Following the issue over Northern Ireland, the UK has opened a dispute with the EU, accusing it of violating the terms of the Brexit accord by excluding it from scientific research initiatives. The trade and cooperation agreement had been a "clear breach," according to Liz Truss, the foreign secretary and front-runner for the Tory leadership. Her government had written to Brussels to request official dispute negotiations.

The UK government asserted that the EU was seriously harming research and development in both the UK and EU member states by barring Britain from participating in programmes like the Earth observation programme Copernicus, the nuclear research programme Euratom, the space surveillance and tracking programme, and the Horizon programme for science research.

“The EU is in clear breach of our agreement, repeatedly seeking to politicise vital scientific cooperation by refusing to finalise access to these important programmes,” she said, as reported by The Guardian. “We cannot allow this to continue. That is why the UK has launched formal consultations and will do everything necessary to protect the scientific community.”

Due to the ongoing Brexit dispute over the Northern Ireland protocol, 115 funding from the Horizon programme for British academic academics and scientists was cancelled in July.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-were-heartbroken-were-exhausted-france-battles-monster-wildfire-506842">IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire'</a>

After the then-Brexit minister, David Frost, successfully negotiated associate membership of the £80 billion Horizon Europe initiative, grants for British applicants were accepted; however, the majority of those grants are now being revoked. For the UK to take part in the scheme, a membership fee of £15 billion over seven years was required.

The beginning of negotiations through a partnership council is the first stage of a dispute procedure. If this is unsuccessful, the matter can be sent to an arbitration tribunal, which, if either party is found to have violated the agreement, might impose sanctions for non-compliance.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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Following the issue over Northern Ireland, the UK has opened a dispute with the EU, accusing it of violating the terms of the Brexit accord by excluding it from scientific research initiatives.

Following the issue over Northern Ireland, the UK has opened a dispute with the EU, accusing it of violating the terms of the Brexit accord by excluding it from scientific research initiatives. The trade and cooperation agreement had been a "clear breach," according to Liz Truss, the foreign secretary and front-runner for the Tory leadership. Her government had written to Brussels to request official dispute negotiations. The UK government asserted that the EU was seriously harming research and development in both the UK and EU member states by barring Britain from participating in programmes like the Earth observation programme Copernicus, the nuclear research programme Euratom, the space surveillance and tracking programme, and the Horizon programme for science research. “The EU is in clear breach of our agreement, repeatedly seeking to politicise vital scientific cooperation by refusing to finalise access to these important programmes,” she said, as reported by The Guardian. “We cannot allow this to continue. That is why the UK has launched formal consultations and will do everything necessary to protect the scientific community.” Due to the ongoing Brexit dispute over the Northern Ireland protocol, 115 funding from the Horizon programme for British academic academics and scientists was cancelled in July. Also Read: IN PICS| 'We're heartbroken, we're exhausted': France battles 'Monster wildfire' After the then-Brexit minister, David Frost, successfully negotiated associate membership of the £80 billion Horizon Europe initiative, grants for British applicants were accepted; however, the majority of those grants are now being revoked. For the UK to take part in the scheme, a membership fee of £15 billion over seven years was required. The beginning of negotiations through a partnership council is the first stage of a dispute procedure. If this is unsuccessful, the matter can be sent to an arbitration tribunal, which, if either party is found to have violated the agreement, might impose sanctions for non-compliance. (with inputs from agencies)

UK claims EU breached Brexit treaty, citing exclusion from EU scientific research

Britain and regulators square up over post-Brexit financial reform

UK’s Port of Dover, the country’s main gateway to Europe, was declared “critical” on Saturday after “woefully inadequate” French border control staffing triggered more than six-hour-long queue for travellers as they tried to escape for the summer holidays.

Passengers heading towards Dover port have been asked to stock up with “water, food and supplies” and expect continued long congestion in the coming days in view of “inadequate French border capacity”.

According to reports, less than half of the port’s nine passport booths were staffed early on Friday morning, leading to chaos and long queues for the rest of the day.

According to the Financial Times newspaper, Dover officials were “deeply frustrated” at the level of resources provided by the French Police aux Frontières (PAF).

In a statement, Doug Bannister, CEO of Dover Port, expressed regret at the PAF for not providing adequate officers despite request.

Traffic flows had improved during the day as more French staff came on stream, he added, but “we do still have a heck of a backlog to get through.”

The UK passengers are bound to face enhanced border checks by the French officials in the aftermath of Brexit.

A local French police body told the Reuters news agency that the delay was due to an "unexpected technical incident" at the Channel Tunnel. It failed to describe what that “technical incident” was.

The French embassy in London later tweeted that all border checks were operating at full capacity.

Meanwhile, Liz Truss, Britain's foreign secretary who is campaigning to replace Boris Johnson, said the "awful situation" was unacceptable, and called on France to increase the capacity.

"We need action from France to build up capacity at the border to limit any further disruption for British tourists and to ensure this appalling situation is avoided in future," she said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UK’s Port of Dover, the country’s main gateway to Europe, was declared “critical” on Saturday after “woefully inadequate” French border control staffing triggered more than six-hour-long queue for travellers as they tried to escape for the summer holidays.

UK’s Port of Dover, the country’s main gateway to Europe, was declared “critical” on Saturday after “woefully inadequate” French border control staffing triggered more than six-hour-long queue for travellers as they tried to escape for the summer holidays. Passengers heading towards Dover port have been asked to stock up with “water, food and supplies” and expect continued long congestion in the coming days in view of “inadequate French border capacity”. According to reports, less than half of the port’s nine passport booths were staffed early on Friday morning, leading to chaos and long queues for the rest of the day. According to the Financial Times newspaper, Dover officials were “deeply frustrated” at the level of resources provided by the French Police aux Frontières (PAF). In a statement, Doug Bannister, CEO of Dover Port, expressed regret at the PAF for not providing adequate officers despite request. Traffic flows had improved during the day as more French staff came on stream, he added, but “we do still have a heck of a backlog to get through.” The UK passengers are bound to face enhanced border checks by the French officials in the aftermath of Brexit. A local French police body told the Reuters news agency that the delay was due to an "unexpected technical incident" at the Channel Tunnel. It failed to describe what that “technical incident” was. The French embassy in London later tweeted that all border checks were operating at full capacity. Meanwhile, Liz Truss, Britain's foreign secretary who is campaigning to replace Boris Johnson, said the "awful situation" was unacceptable, and called on France to increase the capacity. "We need action from France to build up capacity at the border to limit any further disruption for British tourists and to ensure this appalling situation is avoided in future," she said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chaos at UK’s Dover port as travellers wait in queue for over 6 hours

The new UK Finance Minister Nadhim Zahawi on Tuesday will outline his plans to control inflation and 'seize the opportunities of Brexit'.

New UK Finance Minister Nadhim Zahawi to outline his plans to control inflation

Labour party leader Keir Starmer says the UK would not be returning to the European Union if his party gets in to government. He has further unveiled the opposition's five-point plan to make Brexit work.

'Will not return to the EU,' UK's Labour party leader Keir Starmer speaks on Brexit

Speaking at an event in London, the EU's Chief Brexit negotiator has accused UK of effectively putting a gun on the table by introducing a bill to scrap post-Brexit trade rules between Britain and Northern Ireland.

Brexit change a gun on the table, says EU's Chief negotiator

Allowing it to progress to the next stage of scrutiny in parliament, British MPs in the House of Commons voted through the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill by 295 votes to 221 after a debate.

Highlighting that the unilateral move is justified under international law because of the “genuinely exceptional situation,” the British government says the protocol is burdening businesses and undermining peace in Northern Ireland.

The legislation would remove checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK if approved by lawmakers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-northern-ireland-protocol-divides-britain-and-the-european-union-487135">Also see |&nbsp;How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union</a>

Despite European Union warnings it is illegal and could spark a trade war, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he thought the plan could be approved “fairly rapidly”.

Due to the EU's unwillingness to reopen negotiations, the British government plans are the only solution to resolve trade problems in Northern Ireland, according to Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Following a series of ethics scandals and two special election defeats, the plans have caused concern among some of Johnson’s fellow Conservatives.

If it goes ahead with its plan to rewrite the rules of the post-Brexit deal, the EU has threatened to retaliate against the UK.

Slamming the UK government's “unlawful” approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol, Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney said he was “hugely disappointed”. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Allowing it to progress to the next stage of scrutiny in parliament, British MPs in the House of Commons voted through the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill by 295 votes to 221 after a debate.

Allowing it to progress to the next stage of scrutiny in parliament, British MPs in the House of Commons voted through the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill by 295 votes to 221 after a debate. Highlighting that the unilateral move is justified under international law because of the “genuinely exceptional situation,” the British government says the protocol is burdening businesses and undermining peace in Northern Ireland. The legislation would remove checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK if approved by lawmakers. Also see | How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union Despite European Union warnings it is illegal and could spark a trade war, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he thought the plan could be approved “fairly rapidly”. Due to the EU's unwillingness to reopen negotiations, the British government plans are the only solution to resolve trade problems in Northern Ireland, according to Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. Following a series of ethics scandals and two special election defeats, the plans have caused concern among some of Johnson’s fellow Conservatives. If it goes ahead with its plan to rewrite the rules of the post-Brexit deal, the EU has threatened to retaliate against the UK. Slamming the UK government's “unlawful” approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol, Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney said he was “hugely disappointed”. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

British MPs vote in favour of allowing controversial Northern Ireland Protocol Bill to progress

MPs in the UK are planning on a vote to ditch parts of the Brexit deal. Northern Ireland protocol is part of the 2019 Brexit deal. PM Boris Johnson said that they are trying to fix something important to them.

UK: MPs vote on plans to ditch parts of the Brexit deal

It has been 6 years since Britain held the Brexit referendum. But how has the UK fared post Brexit? What are the good and bad of leaving the EU market? Watch this special report to know more.

6 years since the Brexit vote: How has the UK fared post Brexit?

Average British workers’ wages will be down, productivity will be hit, and UK’s competitive edge will be lost during the rest of the decade due to Brexit, a new study has claimed.

The Resolution Foundation think tank’s report, in collaboration with the London School of Economics, has said that splitting away from the EU would make Britain “poorer” during the 2020s and accentuate the cost of living crisis.

The study said that the immediate impact of Brexit was already clear, with a “depreciation-driven inflation spike” increasing the cost of living for households and cutting investment.

“A less open Great Britain is expected to be poorer and less productive,” it said, according to The Guardian.

The study estimated that UK’s labour productivity will dwindle by 1.3 per cent by the end of the decade through changes in trading rules, contributing to weaker wage growth.

They said that real pay was set to be £470 lower per worker each year, on average, if Britain goes ahead with its Brexit plan.

It further said that the region would see a 2.7 per cent fall in manufacturing output by 2030 compared with a scenario in which the UK voted to remain in the EU in 2016.

The report also added that the northeast of England is expected to be hit hardest by Brexit, since its firms are particularly reliant on exports to the EU.

The report is authored by LSE academic Swati Dhingra, an outspoken Brexit critic picked by chancellor Rishi Sunak to sit on the Bank of England’s interest-rate setting monetary policy committee from August.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Average British workers’ wages will be down, productivity will be hit, and UK’s competitive edge will be lost during the rest of the decade due to Brexit, a new study has claimed.

Average British workers’ wages will be down, productivity will be hit, and UK’s competitive edge will be lost during the rest of the decade due to Brexit, a new study has claimed. The Resolution Foundation think tank’s report, in collaboration with the London School of Economics, has said that splitting away from the EU would make Britain “poorer” during the 2020s and accentuate the cost of living crisis. The study said that the immediate impact of Brexit was already clear, with a “depreciation-driven inflation spike” increasing the cost of living for households and cutting investment. “A less open Great Britain is expected to be poorer and less productive,” it said, according to The Guardian. The study estimated that UK’s labour productivity will dwindle by 1.3 per cent by the end of the decade through changes in trading rules, contributing to weaker wage growth. They said that real pay was set to be £470 lower per worker each year, on average, if Britain goes ahead with its Brexit plan. It further said that the region would see a 2.7 per cent fall in manufacturing output by 2030 compared with a scenario in which the UK voted to remain in the EU in 2016. The report also added that the northeast of England is expected to be hit hardest by Brexit, since its firms are particularly reliant on exports to the EU. The report is authored by LSE academic Swati Dhingra, an outspoken Brexit critic picked by chancellor Rishi Sunak to sit on the Bank of England’s interest-rate setting monetary policy committee from August. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Brexit will make UK poorer by 2030, wages will see a massive drop, claims study

It would be "very serious" if it enacted a new law to unilaterally change part of a Brexit deal to try to ease trade with Northern Ireland, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

Urging the British government to resume talks about the protocol, Martin said that there were issues around the trade rules that should be addressed by “substantive negotiations” between the UK and the European Union.

During an interview with BBC, Martin said "There is no substitute for a substantive series of negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom government in respect of solving issues in relation to the protocol."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-northern-ireland-protocol-divides-britain-and-the-european-union-487135">Also read |&nbsp;How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union</a>

Requesting the biggest unionist party (Sinn Fein) to rejoin the executive in Belfast, Martin earlier dismissed accusations that the EU was being inflexible.

After Britain accused the bloc of heavy-handed approach to the movement of goods between England and Northern Ireland, tensions have simmered for months.

But Britain's plan to scrap checks needed to keep an open border with EU-member Ireland have triggered tensions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/necessity-to-act-uk-pm-johnson-urges-end-to-northern-ireland-deadlock-479283">Also read |&nbsp;'Necessity to act': UK PM Johnson urges end to Northern Ireland deadlock</a>

Following anger on both sides of the Atlantic, Martin is visiting Belfast after Washington warned London its brinkmanship with Europe threatens peace.

Unionists in Northern Ireland have accused Britain of driving a wedge between the province and the rest of the UK and have refused to join a new power-sharing government in Belfast until the issue is resolved, forcing its suspension.

Slamming England's decision about the North Ireland law, Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, said "If the United Kingdom chooses to undermine the Good Friday Accords, the Congress cannot and will not support a bilateral free trade agreement with the UK."

(With inputs from agencies)

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It would be "very serious" if it enacted a new law to unilaterally change part of a Brexit deal to try to ease trade with Northern Ireland, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

It would be "very serious" if it enacted a new law to unilaterally change part of a Brexit deal to try to ease trade with Northern Ireland, according to Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin. Urging the British government to resume talks about the protocol, Martin said that there were issues around the trade rules that should be addressed by “substantive negotiations” between the UK and the European Union. During an interview with BBC, Martin said "There is no substitute for a substantive series of negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom government in respect of solving issues in relation to the protocol." Also read | How the Northern Ireland protocol divides Britain and the European Union Requesting the biggest unionist party (Sinn Fein) to rejoin the executive in Belfast, Martin earlier dismissed accusations that the EU was being inflexible. After Britain accused the bloc of heavy-handed approach to the movement of goods between England and Northern Ireland, tensions have simmered for months. But Britain's plan to scrap checks needed to keep an open border with EU-member Ireland have triggered tensions. Also read | 'Necessity to act': UK PM Johnson urges end to Northern Ireland deadlock Following anger on both sides of the Atlantic, Martin is visiting Belfast after Washington warned London its brinkmanship with Europe threatens peace. Unionists in Northern Ireland have accused Britain of driving a wedge between the province and the rest of the UK and have refused to join a new power-sharing government in Belfast until the issue is resolved, forcing its suspension. Slamming England's decision about the North Ireland law, Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, said "If the United Kingdom chooses to undermine the Good Friday Accords, the Congress cannot and will not support a bilateral free trade agreement with the UK." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

'We're in a very serious situation': Irish PM Martin warns UK over its North Ireland law

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI),&nbsp;the UK's leading business organisation&nbsp;has revealed that "Britain is poised to sink into recession with biggest financial squeeze since the 1950s". It has&nbsp;warned the government that a stagnant economy will be 'set in stone' if it fails to take action ahead of the summer recess.&nbsp;The CBI further said that -&nbsp;"the countdown is&nbsp;on for the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to take necessary “critical action” to avoid the meltdown".&nbsp;CBI had lowered&nbsp;its growth outlook for this year from 5.1 per cent to 3.7 per cent while warning Britain about the possible threats, reports DailyMail.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-rishi-sunak-accused-of-wasting-14-billion-in-debt-interest-payments-486795">UK: Rishi Sunak accused of wasting $14 billion in debt interest payments</a>

The agency also warned that with&nbsp;the cost of living crisis, airports straining to cope, and nationwide rail strikes planned and timed to coincide with Groundhog Day EU on Fighting Northern Ireland Protocol, the economy would be a distant second place for politics in the coming months.

It added that&nbsp;"we&nbsp;believe&nbsp;that inflation is expected to remain high in autumn, rising to 8.7 per cent in October, leading to a historic squeeze&nbsp;in household income, which will impact consumer spending".

CBI Director-General Tony Danker said,&nbsp;"Let me be clear – we are expecting the economy to be quite stable. It won’t take long for us to hit a recession, and even if we don’t, it will feel the same for many people".

He even asked the ministers&nbsp;to ‘stop taking unilateral action’ to fix trade problems in Northern Ireland.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Mr Danker openly criticised the government saying that “You have conservative politicians pushing for their own ideological favourite in return for supporting the PM”.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UK economy contracts in April: Economic output declined for the second month

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The agency further&nbsp;warned that Britain was headed for a ‘domestic recession’ as the citizens are facing problems due to the&nbsp;cost of living crisis.

The new Northern&nbsp;Ireland protocol upgrades the European Court of Justice to an advisory role and also focuses on&nbsp;repealing&nbsp;most EU checks on goods shipped to the province.

However, CBI also criticised this move, saying that "it may lead to trade disputes".

The CBI has called for measures, including measures to address the labour and skill shortage to overcome the situation and protect the future.&nbsp;

CBI Chief Economist Rain Newton-Smith said, "This is a tough set of figures to stomach. The war in Ukraine, a global pandemic, continued tensions on supply chains – all before Brexit – have proven to be a toxic recipe for the UK’s growth".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-largest-trade-union-warns-healthcare-staff-calling-in-sick-as-they-cannot-afford-to-cars-with-petrol-486938">UK's largest trade union warns healthcare staff calling in sick as they cannot afford to fill cars with petrol</a>

"The bottom line is that the outlook for UK exports is far worse than that of our worldwide competitors. It has to be changed for the better. ‘Business and government must work together to seek development globally", he added.

In a separate warning, the CBI said that the UK is headed for a ‘domestic recession’ in which people’s spending will fall from the second quarter of this year to 2023. It said it could leave the entire economy on the "brink of a crisis&nbsp;recession".

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the UK's leading business organisation has revealed that "Britain is poised to sink into recession with biggest financial squeeze since the 1950s".

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the UK's leading business organisation has revealed that "Britain is poised to sink into recession with biggest financial squeeze since the 1950s". It has warned the government that a stagnant economy will be 'set in stone' if it fails to take action ahead of the summer recess. The CBI further said that - "the countdown is on for the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to take necessary “critical action” to avoid the meltdown". CBI had lowered its growth outlook for this year from 5.1 per cent to 3.7 per cent while warning Britain about the possible threats, reports DailyMail. Also read | UK: Rishi Sunak accused of wasting $14 billion in debt interest payments The agency also warned that with the cost of living crisis, airports straining to cope, and nationwide rail strikes planned and timed to coincide with Groundhog Day EU on Fighting Northern Ireland Protocol, the economy would be a distant second place for politics in the coming months. It added that "we believe that inflation is expected to remain high in autumn, rising to 8.7 per cent in October, leading to a historic squeeze in household income, which will impact consumer spending". CBI Director-General Tony Danker said, "Let me be clear – we are expecting the economy to be quite stable. It won’t take long for us to hit a recession, and even if we don’t, it will feel the same for many people". He even asked the ministers to ‘stop taking unilateral action’ to fix trade problems in Northern Ireland. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Mr Danker openly criticised the government saying that “You have conservative politicians pushing for their own ideological favourite in return for supporting the PM”. Watch | UK economy contracts in April: Economic output declined for the second month The agency further warned that Britain was headed for a ‘domestic recession’ as the citizens are facing problems due to the cost of living crisis. The new Northern Ireland protocol upgrades the European Court of Justice to an advisory role and also focuses on repealing most EU checks on goods shipped to the province. However, CBI also criticised this move, saying that "it may lead to trade disputes". The CBI has called for measures, including measures to address the labour and skill shortage to overcome the situation and protect the future. CBI Chief Economist Rain Newton-Smith said, "This is a tough set of figures to stomach. The war in Ukraine, a global pandemic, continued tensions on supply chains – all before Brexit – have proven to be a toxic recipe for the UK’s growth". Also read | UK's largest trade union warns healthcare staff calling in sick as they cannot afford to fill cars with petrol "The bottom line is that the outlook for UK exports is far worse than that of our worldwide competitors. It has to be changed for the better. ‘Business and government must work together to seek development globally", he added. In a separate warning, the CBI said that the UK is headed for a ‘domestic recession’ in which people’s spending will fall from the second quarter of this year to 2023. It said it could leave the entire economy on the "brink of a crisis recession". (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Britain is poised to sink into recession with biggest financial squeeze since the 1950s, industry body warns

The UK government has cautioned festivalgoers about an unusual shift in the drug market resulting&nbsp;in a rapid and potentially hazardous spike of fake ecstasy drugs due to a combination of Brexit, and Covid lockdowns. The police have begun a crackdown targeting supply chains.

However, last year, criminologists and chemists discovered that over half of the MDMA sold at festivals in England did not contain any of the drugs.

According to the Guardian, a report&nbsp;published in the journal Drug Science, Policy and Law, predicts&nbsp;a shift in the UK drugs between 2019 and 2021. It further added that “adulteration poses additional unknown risks to the health of people who use illicit drugs.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-brexit-created-political-instability-in-britain-485662">How Brexit created political instability in Britain</a>

The experts suggest that any of the pills sold at the festivals were made of chemicals like cathinones, a new psychoactive drug (NPS), and caffeine. Some of its users later observed panic, insanity and persistent insomnia.

Watch |&nbsp;Post-Brexit Northern Ireland trade agreement unviable, says UK PM Boris Johnson

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Michael Pascoe, a research associate at Cardiff University and a co-lead author of the study, told the UK newspaper, “This is the first peer-reviewed article that confirms there was an unprecedented shift in the quality of UK ecstasy following Brexit and the lockdowns. As well as noticing this effect at festivals, the study also presents wider UK data that confirms the same effect was seen across the whole country."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnsons-pro-brexit-father-stanley-becomes-french-480658">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pro-Brexit father Stanley becomes French</a>

The researchers further discovered that 45 per cent of the compounds advertised as MDMA contained none of its substances and were made of cathinones and caffeine. A&nbsp;probe conducted in 2019 during festivals&nbsp;found that only 7 per cent of the tablets examined did not contain MDMA. It also mentions studies from the harm reduction organisation Wedinos, which discovered that nearly 15 per cent of the MDMA products tested in the year 2021 had only cathinones and only 14 per cent had caffeine.

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(With inputs from agencies)

The UK government has cautioned festivalgoers about an unusual shift in the drug market resulting in a rapid and potentially hazardous spike of fake ecstasy drugs due to a combination of Brexit, and Covid lockdowns.

The UK government has cautioned festivalgoers about an unusual shift in the drug market resulting in a rapid and potentially hazardous spike of fake ecstasy drugs due to a combination of Brexit, and Covid lockdowns. The police have begun a crackdown targeting supply chains. However, last year, criminologists and chemists discovered that over half of the MDMA sold at festivals in England did not contain any of the drugs. According to the Guardian, a report published in the journal Drug Science, Policy and Law, predicts a shift in the UK drugs between 2019 and 2021. It further added that “adulteration poses additional unknown risks to the health of people who use illicit drugs.” Also read | How Brexit created political instability in Britain The experts suggest that any of the pills sold at the festivals were made of chemicals like cathinones, a new psychoactive drug (NPS), and caffeine. Some of its users later observed panic, insanity and persistent insomnia. Watch | Post-Brexit Northern Ireland trade agreement unviable, says UK PM Boris Johnson Michael Pascoe, a research associate at Cardiff University and a co-lead author of the study, told the UK newspaper, “This is the first peer-reviewed article that confirms there was an unprecedented shift in the quality of UK ecstasy following Brexit and the lockdowns. As well as noticing this effect at festivals, the study also presents wider UK data that confirms the same effect was seen across the whole country." Also read | British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pro-Brexit father Stanley becomes French The researchers further discovered that 45 per cent of the compounds advertised as MDMA contained none of its substances and were made of cathinones and caffeine. A probe conducted in 2019 during festivals found that only 7 per cent of the tablets examined did not contain MDMA. It also mentions studies from the harm reduction organisation Wedinos, which discovered that nearly 15 per cent of the MDMA products tested in the year 2021 had only cathinones and only 14 per cent had caffeine. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Brexit and Covid lockdowns trigger hazardous spike of fake ecstasy in UK: Study

The Brexit-supporting&nbsp;father&nbsp;of British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has acquired&nbsp;French&nbsp;citizenship after making an application last year, a&nbsp;French&nbsp;justice ministry source told AFP on Thursday.

A Conservative who once worked for the European Commission in Brussels,&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;opposed Brexit at first but swung behind the EU departure project following 2016's narrow referendum vote that was championed by his son.

The elder&nbsp;Johnson's ties to France are through his&nbsp;French&nbsp;mother, and he speaks the language fluently.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/partygate-uk-pm-boris-johnson-to-not-receive-further-fines-as-met-finishes-probe-480539">‘Partygate’: UK PM Boris Johnson to not receive further fines as Met finishes probe</a>

The 81-year-old filed his citizenship application at the&nbsp;French&nbsp;consulate in London in November last year, with a six-month deadline for the justice ministry to object elapsing on Wednesday.

"Based on the facts in his application, and without a refusal by the justice minister, Mr&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;acquired&nbsp;French&nbsp;nationality on May 18 2022," the ministry told AFP.

"This decision concerns only Mr&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;and does not extend to his descendants," it added.

"I'll always be European, that's for sure,"&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told RTL radio in&nbsp;French&nbsp;in a December 2020 interview.

He had come under fire at home for his plans, announced at the same time most Britons were losing the right to travel freely across the European Union as a post-Brexit "transition period" ended.

Watch |&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson urges for change in Brexit rules, calls Northern Ireland protocol 'outdated'

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I'm&nbsp;French!

"It's not a question of becoming&nbsp;French. If I understand correctly I am&nbsp;French! My mother was born in France, her mother was completely&nbsp;French&nbsp;as was her grandfather,"&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;said.

"For me it's a question of obtaining what I already have and I am very happy about that," he added.

French&nbsp;law normally prevents children of its citizens from claiming nationality if their family has been abroad for more than 50 years without making use of their rights.

But their applications can still be considered if they can prove "concrete ties of a cultural, professional, economic or family nature" with France, a clause&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;invoked in his application.

Around 3,100 British people acquired&nbsp;French&nbsp;nationality in 2020, according to the latest figures available from EU statistics agency Eurostat, making France the second most popular choice for acquiring European citizenship, after Germany.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prime-minister-boris-johnson-under-fire-as-uk-inflation-rockets-to-40-year-high-480267">Prime Minister Boris Johnson under fire as UK inflation rockets to 40-year high</a>

Stanley&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has become a public figure in Britain following his son's political rise, appearing on a celebrity reality TV show in 2017 and appearing regularly in the media.

His ex-wife Charlotte Fawcett,&nbsp;Boris's mother told a biographer recently that&nbsp;Stanley&nbsp;had beaten her many times, breaking her nose on one occasion.

Last year two women, a Conservative MP and a journalist, accused him of groping or touching them inappropriately.

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The Brexit-supporting father of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acquired French citizenship after making an application last year, a French justice ministry source told AFP on Thursday.

The Brexit-supporting father of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has acquired French citizenship after making an application last year, a French justice ministry source told AFP on Thursday. A Conservative who once worked for the European Commission in Brussels, Stanley Johnson opposed Brexit at first but swung behind the EU departure project following 2016's narrow referendum vote that was championed by his son. The elder Johnson's ties to France are through his French mother, and he speaks the language fluently. Also read | ‘Partygate’: UK PM Boris Johnson to not receive further fines as Met finishes probe The 81-year-old filed his citizenship application at the French consulate in London in November last year, with a six-month deadline for the justice ministry to object elapsing on Wednesday. "Based on the facts in his application, and without a refusal by the justice minister, Mr Stanley Johnson acquired French nationality on May 18 2022," the ministry told AFP. "This decision concerns only Mr Stanley Johnson and does not extend to his descendants," it added. "I'll always be European, that's for sure," Stanley Johnson told RTL radio in French in a December 2020 interview. He had come under fire at home for his plans, announced at the same time most Britons were losing the right to travel freely across the European Union as a post-Brexit "transition period" ended. Watch | UK PM Boris Johnson urges for change in Brexit rules, calls Northern Ireland protocol 'outdated' I'm French! "It's not a question of becoming French. If I understand correctly I am French! My mother was born in France, her mother was completely French as was her grandfather," Stanley said. "For me it's a question of obtaining what I already have and I am very happy about that," he added. French law normally prevents children of its citizens from claiming nationality if their family has been abroad for more than 50 years without making use of their rights. But their applications can still be considered if they can prove "concrete ties of a cultural, professional, economic or family nature" with France, a clause Stanley invoked in his application. Around 3,100 British people acquired French nationality in 2020, according to the latest figures available from EU statistics agency Eurostat, making France the second most popular choice for acquiring European citizenship, after Germany. Also read | Prime Minister Boris Johnson under fire as UK inflation rockets to 40-year high Stanley Johnson has become a public figure in Britain following his son's political rise, appearing on a celebrity reality TV show in 2017 and appearing regularly in the media. His ex-wife Charlotte Fawcett, Boris's mother told a biographer recently that Stanley had beaten her many times, breaking her nose on one occasion. Last year two women, a Conservative MP and a journalist, accused him of groping or touching them inappropriately. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pro-Brexit father Stanley becomes French

Divorce from Brexit was a long battle for United Kingdom, years of negotiations and two prime ministers later Boris Johnson finally quit the European Union in the year 2020 but within two years Britain has called for change of plans- the northern Ireland protocol has come under lens yet again.

UK PM Boris Johnson urges for change in Brexit rules, calls Northern Ireland protocol 'outdated'

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged an end to the North Ireland deadlock with the European Union.

Johnson, who is heading to Northern Ireland on Monday, said he wants to resolve the standoff about its post-Brexit trade rules.

The Belfast Telegraph newspaper quoted Johnson as saying "There is without question a sensible landing spot in which everyone's interests are protected."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-to-scrap-almost-all-covid-restrictions-bars-allowed-to-open-till-late-446580">Also read |&nbsp;Ireland to scrap almost all Covid restrictions, bars allowed to open till late</a>

"Our shared objective must be to create the broadest possible cross-community support for a reformed Protocol in 2024," he added.

If the bloc does not agree to overhaul post-Brexit trade rules, Johnson said there would be “a necessity to act”.

Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein, which seeks union with the Republic of Ireland, won most of the seats in the election this month.

Pro-British unionists have said they will only form a government when Johnson’s government scraps post-Brexit checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whats-next-for-northern-ireland-after-sinn-feins-historic-win-477262">Also see |&nbsp;What’s next for Northern Ireland after Sinn Fein’s historic win?</a>

For the formation of the government in Northern Ireland, the cooperation of both nationalist and unionist parties is needed.

According to Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney, "There's no way the EU can compromise if the UK is threatening unilateral action to pass domestic legislation to set aside international obligations under an international treaty."

He told Sky News television that Ireland and the EU can find solutions "but sabre-rattling and grand-standing in Westminster, ratcheting up the tension, is not the way to do it."

(With inputs from agencies)

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged an end to the North Ireland deadlock with the European Union. Johnson, who is heading to Northern Ireland on Monday, said he wants to resolve the standoff about its post-Brexit trade rules.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged an end to the North Ireland deadlock with the European Union. Johnson, who is heading to Northern Ireland on Monday, said he wants to resolve the standoff about its post-Brexit trade rules. The Belfast Telegraph newspaper quoted Johnson as saying "There is without question a sensible landing spot in which everyone's interests are protected." Also read | Ireland to scrap almost all Covid restrictions, bars allowed to open till late "Our shared objective must be to create the broadest possible cross-community support for a reformed Protocol in 2024," he added. If the bloc does not agree to overhaul post-Brexit trade rules, Johnson said there would be “a necessity to act”. Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein, which seeks union with the Republic of Ireland, won most of the seats in the election this month. Pro-British unionists have said they will only form a government when Johnson’s government scraps post-Brexit checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. Also see | What’s next for Northern Ireland after Sinn Fein’s historic win? For the formation of the government in Northern Ireland, the cooperation of both nationalist and unionist parties is needed. According to Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney, "There's no way the EU can compromise if the UK is threatening unilateral action to pass domestic legislation to set aside international obligations under an international treaty." He told Sky News television that Ireland and the EU can find solutions "but sabre-rattling and grand-standing in Westminster, ratcheting up the tension, is not the way to do it." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

'Necessity to act': UK PM Johnson urges end to Northern Ireland deadlock

Brexit woes haunt Boris Johnson as he heads to Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, European Union warns against changes to the Brexit deal.

UK: Brexit woes haunt Boris Johnson as he heads to Northern Ireland

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that, post-Brexit trading arrangements in Northern Ireland are unviable and need urgent reform to unblock the province's power-sharing assembly.

Post-Brexit Northern Ireland trade agreement unviable, says UK PM Boris Johnson

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has triggered outrage by comparing Ukrainians fighting Russia's invasion with Brexit.

"I can give you a couple of famous recent examples. When the British people voted for Brexit, in such large, large numbers, I don't believe it was because they were remotely hostile to foreigners. It's because they wanted to be free to do things differently and for this country to be able to run itself," Johnson said.

“There are some around the world, even in some western governments, who invoke what they call realpolitik. And you say that we’re better off making accommodations with tyranny,” he added.

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Britons voted in June 2016 by a 52 per cent to 48 per cent margin to leave the European Union, while&nbsp;Ukraine made a formal request to join on February&nbsp;28, four days after Russia sent its troops into the country.

The British leader was accused by opponents of making a crass comparison by likening Ukraine’s fight against invasion to the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Conservative peer Lord Barwell said voting in a referendum was not "in any way comparable with risking your life" in a war, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said it was an "insult" to Ukrainians.

"This is an utterly depraved argument," opposition Labour lawmaker Chris Bryant said of Johnson's speech. "Ukraine wants to join the EU. The people of (EU member states) France and Spain are also free."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-uses-ukraine-talks-as-smokescreen-to-increase-violence-says-uk-463793" hreflang="en">Putin uses Ukraine talks as 'smokescreen' to increase violence, says UK</a>

Johnson said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a “turning point for the world,” arguing that a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces would herald “a new age of intimidation.”

Speaking to a Conservative Party conference in Blackpool, northwest England, Johnson claimed Putin was “terrified” that the example of a free Ukraine would spark a pro-democracy revolution in Russia.

“That is why he is trying so brutally to snuff out the flame of freedom in Ukraine and that’s why it is so vital that he fails,” Johnson said.

“A victorious Putin will not stop in Ukraine. And the end of freedom in Ukraine will mean the extinction of any hope of freedom in Georgia and then Moldova, it will mean the beginning of a new age of intimidation across Eastern Europe from the Baltic to the Black Sea,” Johnson said.

Moscow refers to its actions in Ukraine as a "special operation" to weaken its southern neighbour's military capabilities and root out people it calls dangerous nationalists.

Ukrainian forces have mounted stiff resistance and Western countries have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia in an effort to force it to withdraw its forces.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has triggered outrage by comparing Ukrainians fighting Russia's invasion with Brexit. "I can give you a couple of famous recent examples.

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has triggered outrage by comparing Ukrainians fighting Russia's invasion with Brexit. "I can give you a couple of famous recent examples. When the British people voted for Brexit, in such large, large numbers, I don't believe it was because they were remotely hostile to foreigners. It's because they wanted to be free to do things differently and for this country to be able to run itself," Johnson said. “There are some around the world, even in some western governments, who invoke what they call realpolitik. And you say that we’re better off making accommodations with tyranny,” he added. Britons voted in June 2016 by a 52 per cent to 48 per cent margin to leave the European Union, while Ukraine made a formal request to join on February 28, four days after Russia sent its troops into the country. The British leader was accused by opponents of making a crass comparison by likening Ukraine’s fight against invasion to the UK’s exit from the European Union. Conservative peer Lord Barwell said voting in a referendum was not "in any way comparable with risking your life" in a war, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said it was an "insult" to Ukrainians. "This is an utterly depraved argument," opposition Labour lawmaker Chris Bryant said of Johnson's speech. "Ukraine wants to join the EU. The people of (EU member states) France and Spain are also free." Also read | Putin uses Ukraine talks as 'smokescreen' to increase violence, says UK Johnson said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a “turning point for the world,” arguing that a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces would herald “a new age of intimidation.” Speaking to a Conservative Party conference in Blackpool, northwest England, Johnson claimed Putin was “terrified” that the example of a free Ukraine would spark a pro-democracy revolution in Russia. “That is why he is trying so brutally to snuff out the flame of freedom in Ukraine and that’s why it is so vital that he fails,” Johnson said. “A victorious Putin will not stop in Ukraine. And the end of freedom in Ukraine will mean the extinction of any hope of freedom in Georgia and then Moldova, it will mean the beginning of a new age of intimidation across Eastern Europe from the Baltic to the Black Sea,” Johnson said. Moscow refers to its actions in Ukraine as a "special operation" to weaken its southern neighbour's military capabilities and root out people it calls dangerous nationalists. Ukrainian forces have mounted stiff resistance and Western countries have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia in an effort to force it to withdraw its forces. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson triggers outrage by comparing Ukraine crisis with Brexit

The UK government will introduce new legislation allowing it to change or scrap retained European Union laws, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Monday to mark two years since&nbsp;Brexit.

The new "Brexit&nbsp;Freedoms Bill" will make it easier to amend or remove what he called "outdated" EU laws that London has kept on its statute books as a "bridging measure" after leaving the bloc.&nbsp;

It will be part of what the British leader dubbed a "major cross-government drive to reform, repeal and replace" the European laws retained and cut red tape for businesses.

"The plans we have set out today will further unleash the benefits of&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;and ensure that businesses can spend more of their money investing, innovating and creating jobs," Johnson said in a statement.

"Our new&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;Freedoms Bill will end the special status of EU law in our legal framework and ensure that we can more easily amend or remove outdated EU law in future."&nbsp;

The move is part of a flurry of announcements expected imminently from the government in key policy areas, as it also grapples with the growing international crisis over Russia's military build-up near Ukraine.&nbsp;

However, critics have accused Johnson of rushing out half-baked plans and so-called "red meat" policies to shore up support among his own increasingly disgruntled Conservative MPs.

That follows persistent calls for him to resign over claims of lockdown-breaching parties in Downing Street and several other recent scandals.

Britain left the EU on January 31, 2020, but continued to abide by most of its rules and regulations until the start of 2021 under the terms of its withdrawal deal.

Although it then left the 27-member bloc's single market and customs union, it kept many European laws on the books, pledging to change or repeal them individually post-Brexit.

Meanwhile, the government insists it has made "huge strides" outside the EU, striking some trade deals with countries and forging a new independent foreign policy built around a "global Britain" mantra.

But it has also been beset by issues blamed on&nbsp;Brexit, with the increased paperwork needed causing delays and even shortages of products while some industries complain of growing labour shortages.

Meanwhile, special arrangements agreed for Northern Ireland, aiming to avoid a "hard" border on the island of Ireland, have proved highly contentious there and led to increased political instability.

The UK government will introduce new legislation allowing it to change or scrap retained European Union laws, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Monday to mark two years since Brexit.

The UK government will introduce new legislation allowing it to change or scrap retained European Union laws, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Monday to mark two years since Brexit. The new "Brexit Freedoms Bill" will make it easier to amend or remove what he called "outdated" EU laws that London has kept on its statute books as a "bridging measure" after leaving the bloc. It will be part of what the British leader dubbed a "major cross-government drive to reform, repeal and replace" the European laws retained and cut red tape for businesses. "The plans we have set out today will further unleash the benefits of Brexit and ensure that businesses can spend more of their money investing, innovating and creating jobs," Johnson said in a statement. "Our new Brexit Freedoms Bill will end the special status of EU law in our legal framework and ensure that we can more easily amend or remove outdated EU law in future." The move is part of a flurry of announcements expected imminently from the government in key policy areas, as it also grapples with the growing international crisis over Russia's military build-up near Ukraine. However, critics have accused Johnson of rushing out half-baked plans and so-called "red meat" policies to shore up support among his own increasingly disgruntled Conservative MPs. That follows persistent calls for him to resign over claims of lockdown-breaching parties in Downing Street and several other recent scandals. Britain left the EU on January 31, 2020, but continued to abide by most of its rules and regulations until the start of 2021 under the terms of its withdrawal deal. Although it then left the 27-member bloc's single market and customs union, it kept many European laws on the books, pledging to change or repeal them individually post-Brexit. Meanwhile, the government insists it has made "huge strides" outside the EU, striking some trade deals with countries and forging a new independent foreign policy built around a "global Britain" mantra. But it has also been beset by issues blamed on Brexit, with the increased paperwork needed causing delays and even shortages of products while some industries complain of growing labour shortages. Meanwhile, special arrangements agreed for Northern Ireland, aiming to avoid a "hard" border on the island of Ireland, have proved highly contentious there and led to increased political instability.

UK vows 'Brexit Freedoms Bill' to scrap European Union laws

New Brexit custom rules for goods arriving from the European Union to Britain are taking effect. A leading food industry body has warned that the new border control measures could lead to food shortages from January.

Food shortages feared in the UK as new Brexit custom rules for goods from EU taking effect

A recent poll for The Observer has revealed that over six out of ten voters believe that Brexit has either gone bad or worse than they expected. This comes a year after the United Kingdom left the European Union.&nbsp;

The survey further revealed that &nbsp;42 per cent of people who voted in favour of leaving in 2016 had a negative view of how Brexit had turned out. Also, 26 per cent of people who were in support of leaving said that it had gone worse than expected. Another 16 per cent of those who voted for Brexit said that they expected it to go badly and were proved right. People who voted in favour of remaining, 86 per cent said that it had gone bad or worse than they expected.&nbsp;

In total, just 14 per cent of voters turned out to be satisfied and said that Brexit had gone better than expected.

Adam Drummond, of Opinium, was quoted by the Guardian as saying, "For most of the Brexit process any time you’d ask a question that could be boiled down to ‘is Brexit good or bad?’ you’d have all of the Remainers saying ‘bad’ and all of the Leavers saying ‘good’ and these would cancel each other out. Now what we’re seeing is a significant minority of Leavers saying that things are going badly or at least worse than they expected."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-big-blow-to-uk-government-brexit-minister-david-frost-resigns-438073">Also read |&nbsp;In a big blow to UK government, Brexit Minister David Frost resigns</a>

The survey comes a week after Brexit Minister David Frost resigned.&nbsp;

In a letter to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Frost said that he was resigning immediately after a report said that he was looking to step down next month.&nbsp;

In resignation letter, Frost said, "That is why we agreed earlier this month that I would move on in January and hand over the baton to others to manage our future relationship with the EU.''&nbsp;

However, a report by the Daily Mail claimed that the minister resigned due to the increasing resentment against the government.

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent poll for The Observer has revealed that over six out of ten voters believe that Brexit has either gone bad or worse than they expected. This comes a year after the United Kingdom left the European Union.

A recent poll for The Observer has revealed that over six out of ten voters believe that Brexit has either gone bad or worse than they expected. This comes a year after the United Kingdom left the European Union. The survey further revealed that 42 per cent of people who voted in favour of leaving in 2016 had a negative view of how Brexit had turned out. Also, 26 per cent of people who were in support of leaving said that it had gone worse than expected. Another 16 per cent of those who voted for Brexit said that they expected it to go badly and were proved right. People who voted in favour of remaining, 86 per cent said that it had gone bad or worse than they expected. In total, just 14 per cent of voters turned out to be satisfied and said that Brexit had gone better than expected. Adam Drummond, of Opinium, was quoted by the Guardian as saying, "For most of the Brexit process any time you’d ask a question that could be boiled down to ‘is Brexit good or bad?’ you’d have all of the Remainers saying ‘bad’ and all of the Leavers saying ‘good’ and these would cancel each other out. Now what we’re seeing is a significant minority of Leavers saying that things are going badly or at least worse than they expected." Also read | In a big blow to UK government, Brexit Minister David Frost resigns The survey comes a week after Brexit Minister David Frost resigned. In a letter to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Frost said that he was resigning immediately after a report said that he was looking to step down next month. In resignation letter, Frost said, "That is why we agreed earlier this month that I would move on in January and hand over the baton to others to manage our future relationship with the EU.'' However, a report by the Daily Mail claimed that the minister resigned due to the increasing resentment against the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Most voters not satisfied with how Brexit turned out; only 14% say it was better than expected

Brexit minister, Lord David Frost, has resigned as the man in charge of overseeing matters related to Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU) amid opposition to lockdown restrictions due to a surge of the Omicron variant.

United Kingdom: Boris Johnson's trusted ally David Frost resigns

Brexit minister David Frost resigns, massive jolt to UK PM Boris Johnson

Republican lawmaker Ted Cruz wants Texas to secede "if things become hopeless". Can "Texit" become a reality? A surprising share of American citizens wants to break up the country. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Texit after Brexit? Why some Texans want to leave the US

French President Emmanuel Macron said he was postponing planned trade sanctions on Britain so that negotiators from both sides could work on new proposals to defuse their dispute over post-Brexit fishing rights.

France postpones fishing row sanctions, Britain welcomes the decision

The fishing rights row between France and Britain continues while the French say both nations have reached a middle ground over the issue, the Brits say that their previous position on the row remains unchanged.

UK-France fishing row deepens despite Macron and Johnson meet

Britain denounced France's seizure of a British boat in French waters and warned Paris against further retaliation on Thursday, in a rapidly deteriorating row over post-Brexit fishing rights.

The Cornelis Gert Jan, a scallop dredger, was escorted to the northern port of Le Havre overnight after its crew failed to prove it was allowed to fish in French territorial waters, French Seas Minister Annick Girardin said.

A second British vessel was given a verbal warning.

The action signalled France's determination not to back down in the row, a day after listing potential sanctions against Britain if there is no progress in talks.

They include extra customs checks on British goods from Nov. 2 and what was widely seen in London as a threat to cut electricity exports to Britain if talks fail.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-vows-to-defend-uk-interests-in-french-fishing-row-425166">Boris Johnson vows to defend UK interests in French fishing row</a>

"It's not war, but it is a fight," Girardin told RTL radio.

Britain's foreign minister, Liz Truss, responded by ordering France's ambassador to London to explain on Friday the "disappointing and disproportionate threats made against the UK and Channel Islands."

British fishing grounds are among the richest in the North East Atlantic where most of the European Union's catch is hauled in. France's actions appear to be a warning shot to put pressure on Britain to compromise at talks with the EU.

British environment minister George Eustice challenged France's statement that the boat had no licence. He told parliament France's threatened steps appeared to be incompatible with a post-Brexit free-trade agreement and international law.

"...if carried through, (they) will be met with an appropriate and calibrated response," he said.

France says Britain has refused to grant its fishermen the full number of licences to operate in British waters that France says is warranted. Britain says it is issuing licences to vessels that meet its criteria.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-meets-italian-counterpart-mario-draghi-holds-extensive-talks-on-diversifying-bilateral-ties-425148">Indian PM Modi meets Italian counterpart Mario Draghi, holds extensive talks on diversifying bilateral ties</a>

"So now we need to speak the language of strength since that seems to be the only thing this British government understands," European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune told CNews television channel.

Girardin made clear France could not cut off electricity supplies to Britain as a retaliatory measure but said it could raise tariffs. Britain was importing about 6% of its electricity supply from France on Thursday, data showed.

Jersey, a self-governing British Crown Dependency 14 miles off the French coast, said it was "extremely disappointed" at France's announcement as Jersey officials had met officials from France, the UK and the European Commission on Wednesday.

"The outcome of that meeting was that 162 French vessels will be licensed to fish in Jersey's territorial waters from this Friday", Jersey's government said.

VESSEL IMPOUNDED

Extra customs checks on goods travelling between Britain and the rest of Europe could disrupt trade flows before Christmas.

The EU's executive body said it would continue talks with Britain and France in the coming days.

The Cornelis Gert Jan's skipper is under preliminary investigation for dredging 2,160 kg (4,762 lb) of scallops and could face a 75,000-euro ($87,500 fine). Its owners said the vessel had a fishing licence and had been fishing legally.

"We are a pawn of bigger forces here. This is to do with licences and the beef that the French have with the licences of French vessels," Andrew Brown, a director of Macduff Shellfish, told Reuters.

Barrie Deas, head of Britain's National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, said France appeared determined to escalate the licence row before a presidential election, with President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;expected to seek a new term in April.

In a sign Britain might offer more licences, Bruno Margolle, head of the Boulogne fishermen's collective, said 15 of the 37 licence requests from his region previously shown as rejected had passed to 'under consideration' since the boat was held.

Senior British, French and EU officials have signalled they do not want the dispute to escalate, but&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;and Johnson are under pressure from vocal fishing lobbies.

Britain's Brexit minister, David Frost, chaired a ministerial meeting on Thursday to consider a response to France's measures, a British government spokesman said.

The industry makes a small contribution to the French and British economies but is a lifeline for some coastal communities.

In Le Havre, scallop fishermen said they were fed up with British vessels enjoying what they called unfair access to shellfish in French waters.

"There has to be an end to this fraud," Pascal Coquet, president of the National Scallop Fishermen's Committee, said.

Britain denounced France's seizure of a British boat in French waters and warned Paris against further retaliation on Thursday, in a rapidly deteriorating row over post-Brexit fishing rights.

Britain denounced France's seizure of a British boat in French waters and warned Paris against further retaliation on Thursday, in a rapidly deteriorating row over post-Brexit fishing rights. The Cornelis Gert Jan, a scallop dredger, was escorted to the northern port of Le Havre overnight after its crew failed to prove it was allowed to fish in French territorial waters, French Seas Minister Annick Girardin said. A second British vessel was given a verbal warning. The action signalled France's determination not to back down in the row, a day after listing potential sanctions against Britain if there is no progress in talks. They include extra customs checks on British goods from Nov. 2 and what was widely seen in London as a threat to cut electricity exports to Britain if talks fail. ALSO READ | Boris Johnson vows to defend UK interests in French fishing row "It's not war, but it is a fight," Girardin told RTL radio. Britain's foreign minister, Liz Truss, responded by ordering France's ambassador to London to explain on Friday the "disappointing and disproportionate threats made against the UK and Channel Islands." British fishing grounds are among the richest in the North East Atlantic where most of the European Union's catch is hauled in. France's actions appear to be a warning shot to put pressure on Britain to compromise at talks with the EU. British environment minister George Eustice challenged France's statement that the boat had no licence. He told parliament France's threatened steps appeared to be incompatible with a post-Brexit free-trade agreement and international law. "...if carried through, (they) will be met with an appropriate and calibrated response," he said. France says Britain has refused to grant its fishermen the full number of licences to operate in British waters that France says is warranted. Britain says it is issuing licences to vessels that meet its criteria. ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi meets Italian counterpart Mario Draghi, holds extensive talks on diversifying bilateral ties "So now we need to speak the language of strength since that seems to be the only thing this British government understands," European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune told CNews television channel. Girardin made clear France could not cut off electricity supplies to Britain as a retaliatory measure but said it could raise tariffs. Britain was importing about 6% of its electricity supply from France on Thursday, data showed. Jersey, a self-governing British Crown Dependency 14 miles off the French coast, said it was "extremely disappointed" at France's announcement as Jersey officials had met officials from France, the UK and the European Commission on Wednesday. "The outcome of that meeting was that 162 French vessels will be licensed to fish in Jersey's territorial waters from this Friday", Jersey's government said. VESSEL IMPOUNDED Extra customs checks on goods travelling between Britain and the rest of Europe could disrupt trade flows before Christmas. The EU's executive body said it would continue talks with Britain and France in the coming days. The Cornelis Gert Jan's skipper is under preliminary investigation for dredging 2,160 kg (4,762 lb) of scallops and could face a 75,000-euro ($87,500 fine). Its owners said the vessel had a fishing licence and had been fishing legally. "We are a pawn of bigger forces here. This is to do with licences and the beef that the French have with the licences of French vessels," Andrew Brown, a director of Macduff Shellfish, told Reuters. Barrie Deas, head of Britain's National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, said France appeared determined to escalate the licence row before a presidential election, with President Emmanuel Macron expected to seek a new term in April. In a sign Britain might offer more licences, Bruno Margolle, head of the Boulogne fishermen's collective, said 15 of the 37 licence requests from his region previously shown as rejected had passed to 'under consideration' since the boat was held. Senior British, French and EU officials have signalled they do not want the dispute to escalate, but Macron and Johnson are under pressure from vocal fishing lobbies. Britain's Brexit minister, David Frost, chaired a ministerial meeting on Thursday to consider a response to France's measures, a British government spokesman said. The industry makes a small contribution to the French and British economies but is a lifeline for some coastal communities. In Le Havre, scallop fishermen said they were fed up with British vessels enjoying what they called unfair access to shellfish in French waters. "There has to be an end to this fraud," Pascal Coquet, president of the National Scallop Fishermen's Committee, said.

UK decries France's seizure of fishing boat as post-Brexit row deepens

The UK government has summoned the French ambassador after a British trawler was detained over a dispute regarding post-Brexit fishing rights.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss asked Catherine Colonna to explain “disappointing and disproportionate threats”.

“I have instructed Europe Minister Wendy Morton to summon the French ambassador to the UK for talks tomorrow to explain the disappointing and disproportionate threats made against the UK and Channel Islands,” Truss tweeted.

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I have instructed Europe Minister Wendy Morton to summon the French Ambassador to the UK for talks tomorrow to explain the disappointing and disproportionate threats made against the UK and Channel Islands.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) <a href="https://twitter.com/trussliz/status/1453780242523475972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The row intensified on Thursday after the British vessel Cornelis Gert Jan was ordered to divert to the port of Le Havre after authorities said it was fishing in French waters without a licence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-and-france-fight-over-fish-383346">Britain and France fight over fish</a>

The French said that another British trawler had also been fined after refusing to allow police on board to carry out checks.

The post-Brexit fishing dispute between Britain and France started earlier this year after the British Channel island of Jersey’s government introduced a new licensing system requiring French boats to show fishing history in Jersey’s waters to obtain future permits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-seizes-british-trawler-in-post-brexit-row-over-fishing-rights-424718">France seizes British trawler in post-Brexit row over fishing rights</a>

France claims that their fishermen were issued only half of the licenses they needed to operate in British territorial waters under the terms of the Brexit agreement.

Britain instead claimed that it has granted 98 per cent of license applications from EU vessels to fish in its waters.

A British government spokesperson said in a statement that France’s threats are “disappointing and disproportionate” and if carried through, will be met with an appropriate and calibrated response.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK government has summoned the French ambassador after a British trawler was detained over a dispute regarding post-Brexit fishing rights. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss asked Catherine Colonna to explain “disappointing and disproportionate threats”.

The UK government has summoned the French ambassador after a British trawler was detained over a dispute regarding post-Brexit fishing rights. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss asked Catherine Colonna to explain “disappointing and disproportionate threats”. “I have instructed Europe Minister Wendy Morton to summon the French ambassador to the UK for talks tomorrow to explain the disappointing and disproportionate threats made against the UK and Channel Islands,” Truss tweeted. I have instructed Europe Minister Wendy Morton to summon the French Ambassador to the UK for talks tomorrow to explain the disappointing and disproportionate threats made against the UK and Channel Islands. — Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 28, 2021 × The row intensified on Thursday after the British vessel Cornelis Gert Jan was ordered to divert to the port of Le Havre after authorities said it was fishing in French waters without a licence. Also read | Britain and France fight over fish The French said that another British trawler had also been fined after refusing to allow police on board to carry out checks. The post-Brexit fishing dispute between Britain and France started earlier this year after the British Channel island of Jersey’s government introduced a new licensing system requiring French boats to show fishing history in Jersey’s waters to obtain future permits. Also read | France seizes British trawler in post-Brexit row over fishing rights France claims that their fishermen were issued only half of the licenses they needed to operate in British territorial waters under the terms of the Brexit agreement. Britain instead claimed that it has granted 98 per cent of license applications from EU vessels to fish in its waters. A British government spokesperson said in a statement that France’s threats are “disappointing and disproportionate” and if carried through, will be met with an appropriate and calibrated response. (With inputs from agencies)

UK government summons French ambassador over post-Brexit fishing rights dispute

France seized a British trawler fishing in its territorial waters without a licence on Thursday and issued a warning to a second vessel in a dispute over access to fishing grounds after Brexit.

Furious that Britain has refused to grant its fishermen the full number of licences to operate inside British waters that France says is warranted, Paris announced retaliatory measures on Wednesday if there was no progress in talks.

The French government said it would from Nov. 2 impose extra customs checks on British goods entering France, raising the prospect of more economic pain before Christmas for Britain, which faces labour shortages and rising energy prices.

It is also reviewing a second round of sanctions and does not exclude a review of its exports of electricity to Britain, which left the European Union on Jan. 31, 2020.

"It`s not war, but it is a fight," France`s Seas Minister Annick Girardin told RTL radio.

European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune signalled France would be forceful in the dispute.

"So now, we need to speak the language of strength since that seems to be the only thing this British government understands," Beaune told news channel CNews.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the detained trawler.

Britain has said France`s planned acts of retaliation will be met with an appropriate and calibrated response.

"France`s threats are disappointing and disproportionate and not what we would expect from a close ally and partner," a British government spokesperson said. 
Barrie Deas, head of Britain`s National Federation of Fishermen`s Organisations, said Britain was issuing licences in line with the terms of the post-Brexit trade agreement and that France appeared determined to escalate the licence row.

"I suppose we have to wonder why. There is a presidential election coming up in France and I think all the signs are that the rhetoric has been ramped up ahead of that on the fishing issue," Deas told the BBC.

French President Emmanuel Macron has not yet confirmed he will seek a second term in April`s election but is widely expected to run.

<h2>Maritime gendarmes&nbsp;</h2>

French maritime gendarmes made multiple checks on fishing vessels off the northern French port of Le Havre overnight, the Maritime Ministry said, as France steps up surveillance during negotiations.

The seized trawler, now under the control of French judicial authorities, had been rerouted to Le Havre under a maritime police escort and was tied up at on the port`s quayside.

The vessel`s captain could face criminal charges, with his catch confiscated, the ministry added.

The Marine Traffic app showed a British fishing vessel named Cornelis Gert Jan tied up in the port of Le Havre. The French maritime patrol vessel Atos was moored behind it.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the name of the detained vessel.

Marine Traffic data showed that the Cornelis Gert Jan had been operating in the Baie de Seine on Wednesday evening, where the Atos had been conducting checks. Both vessels set course for Le Havre at around 2000 CET (1800 GMT).

Britain has said it issued fishing licenses to vessels able to show a track record of operating in its waters in the years prior to its withdrawal from the EU.

Negotiations between Britain and the European Commission, the EU executive, have continued this week.

French officials accuse Britain of failing to honour its word since Brexit, citing fishing and a demand to renegotiate a protocol that aims to maintain the integrity of the EU single market.

Additional customs checks on goods travelling between Britain and the continent via the Channel Tunnel and ferries could seriously disrupt trade flows just as businesses stock up for the year-end festive period.

France seized a British trawler fishing in its territorial waters without a licence on Thursday and issued a warning to a second vessel in a dispute over access to fishing grounds after Brexit.

France seized a British trawler fishing in its territorial waters without a licence on Thursday and issued a warning to a second vessel in a dispute over access to fishing grounds after Brexit. Furious that Britain has refused to grant its fishermen the full number of licences to operate inside British waters that France says is warranted, Paris announced retaliatory measures on Wednesday if there was no progress in talks. The French government said it would from Nov. 2 impose extra customs checks on British goods entering France, raising the prospect of more economic pain before Christmas for Britain, which faces labour shortages and rising energy prices. It is also reviewing a second round of sanctions and does not exclude a review of its exports of electricity to Britain, which left the European Union on Jan. 31, 2020. "It`s not war, but it is a fight," France`s Seas Minister Annick Girardin told RTL radio. European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune signalled France would be forceful in the dispute. "So now, we need to speak the language of strength since that seems to be the only thing this British government understands," Beaune told news channel CNews. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the detained trawler. Britain has said France`s planned acts of retaliation will be met with an appropriate and calibrated response. "France`s threats are disappointing and disproportionate and not what we would expect from a close ally and partner," a British government spokesperson said. Barrie Deas, head of Britain`s National Federation of Fishermen`s Organisations, said Britain was issuing licences in line with the terms of the post-Brexit trade agreement and that France appeared determined to escalate the licence row. "I suppose we have to wonder why. There is a presidential election coming up in France and I think all the signs are that the rhetoric has been ramped up ahead of that on the fishing issue," Deas told the BBC. French President Emmanuel Macron has not yet confirmed he will seek a second term in April`s election but is widely expected to run. Maritime gendarmes French maritime gendarmes made multiple checks on fishing vessels off the northern French port of Le Havre overnight, the Maritime Ministry said, as France steps up surveillance during negotiations. The seized trawler, now under the control of French judicial authorities, had been rerouted to Le Havre under a maritime police escort and was tied up at on the port`s quayside. The vessel`s captain could face criminal charges, with his catch confiscated, the ministry added. The Marine Traffic app showed a British fishing vessel named Cornelis Gert Jan tied up in the port of Le Havre. The French maritime patrol vessel Atos was moored behind it. Reuters could not immediately confirm the name of the detained vessel. Marine Traffic data showed that the Cornelis Gert Jan had been operating in the Baie de Seine on Wednesday evening, where the Atos had been conducting checks. Both vessels set course for Le Havre at around 2000 CET (1800 GMT). Britain has said it issued fishing licenses to vessels able to show a track record of operating in its waters in the years prior to its withdrawal from the EU. Negotiations between Britain and the European Commission, the EU executive, have continued this week. French officials accuse Britain of failing to honour its word since Brexit, citing fishing and a demand to renegotiate a protocol that aims to maintain the integrity of the EU single market. Additional customs checks on goods travelling between Britain and the continent via the Channel Tunnel and ferries could seriously disrupt trade flows just as businesses stock up for the year-end festive period.

France seizes British trawler in post-Brexit row over fishing rights

France has warned of possible sanctions against Britain including a ban on seafood imports and disrupting trade amid an escalating row over post-Brexit fishing licences.

France threatens sanctions against UK over fishing licences row

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