Panasonic, Sony, Nissan and now Honda: a recent exodus of Japanese firms from Britain is not solely down to Brexit, analysts say, but it has in many cases accelerated the decision to leave.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/honda-to-shut-only-british-factory-mulls-a-move-to-north-america-198289">Honda was the latest Japanese firm to send shockwaves</a> through British industry by announcing the end of its plant in Swindon, where around 3,500 workers have been producing the "Civic" for more than 24 years.

Officials rushed to divert blame from Brexit, with local MP Justin Tomlinson saying the decision was down to "global trends" and pointing out that Honda was transferring all European production back to Japan.

But while there are specific reasons behind each individual business decision, analysts said the spectre of Brexit was haunting Japanese firms across the board.

"Honda seems to have been preparing for this for a long time. Then Brexit happened, which might have pushed the company to make the decision now," said Seiji Sugiura, an analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute.

Both Sugiura and Satoru Takada, an auto analyst at TIW research firm based in Tokyo, noted that Honda had been debating what to do with the Swindon plant for some time.

"It has struggled in recent years. Then came Brexit," said Takada.

"The change in the business environment pushed the company to make the decision now," he added.

Honda's decision came hot on the heels of Nissan axing production at its Sunderland plant in northeastern England.

There are around 1,000 Japanese companies operating in Britain, supporting some 140,000 jobs.

And while firms from Japan are not the only ones pulling out from Britain, a long history of Japanese investment in the country stemming from Japan Inc's boom days in the late 80s makes the exodus all the more painful.

"I think Swindon's finished without Honda," said Sue Davis, a local resident. "My ex-husband works there, has done for 20 years."

Sugiura said Japanese carmakers were attracted by a business-friendly environment under Conservative leader Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s as well as by Britain's access to European markets.

"Originally they decided to go to Britain, rather than the continent, because it offered the merit of an integrated EU. Now, things are the exact opposite," the analyst told AFP.

'Country risk'

When it comes to the automakers, rapid changes in the car industry and the global trade environment are also factors in paring back operations, the analysts said.

A huge EU-Japan free trade agreement that came into effect this month also reduces the incentive for Japanese firms to operate in Europe by phasing out tariffs.

Takada also pointed out that Japanese firms have generally struggled in Europe where they are competing on the home turf of German giants like Volkswagen.

But it is not just carmakers deciding to scale back their presence. Electronics giants Sony and Panasonic have also announced shifts from Britain.

Major Japanese banks are pulling out of London and nuclear firm Hitachi last month announced a freeze in a major power plant in Wales.

Many of these firms said Brexit wasn't the only factor in their decision but it played a part.

"What are the reasons for this pullout? One of them is distrust in Britain itself -- its economy, politics and society are in disarray," said Yosuku Tsuchida, a researcher at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting.

"It's country risk."

Tsuchida predicted that other firms using Britain as a base for continental Europe would consider pulling out.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pleaded for clarity for Japanese firms and said "the whole world" is hoping that a no-deal Brexit can be avoided.

Analyst Sugiura from Tokai Tokyo said the future for investment into Britain was far from bright.

"The lack of clarity in Brexit is discouraging businesses from making a fresh investment. Investing in the UK doesn't seem attractive anymore now."

"One has to question if Britain is now a suitable location to have a production hub," said Takada.

Panasonic, Sony, Nissan and now Honda: a recent exodus of Japanese firms from Britain is not solely down to Brexit, analysts say, but it has in many cases accelerated the decision to leave.

Panasonic, Sony, Nissan and now Honda: a recent exodus of Japanese firms from Britain is not solely down to Brexit, analysts say, but it has in many cases accelerated the decision to leave. On Tuesday, Honda was the latest Japanese firm to send shockwaves through British industry by announcing the end of its plant in Swindon, where around 3,500 workers have been producing the "Civic" for more than 24 years. Officials rushed to divert blame from Brexit, with local MP Justin Tomlinson saying the decision was down to "global trends" and pointing out that Honda was transferring all European production back to Japan. But while there are specific reasons behind each individual business decision, analysts said the spectre of Brexit was haunting Japanese firms across the board. "Honda seems to have been preparing for this for a long time. Then Brexit happened, which might have pushed the company to make the decision now," said Seiji Sugiura, an analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute. Both Sugiura and Satoru Takada, an auto analyst at TIW research firm based in Tokyo, noted that Honda had been debating what to do with the Swindon plant for some time. "It has struggled in recent years. Then came Brexit," said Takada. "The change in the business environment pushed the company to make the decision now," he added. Honda's decision came hot on the heels of Nissan axing production at its Sunderland plant in northeastern England. There are around 1,000 Japanese companies operating in Britain, supporting some 140,000 jobs. And while firms from Japan are not the only ones pulling out from Britain, a long history of Japanese investment in the country stemming from Japan Inc's boom days in the late 80s makes the exodus all the more painful. "I think Swindon's finished without Honda," said Sue Davis, a local resident. "My ex-husband works there, has done for 20 years." Sugiura said Japanese carmakers were attracted by a business-friendly environment under Conservative leader Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s as well as by Britain's access to European markets. "Originally they decided to go to Britain, rather than the continent, because it offered the merit of an integrated EU. Now, things are the exact opposite," the analyst told AFP. 'Country risk' When it comes to the automakers, rapid changes in the car industry and the global trade environment are also factors in paring back operations, the analysts said. A huge EU-Japan free trade agreement that came into effect this month also reduces the incentive for Japanese firms to operate in Europe by phasing out tariffs. Takada also pointed out that Japanese firms have generally struggled in Europe where they are competing on the home turf of German giants like Volkswagen. But it is not just carmakers deciding to scale back their presence. Electronics giants Sony and Panasonic have also announced shifts from Britain. Major Japanese banks are pulling out of London and nuclear firm Hitachi last month announced a freeze in a major power plant in Wales. Many of these firms said Brexit wasn't the only factor in their decision but it played a part. "What are the reasons for this pullout? One of them is distrust in Britain itself -- its economy, politics and society are in disarray," said Yosuku Tsuchida, a researcher at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting. "It's country risk." Tsuchida predicted that other firms using Britain as a base for continental Europe would consider pulling out. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pleaded for clarity for Japanese firms and said "the whole world" is hoping that a no-deal Brexit can be avoided. Analyst Sugiura from Tokai Tokyo said the future for investment into Britain was far from bright. "The lack of clarity in Brexit is discouraging businesses from making a fresh investment. Investing in the UK doesn't seem attractive anymore now." "One has to question if Britain is now a suitable location to have a production hub," said Takada.

Brexit accelerating Japanese firms' exodus from UK: Report

Britain will not take part in the elections to the European Parliament in May because it will leave the European Union on March 29th, junior Brexit minister Martin Callanan told reporters on Tuesday.

European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said on Monday that although it seemed unlikely, he could not rule out that Britain would participate in the European elections because it could ask for an extension of the deadline to leave the EU.

But asked if Britain could take part in the elections, Callanan said, "No, because we are leaving ... on the 29th of March"

Asked if that meant Britain would not ask for an extension of the deadline to get more time to agree with a withdrawal agreement, Callanan said, "The prime minister has been very clear that we intend to leave on the 29th of March -- that's what Art 50 says and that's what our domestic legislation says."

Britain will not take part in the elections to the European Parliament in May because it will leave the European Union on March 29th, junior Brexit minister Martin Callanan told reporters on Tuesday.

Britain will not take part in the elections to the European Parliament in May because it will leave the European Union on March 29th, junior Brexit minister Martin Callanan told reporters on Tuesday. European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said on Monday that although it seemed unlikely, he could not rule out that Britain would participate in the European elections because it could ask for an extension of the deadline to leave the EU. But asked if Britain could take part in the elections, Callanan said, "No, because we are leaving ... on the 29th of March" Asked if that meant Britain would not ask for an extension of the deadline to get more time to agree with a withdrawal agreement, Callanan said, "The prime minister has been very clear that we intend to leave on the 29th of March -- that's what Art 50 says and that's what our domestic legislation says."

Britain will not take part in EU parliament elections: Junior Brexit minister

WION Gravitas: 7 Lawmakers resign from Labour Party over Brexit

Seven Labour lawmakers quit Britain's main opposition party on Monday over leader Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and a row over anti-Semitism, saying Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left."

The departure of the small group of lawmakers underlines the mounting frustration with Corbyn's reluctance to change his Brexit strategy and start campaigning for a second referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union.

With only 39 days until Britain leaves the EU in its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit have fragmented British politics, breaking down traditional party lines and creating new coalitions across the country's left/right divide.

"The Labour party that we joined that we campaigned for and believed in is no longer today's Labour Party. We did everything we could to save it, but it has now been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left," lawmaker Chris Leslie told a news conference.

"Evidence of Labour's betrayal on Europe is now visible for all to see. Offering to actually enable this government's Brexit, constantly holding back from allowing the public a final say."

The seven lawmakers were: Luciana Berger, Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey. They will continue to sit as lawmakers in parliament under the banner 'The Independent Group'.

Labour won 262 seats at the 2017 election.

A Labour source close to the group said Monday's departures could trigger a second wave of resignations, underlining the frustration over Corbyn's approach to Britain's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years.

Corbyn said in a statement: "I am disappointed that these MPs (Members of Parliament) have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election."

Corbyn has so far stuck to Labour policy to keep the option of a second referendum "on the table" if Prime Minister Theresa May's government fails to secure a deal with Brussels that can pass through parliament.

His first choice is a new election but he has also called on May to change her "red lines" and for her to embrace his plan for a permanent customs union with the EU - something the prime minister has so far refused to do.

Britain's 2016 referendum, which saw 52 per cent of voters back leaving the EU, has deeply divided both of the country's main parties, with both leaders struggling to preserve any unity in Labour and Conservative ranks.

The prospect of holding such a second referendum poses a challenge for Corbyn: while many of the party's members fervently back a so-called People's vote, others just want Britain to leave as soon as possible.

But Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, has also been accused by some lawmakers for failing to tackle anti-Semitism in the party, an allegation that has dogged the pro-Palestinian politician since he became the leader in 2015.

Corbyn denies that he has allowed anti-Semitism to grow in the Labour Party and has pledged to stamp it out.

Seven Labour lawmakers quit Britain's main opposition party on Monday over leader Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and a row over anti-Semitism, saying Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left.

Seven Labour lawmakers quit Britain's main opposition party on Monday over leader Jeremy Corbyn's approach to Brexit and a row over anti-Semitism, saying Labour had been "hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left." The departure of the small group of lawmakers underlines the mounting frustration with Corbyn's reluctance to change his Brexit strategy and start campaigning for a second referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union. With only 39 days until Britain leaves the EU in its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit have fragmented British politics, breaking down traditional party lines and creating new coalitions across the country's left/right divide. "The Labour party that we joined that we campaigned for and believed in is no longer today's Labour Party. We did everything we could to save it, but it has now been hijacked by the machine politics of the hard left," lawmaker Chris Leslie told a news conference. "Evidence of Labour's betrayal on Europe is now visible for all to see. Offering to actually enable this government's Brexit, constantly holding back from allowing the public a final say." The seven lawmakers were: Luciana Berger, Leslie, Angela Smith, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey. They will continue to sit as lawmakers in parliament under the banner 'The Independent Group'. Labour won 262 seats at the 2017 election. A Labour source close to the group said Monday's departures could trigger a second wave of resignations, underlining the frustration over Corbyn's approach to Britain's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years. Corbyn said in a statement: "I am disappointed that these MPs (Members of Parliament) have felt unable to continue to work together for the Labour policies that inspired millions at the last election." Corbyn has so far stuck to Labour policy to keep the option of a second referendum "on the table" if Prime Minister Theresa May's government fails to secure a deal with Brussels that can pass through parliament. His first choice is a new election but he has also called on May to change her "red lines" and for her to embrace his plan for a permanent customs union with the EU - something the prime minister has so far refused to do. Britain's 2016 referendum, which saw 52 per cent of voters back leaving the EU, has deeply divided both of the country's main parties, with both leaders struggling to preserve any unity in Labour and Conservative ranks. The prospect of holding such a second referendum poses a challenge for Corbyn: while many of the party's members fervently back a so-called People's vote, others just want Britain to leave as soon as possible. But Corbyn, a veteran peace campaigner, has also been accused by some lawmakers for failing to tackle anti-Semitism in the party, an allegation that has dogged the pro-Palestinian politician since he became the leader in 2015. Corbyn denies that he has allowed anti-Semitism to grow in the Labour Party and has pledged to stamp it out.

Seven lawmakers quit UK Labour Party citing Brexit 'betrayal', anti-Semitism

Both Britain's minister for Brexit Stephen Barclay and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn will visit Brussels next week for talks with EU negotiator Michel Barnier.

"Mr Barnier's door is always open," an EU spokesman said, confirming that Barclay was expected to visit EU headquarters on Monday and Corbyn on Thursday.

Prime Minister Theresa May is also expected in Brussels next week, but the visit has not been confirmed.&nbsp;

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, but Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to persuade parliament to back a divorce deal.

EU leaders fear severe economic disruption if London leaves the bloc without a follow on agreement providing for a transition period to negotiate a trade deal.

Corbyn has suggested Labour MPs would rescue the withdrawal plan if EU leaders promise to allow Britain to remain in the EU customs union.

May and many of her Conservative MPs reject that idea, but Barnier and EU Council President Donald Tusk have described it as "interesting".

Both Britain's minister for Brexit Stephen Barclay and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn will visit Brussels next week for talks with EU negotiator Michel Barnier.

Both Britain's minister for Brexit Stephen Barclay and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn will visit Brussels next week for talks with EU negotiator Michel Barnier. "Mr Barnier's door is always open," an EU spokesman said, confirming that Barclay was expected to visit EU headquarters on Monday and Corbyn on Thursday. Prime Minister Theresa May is also expected in Brussels next week, but the visit has not been confirmed. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, but Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to persuade parliament to back a divorce deal. EU leaders fear severe economic disruption if London leaves the bloc without a follow on agreement providing for a transition period to negotiate a trade deal. Corbyn has suggested Labour MPs would rescue the withdrawal plan if EU leaders promise to allow Britain to remain in the EU customs union. May and many of her Conservative MPs reject that idea, but Barnier and EU Council President Donald Tusk have described it as "interesting".

New Brexit talks in Brussels next week

British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered another humiliating Brexit defeat at the hands of her own eurosceptic MPs on Thursday, with just weeks to go until Britain officially leaves the EU

In the symbolic vote, MPs voted 303 to 258 against a government motion endorsing its next moves in trying to secure a new withdrawal deal with the European Union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered another humiliating Brexit defeat at the hands of her own eurosceptic MPs on Thursday, with just weeks to go until Britain officially leaves the EU In the symbolic vote, MPs voted 303 to 258 against a government motion endorsing its next moves in trying to secure a new withdrawal deal with the European Union.

UK's May suffers embarrassing Brexit defeat in parliament

British Prime Minister Theresa May could face a defeat in parliament on Thursday over her plan to renegotiate the Brexit deal, undermining her pledge to the European Union that, with changes, she can get the agreement approved.

Thursday's symbolic vote was seen by May's team as little more than a rubber stamp of her plan to secure changes to the divorce deal with the EU, giving her more time to satisfy lawmakers' concerns over one part of it — the Irish backstop.

But hardline Brexit supporters in her governing Conservative Party are angry over what they say is her acceptance of ruling out a no-deal departure, something May and her team deny, saying by law Britain will leave the EU on March 29 without an agreement if no deal is struck.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/its-mays-deal-or-long-brexit-delay-uks-chief-negotiator-overheard-saying-in-bar-197142"> It's May's deal or long Brexit delay, UK's chief negotiator overheard saying in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/its-mays-deal-or-long-brexit-delay-uks-chief-negotiator-overheard-saying-in-bar-197142">bar</a>

The latest twist in the two-year negotiation to leave the EU underlines the deep divisions in parliament over how, or even whether, Britain should leave the bloc in the country's biggest political and trade policy shift in more than 40 years.

A rebellion, even in a symbolic vote, would be a blow to May, who has insisted to EU leaders that if they offer her more concessions to the deal agreed in November, she can command a majority in parliament and get the agreement passed.

Trade minister Liam Fox urged lawmakers to back the prime minister, warning: "Our European partners will be watching".

Steve Baker, a member of the pro-Brexit European Research Group of Conservative lawmakers, said no lawmaker in the governing party could be associated with anything which seems to take a "no-deal Brexit" off the table.

"Compromising no deal would be the daftest negotiating strategy and not in the national interest," he said on Twitter.

Another Conservative lawmaker said the ERG was still discussing which strategy to pursue on Thursday - to vote against or abstain.

May is trying to secure changes to the backstop arrangement to prevent a return of border controls between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland to ease concerns that Britain will be kept too closely in the EU's orbit indefinitely or that the British province will be split away.

Extend stay

On Wednesday, European Council President Donald Tusk said the bloc was waiting for Britain to present solid proposals to break the impasse after meetings in Brussels and telephone calls between May and EU leaders.

Some Conservative and many opposition lawmakers accuse May of "running down the clock", edging Britain closer to the exit date to try to force parliament to choose between backing her deal or leaving without an agreement.

Many businesses say that outcome would be catastrophic for the world's fifth largest economy by causing major delays at ports, fracturing international supply chains and hindering investment.

More than 40 former British ambassadors called on the government to extend Britain's stay in the EU or allow for a second referendum, The Times newspaper reported. May has repeatedly said she does not back a second vote.

To try to prevent a no deal, several lawmakers will try to get parliament to back their alternative proposals on Thursday, with options including calling a second referendum, a delay to Brexit, votes on a range of options and even a push to reverse the decision to leave the EU.

It is not clear whether any will win enough support to pass, with lawmakers who are seeking to force the government to delay Brexit saying they will wait until the next round of votes May has promised on Feb. 27 to make their move.

British Prime Minister Theresa May could face a defeat in parliament on Thursday over her plan to renegotiate the Brexit deal, undermining her pledge to the European Union that, with changes, she can get the agreement approved.

British Prime Minister Theresa May could face a defeat in parliament on Thursday over her plan to renegotiate the Brexit deal, undermining her pledge to the European Union that, with changes, she can get the agreement approved. Thursday's symbolic vote was seen by May's team as little more than a rubber stamp of her plan to secure changes to the divorce deal with the EU, giving her more time to satisfy lawmakers' concerns over one part of it — the Irish backstop. But hardline Brexit supporters in her governing Conservative Party are angry over what they say is her acceptance of ruling out a no-deal departure, something May and her team deny, saying by law Britain will leave the EU on March 29 without an agreement if no deal is struck. Also read: It's May's deal or long Brexit delay, UK's chief negotiator overheard saying in bar The latest twist in the two-year negotiation to leave the EU underlines the deep divisions in parliament over how, or even whether, Britain should leave the bloc in the country's biggest political and trade policy shift in more than 40 years. A rebellion, even in a symbolic vote, would be a blow to May, who has insisted to EU leaders that if they offer her more concessions to the deal agreed in November, she can command a majority in parliament and get the agreement passed. Trade minister Liam Fox urged lawmakers to back the prime minister, warning: "Our European partners will be watching". Steve Baker, a member of the pro-Brexit European Research Group of Conservative lawmakers, said no lawmaker in the governing party could be associated with anything which seems to take a "no-deal Brexit" off the table. "Compromising no deal would be the daftest negotiating strategy and not in the national interest," he said on Twitter. Another Conservative lawmaker said the ERG was still discussing which strategy to pursue on Thursday - to vote against or abstain. May is trying to secure changes to the backstop arrangement to prevent a return of border controls between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland to ease concerns that Britain will be kept too closely in the EU's orbit indefinitely or that the British province will be split away. Extend stay On Wednesday, European Council President Donald Tusk said the bloc was waiting for Britain to present solid proposals to break the impasse after meetings in Brussels and telephone calls between May and EU leaders. Some Conservative and many opposition lawmakers accuse May of "running down the clock", edging Britain closer to the exit date to try to force parliament to choose between backing her deal or leaving without an agreement. Many businesses say that outcome would be catastrophic for the world's fifth largest economy by causing major delays at ports, fracturing international supply chains and hindering investment. More than 40 former British ambassadors called on the government to extend Britain's stay in the EU or allow for a second referendum, The Times newspaper reported. May has repeatedly said she does not back a second vote. To try to prevent a no deal, several lawmakers will try to get parliament to back their alternative proposals on Thursday, with options including calling a second referendum, a delay to Brexit, votes on a range of options and even a push to reverse the decision to leave the EU. It is not clear whether any will win enough support to pass, with lawmakers who are seeking to force the government to delay Brexit saying they will wait until the next round of votes May has promised on Feb. 27 to make their move.

Britain's PM May could face yet another Brexit defeat in parliament

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-stocks-lifted-by-us-china-trade-talk-hopes-197048">Stock markets jumped </a>Wednesday on hopes of a breakthrough in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-talks-begin-amid-deep-differences-193945">US-China trade </a>war.

The dollar mostly rose, while oil prices rallied on news that OPEC crude output hit a four-year nadir.

The pound weakened after official data showed UK inflation hit a two-year low and as the Brexit impasse drags on without a breakthrough insight.

In the US, President Donald Trump said he may extend his trade deal deadline with Beijing, while a report claimed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping would meet with top US officials, seeming to boost the prospects of an agreement.

High-level talks are due to begin in the Chinese capital Thursday aimed at an accord to stop sharp US tariff hikes that could damage the global economy.

Trump said he could let his March 1 deadline for the tariffs "slide for a little while" if the two sides were close to a meaningful deal, adding that he expects a summit with President Xi "at some point".

Later, a report in the South China Morning Post said Xi would personally meet the US delegation in Beijing, suggesting a redoubled effort to make progress on a deal.

Washington is demanding changes from Beijing on what it says are unfair commercial practices. A resolution would prevent US tariffs more than doubling on $200 billion in Chinese imports next month.&nbsp;

Tokyo stocks added a further 1.3 per cent after Tuesday's gains to finish at a two-month high.

Hong Kong rose 1.2 per cent, and Shanghai earned 1.8 per cent on the news, following Wall Street's lead.

European equities also climbed, with London up 0.6 per cent, Paris 0.3 per cent and Frankfurt 0.2 per cent nearing the half-way stage.

However, some analysts struck a cautious tone, noting that much work needs to be completed before a framework agreement is in reach.

"The rally in stocks has been based on hope rather than any concrete agreements overnight," warned Oanda senior analyst Jeffrey Halley, predicting short-term volatility to come as headlines emerge from Beijing.

Elsewhere Sydney shed 0.3 per cent, with calls for a snap election amid political tensions over refugees adding to underwhelming corporate earnings and subdued metal prices.

Shutdown unlikely&nbsp;

The New Zealand dollar soared 1.5 per cent as the central bank held interest rates unchanged and forecast no moves until 2021 — defying expectations it may follow dovish leads elsewhere by indicating a rate cut.&nbsp;

Renewed global investor confidence saw a movement away from the greenback — which has enjoyed a strong rally in the past week — to riskier currencies.

The pound moved upwards past $1.29, despite no-deal Brexit fears as Prime Minister Theresa May was accused by the opposition of "running down the clock" and "playing chicken" with Brussels over talks.

The yuan also earned back losses after it had dropped following the Lunar New Year break.

Trump's suggestion that another chaotic US government shutdown was now unlikely following a deal struck in Congress over border security further fuelled risk appetite.

The deal to offer nearly $1.4 billion for construction of a Mexico border wall, as well as other security measures, fell far short of Trump's demands but has been presented as a workable compromise.

"I don't think you're going to see a shutdown," said the president.

Stock markets jumped Wednesday on hopes of a breakthrough in the US-China trade war. The dollar mostly rose, while oil prices rallied on news that OPEC crude output hit a four-year nadir.

Stock markets jumped Wednesday on hopes of a breakthrough in the US-China trade war. The dollar mostly rose, while oil prices rallied on news that OPEC crude output hit a four-year nadir. The pound weakened after official data showed UK inflation hit a two-year low and as the Brexit impasse drags on without a breakthrough insight. In the US, President Donald Trump said he may extend his trade deal deadline with Beijing, while a report claimed his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping would meet with top US officials, seeming to boost the prospects of an agreement. High-level talks are due to begin in the Chinese capital Thursday aimed at an accord to stop sharp US tariff hikes that could damage the global economy. Trump said he could let his March 1 deadline for the tariffs "slide for a little while" if the two sides were close to a meaningful deal, adding that he expects a summit with President Xi "at some point". Later, a report in the South China Morning Post said Xi would personally meet the US delegation in Beijing, suggesting a redoubled effort to make progress on a deal. Washington is demanding changes from Beijing on what it says are unfair commercial practices. A resolution would prevent US tariffs more than doubling on $200 billion in Chinese imports next month. Tokyo stocks added a further 1.3 per cent after Tuesday's gains to finish at a two-month high. Hong Kong rose 1.2 per cent, and Shanghai earned 1.8 per cent on the news, following Wall Street's lead. European equities also climbed, with London up 0.6 per cent, Paris 0.3 per cent and Frankfurt 0.2 per cent nearing the half-way stage. However, some analysts struck a cautious tone, noting that much work needs to be completed before a framework agreement is in reach. "The rally in stocks has been based on hope rather than any concrete agreements overnight," warned Oanda senior analyst Jeffrey Halley, predicting short-term volatility to come as headlines emerge from Beijing. Elsewhere Sydney shed 0.3 per cent, with calls for a snap election amid political tensions over refugees adding to underwhelming corporate earnings and subdued metal prices. Shutdown unlikely The New Zealand dollar soared 1.5 per cent as the central bank held interest rates unchanged and forecast no moves until 2021 — defying expectations it may follow dovish leads elsewhere by indicating a rate cut. Renewed global investor confidence saw a movement away from the greenback — which has enjoyed a strong rally in the past week — to riskier currencies. The pound moved upwards past $1.29, despite no-deal Brexit fears as Prime Minister Theresa May was accused by the opposition of "running down the clock" and "playing chicken" with Brussels over talks. The yuan also earned back losses after it had dropped following the Lunar New Year break. Trump's suggestion that another chaotic US government shutdown was now unlikely following a deal struck in Congress over border security further fuelled risk appetite. The deal to offer nearly $1.4 billion for construction of a Mexico border wall, as well as other security measures, fell far short of Trump's demands but has been presented as a workable compromise. "I don't think you're going to see a shutdown," said the president.

Stock markets jump as Trump boosts trade deal hopes

British lawmakers will face a stark choice between Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/delaying-brexit-would-extend-uncertainty-uk-business-minister-195601">a&nbsp;long extension to the March 29 deadline</a> for leaving the bloc, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator was overheard saying in a Brussels bar.

Unless May can get a Brexit deal approved by the British parliament, then she will have to decide whether to delay Brexit or thrust the world's fifth largest economy into chaos by leaving without a deal.

May has repeatedly said the United Kingdom will leave on schedule, with or without a deal, as she tries to get the EU to reopen the divorce agreement she reached in November.

But her chief Brexit negotiator, Olly Robbins, was overheard by an ITV correspondent at a hotel bar in Brussels saying lawmakers would have to choose whether to accept a reworked Brexit deal or a potentially significant delay.

"Got to make them believe that the week beginning end of March... Extension is possible but if they don’t vote for the deal then the extension is a long one," ITV quoted Robbins as saying in the hotel bar on Monday during a private conversation.

Robbins made clear that he felt the fear of a long extension to Article 50 - the process of leaving the EU - might focus lawmakers' minds, ITV said.

The spectacle of one of May's most senior officials undermining her negotiating position in a hotel bar in Brussels indicates the scale of the United Kingdom's Brexit crisis that has shocked both investors and allies.

It is unclear why Robbins, an experienced civil servant, would make such comments in a hotel bar. His remarks will deepen the concerns of Brexit-supporting lawmakers that May could ultimately delay leaving the bloc.

Amid the labyrinthine plots and counterplots of Brexit, the United Kingdom's most significant political and economic move since World War Two, some major investors, such as Ford Motor Co, are trying to work out whether to shutter UK production.

NO-DEAL BREXIT?

Robbins' comments appear to undermine May's central threat of a no-deal Brexit - a scenario that supporters of EU membership say would threaten the United Kingdom's unity, spook investors and create possible chaos at major ports.

Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said he did not want to comment on conversations heard second hand in a noisy bar but the government's position was that the United Kingdom would leave on March 29 but wanted to do so with a deal.

"If the PM decides we are leaving on 29 March, deal or no deal, that will happen," Brexit-supporting Conservative Party lawmaker Steve Baker said. "Officials advise. Ministers decide."

Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage said: "Olly Robbins represents the civil service fifth column in our country. He should be sacked immediately for a combination of treachery and incompetence."

The opposition Labour Party will back a proposal to try to force the government to take "crucial decisions" on its Brexit plans by the middle of March, the party's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said.

On a call with business leaders on Tuesday, May gave the impression that she was determined to try and avoid a no-deal Brexit if she can.

"She's determined to try and avoid a no-deal Brexit if she can, because she recognises in talking to business that this could be very damaging for the UK economy and ergo jobs," Tony Smurfit, chief executive of Irish packaging group Smurfit Kappa, told Reuters.

"She is very conscious of the business position in Great Britain," added Smurfit, who said he took part in conference calls with May on Tuesday and last week.

Britain's economy will barely grow in the run-up to Brexit but if there is a deal there will be a modest post-divorce upturn, according to economists polled by Reuters.

Ford Motor Co told May that it is stepping up preparations to move production out of Britain, The Times reported on Tuesday.

In an indication of just how disruptive Brexit may be, the head of Britain's MI6 foreign spy service is expected to stay on beyond his retirement date this year to guide the intelligence agency through the post-Brexit period, The Times newspaper reported.

British lawmakers will face a stark choice between Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal a long extension to the March 29 deadline for leaving the bloc, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator was overheard saying in a Brussels bar.

British lawmakers will face a stark choice between Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal a long extension to the March 29 deadline for leaving the bloc, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator was overheard saying in a Brussels bar. Unless May can get a Brexit deal approved by the British parliament, then she will have to decide whether to delay Brexit or thrust the world's fifth largest economy into chaos by leaving without a deal. May has repeatedly said the United Kingdom will leave on schedule, with or without a deal, as she tries to get the EU to reopen the divorce agreement she reached in November. But her chief Brexit negotiator, Olly Robbins, was overheard by an ITV correspondent at a hotel bar in Brussels saying lawmakers would have to choose whether to accept a reworked Brexit deal or a potentially significant delay. "Got to make them believe that the week beginning end of March... Extension is possible but if they don’t vote for the deal then the extension is a long one," ITV quoted Robbins as saying in the hotel bar on Monday during a private conversation. Robbins made clear that he felt the fear of a long extension to Article 50 - the process of leaving the EU - might focus lawmakers' minds, ITV said. The spectacle of one of May's most senior officials undermining her negotiating position in a hotel bar in Brussels indicates the scale of the United Kingdom's Brexit crisis that has shocked both investors and allies. It is unclear why Robbins, an experienced civil servant, would make such comments in a hotel bar. His remarks will deepen the concerns of Brexit-supporting lawmakers that May could ultimately delay leaving the bloc. Amid the labyrinthine plots and counterplots of Brexit, the United Kingdom's most significant political and economic move since World War Two, some major investors, such as Ford Motor Co, are trying to work out whether to shutter UK production. NO-DEAL BREXIT? Robbins' comments appear to undermine May's central threat of a no-deal Brexit - a scenario that supporters of EU membership say would threaten the United Kingdom's unity, spook investors and create possible chaos at major ports. Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said he did not want to comment on conversations heard second hand in a noisy bar but the government's position was that the United Kingdom would leave on March 29 but wanted to do so with a deal. "If the PM decides we are leaving on 29 March, deal or no deal, that will happen," Brexit-supporting Conservative Party lawmaker Steve Baker said. "Officials advise. Ministers decide." Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage said: "Olly Robbins represents the civil service fifth column in our country. He should be sacked immediately for a combination of treachery and incompetence." The opposition Labour Party will back a proposal to try to force the government to take "crucial decisions" on its Brexit plans by the middle of March, the party's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said. On a call with business leaders on Tuesday, May gave the impression that she was determined to try and avoid a no-deal Brexit if she can. "She's determined to try and avoid a no-deal Brexit if she can, because she recognises in talking to business that this could be very damaging for the UK economy and ergo jobs," Tony Smurfit, chief executive of Irish packaging group Smurfit Kappa, told Reuters. "She is very conscious of the business position in Great Britain," added Smurfit, who said he took part in conference calls with May on Tuesday and last week. Britain's economy will barely grow in the run-up to Brexit but if there is a deal there will be a modest post-divorce upturn, according to economists polled by Reuters. Ford Motor Co told May that it is stepping up preparations to move production out of Britain, The Times reported on Tuesday. In an indication of just how disruptive Brexit may be, the head of Britain's MI6 foreign spy service is expected to stay on beyond his retirement date this year to guide the intelligence agency through the post-Brexit period, The Times newspaper reported.

It's May's deal or long Brexit delay, UK's chief negotiator overheard saying in bar

With Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday asking <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-will-not-vote-on-revised-brexit-deal-this-week-pm-mays-office-196962">MPs to give her more time for talks with Brussels </a>to renegotiate her Brexit deal, it remains unclear how Britain will leave the European Union.

EU officials have ruled out re-opening the withdrawal agreement -- the legally binding part of the Brexit deal -- but British officials are hopeful that some compromise will be found.

Three ultimate scenarios remain -- leaving the European Union with a version of the existing deal, crashing out with no deal, or no Brexit at all.

Here are five potential next steps:

Try to alter the deal

MPs last month roundly rejected the deal negotiated by May in the biggest ever parliamentary defeat for a government.

The key sticking point is the agreement's "backstop" solution to keep the Irish border open, which has the potential to leave Britain indefinitely tied to some form of EU customs union.

Brexit hardliners from the Conservative Party's European Research Group have urged May to try and secure legally-binding changes to the backstop.

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which May relies on for a majority in parliament, has also said it will not vote for a deal with the backstop as it stands.

The main opposition Labour Party has signalled that it could support the deal if the government commits to a permanent customs union with the EU but May has ruled this out.

EU leaders have said they are willing to talk further, including on plans for the future trading relationship, but have repeatedly said they will not reopen the withdrawal agreement itself.

No deal

Britain is legally on track to leave the EU with or without a deal on March 29, unless it delays or stops the process.

Leaving with no deal in place threatens to trigger a recession in Britain and markedly slow the EU's economic growth, as well as causing significant legal disruption.

One of the world's biggest economies could lose preferential access to its largest export market overnight, affecting every sector, leading to rising costs and disruption at British ports.

Delay

Speculation has been growing that the government will instead seek to postpone the Brexit process.

Government ministers have spoken of a technical extension but some reports have suggested the delay could be two or three months or even longer.

Political analysts argue lawmakers could still back such a postponement further down the line -- although all the other 27 EU countries would have to agree.

A potential complication is that elections to the European Parliament are due in late May and the new chamber is set to sit on July 2. Some of Britain's 73 seats have already been reallocated.

Brussels also may not be so keen if the delay would simply translate into more months of political gridlock.

Second referendum

Dozens of MPs are seeking a new referendum to reverse the 2016 result, when the Leave campaign won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent.

But supporters admit they do not currently have the numbers in parliament to make it happen.

No law prevents Britain from doing it all over again, but many question whether a re-run would be democratic -- or resolve anything.

May has warned that another vote "would do irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics".

It also threatens to be just as divisive as the last one, with opinion polls showing the country is still split over the issue. Brussels also may not be so keen if the delay would simply translate into more months of political gridlock.

General election

It is a long shot but some reports have suggested the prime minister could call a snap vote in a bid to break the impasse.

The most recent polls indicate the Conservatives could win a slender majority, meaning that the political rough-and-tumble seen since the 2016 referendum would likely continue.&nbsp;

The only other way for an election to be called would be for parliament to vote no confidence in the government, but at this stage it looks unlikely as Labour already tried and failed to pass such a vote last month. 
&nbsp;

With Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday asking MPs to give her more time for talks with Brussels to renegotiate her Brexit deal, it remains unclear how Britain will leave the European Union.

With Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday asking MPs to give her more time for talks with Brussels to renegotiate her Brexit deal, it remains unclear how Britain will leave the European Union. EU officials have ruled out re-opening the withdrawal agreement -- the legally binding part of the Brexit deal -- but British officials are hopeful that some compromise will be found. Three ultimate scenarios remain -- leaving the European Union with a version of the existing deal, crashing out with no deal, or no Brexit at all. Here are five potential next steps: Try to alter the deal MPs last month roundly rejected the deal negotiated by May in the biggest ever parliamentary defeat for a government. The key sticking point is the agreement's "backstop" solution to keep the Irish border open, which has the potential to leave Britain indefinitely tied to some form of EU customs union. Brexit hardliners from the Conservative Party's European Research Group have urged May to try and secure legally-binding changes to the backstop. Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which May relies on for a majority in parliament, has also said it will not vote for a deal with the backstop as it stands. The main opposition Labour Party has signalled that it could support the deal if the government commits to a permanent customs union with the EU but May has ruled this out. EU leaders have said they are willing to talk further, including on plans for the future trading relationship, but have repeatedly said they will not reopen the withdrawal agreement itself. No deal Britain is legally on track to leave the EU with or without a deal on March 29, unless it delays or stops the process. Leaving with no deal in place threatens to trigger a recession in Britain and markedly slow the EU's economic growth, as well as causing significant legal disruption. One of the world's biggest economies could lose preferential access to its largest export market overnight, affecting every sector, leading to rising costs and disruption at British ports. Delay Speculation has been growing that the government will instead seek to postpone the Brexit process. Government ministers have spoken of a technical extension but some reports have suggested the delay could be two or three months or even longer. Political analysts argue lawmakers could still back such a postponement further down the line -- although all the other 27 EU countries would have to agree. A potential complication is that elections to the European Parliament are due in late May and the new chamber is set to sit on July 2. Some of Britain's 73 seats have already been reallocated. Brussels also may not be so keen if the delay would simply translate into more months of political gridlock. Second referendum Dozens of MPs are seeking a new referendum to reverse the 2016 result, when the Leave campaign won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent. But supporters admit they do not currently have the numbers in parliament to make it happen. No law prevents Britain from doing it all over again, but many question whether a re-run would be democratic -- or resolve anything. May has warned that another vote "would do irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics". It also threatens to be just as divisive as the last one, with opinion polls showing the country is still split over the issue. Brussels also may not be so keen if the delay would simply translate into more months of political gridlock. General election It is a long shot but some reports have suggested the prime minister could call a snap vote in a bid to break the impasse. The most recent polls indicate the Conservatives could win a slender majority, meaning that the political rough-and-tumble seen since the 2016 referendum would likely continue. The only other way for an election to be called would be for parliament to vote no confidence in the government, but at this stage it looks unlikely as Labour already tried and failed to pass such a vote last month.

Uncertainty over Brexit deal continues as Theresa May asks MPs to give her more time

By Simon Usherwood

A popular view in the UK is that the EU is implacable and immovable on the question of the Brexit backstop. But a more careful reading of statements from senior EU officials and from figures in the member states suggests that there is some room for manoeuvre – albeit within carefully prescribed limits.

The backstop is intended to provide a safety net for arrangements on the UK-Ireland border, should it not be possible to agree on a new relationship between the UK and EU by the end of the Brexit transition period (which stops by December 2022 at the latest). It does this by keeping Northern Ireland closely aligned to EU rules, while also creating a UK-wide customs arrangement, all designed to avoid border controls, for as long as needed to get to that new relationship.

There are three roots to the backstop concept: one principled, one legal and one pragmatic.

The principled motivation is the desire to protect the interests of member states. The value of collective action at a European level comes with a requirement to ensure that no member is disadvantaged in relation to non-members. The fact that the UK is moving from member to non-member status means that the concerns of Dublin will always carry more weight than those of London.

This runs into the legal concern. The EU is a rules-based organisation – it can’t make decisions based on informal or emotive buy-in from its citizens. It must ultimately follow the frameworks it has set for itself. Thus, the obligations of the Good Friday Agreement count for a considerable amount. The same goes for the EU’s own requirements for market integration. It cannot allow access to the single market to a country that won’t commit to the free movement of workers across borders.

Third, World Trade Organisation commitments require checks and controls at the edge of a customs union and a single market. Seen in this light, the backstop is an effort to square the multiple circles of different legal constraints, by creating a structure that removes differences in regulation between the UK and EU. In so doing, the UK will effectively be acting – either as a whole or with part of its territory – as a member of several key EU policies.

All of this is reinforced by the pragmatic aspect: in Brussels, the UK is not seen&nbsp;as a reliable partner, given its endless vacillations over Brexit, in both procedural and substantive terms. The numerous public statements from senior British politicians about their desire to completely change or even tear up the backstop creates the strong impression that the UK’s commitments are less than concrete. This does not create much trust in European capitals, pointing to the need to have binding legal text to pin the UK down.

When UK prime minister Theresa May supported the Brady amendment to her Brexit deal on January 29 and agreed to go back to Brussels to seek changes to the backstop, it merely confirmed for many in the EU that there is a significant danger of discussions on the Irish border poisoning the entire withdrawal agreement.

Stalemate

So, given all this, how could the EU move on this issue? The three roots point towards inflexibility but it is important to recall that the EU is not an enthusiastic supporter of the backstop on its own terms. Instead, it is tolerated as the least worst option, given the constraints. Most obviously, the UK-wide temporary customs arrangement was a substantial concession to the British government, while all involved on the EU side of negotiations have repeatedly stressed their desire to see the backstop used only as a last resort and only until another arrangement can be found.

If another proposal were to be put on the table that satisfied the EU’s various needs – protection of its members’ interests and the integrity of EU policies on trade and regulation – then it would certainly be discussed and considered seriously. However, after two years of research and negotiation, the Commission and member states do not see any viable alternative, given the UK’s stated preference to leave the single market and customs union.

This comes back to the uncertainty over the UK’s intentions. Movement on the preferred form of the future EU-UK relationship (for example, to include participation in a full customs union or in the single market) would be the most obvious factor that could change, affecting the nature and extent of the backstop. But any policy change by the British government would need to be backed by a solid majority in parliament.

And this is the key barrier to EU flexibility. At present, the British political system looks blocked. Concessions on even one part of the backstop might turn out to be the thin end of a thick wedge – Tory backbenchers might feel emboldened to require the government to renegotiate for yet more. Without a clear and definitive line from the UK, the EU is liable to keep its counsel and hold its line.

(Simon Usherwood is Reader in Politics, University of Surrey)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-could-the-eu-really-be-convinced-to-budge-on-the-backstop-111515">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

By Simon Usherwood A popular view in the UK is that the EU is implacable and immovable on the question of the Brexit backstop. But a more careful reading of statements from senior EU officials and from figures in the member states suggests that there is some room for manoeuvre – albeit within carefully prescribed limits.

By Simon Usherwood A popular view in the UK is that the EU is implacable and immovable on the question of the Brexit backstop. But a more careful reading of statements from senior EU officials and from figures in the member states suggests that there is some room for manoeuvre – albeit within carefully prescribed limits. The backstop is intended to provide a safety net for arrangements on the UK-Ireland border, should it not be possible to agree on a new relationship between the UK and EU by the end of the Brexit transition period (which stops by December 2022 at the latest). It does this by keeping Northern Ireland closely aligned to EU rules, while also creating a UK-wide customs arrangement, all designed to avoid border controls, for as long as needed to get to that new relationship. There are three roots to the backstop concept: one principled, one legal and one pragmatic. The principled motivation is the desire to protect the interests of member states. The value of collective action at a European level comes with a requirement to ensure that no member is disadvantaged in relation to non-members. The fact that the UK is moving from member to non-member status means that the concerns of Dublin will always carry more weight than those of London. This runs into the legal concern. The EU is a rules-based organisation – it can’t make decisions based on informal or emotive buy-in from its citizens. It must ultimately follow the frameworks it has set for itself. Thus, the obligations of the Good Friday Agreement count for a considerable amount. The same goes for the EU’s own requirements for market integration. It cannot allow access to the single market to a country that won’t commit to the free movement of workers across borders. Third, World Trade Organisation commitments require checks and controls at the edge of a customs union and a single market. Seen in this light, the backstop is an effort to square the multiple circles of different legal constraints, by creating a structure that removes differences in regulation between the UK and EU. In so doing, the UK will effectively be acting – either as a whole or with part of its territory – as a member of several key EU policies. All of this is reinforced by the pragmatic aspect: in Brussels, the UK is not seen as a reliable partner, given its endless vacillations over Brexit, in both procedural and substantive terms. The numerous public statements from senior British politicians about their desire to completely change or even tear up the backstop creates the strong impression that the UK’s commitments are less than concrete. This does not create much trust in European capitals, pointing to the need to have binding legal text to pin the UK down. When UK prime minister Theresa May supported the Brady amendment to her Brexit deal on January 29 and agreed to go back to Brussels to seek changes to the backstop, it merely confirmed for many in the EU that there is a significant danger of discussions on the Irish border poisoning the entire withdrawal agreement. Stalemate So, given all this, how could the EU move on this issue? The three roots point towards inflexibility but it is important to recall that the EU is not an enthusiastic supporter of the backstop on its own terms. Instead, it is tolerated as the least worst option, given the constraints. Most obviously, the UK-wide temporary customs arrangement was a substantial concession to the British government, while all involved on the EU side of negotiations have repeatedly stressed their desire to see the backstop used only as a last resort and only until another arrangement can be found. If another proposal were to be put on the table that satisfied the EU’s various needs – protection of its members’ interests and the integrity of EU policies on trade and regulation – then it would certainly be discussed and considered seriously. However, after two years of research and negotiation, the Commission and member states do not see any viable alternative, given the UK’s stated preference to leave the single market and customs union. This comes back to the uncertainty over the UK’s intentions. Movement on the preferred form of the future EU-UK relationship (for example, to include participation in a full customs union or in the single market) would be the most obvious factor that could change, affecting the nature and extent of the backstop. But any policy change by the British government would need to be backed by a solid majority in parliament. And this is the key barrier to EU flexibility. At present, the British political system looks blocked. Concessions on even one part of the backstop might turn out to be the thin end of a thick wedge – Tory backbenchers might feel emboldened to require the government to renegotiate for yet more. Without a clear and definitive line from the UK, the EU is liable to keep its counsel and hold its line. (Simon Usherwood is Reader in Politics, University of Surrey) (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: Could the EU really be convinced to budge on the backstop?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-cabinet-ministers-believe-pm-may-preparing-to-resign-report-196794">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> will tell British lawmakers on Tuesday to hold their nerve over Brexit to force the European Union to accept changes to the divorce deal that would pave the way for an orderly exit.

The United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal unless May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce deal she agreed in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers.

"We now all need to hold our nerve," May will tell lawmakers, according to the BBC. She will say that talks with the EU are at a crucial stage.

The EU has refused to reopen the Brexit divorce deal, though May insists she can get legally binding changes to replace the most contentious parts of the Irish border 'backstop', the main hurdle to a Brexit deal.

As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for the turmoil of a no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said the United Kingdom now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May will tell British lawmakers on Tuesday to hold their nerve over Brexit to force the European Union to accept changes to the divorce deal that would pave the way for an orderly exit.

Prime Minister Theresa May will tell British lawmakers on Tuesday to hold their nerve over Brexit to force the European Union to accept changes to the divorce deal that would pave the way for an orderly exit. The United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal unless May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce deal she agreed in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers. "We now all need to hold our nerve," May will tell lawmakers, according to the BBC. She will say that talks with the EU are at a crucial stage. The EU has refused to reopen the Brexit divorce deal, though May insists she can get legally binding changes to replace the most contentious parts of the Irish border 'backstop', the main hurdle to a Brexit deal. As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for the turmoil of a no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said the United Kingdom now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit.

'Hold your nerve on Brexit,' PM May to tell British lawmakers

The value of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/scotch-whisky-makers-tell-uk-politicians-avoid-no-deal-brexit-185336">Scotch whisky</a> exports rose nearly 8 percent in 2018, backed by booming sales in India, France and the United States and the impact of pricier Scotch, data from Britain's tax authority HMRC showed on Tuesday.

Britain's biggest food and drink export grew 7.8 percent to 4.7 billion pounds ($6.05 billion) last year, with the number of 70 centilitre bottles sold abroad up 3.6 percent to 1.28 billion.

With Britain's exit from the European Union trading bloc due in six weeks, there is still no decision on what the trade rules for British exports will be after that. Producers of Scotland's flagship tipple are particularly worried about sales to the EU which make up about a third of their world market.

Scotch growth in recent years has been driven by demand for single malts, which are made at one distillery and pricier than blended Scotch which is made from mixing one or more whiskies.

Exports of single malts rose 11.3 percent to 1.3 billion pounds.

In volume terms, exports were primarily driven by growth in India, which expanded by 23.1 million to 112.6 million bottles. The United States and France - the world's heaviest Scotch drinker - each grew exports by 9.4 million bottles.

At the same time, exports to Germany and Spain fell by around 10 million and 4.5 million pounds apiece.

"(The) industry does not take continued growth for granted," said Karen Betts, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association which represents 90 percent of the producers.

She urged Britain not to leave the EU without a Brexit deal at the end of March.

"We also want to see the UK and EU agree to an open and positive future relationship, which delivers frictionless trade with the EU, and the UK to secure ambitious trading relationships with key markets around the world."

The United States became the first billion-pound export market for Scotch in 2018, growing 7.8 percent to 1.04 billion pounds last year to retain its place as the largest market in the world for Scotch in terms of value.

Britain's trade minister Liam Fox said in response to the data: "My international economic department is focused on turning the UK into an exporting superpower and, as our single largest food and drink export, the success of Scotch whisky overseas is key to this ambition."

The value of Scotch whisky exports rose nearly 8 percent in 2018, backed by booming sales in India, France and the United States and the impact of pricier Scotch, data from Britain's tax authority HMRC showed on Tuesday.

The value of Scotch whisky exports rose nearly 8 percent in 2018, backed by booming sales in India, France and the United States and the impact of pricier Scotch, data from Britain's tax authority HMRC showed on Tuesday. Britain's biggest food and drink export grew 7.8 percent to 4.7 billion pounds ($6.05 billion) last year, with the number of 70 centilitre bottles sold abroad up 3.6 percent to 1.28 billion. With Britain's exit from the European Union trading bloc due in six weeks, there is still no decision on what the trade rules for British exports will be after that. Producers of Scotland's flagship tipple are particularly worried about sales to the EU which make up about a third of their world market. Scotch growth in recent years has been driven by demand for single malts, which are made at one distillery and pricier than blended Scotch which is made from mixing one or more whiskies. Exports of single malts rose 11.3 percent to 1.3 billion pounds. In volume terms, exports were primarily driven by growth in India, which expanded by 23.1 million to 112.6 million bottles. The United States and France - the world's heaviest Scotch drinker - each grew exports by 9.4 million bottles. At the same time, exports to Germany and Spain fell by around 10 million and 4.5 million pounds apiece. "(The) industry does not take continued growth for granted," said Karen Betts, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association which represents 90 percent of the producers. She urged Britain not to leave the EU without a Brexit deal at the end of March. "We also want to see the UK and EU agree to an open and positive future relationship, which delivers frictionless trade with the EU, and the UK to secure ambitious trading relationships with key markets around the world." The United States became the first billion-pound export market for Scotch in 2018, growing 7.8 percent to 1.04 billion pounds last year to retain its place as the largest market in the world for Scotch in terms of value. Britain's trade minister Liam Fox said in response to the data: "My international economic department is focused on turning the UK into an exporting superpower and, as our single largest food and drink export, the success of Scotch whisky overseas is key to this ambition."

As Brexit looms, India drives Scotch whisky sales 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/if-huawei-is-co-located-with-american-systems-it-would-be-difficult-for-us-to-partner-pompeo-to-hungary-196791">If Huawei is co-located with American systems, it would be difficult for us to partner: Pompeo to Hungary</a>

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo during his visit to Hungary cautioned the government against Chinese and Russian influence.

Pompeo was particularly insistent on Hungry not allowing Chinese telecom giant Huawei access to 5G network.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-9-dead-as-fire-breaks-out-in-karol-baghs-hotel-196800">Delhi: 9 dead as fire breaks out in Karol Bagh hotel</a>

At least nine people died in a massive fire that broke out in Delhi's Karol Bagh Hotel Arpit Palace early Tuesday morning.

While many others were feared trapped inside the hotel, the authorities rescued around 25 people from the site.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-that-its-up-to-the-democrats-if-government-shuts-down-again-196783">It's up to Democrats if </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-that-its-up-to-the-democrats-if-government-shuts-down-again-196783">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-that-its-up-to-the-democrats-if-government-shuts-down-again-196783"> shuts again: Trump</a>

The President of the United States, said Monday that it depends on the Democrats whether there will be a partial government shutdown again this weekend due to lack of funds, as he began a visit to the border with Mexico to continue his campaign in favour of the construction of a wall there.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-cabinet-ministers-believe-pm-may-preparing-to-resign-report-196794">British cabinet ministers believe PM May preparing to resign: Report</a>

Cabinet ministers now believe Theresa May is preparing to resign as British Prime Minister this summer so she can influence who succeeds her, The Sun newspaper reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/footballer-sala-killed-by-head-trunk-injuries-inquest-196796">Footballer Emiliano Sala killed by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/footballer-sala-killed-by-head-trunk-injuries-inquest-196796">head</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/footballer-sala-killed-by-head-trunk-injuries-inquest-196796">, trunk injuries: Inquest</a>

Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala died of "head and trunk injuries", an inquest in England heard Monday as it began to examine his death in a plane crash in the sea.

If Huawei is co-located with American systems, it would be difficult for us to partner: Pompeo to Hungary US secretary of state Mike Pompeo during his visit to Hungary cautioned the government against Chinese and Russian influence.

If Huawei is co-located with American systems, it would be difficult for us to partner: Pompeo to Hungary US secretary of state Mike Pompeo during his visit to Hungary cautioned the government against Chinese and Russian influence. Pompeo was particularly insistent on Hungry not allowing Chinese telecom giant Huawei access to 5G network. Delhi: 9 dead as fire breaks out in Karol Bagh hotel At least nine people died in a massive fire that broke out in Delhi's Karol Bagh Hotel Arpit Palace early Tuesday morning. While many others were feared trapped inside the hotel, the authorities rescued around 25 people from the site. It's up to Democrats if government shuts again: Trump The President of the United States, said Monday that it depends on the Democrats whether there will be a partial government shutdown again this weekend due to lack of funds, as he began a visit to the border with Mexico to continue his campaign in favour of the construction of a wall there. British cabinet ministers believe PM May preparing to resign: Report Cabinet ministers now believe Theresa May is preparing to resign as British Prime Minister this summer so she can influence who succeeds her, The Sun newspaper reported. Footballer Emiliano Sala killed by head, trunk injuries: Inquest Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala died of "head and trunk injuries", an inquest in England heard Monday as it began to examine his death in a plane crash in the sea.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Cabinet ministers now believe Theresa May is preparing to resign as British Prime Minister this summer so she can influence who succeeds her, The Sun newspaper reported.

May has rejected the idea of targeting a customs union with the European Union, pouring cold water on hopes from some that she could shift her Brexit policy to win over the opposition Labour Party.

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but has yet to find a deal which is acceptable to both Brussels and lawmakers at home, raising the prospect of a disorderly exit that could damage the world's fifth largest economy.

Meanwhile, Defence minister Gavin Williamson on Monday said in a speech that Britain will use military force to support its interests after Brexit.

Williamson outlined plans to send Britain's new aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where London has been seeking to demonstrate its influence in relation to China, and invest his defence budget in new equipment and cyber capabilities.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Cabinet ministers now believe Theresa May is preparing to resign as British Prime Minister this summer so she can influence who succeeds her, The Sun newspaper reported.

Cabinet ministers now believe Theresa May is preparing to resign as British Prime Minister this summer so she can influence who succeeds her, The Sun newspaper reported. May has rejected the idea of targeting a customs union with the European Union, pouring cold water on hopes from some that she could shift her Brexit policy to win over the opposition Labour Party. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but has yet to find a deal which is acceptable to both Brussels and lawmakers at home, raising the prospect of a disorderly exit that could damage the world's fifth largest economy. Meanwhile, Defence minister Gavin Williamson on Monday said in a speech that Britain will use military force to support its interests after Brexit. Williamson outlined plans to send Britain's new aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where London has been seeking to demonstrate its influence in relation to China, and invest his defence budget in new equipment and cyber capabilities. (With inputs from Reuters)

British cabinet ministers believe PM May preparing to resign: Report

There are 46 days to go until the United Kingdom is set to exit the European Union and the secretary of state for international trade has on Monday signed the country's first bilateral trade deal for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/post-brexit-britain-ready-to-use-hard-power-defence-minister-196748">post-Brexit commercial relationship</a>.

Liam Fox penned the agreement on behalf of the UK with Swiss Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, in Bern, Switzerland, allowing for business to flow as usual and, due to the alpine country's existing treaties, the agreement also applies to Liechtenstein.

“Switzerland is one of the most valuable trading partners that we are seeking continuity for, accounting for more than 32 billion pounds worth of trade a year," Fox said. “This is of huge economic importance to UK businesses so I’m delighted to be here in Bern today, ensuring continuity for 15,000 British exporters," Fox added.

The deal, which is described as a trade continuity agreement, aims to guarantee trading terms between the two countries once the UK has left the EU.

Currently, the UK trades with Switzerland and Liechtenstein by relying on EU agreements.

The arrangement was designed to remove the threat of extra tariffs levied on trade between the countries and to avoid the likelihood of additional duties on a "vast majority" of goods, Fox said.

“Not only will this help to support jobs throughout the UK but it will also be a solid foundation for us to build an even stronger trading relationship with Switzerland as we leave the EU,” Fox said.

For Switzerland, the UK is the sixth-largest export market (10 billion euros in 2017) and the eighth-largest in the import market (5.2 billion euros), according to Swiss official figures.

The arrangement should avoid around 8 million pounds of tariffs being added to the price of cars exported from the UK to Switzerland, while UK purchasers should benefit from cheaper prices on Swiss goods, "such as clocks, watches and pharmaceutical products," Fox said.

Trading on such so-called "preferential terms" instead of falling back on those applicable through the World Trade Organization should "deliver significant savings and help to safeguard British jobs," the UK government has said.

According to Swiss official statistics, Switzerland is the EU’s fifth most important trading partner, only after the United States, China, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

There are 46 days to go until the United Kingdom is set to exit the European Union and the secretary of state for international trade has on Monday signed the country's first bilateral trade deal for a post-Brexit commercial relationship.

There are 46 days to go until the United Kingdom is set to exit the European Union and the secretary of state for international trade has on Monday signed the country's first bilateral trade deal for a post-Brexit commercial relationship. Liam Fox penned the agreement on behalf of the UK with Swiss Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, in Bern, Switzerland, allowing for business to flow as usual and, due to the alpine country's existing treaties, the agreement also applies to Liechtenstein. “Switzerland is one of the most valuable trading partners that we are seeking continuity for, accounting for more than 32 billion pounds worth of trade a year," Fox said. “This is of huge economic importance to UK businesses so I’m delighted to be here in Bern today, ensuring continuity for 15,000 British exporters," Fox added. The deal, which is described as a trade continuity agreement, aims to guarantee trading terms between the two countries once the UK has left the EU. Currently, the UK trades with Switzerland and Liechtenstein by relying on EU agreements. The arrangement was designed to remove the threat of extra tariffs levied on trade between the countries and to avoid the likelihood of additional duties on a "vast majority" of goods, Fox said. “Not only will this help to support jobs throughout the UK but it will also be a solid foundation for us to build an even stronger trading relationship with Switzerland as we leave the EU,” Fox said. For Switzerland, the UK is the sixth-largest export market (10 billion euros in 2017) and the eighth-largest in the import market (5.2 billion euros), according to Swiss official figures. The arrangement should avoid around 8 million pounds of tariffs being added to the price of cars exported from the UK to Switzerland, while UK purchasers should benefit from cheaper prices on Swiss goods, "such as clocks, watches and pharmaceutical products," Fox said. Trading on such so-called "preferential terms" instead of falling back on those applicable through the World Trade Organization should "deliver significant savings and help to safeguard British jobs," the UK government has said. According to Swiss official statistics, Switzerland is the EU’s fifth most important trading partner, only after the United States, China, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

UK secures first trade deal 963 days after Brexit vote with Switzerland

British Prime Minister Theresa May told her top team of ministers on Tuesday that parliament would not be asked to vote on a revised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-must-hold-our-nerve-on-brexit-may-to-tell-uk-lawmakers-196941">Brexit deal</a> this week as she needed more time to negotiate with the European Union, her office said.

May is seeking changes to the deal she agreed with the bloc last year, after lawmakers rejected it largely due to concerns over an insurance policy aimed at avoiding the return of border controls on the island of Ireland.

"She said it is clear that these discussions with the EU will need a little more time to conclude and so we will not be bringing forward a meaningful vote this week," a spokeswoman for May's office said in a statement following May's weekly meeting with her cabinet of ministers.

British Prime Minister Theresa May told her top team of ministers on Tuesday that parliament would not be asked to vote on a revised Brexit deal this week as she needed more time to negotiate with the European Union, her office said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May told her top team of ministers on Tuesday that parliament would not be asked to vote on a revised Brexit deal this week as she needed more time to negotiate with the European Union, her office said. May is seeking changes to the deal she agreed with the bloc last year, after lawmakers rejected it largely due to concerns over an insurance policy aimed at avoiding the return of border controls on the island of Ireland. "She said it is clear that these discussions with the EU will need a little more time to conclude and so we will not be bringing forward a meaningful vote this week," a spokeswoman for May's office said in a statement following May's weekly meeting with her cabinet of ministers.

UK parliament will not vote on revised Brexit deal this week: PM May's office

Prime Minister Theresa&nbsp;May&nbsp;on Tuesday will plead&nbsp;with MPs to give her more time for talks with EU officials on her Brexit deal, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hold-your-nerve-on-brexit-pm-may-to-tell-british-lawmakers-196877">telling them they must hold their nerve</a>.

May&nbsp;is set to update parliament on her latest meetings in Brussels and Dublin aimed at securing a divorce agreement with the EU, with Britain due to leave the bloc on March 29.

"The talks are at a crucial stage,"&nbsp;May&nbsp;will say, according to extracts from her statement to parliament released in advance by her Downing Street office.

MPs last month overwhelmingly rejected the deal struck between&nbsp;May&nbsp;and Brussels and the British premier has since been attempting to secure changes that would satisfy parliament's lower House of Commons.

Brexiteer MPs in her Conservative Party are particularly unhappy with the so-called backstop provision intended to keep the border with Ireland free-flowing.

Some fear it could leave Britain trapped in the European Union's trade rules with no unilateral way out -- but would back a deal if the backstop was time-limited or replaced with alternative arrangements.

"We now all need to hold our nerve to get the changes this house has required and deliver Brexit on time,"&nbsp;May&nbsp;is due to tell MPs.

"By getting the changes we need to the backstop; by protecting and enhancing workers' rights and environmental protections; and by enhancing the role of parliament in the next phase of negotiations I believe we can reach a deal that this house can support."

Plea for time

Commons Leader Andrea said on BBC radio that&nbsp;May&nbsp;was not simply "running down the clock" until March 29. &nbsp;

"What the prime minister wants is a bit more time," she said.

She said&nbsp;May&nbsp;would promise MPs they could hold a series of votes on February 27 in an attempt to influence her Brexit strategy if she has not agreed a new deal by then.

Leadsom, responsible for bringing government business through parliament, said the talks were "pretty crucial but delicate negotiations with the EU to try to make sure that we can sort out the problem with an unlimited backstop".

"It would be an extraordinary outcome if the thing that the backstop is seeking to avoid, which is a hard border in Northern Ireland, if the EU were so determined to be completely intransigent about it that they actually incur the very thing that they're seeking to avoid by pushing the UK into a position where we leave without a deal."

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and David Lidington,&nbsp;May's de facto deputy, are in Strasbourg meeting members of the European Parliament, while British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is in Paris as part of a diplomatic offensive.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has called for "clarity and movement" from Britain.

In an effort to break the impasse, Barclay hosted Barnier for a working dinner at the British ambassador's residence in Brussels late Monday, with concern growing on both sides of the Channel.

Speaking afterwards, Barnier said the talks had been "constructive".

"We are clear from our side that we are not going to reopen the withdrawal agreement, but we will continue our discussion in the coming days," he told journalists.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday will plead with MPs to give her more time for talks with EU officials on her Brexit deal, telling them they must hold their nerve.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday will plead with MPs to give her more time for talks with EU officials on her Brexit deal, telling them they must hold their nerve. May is set to update parliament on her latest meetings in Brussels and Dublin aimed at securing a divorce agreement with the EU, with Britain due to leave the bloc on March 29. "The talks are at a crucial stage," May will say, according to extracts from her statement to parliament released in advance by her Downing Street office. MPs last month overwhelmingly rejected the deal struck between May and Brussels and the British premier has since been attempting to secure changes that would satisfy parliament's lower House of Commons. Brexiteer MPs in her Conservative Party are particularly unhappy with the so-called backstop provision intended to keep the border with Ireland free-flowing. Some fear it could leave Britain trapped in the European Union's trade rules with no unilateral way out -- but would back a deal if the backstop was time-limited or replaced with alternative arrangements. "We now all need to hold our nerve to get the changes this house has required and deliver Brexit on time," May is due to tell MPs. "By getting the changes we need to the backstop; by protecting and enhancing workers' rights and environmental protections; and by enhancing the role of parliament in the next phase of negotiations I believe we can reach a deal that this house can support." Plea for time Commons Leader Andrea said on BBC radio that May was not simply "running down the clock" until March 29. "What the prime minister wants is a bit more time," she said. She said May would promise MPs they could hold a series of votes on February 27 in an attempt to influence her Brexit strategy if she has not agreed a new deal by then. Leadsom, responsible for bringing government business through parliament, said the talks were "pretty crucial but delicate negotiations with the EU to try to make sure that we can sort out the problem with an unlimited backstop". "It would be an extraordinary outcome if the thing that the backstop is seeking to avoid, which is a hard border in Northern Ireland, if the EU were so determined to be completely intransigent about it that they actually incur the very thing that they're seeking to avoid by pushing the UK into a position where we leave without a deal." Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and David Lidington, May's de facto deputy, are in Strasbourg meeting members of the European Parliament, while British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is in Paris as part of a diplomatic offensive. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has called for "clarity and movement" from Britain. In an effort to break the impasse, Barclay hosted Barnier for a working dinner at the British ambassador's residence in Brussels late Monday, with concern growing on both sides of the Channel. Speaking afterwards, Barnier said the talks had been "constructive". "We are clear from our side that we are not going to reopen the withdrawal agreement, but we will continue our discussion in the coming days," he told journalists.

May to ask MPs for more time on Brexit talks

Britain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/no-deal-brexit-could-cost-600000-jobs-worldwide-study-196733">will use military force to support its interests after Brexit</a>, defence minister Gavin Williamson said on Monday, in a speech setting out a global role for the armed forces but with little detail on how to fund such ambitions in the long term.

Williamson outlined plans to send Britain's new aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where London has been seeking to demonstrate its influence in relation to China, and invest his defence budget in new equipment and cyber capabilities.

Citing Russia as a danger to the international order, Williamson called for a tougher military stance after Brexit.

"Brexit has brought us to a great moment in our history. A moment when we must strengthen our global presence, enhance our lethality, and increase our mass," he said.

He said boundaries between peace and war were becoming "blurred" by the increasing use of technological warfare, subversion and propaganda, and that Britain and its allies had to be ready "to use hard power to support our global interests".

The opposition Labour Party accused him of "sabre rattling".

In his speech in London, Williamson did not announce any new funding beyond what was allocated at a 2018 budget.

Britain spends around 36 billion pounds ($46.45 billion) per year on defence - the seventh largest sum globally, measured in dollar prices in 2017, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. That budget is dwarfed by those at the top of the list, with the United States spending 13 times more and China spending five times more.

Brexit has brought on Britain's biggest political crisis since World War Two as Prime Minister Theresa May scrambles to find a last-minute agreement on the terms of withdrawal from the EU, due to take place on March 29. Brexit supporters say the decision to leave the EU will provide a chance for Britain to take on a new global role. Opponents describe it as a blow both to Britain's influence and to the West as a whole.

"We will build new alliances, rekindle old ones and most importantly make it clear that we are the country that will act when required. We should be the nation that people can turn to when the world needs leadership," Williamson said.

He announced that the first mission of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier will include work in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Pacific regions, and the vessel would carry two squadrons of British and US&nbsp;F-35 jets.

In August a different British warship sailed close to the Paracel Islands claimed by China in the South China Sea, prompting fury in Beijing.

PAPER TIGER

Williamson has previously lobbied successfully for more defence funding. Nevertheless, the armed forces face a long-term budget shortfall estimated by a parliamentary committee to reach 15 billion pounds over the next decade.

Williamson highlighted close US-UK military links and echoed Trump's call for NATO countries to increase spending, citing a need to better confront Russia.

Britain is one of only a handful of NATO countries who meet the alliance's target to spend 2 percent of output on defence. It was Washington's main battlefield ally in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with more than 600 troops killed.

Without citing specific examples, Williamson warned that the cost of non-interventions had often been "unacceptably high" and said that Western powers cannot ignore those in need.

“To talk but fail to act risks our nation being seen as little more than a paper tiger,” he said.

Britain will use military force to support its interests after Brexit, defence minister Gavin Williamson said on Monday, in a speech setting out a global role for the armed forces but with little detail on how to fund such ambitions in the long term.

Britain will use military force to support its interests after Brexit, defence minister Gavin Williamson said on Monday, in a speech setting out a global role for the armed forces but with little detail on how to fund such ambitions in the long term. Williamson outlined plans to send Britain's new aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where London has been seeking to demonstrate its influence in relation to China, and invest his defence budget in new equipment and cyber capabilities. Citing Russia as a danger to the international order, Williamson called for a tougher military stance after Brexit. "Brexit has brought us to a great moment in our history. A moment when we must strengthen our global presence, enhance our lethality, and increase our mass," he said. He said boundaries between peace and war were becoming "blurred" by the increasing use of technological warfare, subversion and propaganda, and that Britain and its allies had to be ready "to use hard power to support our global interests". The opposition Labour Party accused him of "sabre rattling". In his speech in London, Williamson did not announce any new funding beyond what was allocated at a 2018 budget. Britain spends around 36 billion pounds ($46.45 billion) per year on defence - the seventh largest sum globally, measured in dollar prices in 2017, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. That budget is dwarfed by those at the top of the list, with the United States spending 13 times more and China spending five times more. Brexit has brought on Britain's biggest political crisis since World War Two as Prime Minister Theresa May scrambles to find a last-minute agreement on the terms of withdrawal from the EU, due to take place on March 29. Brexit supporters say the decision to leave the EU will provide a chance for Britain to take on a new global role. Opponents describe it as a blow both to Britain's influence and to the West as a whole. "We will build new alliances, rekindle old ones and most importantly make it clear that we are the country that will act when required. We should be the nation that people can turn to when the world needs leadership," Williamson said. He announced that the first mission of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier will include work in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Pacific regions, and the vessel would carry two squadrons of British and US F-35 jets. In August a different British warship sailed close to the Paracel Islands claimed by China in the South China Sea, prompting fury in Beijing. PAPER TIGER Williamson has previously lobbied successfully for more defence funding. Nevertheless, the armed forces face a long-term budget shortfall estimated by a parliamentary committee to reach 15 billion pounds over the next decade. Williamson highlighted close US-UK military links and echoed Trump's call for NATO countries to increase spending, citing a need to better confront Russia. Britain is one of only a handful of NATO countries who meet the alliance's target to spend 2 percent of output on defence. It was Washington's main battlefield ally in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with more than 600 troops killed. Without citing specific examples, Williamson warned that the cost of non-interventions had often been "unacceptably high" and said that Western powers cannot ignore those in need. “To talk but fail to act risks our nation being seen as little more than a paper tiger,” he said.

Post-Brexit Britain ready to use 'hard power': Defence minister

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-posts-slowest-growth-in-six-years-196677">A British departure from the European Union without a deal</a> could put 600,000 jobs around the world at risk, with Germany the hardest hit, a study published Monday found.

Researchers at the IWH institute in Halle, eastern Germany, examined what would happen if UK imports from the remaining EU fell 25 percent after Brexit.

They reckoned that some 103,000 jobs would be under threat in Europe's largest economy Germany and 50,000 in France.

Being affected by Brexit would not necessarily mean workers were laid off, the economists noted.

"Given the lack of skilled labour in many advanced economies, firms could also try to keep staff on by cutting hours or opening new markets," they said.

It is so far uncertain whether Britain will strike a deal with the EU before its legally-binding exit date of March 29, after a huge majority of lawmakers last month voted down Prime Minister Theresa May's painstakingly-negotiated accord with Brussels.

A "hard" departure without a deal would see tariffs imposed at the border, "tangling up global supply chains," study co-author Oliver Holtemoeller said in a statement.

The economists focused only on trade in goods and services, leaving out other possible economic impacts of Brexit like changes to investment flows.

They noted that "since markets are linked up across the globe, suppliers based outside the European Union are also affected" by a no-deal Brexit.

Within the 27 remaining EU countries, a total of almost 180,000 posts at firms directly exporting to the UK would be at risk.

But 433,000 more workers in the EU and around the world would be affected, as their employers sell to companies who in turn export to Britain.

For example, the study found some 60,000 workers in China and 3,000 in Japan could lose their jobs.

In the UK, the study turned up around 12,000 jobs dependent on supplying EU firms with inputs for products which are then sold back to Britain.

But a study published early last year by research firm Cambridge Econometrics estimated that a total of 500,000 British jobs would be at risk if there is no deal.

In European powerhouse Germany, the vital car industry would be the worst affected with 15,000 jobs, many of them in Volkswagen company town Wolfsburg and at BMW's factory in Dingolfing.

By contrast, France's service sector would be the worst hit, the IWH study found. 
&nbsp;

A British departure from the European Union without a deal could put 600,000 jobs around the world at risk, with Germany the hardest hit, a study published Monday found.

A British departure from the European Union without a deal could put 600,000 jobs around the world at risk, with Germany the hardest hit, a study published Monday found. Researchers at the IWH institute in Halle, eastern Germany, examined what would happen if UK imports from the remaining EU fell 25 percent after Brexit. They reckoned that some 103,000 jobs would be under threat in Europe's largest economy Germany and 50,000 in France. Being affected by Brexit would not necessarily mean workers were laid off, the economists noted. "Given the lack of skilled labour in many advanced economies, firms could also try to keep staff on by cutting hours or opening new markets," they said. It is so far uncertain whether Britain will strike a deal with the EU before its legally-binding exit date of March 29, after a huge majority of lawmakers last month voted down Prime Minister Theresa May's painstakingly-negotiated accord with Brussels. A "hard" departure without a deal would see tariffs imposed at the border, "tangling up global supply chains," study co-author Oliver Holtemoeller said in a statement. The economists focused only on trade in goods and services, leaving out other possible economic impacts of Brexit like changes to investment flows. They noted that "since markets are linked up across the globe, suppliers based outside the European Union are also affected" by a no-deal Brexit. Within the 27 remaining EU countries, a total of almost 180,000 posts at firms directly exporting to the UK would be at risk. But 433,000 more workers in the EU and around the world would be affected, as their employers sell to companies who in turn export to Britain. For example, the study found some 60,000 workers in China and 3,000 in Japan could lose their jobs. In the UK, the study turned up around 12,000 jobs dependent on supplying EU firms with inputs for products which are then sold back to Britain. But a study published early last year by research firm Cambridge Econometrics estimated that a total of 500,000 British jobs would be at risk if there is no deal. In European powerhouse Germany, the vital car industry would be the worst affected with 15,000 jobs, many of them in Volkswagen company town Wolfsburg and at BMW's factory in Dingolfing. By contrast, France's service sector would be the worst hit, the IWH study found.

No-deal Brexit 'could cost 600,000 jobs worldwide': Study

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliamentary-committee-gives-twitter-another-15-day-deadline-to-appear-before-it-196714">Parliamentary</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliamentary-committee-gives-twitter-another-15-day-deadline-to-appear-before-it-196714"> committee gives Twitter another 15-day deadline to appear before it</a>

Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-hope-we-can-together-start-a-new-kind-of-politics-priyanka-gandhi-says-on-lucknow-road-show-196688">'I hope we can together start a new kind of politics,' Priyanka Gandhi says on Lucknow roadshow</a>

The recently-appointed Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Babbar, held a 20-kilometre roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital on Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-2019-general-elections-closing-in-facebook-expands-fact-checking-network-to-curb-fake-news-in-india-196669">With Lok Sabha elections coming, Facebook says it is expanding its fact-checking network</a>

Facebook Inc is expanding its fact-checking network in India to curb the spread of misinformation as the world's largest democracy prepares for a general election that must be held by May, the US-based social media giant said on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-posts-slowest-growth-in-six-years-196677">Brexit uncertainty: UK economy posts slowest growth in six years</a>

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-iran-to-continue-expanding-military-might-missile-work-196656">Iran to continue expanding military might, missile work: President Hassan Rouhani</a>

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile programme despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran's defensive work, state TV reported.

&nbsp;

Parliamentary committee gives Twitter another 15-day deadline to appear before it Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short.

Parliamentary committee gives Twitter another 15-day deadline to appear before it Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1. 'I hope we can together start a new kind of politics,' Priyanka Gandhi says on Lucknow roadshow The recently-appointed Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Babbar, held a 20-kilometre roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital on Monday. With Lok Sabha elections coming, Facebook says it is expanding its fact-checking network Facebook Inc is expanding its fact-checking network in India to curb the spread of misinformation as the world's largest democracy prepares for a general election that must be held by May, the US-based social media giant said on Monday. Brexit uncertainty: UK economy posts slowest growth in six years Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites. Iran to continue expanding military might, missile work: President Hassan Rouhani Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile programme despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran's defensive work, state TV reported.

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-what-will-happen-in-the-british-parliament-on-february-14-196447">Brexit uncertainty</a> and weaker global growth bites.

Gross domestic product growth stood at 1.4 per cent last year, down from 1.8 per cent in 2017, while growth was only 0.2 per cent in the last three months of 2018, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.

"Following a pickup in activity over the summer months -- in part due to warm weather and the World Cup -- real GDP growth slowed markedly in the final quarter of 2018, with GDP falling by 0.4 per cent in the month of December," the ONS said.&nbsp;

"Construction, production and services output fell in the month, the first time that there has been such a broad-based fall in monthly output since September 2012."

The data comes after the Bank of England last week slashed its forecast for UK growth this year to 1.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent, blaming the downgrade on a global economic slowdown and "the fog of Brexit".

It also comes as the British government is seeking to win more time to secure EU concessions on Brexit that could pass parliament and avert a chaotic split from the bloc on March 29.

Businesses and governments are on edge as Britain is just weeks away from its scheduled departure from the European project after 46 years and still has no firm arrangements in place.

The Bank of England last week stressed that Britain's economic output was also being dragged down by a global slowdown, with growth dampening in China, the United States and the eurozone.

The point was echoed by analysts reacting to Monday's data.

"Brexit uncertainty is certainly not helping matters on the economic front, but it is probably only a secondary factor in this slowdown, with the primary cause being a drop in overall global activity," noted David Cheetham, chief market analyst at XTB trading group.

"The eurozone in particular has been especially weak on the data front of late, and the focus now is very much on whether there can be a tangible breakthrough on the trade front between the US and China, with Beijing back after their New Year's holiday."

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites.

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites. Gross domestic product growth stood at 1.4 per cent last year, down from 1.8 per cent in 2017, while growth was only 0.2 per cent in the last three months of 2018, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement. "Following a pickup in activity over the summer months -- in part due to warm weather and the World Cup -- real GDP growth slowed markedly in the final quarter of 2018, with GDP falling by 0.4 per cent in the month of December," the ONS said. "Construction, production and services output fell in the month, the first time that there has been such a broad-based fall in monthly output since September 2012." The data comes after the Bank of England last week slashed its forecast for UK growth this year to 1.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent, blaming the downgrade on a global economic slowdown and "the fog of Brexit". It also comes as the British government is seeking to win more time to secure EU concessions on Brexit that could pass parliament and avert a chaotic split from the bloc on March 29. Businesses and governments are on edge as Britain is just weeks away from its scheduled departure from the European project after 46 years and still has no firm arrangements in place. The Bank of England last week stressed that Britain's economic output was also being dragged down by a global slowdown, with growth dampening in China, the United States and the eurozone. The point was echoed by analysts reacting to Monday's data. "Brexit uncertainty is certainly not helping matters on the economic front, but it is probably only a secondary factor in this slowdown, with the primary cause being a drop in overall global activity," noted David Cheetham, chief market analyst at XTB trading group. "The eurozone in particular has been especially weak on the data front of late, and the focus now is very much on whether there can be a tangible breakthrough on the trade front between the US and China, with Beijing back after their New Year's holiday."

Brexit uncertainty: UK economy posts slowest growth in six years

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-may-survives-confidence-vote-but-her-brexit-deal-is-still-in-deep-trouble-183608">British Prime Minister Theresa</a> May has rejected the idea of targeting a customs union with the European Union, pouring cold water on hopes from some that she could shift her Brexit policy to win over the opposition Labour Party.

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but has yet to find a deal which is acceptable to both Brussels and lawmakers at home, raising the prospect of a disorderly exit that could damage the world's fifth largest economy.

Brexit has divided Britain at every level from voters to the cabinet and raised fears internationally that it will weaken the West. Brexit supporters hail it as casting off a failing German-led project.

Last week, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set out the conditions under which he would instruct his party to support an exit deal in parliament. Foremost was a demand that May seek a "permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union".

The EU has urged May to grasp Labour's compromise offer rather than press ahead with her preferred option of getting her own divided party onside by renegotiating a clause in the exit agreement relating to the Northern Irish border.

But May's office published her reply to Corbyn late on Sunday, showing little appetite for a U-turn which would risk splitting her fractious party by ruling out the scope for Britain to strike its own trade deals around the world.

"I am not clear why you believe it would be preferable to seek a say in future EU trade deals rather than the ability to strike our own deal?" May wrote in a three-page letter.

May and her government have repeatedly said membership of a customs union would prevent it from having an independent trade policy - something they have promoted as one of the main economic benefits of leaving the EU.

Although May welcomed the prospect of future talks with Corbyn to try and find a compromise, the letter gave no ground on their central point of disagreement.

That leaves May battling to persuade a reluctant EU to look again at the Irish backstop - a fallback policy designed to prevent the resurrection of a hard border in Ireland if talks to find a long-term trade arrangement fail.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay will meet EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday ahead of a crunch moment in parliament on Thursday when lawmakers will try to force May to change course or give up control of the exit process.

May will promise lawmakers a second opportunity to influence the Brexit talks later in the month in a bid to stave off any rebellion from within her own party by those who fear Britain could end up leaving without a deal.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has rejected the idea of targeting a customs union with the European Union, pouring cold water on hopes from some that she could shift her Brexit policy to win over the opposition Labour Party.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has rejected the idea of targeting a customs union with the European Union, pouring cold water on hopes from some that she could shift her Brexit policy to win over the opposition Labour Party. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but has yet to find a deal which is acceptable to both Brussels and lawmakers at home, raising the prospect of a disorderly exit that could damage the world's fifth largest economy. Brexit has divided Britain at every level from voters to the cabinet and raised fears internationally that it will weaken the West. Brexit supporters hail it as casting off a failing German-led project. Last week, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set out the conditions under which he would instruct his party to support an exit deal in parliament. Foremost was a demand that May seek a "permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union". The EU has urged May to grasp Labour's compromise offer rather than press ahead with her preferred option of getting her own divided party onside by renegotiating a clause in the exit agreement relating to the Northern Irish border. But May's office published her reply to Corbyn late on Sunday, showing little appetite for a U-turn which would risk splitting her fractious party by ruling out the scope for Britain to strike its own trade deals around the world. "I am not clear why you believe it would be preferable to seek a say in future EU trade deals rather than the ability to strike our own deal?" May wrote in a three-page letter. May and her government have repeatedly said membership of a customs union would prevent it from having an independent trade policy - something they have promoted as one of the main economic benefits of leaving the EU. Although May welcomed the prospect of future talks with Corbyn to try and find a compromise, the letter gave no ground on their central point of disagreement. That leaves May battling to persuade a reluctant EU to look again at the Irish backstop - a fallback policy designed to prevent the resurrection of a hard border in Ireland if talks to find a long-term trade arrangement fail. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay will meet EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday ahead of a crunch moment in parliament on Thursday when lawmakers will try to force May to change course or give up control of the exit process. May will promise lawmakers a second opportunity to influence the Brexit talks later in the month in a bid to stave off any rebellion from within her own party by those who fear Britain could end up leaving without a deal.

UK PM May rejects pivot towards Brexit customs union compromise

The week that was in pictures

The British parliament is set to hold a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-to-promise-new-brexit-debate-in-push-for-more-negotiating-time-196441">debate on Brexit</a> on February 14 but this is not a re-run of a vote last month on whether to approve the exit deal Prime Minister Theresa May's negotiated with the European Union.

May is seeking changes to her deal with Brussels after it was rejected by a record majority in parliament on January 15. She has said she wants to bring a revised deal back to parliament for a vote "as soon as possible" but has not yet set a date for doing so.

She has promised that, if she has not brought her deal back for a so-called "meaningful vote" by February 13, lawmakers will get to debate Brexit on February 14.

Below is what will happen on that day:

What will they debate?&nbsp;

May will make a statement to parliament on February 13 updating lawmakers on her progress so far in seeking changes to her deal.

The debate on February 14 will be on a motion -- a proposal put forward for debate -- about Brexit more generally. The previous similar debate on January 29 was on a motion which simply asked lawmakers to agree that they had considered May's latest statement on the Brexit negotiations.

Can lawmakers propose changes?&nbsp;

Yes. As with the January 29 debate, lawmakers will be able to propose changes, known as amendments. It is likely that many amendments similar to those debated on January 29 will be proposed, including attempts to shift control of the process away from government and give parliament a chance to define Brexit.

As with January 29, if these are successful they could have a profound effect, giving lawmakers who want to block, delay or renegotiate Brexit a possible legal route to do so.

With the EU saying so far that they are not willing to reopen talks on the Withdrawal Agreement, other lawmakers are likely to propose alternatives to May's deal to gauge support for them and persuade the prime minister to change course by seeking closer EU ties or holding a second referendum.

An attempt by Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper and Conservative Nick Boles to give parliament the power to request a delay to Britain's March 29 exit was defeated by lawmakers on January 29, but Boles said he would renew that effort on February 14 if a deal has not been passed by then.

The government persuaded many lawmakers not to support that previous attempt by promising them that it would not be their last chance to seek to stop a 'no-deal' departure from the EU as they would get to debate Brexit again on February 14.

On Wednesday, a Conservative lawmaker involved in discussions with the government about changes to the deal said that if May could demonstrate that the EU was willing to renegotiate, she would buy herself some more time and avoid a potential flashpoint in parliament on February 14.

Will there be votes?&nbsp;

The Speaker, John Bercow, will decide whether to select any of the amendments for a vote. Lawmakers will vote on each of the selected amendments one by one, before voting to give final approval to the wording of the motion itself.

Before the debate begins, lawmakers will have to agree to the proposed timetable for the debate, currently just one day. If lawmakers believe that more than one day is needed, the votes could, in theory, be pushed into the following week.

Will it definitely go ahead?&nbsp;

If May succeeds in winning changes to her Brexit deal in the next few days she could bring it back for a debate and vote before February 14, and this more general debate would not go ahead. However, she is not expected to secure any changes before then.

British media have reported a fresh vote on May's deal is most likely to happen in the week of February 25 at the earliest.

The government will give parliament another chance to debate the issue by February 27 using the same format described above, if a deal has not been agreed before then.

The British parliament is set to hold a debate on Brexit on February 14 but this is not a re-run of a vote last month on whether to approve the exit deal Prime Minister Theresa May's negotiated with the European Union.

The British parliament is set to hold a debate on Brexit on February 14 but this is not a re-run of a vote last month on whether to approve the exit deal Prime Minister Theresa May's negotiated with the European Union. May is seeking changes to her deal with Brussels after it was rejected by a record majority in parliament on January 15. She has said she wants to bring a revised deal back to parliament for a vote "as soon as possible" but has not yet set a date for doing so. She has promised that, if she has not brought her deal back for a so-called "meaningful vote" by February 13, lawmakers will get to debate Brexit on February 14. Below is what will happen on that day: What will they debate? May will make a statement to parliament on February 13 updating lawmakers on her progress so far in seeking changes to her deal. The debate on February 14 will be on a motion -- a proposal put forward for debate -- about Brexit more generally. The previous similar debate on January 29 was on a motion which simply asked lawmakers to agree that they had considered May's latest statement on the Brexit negotiations. Can lawmakers propose changes? Yes. As with the January 29 debate, lawmakers will be able to propose changes, known as amendments. It is likely that many amendments similar to those debated on January 29 will be proposed, including attempts to shift control of the process away from government and give parliament a chance to define Brexit. As with January 29, if these are successful they could have a profound effect, giving lawmakers who want to block, delay or renegotiate Brexit a possible legal route to do so. With the EU saying so far that they are not willing to reopen talks on the Withdrawal Agreement, other lawmakers are likely to propose alternatives to May's deal to gauge support for them and persuade the prime minister to change course by seeking closer EU ties or holding a second referendum. An attempt by Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper and Conservative Nick Boles to give parliament the power to request a delay to Britain's March 29 exit was defeated by lawmakers on January 29, but Boles said he would renew that effort on February 14 if a deal has not been passed by then. The government persuaded many lawmakers not to support that previous attempt by promising them that it would not be their last chance to seek to stop a 'no-deal' departure from the EU as they would get to debate Brexit again on February 14. On Wednesday, a Conservative lawmaker involved in discussions with the government about changes to the deal said that if May could demonstrate that the EU was willing to renegotiate, she would buy herself some more time and avoid a potential flashpoint in parliament on February 14. Will there be votes? The Speaker, John Bercow, will decide whether to select any of the amendments for a vote. Lawmakers will vote on each of the selected amendments one by one, before voting to give final approval to the wording of the motion itself. Before the debate begins, lawmakers will have to agree to the proposed timetable for the debate, currently just one day. If lawmakers believe that more than one day is needed, the votes could, in theory, be pushed into the following week. Will it definitely go ahead? If May succeeds in winning changes to her Brexit deal in the next few days she could bring it back for a debate and vote before February 14, and this more general debate would not go ahead. However, she is not expected to secure any changes before then. British media have reported a fresh vote on May's deal is most likely to happen in the week of February 25 at the earliest. The government will give parliament another chance to debate the issue by February 27 using the same format described above, if a deal has not been agreed before then.

Brexit: What will happen in the British parliament on February 14?

British Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge this week to give parliament another chance to voice their opinions on Brexit by February 27 as she tries to buy more time to negotiate a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irish-prime-minister-says-brexit-deal-can-be-done-196135">new deal with the European Union</a>.

As the clock ticks down to Britain's scheduled exit on March 29, May is trying to persuade the EU to change a deal that was agreed between London and Brussels late last year but overwhelmingly rejected by parliament in January.

May wants to win over lawmakers in her Conservative Party with changes relating to the Northern Irish border, but the EU has refused to reopen that part of the deal and instead wants May to pursue a compromise with the main opposition Labour Party by agreeing closer UK-EU ties.

The impasse has left the world's fifth largest economy facing an uncertain future, rattling financial markets and businesses about the prospect of a disorderly exit from the bloc that could damage the economy.

Housing minister James Brokenshire said on Sunday, May would commit to giving parliament another debate on Brexit with the chance to vote on alternative options, if a deal had not yet been agreed and voted upon by then.

May is already due to update parliament on her progress towards a deal on Wednesday and then on Thursday to give parliament a chance to express their opinion. The new pledge would be for a repeat of this process by February 27.

"That gives that sense of timetable, clarity, and purpose on what we're doing with the EU - taking that work forward and our determination to get a deal - but equally knowing that role that parliament very firmly has," Brokenshire told the BBC.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay will meet EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday to discuss changes to the part of the exit deal relating to the 'backstop', an insurance policy against the return of a hard border between EU member Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland.

Emergency zone

Labour's Brexit policy chief Keir Starmer told the Sunday Times newspaper that his party would seek to use the debate in parliament this week to prevent May from waiting until the last minute to come back with a deal, and compel her to present a fresh accord for lawmakers to consider before February 26.

"We shouldn’t be put in a position where the clock is run down and the prime minister says it's either my deal or even worse. That isn’t right in terms of the respect for parliament," said Starmer.

The head of the business lobby group the Confederation of British Industry warned that the chances of Britain leaving the EU next month without a deal have increased and the country has now entered "the emergency zone".

May will ask lawmakers on Thursday to reaffirm that they support her bid to renegotiate the backstop, a government source said. The backstop is the main obstacle to securing agreement on the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the EU.

May's opponents are expected to put forward a series of alternative approaches which will be voted upon, although it is not clear yet whether any will have sufficient support to pass, and if they do, whether they will force the government to act.

Labour's plan, which has yet to be published in detail, will be among the options discussed on Thursday.

An opinion poll published in the Independent newspaper on Sunday showed 53 per cent of British voters would support a delay in Brexit, while 33 per cent would back a no-deal Brexit even it that harmed the economy.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge this week to give parliament another chance to voice their opinions on Brexit by February 27 as she tries to buy more time to negotiate a new deal with the European Union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge this week to give parliament another chance to voice their opinions on Brexit by February 27 as she tries to buy more time to negotiate a new deal with the European Union. As the clock ticks down to Britain's scheduled exit on March 29, May is trying to persuade the EU to change a deal that was agreed between London and Brussels late last year but overwhelmingly rejected by parliament in January. May wants to win over lawmakers in her Conservative Party with changes relating to the Northern Irish border, but the EU has refused to reopen that part of the deal and instead wants May to pursue a compromise with the main opposition Labour Party by agreeing closer UK-EU ties. The impasse has left the world's fifth largest economy facing an uncertain future, rattling financial markets and businesses about the prospect of a disorderly exit from the bloc that could damage the economy. Housing minister James Brokenshire said on Sunday, May would commit to giving parliament another debate on Brexit with the chance to vote on alternative options, if a deal had not yet been agreed and voted upon by then. May is already due to update parliament on her progress towards a deal on Wednesday and then on Thursday to give parliament a chance to express their opinion. The new pledge would be for a repeat of this process by February 27. "That gives that sense of timetable, clarity, and purpose on what we're doing with the EU - taking that work forward and our determination to get a deal - but equally knowing that role that parliament very firmly has," Brokenshire told the BBC. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay will meet EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday to discuss changes to the part of the exit deal relating to the 'backstop', an insurance policy against the return of a hard border between EU member Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland. Emergency zone Labour's Brexit policy chief Keir Starmer told the Sunday Times newspaper that his party would seek to use the debate in parliament this week to prevent May from waiting until the last minute to come back with a deal, and compel her to present a fresh accord for lawmakers to consider before February 26. "We shouldn’t be put in a position where the clock is run down and the prime minister says it's either my deal or even worse. That isn’t right in terms of the respect for parliament," said Starmer. The head of the business lobby group the Confederation of British Industry warned that the chances of Britain leaving the EU next month without a deal have increased and the country has now entered "the emergency zone". May will ask lawmakers on Thursday to reaffirm that they support her bid to renegotiate the backstop, a government source said. The backstop is the main obstacle to securing agreement on the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the EU. May's opponents are expected to put forward a series of alternative approaches which will be voted upon, although it is not clear yet whether any will have sufficient support to pass, and if they do, whether they will force the government to act. Labour's plan, which has yet to be published in detail, will be among the options discussed on Thursday. An opinion poll published in the Independent newspaper on Sunday showed 53 per cent of British voters would support a delay in Brexit, while 33 per cent would back a no-deal Brexit even it that harmed the economy.

UK's May to promise new Brexit debate in push for more negotiating time

Jaguar Land Rover's owner Tata Motors Ltd stunned markets by posting the biggest-ever quarterly loss in Indian corporate history of about $4 billion on slumping China sales, sending its shares crashing as much as 30 per cent.

Tata Motors also warned that the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tata-motors-jaguar-land-rover-to-halt-production-amid-brexit-disruption-192756"> Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) unit</a>, which brings in most of its revenue, would swing to an operating loss in the year to March versus an earlier projection for breakeven, given weak sales at the luxury British carmaker.

JLR's China retail sales almost halved in the December quarter as overall demand in the world's biggest auto market contracted last year for the first time since the 1990s. The firm has also been buffeted by Brexit woes and weaker business for diesel cars that account for the bulk of its sales in Europe.

Tata Motors turned in a third-quarter loss of 269.93 billion rupees ($3.8 billion) on Thursday, more than half its current market capitalisation of $6.1 billion, mostly due to a massive impairment at JLR. Analysts were expecting a profit.

"We are now taking clear and decisive actions in JLR to step up its competitiveness, reduce costs and improve cash flows and make the business fit for the future," Chief Financial Officer PB Balaji told reporters on a conference call on Thursday.

JLR has taken steps to address the slide in China sales by changing its strategy to focus on profits for dealers instead of sales and incentivising retail sales over wholesale, he said.

"We are encouraged by continued demand for the refreshed Range Rover and Range Rover Sport," JLR Chief Commercial Officer Felix Brautigam said in a statement.

"With deliveries of the new Evoque due to start later this quarter, we look forward to building momentum."

But analysts expect JLR to struggle to generate profit with China's economy projected to slow further this year after growth eased to its weakest pace in almost three decades in 2018.

JLR's overall retail sales in January plunged 11 per cent.

BROKERAGE SLASH PRICE TARGETS

The dour numbers prompted Tata investors to make a beeline for the exits as markets opened on Friday, with shares of the company skidding to their lowest in nine years at one point.

The stock was down about 20 per cent by 0720 GMT near 150 rupees, on track for its sharpest drop since 2003.

At least four brokerages cut their price target for Tata Motors shares after its quarterly loss.

Analysts at Jefferies pegged the stock at 250 rupees, versus an earlier target of 300 rupees, citing weak performance at JLR.

Tata Motors took a non-cash charge of 278.38 billion rupees for impairment at JLR in the quarter. Changes in market conditions, especially in China, technology disruptions and the rising cost of debt led to the charge.

JLR, Britain's biggest carmaker, also faces disruption due to persistent uncertainty over a Brexit deal and has decided to halt production for a couple of weeks in April.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was rejected in parliament last month and the government is trying to make changes to win the support of lawmakers even as the date for Britain's departure from the European Union looms less than two months away.

Jaguar Land Rover's owner Tata Motors Ltd stunned markets by posting the biggest-ever quarterly loss in Indian corporate history of about $4 billion on slumping China sales, sending its shares crashing as much as 30 per cent.

Jaguar Land Rover's owner Tata Motors Ltd stunned markets by posting the biggest-ever quarterly loss in Indian corporate history of about $4 billion on slumping China sales, sending its shares crashing as much as 30 per cent. Tata Motors also warned that the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) unit, which brings in most of its revenue, would swing to an operating loss in the year to March versus an earlier projection for breakeven, given weak sales at the luxury British carmaker. JLR's China retail sales almost halved in the December quarter as overall demand in the world's biggest auto market contracted last year for the first time since the 1990s. The firm has also been buffeted by Brexit woes and weaker business for diesel cars that account for the bulk of its sales in Europe. Tata Motors turned in a third-quarter loss of 269.93 billion rupees ($3.8 billion) on Thursday, more than half its current market capitalisation of $6.1 billion, mostly due to a massive impairment at JLR. Analysts were expecting a profit. "We are now taking clear and decisive actions in JLR to step up its competitiveness, reduce costs and improve cash flows and make the business fit for the future," Chief Financial Officer PB Balaji told reporters on a conference call on Thursday. JLR has taken steps to address the slide in China sales by changing its strategy to focus on profits for dealers instead of sales and incentivising retail sales over wholesale, he said. "We are encouraged by continued demand for the refreshed Range Rover and Range Rover Sport," JLR Chief Commercial Officer Felix Brautigam said in a statement. "With deliveries of the new Evoque due to start later this quarter, we look forward to building momentum." But analysts expect JLR to struggle to generate profit with China's economy projected to slow further this year after growth eased to its weakest pace in almost three decades in 2018. JLR's overall retail sales in January plunged 11 per cent. BROKERAGE SLASH PRICE TARGETS The dour numbers prompted Tata investors to make a beeline for the exits as markets opened on Friday, with shares of the company skidding to their lowest in nine years at one point. The stock was down about 20 per cent by 0720 GMT near 150 rupees, on track for its sharpest drop since 2003. At least four brokerages cut their price target for Tata Motors shares after its quarterly loss. Analysts at Jefferies pegged the stock at 250 rupees, versus an earlier target of 300 rupees, citing weak performance at JLR. Tata Motors took a non-cash charge of 278.38 billion rupees for impairment at JLR in the quarter. Changes in market conditions, especially in China, technology disruptions and the rising cost of debt led to the charge. JLR, Britain's biggest carmaker, also faces disruption due to persistent uncertainty over a Brexit deal and has decided to halt production for a couple of weeks in April. British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was rejected in parliament last month and the government is trying to make changes to win the support of lawmakers even as the date for Britain's departure from the European Union looms less than two months away.

Tata Motors posts record $4 billion loss on Jaguar woes, shares crash

Irish PM Varadkar says deal 'can be done' on Brexit

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-now-sees-brexit-unstoppable-aims-to-avert-fiasco-195657">Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May</a> heads back to meet EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday as she seeks a way to avoid a no deal Brexit in 50 days time.

Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

The president of the European Commission, Juncker, told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not re-open talks on the deal.

And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan.

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

Juncker, at a later news conference, did not use the same language, but cheerfully laughed off Tusk's remark.

But he also repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed.

"She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop.

This apparently united front did not daunt Number 10, who insisted that the British parliament's rejection of the deal meant that May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail.

According to talking points provided by Downing Street ahead of the visit, May will admit that: "Securing such changes will not be easy."&nbsp;

But she will add: "Last week, Parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop.

"The Government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes. The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line."&nbsp;

The impasse in Brussels has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing.

Tusk and Juncker said they look forward to hosting May on Thursday, and Varadkar will have dinner with her in Dublin on Friday.

Offering warm support for his Irish guest, Tusk said the European Union "will not gamble with peace" on the Irish border by removing the backstop from the deal.

"I hope that tomorrow we will hear from Prime Minister May a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse," he said.

But he added: "A sense of responsibility also tells us to prepare for a possible fiasco."&nbsp;

Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, thanked Tusk.

"While we expect the backstop will never be used, we agreed again today it is needed as a legal guarantee to ensure there is no return to a hard border," he said.

On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy.

May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

May's spokesman stressed that she wasn't coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29th deadline.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May heads back to meet EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday as she seeks a way to avoid a no deal Brexit in 50 days time. Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May heads back to meet EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday as she seeks a way to avoid a no deal Brexit in 50 days time. Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement. The president of the European Commission, Juncker, told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not re-open talks on the deal. And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan. "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said. Juncker, at a later news conference, did not use the same language, but cheerfully laughed off Tusk's remark. But he also repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed. "She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop. This apparently united front did not daunt Number 10, who insisted that the British parliament's rejection of the deal meant that May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail. According to talking points provided by Downing Street ahead of the visit, May will admit that: "Securing such changes will not be easy." But she will add: "Last week, Parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop. "The Government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes. The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line." The impasse in Brussels has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing. Tusk and Juncker said they look forward to hosting May on Thursday, and Varadkar will have dinner with her in Dublin on Friday. Offering warm support for his Irish guest, Tusk said the European Union "will not gamble with peace" on the Irish border by removing the backstop from the deal. "I hope that tomorrow we will hear from Prime Minister May a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse," he said. But he added: "A sense of responsibility also tells us to prepare for a possible fiasco." Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, thanked Tusk. "While we expect the backstop will never be used, we agreed again today it is needed as a legal guarantee to ensure there is no return to a hard border," he said. On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province. Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy. May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland. May's spokesman stressed that she wasn't coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29th deadline.

Government wants to urgently work with  EU: May on Brexit plan

Britain and the EU agreed Thursday to hold <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-back-in-brussels-for-latest-brexit-showdown-195815">more talks to try to avoid a no-deal Brexit</a>, after a "robust" meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

A joint statement issued after the talks in Brussels said Juncker had again warned that &nbsp;November's withdrawal agreement could not be renegotiated -- after May came hoping to persuade Brussels to agree on the need to change the so-called "backstop" clause for the Irish border.

But Juncker "expressed his openness to add wording" to a parallel political declaration laying out ambitions for future EU-UK ties if London wants to seek a "more ambitious" closer relationship after Brexit.

In a sharp reminder of the urgency of finding a solution before Brexit day on March 29, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned that Britain's economy was "not yet prepared" for a no-deal departure.

May came hoping to change the backstop so that Britain cannot be "trapped" in the bloc against its will -- and by doing so win over enough MPs at home to get the deal through parliament.

She reminded Juncker that the British parliament had mandated her to seek "a legally binding change to the terms of the backstop", but instead was offered a fresh round of talks. EU negotiator Michel Barnier will now meet British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay in Strasbourg on Monday.

May herself will meet Juncker again before the end of February, a commission spokesman said.

A stony-faced May shook hands stiffly with Juncker as she arrived at commission headquarters, refusing to answer questions, but she was expected to make a statement later Thursday.

Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

Juncker told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not reopen talks on the deal, while Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan.&nbsp;

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

- 'Don't gamble with peace' - 
But even this latest demonstration of EU unity did not deter Downing Street, which insisted May's top priority on the trip was to "find a way to guarantee we cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop".

Number 10 said that because the British parliament rejected the deal, May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail.

The impasse in Brussels has deepened fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing.

May has exasperated EU leaders by repeatedly coming to Brussels without detailed proposals to solve the Brexit deadlock, and Tusk warned her he expected her to bring "a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse".

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, wrote to May on Thursday setting out his five conditions for backing her on Brexit -- including the UK staying in the EU's customs union.

While his demands will not be palatable to many in May's Conservative party -- not least because of the deeply entrenched tribalism of British politics -- it suggests there may be room for manoeuvre, if not yet a clear path to a cross-party deal.

After seeing Tusk and Juncker on Thursday, May will have dinner with her Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar &nbsp;Dublin on Friday.

Painstaking talks 
Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, said recent "instability in British politics" showed why a backstop was essential.

On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy.

May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

May's spokesman stressed that she was not coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29 deadline.

Britain and the EU agreed Thursday to hold more talks to try to avoid a no-deal Brexit, after a "robust" meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

Britain and the EU agreed Thursday to hold more talks to try to avoid a no-deal Brexit, after a "robust" meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker. A joint statement issued after the talks in Brussels said Juncker had again warned that November's withdrawal agreement could not be renegotiated -- after May came hoping to persuade Brussels to agree on the need to change the so-called "backstop" clause for the Irish border. But Juncker "expressed his openness to add wording" to a parallel political declaration laying out ambitions for future EU-UK ties if London wants to seek a "more ambitious" closer relationship after Brexit. In a sharp reminder of the urgency of finding a solution before Brexit day on March 29, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned that Britain's economy was "not yet prepared" for a no-deal departure. May came hoping to change the backstop so that Britain cannot be "trapped" in the bloc against its will -- and by doing so win over enough MPs at home to get the deal through parliament. She reminded Juncker that the British parliament had mandated her to seek "a legally binding change to the terms of the backstop", but instead was offered a fresh round of talks. EU negotiator Michel Barnier will now meet British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay in Strasbourg on Monday. May herself will meet Juncker again before the end of February, a commission spokesman said. A stony-faced May shook hands stiffly with Juncker as she arrived at commission headquarters, refusing to answer questions, but she was expected to make a statement later Thursday. Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement. Juncker told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not reopen talks on the deal, while Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan. "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said. - 'Don't gamble with peace' - But even this latest demonstration of EU unity did not deter Downing Street, which insisted May's top priority on the trip was to "find a way to guarantee we cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop". Number 10 said that because the British parliament rejected the deal, May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail. The impasse in Brussels has deepened fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing. May has exasperated EU leaders by repeatedly coming to Brussels without detailed proposals to solve the Brexit deadlock, and Tusk warned her he expected her to bring "a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse". Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, wrote to May on Thursday setting out his five conditions for backing her on Brexit -- including the UK staying in the EU's customs union. While his demands will not be palatable to many in May's Conservative party -- not least because of the deeply entrenched tribalism of British politics -- it suggests there may be room for manoeuvre, if not yet a clear path to a cross-party deal. After seeing Tusk and Juncker on Thursday, May will have dinner with her Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar Dublin on Friday. Painstaking talks Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, said recent "instability in British politics" showed why a backstop was essential. On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province. Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy. May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland. May's spokesman stressed that she was not coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29 deadline.

May, EU's Juncker agree to more talks to try and avoid no-deal Brexit

Britain's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/government-wants-to-urgently-work-with-eu-may-on-brexit-plan-195694">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> returned to Brussels on Thursday for a showdown with EU leaders as she bids to avoid a calamitous no-deal Brexit in 50 days' time.

The stony-faced premier shook hands stiffly with Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, but refused to respond to questions as they entered EU headquarters.

May is to demand that Brussels agree on the need to change the so-called "backstop" for the Irish border in the withdrawal agreement so that Britain cannot be "trapped" in the bloc against its will.

Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-now-sees-brexit-unstoppable-aims-to-avert-fiasco-195657">EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement</a>.

Juncker, the president of the European Commission, told reporters that May already knows and accepts that the Union will not reopen talks on the deal.

And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for — in his view — recklessly failing to plan.&nbsp;

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

Juncker later repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed.&nbsp;

"She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop.

'Don't gamble with peace'&nbsp;

But even this latest demonstration of EU unity did not deter Downing Street, which insisted May's top priority on the trip was to "find a way to guarantee we cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop".

Number 10 said that because the British parliament rejected the deal, May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail.

When she meets Juncker, and later Tusk, the beleaguered British leader will admit that "securing such changes will not be easy", according to talking points released by Number 10.

But she will add: "Last week, Parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop.&nbsp;

"The government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes. The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line."

The impasse in Brussels has deepened fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing.

May has exasperated EU leaders by repeatedly coming to Brussels without detailed proposals to solve the Brexit deadlock, and Tusk warned her he expected her to bring "a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse".

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, wrote to May on Thursday setting out his five conditions for backing her on Brexit — including the UK staying in the EU's customs union.

While his demands will not be palatable to many in May's Conservative party — not least because of the deeply entrenched tribalism of British politics — it suggests there may be room for manoeuvre, if not yet a clear path to a cross-party deal.

After seeing Tusk and Juncker on Thursday, May will have dinner with Varadkar in Dublin on Friday.

Painstaking talks&nbsp;

Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, said recent "instability in British politics" showed why a backstop was essential.

On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy.

May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

May's spokesman stressed that she was not coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29 deadline.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May returned to Brussels on Thursday for a showdown with EU leaders as she bids to avoid a calamitous no-deal Brexit in 50 days' time.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May returned to Brussels on Thursday for a showdown with EU leaders as she bids to avoid a calamitous no-deal Brexit in 50 days' time. The stony-faced premier shook hands stiffly with Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, but refused to respond to questions as they entered EU headquarters. May is to demand that Brussels agree on the need to change the so-called "backstop" for the Irish border in the withdrawal agreement so that Britain cannot be "trapped" in the bloc against its will. Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement. Juncker, the president of the European Commission, told reporters that May already knows and accepts that the Union will not reopen talks on the deal. And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for — in his view — recklessly failing to plan. "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said. Juncker later repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed. "She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop. 'Don't gamble with peace' But even this latest demonstration of EU unity did not deter Downing Street, which insisted May's top priority on the trip was to "find a way to guarantee we cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop". Number 10 said that because the British parliament rejected the deal, May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail. When she meets Juncker, and later Tusk, the beleaguered British leader will admit that "securing such changes will not be easy", according to talking points released by Number 10. But she will add: "Last week, Parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop. "The government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes. The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line." The impasse in Brussels has deepened fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing. May has exasperated EU leaders by repeatedly coming to Brussels without detailed proposals to solve the Brexit deadlock, and Tusk warned her he expected her to bring "a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse". Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, wrote to May on Thursday setting out his five conditions for backing her on Brexit — including the UK staying in the EU's customs union. While his demands will not be palatable to many in May's Conservative party — not least because of the deeply entrenched tribalism of British politics — it suggests there may be room for manoeuvre, if not yet a clear path to a cross-party deal. After seeing Tusk and Juncker on Thursday, May will have dinner with Varadkar in Dublin on Friday. Painstaking talks Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, said recent "instability in British politics" showed why a backstop was essential. On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province. Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy. May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland. May's spokesman stressed that she was not coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29 deadline.

Theresa May returns to Brussels trying desperately to avoid no-deal Brexit

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