Brexit timetable, meaning his government could push for a general election. 

Lawmakers voted 308 to 322 to turn down his rapid timetable for Brexit bill. As a result, Johnson has to pause the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

Earlier Tuesday, the prime minister told a parliament debate that he will pull the Brexit bill and push for an election if it is voted down by lawmakers.

"If parliament refuses to allow Brexit to happen... in no circumstances can the government continue with this," he said. "With great regret I will have to say the Bill will have to be pulled and we will have to go forward to a general election."■