Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party has kept a big lead over both the ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections.

According to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer newspaper, Farage's newly formed party is on 34% of the vote ahead of the May 23 election that Britain is participating in because it failed to leave the European Union as expected at the end of March. The party's support was unchanged from a week ago.

The poll put Labour in second place on 20%, down 1 percentage point. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-may-to-make-mps-a-final-bold-offer-on-brexit-deal-219727">Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives</a> stay in fourth place on 12%, up 1 point. The pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who have explicitly called for a second referendum on Brexit, are on 15%, up 3 points.

The Conservatives and Labour, Britain's two biggest political parties, endured a drubbing in local elections this month, with voters expressing their frustration over the Brexit deadlock.

Opinium's poll also showed the Brexit Party overtaking the Conservatives to reach second place in general voting intentions - with Labour on 29%, the Brexit Party on 24% and the Conservatives on 22%.

Farage, whose former party UKIP is credited by many with forcing Britain's 2016 referendum on EU membership, launched his new party in April, threatening to take on Britain's political leaders who he accused of betraying the vote to leave.

After failing to get parliament's approval three times for May's Brexit deal, the government will now put it before parliament for another vote in early June.

Brexit talks between the government and Labour collapsed on Friday hours after May agreed to set out next month a timetable for her departure.

Britain is now due to leave the bloc in October but with parliament split over the terms, it remains unclear how or whether it will.

Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party has kept a big lead over both the ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections.

Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party has kept a big lead over both the ruling Conservative Party and the opposition Labour Party in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections. According to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer newspaper, Farage's newly formed party is on 34% of the vote ahead of the May 23 election that Britain is participating in because it failed to leave the European Union as expected at the end of March. The party's support was unchanged from a week ago. The poll put Labour in second place on 20%, down 1 percentage point. Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives stay in fourth place on 12%, up 1 point. The pro-EU Liberal Democrats, who have explicitly called for a second referendum on Brexit, are on 15%, up 3 points. The Conservatives and Labour, Britain's two biggest political parties, endured a drubbing in local elections this month, with voters expressing their frustration over the Brexit deadlock. Opinium's poll also showed the Brexit Party overtaking the Conservatives to reach second place in general voting intentions - with Labour on 29%, the Brexit Party on 24% and the Conservatives on 22%. Farage, whose former party UKIP is credited by many with forcing Britain's 2016 referendum on EU membership, launched his new party in April, threatening to take on Britain's political leaders who he accused of betraying the vote to leave. After failing to get parliament's approval three times for May's Brexit deal, the government will now put it before parliament for another vote in early June. Brexit talks between the government and Labour collapsed on Friday hours after May agreed to set out next month a timetable for her departure. Britain is now due to leave the bloc in October but with parliament split over the terms, it remains unclear how or whether it will.

UK's Brexit Party maintains big lead in EU election poll

Britain's Boris Johnson confirmed Thursday he will seek to become prime minister when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-gone-as-far-as-they-can-jeremy-corbyn-writes-to-theresa-may-as-labour-party-pulls-plug-on-brexit-compromise-talks-219387">Theresa May quits</a>, reports said, as she promised to set out a departure timetable early next month.

"Of course I'm going to go for it," the former foreign minister, ex-mayor of London and leading Brexit campaigner told a business event in Manchester, northwest England, the BBC and Sky News reported.

The decision comes as little surprise as Johnson, one of Britain's most identifiable politicians known simply as "Boris", has long been known to covet the top job.

But it effectively fires the starting gun on a race that already has more than a dozen runners and riders -- even though there is no official vacancy.

May has promised to step down once the first stage of Britain's exit from the European Union is secured, but this has been put in doubt by repeated Brexit delays.

At a meeting of senior members of her Conservative party on Thursday, May resisted growing demands to set out a detailed plan for her departure right now.

But Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 Committee of Conservative MPs, said May would do this after a parliamentary vote in the week beginning June 3 on legislation to approve her EU divorce deal.

"We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading (first vote) of the bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party," he said.

Many of May's ministers and senior lawmakers are already making moves for the leadership, holding photo opportunities and giving wide-ranging speeches that go well beyond their official briefs.

Johnson, who botched his chance to run against May when she took office after the 2016 referendum, has long been assumed to be a candidate but has recently kept out the limelight.

Known abroad for his gaffes and accused of misleading voters over Brexit, he is nonetheless loved by many ordinary members of the ruling Conservative party, who will have a say in their new leader.

Johnson quit as foreign minister last year over the government's Brexit strategy and has been an outspoken critic of the divorce deal May struck with Brussels last November.

The deal has been rejected three times by the House of Commons, forcing May to delay Brexit twice.

She announced this week she would put it to MPs for a fourth time in early June, in the form of a vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

May hopes the bill could be passed by July, allowing Britain to leave the EU at the end of that month, and is expected to step down at that point.

If the plan is rejected again next month, however, few expect her to hold on that long.

Britain's Boris Johnson confirmed Thursday he will seek to become prime minister when Theresa May quits, reports said, as she promised to set out a departure timetable early next month.

Britain's Boris Johnson confirmed Thursday he will seek to become prime minister when Theresa May quits, reports said, as she promised to set out a departure timetable early next month. "Of course I'm going to go for it," the former foreign minister, ex-mayor of London and leading Brexit campaigner told a business event in Manchester, northwest England, the BBC and Sky News reported. The decision comes as little surprise as Johnson, one of Britain's most identifiable politicians known simply as "Boris", has long been known to covet the top job. But it effectively fires the starting gun on a race that already has more than a dozen runners and riders -- even though there is no official vacancy. May has promised to step down once the first stage of Britain's exit from the European Union is secured, but this has been put in doubt by repeated Brexit delays. At a meeting of senior members of her Conservative party on Thursday, May resisted growing demands to set out a detailed plan for her departure right now. But Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 Committee of Conservative MPs, said May would do this after a parliamentary vote in the week beginning June 3 on legislation to approve her EU divorce deal. "We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading (first vote) of the bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party," he said. Many of May's ministers and senior lawmakers are already making moves for the leadership, holding photo opportunities and giving wide-ranging speeches that go well beyond their official briefs. Johnson, who botched his chance to run against May when she took office after the 2016 referendum, has long been assumed to be a candidate but has recently kept out the limelight. Known abroad for his gaffes and accused of misleading voters over Brexit, he is nonetheless loved by many ordinary members of the ruling Conservative party, who will have a say in their new leader. Johnson quit as foreign minister last year over the government's Brexit strategy and has been an outspoken critic of the divorce deal May struck with Brussels last November. The deal has been rejected three times by the House of Commons, forcing May to delay Brexit twice. She announced this week she would put it to MPs for a fourth time in early June, in the form of a vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill. May hopes the bill could be passed by July, allowing Britain to leave the EU at the end of that month, and is expected to step down at that point. If the plan is rejected again next month, however, few expect her to hold on that long.

Boris Johnson says will stand as UK PM agrees to set exit date

Brexit: What is due to happen in British politics before October 31

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday as the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch cross-party talks were dead in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-to-agree-departure-after-latest-brexit-deal-bid-219257">twilight of Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership</a>.

Nearly three years after the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% in a referendum to leave the EU, it is still unclear how, when or if it will ever leave the European club it joined in 1973. The current deadline to leave is October&nbsp;31.

Brexit talks between May's Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party have ended without an agreement hours after May agreed on Thursday to set out a timetable for her departure in early June.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to May on Friday, informing her that talks had "gone as far as they can" due to "the increasing weakness and instability" of the government.

Corbyn said May's government had become unstable and its authority had been eroded undermining confidence in the “government's ability to deliver any compromise agreement”.

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He said the party would oppose May's thrice-rejected deal when it returns to parliament.

May's hands have been tied, knowing that to make concessions to Labour would lead to fury in her divided party. Labour has feared that any compromises on issues such as workers' rights would be torn up by May's successor.

Britain’s labyrinthine crisis over Brexit has stunned allies and foes alike, and with the deadlock in London, the world's fifth largest economy faces an array of options including an exit with a deal, a no-deal exit, an election or a second referendum.

The Brexit impasse is unlikely to be broken swiftly.

May will put her 'European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill' to a vote in parliament in early June even though rebels in her party have pledged to defeat it. Then she must agree a timetable for the election of a successor.

May and Labour may try to agree on a process for parliamentary votes designed to find a consensus, the BBC reported. Those votes could happen as early as next week.

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday as the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch cross-party talks were dead in the twilight of Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership.

Britain's tumultuous divorce from the European Union was again in disarray on Friday as the opposition Labour Party declared last-ditch cross-party talks were dead in the twilight of Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership. Nearly three years after the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% in a referendum to leave the EU, it is still unclear how, when or if it will ever leave the European club it joined in 1973. The current deadline to leave is October 31. Brexit talks between May's Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party have ended without an agreement hours after May agreed on Thursday to set out a timetable for her departure in early June. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to May on Friday, informing her that talks had "gone as far as they can" due to "the increasing weakness and instability" of the government. Corbyn said May's government had become unstable and its authority had been eroded undermining confidence in the “government's ability to deliver any compromise agreement”. × He said the party would oppose May's thrice-rejected deal when it returns to parliament. May's hands have been tied, knowing that to make concessions to Labour would lead to fury in her divided party. Labour has feared that any compromises on issues such as workers' rights would be torn up by May's successor. Britain’s labyrinthine crisis over Brexit has stunned allies and foes alike, and with the deadlock in London, the world's fifth largest economy faces an array of options including an exit with a deal, a no-deal exit, an election or a second referendum. The Brexit impasse is unlikely to be broken swiftly. May will put her 'European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill' to a vote in parliament in early June even though rebels in her party have pledged to defeat it. Then she must agree a timetable for the election of a successor. May and Labour may try to agree on a process for parliamentary votes designed to find a consensus, the BBC reported. Those votes could happen as early as next week.

'Talks gone as far as they can,' Jeremy Corbyn writes to Theresa May as Labour party pulls plug on Brexit compromise talks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-to-agree-departure-after-latest-brexit-deal-bid-219257">British Prime Minister Theresa May to set out timetable for her departure after latest Brexit deal bid</a>

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-aides-he-does-not-want-us-war-with-iran-219259">Trump tells aides he does not want US war with Iran</a>

US President Donald Trump has told his top advisers he does not want to get the United States involved in a&nbsp;war with Iran, three US officials said on Thursday. "He doesn`t want to go to war. It`s not who he is," one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-lawmakers-press-pompeo-for-answers-on-iran-arms-control-report-219258">Top US lawmakers press Pompeo for answers on Iran arms control report</a>

The chairmen of three congressional committees on national security on Thursday pressed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to explain whether a Trump administration arms control report was politicised and slanted assessments about Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-huawei-restricted-from-using-us-suppliers-219260">China's Huawei restricted from using US suppliers</a>

The Trump administration on Thursday officially added China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to a trade blacklist, immediately enacting restrictions that will make it extremely difficult for the telecom giant to do business with US companies.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-proposes-new-us-immigration-plan-favouring-skills-over-family-ties-219269">Trump proposes new US immigration plan favouring skills over family ties</a>

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he wants to overhaul the immigration system to favour young, educated, English-speaking applicants with job offers instead of people with family ties to Americans, a plan with little chance of advancing in Congress.

British Prime Minister Theresa May to set out timetable for her departure after latest Brexit deal bid British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May to set out timetable for her departure after latest Brexit deal bid British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday. Trump tells aides he does not want US war with Iran US President Donald Trump has told his top advisers he does not want to get the United States involved in a war with Iran, three US officials said on Thursday. "He doesn`t want to go to war. It`s not who he is," one official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Top US lawmakers press Pompeo for answers on Iran arms control report The chairmen of three congressional committees on national security on Thursday pressed US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to explain whether a Trump administration arms control report was politicised and slanted assessments about Iran. China's Huawei restricted from using US suppliers The Trump administration on Thursday officially added China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to a trade blacklist, immediately enacting restrictions that will make it extremely difficult for the telecom giant to do business with US companies. Trump proposes new US immigration plan favouring skills over family ties US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he wants to overhaul the immigration system to favour young, educated, English-speaking applicants with job offers instead of people with family ties to Americans, a plan with little chance of advancing in Congress.

News brief: Big stories of the day

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday.

Three years after Britain voted to leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-eu-will-vote-and-why-it-matters-219145">European Union</a>, there is little clarity over when, how and even whether Brexit will happen, prompting some in her party to call for a new approach to the country`s biggest policy shift in more than 40 years.

May has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-step-down-before-next-phase-of-brexit-negotiations-pm-theresa-may-to-mps-206112">promised to step down after her Brexit deal</a> is approved by lawmakers. But many in her party want her to set out clearly when she will quit if the agreement is rejected for a fourth time, and others are demanding her immediate departure.

"The prime minister is determined to secure our departure from the European Union," Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee that can make or break party leaders, said following a meeting between his committee`s executive and May in parliament which he described as a "very frank exchange".

The government has said lawmakers will be able to debate and vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, the legislation required to enact May`s Brexit deal, in the week starting June 3.

"We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading of the Bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader," Brady said, adding that the conversation would take place whether the bill was passed or not.

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May, who became prime minister in the chaos that followed the 2016 referendum when Britons voted 52% to 48% to leave the EU, survived a no-confidence vote of her Conservative lawmakers in December.

Under current party rules, she cannot be challenged again for a year, but some on Brady`s committee had pushed for those rules to be changed in order to try to force her out earlier if she refused to set out a clear departure date.

Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, said he would stand as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader.

"Further procrastination"

May`s Brexit deal has been rejected three times by parliament, and weeks of talks with the opposition Labour Party, the idea of which was deeply unpopular with many Conservatives, have failed to find a consensus on the way forward.

A BBC reporter said on Thursday those talks were due to be called off soon after the ruling Conservatives gave up on any hope of a resolution.

Mired in Brexit deadlock and forced to delay Britain`s March 29 exit from the EU, May`s Conservatives suffered major losses in local elections this month and are trailing in opinion polls before May 23 European Parliament elections.&nbsp;

With Labour and Brexit-supporting rebels in the Conservatives planning to vote against her deal, it is unlikely to be approved as things stand.&nbsp;

Pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers were unimpressed with May`s failure to set a firm date to quit. One, who declined to be named, described it as "yet further procrastination which is causing appalling damage to the Conservative Party."

Another, Andrew Bridgen, said May was "an increasingly beleaguered and isolated prime minister who is desperate to salvage something from her premiership and is prepared to drive through an agreement that would fatally hamstring any future prime minister in negotiations with the EU."

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday. Three years after Britain voted to leave the European Union, there is little clarity over when, how and even whether Brexit will happen, prompting some in her party to call for a new approach to the country`s biggest policy shift in more than 40 years. May has promised to step down after her Brexit deal is approved by lawmakers. But many in her party want her to set out clearly when she will quit if the agreement is rejected for a fourth time, and others are demanding her immediate departure. "The prime minister is determined to secure our departure from the European Union," Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee that can make or break party leaders, said following a meeting between his committee`s executive and May in parliament which he described as a "very frank exchange". The government has said lawmakers will be able to debate and vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, the legislation required to enact May`s Brexit deal, in the week starting June 3. "We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading of the Bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader," Brady said, adding that the conversation would take place whether the bill was passed or not. × May, who became prime minister in the chaos that followed the 2016 referendum when Britons voted 52% to 48% to leave the EU, survived a no-confidence vote of her Conservative lawmakers in December. Under current party rules, she cannot be challenged again for a year, but some on Brady`s committee had pushed for those rules to be changed in order to try to force her out earlier if she refused to set out a clear departure date. Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, said he would stand as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader. "Further procrastination" May`s Brexit deal has been rejected three times by parliament, and weeks of talks with the opposition Labour Party, the idea of which was deeply unpopular with many Conservatives, have failed to find a consensus on the way forward. A BBC reporter said on Thursday those talks were due to be called off soon after the ruling Conservatives gave up on any hope of a resolution. Mired in Brexit deadlock and forced to delay Britain`s March 29 exit from the EU, May`s Conservatives suffered major losses in local elections this month and are trailing in opinion polls before May 23 European Parliament elections. With Labour and Brexit-supporting rebels in the Conservatives planning to vote against her deal, it is unlikely to be approved as things stand. Pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers were unimpressed with May`s failure to set a firm date to quit. One, who declined to be named, described it as "yet further procrastination which is causing appalling damage to the Conservative Party." Another, Andrew Bridgen, said May was "an increasingly beleaguered and isolated prime minister who is desperate to salvage something from her premiership and is prepared to drive through an agreement that would fatally hamstring any future prime minister in negotiations with the EU."

British Prime Minister Theresa May to set out timetable for her departure after latest Brexit deal bid

How the European Union will vote and why it matters

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eyes-july-brexit-deal-meps-likely-to-take-seats-218795">Theresa May's government </a>will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday.

The statement came after talks between May and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-tells-labour-lets-do-a-deal-on-brexit-215999">opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn</a> on a possible compromise that would end a deadlock on Brexit in parliament.

May met with Corbyn "to make clear our determination to bring the talks to a conclusion and deliver on the referendum result to leave the EU".

"We will therefore be bringing forward the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in the week beginning June 3," the spokesman said, referring to a draft law based on the divorce deal agreed with EU leaders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-two-main-parties-punished-in-local-election-for-brexit-chaos-partial-results-215592">May's Conservatives, Labour punished in local election over Brexit chaos</a>

May was seeking a "stable majority in parliament that will ensure the safe passage of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill and the UK's swift exit from the EU", the spokesman said.

For the past six weeks, ministers and their Labour counterparts have been discussing how parliament might accept the agreement May struck with the European Union (EU) last year.

Progress has been painfully slow, and there are growing calls in May's Conservative party to abandon the process.

But her ministers discussed at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday "the compromises which the government was prepared to consider" and agreed to keep talking, May's spokesman said.

They also said it was "imperative" that any exit plan be approved by parliament before MPs go on their summer holiday, which normally begins at the end of July.

"What she (May) is working to do is to get a deal passed as soon as possible," the spokesman said.

MPs have already rejected May's Brexit deal three times.

She turned to Labour last month in the hope of finding a way through, but the party is insisting on a close trading relationship with the EU that many Conservative MPs reject.

A Labour party spokesperson said Corbyn had raised "concerns about the prime minister's ability to deliver on any compromise agreement".

"He raised doubts over the credibility of government commitments," the spokesperson said, following statements by Conservative MPs seeking to replace May.

After twice delaying Brexit, Britain is reluctantly taking part in European Parliament elections on May 23, almost three years after the referendum vote to leave the bloc.

The government had hoped to get the London parliament's agreement for the divorce deal in the coming weeks so British MEPs would never have to take their seats.

But the goal outlined on Tuesday, of getting the bill to ratify the treaty passed by the end of July, suggests they will have to.

"The factual position is if MEPs are elected and (the British) parliament has not approved a withdrawal agreement bill which has achieved royal assent by June 30, they will take their seats," May's spokesman said.

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&nbsp;

Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May's government will publish draft legislation in the first week of June that would allow Brexit to proceed if approved by parliament, a Downing Street spokesman announced on Tuesday. The statement came after talks between May and opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on a possible compromise that would end a deadlock on Brexit in parliament. May met with Corbyn "to make clear our determination to bring the talks to a conclusion and deliver on the referendum result to leave the EU". "We will therefore be bringing forward the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in the week beginning June 3," the spokesman said, referring to a draft law based on the divorce deal agreed with EU leaders. Also read: May's Conservatives, Labour punished in local election over Brexit chaos May was seeking a "stable majority in parliament that will ensure the safe passage of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill and the UK's swift exit from the EU", the spokesman said. For the past six weeks, ministers and their Labour counterparts have been discussing how parliament might accept the agreement May struck with the European Union (EU) last year. Progress has been painfully slow, and there are growing calls in May's Conservative party to abandon the process. But her ministers discussed at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday "the compromises which the government was prepared to consider" and agreed to keep talking, May's spokesman said. They also said it was "imperative" that any exit plan be approved by parliament before MPs go on their summer holiday, which normally begins at the end of July. "What she (May) is working to do is to get a deal passed as soon as possible," the spokesman said. MPs have already rejected May's Brexit deal three times. She turned to Labour last month in the hope of finding a way through, but the party is insisting on a close trading relationship with the EU that many Conservative MPs reject. A Labour party spokesperson said Corbyn had raised "concerns about the prime minister's ability to deliver on any compromise agreement". "He raised doubts over the credibility of government commitments," the spokesperson said, following statements by Conservative MPs seeking to replace May. After twice delaying Brexit, Britain is reluctantly taking part in European Parliament elections on May 23, almost three years after the referendum vote to leave the bloc. The government had hoped to get the London parliament's agreement for the divorce deal in the coming weeks so British MEPs would never have to take their seats. But the goal outlined on Tuesday, of getting the bill to ratify the treaty passed by the end of July, suggests they will have to. "The factual position is if MEPs are elected and (the British) parliament has not approved a withdrawal agreement bill which has achieved royal assent by June 30, they will take their seats," May's spokesman said. ×

British government to put forward Brexit bill in June

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fight-to-replace-pm-may-complicating-brexit-talks-labour-partys-mcdonnell-217910">British Prime Minister Theresa May's government</a> said Tuesday it was aiming to agree a Brexit deal by July, making it likely that Britain's MEPs elected in next week's European elections will take their seats.

Ministers agreed at a cabinet meeting to continue talks with the main opposition Labour Party on how parliament might accept the divorce deal that May agreed with the EU last year, according to her spokesman.

But he said they also agreed it was "imperative" that any exit plan be approved before parliament's summer holiday, which normally begins at the end of July.

"What she (May) is working to do is to get a deal passed as soon as possible," he said.

Asked what this meant for Britain's 73 members of the European Parliament, the spokesman added: "The factual position is if MEPs are elected and (British) parliament has not approved a withdrawal agreement bill which has achieved royal assent by June 30, they will take their seats."

After twice delaying its exit from the European Union, Britain is reluctantly taking part in European Parliament elections on May 23, almost three years after the referendum vote for Brexit.

The government had hoped to get the London parliament's agreement for May's divorce deal in the coming weeks so British MEPs would never have to take their seats.&nbsp;

But if Britain is still a member of the EU when the new European Parliament convenes on July 2, they will have to be seated.

May opened talks with Labour six weeks ago after failing three times to get her agreement through the House of Commons in the face of objections from both her own side and the opposition.

But progress has been painfully slow and there are growing calls in May's Conservative party to abandon the talks.

Cabinet discussed on Tuesday what might happen if the talks fail, including a "Plan B" to hold a series of votes in parliament on possible Brexit options, May's spokesman said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government said Tuesday it was aiming to agree a Brexit deal by July, making it likely that Britain's MEPs elected in next week's European elections will take their seats.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government said Tuesday it was aiming to agree a Brexit deal by July, making it likely that Britain's MEPs elected in next week's European elections will take their seats. Ministers agreed at a cabinet meeting to continue talks with the main opposition Labour Party on how parliament might accept the divorce deal that May agreed with the EU last year, according to her spokesman. But he said they also agreed it was "imperative" that any exit plan be approved before parliament's summer holiday, which normally begins at the end of July. "What she (May) is working to do is to get a deal passed as soon as possible," he said. Asked what this meant for Britain's 73 members of the European Parliament, the spokesman added: "The factual position is if MEPs are elected and (British) parliament has not approved a withdrawal agreement bill which has achieved royal assent by June 30, they will take their seats." After twice delaying its exit from the European Union, Britain is reluctantly taking part in European Parliament elections on May 23, almost three years after the referendum vote for Brexit. The government had hoped to get the London parliament's agreement for May's divorce deal in the coming weeks so British MEPs would never have to take their seats. But if Britain is still a member of the EU when the new European Parliament convenes on July 2, they will have to be seated. May opened talks with Labour six weeks ago after failing three times to get her agreement through the House of Commons in the face of objections from both her own side and the opposition. But progress has been painfully slow and there are growing calls in May's Conservative party to abandon the talks. Cabinet discussed on Tuesday what might happen if the talks fail, including a "Plan B" to hold a series of votes in parliament on possible Brexit options, May's spokesman said.

UK eyes July Brexit deal, MEPs likely to take seats

For Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn, the European election campaign that has now kicked off in earnest is one they never wanted to fight.

European elections to take place on May 23

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-theresa-may-should-set-resignation-date-next-week-lawmaker-217747/amp">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s Conservatives have fallen to fifth place in an opinion poll ahead of the May 23 European parliamentary election as pressure grows for her to set a date for her own departure.

Nigel Farage's Brexit Party was in the lead, up to four percentage points, on 34% while May's Conservative Party had just 10%, the YouGov poll for the Times newspaper showed. The opposition Labour Party was down five points on 16%.

Two parties which support staying in the EU, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens, were on 15% and 11% respectively.

The collapse in support for the Conservative Party is piling pressure on May to set a date for her departure. Senior Conservatives want May to set out her plans this week.

Nearly three years since the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% to leave the European Union, there is still no agreement among British politicians about when, how or even if the divorce should take place.

"The reason I am back today doing what I am doing is that frankly we've been betrayed by our career political class," Farage told TalkRadio.

"If the Brexit Party comes out on top in a couple of weeks time, we must have a place at the negotiating table with the government to help put together our strategy."

Britain was due to have left the European Union on March 29, through May has been unable to get her divorce deal approved by parliament so she has turned to the Labour Party, led by socialist Jeremy Corbyn, in a bid to court his support.

Labour's Brexit point man, Keir Starmer, told The Guardian newspaper that any cross-party deal lacking a confirmatory referendum would not pass parliament as about 150 Labour lawmakers would oppose such a deal.

May clarity

May, who secured the leadership in the chaos that followed Britain's 2016 vote to leave the European Union, has promised to step down if lawmakers back the deal she struck with Brussels to leave the bloc.

But the prime minister has lost heavily on three attempts to get it through parliament.

Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which can make or break party leaders, said that May had been asked to give "clarity" about her future at a meeting this week.

The new deadline for leaving the EU is Oct. 31 though many Brexit supporters fear that the whole divorce could be derailed.

"We are at real risk of sleepwalking into remaining in the EU," Brexit Secretary Steven Barclay wrote in the Sun newspaper.

"That is why I believe that it would be inexcusable for the Government to not use the coming months to continue to prepare for the real risk we leave the EU without a deal."

He later wrote on Twitter that in a choice between a no-deal exit or staying in the EU, he would vote to leave without an agreement.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives have fallen to fifth place in an opinion poll ahead of the May 23 European parliamentary election as pressure grows for her to set a date for her own departure.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives have fallen to fifth place in an opinion poll ahead of the May 23 European parliamentary election as pressure grows for her to set a date for her own departure. Nigel Farage's Brexit Party was in the lead, up to four percentage points, on 34% while May's Conservative Party had just 10%, the YouGov poll for the Times newspaper showed. The opposition Labour Party was down five points on 16%. Two parties which support staying in the EU, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens, were on 15% and 11% respectively. The collapse in support for the Conservative Party is piling pressure on May to set a date for her departure. Senior Conservatives want May to set out her plans this week. Nearly three years since the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% to leave the European Union, there is still no agreement among British politicians about when, how or even if the divorce should take place. "The reason I am back today doing what I am doing is that frankly we've been betrayed by our career political class," Farage told TalkRadio. "If the Brexit Party comes out on top in a couple of weeks time, we must have a place at the negotiating table with the government to help put together our strategy." Britain was due to have left the European Union on March 29, through May has been unable to get her divorce deal approved by parliament so she has turned to the Labour Party, led by socialist Jeremy Corbyn, in a bid to court his support. Labour's Brexit point man, Keir Starmer, told The Guardian newspaper that any cross-party deal lacking a confirmatory referendum would not pass parliament as about 150 Labour lawmakers would oppose such a deal. May clarity May, who secured the leadership in the chaos that followed Britain's 2016 vote to leave the European Union, has promised to step down if lawmakers back the deal she struck with Brussels to leave the bloc. But the prime minister has lost heavily on three attempts to get it through parliament. Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which can make or break party leaders, said that May had been asked to give "clarity" about her future at a meeting this week. The new deadline for leaving the EU is Oct. 31 though many Brexit supporters fear that the whole divorce could be derailed. "We are at real risk of sleepwalking into remaining in the EU," Brexit Secretary Steven Barclay wrote in the Sun newspaper. "That is why I believe that it would be inexcusable for the Government to not use the coming months to continue to prepare for the real risk we leave the EU without a deal." He later wrote on Twitter that in a choice between a no-deal exit or staying in the EU, he would vote to leave without an agreement.

UK Prime Minister May's party slumps to fifth place as pressure mounts for her to go

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives are facing a battering at this month's European Parliament elections amid the Brexit impasse, presenting their candidates with quite a challenge in the campaign for votes.

With May's authority hanging by a thread, Brexit postponed, voters fed up and eurosceptics deserting the party in droves, according to opinion polls, Ashley Fox, who leads the Conservatives in the outgoing European Parliament, concedes that this election campaign is "difficult".

"I understand why people are angry," the 49-year-old MEP said, drinking a cup of tea in the Conservative Party offices in Bristol, southwest England.

In June 2016, 52 per cent of voters were in favour of Britain leaving the European Union.

Brexit was originally set to happen on March 29 this year. But MPs could not agree on the divorce deal May struck with Brussels and now the departure date has been set back to October 31.

As a result, Britain must take part in the European Parliament elections, being held in the UK on May 23, to elect MEPs who may take their seats for a few months only.

Protest vote fears

The election "will be difficult for my party because electors are frustrated, and we saw that in the local elections," said Fox.

In the local authority polls on May 2, both main parties -- the Conservatives and the Labour opposition -- took a pounding as exasperated voters switched elsewhere.

The Brexit Party, newly formed by eurosceptic figurehead Nigel Farage, is leading the opinion polls for the European Parliament elections.

"We would prefer that they wouldn't be taking place. But we will fight them," said Fox, as he urged voters not to defect to Farage's single-issue start-up.

A survey by pollsters Opinium, out Sunday in The Observer newspaper, put the Brexit Party on 34 per cent, Labour on 21 per cent, the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats on 12 per cent and the Conservatives on 11 per cent.

The campaigning enthusiasm shown by Fox is not matched by Conservative headquarters in London.

Perhaps sensing which way the wind is blowing, the centre-right party is yet to hold an official campaign launch, leaving the battle to the footsoldiers.

Standing for re-election in the southwest England constituency, which returns six MEPs, Fox has planned a limited campaign focused on social media rather than doorknocking.

He insists that is not out of fear of meeting the voters, but due to the lack of time between now and polling day for elections, he never expected to be standing in.

With less than a fortnight to go until the polls, Stephen Williams, who is standing for the Liberal Democrats, is hoping the centrist party can maintain the impressive resurgence it witnessed in the local elections.

He is out knocking on doors almost every day.

"My main message is: we want to stop Brexit," Williams told AFP while out campaigning in Redcliffe in the heart of Bristol.

Calling at one opulent house, he is met by a young man who seems startled by the knock and uninterested in the election.

But Williams, 52, is used to the hazards of doorknocking: he has been doing it for 35 years and was the Bristol West member of the British parliament from 2005 to 2015.

Brexit 'mess'

The next house offers a more enthusiastic welcome. On the porch, Dan Tyndall, a reverend, willingly shares the candidate's pro-European outlook.

"I hope for something that gives us a very clear indication as to how we can get ourselves out of this mess," the cleric said of the elections.

With a thick wad of leaflets, Williams goes tirelessly from door to door and does not encounter a single Brexiteer.

In Bristol, 62 per cent of voters wanted Britain to remain in the EU.

"The Liberal Democrats are the largest pro-remain party," Williams tells Elizabeth Davies, 57, as her little black dog barks.

Here again, his message falls on receptive ears.

"I have never ever voted Conservative in my entire life and I now can't vote for the Labour Party because they haven't come out as an opposition party," she said.

The two main parties are continuing to negotiate on a possible Brexit compromise, and Labour is pursuing what has been dubbed "constructive ambiguity" on the topic.

Satisfied, Williams presses on with his campaigning, in the hope of securing a seat -- and keeping it if Britain does a U-turn on its Brexit decision.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives are facing a battering at this month's European Parliament elections amid the Brexit impasse, presenting their candidates with quite a challenge in the campaign for votes.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservatives are facing a battering at this month's European Parliament elections amid the Brexit impasse, presenting their candidates with quite a challenge in the campaign for votes. With May's authority hanging by a thread, Brexit postponed, voters fed up and eurosceptics deserting the party in droves, according to opinion polls, Ashley Fox, who leads the Conservatives in the outgoing European Parliament, concedes that this election campaign is "difficult". "I understand why people are angry," the 49-year-old MEP said, drinking a cup of tea in the Conservative Party offices in Bristol, southwest England. In June 2016, 52 per cent of voters were in favour of Britain leaving the European Union. Brexit was originally set to happen on March 29 this year. But MPs could not agree on the divorce deal May struck with Brussels and now the departure date has been set back to October 31. As a result, Britain must take part in the European Parliament elections, being held in the UK on May 23, to elect MEPs who may take their seats for a few months only. Protest vote fears The election "will be difficult for my party because electors are frustrated, and we saw that in the local elections," said Fox. In the local authority polls on May 2, both main parties -- the Conservatives and the Labour opposition -- took a pounding as exasperated voters switched elsewhere. The Brexit Party, newly formed by eurosceptic figurehead Nigel Farage, is leading the opinion polls for the European Parliament elections. "We would prefer that they wouldn't be taking place. But we will fight them," said Fox, as he urged voters not to defect to Farage's single-issue start-up. A survey by pollsters Opinium, out Sunday in The Observer newspaper, put the Brexit Party on 34 per cent, Labour on 21 per cent, the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats on 12 per cent and the Conservatives on 11 per cent. The campaigning enthusiasm shown by Fox is not matched by Conservative headquarters in London. Perhaps sensing which way the wind is blowing, the centre-right party is yet to hold an official campaign launch, leaving the battle to the footsoldiers. Standing for re-election in the southwest England constituency, which returns six MEPs, Fox has planned a limited campaign focused on social media rather than doorknocking. He insists that is not out of fear of meeting the voters, but due to the lack of time between now and polling day for elections, he never expected to be standing in. With less than a fortnight to go until the polls, Stephen Williams, who is standing for the Liberal Democrats, is hoping the centrist party can maintain the impressive resurgence it witnessed in the local elections. He is out knocking on doors almost every day. "My main message is: we want to stop Brexit," Williams told AFP while out campaigning in Redcliffe in the heart of Bristol. Calling at one opulent house, he is met by a young man who seems startled by the knock and uninterested in the election. But Williams, 52, is used to the hazards of doorknocking: he has been doing it for 35 years and was the Bristol West member of the British parliament from 2005 to 2015. Brexit 'mess' The next house offers a more enthusiastic welcome. On the porch, Dan Tyndall, a reverend, willingly shares the candidate's pro-European outlook. "I hope for something that gives us a very clear indication as to how we can get ourselves out of this mess," the cleric said of the elections. With a thick wad of leaflets, Williams goes tirelessly from door to door and does not encounter a single Brexiteer. In Bristol, 62 per cent of voters wanted Britain to remain in the EU. "The Liberal Democrats are the largest pro-remain party," Williams tells Elizabeth Davies, 57, as her little black dog barks. Here again, his message falls on receptive ears. "I have never ever voted Conservative in my entire life and I now can't vote for the Labour Party because they haven't come out as an opposition party," she said. The two main parties are continuing to negotiate on a possible Brexit compromise, and Labour is pursuing what has been dubbed "constructive ambiguity" on the topic. Satisfied, Williams presses on with his campaigning, in the hope of securing a seat -- and keeping it if Britain does a U-turn on its Brexit decision.

Theresa May's Conservatives battle Brexit ballot bloodbath

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fight-to-replace-pm-may-complicating-brexit-talks-labour-partys-mcdonnell-217910">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> does not need to spell out a timetable for her departure, prisons minister Robert Buckland said on Sunday, adding the leader had already announced she would leave office after the first phase of Brexit.

May, who offered to quit if her deal to leave the European Union was passed by parliament, is under pressure to detail when she will leave office from angry Conservative lawmakers who want a new leader to try to improve the party's fortunes.

"The prime minister's said that she is going to go once the first phase of Brexit has been delivered," Buckland told Sky News, adding that meant after the deal agreed with the EU in November was ratified by parliament.

"If that can be done quickly, then we have that timetable set out already. I don't think she needs to say any more about that. What we need to do is to get on with the job," he said, adding that the deal could be passed in the next few months. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Theresa May does not need to spell out a timetable for her departure, prisons minister Robert Buckland said on Sunday, adding the leader had already announced she would leave office after the first phase of Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May does not need to spell out a timetable for her departure, prisons minister Robert Buckland said on Sunday, adding the leader had already announced she would leave office after the first phase of Brexit. May, who offered to quit if her deal to leave the European Union was passed by parliament, is under pressure to detail when she will leave office from angry Conservative lawmakers who want a new leader to try to improve the party's fortunes. "The prime minister's said that she is going to go once the first phase of Brexit has been delivered," Buckland told Sky News, adding that meant after the deal agreed with the EU in November was ratified by parliament. "If that can be done quickly, then we have that timetable set out already. I don't think she needs to say any more about that. What we need to do is to get on with the job," he said, adding that the deal could be passed in the next few months.

PM Theresa May has already set out timetable for her departure: UK minister

Since the Brexit vote, the UK government has championed the notion of “Global Britain” as a vision for the country’s future outside the EU. But what does Global Britain actually mean?

For the government, it appears to mean a Britain trading freely across the world, as in the days of the empire. For many on the right, membership of the EU has held back the country from doing so and Brexit offers an opportunity to address the problem. As Theresa May put it, "It is time for Britain to get out into the world and rediscover its role as a great, global trading nation."

The government recommends that Britain boosts trade links with the former colonies of the empire – countries that are now members of the Commonwealth (such as India and Nigeria) and/or the so-called “Anglosphere” (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA).

In this way, we are told, Britain will become great again and even help “transform the world for the better”. This sounds reasonable, but scratching beneath the surface reveals that Global Britain is based on little substance and, worse still, a bad imperialist idea.

Alternative to the EU

To begin with, the economic benefits of Global Britain are far from clear. In 2016, the then US president, Barack Obama, stated that Britain would go to the “back of the queue” in trade negotiations should it leave the EU. This is not surprising, given the UK has long been America’s gateway into Europe. Leaving the EU would in effect weaken US bargaining power in Europe and, in turn, erode, rather than strengthen, UK-US trade relations.

Gaining access to the US market would become much harder and would likely lead to Britain accepting US demands on labour and environmental standards, which would be, as a former EU director-general for trade claimed, “tantamount to becoming the 51st state on economic questions without the right to vote”. This is why some argue that if Britain wants to be a great global nation it needs to actually stay in the EU.

The trade potential with other Anglosphere states is also not so obvious, with those countries now set on developing relationships in their own regions. In Australia, for instance, the prevailing view is that the country’s economic future lies in the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership which would include Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, as well as the 10 ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) member, states: Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos.

There may be more potential with India, the Commonwealth’s most important economy, although there are significant uncertainties. One difficulty is the current UK anti-migration stance, including the decision in 2011 to scrap post-study visas. This has raised concerns in India where leaders have made it clear that visa leniency will be key to a closer trade relationship post-Brexit. Meeting this demand won’t be easy given immigration was one of the concerns that led to the Brexit vote in the first place.

Another concern is that the EU is India’s largest trading partner and the two parties have been in talks about a free trade agreement for more than a decade. Brexit may in fact help in delivering such an agreement, given two main British hurdles to EU negotiations with India: post-study visas and the longstanding demand that India lowers its sky-high tariff on Scotch whisky. Plus, France has been working hard to replace Britain as India’s bridge to Europe.

As for Britain’s former colonies in Africa, most of these are relatively small economies that by no means provide an alternative to the EU’s single market. Besides, European powers are fast losing ground to China on the African continent – especially in Anglophone Africa.

Yearning for empire

Global Britain appears to be more of a neo-colonial fantasy. Rather than being motivated by a clear economic rationale, the project is largely motivated by a nostalgia for the UK’s imperial past evident in the language used by the Brexiteers in the last few years – for example UKIP’s James Carver assertion that, outside the EU, “the world is our oyster, and the Commonwealth remains that precious pearl within”.

This fantasy is symptomatic of, and directly fuels, the “post-colonial melancholia” that has afflicted Britain since the decline of its empire. Perhaps more than any other former European colonial power, Britain has struggled to come to terms with the loss of its imperial possessions and privileges. This is in part due to an education system that says little about the horrors and inequities of British imperialism and, worse still, is encouraged by government to celebrate the empire – the language of Global Britain is testament to that.

Real politik

This Global Britain fantasy is undesirable and self-defeating. For one, it ignores and consciously erases the brutal history of the empire, including its transatlantic slave traders and plunderers and its genocidal settler colonialism in places now called Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, where indigenous peoples were routinely slaughtered.

This history makes the goal of rediscovering Britain’s role as “a great, global trading nation” not only a shameful approach to international trade post-Brexit but also counterproductive. Why would former colonies embrace a Britain that not only refuses to atone for its colonial sins but worse still, envisions its future as “Empire 2.0”?

The idea of Global Britain is simply the last gasp of a dying empire. Britons can either prolong the agony or work towards a new Britain, one that’s finally come to terms with its colonial past and ready to engage with the world on non-imperialist terms. The EU may or may not be the way forward, but the Global Britain narrative is likely to prove counterproductive either way. 
 
(Mehdi Boussebaa is Professor, University of Glasgow)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexits-global-britain-uk-needs-a-clear-economic-strategy-for-its-trading-future-not-a-dead-colonial-fantasy-116707">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

Since the Brexit vote, the UK government has championed the notion of “Global Britain” as a vision for the country’s future outside the EU. But what does Global Britain actually mean?

Since the Brexit vote, the UK government has championed the notion of “Global Britain” as a vision for the country’s future outside the EU. But what does Global Britain actually mean? For the government, it appears to mean a Britain trading freely across the world, as in the days of the empire. For many on the right, membership of the EU has held back the country from doing so and Brexit offers an opportunity to address the problem. As Theresa May put it, "It is time for Britain to get out into the world and rediscover its role as a great, global trading nation." The government recommends that Britain boosts trade links with the former colonies of the empire – countries that are now members of the Commonwealth (such as India and Nigeria) and/or the so-called “Anglosphere” (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA). In this way, we are told, Britain will become great again and even help “transform the world for the better”. This sounds reasonable, but scratching beneath the surface reveals that Global Britain is based on little substance and, worse still, a bad imperialist idea. Alternative to the EU To begin with, the economic benefits of Global Britain are far from clear. In 2016, the then US president, Barack Obama, stated that Britain would go to the “back of the queue” in trade negotiations should it leave the EU. This is not surprising, given the UK has long been America’s gateway into Europe. Leaving the EU would in effect weaken US bargaining power in Europe and, in turn, erode, rather than strengthen, UK-US trade relations. Gaining access to the US market would become much harder and would likely lead to Britain accepting US demands on labour and environmental standards, which would be, as a former EU director-general for trade claimed, “tantamount to becoming the 51st state on economic questions without the right to vote”. This is why some argue that if Britain wants to be a great global nation it needs to actually stay in the EU. The trade potential with other Anglosphere states is also not so obvious, with those countries now set on developing relationships in their own regions. In Australia, for instance, the prevailing view is that the country’s economic future lies in the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership which would include Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, as well as the 10 ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) member, states: Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. There may be more potential with India, the Commonwealth’s most important economy, although there are significant uncertainties. One difficulty is the current UK anti-migration stance, including the decision in 2011 to scrap post-study visas. This has raised concerns in India where leaders have made it clear that visa leniency will be key to a closer trade relationship post-Brexit. Meeting this demand won’t be easy given immigration was one of the concerns that led to the Brexit vote in the first place. Another concern is that the EU is India’s largest trading partner and the two parties have been in talks about a free trade agreement for more than a decade. Brexit may in fact help in delivering such an agreement, given two main British hurdles to EU negotiations with India: post-study visas and the longstanding demand that India lowers its sky-high tariff on Scotch whisky. Plus, France has been working hard to replace Britain as India’s bridge to Europe. As for Britain’s former colonies in Africa, most of these are relatively small economies that by no means provide an alternative to the EU’s single market. Besides, European powers are fast losing ground to China on the African continent – especially in Anglophone Africa. Yearning for empire Global Britain appears to be more of a neo-colonial fantasy. Rather than being motivated by a clear economic rationale, the project is largely motivated by a nostalgia for the UK’s imperial past evident in the language used by the Brexiteers in the last few years – for example UKIP’s James Carver assertion that, outside the EU, “the world is our oyster, and the Commonwealth remains that precious pearl within”. This fantasy is symptomatic of, and directly fuels, the “post-colonial melancholia” that has afflicted Britain since the decline of its empire. Perhaps more than any other former European colonial power, Britain has struggled to come to terms with the loss of its imperial possessions and privileges. This is in part due to an education system that says little about the horrors and inequities of British imperialism and, worse still, is encouraged by government to celebrate the empire – the language of Global Britain is testament to that. Real politik This Global Britain fantasy is undesirable and self-defeating. For one, it ignores and consciously erases the brutal history of the empire, including its transatlantic slave traders and plunderers and its genocidal settler colonialism in places now called Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, where indigenous peoples were routinely slaughtered. This history makes the goal of rediscovering Britain’s role as “a great, global trading nation” not only a shameful approach to international trade post-Brexit but also counterproductive. Why would former colonies embrace a Britain that not only refuses to atone for its colonial sins but worse still, envisions its future as “Empire 2.0”? The idea of Global Britain is simply the last gasp of a dying empire. Britons can either prolong the agony or work towards a new Britain, one that’s finally come to terms with its colonial past and ready to engage with the world on non-imperialist terms. The EU may or may not be the way forward, but the Global Britain narrative is likely to prove counterproductive either way. (Mehdi Boussebaa is Professor, University of Glasgow) (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 a clear economic strategy for its trading future, not a dead colonial fantasy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Britain</a> will have to take part in European Parliament elections on May 23 as there is not enough time left to get an exit deal ratified by parliament before then, Prime Minister Theresa May's de facto deputy said on Tuesday.

May had hoped to avoid taking part in the vote, but so far talks with the opposition Labour Party aimed at finding a way forward on Brexit have not succeeded in breaking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-reject-brexit-deal-for-third-time-206565">deadlock</a>.

"It is regrettably not going to be possible to finish that process before the date that is legally due for the European parliamentary elections ... So those will now go ahead," David Lidington, minister for the Cabinet Office, told reporters.

"We will be redoubling our efforts ... to try to make sure that the delay after that is as short as possible. Ideally we would like to be in a situation where those MEPs from the UK never actually take their seats in the European parliament, certainly to get this done and dusted by the summer recess."

Britain will have to take part in European Parliament elections on May 23 as there is not enough time left to get an exit deal ratified by parliament before then, Prime Minister Theresa May's de facto deputy said on Tuesday.

Britain will have to take part in European Parliament elections on May 23 as there is not enough time left to get an exit deal ratified by parliament before then, Prime Minister Theresa May's de facto deputy said on Tuesday. May had hoped to avoid taking part in the vote, but so far talks with the opposition Labour Party aimed at finding a way forward on Brexit have not succeeded in breaking the deadlock. "It is regrettably not going to be possible to finish that process before the date that is legally due for the European parliamentary elections ... So those will now go ahead," David Lidington, minister for the Cabinet Office, told reporters. "We will be redoubling our efforts ... to try to make sure that the delay after that is as short as possible. Ideally we would like to be in a situation where those MEPs from the UK never actually take their seats in the European parliament, certainly to get this done and dusted by the summer recess."

Britain will take part in European Parliament elections: Minister

US&nbsp;Secretary of State<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/long-awaited-action-victory-for-us-diplomacy-mike-pompeo-on-unsc-listing-azhar-as-terrorist-215231&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX34zAv4viAhWKrY8KHWatAcMQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw28ilS_2r8yLkcfX-ECDai3"> Mike Pompeo</a> visited Britain on Wednesday to pitch a post-Brexit `special relationship` as Iran said it may stop complying with some parts of the nuclear deal which the United States withdrew from a year ago.

Pompeo arrived in London after an unannounced visit to Iraq where he explained US&nbsp;security concerns amid rising Iranian activity. The US&nbsp;military said on Tuesday B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the administration of US <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/very-positive-venezuela-talks-with-russian-president-putin-donald-trump-215772&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjt_eTPv4viAhXBW3wKHbvoDDoQFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ze63rN5OGU2_wXvkJq-b-">President Donald Trump </a>says is "clear indications" of threats from Iran to US&nbsp;forces there.

"The message that we’ve sent to the Iranians, I hope, puts us in a position where we can deter and the Iranians will think twice about attacking American interests," Pompeo said, noting that US&nbsp;intelligence was "very specific" about "attacks that were imminent."

Iran will resume high-level enrichment of uranium if world powers do not protect its interests against US&nbsp;sanctions, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, responding to the US&nbsp;withdrawal from a nuclear deal a year ago.

In London, Pompeo will meet Prime Minister Theresa May who is grappling with a three-year political crisis over the United Kingdom`s exit from the European Union. He will also meet Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

As Britain tries to extract itself from the EU after 46 years of membership, a divorce many diplomats say has already made Britain weaker, Pompeo will give a speech on the so-called special relationship with the United Kingdom.

Both Brexit and the sometimes unpredictable Trump presidency have strained relations between the world`s preeminent power and the United Kingdom, its main European ally. Trump is due to make a state visit to the United Kingdom in June.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Britain on Wednesday to pitch a post-Brexit `special relationship` as Iran said it may stop complying with some parts of the nuclear deal which the United States withdrew from a year ago.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Britain on Wednesday to pitch a post-Brexit `special relationship` as Iran said it may stop complying with some parts of the nuclear deal which the United States withdrew from a year ago. Pompeo arrived in London after an unannounced visit to Iraq where he explained US security concerns amid rising Iranian activity. The US military said on Tuesday B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the administration of US President Donald Trump says is "clear indications" of threats from Iran to US forces there. "The message that we’ve sent to the Iranians, I hope, puts us in a position where we can deter and the Iranians will think twice about attacking American interests," Pompeo said, noting that US intelligence was "very specific" about "attacks that were imminent." Iran will resume high-level enrichment of uranium if world powers do not protect its interests against US sanctions, President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, responding to the US withdrawal from a nuclear deal a year ago. In London, Pompeo will meet Prime Minister Theresa May who is grappling with a three-year political crisis over the United Kingdom`s exit from the European Union. He will also meet Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. As Britain tries to extract itself from the EU after 46 years of membership, a divorce many diplomats say has already made Britain weaker, Pompeo will give a speech on the so-called special relationship with the United Kingdom. Both Brexit and the sometimes unpredictable Trump presidency have strained relations between the world`s preeminent power and the United Kingdom, its main European ally. Trump is due to make a state visit to the United Kingdom in June.

Pompeo visits Brexit Britain as Iran warns over nuclear deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday urged main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to work with her to break the Brexit deadlock, telling him,&nbsp;"Let's do a deal".

May said she understood why hardcore Brexiteers in her own centre-right Conservative Party, who want a clean break with the European Union, would wince at the prospect of striking a softer agreement with the veteran socialist.

But she insisted the clobbering both main parties took in last week's English local elections had increased the necessity of finding an EU divorce deal that a majority of MPs could get behind, even if many of her own backbenchers were not among them.

"To the leader of the opposition, I say this, let's listen to what the voters said in the elections and put our differences aside for a moment. Let's do a deal," she wrote in The Mail on Sunday newspaper.

May negotiated a withdrawal agreement with Brussels last year but MPs repeatedly voted it down, with large numbers of her own Conservative backbenchers standing against it.

"Regrettably, I have to accept there is no sign of that position changing," May wrote.

Had a withdrawal agreement been signed off, Britain would have left the EU on March 29. Its exit date has twice been postponed and is now set at October 31.

UK 'risks never leaving'

"The government has been in talks with the opposition to try to find a unified, cross-party position," May said.

"Many of my colleagues find this decision uncomfortable. Frankly, it is not what I wanted, either.

"But we have to find a way to break the deadlock - and I believe the results of the local elections give fresh urgency to this.

"We will keep negotiating, and keep trying to find a way through.

"The longer that takes, the greater the risk we will not leave at all. We need to get out of the EU and get a deal over the line."

The Conservatives lost more than a thousand seats in Thursday's English local authority polls, but left-wing Labour failed to capitalise, also losing seats as voters vented their frustration at the Brexit impasse dominating British politics.

The Sunday Times newspaper claimed that the government was prepared to give way to Labour on three areas, customs, goods alignment and workers' rights.

The broadsheet said May would set out plans for a temporary customs arrangement with the EU that would last until the next general election, which must be held by May 2022.

Anger at 'stitch-up'

However, more than 100 opposition lawmakers have written to May and Corbyn to say they would vote against any agreement the pair reach unless it is subject to a referendum.

"The very worst thing we could do at this time is a Westminster stitch-up, whether over the PM's deal or another deal. This risks alienating both those who voted leave in 2016 and those who voted remain," the letter says.

The phrase also appeared on the Sunday newspaper front pages, with The Observer's reading, "Anger grows at May-Corbyn bid to stitch up Brexit deal".

The Sunday Express said, "Brexit deal 'this week'," adding, "Panicking May and Corbyn close to an agreement that angry Brexiteers say is a 'stitch-up'."

Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith - who was himself ousted by his own MPs in 2003 - argued it was time to change the leadership, saying backbench MPs needed to "decide that either the prime minister sets the immediate date for departure or, I'm afraid, (we) must do it for her".

The hardcore eurosceptic called May a "caretaker prime minister", telling LBC radio that making fundamental decisions about Brexit under her leadership would, therefore, be "a big mistake".

May has said she will step aside once a Brexit deal has been passed by parliament.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday urged main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to work with her to break the Brexit deadlock, telling him, "Let's do a deal".

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday urged main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to work with her to break the Brexit deadlock, telling him, "Let's do a deal". May said she understood why hardcore Brexiteers in her own centre-right Conservative Party, who want a clean break with the European Union, would wince at the prospect of striking a softer agreement with the veteran socialist. But she insisted the clobbering both main parties took in last week's English local elections had increased the necessity of finding an EU divorce deal that a majority of MPs could get behind, even if many of her own backbenchers were not among them. "To the leader of the opposition, I say this, let's listen to what the voters said in the elections and put our differences aside for a moment. Let's do a deal," she wrote in The Mail on Sunday newspaper. May negotiated a withdrawal agreement with Brussels last year but MPs repeatedly voted it down, with large numbers of her own Conservative backbenchers standing against it. "Regrettably, I have to accept there is no sign of that position changing," May wrote. Had a withdrawal agreement been signed off, Britain would have left the EU on March 29. Its exit date has twice been postponed and is now set at October 31. UK 'risks never leaving' "The government has been in talks with the opposition to try to find a unified, cross-party position," May said. "Many of my colleagues find this decision uncomfortable. Frankly, it is not what I wanted, either. "But we have to find a way to break the deadlock - and I believe the results of the local elections give fresh urgency to this. "We will keep negotiating, and keep trying to find a way through. "The longer that takes, the greater the risk we will not leave at all. We need to get out of the EU and get a deal over the line." The Conservatives lost more than a thousand seats in Thursday's English local authority polls, but left-wing Labour failed to capitalise, also losing seats as voters vented their frustration at the Brexit impasse dominating British politics. The Sunday Times newspaper claimed that the government was prepared to give way to Labour on three areas, customs, goods alignment and workers' rights. The broadsheet said May would set out plans for a temporary customs arrangement with the EU that would last until the next general election, which must be held by May 2022. Anger at 'stitch-up' However, more than 100 opposition lawmakers have written to May and Corbyn to say they would vote against any agreement the pair reach unless it is subject to a referendum. "The very worst thing we could do at this time is a Westminster stitch-up, whether over the PM's deal or another deal. This risks alienating both those who voted leave in 2016 and those who voted remain," the letter says. The phrase also appeared on the Sunday newspaper front pages, with The Observer's reading, "Anger grows at May-Corbyn bid to stitch up Brexit deal". The Sunday Express said, "Brexit deal 'this week'," adding, "Panicking May and Corbyn close to an agreement that angry Brexiteers say is a 'stitch-up'." Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith - who was himself ousted by his own MPs in 2003 - argued it was time to change the leadership, saying backbench MPs needed to "decide that either the prime minister sets the immediate date for departure or, I'm afraid, (we) must do it for her". The hardcore eurosceptic called May a "caretaker prime minister", telling LBC radio that making fundamental decisions about Brexit under her leadership would, therefore, be "a big mistake". May has said she will step aside once a Brexit deal has been passed by parliament.

'Let's do a deal' on Brexit: British PM tells Labour

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lanka-suicide-bombers-visited-kashmir-kerala-for-some-sorts-of-training-army-chief-215900">Sri Lanka suicide bombers visited Kashmir, Kerala for 'some sorts of training': Army chief</a>

Sri Lanka Army's chief has said that some of the&nbsp;suicide bombers&nbsp;who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-resist-us-sanctions-through-oil-non-oil-exports-iran-president-rouhani-215895">Iran must resist US sanctions through oil, non-oil exports: Iran President Rouhani</a>

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said Iran must counter&nbsp;US sanctions&nbsp;by continuing to export its oil as well as boosting non-oil exports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-conservatives-look-for-brexit-compromise-after-local-poll-losses-215916">UK Conservatives look for Brexit compromise after local poll losses</a>

Britain's governing Conservatives need to be open to compromise with the opposition Labour Party in order to deliver Brexit following heavy losses in Thursday's local elections, senior ministers said on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/54-magnitude-earthquake-hits-parts-of-northeast-india-215915">5.4 magnitude earthquake hits parts of Northeast India</a>

An earthquake measuring&nbsp;5.4 on the Richter Scale hit parts of Northeast India and Myanmar today,&nbsp;India Meteorological Department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/king-vajiralongkorn-formally-crowned-rama-x-of-thailand-215813">King Vajiralongkorn formally crowned Thailand's divine monarch, vows to 'reign with righteousness'</a>

King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Rama X of Thailand, was crowned Saturday in a dazzling show of pageantry, laced with Hindu and Buddhist ritual, vowing to reign "with righteousness" on behalf of the Thai people.

&nbsp;

Sri Lanka suicide bombers visited Kashmir, Kerala for 'some sorts of training': Army chief Sri Lanka Army's chief has said that some of the suicide bombers who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits.

Sri Lanka suicide bombers visited Kashmir, Kerala for 'some sorts of training': Army chief Sri Lanka Army's chief has said that some of the suicide bombers who carried out the country's worst terror attack on Easter Sunday visited Kashmir and Kerala for "some sorts of training" or to "make some more links" with other foreign outfits. Iran must resist US sanctions through oil, non-oil exports: Iran President Rouhani Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said Iran must counter US sanctions by continuing to export its oil as well as boosting non-oil exports. UK Conservatives look for Brexit compromise after local poll losses Britain's governing Conservatives need to be open to compromise with the opposition Labour Party in order to deliver Brexit following heavy losses in Thursday's local elections, senior ministers said on Saturday. 5.4 magnitude earthquake hits parts of Northeast India An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter Scale hit parts of Northeast India and Myanmar today, India Meteorological Department said. King Vajiralongkorn formally crowned Thailand's divine monarch, vows to 'reign with righteousness' King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Rama X of Thailand, was crowned Saturday in a dazzling show of pageantry, laced with Hindu and Buddhist ritual, vowing to reign "with righteousness" on behalf of the Thai people.

British holidaymakers are favouring destinations outside the European Union after <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-indian-property-guru-joins-brexit-party-for-european-union-elections-214276&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiS37vdwvThAhWQ6XMBHb2xBLgQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3x4zP4G9CosOe80zHTdyps">repeated delays to Brexit</a> discouraged travellers from booking early and prompted them to look further afield, travel firm Thomas Cook said on Monday.

Turkey and Tunisia are among the biggest beneficiaries from the trend towards non-EU bookings, the firm said in a report, with demand for both recovering after security concerns curbed bookings in recent years.

Britain was due to leave the EU on March 29, but an impasse in parliament over the terms of Prime Minister Theresa May's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/british-opposition-leader-jeremy-corbyn-to-boycott-donald-trump-dinner-214210&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiS37vdwvThAhWQ6XMBHb2xBLgQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bNH9YIwIVSKx3IY0h24bL">Brexit deal </a>has delayed departure. A new deadline of October&nbsp;31 was agreed with Brussels.

Thomas Cook, the world's oldest travel company, said it was "clear that the prolonged uncertainty around the manner and timing of Britain's exit from the European Union has led many to delay their decision on when and where they book for their summer holidays."

But a majority of the 3,422 UK holidaymakers surveyed by the company nevertheless said they were more likely to holiday abroad than last year, with a quarter saying that a foreign holiday was higher in their spending priorities than in 2018, compared to just 8 per cent who said it was lower.

"Britain may be living through unique times from a political perspective, however our desire to holiday abroad is clear," said Will Waggott, Chief of Tour Operating for Thomas Cook.

"The political turmoil is having an impact in other ways, revealing itself in a clear shift to non-EU countries."

Thomas Cook said 48 per cent of its UK package holiday bookings for this summer so far were to non-EU destinations, up 10 percentage points on the same time last year.

Turkey has overtaken Greece to be the second most popular destination, with Spain remaining in the top spot.

And a slight increase in "all-inclusive" holidays could reflect a desire for travellers to "lock in" food and drink costs given the possible volatility in the pound, the company said.

Earlier this month easyJet warned that travellers were holding off booking their summer holidays due to uncertainty over how Brexit would go, weakening demand for tickets and thus prices.

British holidaymakers are favouring destinations outside the European Union after repeated delays to Brexit discouraged travellers from booking early and prompted them to look further afield, travel firm Thomas Cook said on Monday.

British holidaymakers are favouring destinations outside the European Union after repeated delays to Brexit discouraged travellers from booking early and prompted them to look further afield, travel firm Thomas Cook said on Monday. Turkey and Tunisia are among the biggest beneficiaries from the trend towards non-EU bookings, the firm said in a report, with demand for both recovering after security concerns curbed bookings in recent years. Britain was due to leave the EU on March 29, but an impasse in parliament over the terms of Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal has delayed departure. A new deadline of October 31 was agreed with Brussels. Thomas Cook, the world's oldest travel company, said it was "clear that the prolonged uncertainty around the manner and timing of Britain's exit from the European Union has led many to delay their decision on when and where they book for their summer holidays." But a majority of the 3,422 UK holidaymakers surveyed by the company nevertheless said they were more likely to holiday abroad than last year, with a quarter saying that a foreign holiday was higher in their spending priorities than in 2018, compared to just 8 per cent who said it was lower. "Britain may be living through unique times from a political perspective, however our desire to holiday abroad is clear," said Will Waggott, Chief of Tour Operating for Thomas Cook. "The political turmoil is having an impact in other ways, revealing itself in a clear shift to non-EU countries." Thomas Cook said 48 per cent of its UK package holiday bookings for this summer so far were to non-EU destinations, up 10 percentage points on the same time last year. Turkey has overtaken Greece to be the second most popular destination, with Spain remaining in the top spot. And a slight increase in "all-inclusive" holidays could reflect a desire for travellers to "lock in" food and drink costs given the possible volatility in the pound, the company said. Earlier this month easyJet warned that travellers were holding off booking their summer holidays due to uncertainty over how Brexit would go, weakening demand for tickets and thus prices.

Britons opt for non-EU holidays in face of Brexit impasse: Report

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning 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, April 29th 2019

An Indian-origin businessman has switched his allegiance from the Conservative Party to join the newly-formed Brexit Party to contest the European Parliament elections next month.

Ajay Jagota, a self-proclaimed housing and property expert, stepped down as chairman of the local South Shields Conservative Association in northern England last year after claiming that the Tory party had failed to address complaints he made about anti-Muslim racism.

The founder of Keep it Simple house lettings outfit had previously signed a joint letter of Tory association chairmen calling on British Prime Minister Theresa May to "recognise the discontent" over her Brexit deal and examine alternatives "that respect (the government's) red lines and offer&nbsp; 
an ambitious and positive global future for our country".

Now, just as campaigning for the European Union (EU) elections intensifies, Jagota has joined ranks with Nigel Farage's new anti-EU Brexit Party and will stand as a Member for the European Parliament (MEP) from London.

"This (Brexit) is such an important issue that for me it was imperative that I did whatever I could to ensure that those 17.4 million people that voted to Leave were not let down," Jagota told The Sunday Telegraph.

"I would have hoped for the Conservative Party to deliver on their manifesto and the referendum result, which we were promised they would.

"Combined with my experience in the Tory party as chairman and now the Brexit issue I felt I could no longer rely on them as a party with the incumbent leader (Theresa May), he said.

Jagota is being seen as one of many deserting the Tories, after reports that the ruling Conservative Party was shedding supporters to the new Brexit Party amid dissatisfaction with May's handling of Brexit.&nbsp;

Britain is forced to contest the EU elections on May 23 as a result of the repeated defeat of the British PM's Brexit withdrawal agreement in the UK Parliament.&nbsp;

After the initial March 29 deadline for Brexit could not be met, the UK sought two further extensions in an attempt to arrive at an exit agreement. The UK is now scheduled to leave the EU by October 31, with cross-party talks ongoing to try and find a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, the growing discontent over the issue has been laid bare as opinion polls suggest a surge of support for the Brexit Party set up by former UK Independence Party (UKIP) chief Nigel Farage with the message of &nbsp;Democracy under Threat.

According to a study by Opinium released on Sunday, Farage's new party is neck and neck with Labour on 28 per cent for next month's European elections, while Tory support collapses to 14 per cent in the May 23 contest.

The poll also found more than half the public (55 per cent) believe the UK should never have held the EU referendum as it has been so difficult to agree a deal.&nbsp;

An Indian-origin businessman has switched his allegiance from the Conservative Party to join the newly-formed Brexit Party to contest the European Parliament elections next month.

An Indian-origin businessman has switched his allegiance from the Conservative Party to join the newly-formed Brexit Party to contest the European Parliament elections next month. Ajay Jagota, a self-proclaimed housing and property expert, stepped down as chairman of the local South Shields Conservative Association in northern England last year after claiming that the Tory party had failed to address complaints he made about anti-Muslim racism. The founder of Keep it Simple house lettings outfit had previously signed a joint letter of Tory association chairmen calling on British Prime Minister Theresa May to "recognise the discontent" over her Brexit deal and examine alternatives "that respect (the government's) red lines and offer an ambitious and positive global future for our country". Now, just as campaigning for the European Union (EU) elections intensifies, Jagota has joined ranks with Nigel Farage's new anti-EU Brexit Party and will stand as a Member for the European Parliament (MEP) from London. "This (Brexit) is such an important issue that for me it was imperative that I did whatever I could to ensure that those 17.4 million people that voted to Leave were not let down," Jagota told The Sunday Telegraph. "I would have hoped for the Conservative Party to deliver on their manifesto and the referendum result, which we were promised they would. "Combined with my experience in the Tory party as chairman and now the Brexit issue I felt I could no longer rely on them as a party with the incumbent leader (Theresa May), he said. Jagota is being seen as one of many deserting the Tories, after reports that the ruling Conservative Party was shedding supporters to the new Brexit Party amid dissatisfaction with May's handling of Brexit. Britain is forced to contest the EU elections on May 23 as a result of the repeated defeat of the British PM's Brexit withdrawal agreement in the UK Parliament. After the initial March 29 deadline for Brexit could not be met, the UK sought two further extensions in an attempt to arrive at an exit agreement. The UK is now scheduled to leave the EU by October 31, with cross-party talks ongoing to try and find a breakthrough. Meanwhile, the growing discontent over the issue has been laid bare as opinion polls suggest a surge of support for the Brexit Party set up by former UK Independence Party (UKIP) chief Nigel Farage with the message of Democracy under Threat. According to a study by Opinium released on Sunday, Farage's new party is neck and neck with Labour on 28 per cent for next month's European elections, while Tory support collapses to 14 per cent in the May 23 contest. The poll also found more than half the public (55 per cent) believe the UK should never have held the EU referendum as it has been so difficult to agree a deal.

British Indian property guru joins Brexit Party for European Union elections

Britain's main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Friday declined an invitation to a banquet with Donald Trump when the US president visits in June, accusing him of using "racist and misogynist rhetoric".

Prime Minister "Theresa May should not be rolling out the red carpet for a state visit," Corbyn, a veteran left-winger and pacifist, said in a statement.

Trump "rips up vital international treaties, backs climate change denial and uses racist and misogynist rhetoric," Corbyn said, although he added that he would welcome a meeting with Trump during the June 3-5 visit.

Corbyn said it was "disappointing that the prime minister has again opted to kowtow to this US administration".

House of Commons speaker John Bercow, who has ruled out allowing Trump to address parliament, and Vince Cable, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats, have already declined the invitation to the dinner.

State dinners for visiting heads of state are usually held at Buckingham Palace and are lavish affairs.

May invited Trump for a state visit when she visited him in January 2017 -- just days after he took office.

The invitation proved controversial and an online petition to cancel it reached 1.9 million signatures.

The president, a strong supporter of Brexit, travelled to Britain last year but only on a working visit without the pomp and ceremony associated with state visits.

Britain's main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Friday declined an invitation to a banquet with Donald Trump when the US president visits in June, accusing him of using "racist and misogynist rhetoric".

Britain's main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Friday declined an invitation to a banquet with Donald Trump when the US president visits in June, accusing him of using "racist and misogynist rhetoric". Prime Minister "Theresa May should not be rolling out the red carpet for a state visit," Corbyn, a veteran left-winger and pacifist, said in a statement. Trump "rips up vital international treaties, backs climate change denial and uses racist and misogynist rhetoric," Corbyn said, although he added that he would welcome a meeting with Trump during the June 3-5 visit. Corbyn said it was "disappointing that the prime minister has again opted to kowtow to this US administration". House of Commons speaker John Bercow, who has ruled out allowing Trump to address parliament, and Vince Cable, leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats, have already declined the invitation to the dinner. State dinners for visiting heads of state are usually held at Buckingham Palace and are lavish affairs. May invited Trump for a state visit when she visited him in January 2017 -- just days after he took office. The invitation proved controversial and an online petition to cancel it reached 1.9 million signatures. The president, a strong supporter of Brexit, travelled to Britain last year but only on a working visit without the pomp and ceremony associated with state visits.

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn to boycott Donald Trump dinner

Supporters of an <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-chaos-leaves-scotland-on-independence-tightrope-209951&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2rvTapuvhAhW44XMBHV-YCNoQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0j6IiIxFbTuV5DXkhAb4Re">independent Scotland</a> will launch a new grassroots campaign on Thursday ahead of a possible second referendum on secession from the United Kingdom, hoping to harness Scottish voters` anger over Brexit.&nbsp;

Scots rejected independence in 2014 and support since then has remained stuck at around 45 per cent, opinion polls suggest. But Scots also voted to remain in the European Union in the 2016 Brexit referendum, in which England and Wales voted to leave.

Under the crowd-funded initiative "Voices for Scotland", which has some 100,000 supporters, clipboard-wielding activists will fan out across Scotland to try to boost support for secession to the 50-60 per cent range.

"I get the sense that we are in the death throes of the United Kingdom, that it is a very unstable construct," Maggie Chapman, one of the leaders of Voices for Scotland and also co-convenor of the Scottish Greens, told Reuters.

The launch comes a day after Scotland`s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the country would start preparing for a second referendum on independence before May 2021 without permission from London because of Brexit.

Britain is mired in political chaos after parliament rejected three times the withdrawal deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May and other EU leaders, and it is still unclear when or even if it will leave the bloc.

"UK NOT OK"

"One of the things that `no` or undecided voters said to me in 2014, in the run-up to that referendum (on Scottish independence) was `why, what do you want to change, the UK is fine as it is`," said Chapman.

"Brexit tells us that the UK is not OK, not only in terms of economic legitimacy and power but in terms of trust in politics," she said.

Scotland`s "Yes" movement took support for independence to 45 per cent in 2014 from around 23 per cent in 2012.

The new initiative will train campaigners to go out and "listen to what people need to help them become supportive of independence, as well as to persuade them of its merits", Voices for Scotland said in a statement.

It has so far raised about 100,000 pounds ($129,000) to train and support campaigners to spread the word on "every street in Scotland", Chapman said.

Its aim is particularly to target those who are undecided about Scottish independence or "who support the union but have had their faith undermined by recent events."&nbsp;

Supporters of an independent Scotland will launch a new grassroots campaign on Thursday ahead of a possible second referendum on secession from the United Kingdom, hoping to harness Scottish voters` anger over Brexit.

Supporters of an independent Scotland will launch a new grassroots campaign on Thursday ahead of a possible second referendum on secession from the United Kingdom, hoping to harness Scottish voters` anger over Brexit. Scots rejected independence in 2014 and support since then has remained stuck at around 45 per cent, opinion polls suggest. But Scots also voted to remain in the European Union in the 2016 Brexit referendum, in which England and Wales voted to leave. Under the crowd-funded initiative "Voices for Scotland", which has some 100,000 supporters, clipboard-wielding activists will fan out across Scotland to try to boost support for secession to the 50-60 per cent range. "I get the sense that we are in the death throes of the United Kingdom, that it is a very unstable construct," Maggie Chapman, one of the leaders of Voices for Scotland and also co-convenor of the Scottish Greens, told Reuters. The launch comes a day after Scotland`s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the country would start preparing for a second referendum on independence before May 2021 without permission from London because of Brexit. Britain is mired in political chaos after parliament rejected three times the withdrawal deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May and other EU leaders, and it is still unclear when or even if it will leave the bloc. "UK NOT OK" "One of the things that `no` or undecided voters said to me in 2014, in the run-up to that referendum (on Scottish independence) was `why, what do you want to change, the UK is fine as it is`," said Chapman. "Brexit tells us that the UK is not OK, not only in terms of economic legitimacy and power but in terms of trust in politics," she said. Scotland`s "Yes" movement took support for independence to 45 per cent in 2014 from around 23 per cent in 2012. The new initiative will train campaigners to go out and "listen to what people need to help them become supportive of independence, as well as to persuade them of its merits", Voices for Scotland said in a statement. It has so far raised about 100,000 pounds ($129,000) to train and support campaigners to spread the word on "every street in Scotland", Chapman said. Its aim is particularly to target those who are undecided about Scottish independence or "who support the union but have had their faith undermined by recent events."

Anger over Brexit sparks new grassroots drive for Scottish independence

Rachel Johnson, the sister of leading Brexit proponent Boris Johnson, on Tuesday became a candidate for new pro-EU party Change UK -- the latest high-profile sibling split over the contentious issue.

The former Financial Times and Daily Telegraph journalist, 53, joined the new party formed by 11 cross-party europhile MPs, to run in the upcoming European Parliament elections.

She is the younger sister of former foreign secretary Boris, who is favourite to take over as prime minister after current leader Theresa May steps down once the first phase of Brexit is completed.

"I'm sure that Boris understands why this is not a vote against Boris," she said, telling London's Evening Standard newspaper she felt "impelled to stand up and be counted for what I believe in".

The ardent European Union supporter once said she would "walk down Whitehall in my birthday suit to stop Brexit."

She now writes a weekly column in The Mail on Sunday, and was unveiled on a roster of candidates for Change UK at an event in Bristol in southwest England.

Boris Johnson was a key figure helping swing the 2016 referendum vote in favour of Leave.

He has criticised May's withdrawal deal struck with the EU for keeping Britain too closely tied to the bloc, putting him at odds with other members of his family.

His brother Jo, also a Conservative politician, quit as a minister in November, believing May's deal would sever too many ties with the EU.

He has since backed calls for a second referendum on the issue.

The power of Brexit to cut across family bonds -- even if on the same side -- was also evident earlier this month.

Annunziata Rees-Mogg, brother of influential Conservative Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, announced she was leaving the party to stand as a candidate for Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party.

Her brother tweeted that "Annunziata would be a brilliant prime minister but I hope as a Tory".

It was revealed she has been a member of the Conservatives since the age of five.

Rachel Johnson, the sister of leading Brexit proponent Boris Johnson, on Tuesday became a candidate for new pro-EU party Change UK -- the latest high-profile sibling split over the contentious issue.

Rachel Johnson, the sister of leading Brexit proponent Boris Johnson, on Tuesday became a candidate for new pro-EU party Change UK -- the latest high-profile sibling split over the contentious issue. The former Financial Times and Daily Telegraph journalist, 53, joined the new party formed by 11 cross-party europhile MPs, to run in the upcoming European Parliament elections. She is the younger sister of former foreign secretary Boris, who is favourite to take over as prime minister after current leader Theresa May steps down once the first phase of Brexit is completed. "I'm sure that Boris understands why this is not a vote against Boris," she said, telling London's Evening Standard newspaper she felt "impelled to stand up and be counted for what I believe in". The ardent European Union supporter once said she would "walk down Whitehall in my birthday suit to stop Brexit." She now writes a weekly column in The Mail on Sunday, and was unveiled on a roster of candidates for Change UK at an event in Bristol in southwest England. Boris Johnson was a key figure helping swing the 2016 referendum vote in favour of Leave. He has criticised May's withdrawal deal struck with the EU for keeping Britain too closely tied to the bloc, putting him at odds with other members of his family. His brother Jo, also a Conservative politician, quit as a minister in November, believing May's deal would sever too many ties with the EU. He has since backed calls for a second referendum on the issue. The power of Brexit to cut across family bonds -- even if on the same side -- was also evident earlier this month. Annunziata Rees-Mogg, brother of influential Conservative Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, announced she was leaving the party to stand as a candidate for Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party. Her brother tweeted that "Annunziata would be a brilliant prime minister but I hope as a Tory". It was revealed she has been a member of the Conservatives since the age of five.

Sibling rivalry behind Britain's Brexit politics

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-mays-brexit-strategy-on-uk-visit-151227">Donald Trump</a> will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him.

Trump will be the guest of Queen Elizabeth II and will also hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May during the trip.

"We do more together than any two nations in the world and we are both safer and more prosperous because of our cooperation," May said in a statement on the visit.

She said it would be "an opportunity to strengthen our already close relationship in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence, and to discuss how we can build on these ties in the years ahead."

The pomp associated with state visits will prove particularly controversial in Britain, where House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has already said he does not want the US president to address parliament.

May invited Trump for a state visit in January 2017 when she went to Washington just days after he took office in what was widely seen as an attempt to curry favour, particularly for post-Brexit trade ties.

An online petition to cancel Trump's state visit reached 1.9 million signatures and that trip was delayed.

On the last day of his visit, June 5, Trump will attend a large military ceremony in Portsmouth in southern England, where ships left for the D-Day landings 75 years ago in the largest seaborne invasion in history.

Downing Street said in a statement that the event would be "one of the greatest British military spectacles in recent history" involving "26 iconic RAF aircraft and at least 11 Royal Navy vessels".

Trump will then travel to Normandy on June 6 for the main D-Day commemorations, the statement said.

British anti-Trump campaign groups pledged to mobilise in "huge numbers" to protest against the visiting president.

When Trump last visited Britain in July 2018, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets.

Shaista Aziz from the Stop Trump coalition blamed Trump for a "politics of hate and bigotry" and said it was time for his critics to "stand up and be counted".

Sabby Dhalu from the Stand Up To Trump group added,&nbsp;"All those that value peace and hope for a better world for the many must take to the streets and say clearly that Donald Trump is not welcome here".

US President Donald Trump will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him.

US President Donald Trump will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him. Trump will be the guest of Queen Elizabeth II and will also hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May during the trip. "We do more together than any two nations in the world and we are both safer and more prosperous because of our cooperation," May said in a statement on the visit. She said it would be "an opportunity to strengthen our already close relationship in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence, and to discuss how we can build on these ties in the years ahead." The pomp associated with state visits will prove particularly controversial in Britain, where House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has already said he does not want the US president to address parliament. May invited Trump for a state visit in January 2017 when she went to Washington just days after he took office in what was widely seen as an attempt to curry favour, particularly for post-Brexit trade ties. An online petition to cancel Trump's state visit reached 1.9 million signatures and that trip was delayed. On the last day of his visit, June 5, Trump will attend a large military ceremony in Portsmouth in southern England, where ships left for the D-Day landings 75 years ago in the largest seaborne invasion in history. Downing Street said in a statement that the event would be "one of the greatest British military spectacles in recent history" involving "26 iconic RAF aircraft and at least 11 Royal Navy vessels". Trump will then travel to Normandy on June 6 for the main D-Day commemorations, the statement said. British anti-Trump campaign groups pledged to mobilise in "huge numbers" to protest against the visiting president. When Trump last visited Britain in July 2018, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets. Shaista Aziz from the Stop Trump coalition blamed Trump for a "politics of hate and bigotry" and said it was time for his critics to "stand up and be counted". Sabby Dhalu from the Stand Up To Trump group added, "All those that value peace and hope for a better world for the many must take to the streets and say clearly that Donald Trump is not welcome here".

Donald Trump to make state visit to UK June 3-5: Palace

A top member of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party will tell her in the coming week that she must step down by the end of June or her lawmakers will try again to depose her, the Sunday Times reported, without citing sources.

May survived a vote of no confidence in December and although party rules mean lawmakers cannot challenge her again until a year has passed, lawmaker Graham Brady will tell her the rules will be changed unless she quits, the newspaper said.

Brady, who chairs the Conservative Party’s influential 1922 Committee of backbench lawmakers, will tell her that 70 percent of her members of parliament want her to resign over her handling of Brexit, the Sunday Times said.

Britain was originally due to leave the European Union on March 29, but that deadline was pushed back to April 12 and then again to Oct. 31 as May failed to break an impasse in parliament on the terms of Brexit.

A top member of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party will tell her in the coming week that she must step down by the end of June or her lawmakers will try again to depose her, the Sunday Times reported, without citing sources.

A top member of Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party will tell her in the coming week that she must step down by the end of June or her lawmakers will try again to depose her, the Sunday Times reported, without citing sources. May survived a vote of no confidence in December and although party rules mean lawmakers cannot challenge her again until a year has passed, lawmaker Graham Brady will tell her the rules will be changed unless she quits, the newspaper said. Brady, who chairs the Conservative Party’s influential 1922 Committee of backbench lawmakers, will tell her that 70 percent of her members of parliament want her to resign over her handling of Brexit, the Sunday Times said. Britain was originally due to leave the European Union on March 29, but that deadline was pushed back to April 12 and then again to Oct. 31 as May failed to break an impasse in parliament on the terms of Brexit.

UK PM May to be told to quit by top Conservative: Report

Britain is facing European election like none other due to the extension of Brexit negotiations. Watch full video to know more.

UK to hold EU election

Brexit has created a chaos in UK industries. After Big companies decide to move out their headquarters to other parts of EU from London, the process is not that simple for small firms. Watch this video to know more.

How startups are surviving Brexit and Why companies are moving to Ireland

By Jonathan Perraton 
 
EU leaders have agreed on a short extension to Brexit until October 31 at the latest, in order to give the British parliament time to seal a deal. This date avoids the UK still being a member when the next EU budget cycle starts – but what does it mean for the “divorce bill”, the money the UK will pay the EU after its departure?

The withdrawal agreement, which provides the legal framework for the UK’s exit from the European Union, includes arrangements to determine its financial settlement with the EU.

The essential principles of the financial settlement have been set out for months and the EU has made it clear that it regards the withdrawal agreement as settled. If and when the British parliament does agree on a Brexit deal, this financial settlement is likely to apply – but it won’t change directly as a result of the extension from the original March 29 Brexit date to October 31.

The final figure is yet to be determined, both because of uncertainties over future developments – including of course the date when the UK actually leaves the EU – and also because the bill is to be settled in euros and therefore depends on the future exchange rate between the pound and the euro.

Under the financial settlement, the UK will continue to participate in the EU’s budgets over 2019 and 2020, which takes us up to the end of the current EU budget cycle. This can be seen as the UK simply honouring the commitments it made as an EU member state at the start of the current EU budget round, and continuing to receive agreed funds through payments from the Common Agricultural Policy, structural funds and other EU programmes.

A key principle is that the UK should not pay more than it would have done as an EU member, nor should it be expected to make any payments earlier than it would have been required to do as a member. The UK’s net payments include its long-negotiated budget rebate. The UK is the third-largest contributor to the EU budget in total. It is a net contributor to the EU budget payments, when the funds the UK receives back are taken into account, although it is only sixth in terms of net payments relative to its GDP.

The key uncertainties over the future payments arise from future contingencies and the final settlement of accounts with the EU. A key principle here is that of the UK not making payments any sooner than it would have done as a member. The annual EU budget makes future expenditure commitments under what are called reste à liquider arrangements, outstanding commitments which have been made but not yet translated into payments.

Under the final settlement, the UK continues to be liable for spending commitments undertaken during the current EU budget round while it has still been a member – although it will also receive back its share of assets including capital in the European Investment Bank. The largest item in the outstanding liabilities is for EU staff pensions and other benefits. EU staff pension commitments are unfunded, meaning the EU has not set aside a provision for these future payments, as it operates on a “pay as you go” system. This means there is uncertainty over the size of future EU pension liabilities and therefore the UK’s future commitments to paying them.

Estimating the final bill

HM Treasury has estimated the total payments will be around £35-£39 billion. The independent Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) has also produced similar estimates. Crucially, the most recent OBR estimates from March 2019 indicate that most of the final settlement will be made up of the reste à liquider commitments. Settlement of the outstanding net liabilities – including future EU pension liabilities – would account for less than 10 per cent&nbsp;of the total.

Payments from the UK to the EU will continue for many years into the future (up to the 2060s), although the OBR estimates that these would be small with around three-quarters of the payments completed by 2022. There is also uncertainty over the euro-sterling exchange rate and UK economic growth, which determines the relative size of the UK economy and its contribution to the EU budget until 2020 from “own resources”, the payments determined by a member’s gross national income.

In June 2018, parliament’s Public Accounts Committee questioned the Treasury’s estimates, indicating that payments could be as much as £10 billion higher. In particular, they note potential commitments under the European Development Fund of overseas expenditure on aid programmes.

The next multi-annual financial framework for the EU budget is scheduled for 2021-27. Should the withdrawal agreement eventually be agreed by parliament, a short extension of Brexit beyond October 31 would not lead to large changes in the financial settlement, but a longer extension into 2020 could potentially lead to greater commitments if the UK remains a member into the next budgetary period. 
 
 
(Jonathan Perraton is Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Sheffield)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-extension-how-much-will-it-actually-cost-the-uk-to-leave-the-eu-115486">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By Jonathan Perraton EU leaders have agreed on a short extension to Brexit until October 31 at the latest, in order to give the British parliament time to seal a deal.

By Jonathan Perraton EU leaders have agreed on a short extension to Brexit until October 31 at the latest, in order to give the British parliament time to seal a deal. This date avoids the UK still being a member when the next EU budget cycle starts – but what does it mean for the “divorce bill”, the money the UK will pay the EU after its departure? The withdrawal agreement, which provides the legal framework for the UK’s exit from the European Union, includes arrangements to determine its financial settlement with the EU. The essential principles of the financial settlement have been set out for months and the EU has made it clear that it regards the withdrawal agreement as settled. If and when the British parliament does agree on a Brexit deal, this financial settlement is likely to apply – but it won’t change directly as a result of the extension from the original March 29 Brexit date to October 31. The final figure is yet to be determined, both because of uncertainties over future developments – including of course the date when the UK actually leaves the EU – and also because the bill is to be settled in euros and therefore depends on the future exchange rate between the pound and the euro. Under the financial settlement, the UK will continue to participate in the EU’s budgets over 2019 and 2020, which takes us up to the end of the current EU budget cycle. This can be seen as the UK simply honouring the commitments it made as an EU member state at the start of the current EU budget round, and continuing to receive agreed funds through payments from the Common Agricultural Policy, structural funds and other EU programmes. A key principle is that the UK should not pay more than it would have done as an EU member, nor should it be expected to make any payments earlier than it would have been required to do as a member. The UK’s net payments include its long-negotiated budget rebate. The UK is the third-largest contributor to the EU budget in total. It is a net contributor to the EU budget payments, when the funds the UK receives back are taken into account, although it is only sixth in terms of net payments relative to its GDP. The key uncertainties over the future payments arise from future contingencies and the final settlement of accounts with the EU. A key principle here is that of the UK not making payments any sooner than it would have done as a member. The annual EU budget makes future expenditure commitments under what are called reste à liquider arrangements, outstanding commitments which have been made but not yet translated into payments. Under the final settlement, the UK continues to be liable for spending commitments undertaken during the current EU budget round while it has still been a member – although it will also receive back its share of assets including capital in the European Investment Bank. The largest item in the outstanding liabilities is for EU staff pensions and other benefits. EU staff pension commitments are unfunded, meaning the EU has not set aside a provision for these future payments, as it operates on a “pay as you go” system. This means there is uncertainty over the size of future EU pension liabilities and therefore the UK’s future commitments to paying them. Estimating the final bill HM Treasury has estimated the total payments will be around £35-£39 billion. The independent Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) has also produced similar estimates. Crucially, the most recent OBR estimates from March 2019 indicate that most of the final settlement will be made up of the reste à liquider commitments. Settlement of the outstanding net liabilities – including future EU pension liabilities – would account for less than 10 per cent of the total. Payments from the UK to the EU will continue for many years into the future (up to the 2060s), although the OBR estimates that these would be small with around three-quarters of the payments completed by 2022. There is also uncertainty over the euro-sterling exchange rate and UK economic growth, which determines the relative size of the UK economy and its contribution to the EU budget until 2020 from “own resources”, the payments determined by a member’s gross national income. In June 2018, parliament’s Public Accounts Committee questioned the Treasury’s estimates, indicating that payments could be as much as £10 billion higher. In particular, they note potential commitments under the European Development Fund of overseas expenditure on aid programmes. The next multi-annual financial framework for the EU budget is scheduled for 2021-27. Should the withdrawal agreement eventually be agreed by parliament, a short extension of Brexit beyond October 31 would not lead to large changes in the financial settlement, but a longer extension into 2020 could potentially lead to greater commitments if the UK remains a member into the next budgetary period. (Jonathan Perraton is Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Sheffield) (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.)

Brexit extension: How much will it actually cost the UK to leave the EU?

British employment has reached a record-high level, shaking off stubborn uncertainty surrounding the UK's departure from the European Union, official data showed on Tuesday.

"The level of employment in the UK increased by 179,000 to a record high of 32.72 million people in the three months to February 2019," the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.

That was the highest level since records began in 1971, according to the ONS.

The unemployment rate remained at 3.9 per cent, the lowest level since 1975.

"The UK job market remained encouragingly buoyant in February, with a combination of rising employment and falling unemployment pushing pay up at one of the fastest rates seen since the global financial crisis over 10 years ago," noted Christopher Williamson, a chief business economist at IHS Markit.

"However, forward-looking survey data suggest that demand for staff has cooled, which will likely feed through to weaker jobs growth and easing pay pressures in coming months."&nbsp;

European leaders last week agreed with British Prime Minister Theresa May to delay Brexit until October 31 at the latest, saving the continent from a chaotic no-deal departure.

The delay avoids a possible economic calamity on both sides of the Channel but does little to resolve the political morass that has seen May's control over her MPs and cabinet gradually slip.

Following Tuesday's jobs data, analysts at Capital Economics said<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-faces-defeat-in-parliament-over-brexit-plan-190530&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjMofuBttThAhU_73MBHXksBkwQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2tKYs9Yi56g_nUsS82WZRa"> Brexit </a>was "not applying the brakes to hiring" just yet in the UK.

"However, we suspect that this could mark the peak of employment growth as the Brexit uncertainty reached its crescendo... and the surveys turned down sharply in March," they added in a note to clients

British employment has reached a record-high level, shaking off stubborn uncertainty surrounding the UK's departure from the European Union, official data showed on Tuesday.

British employment has reached a record-high level, shaking off stubborn uncertainty surrounding the UK's departure from the European Union, official data showed on Tuesday. "The level of employment in the UK increased by 179,000 to a record high of 32.72 million people in the three months to February 2019," the Office for National Statistics said in a statement. That was the highest level since records began in 1971, according to the ONS. The unemployment rate remained at 3.9 per cent, the lowest level since 1975. "The UK job market remained encouragingly buoyant in February, with a combination of rising employment and falling unemployment pushing pay up at one of the fastest rates seen since the global financial crisis over 10 years ago," noted Christopher Williamson, a chief business economist at IHS Markit. "However, forward-looking survey data suggest that demand for staff has cooled, which will likely feed through to weaker jobs growth and easing pay pressures in coming months." European leaders last week agreed with British Prime Minister Theresa May to delay Brexit until October 31 at the latest, saving the continent from a chaotic no-deal departure. The delay avoids a possible economic calamity on both sides of the Channel but does little to resolve the political morass that has seen May's control over her MPs and cabinet gradually slip. Following Tuesday's jobs data, analysts at Capital Economics said Brexit was "not applying the brakes to hiring" just yet in the UK. "However, we suspect that this could mark the peak of employment growth as the Brexit uncertainty reached its crescendo... and the surveys turned down sharply in March," they added in a note to clients

UK employment at record high despite Brexit uncertainty: Govt data

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was warned by the party's European Parliament chief Sunday that failure to back a second referendum on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-halts-no-deal-brexit-contingency-plans-210012">Brexit could spark a mass exodus</a> for voters.

Speaking to the weekly Observer newspaper, Richard Corbett said Corbyn ran the risk of losing young and pro-European Union voters if the party, whose current policy is for a soft Brexit, did not back a campaign to put the outcome of the UK's withdrawal from the bloc back to the public.

"If Labour does not re-confirm its support for a confirmatory public vote on any Brexit deal in its manifesto then it will haemorrhage votes to parties who do have a clear message," Corbett said. "If on the other hand, we do offer clarity and a confirmatory ballot, we could do very well."

Although Labour has not ruled out the possibility of a second Brexit referendum, its policy thus far has been to pursue a softer Brexit to the one pursued by Conservative Party prime minister, Theresa May.

Labour's plan would be to include a new customs union with the EU, as opposed to May, who has ruled that option out.

The pair were currently engaged in cross-party talks in a bid to draw up a withdrawal agreement that would command a majority in the House of Commons, the lower chamber of UK lawmaking, which has rejected May's deal three times.

Brexit had been scheduled to go ahead on Mar. 29, two years after May enacted Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, but the date has since been delayed twice due to May's failure to get MPs to back her deal. The new date agreed by the EU is Oct. 31, although the UK's departure could be earlier should the Commons back a deal.

On Friday, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, downplayed suggestions that the latest delay boosted the chances of a confirmatory Brexit vote.

May's decision to discuss Brexit with Corbyn comes after she faced opposition to her withdrawal deal from members of her own party and from the Northern Irish party, the DUP, which entered the Commons as the Conservative Party minority government's confidence and supply partners.

UK voters narrowly opted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum.

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was warned by the party's European Parliament chief Sunday that failure to back a second referendum on Brexit could spark a mass exodus for voters.

The leader of the United Kingdom's Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, was warned by the party's European Parliament chief Sunday that failure to back a second referendum on Brexit could spark a mass exodus for voters. Speaking to the weekly Observer newspaper, Richard Corbett said Corbyn ran the risk of losing young and pro-European Union voters if the party, whose current policy is for a soft Brexit, did not back a campaign to put the outcome of the UK's withdrawal from the bloc back to the public. "If Labour does not re-confirm its support for a confirmatory public vote on any Brexit deal in its manifesto then it will haemorrhage votes to parties who do have a clear message," Corbett said. "If on the other hand, we do offer clarity and a confirmatory ballot, we could do very well." Although Labour has not ruled out the possibility of a second Brexit referendum, its policy thus far has been to pursue a softer Brexit to the one pursued by Conservative Party prime minister, Theresa May. Labour's plan would be to include a new customs union with the EU, as opposed to May, who has ruled that option out. The pair were currently engaged in cross-party talks in a bid to draw up a withdrawal agreement that would command a majority in the House of Commons, the lower chamber of UK lawmaking, which has rejected May's deal three times. Brexit had been scheduled to go ahead on Mar. 29, two years after May enacted Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, but the date has since been delayed twice due to May's failure to get MPs to back her deal. The new date agreed by the EU is Oct. 31, although the UK's departure could be earlier should the Commons back a deal. On Friday, the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, downplayed suggestions that the latest delay boosted the chances of a confirmatory Brexit vote. May's decision to discuss Brexit with Corbyn comes after she faced opposition to her withdrawal deal from members of her own party and from the Northern Irish party, the DUP, which entered the Commons as the Conservative Party minority government's confidence and supply partners. UK voters narrowly opted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum.

Labour's Corbyn urged to back public vote on Brexit or face voter exodus

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