European Council President Donald Tusk says the regional bloc is disappointed that the British government was unable to ensure a majority for the withdrawal agreement.

In a statement released immediately after the British parliament rejected the deal on Tuesday, Tusk said the EU had done all that is possible to reach an agreement.

He said if there is a solution to the current impasse it can only be found in London.

He added that the vote has significantly increased the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit and the EU will continue its preparations for this scenario.

But Tusk suggested that EU members are ready to consider a delay to the departure date if there is "a credible justification."

NHK