Britain must deliver a written proposal for a solution to the Brexit impasse this month to avoid a no-deal Brexit, the Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne's office told AFP on Thursday.

It is "a view of prime minister Rinne that the UK must come up with a written proposal by the end of this month," a spokesperson said.

Finland currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.

Rinne's statement comes a day after he met President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where he said that the European Union (EU) is unlikely to grant an extension to the current October 31 deadline, and thus avoid a no-deal exit, unless London proposes concrete measures.

"Finland, nor I, nor the other 26 member states have much enthusiasm for an extension unless there is a sensible solution in sight for the future", Rinne said.

Rinne's office confirmed that he will speak with European Council president Donald Tusk by telephone to discuss the end of Septemer deadline.&nbsp;

On Thursday a French diplomatic source told AFP that "time is running out" to reach a Brexit accord, warning that it will not be possible to negotiate "directly" at the next European Council meeting in mid-October.

The 28 EU leaders are due to meet on October 17 and 18 in Brussels, less than two weeks ahead of the &nbsp;scheduled Brexit date of 31 October.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Thursday morning that he will meet EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday.

"The Prime Minister returned from talks with President (Jean-Claude) Juncker in Luxembourg on Monday with assurances that negotiations will intensify," Barclay said in a speech in Madrid.&nbsp;

"I also met with Michel Barnier at the same time and I will meet him again tomorrow," he said.

According to a European source, the Brexit timetable will also be discussed at a meeting between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Juncker on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York next week.

Britain must deliver a written proposal for a solution to the Brexit impasse this month to avoid a no-deal Brexit, the Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne's office told AFP on Thursday.

Britain must deliver a written proposal for a solution to the Brexit impasse this month to avoid a no-deal Brexit, the Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne's office told AFP on Thursday. It is "a view of prime minister Rinne that the UK must come up with a written proposal by the end of this month," a spokesperson said. Finland currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union. Rinne's statement comes a day after he met President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, where he said that the European Union (EU) is unlikely to grant an extension to the current October 31 deadline, and thus avoid a no-deal exit, unless London proposes concrete measures. "Finland, nor I, nor the other 26 member states have much enthusiasm for an extension unless there is a sensible solution in sight for the future", Rinne said. Rinne's office confirmed that he will speak with European Council president Donald Tusk by telephone to discuss the end of Septemer deadline. On Thursday a French diplomatic source told AFP that "time is running out" to reach a Brexit accord, warning that it will not be possible to negotiate "directly" at the next European Council meeting in mid-October. The 28 EU leaders are due to meet on October 17 and 18 in Brussels, less than two weeks ahead of the scheduled Brexit date of 31 October. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Thursday morning that he will meet EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday. "The Prime Minister returned from talks with President (Jean-Claude) Juncker in Luxembourg on Monday with assurances that negotiations will intensify," Barclay said in a speech in Madrid. "I also met with Michel Barnier at the same time and I will meet him again tomorrow," he said. According to a European source, the Brexit timetable will also be discussed at a meeting between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Juncker on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York next week.

UK must give written Brexit proposal this month: Finnish PM

Britain's Trade Minister Liz Truss&nbsp;said on Wednesday she expects to complete a wide-ranging trade deal with Australia within months of exiting the European Union.

In efforts to reduce the economic impact of Brexit, Britain is looking to line-up a series of trade deals with smaller, non-EU countries.

Truss, who is in the middle of a three-nation tour that includes Australia, New Zealand and Japan, said she expects a quick conclusion to trade talks that will begin when Britain leaves the EU.

"The reason that I have chosen to make Australia one of the first countries I have visited as trade secretary is because it is an absolute priority to get on with this trade deal," Truss told reporters in Canberra.

"I would say months rather than years for it to be completed."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/underfire-pm-calls-up-hulk-claims-huge-brexit-progress-249824">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> has said he will take the country out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cautiously-optimistic-on-brexit-deal-says-pm-boris-johnson-ahead-of-eu-meeting-249472">EU</a> on October 31 with or without a deal with Brussels.

But the British parliament this month passed a law that requires Johnson to ask the EU for a three-month delay to Brexit if a deal is not approved by October 19.

Two-way trade between Australia and Britain is worth A$26.6 billion ($18.22 billion), Australian data shows.

Britain is Australia's seventh-largest trading partner, the data shows.

Australia's Minister for Trade Simon Birmingham said a trade deal with Britain will particularly benefit the country's agricultural sector, worth around A$60 billion.

"As part of the EU, market access to Britain in terms of agricultural products has been limited," Birmingham told reporters. "This is something we will look to address."

Britain's Trade Minister Liz Truss said on Wednesday she expects to complete a wide-ranging trade deal with Australia within months of exiting the European Union.

Britain's Trade Minister Liz Truss said on Wednesday she expects to complete a wide-ranging trade deal with Australia within months of exiting the European Union. In efforts to reduce the economic impact of Brexit, Britain is looking to line-up a series of trade deals with smaller, non-EU countries. Truss, who is in the middle of a three-nation tour that includes Australia, New Zealand and Japan, said she expects a quick conclusion to trade talks that will begin when Britain leaves the EU. "The reason that I have chosen to make Australia one of the first countries I have visited as trade secretary is because it is an absolute priority to get on with this trade deal," Truss told reporters in Canberra. "I would say months rather than years for it to be completed." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will take the country out of the EU on October 31 with or without a deal with Brussels. But the British parliament this month passed a law that requires Johnson to ask the EU for a three-month delay to Brexit if a deal is not approved by October 19. Two-way trade between Australia and Britain is worth A$26.6 billion ($18.22 billion), Australian data shows. Britain is Australia's seventh-largest trading partner, the data shows. Australia's Minister for Trade Simon Birmingham said a trade deal with Britain will particularly benefit the country's agricultural sector, worth around A$60 billion. "As part of the EU, market access to Britain in terms of agricultural products has been limited," Birmingham told reporters. "This is something we will look to address."

Britain hopes for trade deal with Australia within months of Brexit

UK PM Boris Johnson compares himself to 'The Hulk'. Watch video to know more.

UK PM Boris Johnson compares himself to 'The Hulk'

By Jon Stokes and Stefan Stern

Britain’s destiny is uncertain. The country is in the middle of a political and, arguably, an identity crisis as well. At such a challenging moment it is understandable if people might long for a charismatic figure to lead them out of it. Indeed, that is probably one of the evolutionary functions of charismatic leadership: when a degree of mindlessness may be helpful for the survival of the group. But the complexities of negotiating a successful Brexit require something less intoxicating and more thoughtful.

As we’ve argued before, people fall in love with charismatic leaders because we believe they represent our ideal version of ourselves. A version we would, sometimes unconsciously, like to be. But no human being is ever ideal. When we expect perfection from a leader we set ourselves up for severe disappointment.

Boris Johnson’s undoubted charisma, although a mystery to some, is much remarked upon. But apart from an instant sugar rush of ephemeral optimism what can his charisma provide? Not managerial competence or a serious grasp of detail; nor, equally importantly, the genuine and lasting inspiration that a truly capable leader might bring.

In response to the timeless challenge made by leadership gurus Gareth Jones and Rob Goffee, “Why should anyone be led by you?”, we suggest that inspiring, as opposed to merely charismatic, leadership is what’s needed right now. Inspiring leaders help people build and sustain strength and long-term improvement, in an organisation or in society. While charisma is based on an instant and uncritical falling in love, inspiring leadership arises out of a more mature form of discerning love between leader and followers.

Grading Johnson’s performance

We’ve asked more than 500 managers the question, “Who have you personally known in your real life that has been inspiring to you?” in workshops over the years. Their answers reveal six key elements necessary for a leader to inspire. Let’s measure the UK’s current prime minister against them and see how he scores.

1. Being the exemplar: inspiring leaders demonstrate a clear set of strong values through their behaviour. These provide a role model that empowers their followers to take sometimes difficult decisions and actions.

Boris Johnson’s values are much questioned and seemingly shifting. There is a strong suspicion (shared, apparently, by former prime minister David Cameron) that his primary driver is to attain power for himself. Score: 2/10

2. Articulating a future: Effective leaders create a clear picture of a future state that provides followers with direction. By taking them there first in their imagination they provide a pull factor for changing current behaviour.

Boris Johnson’s picture of a future Britain is hyperbolically optimistic but lacking in detail and a route map to get there. Score: 4/10

3. Reading the situation: Leaders use their intuition to gauge the appropriate timing and course of their actions through reading people, gauging their likely reactions to a situation and identifying future trends and dynamics that will drive behaviour.

Boris Johnson may be quite a good reader of people but apparently he is a poor reader of the likely impact of his behaviour on them. He seems to have no detailed analysis of Britain’s likely future but is driven by what he believes most people want. Score: 3/10

4. Affirmation: Inspiring leaders provide people with an accurate sense of their actual and potential contribution and worth. They enable people to feel good about themselves by making them feel appropriately valued.

Boris Johnson is very positive about people as long as they support him. He seems to lose patience quickly when they don’t, as he did with the 21 Tory “rebels”, who lost the whip as soon as they refused to support him. Score: 2/10

5. Having the difficult conversations: Inspiring leaders do not avoid difficult conversations – they are prepared to provide constructive critical feedback that enables people to develop. They give people what they need rather than necessarily what they want.

Boris Johnson bumbling style is unlikely to provide those who work for him with clear, constructively critical feedback. When frustrated he seems quick to break off relationships as he did with Luxembourg prime minister, Xavier Bettel, preferring to abandon their press conference rather than discuss how Brexit negotiations were going. Score: 1/10

6. Being authentic: Inspiring leaders are able to be true to themselves in a skillful way, authentic both to themselves and to the requirements of the situation in which they find themselves. By acknowledging inevitable imperfections and vulnerability they create a climate in which others can do the same.

This is an area where Britain’s prime minister scores quite highly for some people. By acknowledging he is far from perfect, he creates a sense that he is a human not a robot. Yet doubts remain about how authentic the persona he presents truly is. Maybe it is all just a bit of an act. Score: 5/10

So as far as being an inspiring leader is concerned the prime minister, sadly, has to be considered a failure (17 points out of 60, or 28%). He needs to make a better effort next term – if given another chance.

(Jon Stokes is Senior Fellow in Management Practice, University of Oxford; Stefan Stern is Visiting Professor of Management Practice, Cass Business School, City, University of London) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk-needs-inspiring-not-just-charismatic-leadership-to-break-brexit-impasse-123629">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By Jon Stokes and Stefan Stern Britain’s destiny is uncertain. The country is in the middle of a political and, arguably, an identity crisis as well. At such a challenging moment it is understandable if people might long for a charismatic figure to lead them out of it.

By Jon Stokes and Stefan Stern Britain’s destiny is uncertain. The country is in the middle of a political and, arguably, an identity crisis as well. At such a challenging moment it is understandable if people might long for a charismatic figure to lead them out of it. Indeed, that is probably one of the evolutionary functions of charismatic leadership: when a degree of mindlessness may be helpful for the survival of the group. But the complexities of negotiating a successful Brexit require something less intoxicating and more thoughtful. As we’ve argued before, people fall in love with charismatic leaders because we believe they represent our ideal version of ourselves. A version we would, sometimes unconsciously, like to be. But no human being is ever ideal. When we expect perfection from a leader we set ourselves up for severe disappointment. Boris Johnson’s undoubted charisma, although a mystery to some, is much remarked upon. But apart from an instant sugar rush of ephemeral optimism what can his charisma provide? Not managerial competence or a serious grasp of detail; nor, equally importantly, the genuine and lasting inspiration that a truly capable leader might bring. In response to the timeless challenge made by leadership gurus Gareth Jones and Rob Goffee, “Why should anyone be led by you?”, we suggest that inspiring, as opposed to merely charismatic, leadership is what’s needed right now. Inspiring leaders help people build and sustain strength and long-term improvement, in an organisation or in society. While charisma is based on an instant and uncritical falling in love, inspiring leadership arises out of a more mature form of discerning love between leader and followers. Grading Johnson’s performance We’ve asked more than 500 managers the question, “Who have you personally known in your real life that has been inspiring to you?” in workshops over the years. Their answers reveal six key elements necessary for a leader to inspire. Let’s measure the UK’s current prime minister against them and see how he scores. 1. Being the exemplar: inspiring leaders demonstrate a clear set of strong values through their behaviour. These provide a role model that empowers their followers to take sometimes difficult decisions and actions. Boris Johnson’s values are much questioned and seemingly shifting. There is a strong suspicion (shared, apparently, by former prime minister David Cameron) that his primary driver is to attain power for himself. Score: 2/10 2. Articulating a future: Effective leaders create a clear picture of a future state that provides followers with direction. By taking them there first in their imagination they provide a pull factor for changing current behaviour. Boris Johnson’s picture of a future Britain is hyperbolically optimistic but lacking in detail and a route map to get there. Score: 4/10 3. Reading the situation: Leaders use their intuition to gauge the appropriate timing and course of their actions through reading people, gauging their likely reactions to a situation and identifying future trends and dynamics that will drive behaviour. Boris Johnson may be quite a good reader of people but apparently he is a poor reader of the likely impact of his behaviour on them. He seems to have no detailed analysis of Britain’s likely future but is driven by what he believes most people want. Score: 3/10 4. Affirmation: Inspiring leaders provide people with an accurate sense of their actual and potential contribution and worth. They enable people to feel good about themselves by making them feel appropriately valued. Boris Johnson is very positive about people as long as they support him. He seems to lose patience quickly when they don’t, as he did with the 21 Tory “rebels”, who lost the whip as soon as they refused to support him. Score: 2/10 5. Having the difficult conversations: Inspiring leaders do not avoid difficult conversations – they are prepared to provide constructive critical feedback that enables people to develop. They give people what they need rather than necessarily what they want. Boris Johnson bumbling style is unlikely to provide those who work for him with clear, constructively critical feedback. When frustrated he seems quick to break off relationships as he did with Luxembourg prime minister, Xavier Bettel, preferring to abandon their press conference rather than discuss how Brexit negotiations were going. Score: 1/10 6. Being authentic: Inspiring leaders are able to be true to themselves in a skillful way, authentic both to themselves and to the requirements of the situation in which they find themselves. By acknowledging inevitable imperfections and vulnerability they create a climate in which others can do the same. This is an area where Britain’s prime minister scores quite highly for some people. By acknowledging he is far from perfect, he creates a sense that he is a human not a robot. Yet doubts remain about how authentic the persona he presents truly is. Maybe it is all just a bit of an act. Score: 5/10 So as far as being an inspiring leader is concerned the prime minister, sadly, has to be considered a failure (17 points out of 60, or 28%). He needs to make a better effort next term – if given another chance. (Jon Stokes is Senior Fellow in Management Practice, University of Oxford; Stefan Stern is Visiting Professor of Management Practice, Cass Business School, City, University of London) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

UK needs inspiring leadership to break Brexit impasse

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christine-lagarde-resigns-as-international-monetary-fund-chief-starting-race-for-her-successor-236536">outgoing IMF chief</a> Christine Lagarde as the next boss of the European Central Bank, which last week announced massive stimulus for the sluggish eurozone despite divisions among its governors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lagarde-temporarily-steps-down-as-imf-chief-american-economist-david-lipton-named-interim-leader-232570">Lagarde</a>, who was absent for the vote, won backing from 394 MEPs, with 206 votings against and 49 abstaining in a secret ballot.

Some criticised her not turning up.

The parliament's green light is just a recommendation.

The final decision on her appointment is up to EU leaders in a mid-October summit.

She is expected to easily clinch that confirmation as the leaders put her forward for the ECB post back in July.

Lagarde, a former French economy minister and head of the International Monetary Fund for the past eight years, is expected to largely follow the course set by departing ECB president Mario Draghi.

Draghi was hailed seven years ago for saving the eurozone from the debilitating crisis by vowing "the ECB is ready to do whatever it takes".

But his decision last Thursday to have the ECB intervene again with quantitative easing (QE) from November and a cut to the interest paid on banks' deposits deeper into negative territory has ruffled the feathers of some EU states.

Germany and the Netherlands notably accused Draghi of going too far. Sources told AFP that around 10 of the 25 ECB governors were against relaunching QE.

Draghi had underlined three challenges facing the ECB and its goal of price stability: a slowing eurozone economy, looming trade protectionism and Brexit, and the bank's degrading economic forecasts.

He is to leave his job to Lagarde after hosting a last monetary policy meeting in October.

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved outgoing IMF chief Christine Lagarde as the next boss of the European Central Bank, which last week announced massive stimulus for the sluggish eurozone despite divisions among its governors.

The European Parliament on Tuesday approved outgoing IMF chief Christine Lagarde as the next boss of the European Central Bank, which last week announced massive stimulus for the sluggish eurozone despite divisions among its governors. Lagarde, who was absent for the vote, won backing from 394 MEPs, with 206 votings against and 49 abstaining in a secret ballot. Some criticised her not turning up. The parliament's green light is just a recommendation. The final decision on her appointment is up to EU leaders in a mid-October summit. She is expected to easily clinch that confirmation as the leaders put her forward for the ECB post back in July. Lagarde, a former French economy minister and head of the International Monetary Fund for the past eight years, is expected to largely follow the course set by departing ECB president Mario Draghi. Draghi was hailed seven years ago for saving the eurozone from the debilitating crisis by vowing "the ECB is ready to do whatever it takes". But his decision last Thursday to have the ECB intervene again with quantitative easing (QE) from November and a cut to the interest paid on banks' deposits deeper into negative territory has ruffled the feathers of some EU states. Germany and the Netherlands notably accused Draghi of going too far. Sources told AFP that around 10 of the 25 ECB governors were against relaunching QE. Draghi had underlined three challenges facing the ECB and its goal of price stability: a slowing eurozone economy, looming trade protectionism and Brexit, and the bank's degrading economic forecasts. He is to leave his job to Lagarde after hosting a last monetary policy meeting in October.

European Parliament approves Lagarde as next European Central Bank chief

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson skipped a joint media conference with his Luxembourg counterpart Monday after holding Brexit talks with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/still-no-workable-alternative-from-uk-on-northern-ireland-backstop-provision-eu-250007">European Commission chief</a> that offered no breakthrough.

Luxembourg's premier, Xavier Bettel, went ahead with the briefing in front of flags from his country and the UK and an empty podium where Johnson was meant to have stood, telling the absent prime minister,&nbsp;"The time is ticking. So stop speaking and act."

Bettel, who had a meeting with Johnson following the British leader's working lunch with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg, was scathing about Johnson's efforts to rewrite a withdrawal agreement the UK had struck with the EU under his predecessor Theresa May.

He echoed the EU's message that the UK had offered up no viable alternative to the safeguards in that agreement to protect peace in Northern Ireland while respecting London's intent to break free of EU institutions.

Watch: No-deal Brexit could leave UK teetering

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"For me I have just one withdrawal agreement on the table and it’s the one from last year," Bettel said.

"There are no changes, there are no concrete proposals for the moment on the table and I won't give an agreement to ideas," he said, urging Britain to come up with "written proposals".

Johnson's absence from what was planned to be a joint media conference was highlighted on social media, where pictures of the empty British podium were relayed.&nbsp;

A small anti-Johnson protest, with demonstrators holding up signs saying "Bog off Boris" and other slogans, was held next to the spot where the media conference took place.

Bettel appeared to align with Johnson on one point: a reluctance to give Britain another extension to the October 31 date it is due to leave the EU.&nbsp;

The UK parliament has passed a law requiring Johnson to ask for such an extension -- a third prolongation -- by October 19 if no new deal is struck. But the British prime minister has indicated he will not do so.&nbsp;

In his lunch with Juncker, Johnson said, "he would not request an extension".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson skipped a joint media conference with his Luxembourg counterpart Monday after holding Brexit talks with the European Commission chief that offered no breakthrough.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson skipped a joint media conference with his Luxembourg counterpart Monday after holding Brexit talks with the European Commission chief that offered no breakthrough. Luxembourg's premier, Xavier Bettel, went ahead with the briefing in front of flags from his country and the UK and an empty podium where Johnson was meant to have stood, telling the absent prime minister, "The time is ticking. So stop speaking and act." Bettel, who had a meeting with Johnson following the British leader's working lunch with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg, was scathing about Johnson's efforts to rewrite a withdrawal agreement the UK had struck with the EU under his predecessor Theresa May. He echoed the EU's message that the UK had offered up no viable alternative to the safeguards in that agreement to protect peace in Northern Ireland while respecting London's intent to break free of EU institutions. Watch: No-deal Brexit could leave UK teetering × "For me I have just one withdrawal agreement on the table and it’s the one from last year," Bettel said. "There are no changes, there are no concrete proposals for the moment on the table and I won't give an agreement to ideas," he said, urging Britain to come up with "written proposals". Johnson's absence from what was planned to be a joint media conference was highlighted on social media, where pictures of the empty British podium were relayed. A small anti-Johnson protest, with demonstrators holding up signs saying "Bog off Boris" and other slogans, was held next to the spot where the media conference took place. Bettel appeared to align with Johnson on one point: a reluctance to give Britain another extension to the October 31 date it is due to leave the EU. The UK parliament has passed a law requiring Johnson to ask for such an extension -- a third prolongation -- by October 19 if no new deal is struck. But the British prime minister has indicated he will not do so. In his lunch with Juncker, Johnson said, "he would not request an extension".

UK PM Boris Johnson snubs news conference with Luxembourg counterpart

Six weeks after he took office and six weeks before he is due to lead Britain out of the European Union, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to meet Jean-Claude Junker.

On Monday, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/underfire-pm-calls-up-hulk-claims-huge-brexit-progress-249824">comparing himself to berserk comic book super-smasher Hulk</a>, the British leader will enjoy a genteel working lunch with the EU Commission president.

Downing Street has confidently billed the Luxembourg visit as part of efforts to negotiate an orderly divorce from the union before an October 17 EU summit.

But Brussels has played down talk of a breakthrough, insisting Johnson has yet to suggest any "legally operable" proposal to revise a previous withdrawal accord.

Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier, who will join the leaders for their talks in Juncker's native Grand Duchy, has said he has "no reason to be optimistic".

And the European Parliament will this week vote on a resolution rejecting Johnson's demand that the so-called "Irish backstop" clause be stripped from the deal.

Johnson insists this measure, which temporarily keeps the UK in the EU customs union, has to go if he is to bring the agreement back to the House of Commons.

But the accord will also have to win the support of the other 27 EU leaders and the European Parliament if Britain is not to crash out with no deal on October 31.

And Johnson, in turn, boasts that he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than ask his European counterparts to postpone Brexit for a third time into next year.

It is difficult, then, to see what might come from Monday's lunch, which will be held behind closed doors with no plan for a joint statement afterwards.

Nevertheless, before leaving London, Johnson told the Mail on Sunday he was "very confident" of getting a new deal before the October 17 summit.

'Hulk smash!'

"A huge amount of progress is being made," he said, referring to "technical talks" on border procedures between his Brexit adviser David Frost and Barnier's team.&nbsp;

Johnson compared himself to Marvel comics hero Hulk, the rampaging mutant alter-ego of a mild-mannered nuclear scientist whose catchphrase is "Hulk smash!"&nbsp;

"The madder Hulk gets, the stronger Hulk gets and he always escaped, no matter how tightly bound in he seemed to be," Johnson told the paper.

Johnson's strategy faces opposition at home, where rebel and opposition MPs have passed a law aimed at forcing him to seek a Brexit delay.

Britain's Supreme Court will rule this week on a bid to overturn Johnson's decision to suspend parliament and limit time to debate the crisis.

And on Wednesday, Barnier will address the European Parliament session in Strasbourg as MEPs vote to reaffirm and reinforce the EU Brexit stance.

Barnier previously briefed the leaders of political groups in the assembly on Thursday last week, and he had a downbeat message.

"I can't objectively tell you whether the contacts we have undertaken with Mr. Johnson's government will lead to an agreement between now and mid-October," he said.

After that meeting, the speaker of the parliament David Sassoli unveiled the Brexit resolution, which would insist that the backstop remain in the deal.

"The resolution says that if there is a no-deal departure, then that is entirely the responsibility of the United Kingdom," he said.

After his lunch with Juncker, Johnson is due to meet Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. The pair will hold a joint news conference. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Six weeks after he took office and six weeks before he is due to lead Britain out of the European Union, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to meet Jean-Claude Junker.

Six weeks after he took office and six weeks before he is due to lead Britain out of the European Union, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is to meet Jean-Claude Junker. On Monday, after comparing himself to berserk comic book super-smasher Hulk, the British leader will enjoy a genteel working lunch with the EU Commission president. Downing Street has confidently billed the Luxembourg visit as part of efforts to negotiate an orderly divorce from the union before an October 17 EU summit. But Brussels has played down talk of a breakthrough, insisting Johnson has yet to suggest any "legally operable" proposal to revise a previous withdrawal accord. Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier, who will join the leaders for their talks in Juncker's native Grand Duchy, has said he has "no reason to be optimistic". And the European Parliament will this week vote on a resolution rejecting Johnson's demand that the so-called "Irish backstop" clause be stripped from the deal. Johnson insists this measure, which temporarily keeps the UK in the EU customs union, has to go if he is to bring the agreement back to the House of Commons. But the accord will also have to win the support of the other 27 EU leaders and the European Parliament if Britain is not to crash out with no deal on October 31. And Johnson, in turn, boasts that he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than ask his European counterparts to postpone Brexit for a third time into next year. It is difficult, then, to see what might come from Monday's lunch, which will be held behind closed doors with no plan for a joint statement afterwards. Nevertheless, before leaving London, Johnson told the Mail on Sunday he was "very confident" of getting a new deal before the October 17 summit. 'Hulk smash!' "A huge amount of progress is being made," he said, referring to "technical talks" on border procedures between his Brexit adviser David Frost and Barnier's team. Johnson compared himself to Marvel comics hero Hulk, the rampaging mutant alter-ego of a mild-mannered nuclear scientist whose catchphrase is "Hulk smash!" "The madder Hulk gets, the stronger Hulk gets and he always escaped, no matter how tightly bound in he seemed to be," Johnson told the paper. Johnson's strategy faces opposition at home, where rebel and opposition MPs have passed a law aimed at forcing him to seek a Brexit delay. Britain's Supreme Court will rule this week on a bid to overturn Johnson's decision to suspend parliament and limit time to debate the crisis. And on Wednesday, Barnier will address the European Parliament session in Strasbourg as MEPs vote to reaffirm and reinforce the EU Brexit stance. Barnier previously briefed the leaders of political groups in the assembly on Thursday last week, and he had a downbeat message. "I can't objectively tell you whether the contacts we have undertaken with Mr. Johnson's government will lead to an agreement between now and mid-October," he said. After that meeting, the speaker of the parliament David Sassoli unveiled the Brexit resolution, which would insist that the backstop remain in the deal. "The resolution says that if there is a no-deal departure, then that is entirely the responsibility of the United Kingdom," he said. After his lunch with Juncker, Johnson is due to meet Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel. The pair will hold a joint news conference.

Boris Johnson the Brexit 'Hulk' to meet EU's Jean-Claude Junker

Britain has still not proposed any workable alternatives to the Northern Ireland "backstop" provisions of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-the-brexit-hulk-to-meet-eus-jean-claude-junker-249883">Brexit withdrawal</a> agreement, the EU said Monday after talks between bloc chief Jean-Claude Juncker and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The first face-to-face encounter between Johnson and European Commission president Juncker failed to yield any major breakthrough, although Downing Street insisted it had been a "constructive meeting".

Johnson says <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-liberal-democrat-leader-says-her-party-will-not-support-any-brexit-deal-249809">Britain will not agree</a> to a divorce deal that includes the backstop, a provision which temporarily keeps the UK in the EU customs union to keep the Irish border open, and will not delay Brexit beyond October 31, even if it means leaving with no deal.

Juncker's office said he used the lunch meeting in Luxembourg to reiterate the EU view that it is Britain's responsibility to come up with a workable alternative to he backstop, which was agreed by Johnson's predecessor Theresa May but rejected by MPs.

"President Juncker recalled that it is the UK's responsibility to come forward with legally operational solutions that are compatible with the Withdrawal Agreement," a statement from Juncker's office said.

"President Juncker underlined the Commission's continued willingness and openness to examine whether such proposals meet the objectives of the backstop. Such proposals have not yet been made."

Alongside the main meeting, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier also held talks with British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay.

A small but noisy clutch of anti-Brexit protesters greeted Johnson as he arrived and left the talks, singing the "Ode to Joy" EU anthem, waving flags and chanting slogans.

With just six weeks to go before Brexit day, the two sides have agreed to step up the pace of talks, Downing Street said, with negotiators to start meeting "soon" on a daily basis rather than twice a week as at present.

"It was agreed that talks should also take place at a political level between Michel Barnier and the Brexit Secretary, and conversations would also continue between President Juncker and the prime minister," a spokesperson said.

Britain has still not proposed any workable alternatives to the Northern Ireland "backstop" provisions of its Brexit withdrawal agreement, the EU said Monday after talks between bloc chief Jean-Claude Juncker and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Britain has still not proposed any workable alternatives to the Northern Ireland "backstop" provisions of its Brexit withdrawal agreement, the EU said Monday after talks between bloc chief Jean-Claude Juncker and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The first face-to-face encounter between Johnson and European Commission president Juncker failed to yield any major breakthrough, although Downing Street insisted it had been a "constructive meeting". Johnson says Britain will not agree to a divorce deal that includes the backstop, a provision which temporarily keeps the UK in the EU customs union to keep the Irish border open, and will not delay Brexit beyond October 31, even if it means leaving with no deal. Juncker's office said he used the lunch meeting in Luxembourg to reiterate the EU view that it is Britain's responsibility to come up with a workable alternative to he backstop, which was agreed by Johnson's predecessor Theresa May but rejected by MPs. "President Juncker recalled that it is the UK's responsibility to come forward with legally operational solutions that are compatible with the Withdrawal Agreement," a statement from Juncker's office said. "President Juncker underlined the Commission's continued willingness and openness to examine whether such proposals meet the objectives of the backstop. Such proposals have not yet been made." Alongside the main meeting, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier also held talks with British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay. A small but noisy clutch of anti-Brexit protesters greeted Johnson as he arrived and left the talks, singing the "Ode to Joy" EU anthem, waving flags and chanting slogans. With just six weeks to go before Brexit day, the two sides have agreed to step up the pace of talks, Downing Street said, with negotiators to start meeting "soon" on a daily basis rather than twice a week as at present. "It was agreed that talks should also take place at a political level between Michel Barnier and the Brexit Secretary, and conversations would also continue between President Juncker and the prime minister," a spokesperson said.

Still no workable alternative from UK on Northern Ireland 'backstop' provision: EU

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cautiously-optimistic-on-brexit-deal-says-pm-boris-johnson-ahead-of-eu-meeting-249472">Boris Johnson</a> was heckled on Friday by an audience member while he was delivering a speech at a convention in South Yorkshire in northern England.

The British PM was speaking on plans to give more powers to local authorities in the North of England during which the heckler interupted Johnson's speech for his decision to suspend parliament in the run-up to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-denies-lying-to-queen-in-brexit-crisis-249286">Brexit deadline</a>.

"I know the transformative potential of local accountable leadership. Someone with the power to sort out what matters most to local people," Johnson said when heckler interjeted and screamed, "Like our MPs Boris. Maybe get back to Parliament."

Johnson replied, "Yes, indeed. I'm all in favour of our MPs."

The unidentified man then demanded to know why the British prime minister wasn't in parliament fixing "the mess" he had created.&nbsp;

"Why are you not with them in parliament sorting out the mess that you have created," he said.

"I'm very happy to get back to parliament very soon"&nbsp;Johnson replied&nbsp;as he tried to return to his speech,

The heckler then again screamed, "Where's your accountability? Why don't you sort it out Boris, why don't you sort it out".

"What we want to see in this region is towns and communities able to represent that gentleman and sort out his needs," Johnson responded.

Johnson, a former London mayor who helped lead the campaign to leave the European Union, has angered his critics by suspending parliament for five weeks before Brexit.

The government has said it is a normal part of the process of launching a new legislative program, but Johnson's opponents have accused the prime minister of trying to prevent them scrutinising his Brexit plans.

Meanwhile, Johnson is scheduled to meet European Union chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg on Monday as he bids to broker a Brexit compromise ahead of the October 31 deadline.

Johnson will "hold talks with President Juncker on Brexit," his Downing Street office had said without providing further details.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was heckled on Friday by an audience member while he was delivering a speech at a convention in South Yorkshire in northern England.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was heckled on Friday by an audience member while he was delivering a speech at a convention in South Yorkshire in northern England. The British PM was speaking on plans to give more powers to local authorities in the North of England during which the heckler interupted Johnson's speech for his decision to suspend parliament in the run-up to the Brexit deadline. "I know the transformative potential of local accountable leadership. Someone with the power to sort out what matters most to local people," Johnson said when heckler interjeted and screamed, "Like our MPs Boris. Maybe get back to Parliament." Johnson replied, "Yes, indeed. I'm all in favour of our MPs." The unidentified man then demanded to know why the British prime minister wasn't in parliament fixing "the mess" he had created. "Why are you not with them in parliament sorting out the mess that you have created," he said. "I'm very happy to get back to parliament very soon" Johnson replied as he tried to return to his speech, The heckler then again screamed, "Where's your accountability? Why don't you sort it out Boris, why don't you sort it out". "What we want to see in this region is towns and communities able to represent that gentleman and sort out his needs," Johnson responded. Johnson, a former London mayor who helped lead the campaign to leave the European Union, has angered his critics by suspending parliament for five weeks before Brexit. The government has said it is a normal part of the process of launching a new legislative program, but Johnson's opponents have accused the prime minister of trying to prevent them scrutinising his Brexit plans. Meanwhile, Johnson is scheduled to meet European Union chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg on Monday as he bids to broker a Brexit compromise ahead of the October 31 deadline. Johnson will "hold talks with President Juncker on Brexit," his Downing Street office had said without providing further details.

'Get back to parliament': British PM Boris Johnson heckled during speech

After days attempting to apply online to remain in the UK after Brexit, EU citizen Bina Gayadien was faced with the same message: her information was "insufficient".

The Dutch lawyer, a UK resident for 20 years, is one of the thousands discovering that the British government's system to process their cases is not as fast or easy as promised.

After the married mother-of-two had uploaded 60 pages of bank statements and five years worth of local authority tax bills, she faced the same issue.

The system repeatedly said she had provided "insufficient" evidence of having lived in Britain long enough.

"It seems unbelievable that the computer and all the checks that the government could make, would come back to say that people like me don't exist," Gayadien told AFP.

It's a situation all too familiar for European Union citizens applying to remain in the country after its divorce from Brussels.

After making multiple submissions and calling a support centre in northern England to argue through her case, Gayadien was eventually able to get the necessary approval.

But the experience has not left her feeling wanted in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pound-jumps-on-brexit-hopes-as-global-stocks-firmer-249491">Brexit </a>Britain.

"I feel kind of picked on," she said.

Minister 'delighted' with the scheme

The British government which has vowed that EU nationals living in the UK can stay is adamant its so-called EU settlement policy is working as intended.

Brandon Lewis, an interior minister, said he was "delighted" with the scheme and pointed out his department was now processing over 20,000 applications a day.

He added that complete applications were typically being processed within a few days, while those with more complicated cases in just weeks, as Britain, gears up for Brexit which is scheduled to happen at the end of next month.

"I'm not going to concede there are issues," Lewis told AFP, noting problem cases publicized in the media had often "not been as straightforward as people have said".

"Sometimes people have made a mistake in other situations people haven't been able to evidence they've been here for a long time, so our resolution team will work with them to get that evidence."

'Settled status'

The three-step process involves applicants uploading documents to prove their identity, how long they have been in Britain and any criminal convictions.

EU citizens able to show they have lived in the country for more than five years will be granted "settled status", letting them remain indefinitely.

Those in the UK for less time will be given "pre-settled status", allowing them to apply for the permanent status once they have clocked up the requisite five years.

Some will be hoping that the British parliament's attempts to delay Brexit beyond October 31 will succeed.

There are thought to be as many as 3.5 million EU nationals in Britain, who have until the end of 2020 to lodge their applications.

Updated interior ministry figures released on Thursday showed that more than 1.5 million people have already applied 300,000 in August alone.

However, advocates for EU citizens in Britain were critical of the system.

"Despite the assertions of the minister we have evidence of EU citizens accepting pre-settled status who have been in the UK for more than five years," said Maike Bohn, co-founder of The3Million

"It is unsettling that the minister is not prepared to engage with the problems many EU citizens are having with this scheme."

After days attempting to apply online to remain in the UK after Brexit, EU citizen Bina Gayadien was faced with the same message: her information was "insufficient".

After days attempting to apply online to remain in the UK after Brexit, EU citizen Bina Gayadien was faced with the same message: her information was "insufficient". The Dutch lawyer, a UK resident for 20 years, is one of the thousands discovering that the British government's system to process their cases is not as fast or easy as promised. After the married mother-of-two had uploaded 60 pages of bank statements and five years worth of local authority tax bills, she faced the same issue. The system repeatedly said she had provided "insufficient" evidence of having lived in Britain long enough. "It seems unbelievable that the computer and all the checks that the government could make, would come back to say that people like me don't exist," Gayadien told AFP. It's a situation all too familiar for European Union citizens applying to remain in the country after its divorce from Brussels. After making multiple submissions and calling a support centre in northern England to argue through her case, Gayadien was eventually able to get the necessary approval. But the experience has not left her feeling wanted in Brexit Britain. "I feel kind of picked on," she said. Minister 'delighted' with the scheme The British government which has vowed that EU nationals living in the UK can stay is adamant its so-called EU settlement policy is working as intended. Brandon Lewis, an interior minister, said he was "delighted" with the scheme and pointed out his department was now processing over 20,000 applications a day. He added that complete applications were typically being processed within a few days, while those with more complicated cases in just weeks, as Britain, gears up for Brexit which is scheduled to happen at the end of next month. "I'm not going to concede there are issues," Lewis told AFP, noting problem cases publicized in the media had often "not been as straightforward as people have said". "Sometimes people have made a mistake in other situations people haven't been able to evidence they've been here for a long time, so our resolution team will work with them to get that evidence." 'Settled status' The three-step process involves applicants uploading documents to prove their identity, how long they have been in Britain and any criminal convictions. EU citizens able to show they have lived in the country for more than five years will be granted "settled status", letting them remain indefinitely. Those in the UK for less time will be given "pre-settled status", allowing them to apply for the permanent status once they have clocked up the requisite five years. Some will be hoping that the British parliament's attempts to delay Brexit beyond October 31 will succeed. There are thought to be as many as 3.5 million EU nationals in Britain, who have until the end of 2020 to lodge their applications. Updated interior ministry figures released on Thursday showed that more than 1.5 million people have already applied 300,000 in August alone. However, advocates for EU citizens in Britain were critical of the system. "Despite the assertions of the minister we have evidence of EU citizens accepting pre-settled status who have been in the UK for more than five years," said Maike Bohn, co-founder of The3Million "It is unsettling that the minister is not prepared to engage with the problems many EU citizens are having with this scheme."

European Union citizens uneasy at UK's Brexit settlement scheme

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-under-fire-over-no-deal-brexit-assessment-249196">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> denied Thursday that he had lied to Queen Elizabeth II when requesting the suspension of parliament this month in the run-up to Brexit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-tells-parliament-you-can-tie-my-hands-but-i-will-not-delay-brexit-248705">Johnson</a> asked the British head of state to shutter parliament for five weeks from last Tuesday, claiming it was necessary ahead of rolling out a new domestic agenda.

The unusually long suspension -- known as prorogation -- was widely seen as a bid to thwart opposition to a no-deal departure on the October 31 Brexit date, and provoked uproar across the political spectrum as well as legal challenges.

Asked if he had misled Queen Elizabeth over his motives for the suspension, which will see the House of Commons closed until October 14, Johnson said, "Absolutely not".

Meanwhile, in Brussels, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said there was "no reason to be optimistic" about striking a possible divorce deal with Britain before a summit next month.

Johnson is adamant that the UK must leave the European Union on October 31 -- with or without a withdrawal agreement to smooth over the separation.

"We have no reason to be optimistic" that such an accord will be found in time for the crucial October 17-18 EU summit, Barnier told senior MEPs in Brussels.

Problems are mounting for Johnson, who finds himself increasingly boxed in on Brexit.

Johnson's government was forced Wednesday to release its no-deal Brexit contingency plans after a parliamentary vote.

Scotland's highest civil court on Wednesday sided with critics of the prorogation, ruling it was "unlawful" and intended to "stymie parliament".

Johnson's government has appealed against the decision and the case is set to be heard in Britain's Supreme Court next Tuesday.

In the meantime, parliament remains suspended.

Northern Ireland's High Court on Thursday dismissed several lawsuits filed there arguing the prorogation was illegal and that a no-deal Brexit would breach the terms of the province's 1998 peace accord.

Tom Brake, Brexit spokesman for the pro-EU opposition Liberal Democrats, said the government was withholding internal documents, messages and emails about the decision to prorogue parliament.

"I suspect that those documents... will confirm that the prime minister lied about the reason why," he told AFP.

"We all know that the reason he wanted to shut down parliament is because he didn't want parliament holding him to account."

'Worst-case scenario'

Johnson also vowed Thursday that Britain will be ready for a no-deal departure from the EU on October 31, despite his own government's assessment that planning remained "at a low level".

The prime minister insisted the government had been "massively accelerating" its preparations since the August 2 internal report, which was disclosed on Wednesday after MPs voted for its release.

He called the "Operation Yellowhammer" forecast, which warned of possible civil unrest and shortages of food and medicines following no deal, a "worst-case scenario".

"All the industries that matter will be ready for a no-deal Brexit," Johnson said.

The documents painted a grim picture of possible "public disorder and community tensions" as well as logjams at Channel ports, threatening supplies, after a no-deal departure.

Johnson hopeful of deal

Johnson took office in July promising to implement the referendum decision by leaving the EU on October 31 no matter what.

But he lost his parliamentary majority last week after a series of defections and expulsions from his governing Conservative Party amid opposition to his strident Brexit stance.

Ahead of the shutdown, lawmakers passed a law aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit, but Johnson has insisted Britain will still depart the EU on schedule.

The British leader wants to renegotiate the divorce terms struck by his predecessor Theresa May, which MPs have repeatedly rejected.

In particular, he wants to change the so-called backstop provisions, which concern ways to keep the Northern Irish border with the Republic of Ireland open in all scenarios.

But European leaders accuse him of offering no viable alternatives.

Officials in Brussels increasingly accuse Johnson of conducting a sham negotiation as political cover while planning to crash out without an accord.

And European parliamentary leaders insisted Thursday there could be no divorce deal without the backstop.

Johnson insisted he remained "very hopeful" of a deal.&nbsp;

"It will be hard, but I think we can get there," he said.

 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied Thursday that he had lied to Queen Elizabeth II when requesting the suspension of parliament this month in the run-up to Brexit.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied Thursday that he had lied to Queen Elizabeth II when requesting the suspension of parliament this month in the run-up to Brexit. Johnson asked the British head of state to shutter parliament for five weeks from last Tuesday, claiming it was necessary ahead of rolling out a new domestic agenda. The unusually long suspension -- known as prorogation -- was widely seen as a bid to thwart opposition to a no-deal departure on the October 31 Brexit date, and provoked uproar across the political spectrum as well as legal challenges. Asked if he had misled Queen Elizabeth over his motives for the suspension, which will see the House of Commons closed until October 14, Johnson said, "Absolutely not". Meanwhile, in Brussels, EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said there was "no reason to be optimistic" about striking a possible divorce deal with Britain before a summit next month. Johnson is adamant that the UK must leave the European Union on October 31 -- with or without a withdrawal agreement to smooth over the separation. "We have no reason to be optimistic" that such an accord will be found in time for the crucial October 17-18 EU summit, Barnier told senior MEPs in Brussels. Problems are mounting for Johnson, who finds himself increasingly boxed in on Brexit. Johnson's government was forced Wednesday to release its no-deal Brexit contingency plans after a parliamentary vote. Scotland's highest civil court on Wednesday sided with critics of the prorogation, ruling it was "unlawful" and intended to "stymie parliament". Johnson's government has appealed against the decision and the case is set to be heard in Britain's Supreme Court next Tuesday. In the meantime, parliament remains suspended. Northern Ireland's High Court on Thursday dismissed several lawsuits filed there arguing the prorogation was illegal and that a no-deal Brexit would breach the terms of the province's 1998 peace accord. Tom Brake, Brexit spokesman for the pro-EU opposition Liberal Democrats, said the government was withholding internal documents, messages and emails about the decision to prorogue parliament. "I suspect that those documents... will confirm that the prime minister lied about the reason why," he told AFP. "We all know that the reason he wanted to shut down parliament is because he didn't want parliament holding him to account." 'Worst-case scenario' Johnson also vowed Thursday that Britain will be ready for a no-deal departure from the EU on October 31, despite his own government's assessment that planning remained "at a low level". The prime minister insisted the government had been "massively accelerating" its preparations since the August 2 internal report, which was disclosed on Wednesday after MPs voted for its release. He called the "Operation Yellowhammer" forecast, which warned of possible civil unrest and shortages of food and medicines following no deal, a "worst-case scenario". "All the industries that matter will be ready for a no-deal Brexit," Johnson said. The documents painted a grim picture of possible "public disorder and community tensions" as well as logjams at Channel ports, threatening supplies, after a no-deal departure. Johnson hopeful of deal Johnson took office in July promising to implement the referendum decision by leaving the EU on October 31 no matter what. But he lost his parliamentary majority last week after a series of defections and expulsions from his governing Conservative Party amid opposition to his strident Brexit stance. Ahead of the shutdown, lawmakers passed a law aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit, but Johnson has insisted Britain will still depart the EU on schedule. The British leader wants to renegotiate the divorce terms struck by his predecessor Theresa May, which MPs have repeatedly rejected. In particular, he wants to change the so-called backstop provisions, which concern ways to keep the Northern Irish border with the Republic of Ireland open in all scenarios. But European leaders accuse him of offering no viable alternatives. Officials in Brussels increasingly accuse Johnson of conducting a sham negotiation as political cover while planning to crash out without an accord. And European parliamentary leaders insisted Thursday there could be no divorce deal without the backstop. Johnson insisted he remained "very hopeful" of a deal. "It will be hard, but I think we can get there," he said.

Boris Johnson denies lying to Queen in Brexit crisis

Boris Johnson will meet EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg on Monday, officials said, as the British prime minister bids to broker a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-denies-lying-to-queen-in-brexit-crisis-249286"> Brexit</a> compromise ahead of the October 31 deadline.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-denies-lying-to-queen-in-brexit-crisis-249286">Johnson</a> will "hold talks with President Juncker on Brexit," his Downing Street office said without providing further details.

EU spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud told reporters that the two would have a working lunch that was arranged by "common accord".

The British pound gained one per cent against the dollar in Friday trading on speculation that the two sides were edging closer to a compromise over the contentious Irish border issue.

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Johnson refuses to sign off on an agreement that includes the "backstop," a compromise intended to keep the frontier open for trade and crossings in all post-Brexit scenarios.

It was accepted by his predecessor Theresa May but repeatedly failed to win backing in the British parliament.

Eurosceptics fear the stop-gap measures designed for the border between EU member Ireland and the UK province of Northern Ireland would keep Britain indefinitely trapped in bloc's trade zone.

The Times reported on Friday that the DUP, a small Northern Irish party that had helped the ruling Conservatives in London form a majority in parliament since 2017, was now ready to abide by some EU rules.

But DUP leader Arlene Foster denied the report, calling it "nonsense".

"UK must leave as one nation," she tweeted.

Johnson no longer commands a working majority in the House of Commons, and lawmakers have instructed him to seek a deadline extension from Brussels if no deal emerges.

Johnson has refused, vowing to get Brexit done on schedule and insisting he would strike a new deal.

Boris Johnson will meet EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg on Monday, officials said, as the British prime minister bids to broker a Brexit compromise ahead of the October 31 deadline.

Boris Johnson will meet EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg on Monday, officials said, as the British prime minister bids to broker a Brexit compromise ahead of the October 31 deadline. Johnson will "hold talks with President Juncker on Brexit," his Downing Street office said without providing further details. EU spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud told reporters that the two would have a working lunch that was arranged by "common accord". The British pound gained one per cent against the dollar in Friday trading on speculation that the two sides were edging closer to a compromise over the contentious Irish border issue. Watch Video: × Johnson refuses to sign off on an agreement that includes the "backstop," a compromise intended to keep the frontier open for trade and crossings in all post-Brexit scenarios. It was accepted by his predecessor Theresa May but repeatedly failed to win backing in the British parliament. Eurosceptics fear the stop-gap measures designed for the border between EU member Ireland and the UK province of Northern Ireland would keep Britain indefinitely trapped in bloc's trade zone. The Times reported on Friday that the DUP, a small Northern Irish party that had helped the ruling Conservatives in London form a majority in parliament since 2017, was now ready to abide by some EU rules. But DUP leader Arlene Foster denied the report, calling it "nonsense". "UK must leave as one nation," she tweeted. Johnson no longer commands a working majority in the House of Commons, and lawmakers have instructed him to seek a deadline extension from Brussels if no deal emerges. Johnson has refused, vowing to get Brexit done on schedule and insisting he would strike a new deal.

UK's Johnson to meet European Commission's Juncker on Monday for Brexit talks

The British pound hit a seven-week high against the dollar Friday on easing fears of a no-deal Brexit.

Stock markets meanwhile won support after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asian-markets-extend-gains-as-optimism-slowly-returns-249012">China</a> said some US agricultural products including pork and soybeans would be exempt from added tariffs, ahead of trade talks between Beijing and Washington scheduled for October.

The announcement is the latest in a series of appeasement measures between the world's two biggest economies, who for the past year have been locked in a bitter trade war resulting in tit-for-tat tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in bilateral trade.

In foreign exchange, the pound was in focus after the UK currency jumped one per cent to $1.2476, the highest level since late July.

Sterling won strong ground also versus the euro, which had been gaining on European Central Bank plans to stimulate the struggling eurozone economy.

The pound "has rallied as traders are less fearful about the possibility of a no-deal Brexit", noted David Madden, an analyst at CMC Markets UK.

It comes after Britain's parliamentary speaker warned Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cautiously-optimistic-on-brexit-deal-says-pm-boris-johnson-ahead-of-eu-meeting-249472">Boris Johnson</a> not to disobey the law by refusing to ask for a Brexit delay and vowed to thwart any attempt to circumvent legislation.

'Most terrible example'

Parliament passed a law earlier this month aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit, but Johnson is adamant Britain will still leave the EU on schedule on October 31 with or without a withdrawal agreement.

The speaker of Britain's House of Commons John Bercow said disobeying the law "would be the most terrible example to set to the rest of society", according to Britain's Press Association news agency.

In a speech in London on Thursday, Bercow warned if the government comes close to doing so, parliament "would want to cut off such a possibility and do so forcefully".

The pound's rally in reaction to Bercow hit London's benchmark FTSE 100 stocks index that features a number of multinationals earning in dollars.

"The FTSE 100 is slightly lower as the strength of sterling is causing the British index to underperform against its continental counterparts," Madden added.

"Internationally focused firms are lower."

No big bazooka

Earlier, equities rose in Asia after the ECB on Thursday unveiled a fresh round of economic stimulus and another interest rate cut.

Global markets had been buoyed this week by a growing sense that central banks globally were set on easing monetary policy to support growth, and the ECB did not disappoint.

It said it would restart its bond-buying quantitative easing programme to boost liquidity, provide support for struggling banks and reduce borrowing costs deeper into negative territory in a bid to kickstart lending.

The announcement, while slightly short of expectations, was broadly cheered by markets, sending equities in Europe and New York higher Thursday.

"In the end, it wasn't a big bazooka, but ECB President Mario Draghi did his level best trying to convince investors that monetary policy will remain extremely accommodative for some considerable time to come," said Gavin Friend, a senior market strategist at National Australia Bank.

The news also provided further hope that the Federal Reserve would cut rates at its meeting next week, even though data showed a jump in US inflation last month.

The British pound hit a seven-week high against the dollar Friday on easing fears of a no-deal Brexit. Stock markets meanwhile won support after China said some US agricultural products including pork and soybeans would be exempt from added tariffs, ahead of trade talks between Beijing and Washington scheduled for October.

The British pound hit a seven-week high against the dollar Friday on easing fears of a no-deal Brexit. Stock markets meanwhile won support after China said some US agricultural products including pork and soybeans would be exempt from added tariffs, ahead of trade talks between Beijing and Washington scheduled for October. The announcement is the latest in a series of appeasement measures between the world's two biggest economies, who for the past year have been locked in a bitter trade war resulting in tit-for-tat tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in bilateral trade. In foreign exchange, the pound was in focus after the UK currency jumped one per cent to $1.2476, the highest level since late July. Sterling won strong ground also versus the euro, which had been gaining on European Central Bank plans to stimulate the struggling eurozone economy. The pound "has rallied as traders are less fearful about the possibility of a no-deal Brexit", noted David Madden, an analyst at CMC Markets UK. It comes after Britain's parliamentary speaker warned Prime Minister Boris Johnson not to disobey the law by refusing to ask for a Brexit delay and vowed to thwart any attempt to circumvent legislation. 'Most terrible example' Parliament passed a law earlier this month aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit, but Johnson is adamant Britain will still leave the EU on schedule on October 31 with or without a withdrawal agreement. The speaker of Britain's House of Commons John Bercow said disobeying the law "would be the most terrible example to set to the rest of society", according to Britain's Press Association news agency. In a speech in London on Thursday, Bercow warned if the government comes close to doing so, parliament "would want to cut off such a possibility and do so forcefully". The pound's rally in reaction to Bercow hit London's benchmark FTSE 100 stocks index that features a number of multinationals earning in dollars. "The FTSE 100 is slightly lower as the strength of sterling is causing the British index to underperform against its continental counterparts," Madden added. "Internationally focused firms are lower." No big bazooka Earlier, equities rose in Asia after the ECB on Thursday unveiled a fresh round of economic stimulus and another interest rate cut. Global markets had been buoyed this week by a growing sense that central banks globally were set on easing monetary policy to support growth, and the ECB did not disappoint. It said it would restart its bond-buying quantitative easing programme to boost liquidity, provide support for struggling banks and reduce borrowing costs deeper into negative territory in a bid to kickstart lending. The announcement, while slightly short of expectations, was broadly cheered by markets, sending equities in Europe and New York higher Thursday. "In the end, it wasn't a big bazooka, but ECB President Mario Draghi did his level best trying to convince investors that monetary policy will remain extremely accommodative for some considerable time to come," said Gavin Friend, a senior market strategist at National Australia Bank. The news also provided further hope that the Federal Reserve would cut rates at its meeting next week, even though data showed a jump in US inflation last month.

Pound jumps on Brexit hopes as global stocks firmer

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-denies-lying-to-queen-in-brexit-crisis-249286">Boris Johnson</a> on Friday said he was "cautiously optimistic" about the possibility of a Brexit deal, noting a "good deal of progress" in talks with Brussels.

"There is the rough shape of a deal to be done... I am cautiously optimistic," Johnson said, speaking during a visit to Rotherham in northern England.

The latest comments came ahead of the scheduled meeting between Johnson and European Union chief&nbsp;Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg on Monday as he bids to broker a Brexit compromise ahead of the October 31&nbsp;deadline.

Johnson will "hold talks with President Juncker on Brexit," his Downing Street office had said without providing further details.

Meanwhile, the British pound gained one per cent against the dollar on&nbsp;Friday trading on speculation that the two sides were edging closer to a compromise over the contentious Irish border issue.

Watch: Both houses of UK parliament passed a law to stop 'No Deal Brexit' on 31st October

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However later in the day, the&nbsp;Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar cautioned that the gap between London and Brussels on reaching a Brexit deal was still "very wide".

"We are exploring what is possible,"&nbsp;Varadkar said adding,&nbsp;"The gap is very wide but we will fight for and work for" a deal, local media reported.

Johnson took office in July promising to implement the 2016 referendum decision by leaving the EU on October 31, even without a deal.

However, he lost his parliamentary majority last week after a series of defections and expulsions from his governing Conservative Party amid opposition to his strident Brexit stance.

The British leader wants to renegotiate the divorce terms struck by his predecessor Theresa May, which MPs have repeatedly rejected.

In particular, he wants to change the so-called backstop provisions, which concern ways to keep the Northern Irish border with the Republic of Ireland open in all scenarios.&nbsp;European leaders have accused the British prime minister&nbsp;offering no viable alternatives.

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said he was "cautiously optimistic" about the possibility of a Brexit deal, noting a "good deal of progress" in talks with Brussels.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday said he was "cautiously optimistic" about the possibility of a Brexit deal, noting a "good deal of progress" in talks with Brussels. "There is the rough shape of a deal to be done... I am cautiously optimistic," Johnson said, speaking during a visit to Rotherham in northern England. The latest comments came ahead of the scheduled meeting between Johnson and European Union chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Luxembourg on Monday as he bids to broker a Brexit compromise ahead of the October 31 deadline. Johnson will "hold talks with President Juncker on Brexit," his Downing Street office had said without providing further details. Meanwhile, the British pound gained one per cent against the dollar on Friday trading on speculation that the two sides were edging closer to a compromise over the contentious Irish border issue. Watch: Both houses of UK parliament passed a law to stop 'No Deal Brexit' on 31st October × However later in the day, the Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar cautioned that the gap between London and Brussels on reaching a Brexit deal was still "very wide". "We are exploring what is possible," Varadkar said adding, "The gap is very wide but we will fight for and work for" a deal, local media reported. Johnson took office in July promising to implement the 2016 referendum decision by leaving the EU on October 31, even without a deal. However, he lost his parliamentary majority last week after a series of defections and expulsions from his governing Conservative Party amid opposition to his strident Brexit stance. The British leader wants to renegotiate the divorce terms struck by his predecessor Theresa May, which MPs have repeatedly rejected. In particular, he wants to change the so-called backstop provisions, which concern ways to keep the Northern Irish border with the Republic of Ireland open in all scenarios. European leaders have accused the British prime minister offering no viable alternatives. (With inputs from agencies)

Cautiously optimistic on Brexit deal, says PM Boris Johnson ahead of EU meeting

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the evening from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - September 12th, 2019

The British government`s plans for a no-deal Brexit warn of severe disruption to cross-Channel routes, affecting the supply of medicines and certain types of fresh foods, and say that protests and counter-protests will take place across the country, accompanied by a possible rise in public disorder.

The "Operation Yellowhammer" worst-case assumptions published on Wednesday were prepared on August&nbsp;2, the government said, nine days after Boris Johnson became prime minister, and form the basis of its no-deal planning.

The document, which looks at the worst that could happen if Britain leaves the European Union on October 31 without a deal, said public and business readiness for such an outcome would likely be low, in part because of continued political confusion in the run-up to Brexit day.

It said lorries could have to wait up to two and a half days to cross the English Channel and British citizens could be subject to increased immigration checks at EU border posts.

"Certain types of fresh food supply will decrease," it said. "There is a risk that panic buying will cause or exacerbate food supply disruption." 
It said the flow of traffic across the English channel could be reduced by as much as 60% on the first day after a no-deal Brexit. The worst disruption could last for up to three months.

Traffic queues could affect fuel deliveries, disrupting supplies in London and south-east England, and panic buying could cause shortages in other parts of the country, it said.

Cross-border financial services would be affected as would information-sharing between police and security services, according to the document.

Documents from Operation Yellowhammer were first published in the Sunday Times newspaper on August 18.

Michael Gove, the minister in charge of coordinating "no-deal" preparations, said then that the document was old and did not reflect current levels of preparedness.

He said on Wednesday that assumptions contained in the five-page published document were currently being reviewed, but they were the most recent complete iteration of the plans.

The opposition Labour Party said the document confirmed the severe risks of a no-deal Brexit.

"It is completely irresponsible for the government to have tried to ignore these stark warnings and prevent the public from seeing the evidence," said Labour`s Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer.

"Boris Johnson must now admit that he has been dishonest with the British people about the consequence of a No Deal Brexit."

In releasing the document, Gove was acceding to a request from lawmakers. But he refused to make public the advice of government advisers about Johnson`s decision to prorogue, or suspend, parliament from Monday until October 14.

Scotland`s highest court of appeal ruled that decision was unlawful on Wednesday, prompting calls for lawmakers to return to work.

Gove said the publication of advice given to ministers would be an "inappropriate and disproportionate" use of parliamentary procedure, and the individuals would have no right to reply. 
&nbsp;

The British government`s plans for a no-deal Brexit warn of severe disruption to cross-Channel routes, affecting the supply of medicines and certain types of fresh foods, and say that protests and counter-protests will take place across the country, accompanied by a possible rise in public disorder.

The British government`s plans for a no-deal Brexit warn of severe disruption to cross-Channel routes, affecting the supply of medicines and certain types of fresh foods, and say that protests and counter-protests will take place across the country, accompanied by a possible rise in public disorder. The "Operation Yellowhammer" worst-case assumptions published on Wednesday were prepared on August 2, the government said, nine days after Boris Johnson became prime minister, and form the basis of its no-deal planning. The document, which looks at the worst that could happen if Britain leaves the European Union on October 31 without a deal, said public and business readiness for such an outcome would likely be low, in part because of continued political confusion in the run-up to Brexit day. It said lorries could have to wait up to two and a half days to cross the English Channel and British citizens could be subject to increased immigration checks at EU border posts. "Certain types of fresh food supply will decrease," it said. "There is a risk that panic buying will cause or exacerbate food supply disruption." It said the flow of traffic across the English channel could be reduced by as much as 60% on the first day after a no-deal Brexit. The worst disruption could last for up to three months. Traffic queues could affect fuel deliveries, disrupting supplies in London and south-east England, and panic buying could cause shortages in other parts of the country, it said. Cross-border financial services would be affected as would information-sharing between police and security services, according to the document. Documents from Operation Yellowhammer were first published in the Sunday Times newspaper on August 18. Michael Gove, the minister in charge of coordinating "no-deal" preparations, said then that the document was old and did not reflect current levels of preparedness. He said on Wednesday that assumptions contained in the five-page published document were currently being reviewed, but they were the most recent complete iteration of the plans. The opposition Labour Party said the document confirmed the severe risks of a no-deal Brexit. "It is completely irresponsible for the government to have tried to ignore these stark warnings and prevent the public from seeing the evidence," said Labour`s Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer. "Boris Johnson must now admit that he has been dishonest with the British people about the consequence of a No Deal Brexit." In releasing the document, Gove was acceding to a request from lawmakers. But he refused to make public the advice of government advisers about Johnson`s decision to prorogue, or suspend, parliament from Monday until October 14. Scotland`s highest court of appeal ruled that decision was unlawful on Wednesday, prompting calls for lawmakers to return to work. Gove said the publication of advice given to ministers would be an "inappropriate and disproportionate" use of parliamentary procedure, and the individuals would have no right to reply.

UK's worst-case no-deal Brexit plan warns of food shortages, public disorder

Newly-released British government documents have revealed that food shortages, power price increases, delays to medicine imports and major hold-ups at channel ports could be triggered by a no-deal Brexit.

No-deal Brexit could leave UK teetering

The British government faced a backlash on Thursday after it was forced to publish documents warning that a no-deal Brexit could lead to civil unrest and shortages of food and medicines.

The "Operation Yellowhammer" papers, which the government released late on Wednesday, revealed that preparedness for leaving the EU without an agreement remained "at a low level".

The documents -- disclosed after MPs voted Monday for their release -- warned of "a rise in public disorder and community tensions" in such a scenario, as well as logjams at Channel ports threatening to impact supplies.

"It is extraordinary that these are things that could flow from the government's own policy," opposition Labour lawmaker Hilary Benn said.&nbsp;

"Normally when you're protecting against something like this it's a natural disaster, it's the action of others, (things) you don't control."

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-tells-parliament-you-can-tie-my-hands-but-i-will-not-delay-brexit-248705">Boris Johnson's government</a> said they were updating the scenarios, which were last compiled at the start of August, and that it envisaged "the worst case".

"We're spending the money on doing lots of things to mitigate those assumptions," Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the BBC, noting there were daily meetings to prepare for no deal.

"We've planned for it and government does that well," he insisted.

Paul Carter, leader of the local authority in the southeast county of Kent, where there are fears of gridlock following a no-deal Brexit, said Johnson's administration had made "real progress" recently.

Watch: UK PM Boris Johnson's 2nd call for snap elections rejected

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"I'm pretty confident that we can avoid disruption in Kent," he told the BBC.

But the release has fuelled fears among MPs that a disorderly divorce would be calamitous.

"It is unprecedented," said MP Dominic Grieve, who was expelled from the ruling Conservatives last week for voting against the government over the issue.

"Even if we are ready for a no-deal Brexit, this is highly disruptive and costly."

'Nothing is changing'

Johnson took office in July promising to finally deliver on the referendum decision by leaving the EU on October 31 no matter what, but finds himself increasingly boxed in.

He has no majority in the Commons and suspended parliament on Monday until October 14 in an apparent bid to thwart opposition to a possible no-deal departure.

The controversial move provoked uproar across the political spectrum and several legal challenges.&nbsp;

A Scottish appeals court ruled Wednesday the suspension was "unlawful" but the government immediately appealed the decision, with the case set to be heard in the Supreme Court next Tuesday.

Parliament will for now stay shut, despite calls from opposition lawmakers for its immediate recall -- intensified by the release of the Yellowhammer documents.

"It is also now more important than ever that Parliament is recalled and has the opportunity to scrutinise these documents and take all steps necessary to stop no deal," Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said.

However, a government source told AFP on Wednesday that "nothing is changing" until the case was concluded.

Meanwhile, another ruling on a legal challenge in Belfast that no deal would breach the terms of Northern Ireland's 1998 peace accord was expected Thursday.&nbsp;

'Great progress'

Ahead of the shutdown lawmakers outlawed a no-deal Brexit, but Johnson has insisted Britain will still depart the EU on October 31.

The British leader wants to renegotiate the divorce terms struck by his predecessor Theresa May, which MPs have repeatedly rejected.

But European leaders accuse him of offering no viable alternatives.

Johnson, whose EU adviser David Frost is currently in Brussels, insisted Wednesday they were making "great progress" towards getting a deal.

"The ice floes are cracking, there is movement under the keel of these talks," he said.

The British government faced a backlash on Thursday after it was forced to publish documents warning that a no-deal Brexit could lead to civil unrest and shortages of food and medicines.

The British government faced a backlash on Thursday after it was forced to publish documents warning that a no-deal Brexit could lead to civil unrest and shortages of food and medicines. The "Operation Yellowhammer" papers, which the government released late on Wednesday, revealed that preparedness for leaving the EU without an agreement remained "at a low level". The documents -- disclosed after MPs voted Monday for their release -- warned of "a rise in public disorder and community tensions" in such a scenario, as well as logjams at Channel ports threatening to impact supplies. "It is extraordinary that these are things that could flow from the government's own policy," opposition Labour lawmaker Hilary Benn said. "Normally when you're protecting against something like this it's a natural disaster, it's the action of others, (things) you don't control." Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said they were updating the scenarios, which were last compiled at the start of August, and that it envisaged "the worst case". "We're spending the money on doing lots of things to mitigate those assumptions," Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told the BBC, noting there were daily meetings to prepare for no deal. "We've planned for it and government does that well," he insisted. Paul Carter, leader of the local authority in the southeast county of Kent, where there are fears of gridlock following a no-deal Brexit, said Johnson's administration had made "real progress" recently. Watch: UK PM Boris Johnson's 2nd call for snap elections rejected "I'm pretty confident that we can avoid disruption in Kent," he told the BBC. But the release has fuelled fears among MPs that a disorderly divorce would be calamitous. "It is unprecedented," said MP Dominic Grieve, who was expelled from the ruling Conservatives last week for voting against the government over the issue. "Even if we are ready for a no-deal Brexit, this is highly disruptive and costly." 'Nothing is changing' Johnson took office in July promising to finally deliver on the referendum decision by leaving the EU on October 31 no matter what, but finds himself increasingly boxed in. He has no majority in the Commons and suspended parliament on Monday until October 14 in an apparent bid to thwart opposition to a possible no-deal departure. The controversial move provoked uproar across the political spectrum and several legal challenges. A Scottish appeals court ruled Wednesday the suspension was "unlawful" but the government immediately appealed the decision, with the case set to be heard in the Supreme Court next Tuesday. Parliament will for now stay shut, despite calls from opposition lawmakers for its immediate recall -- intensified by the release of the Yellowhammer documents. "It is also now more important than ever that Parliament is recalled and has the opportunity to scrutinise these documents and take all steps necessary to stop no deal," Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said. However, a government source told AFP on Wednesday that "nothing is changing" until the case was concluded. Meanwhile, another ruling on a legal challenge in Belfast that no deal would breach the terms of Northern Ireland's 1998 peace accord was expected Thursday. 'Great progress' Ahead of the shutdown lawmakers outlawed a no-deal Brexit, but Johnson has insisted Britain will still depart the EU on October 31. The British leader wants to renegotiate the divorce terms struck by his predecessor Theresa May, which MPs have repeatedly rejected. But European leaders accuse him of offering no viable alternatives. Johnson, whose EU adviser David Frost is currently in Brussels, insisted Wednesday they were making "great progress" towards getting a deal. "The ice floes are cracking, there is movement under the keel of these talks," he said.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson under fire over no-deal Brexit assessment

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-rises-as-saudi-signals-opec-cuts-to-continue-under-new-minister-248572">OPEC</a> on Wednesday cut its forecast for growth in world <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-edges-down-on-lower-demand-outlook-us-china-trade-dispute-242428">oil demand</a> in 2020 due to an economic slowdown, an outlook the producer group said highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to prevent a new glut of crude.

In a monthly report, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-hits-six-week-high-on-hopes-of-extended-opec-output-cuts-248741">oil</a> demand worldwide would expand by 1.08 million barrels per day, 60,000 BPD&nbsp;less than previously estimated, and indicated the market would be in surplus.

The weaker outlook amid a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-china-trade-war-in-10-dates-241155#march-8-2018-tax-on-steel-aluminium-241132">US-China trade war</a>&nbsp;and Brexit could press the case for OPEC and its allies to maintain or adjust their policy of cutting output.

Iraq said ministers would on Thursday discuss whether deeper cuts were needed.

OPEC, in the report, lowered its forecast for world economic growth in 2020 to 3.1 per cent&nbsp;from 3.2 per cent&nbsp;and said next year's increase in oil demand would be outpaced by "strong growth" in supply from rival producers such as the United States.

"This highlights the shared responsibility of all producing countries to support oil market stability to avoid unwanted volatility and a potential relapse into market imbalance," the report said.

OPEC, Russia and other producers have since January&nbsp;1 implemented a deal to cut output by 1.2 million BPD. The alliance, known as OPEC+, in July renewed the pact until March 2020 and a committee reviewing the pact meets on Thursday.

Oil prices pared an earlier gain after the report was released to sit just below $63 a barrel.

Despite the OPEC-led cut, oil has tumbled from April's 2019 peak above $75, pressured by trade concerns and an economic slowdown.

The report said oil inventories in industrialised economies fell in July, a development that could ease OPEC concern over a possible glut.

Even so, stocks in July exceeded the five-year average,&nbsp;a yardstick OPEC watches closely&nbsp;by 36 million barrels.

OPEC and its partners have been limiting supply since 2017, helping to clear a glut that built up in 2014-2016 when producers pumped at will, and revive prices.

The policy has given a sustained boost to US&nbsp;shale and other rival supply, and the report suggests the world will need less OPEC crude next year.

Demand for OPEC crude will average 29.40 million BPD in 2020, OPEC said, down 1.2 million BPD from this year.

OPEC said its oil output in August rose, however, by 136,000 bpd to 29.74 million BPD according to figures the group collects from secondary sources.

It was the first increase this year. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-arabia-replaces-aramco-chairman-ahead-of-potential-ipo-247313">Saudi Arabia</a>, Iraq and Nigeria boosted supply.

Top exporter Saudi Arabia told OPEC that the kingdom raised August output by just over 200,000 BPD to 9.789 million BPD. Saudi Arabia continues to pump far less than its quota of 10.311 BPD.

Thanks in part to Saudi restraint, producers are still over-complying with the supply-cutting deal. Losses in Iran and Venezuela, two OPEC members facing US sanctions, have widened the supply reduction.

August's increase, however, puts OPEC output further above the 2020 demand forecast.

The report suggests there will be a 2020 supply surplus of 340,000 BPD if OPEC keeps pumping at August's rate and other things remain equal, more than the surplus forecast in last month's report.

OPEC on Wednesday cut its forecast for growth in world oil demand in 2020 due to an economic slowdown, an outlook the producer group said highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to prevent a new glut of crude.

OPEC on Wednesday cut its forecast for growth in world oil demand in 2020 due to an economic slowdown, an outlook the producer group said highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to prevent a new glut of crude. In a monthly report, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said oil demand worldwide would expand by 1.08 million barrels per day, 60,000 BPD less than previously estimated, and indicated the market would be in surplus. The weaker outlook amid a US-China trade war and Brexit could press the case for OPEC and its allies to maintain or adjust their policy of cutting output. Iraq said ministers would on Thursday discuss whether deeper cuts were needed. OPEC, in the report, lowered its forecast for world economic growth in 2020 to 3.1 per cent from 3.2 per cent and said next year's increase in oil demand would be outpaced by "strong growth" in supply from rival producers such as the United States. "This highlights the shared responsibility of all producing countries to support oil market stability to avoid unwanted volatility and a potential relapse into market imbalance," the report said. OPEC, Russia and other producers have since January 1 implemented a deal to cut output by 1.2 million BPD. The alliance, known as OPEC+, in July renewed the pact until March 2020 and a committee reviewing the pact meets on Thursday. Oil prices pared an earlier gain after the report was released to sit just below $63 a barrel. Despite the OPEC-led cut, oil has tumbled from April's 2019 peak above $75, pressured by trade concerns and an economic slowdown. The report said oil inventories in industrialised economies fell in July, a development that could ease OPEC concern over a possible glut. Even so, stocks in July exceeded the five-year average, a yardstick OPEC watches closely by 36 million barrels. OPEC and its partners have been limiting supply since 2017, helping to clear a glut that built up in 2014-2016 when producers pumped at will, and revive prices. The policy has given a sustained boost to US shale and other rival supply, and the report suggests the world will need less OPEC crude next year. Demand for OPEC crude will average 29.40 million BPD in 2020, OPEC said, down 1.2 million BPD from this year. OPEC said its oil output in August rose, however, by 136,000 bpd to 29.74 million BPD according to figures the group collects from secondary sources. It was the first increase this year. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Nigeria boosted supply. Top exporter Saudi Arabia told OPEC that the kingdom raised August output by just over 200,000 BPD to 9.789 million BPD. Saudi Arabia continues to pump far less than its quota of 10.311 BPD. Thanks in part to Saudi restraint, producers are still over-complying with the supply-cutting deal. Losses in Iran and Venezuela, two OPEC members facing US sanctions, have widened the supply reduction. August's increase, however, puts OPEC output further above the 2020 demand forecast. The report suggests there will be a 2020 supply surplus of 340,000 BPD if OPEC keeps pumping at August's rate and other things remain equal, more than the surplus forecast in last month's report.

OPEC cuts 2020 oil demand forecast, urges effort to avert a new glut

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, champion of Britain's parliament in its move to rein in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-boris-johnson-will-go-to-eu-to-seek-a-deal-not-a-brexit-delay-finance-minister-248420">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> over Brexit, said on Monday he would stand down, issuing a warning to the government not to "degrade" parliament.

Bercow, known for his thundering cries of "Order! Order!" and his scathing put-downs of misbehaving lawmakers, has been the target of fury from Johnson's government, which accused him of breaking rules to let lawmakers force a delay to Britain's exit from the EU.

With less than two months until Britain's most important political decision in decades, Bercow, whose position is formally meant to be neutral, helped give lawmakers the chance to strip control of the outcome away from the government.

Last week, lawmakers defeated Johnson to pass a law ordering Johnson to seek a delay from the October&nbsp;31 Brexit deadline.

In the speech announcing his plan to resign, Bercow fixed his gaze on the benches where ministers sit and delivered a direct warning to the government: "We degrade this parliament at our peril."

Bercow, 56, was given a standing ovation from many members of the lower house as he announced his plan to stand down in the coming weeks - particularly by those on the opposition benches.

"When the history books come to be written, you will be described as one of the great reforming speakers of the House of Commons," said opposition Labour Party lawmaker Hilary Benn, who led the passage of the law to try and stop a no-deal Brexit.

"In every decision, you have made, you have put one consideration above everything else: Your wish to enable the House of Commons to discuss matters and to have a view."

A day earlier, Johnson's business minister, Andrea Leadsom, had called Bercow's decision to give lawmakers a chance to pass legislation against the wishes of the government a "flagrant abuse" of the parliamentary process.

"It acts in complete disregard to the will of the people, not just on Brexit, but on whom they have chosen to govern them," she wrote in the Mail on Sunday. "The Speaker hasn’t just bent the rules, he has broken them."

In Monday's speech, Bercow said he would not contest the next election if parliament voted later on Monday in favour of calling one.

If, as expected, lawmakers reject the government's attempt to call an election, he said he would quit on October 31,&nbsp;the Brexit deadline that lawmakers voted last week to postpone.

Bercow has been speaker since 2009, a role traditionally responsible for ensuring decorum during the debate, but which took on unusual power this year when Johnson and his predecessor Theresa May failed to get their Brexit policies past parliament.

In a country with no written constitution and a parliament ruled by convention, it fell to him to interpret rules that normally give the government control over parliament's agenda.

Bercow's cries of "Order! Order!" has travelled around the world in viral video clips, as have his quips.

"Don't tell me, young man, what I can and can't say," he bellowed at one heckler on Monday. "If you're not interested, leave the chamber. I'm not remotely interested in your pettifogging objection, chuntered inelegantly from a sedentary position."

During his ten-year term, he has survived an outcry over expense claims,&nbsp;&nbsp;including costly use of official cars and overseas trips, and has faced allegations of bullying from former members of staff, which he has denied.

Pro-Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, one of the architects of the decision to leave the European Union, summed up the eurosceptic sentiment in a two-word tweet: "Good Riddance."

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, champion of Britain's parliament in its move to rein in Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Brexit, said on Monday he would stand down, issuing a warning to the government not to "degrade" parliament.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, champion of Britain's parliament in its move to rein in Prime Minister Boris Johnson over Brexit, said on Monday he would stand down, issuing a warning to the government not to "degrade" parliament. Bercow, known for his thundering cries of "Order! Order!" and his scathing put-downs of misbehaving lawmakers, has been the target of fury from Johnson's government, which accused him of breaking rules to let lawmakers force a delay to Britain's exit from the EU. With less than two months until Britain's most important political decision in decades, Bercow, whose position is formally meant to be neutral, helped give lawmakers the chance to strip control of the outcome away from the government. Last week, lawmakers defeated Johnson to pass a law ordering Johnson to seek a delay from the October 31 Brexit deadline. In the speech announcing his plan to resign, Bercow fixed his gaze on the benches where ministers sit and delivered a direct warning to the government: "We degrade this parliament at our peril." Bercow, 56, was given a standing ovation from many members of the lower house as he announced his plan to stand down in the coming weeks - particularly by those on the opposition benches. "When the history books come to be written, you will be described as one of the great reforming speakers of the House of Commons," said opposition Labour Party lawmaker Hilary Benn, who led the passage of the law to try and stop a no-deal Brexit. "In every decision, you have made, you have put one consideration above everything else: Your wish to enable the House of Commons to discuss matters and to have a view." A day earlier, Johnson's business minister, Andrea Leadsom, had called Bercow's decision to give lawmakers a chance to pass legislation against the wishes of the government a "flagrant abuse" of the parliamentary process. "It acts in complete disregard to the will of the people, not just on Brexit, but on whom they have chosen to govern them," she wrote in the Mail on Sunday. "The Speaker hasn’t just bent the rules, he has broken them." In Monday's speech, Bercow said he would not contest the next election if parliament voted later on Monday in favour of calling one. If, as expected, lawmakers reject the government's attempt to call an election, he said he would quit on October 31, the Brexit deadline that lawmakers voted last week to postpone. Bercow has been speaker since 2009, a role traditionally responsible for ensuring decorum during the debate, but which took on unusual power this year when Johnson and his predecessor Theresa May failed to get their Brexit policies past parliament. In a country with no written constitution and a parliament ruled by convention, it fell to him to interpret rules that normally give the government control over parliament's agenda. Bercow's cries of "Order! Order!" has travelled around the world in viral video clips, as have his quips. "Don't tell me, young man, what I can and can't say," he bellowed at one heckler on Monday. "If you're not interested, leave the chamber. I'm not remotely interested in your pettifogging objection, chuntered inelegantly from a sedentary position." During his ten-year term, he has survived an outcry over expense claims, including costly use of official cars and overseas trips, and has faced allegations of bullying from former members of staff, which he has denied. Pro-Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, one of the architects of the decision to leave the European Union, summed up the eurosceptic sentiment in a two-word tweet: "Good Riddance."

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow to step down

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday (September 10) he would not request an extension to Brexit, hours after a law came into force demanding that he delay Britain's departure from the European Union until 2020 unless he can strike a divorce deal. For the second time in a week, lawmakers rejected Johnson's request to try and break the deadlock through an early national election. Parliament is now due to be suspended until Oct. 14.

UK PM's second call for snap elections got rejected

UK PM Boris Johnson's 2nd call for snap elections rejected. WION speaks to Mandy Clark, London Bureau Chief for more on this.

WION Dispatch: UK PM Boris Johnson's 2nd call for snap elections rejected

The European Commission's next chief is to unveil her new executive team on Tuesday that, from November 1, will take on a range of tricky challenges, from climate change to an unpredictable US and the Brexit aftermath.

President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will divulge the portfolios of her vice presidents and commissioners, drawn from each member state, minus Britain whose government wants to leave the bloc on October 31.

If her selection is approved by the European Parliament and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-eu-commission-to-have-almost-as-many-women-as-men-248648"> EU leaders</a>, it will boast near gender parity, with 13 women and 14 men, meeting one of von der Leyen's key modernizing pledges.

The global issues they face will include the fight against climate change, trade wars, defending international institutions and defending Europe's commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

They will face headwinds from America, an ally seen by many as unreliable and isolationist under President Donald Trump, who is pressuring Europe on trade and for cracking down on the tax strategies of Silicon Valley giants.

Iran's shrink-back from the landmark nuclear deal it struck with world powers after America's exit, and more generally tensions across the Middle East as well as an assertive Turkey and a troublesome Russia also present foreign policy wildcards for Brussels.

And problems to confront within the European bloc include slowing growth, members such as Poland and Hungary spurning EU principles of solidarity and rule of law, and the populist current that is sustaining far-right politicians.

Mind the gap&nbsp;

Von der Leyen spent the last couple of weeks interviewing and vetting a list of candidates whose names were confirmed on Monday, though not their commission posts.

The first big drama they will likely star in will be Brexit, which, if British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gets his way, will be effective from the first day of the new Commission.

Even if that is the case which is not entirely certain given fierce British parliamentary opposition to the no-deal Brexit that Johnson says he is willing to impose negotiations to work out Britain's relationship with the EU will drag on for years.

"Our working assumption is that Brexit will happen on the 31st of October," a European Commission spokeswoman said Monday.

With Brexit, the EU would also have to find a way to fill the budget gap left by the departure of the UK, a top-tier economy in the bloc.

Negotiations are under way for the next budget cycle covering 2021-27 and meant to amount to 1.28 trillion euros ($1.4 trillion), but remaining EU members are reticent to increase their contributions to cover the shortfall.

To spur growth in the EU, von der Leyen has vowed to ease the fiscal rectitude that has notably been the hallmark of her home country of Germany.

That issue has taken on added urgency with ominous signs of a possible global recession, or at least a pronounced slowdown not helped by the US-China trade war.

Von der Leyen, previously Germany's defence minister, will be able to call on experienced hands on her team.

They include former Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni and outgoing Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders.

There are also holdovers from the previous Commission Margrethe Vestager from Denmark and Phil Hogan from Ireland for instance, taking on new roles along with Commission vice president Frans Timmermans.

Political currents

Von der Leyen will also have to surf competing political currents within Europe.

That is why on Tuesday, attention will be focused on how she divvies up portfolios among the dominant political families, as well as among western and eastern EU states, and how her priorities will be reflected by the heft of each directorate.

On Monday, a source close to the Commission selection process acknowledged to AFP that von der Leyen has "some problems to work out" in configuring her team.

The traditional influence exerted by EU heavyweights France and Germany will also be scrutinized, especially as President Emmanuel Macron has been carving out a more pronounced global leadership role while Chancellor Angela Merkel is to bow off the political stage in 2021.

The European Commission's next chief is to unveil her new executive team on Tuesday that, from November 1, will take on a range of tricky challenges, from climate change to an unpredictable US and the Brexit aftermath.

The European Commission's next chief is to unveil her new executive team on Tuesday that, from November 1, will take on a range of tricky challenges, from climate change to an unpredictable US and the Brexit aftermath. President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will divulge the portfolios of her vice presidents and commissioners, drawn from each member state, minus Britain whose government wants to leave the bloc on October 31. If her selection is approved by the European Parliament and EU leaders, it will boast near gender parity, with 13 women and 14 men, meeting one of von der Leyen's key modernizing pledges. The global issues they face will include the fight against climate change, trade wars, defending international institutions and defending Europe's commitment to democracy and the rule of law. They will face headwinds from America, an ally seen by many as unreliable and isolationist under President Donald Trump, who is pressuring Europe on trade and for cracking down on the tax strategies of Silicon Valley giants. Iran's shrink-back from the landmark nuclear deal it struck with world powers after America's exit, and more generally tensions across the Middle East as well as an assertive Turkey and a troublesome Russia also present foreign policy wildcards for Brussels. And problems to confront within the European bloc include slowing growth, members such as Poland and Hungary spurning EU principles of solidarity and rule of law, and the populist current that is sustaining far-right politicians. Mind the gap Von der Leyen spent the last couple of weeks interviewing and vetting a list of candidates whose names were confirmed on Monday, though not their commission posts. The first big drama they will likely star in will be Brexit, which, if British Prime Minister Boris Johnson gets his way, will be effective from the first day of the new Commission. Even if that is the case which is not entirely certain given fierce British parliamentary opposition to the no-deal Brexit that Johnson says he is willing to impose negotiations to work out Britain's relationship with the EU will drag on for years. "Our working assumption is that Brexit will happen on the 31st of October," a European Commission spokeswoman said Monday. With Brexit, the EU would also have to find a way to fill the budget gap left by the departure of the UK, a top-tier economy in the bloc. Negotiations are under way for the next budget cycle covering 2021-27 and meant to amount to 1.28 trillion euros ($1.4 trillion), but remaining EU members are reticent to increase their contributions to cover the shortfall. To spur growth in the EU, von der Leyen has vowed to ease the fiscal rectitude that has notably been the hallmark of her home country of Germany. That issue has taken on added urgency with ominous signs of a possible global recession, or at least a pronounced slowdown not helped by the US-China trade war. Von der Leyen, previously Germany's defence minister, will be able to call on experienced hands on her team. They include former Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni and outgoing Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders. There are also holdovers from the previous Commission Margrethe Vestager from Denmark and Phil Hogan from Ireland for instance, taking on new roles along with Commission vice president Frans Timmermans. Political currents Von der Leyen will also have to surf competing political currents within Europe. That is why on Tuesday, attention will be focused on how she divvies up portfolios among the dominant political families, as well as among western and eastern EU states, and how her priorities will be reflected by the heft of each directorate. On Monday, a source close to the Commission selection process acknowledged to AFP that von der Leyen has "some problems to work out" in configuring her team. The traditional influence exerted by EU heavyweights France and Germany will also be scrutinized, especially as President Emmanuel Macron has been carving out a more pronounced global leadership role while Chancellor Angela Merkel is to bow off the political stage in 2021.

Wildcards, headwinds as new European Commission executive to take over

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will try to save his job and his hardline <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-johnson-vows-to-fight-on-despite-brexit-blows-248502">Brexit strategy</a>&nbsp;Monday when he confronts parliament and his Irish counterpart in another showdown week.

The charismatic but divisive British leader finds himself facing a political impasse, just six weeks after taking over from his beleaguered predecessor Theresa May.

The new prime minister has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union after 46 years with or without a divorce deal by October 31, but has been blocked by parliament.

Johnson's bid to break the deadlock through a snap general election on October 15 is also facing an almost certain second successive defeat by lawmakers Monday.

It comes after a week in which he took a battering from resignations and sackings that included his own brother and Winston Churchill's grandson, leaving him without a working majority in parliament.

Two of his most senior ministers both rejected speculation Sunday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/id-rather-be-dead-in-a-ditch-than-delay-brexit-british-pm-boris-johnson-247871">Johnson</a> had no real option but to resign.

But neither could say clearly how he intended to keep all his Brexit promises without somehow bending UK law.

"Of course he is not going to break the law," Foreign Minister Dominic Raab told Sky News.

"We have a plan, which is to stick to what we have been doing," Interior Minister Sajid Javid told the BBC.

'It's no!'

The chaos is being compounded by Johnson's decision to suspend parliament for over a month from some point between Monday and Thursday.

The legal but controversial step was meant to remove domestic obstacles while he uses his "no-deal" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-lawmakers-willing-to-go-to-court-to-enforce-brexit-delay-bbc-248240">Brexit</a> threat to wrest better divorce terms from Brussels at a leadership summit on October 17-18.

But it ended up jolting parliament into racing through legislation forcing Johnson to ask for what would be a third Brexit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-lawmakers-vote-to-block-no-deal-brexit-in-fresh-blow-to-pm-johnson-247639">extension</a> if no new deal emerges by October 19.

Raab said Johnson would "test to the limit" the law in court.

European leaders are also skeptical that another delay designed to avoid economic disruption was still worth all the political pain.

"In the current circumstances, it's 'no!'," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told a Sunday political talk show in Paris.

"We are not going through this every three months."

All 28 current EU leaders would have to approve what would be the third Brexit extension this year.

Low expectations

The one EU nation that stands to lose the most from a messy breakup is Ireland.

Brussels rules require a post-Brexit border to go up along what is now an all-but-invisible frontier with Britain's Nothern Ireland if no alternative arrangement is found.

The issue was meant to be resolved by a "backstop" -- a complicated fudge that kept the North partially in and out of the EU while the sides sought a long-term fix.

But the backstop's inclusion ended up costing Theresa May her premiership after it was rejected by parliament three times.

Johnson pronounced it "dead" during his successful leadership campaign.

He travels to Dublin on Monday for his first official meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in search of a short-term compromise.

It is feared that a hard border could hit the Irish economy and jeopardize the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that brought the three-decade Northern Ireland conflict to an end.

Yet Brussels has rejected the alternative proposals aired by Johnson as either unworkable or unacceptable under EU rules.

Varadkar said he was keeping his expectations low heading into the talks.

"I don't think the meeting tomorrow is a high stakes meeting in the sense that I don't anticipate a big breakthrough tomorrow," the Irish prime minister said Sunday.

"If we come to an agreement, that agreement will happen most likely in October at the EU summit."

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will try to save his job and his hardline Brexit strategy Monday when he confronts parliament and his Irish counterpart in another showdown week.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will try to save his job and his hardline Brexit strategy Monday when he confronts parliament and his Irish counterpart in another showdown week. The charismatic but divisive British leader finds himself facing a political impasse, just six weeks after taking over from his beleaguered predecessor Theresa May. The new prime minister has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union after 46 years with or without a divorce deal by October 31, but has been blocked by parliament. Johnson's bid to break the deadlock through a snap general election on October 15 is also facing an almost certain second successive defeat by lawmakers Monday. It comes after a week in which he took a battering from resignations and sackings that included his own brother and Winston Churchill's grandson, leaving him without a working majority in parliament. Two of his most senior ministers both rejected speculation Sunday that Johnson had no real option but to resign. But neither could say clearly how he intended to keep all his Brexit promises without somehow bending UK law. "Of course he is not going to break the law," Foreign Minister Dominic Raab told Sky News. "We have a plan, which is to stick to what we have been doing," Interior Minister Sajid Javid told the BBC. 'It's no!' The chaos is being compounded by Johnson's decision to suspend parliament for over a month from some point between Monday and Thursday. The legal but controversial step was meant to remove domestic obstacles while he uses his "no-deal" Brexit threat to wrest better divorce terms from Brussels at a leadership summit on October 17-18. But it ended up jolting parliament into racing through legislation forcing Johnson to ask for what would be a third Brexit extension if no new deal emerges by October 19. Raab said Johnson would "test to the limit" the law in court. European leaders are also skeptical that another delay designed to avoid economic disruption was still worth all the political pain. "In the current circumstances, it's 'no!'," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told a Sunday political talk show in Paris. "We are not going through this every three months." All 28 current EU leaders would have to approve what would be the third Brexit extension this year. Low expectations The one EU nation that stands to lose the most from a messy breakup is Ireland. Brussels rules require a post-Brexit border to go up along what is now an all-but-invisible frontier with Britain's Nothern Ireland if no alternative arrangement is found. The issue was meant to be resolved by a "backstop" -- a complicated fudge that kept the North partially in and out of the EU while the sides sought a long-term fix. But the backstop's inclusion ended up costing Theresa May her premiership after it was rejected by parliament three times. Johnson pronounced it "dead" during his successful leadership campaign. He travels to Dublin on Monday for his first official meeting with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in search of a short-term compromise. It is feared that a hard border could hit the Irish economy and jeopardize the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that brought the three-decade Northern Ireland conflict to an end. Yet Brussels has rejected the alternative proposals aired by Johnson as either unworkable or unacceptable under EU rules. Varadkar said he was keeping his expectations low heading into the talks. "I don't think the meeting tomorrow is a high stakes meeting in the sense that I don't anticipate a big breakthrough tomorrow," the Irish prime minister said Sunday. "If we come to an agreement, that agreement will happen most likely in October at the EU summit."

Britain's Boris Johnson tries to save his job and hardline Brexit

The British government insisted Sunday that Boris Johnson would fight on as prime minister despite seeing a top cabinet ally quit and his do-or-die Brexit strategy blocked by parliament.

Johnson rose to power six weeks ago by injecting his trademark optimism into a ruling Conservative party that was cracking under the pressure of Britain's worst crisis in generations.

He now finds himself outflanked by pro-EU opponents and the country barrelling toward a chaotic October 31 breakup with its closest neighbours after 46 years.

Fears of Britain and the 27 EU nations splitting without a plan for what comes next were compounded when France threw up its hands at the possibility of another Brexit extension.

"In the current circumstances, it's no!" French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told a Sunday political talk show in Paris.

"We are not going through this every three months," he said.

All 28 current EU leaders must approve what would be the third Brexit delay this year.

'One-page' Brexit plan&nbsp;

Johnson's awful run at home got worse with the resignation on Saturday of Conservative heavyweight Amber Rudd from her work and pensions post.

Rudd was a moderate member of former prime minister Theresa May's government whose endorsement Johnson coveted during his successful UK leadership challenge.

But Rudd said on Sunday that she could no longer be part of the team that oversees what both businesses and the markets fear would be a very messy "no-deal" divorce.

"When I asked Number 10 for a summary of what the plan was for actually getting a deal, I was sent a one-page summary," she told BBC television.

"I believe (Johnson) is trying to get a deal with the EU. I am just saying what I have seen in government is that there is this huge machine preparing for no-deal."

Johnson is adamant that he needs the no-deal threat to wrest a better agreement from Brussels at a leadership summit on October 17-18.

He is instead seeking to hold an early general election on October 15 that could give him a mandate to take Britain out on time and at any cost.

But parliament has mandated Johnson to seek an extension should his approach fail by October 19.

Lawmakers are also expected on Monday to block his call for a snap vote for a second time.

This appears to leave Johnson with few other options but to resign -- something two top ministers said on Sunday he would not do.

"The prime minister will not be resigning," interior minister Sajid Javid told the BBC.

"He will be keeping this government's promise to leave on the 31st."

Yet Javid gave few specifics about what Johnson will do should parliament tell him to ask for an extension after turning down his election challenge.

"We have a plan, which is to stick to what we have been doing," Javid said.

Winning with voters

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab suggested that one option would be for the government to challenge parliament's potential delay request in court.

"It will be challenged in the courts," Raab told Sky News.

"What we are going to do with that legislation is test very carefully what it does and doesn’t require and that's not only the lawful thing to do, I think that's the responsible thing to do," Raab said.

And Johnson himself said in a letter to two Sunday newspapers that his government would "simply carry on" if his election call is turned down.

"We will surmount all the obstacles in our path," Johnson said.

"Whatever happens we will get ready to come out on October 31 and we will serve this country and its people with the energy and commitment they deserve."

That message still appears to be resonating with British voters.

Three separate polls published on Sunday showed Johnson's Conservatives either holding or extending their lead over the main opposition Labour Party to around 10 percentage points.

The British government insisted Sunday that Boris Johnson would fight on as prime minister despite seeing a top cabinet ally quit and his do-or-die Brexit strategy blocked by parliament.

The British government insisted Sunday that Boris Johnson would fight on as prime minister despite seeing a top cabinet ally quit and his do-or-die Brexit strategy blocked by parliament. Johnson rose to power six weeks ago by injecting his trademark optimism into a ruling Conservative party that was cracking under the pressure of Britain's worst crisis in generations. He now finds himself outflanked by pro-EU opponents and the country barrelling toward a chaotic October 31 breakup with its closest neighbours after 46 years. Fears of Britain and the 27 EU nations splitting without a plan for what comes next were compounded when France threw up its hands at the possibility of another Brexit extension. "In the current circumstances, it's no!" French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told a Sunday political talk show in Paris. "We are not going through this every three months," he said. All 28 current EU leaders must approve what would be the third Brexit delay this year. 'One-page' Brexit plan Johnson's awful run at home got worse with the resignation on Saturday of Conservative heavyweight Amber Rudd from her work and pensions post. Rudd was a moderate member of former prime minister Theresa May's government whose endorsement Johnson coveted during his successful UK leadership challenge. But Rudd said on Sunday that she could no longer be part of the team that oversees what both businesses and the markets fear would be a very messy "no-deal" divorce. "When I asked Number 10 for a summary of what the plan was for actually getting a deal, I was sent a one-page summary," she told BBC television. "I believe (Johnson) is trying to get a deal with the EU. I am just saying what I have seen in government is that there is this huge machine preparing for no-deal." Johnson is adamant that he needs the no-deal threat to wrest a better agreement from Brussels at a leadership summit on October 17-18. He is instead seeking to hold an early general election on October 15 that could give him a mandate to take Britain out on time and at any cost. But parliament has mandated Johnson to seek an extension should his approach fail by October 19. Lawmakers are also expected on Monday to block his call for a snap vote for a second time. This appears to leave Johnson with few other options but to resign -- something two top ministers said on Sunday he would not do. "The prime minister will not be resigning," interior minister Sajid Javid told the BBC. "He will be keeping this government's promise to leave on the 31st." Yet Javid gave few specifics about what Johnson will do should parliament tell him to ask for an extension after turning down his election challenge. "We have a plan, which is to stick to what we have been doing," Javid said. Winning with voters Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab suggested that one option would be for the government to challenge parliament's potential delay request in court. "It will be challenged in the courts," Raab told Sky News. "What we are going to do with that legislation is test very carefully what it does and doesn’t require and that's not only the lawful thing to do, I think that's the responsible thing to do," Raab said. And Johnson himself said in a letter to two Sunday newspapers that his government would "simply carry on" if his election call is turned down. "We will surmount all the obstacles in our path," Johnson said. "Whatever happens we will get ready to come out on October 31 and we will serve this country and its people with the energy and commitment they deserve." That message still appears to be resonating with British voters. Three separate polls published on Sunday showed Johnson's Conservatives either holding or extending their lead over the main opposition Labour Party to around 10 percentage points.

Britain's Johnson vows to fight on despite Brexit blows

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson received a fresh blow Saturday when senior minister Amber Rudd quit her work and pensions post in protest at his handling of the Brexit crisis.

Her resignation caps a miserable week for Johnson as he tries to steer his splintered country through its biggest political crisis since World War II.

Rudd was a moderate member of former prime minister Theresa May's government whose endorsement Johnson coveted during his successful UK leadership challenge in July.

But she said Saturday that she could no longer endorse Johnson's approach to negotiations with Brussels -- or handling of domestic politics.

"I have resigned from Cabinet and surrendered the Conservative Whip," Rudd tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I have resigned from Cabinet and surrendered the Conservative Whip. 
 
I cannot stand by as good, loyal moderate Conservatives are expelled. 
 
I have spoken to the PM and my Association Chairman to explain. 
 
I remain committed to the One Nation values that drew me into politics. <a href="https://t.co/kYmZHbLMES">pic.twitter.com/kYmZHbLMES</a>
— Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmberRuddHR/status/1170429481879842817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I cannot stand by as good, loyal moderate Conservatives are expelled," she said referring to Johnson's decision to expel 21 MPs from the Conservative party for voting against the government on Brexit.

Rudd said in her resignation letter that she felt uneasy about Johnson's commitment to take Britain out of the EU on October 31 even if the two sides fail to reach a negotiated deal.

The 56-year-old said she had once viewed Johnson's threat of a messy "no-deal" divorce as a useful negotiating tactic to take with Brussels.

"However, I no longer believe leaving with a deal is the government's main objective," she wrote in her resignation letter.

"The government is expending a lot of energy to prepare for 'no deal' but I have not seen the same level of intensity go into our talks with the European Union."

'Government falling apart'

Johnson has been adamant that he will not seek a third Brexit delay this year.

He is instead seeking to hold an early general election on October 15 that could give him the mandate to take Britain out on time and at any cost.

Johnson said this week that he would "rather be dead in a ditch" than seek a Brexit extension until January that more moderate forces demand.

The main opposition Labour Party is plotting a strategy with smaller parliamentary groups that could leave Johnson with no other alternative but to seek an extension to the Brexit talks or resign.

They are expected to push through legislation Monday forcing Johnson to seek a Brexit delay from Brussels unless he can strike a deal at an EU summit next month.

They are also trying to make sure that a general election is held only after Johnson is forced to go back on his word and push Brexit back again.

Johnson has branded the delay bill a "surrender" that would allow the other 27 EU leaders to dictate the terms on which Britain leaves its closest neighbours after 46 years.

Both Labour leaders and rebel Conservatives praised Rudd's decision to walk away from Johnson.

"Everyone has a point beyond which they cannot be pushed," centrist Conservative MP Nick Boles tweeted.

"Amber Rudd has reached hers. How much more of the party he inherited will Johnson destroy before he has second thoughts or is stopped by his Cabinet colleagues?"

Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said Johnson was "being totally found out" six weeks into his job.

"Johnson government falling apart," Starmer tweeted.

But Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage -- an anti-EU populist who is trying to forge an election alliance with Johnson -- said the British leader made a mistake by taking Rudd on in the first place.

"Why did Boris give ministerial posts to all these Remainers in the first place?" Farage asked in a tweet.

"Confused thinking to say the least."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson received a fresh blow Saturday when senior minister Amber Rudd quit her work and pensions post in protest at his handling of the Brexit crisis.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson received a fresh blow Saturday when senior minister Amber Rudd quit her work and pensions post in protest at his handling of the Brexit crisis. Her resignation caps a miserable week for Johnson as he tries to steer his splintered country through its biggest political crisis since World War II. Rudd was a moderate member of former prime minister Theresa May's government whose endorsement Johnson coveted during his successful UK leadership challenge in July. But she said Saturday that she could no longer endorse Johnson's approach to negotiations with Brussels -- or handling of domestic politics. "I have resigned from Cabinet and surrendered the Conservative Whip," Rudd tweeted. I have resigned from Cabinet and surrendered the Conservative Whip. I cannot stand by as good, loyal moderate Conservatives are expelled. I have spoken to the PM and my Association Chairman to explain. I remain committed to the One Nation values that drew me into politics. pic.twitter.com/kYmZHbLMES — Amber Rudd MP (@AmberRuddHR) September 7, 2019 × "I cannot stand by as good, loyal moderate Conservatives are expelled," she said referring to Johnson's decision to expel 21 MPs from the Conservative party for voting against the government on Brexit. Rudd said in her resignation letter that she felt uneasy about Johnson's commitment to take Britain out of the EU on October 31 even if the two sides fail to reach a negotiated deal. The 56-year-old said she had once viewed Johnson's threat of a messy "no-deal" divorce as a useful negotiating tactic to take with Brussels. "However, I no longer believe leaving with a deal is the government's main objective," she wrote in her resignation letter. "The government is expending a lot of energy to prepare for 'no deal' but I have not seen the same level of intensity go into our talks with the European Union." 'Government falling apart' Johnson has been adamant that he will not seek a third Brexit delay this year. He is instead seeking to hold an early general election on October 15 that could give him the mandate to take Britain out on time and at any cost. Johnson said this week that he would "rather be dead in a ditch" than seek a Brexit extension until January that more moderate forces demand. The main opposition Labour Party is plotting a strategy with smaller parliamentary groups that could leave Johnson with no other alternative but to seek an extension to the Brexit talks or resign. They are expected to push through legislation Monday forcing Johnson to seek a Brexit delay from Brussels unless he can strike a deal at an EU summit next month. They are also trying to make sure that a general election is held only after Johnson is forced to go back on his word and push Brexit back again. Johnson has branded the delay bill a "surrender" that would allow the other 27 EU leaders to dictate the terms on which Britain leaves its closest neighbours after 46 years. Both Labour leaders and rebel Conservatives praised Rudd's decision to walk away from Johnson. "Everyone has a point beyond which they cannot be pushed," centrist Conservative MP Nick Boles tweeted. "Amber Rudd has reached hers. How much more of the party he inherited will Johnson destroy before he has second thoughts or is stopped by his Cabinet colleagues?" Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said Johnson was "being totally found out" six weeks into his job. "Johnson government falling apart," Starmer tweeted. But Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage -- an anti-EU populist who is trying to forge an election alliance with Johnson -- said the British leader made a mistake by taking Rudd on in the first place. "Why did Boris give ministerial posts to all these Remainers in the first place?" Farage asked in a tweet. "Confused thinking to say the least."

Fresh blow to Boris Johnson, top UK minister Amber Rudd resigns over handling of Brexit crisis

Another blow to Boris' Brexit plan, Work & Pension Minister Amber Rudd resigns from the govt. Watch this video to know more.

Another blow to Boris' Brexit plan, Work & Pension Minister Amber Rudd resigns from the govt

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab on Sunday (September 8) dismissed as 'ridiculous' the suggestion that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-how-boris-johnson-can-unite-a-country-mired-in-a-brexit-identity-crisis-239628">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> could go to prison by ignoring legislation requiring Johnson to seek a delay to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-boris-johnson-will-go-to-eu-to-seek-a-deal-not-a-brexit-delay-finance-minister-248420">Britain's European Union</a> departure.

The government is always 'always going to behave lawfully', Raab told Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge.

Saturday's Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that the prime minister is prepared to defy parliament's instruction to request an extension to the Brexit process if he fails to agree on a new deal, quoting Johnson as saying he was only bound 'in theory' by the new legislation.

Raab also said that Johnson remains determined to pull Britain out of the European Union on October 31 come what may.

&nbsp;Johnson, who has lost his majority in parliament and has seen his bid to call an early national election blocked, would stick to his guns on Brexit, Dominic Raab told Ridge.

Watch: Another Setback for Boris Johnson

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The foreign minister conceded it has been a difficult week for the government. His comments follow the shock resignation of work and pensions minister Amber Rudd late on Saturday (September 7).

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab on Sunday (September 8) dismissed as 'ridiculous' the suggestion that Prime Minister Boris Johnson could go to prison by ignoring legislation requiring Johnson to seek a delay to Britain's European Union departure.

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab on Sunday (September 8) dismissed as 'ridiculous' the suggestion that Prime Minister Boris Johnson could go to prison by ignoring legislation requiring Johnson to seek a delay to Britain's European Union departure. The government is always 'always going to behave lawfully', Raab told Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge. Saturday's Daily Telegraph newspaper reported that the prime minister is prepared to defy parliament's instruction to request an extension to the Brexit process if he fails to agree on a new deal, quoting Johnson as saying he was only bound 'in theory' by the new legislation. Raab also said that Johnson remains determined to pull Britain out of the European Union on October 31 come what may. Johnson, who has lost his majority in parliament and has seen his bid to call an early national election blocked, would stick to his guns on Brexit, Dominic Raab told Ridge. Watch: Another Setback for Boris Johnson × The foreign minister conceded it has been a difficult week for the government. His comments follow the shock resignation of work and pensions minister Amber Rudd late on Saturday (September 7).

UK Foreign Minister Dominic Raab says PM Boris Johnson will not break law over Brexit

British finance minister Sajid Javid said on Sunday Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not ask for a Brexit delay at an EU summit next month, but will instead press to secure a deal to smooth Britain's departure from the bloc.

"First of all, the prime minister will go to the council meeting on the 17th and 18th (of October), he'll be trying to strike a deal. He absolutely will not be asking for an extension in that meeting," Javid told the BBC's Andrew Marr show.

He said the bill to force the government to ask for an extension to Brexit talks only has Oct. 19 as a deadline for parliament to either back a deal or leaving without an agreement, and that that was the date the government was watching.

"The bill talks about the 19th (of October) being an important date and at that point we will consider our options but our policy is clear. It is unchanged, we will be leaving on Oct. 31," he said. "We will obey all laws because all governments should obey laws absolutely, but you will have to wait and see what happens then." 
&nbsp;

British finance minister Sajid Javid said on Sunday Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not ask for a Brexit delay at an EU summit next month, but will instead press to secure a deal to smooth Britain's departure from the bloc.

British finance minister Sajid Javid said on Sunday Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not ask for a Brexit delay at an EU summit next month, but will instead press to secure a deal to smooth Britain's departure from the bloc. "First of all, the prime minister will go to the council meeting on the 17th and 18th (of October), he'll be trying to strike a deal. He absolutely will not be asking for an extension in that meeting," Javid told the BBC's Andrew Marr show. He said the bill to force the government to ask for an extension to Brexit talks only has Oct. 19 as a deadline for parliament to either back a deal or leaving without an agreement, and that that was the date the government was watching. "The bill talks about the 19th (of October) being an important date and at that point we will consider our options but our policy is clear. It is unchanged, we will be leaving on Oct. 31," he said. "We will obey all laws because all governments should obey laws absolutely, but you will have to wait and see what happens then."

PM Boris Johnson will go to EU to seek a deal, not a Brexit delay: Finance minister

Britain's&nbsp;governing&nbsp;Conservative Party plans to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;a&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;against&nbsp;parliamentary&nbsp;speaker&nbsp;John Bercow at the&nbsp;next&nbsp;national&nbsp;election, business minister Andrea Leadsom said, accusing him of "flagrant abuse" of his power.

Breaking with convention, Leadsom said it was right for the&nbsp;Conservatives&nbsp;to&nbsp;stand&nbsp;a&nbsp;candidate&nbsp;against&nbsp;Bercow. With Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit strategy having plunged parliament into chaos, the&nbsp;next&nbsp;national&nbsp;election&nbsp;could take place soon.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, Leadsom said Bercow had "failed us" when he allowed lawmakers to seize control of parliament on Tuesday, putting in place a plan to force Johnson to seek a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-gives-up-trying-to-stop-brexit-delay-bill-in-parliament-247721">Brexit</a> delay if parliament has not approved either a deal or consented to leaving without one by October 19.

Johnson has said he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than seek that extension which businesses say is needed to prevent economic damage from a no-deal Brexit - and has promised to lead Britain out of the bloc by October 31 with or without a deal.

"The&nbsp;Speaker&nbsp;is the senior officer of the House of Commons, and its highest authority. A politically impartial, independent umpire of proceedings, the&nbsp;Speaker&nbsp;is in place to protect the constitution and oversee the behaviour of the House," Leadsom wrote.

"What we saw on Tuesday was a flagrant abuse of this process."

Britain's governing Conservative Party plans to stand a candidate against parliamentary speaker John Bercow at the next national election, business minister Andrea Leadsom said, accusing him of "flagrant abuse" of his power.

Britain's governing Conservative Party plans to stand a candidate against parliamentary speaker John Bercow at the next national election, business minister Andrea Leadsom said, accusing him of "flagrant abuse" of his power. Breaking with convention, Leadsom said it was right for the Conservatives to stand a candidate against Bercow. With Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit strategy having plunged parliament into chaos, the next national election could take place soon. Writing in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, Leadsom said Bercow had "failed us" when he allowed lawmakers to seize control of parliament on Tuesday, putting in place a plan to force Johnson to seek a Brexit delay if parliament has not approved either a deal or consented to leaving without one by October 19. Johnson has said he would rather be "dead in a ditch" than seek that extension which businesses say is needed to prevent economic damage from a no-deal Brexit - and has promised to lead Britain out of the bloc by October 31 with or without a deal. "The Speaker is the senior officer of the House of Commons, and its highest authority. A politically impartial, independent umpire of proceedings, the Speaker is in place to protect the constitution and oversee the behaviour of the House," Leadsom wrote. "What we saw on Tuesday was a flagrant abuse of this process."

UK's governing Conservatives to stand candidate against speaker at next election

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