The EU have made it clear that an extension would only be granted if there was a real sign of a change of direction - they don't want several months more of the same deadlock. It is well known that they would readily give an extension in the event of either an impending general election, or a second referendum. So it is clear that, logically, a Commons vote to prevent a no deal, and a subsequent request for an extension means either a general election or a second referendum, possibly both. Having said that, there is no guarantee that either of those things would alleviate the problem - a general election could well leave us with a constellation which is little different from what we have now. A second referendum would be divisive - but nothing like as divisive as taking us out of the EU against the wishes of the people. But we all know that referendums can produce unpredictable results and a 52%-48% win for remain would solve nothing, and would hardly reassure other Europeans of our long term commitment - such a result would have to be decisive before it can bring this sorry chapter of our history to a close.