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

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

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

British Indian property guru joins Brexit Party for European Union elections

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

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

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

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn to boycott Donald Trump dinner

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

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

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

Anger over Brexit sparks new grassroots drive for Scottish independence

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

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

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

Sibling rivalry behind Britain's Brexit politics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UK to hold EU election

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UK employment at record high despite Brexit uncertainty: Govt data

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

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

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

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

Britain Will Remain A Member Of European Union Till The End Of October As EU Agrees To An Extension Of Brexit Deadline.

WION Gravitas: it's brextension till october 31

With Britain tearing its hair out over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-gives-britain-six-month-delay-to-brexit-date-209399">Brexit confusion</a>, Scotland's government is biding its time as it prepares for the ultimate prize -- independence.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, a strong opponent of Brexit, has said she will set out her thinking on independence plans later this month.

The issue presents voters and leaders north of the border with another source of dispute, something that this week's decision to delay Britain's departure from the European Union has done little to resolve.

The government is "absolutely committed to an independent Scotland in the European Union," Scottish Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development Ben Macpherson told AFP while out campaigning in Leith, east of Edinburgh.

But even <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-says-view-on-second-brexit-referendum-has-not-changed-209308">independence backers are divided over Brexit</a> -- five years on from Scotland's own referendum in which 55 per cent opted to remain a part of Britain.

Retiree Phil, enjoying the sunshine in a central Edinburgh park, said he wanted "complete independence".

Phil said Sturgeon's Scottish National Party had "done a lot of good but I don't agree with them on Brexit".

He said he would even consider voting for Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party -- much to the consternation of companion Lisa.

"I'm Scottish first, then European," she said.

'Sick of all the Brexit'

Some pro-EU voters who wanted to stay in the United Kingdom in the 2014 referendum are now in favour of independence, but the issue risks pushing away those who want a clean break from both London and Brussels.

Former SNP deputy leader Jim Fairlie said the government's policy of independence within the EU was an "oxymoron", and that tying the two issues together meant "they're not going to get the votes of traditional nationalists like me."

"All the SNP has to do to keep the independence movement together is to decouple it from membership of the EU," he added.

But over 60 per cent of Scots voted to stay in the EU, and some are being won over to the independence cause.

"I know quite a lot of people... who voted to stay with the UK... who now say because they're sick of all the Brexit, they've changed their minds," said local resident Mary Cryan amid the hubbub of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, in the shadow of the city's centuries-old castle.

The shifting blocs have largely cancelled themselves out so far, with polling stuck at around 55 per cent versus 45 per cent in favour of staying in the United Kingdom, according to polling expert John Curtice, from the University of Strathclyde.

But independence supporters think that the chaos in Westminster could shift the balance.

"It certainly makes the democratic case easier because it really does throw into stark relief this democratic deficit problem," Kevin Pringle, a former director of strategic communications for the SNP, told AFP in his Edinburgh office.

'Concentrate on the day job'

Independence supporters still face a stiff challenge in winning over more conservative voters, who wanted to stay in both the EU and the UK.

"The SNP should concentrate on the day job rather than looking at independence," 50-year-old public servant Craig told AFP in the city's Scots Guards Club, as pipers and other folk musicians played in the background.

Complicating the task for the SNP, Brexit has become something of a moving target since the terms of the withdrawal and the date is far from certain.

"It's a bit like a mirage in the desert," Pringle said.

Key to the calculations will be whether Britain will remain in the European customs union after Brexit or not, which would take any volatile "hard border" debate out of a future independence campaign.

Campaigners must also soon also find a united position on a raft of economic issues, including what currency an independent Scotland would adopt.

Pringle added: "It's a challenge that can be achieved but I don't think anybody underestimates the scale of it".

With Britain tearing its hair out over the Brexit confusion, Scotland's government is biding its time as it prepares for the ultimate prize -- independence. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, a strong opponent of Brexit, has said she will set out her thinking on independence plans later this month.

With Britain tearing its hair out over the Brexit confusion, Scotland's government is biding its time as it prepares for the ultimate prize -- independence. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, a strong opponent of Brexit, has said she will set out her thinking on independence plans later this month. The issue presents voters and leaders north of the border with another source of dispute, something that this week's decision to delay Britain's departure from the European Union has done little to resolve. The government is "absolutely committed to an independent Scotland in the European Union," Scottish Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development Ben Macpherson told AFP while out campaigning in Leith, east of Edinburgh. But even independence backers are divided over Brexit -- five years on from Scotland's own referendum in which 55 per cent opted to remain a part of Britain. Retiree Phil, enjoying the sunshine in a central Edinburgh park, said he wanted "complete independence". Phil said Sturgeon's Scottish National Party had "done a lot of good but I don't agree with them on Brexit". He said he would even consider voting for Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party -- much to the consternation of companion Lisa. "I'm Scottish first, then European," she said. 'Sick of all the Brexit' Some pro-EU voters who wanted to stay in the United Kingdom in the 2014 referendum are now in favour of independence, but the issue risks pushing away those who want a clean break from both London and Brussels. Former SNP deputy leader Jim Fairlie said the government's policy of independence within the EU was an "oxymoron", and that tying the two issues together meant "they're not going to get the votes of traditional nationalists like me." "All the SNP has to do to keep the independence movement together is to decouple it from membership of the EU," he added. But over 60 per cent of Scots voted to stay in the EU, and some are being won over to the independence cause. "I know quite a lot of people... who voted to stay with the UK... who now say because they're sick of all the Brexit, they've changed their minds," said local resident Mary Cryan amid the hubbub of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, in the shadow of the city's centuries-old castle. The shifting blocs have largely cancelled themselves out so far, with polling stuck at around 55 per cent versus 45 per cent in favour of staying in the United Kingdom, according to polling expert John Curtice, from the University of Strathclyde. But independence supporters think that the chaos in Westminster could shift the balance. "It certainly makes the democratic case easier because it really does throw into stark relief this democratic deficit problem," Kevin Pringle, a former director of strategic communications for the SNP, told AFP in his Edinburgh office. 'Concentrate on the day job' Independence supporters still face a stiff challenge in winning over more conservative voters, who wanted to stay in both the EU and the UK. "The SNP should concentrate on the day job rather than looking at independence," 50-year-old public servant Craig told AFP in the city's Scots Guards Club, as pipers and other folk musicians played in the background. Complicating the task for the SNP, Brexit has become something of a moving target since the terms of the withdrawal and the date is far from certain. "It's a bit like a mirage in the desert," Pringle said. Key to the calculations will be whether Britain will remain in the European customs union after Brexit or not, which would take any volatile "hard border" debate out of a future independence campaign. Campaigners must also soon also find a united position on a raft of economic issues, including what currency an independent Scotland would adopt. Pringle added: "It's a challenge that can be achieved but I don't think anybody underestimates the scale of it".

Brexit chaos leaves Scotland on independence tightrope

The leaders of the remaining 27 countries in the European Union and British Prime Minister Theresa May have agreed to a "flexible extension" of Brexit until October 31, EU chairman Donald Tusk said early Thursday.

United Kingdom get flexible Brexit extension

UK PM Theresa May briefs MPs on Brexit extension. Watch complete video to know more.

UK PM May briefs MPs on Brexit extension

European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-says-view-on-second-brexit-referendum-has-not-changed-209308">Brexit</a> by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-meet-to-decide-another-brexit-delay-209279">chaotic no-deal departure</a> at the end of the week.

The deal struck during late night talks in Brussels means that if London remains in the EU after May 22, British voters will have to take part in European elections.

Prime Minister Theresa May and the other 27 EU leaders "have agreed to a flexible extension until 31 October", European Council president Donald Tusk said in a tweet.&nbsp;

"This means additional six months for the UK to find the best possible solution."

France's President Emmanuel Macron was the strongest voice opposing a long extension, but most leaders backed it and the French had to settle for a promise that the delay will be reviewed at an EU summit on June 21.

Most of the leaders gathered for the emergency summit, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, had backed a plan for Brexit to be postponed for up to a year.

But as the talks went into Thursday morning, Macron -- with backing from Belgium, Austria and some smaller EU states -- held out for a short delay of only a few weeks and demanded solid guarantees that London would not interfere in EU business during that time.

May has already said that if Britain is still an EU member when the European parliamentary election begins on May 23, UK voters will take part. But some EU leaders are unconvinced that she is sincere, despite one official telling reporters her presentation had been "solid".

Without a postponement, Britain would have ended its 46-year membership of the EU at midnight (2200 GMT) on Friday with no deal, risking economic chaos on both sides of the Channel.&nbsp;

May agreed to a divorce deal with the EU last November but MPs in London have rejected it three times, forcing her to turn to the main opposition Labour party in a bid to find a way through.

'As soon as possible'

But these talks are moving slowly, and the prime minister is under intense pressure from hardline Brexit supporters in her Conservative party not to compromise.

As she arrived, May said she wanted to leave the EU "as soon as possible".

"I've asked for an extension to June 30 but what is important is that any extension enables us to leave at the point at which we ratify the withdrawal agreement," she said.

She said she still hoped to leave the EU on May 22, the last day before Britain must hold European Parliament elections.

For as long as Britain is in the EU, it must take part in bloc elections for them to be valid.

EU leaders have already agreed one delay to Brexit, from March 29 to April 12, and Tusk has warned there is "little reason to believe" the British parliament can ratify May's deal by June 30.

A draft copy of the summit conclusions seen by AFP before the leaders sat down to finalise it said, "an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than."

"If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft stated.

EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget.

May's ministers have begun cross-party talks with Labour on a compromise to get the withdrawal agreement through the House of Commons.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wants Britain to commit to remaining within the EU customs union, an idea that many in Europe would be keen to accommodate.

"We would be generous in negotiating that, understanding that the UK couldn't be a silent partner in such an arrangement -- it would have to have a say in decisions being made," Irish premier Leo Varadkar said as he arrived at the summit.

European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay Brexit by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a chaotic no-deal departure at the end of the week.

European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay Brexit by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a chaotic no-deal departure at the end of the week. The deal struck during late night talks in Brussels means that if London remains in the EU after May 22, British voters will have to take part in European elections. Prime Minister Theresa May and the other 27 EU leaders "have agreed to a flexible extension until 31 October", European Council president Donald Tusk said in a tweet. "This means additional six months for the UK to find the best possible solution." France's President Emmanuel Macron was the strongest voice opposing a long extension, but most leaders backed it and the French had to settle for a promise that the delay will be reviewed at an EU summit on June 21. Most of the leaders gathered for the emergency summit, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, had backed a plan for Brexit to be postponed for up to a year. But as the talks went into Thursday morning, Macron -- with backing from Belgium, Austria and some smaller EU states -- held out for a short delay of only a few weeks and demanded solid guarantees that London would not interfere in EU business during that time. May has already said that if Britain is still an EU member when the European parliamentary election begins on May 23, UK voters will take part. But some EU leaders are unconvinced that she is sincere, despite one official telling reporters her presentation had been "solid". Without a postponement, Britain would have ended its 46-year membership of the EU at midnight (2200 GMT) on Friday with no deal, risking economic chaos on both sides of the Channel. May agreed to a divorce deal with the EU last November but MPs in London have rejected it three times, forcing her to turn to the main opposition Labour party in a bid to find a way through. 'As soon as possible' But these talks are moving slowly, and the prime minister is under intense pressure from hardline Brexit supporters in her Conservative party not to compromise. As she arrived, May said she wanted to leave the EU "as soon as possible". "I've asked for an extension to June 30 but what is important is that any extension enables us to leave at the point at which we ratify the withdrawal agreement," she said. She said she still hoped to leave the EU on May 22, the last day before Britain must hold European Parliament elections. For as long as Britain is in the EU, it must take part in bloc elections for them to be valid. EU leaders have already agreed one delay to Brexit, from March 29 to April 12, and Tusk has warned there is "little reason to believe" the British parliament can ratify May's deal by June 30. A draft copy of the summit conclusions seen by AFP before the leaders sat down to finalise it said, "an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than." "If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft stated. EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget. May's ministers have begun cross-party talks with Labour on a compromise to get the withdrawal agreement through the House of Commons. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wants Britain to commit to remaining within the EU customs union, an idea that many in Europe would be keen to accommodate. "We would be generous in negotiating that, understanding that the UK couldn't be a silent partner in such an arrangement -- it would have to have a say in decisions being made," Irish premier Leo Varadkar said as he arrived at the summit.

European Union gives Britain six-month delay to Brexit date

The pound held its gains Thursday after Britain and its EU partners agreed to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-gives-britain-six-month-delay-to-brexit-date-209399"> once again extend the deadline for Brexit</a>, days before the cut-off for avoiding an economically calamitous no-deal divorce.

After hours of late-night talks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-says-view-on-second-brexit-referendum-has-not-changed-209308">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> was given until the end of October to pass her deal for leaving the bloc through parliament, having failed three times already.

The extension allows for an earlier exit if May achieves it, with a review taking place on June 21.

News of the delay allowed traders to breathe a sigh of relief and the pound rose slightly soon after the deal but observers noted the reprieve was only brief with the agreement merely kicking the can down the road. In early trade London's FTSE index was down 0.5 percent.

"The problem for traders and investors is that the extension... does not bring us any closer to a resolution," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com.

"The cliff-edge has simply been pushed back. We are in a period of peak uncertainty for UK politics and that won't help investors pile back into UK assets."

And there remains much uncertainty, with the prime minister under intense pressure from hardline Brexit supporters in her Conservative party not to compromise in her talks with the opposition Labour party, while the discussions are moving slowly.

Pressure on May

Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said: "May will now have to return to the UK and make the case to her disgruntled Brexiter MPs later today that the UK will... be in the EU for another six months.

"This is not likely to go down well, which could well increase internal party manoeuvres to replace her."

Asian equity markets mostly fell, with few catalysts to drive buying and investors still on edge over a brewing trade battle between the United States and Europe.

White House threats this week to hammer $11 billion worth of EU goods with tariffs jolted markets, which have been rallying this year on optimism that China and the US were close to ending their own battle.

The warning revived concerns about Donald Trump's protectionist agenda that has taken aim at US trading partners.

Hong Kong shed 0.9 percent and Shanghai tumbled 1.6 percent despite a jump in Chinese inflation that indicated stabilisation in the world's number two economy. Sydney lost 0.4 percent and Taipei retreated 0.6 percent. There were also losses in Jakarta, Mumbai, Manila and Bangkok.

But Tokyo reversed an early loss to end 0.1 percent up, with Wellington also up. Seoul and Singapore were barely moved.

Paris and Frankfurt were slightly lower in the morning.

Regional investors were also unmoved by the latest central bank dovishness.

The Federal Reserve released minutes of its March meeting that reinforced expectations that it will not lift interest rates this year as it keeps an eye on the US economy and brewing risks abroad.

"I think this confirms the message that we got from the March meeting," James McCann, senior economist at Aberdeen Standard Investments, told Bloomberg News.

"This is a Fed that's pretty happy to just sit on its hands for the time being and stay on hold and see how some of these cross currents play out."

The pound held its gains Thursday after Britain and its EU partners agreed to once again extend the deadline for Brexit, days before the cut-off for avoiding an economically calamitous no-deal divorce.

The pound held its gains Thursday after Britain and its EU partners agreed to once again extend the deadline for Brexit, days before the cut-off for avoiding an economically calamitous no-deal divorce. After hours of late-night talks Prime Minister Theresa May was given until the end of October to pass her deal for leaving the bloc through parliament, having failed three times already. The extension allows for an earlier exit if May achieves it, with a review taking place on June 21. News of the delay allowed traders to breathe a sigh of relief and the pound rose slightly soon after the deal but observers noted the reprieve was only brief with the agreement merely kicking the can down the road. In early trade London's FTSE index was down 0.5 percent. "The problem for traders and investors is that the extension... does not bring us any closer to a resolution," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com. "The cliff-edge has simply been pushed back. We are in a period of peak uncertainty for UK politics and that won't help investors pile back into UK assets." And there remains much uncertainty, with the prime minister under intense pressure from hardline Brexit supporters in her Conservative party not to compromise in her talks with the opposition Labour party, while the discussions are moving slowly. Pressure on May Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said: "May will now have to return to the UK and make the case to her disgruntled Brexiter MPs later today that the UK will... be in the EU for another six months. "This is not likely to go down well, which could well increase internal party manoeuvres to replace her." Asian equity markets mostly fell, with few catalysts to drive buying and investors still on edge over a brewing trade battle between the United States and Europe. White House threats this week to hammer $11 billion worth of EU goods with tariffs jolted markets, which have been rallying this year on optimism that China and the US were close to ending their own battle. The warning revived concerns about Donald Trump's protectionist agenda that has taken aim at US trading partners. Hong Kong shed 0.9 percent and Shanghai tumbled 1.6 percent despite a jump in Chinese inflation that indicated stabilisation in the world's number two economy. Sydney lost 0.4 percent and Taipei retreated 0.6 percent. There were also losses in Jakarta, Mumbai, Manila and Bangkok. But Tokyo reversed an early loss to end 0.1 percent up, with Wellington also up. Seoul and Singapore were barely moved. Paris and Frankfurt were slightly lower in the morning. Regional investors were also unmoved by the latest central bank dovishness. The Federal Reserve released minutes of its March meeting that reinforced expectations that it will not lift interest rates this year as it keeps an eye on the US economy and brewing risks abroad. "I think this confirms the message that we got from the March meeting," James McCann, senior economist at Aberdeen Standard Investments, told Bloomberg News. "This is a Fed that's pretty happy to just sit on its hands for the time being and stay on hold and see how some of these cross currents play out."

Pound holds ground after Brexit delay, most Asian markets fall

Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Wednesday she wants Britain to leave the EU as soon as possible even as she prepared to agree a potentially long delay to Brexit at an emergency summit in Brussels.

Without a postponement, Britain is due to end its 46-year membership of the European Union at midnight on Friday with no deal, risking economic chaos.&nbsp;

May had wanted to be given until June 30 to try once again to get her EU divorce deal through parliament, but her fellow leaders are expected to offer her a longer delay, of up to a year.

"I want us to be able to leave the European Union in a smooth and orderly way as soon as possible," the prime minister said as she arrived for talks in Brussels.

She added, "I've asked for an extension to June 30 but what is important is that any extension enables us to leave at the point at which we ratify the withdrawal agreement."

Under intense pressure from Brexit supporters at home, May said she still hoped to leave the EU on May 22, the last day before Britain must hold European Parliament elections.

But in Berlin earlier, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU leaders might back a delay "longer than the British prime minister has requested".

She said it should be "as short as possible" but said she believed British politicians should be given "a reasonable amount of time" to reach an agreement.

"It should be long enough to create a certain calm so we don't have to meet every two weeks to deal with the same subject," Merkel told the German parliament.

EU Council President Donald Tusk has also suggested there is "little reason to believe" the British parliament can ratify the deal by June 30.

MPs have rejected the plan three times, and May has already been forced to delay Brexit once, from March 29 to April 12. She reluctantly opened talks last week with the opposition Labour party, but those are moving slowly.

"One possibility would be a flexible extension, which would last only as long as necessary and no longer than one year," Tusk said.

According to a draft copy of the summit conclusions that EU leaders were to negotiate later in the day, they were to agree to an extension to allow May time to ratify the withdrawal agreement.

EU elections in doubt

"Such an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than [XX.XX.XXXX]," the draft reads. The other 27 EU leaders will thrash out what date to fill in the blanks on Wednesday.

"If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft, seen by AFP says.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said he expected EU leaders to delay Brexit for "much more time" than May asked, on condition that it holds European elections.

"That is why we can agree -- I speak for myself -- the prolongation," he said as he arrived in Brussels.

Britain has already reluctantly began preparations for the polls, setting the date for May 23, although officials insist they could still cancel it at the last minute.

The draft conclusions say that if Britain fails to take part, it will leave the bloc on June 1.

If an extension is agreed, Brussels will portray it as a concession to Britain, with some members -- particularly France -- not keen to see the disruptive Brexit drama drag on much longer.

EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget.

May will make her case to her colleagues before leaving them to discuss the length of the Brexit delay -- and any conditions -- without her.

Britain was originally due to leave the EU on March 29. But Brussels agreed an extension after the British parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated with May.

Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Wednesday she wants Britain to leave the EU as soon as possible even as she prepared to agree a potentially long delay to Brexit at an emergency summit in Brussels.

Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Wednesday she wants Britain to leave the EU as soon as possible even as she prepared to agree a potentially long delay to Brexit at an emergency summit in Brussels. Without a postponement, Britain is due to end its 46-year membership of the European Union at midnight on Friday with no deal, risking economic chaos. May had wanted to be given until June 30 to try once again to get her EU divorce deal through parliament, but her fellow leaders are expected to offer her a longer delay, of up to a year. "I want us to be able to leave the European Union in a smooth and orderly way as soon as possible," the prime minister said as she arrived for talks in Brussels. She added, "I've asked for an extension to June 30 but what is important is that any extension enables us to leave at the point at which we ratify the withdrawal agreement." Under intense pressure from Brexit supporters at home, May said she still hoped to leave the EU on May 22, the last day before Britain must hold European Parliament elections. But in Berlin earlier, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU leaders might back a delay "longer than the British prime minister has requested". She said it should be "as short as possible" but said she believed British politicians should be given "a reasonable amount of time" to reach an agreement. "It should be long enough to create a certain calm so we don't have to meet every two weeks to deal with the same subject," Merkel told the German parliament. EU Council President Donald Tusk has also suggested there is "little reason to believe" the British parliament can ratify the deal by June 30. MPs have rejected the plan three times, and May has already been forced to delay Brexit once, from March 29 to April 12. She reluctantly opened talks last week with the opposition Labour party, but those are moving slowly. "One possibility would be a flexible extension, which would last only as long as necessary and no longer than one year," Tusk said. According to a draft copy of the summit conclusions that EU leaders were to negotiate later in the day, they were to agree to an extension to allow May time to ratify the withdrawal agreement. EU elections in doubt "Such an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than [XX.XX.XXXX]," the draft reads. The other 27 EU leaders will thrash out what date to fill in the blanks on Wednesday. "If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft, seen by AFP says. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said he expected EU leaders to delay Brexit for "much more time" than May asked, on condition that it holds European elections. "That is why we can agree -- I speak for myself -- the prolongation," he said as he arrived in Brussels. Britain has already reluctantly began preparations for the polls, setting the date for May 23, although officials insist they could still cancel it at the last minute. The draft conclusions say that if Britain fails to take part, it will leave the bloc on June 1. If an extension is agreed, Brussels will portray it as a concession to Britain, with some members -- particularly France -- not keen to see the disruptive Brexit drama drag on much longer. EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget. May will make her case to her colleagues before leaving them to discuss the length of the Brexit delay -- and any conditions -- without her. Britain was originally due to leave the EU on March 29. But Brussels agreed an extension after the British parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated with May.

May says wants Britain to leave EU 'as soon as possible'

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday her opposition to holding a second Brexit referendum had not changed, but she expected some lawmakers may try to push for one during the process of ratifying her EU exit deal.

The Daily Telegraph reported earlier this week that May was considering offering lawmakers a vote on whether to hold a confirmatory public vote on her Brexit deal in a bid to break the deadlock in talks with the opposition Labour Party.

Asked by a lawmaker whether this had been offered during talks with Labour, May said: "My position on a second referendum, the government's position, has not changed."

"When we come to a deal, we will have to ensure that legislation goes through this House. Of course, it may be that there are those in this House that wish to press that issue as the legislation goes through."

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday her opposition to holding a second Brexit referendum had not changed, but she expected some lawmakers may try to push for one during the process of ratifying her EU exit deal.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday her opposition to holding a second Brexit referendum had not changed, but she expected some lawmakers may try to push for one during the process of ratifying her EU exit deal. The Daily Telegraph reported earlier this week that May was considering offering lawmakers a vote on whether to hold a confirmatory public vote on her Brexit deal in a bid to break the deadlock in talks with the opposition Labour Party. Asked by a lawmaker whether this had been offered during talks with Labour, May said: "My position on a second referendum, the government's position, has not changed." "When we come to a deal, we will have to ensure that legislation goes through this House. Of course, it may be that there are those in this House that wish to press that issue as the legislation goes through."

UK PM May says view on second Brexit referendum has not changed

Brexit is going through yet another crunch week. It is unlikely to be the last as the European Union appears likely to grant the United Kingdom another extension at an emergency European Council summit on Wednesday evening.

Brexit: Theresa May to meet EU today, will she get another extension?

European leaders gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to decide how long a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-pass-law-to-block-no-deal-brexit-208897">Brexit delay</a> to grant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-theresa-may-releases-video-statement-about-brexit-208696">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> -- and under what conditions.

Without a postponement, Britain is due to crash out of the European Union at midnight on Friday under a "no-deal" Brexit that could trigger economic chaos. &nbsp;

May has embarked on a last-ditch battle to postpone Brexit from April 12 to June 30 to arrange an orderly departure -- but European leaders are expected to offer her a longer delay of up to a year.

"There are times when you need to give time," EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted, as he issued summit invitations.

Summit host Tusk said the evidence of recent months gave EU leaders "little reason to believe" that British lawmakers will ratify the Brexit withdrawal treaty before May's preferred June 30 departure.

"In reality, granting such an extension would increase the risk of a rolling series of short extensions and emergency summits, creating new cliff-edge dates," he said, reflecting concern in EU capitals.

"One possibility would be a flexible extension, which would last only as long as necessary and no longer than one year," he said.

According to a draft copy of the summit conclusions that EU leaders were to receive and debate later in the day, they will agree to an extension to allow May time to ratify the withdrawal agreement.

"Such an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than [XX.XX.XXXX]," the draft reads.

The other 27 EU leaders will thrash out what date to fill in the blanks on Wednesday.

"If the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft, seen by AFP says.

If Britain is still in the European Union when EU parliamentary elections begin on May 23, it must take part in the vote.

"If the United Kingdom fails to live up to this obligation, the withdrawal will take place on 1 June 2019," the draft warns.

If an extension is agreed, Brussels will portray it as a concession to Britain, with some members -- particularly France -- not keen to see the disruptive Brexit drama drag on much longer.

But May insists she still wants to quickly ratify the withdrawal she agreed with EU leaders last November, but which has been rejected by British lawmakers, and to leave before the EU polls. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, May flew to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, then on to Paris, where an aide to President Emmanuel Macron said France was open to solutions.&nbsp;

"We've never been closed to the idea of finding an alternative solution to 'no deal' within certain limits and not at any price," the Elysee source said.&nbsp;

Discussions in Brussels are to focus on the length of the delay -- the French source said a 12-month extension "seems too long" -- and arrangements to limit Britain's influence within the EU.

EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget.

Talks with Labour

Britain was originally due to leave the EU on March 29, but Brussels agreed an extension after the British parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated with May.

The British premier is hoping a new period of extra time, if granted, will enable her to finally get a divorce deal through the legislature.

British MPs have rejected her deal three times, but May is now in talks with the opposition Labour party to try break the deadlock.

These discussions are moving slowly, and EU negotiator Michel Barnier said May must explain what postponement would achieve.

"The length of the extension must be linked to the purpose -- what it's for -- and that depends on what Mrs May will say to European leaders tomorrow," he said, after meeting EU ministers in Luxembourg.

A "no deal" -- in which Britain crashes out of the EU -- is still a possibility.&nbsp;

The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday that Britain risks a serious shock if it leaves the EU without an agreement.

And US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned American lawmakers: "I think at this point we need to be prepared for a hard Brexit as a very realistic outcome."

European leaders gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to decide how long a Brexit delay to grant British Prime Minister Theresa May -- and under what conditions. Without a postponement, Britain is due to crash out of the European Union at midnight on Friday under a "no-deal" Brexit that could trigger economic chaos.

European leaders gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to decide how long a Brexit delay to grant British Prime Minister Theresa May -- and under what conditions. Without a postponement, Britain is due to crash out of the European Union at midnight on Friday under a "no-deal" Brexit that could trigger economic chaos. May has embarked on a last-ditch battle to postpone Brexit from April 12 to June 30 to arrange an orderly departure -- but European leaders are expected to offer her a longer delay of up to a year. "There are times when you need to give time," EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted, as he issued summit invitations. Summit host Tusk said the evidence of recent months gave EU leaders "little reason to believe" that British lawmakers will ratify the Brexit withdrawal treaty before May's preferred June 30 departure. "In reality, granting such an extension would increase the risk of a rolling series of short extensions and emergency summits, creating new cliff-edge dates," he said, reflecting concern in EU capitals. "One possibility would be a flexible extension, which would last only as long as necessary and no longer than one year," he said. According to a draft copy of the summit conclusions that EU leaders were to receive and debate later in the day, they will agree to an extension to allow May time to ratify the withdrawal agreement. "Such an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than [XX.XX.XXXX]," the draft reads. The other 27 EU leaders will thrash out what date to fill in the blanks on Wednesday. "If the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft, seen by AFP says. If Britain is still in the European Union when EU parliamentary elections begin on May 23, it must take part in the vote. "If the United Kingdom fails to live up to this obligation, the withdrawal will take place on 1 June 2019," the draft warns. If an extension is agreed, Brussels will portray it as a concession to Britain, with some members -- particularly France -- not keen to see the disruptive Brexit drama drag on much longer. But May insists she still wants to quickly ratify the withdrawal she agreed with EU leaders last November, but which has been rejected by British lawmakers, and to leave before the EU polls. On Tuesday, May flew to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, then on to Paris, where an aide to President Emmanuel Macron said France was open to solutions. "We've never been closed to the idea of finding an alternative solution to 'no deal' within certain limits and not at any price," the Elysee source said. Discussions in Brussels are to focus on the length of the delay -- the French source said a 12-month extension "seems too long" -- and arrangements to limit Britain's influence within the EU. EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget. Talks with Labour Britain was originally due to leave the EU on March 29, but Brussels agreed an extension after the British parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated with May. The British premier is hoping a new period of extra time, if granted, will enable her to finally get a divorce deal through the legislature. British MPs have rejected her deal three times, but May is now in talks with the opposition Labour party to try break the deadlock. These discussions are moving slowly, and EU negotiator Michel Barnier said May must explain what postponement would achieve. "The length of the extension must be linked to the purpose -- what it's for -- and that depends on what Mrs May will say to European leaders tomorrow," he said, after meeting EU ministers in Luxembourg. A "no deal" -- in which Britain crashes out of the EU -- is still a possibility. The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday that Britain risks a serious shock if it leaves the EU without an agreement. And US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned American lawmakers: "I think at this point we need to be prepared for a hard Brexit as a very realistic outcome."

EU leaders meet to decide another Brexit delay

British MPs on Monday passed a new law aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit this week by obliging the government to ask EU leaders for a delay.

The law has been rushed through both chambers of parliament over the past week and was opposed by the government, which has said it could limit its room for negotiation with the European Union.

"This is a huge dog's dinner," Andrea Leadsom, who represents the government in parliament, told MPs.

"I fundamentally object to it on the grounds that it is totally unconventional," she said.

The law was passed on the initiative of MPs, subverting the normal order in which parliament debates and passes government-proposed legislation.

As a result of the law, the government now must put forward a motion in parliament on Tuesday setting out the delay that it will request at an EU summit on Wednesday.

MPs will be allowed to vote on this and make their own suggestions as to the length of the delay.

It allows the government to seek any extension from May 22 onwards. Prime Minister Theresa May has asked for a delay until June 30, but ultimately this is up to EU leaders and it could be longer.

The law does not actually prevent a no-deal Brexit when the deadline for Britain runs out on Friday, as that is the legal default if Britain and the EU cannot agree on an extension at the summit.

Britain could also choose to stop the entire Brexit process by revoking Article 50, the formal procedure for member states that want to leave.

British MPs on Monday passed a new law aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit this week by obliging the government to ask EU leaders for a delay. The law has been rushed through both chambers of parliament over the past week and was opposed by the government, which has said it could limit its room for negotiation with the European Union.

British MPs on Monday passed a new law aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit this week by obliging the government to ask EU leaders for a delay. The law has been rushed through both chambers of parliament over the past week and was opposed by the government, which has said it could limit its room for negotiation with the European Union. "This is a huge dog's dinner," Andrea Leadsom, who represents the government in parliament, told MPs. "I fundamentally object to it on the grounds that it is totally unconventional," she said. The law was passed on the initiative of MPs, subverting the normal order in which parliament debates and passes government-proposed legislation. As a result of the law, the government now must put forward a motion in parliament on Tuesday setting out the delay that it will request at an EU summit on Wednesday. MPs will be allowed to vote on this and make their own suggestions as to the length of the delay. It allows the government to seek any extension from May 22 onwards. Prime Minister Theresa May has asked for a delay until June 30, but ultimately this is up to EU leaders and it could be longer. The law does not actually prevent a no-deal Brexit when the deadline for Britain runs out on Friday, as that is the legal default if Britain and the EU cannot agree on an extension at the summit. Britain could also choose to stop the entire Brexit process by revoking Article 50, the formal procedure for member states that want to leave.

British MPs pass law to block no-deal Brexit

The EU's chief <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/will-step-down-before-next-phase-of-brexit-negotiations-pm-theresa-may-to-mps-206112&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiTvMG1_sLhAhXZaN4KHWZ_AfsQFggRMAQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1L4nZ4o56VAJrs2PA-3M8F">Brexit </a>negotiator Michel Barnier said Tuesday that the length of any delay to the divorce that the bloc may grant Britain will depend on what plan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-seeks-new-brexit-delay-to-approve-deal-207606&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiTvMG1_sLhAhXZaN4KHWZ_AfsQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Ux7ecZiOFtQ_2bPlp1-3F">Theresa May </a>brings to a crunch summit.

The British leader is making a last-gasp diplomatic dash to Paris and Berlin on the eve of an emergency summit in Brussels, where she hopes the other 27 EU chiefs will agree to postpone Brexit to June 30.

She needs more time to try to strike a compromise with the opposition that will let Britain's bitterly divided parliament back an orderly divorce plan at the fourth attempt.

Without such a delay, the United Kingdom is scheduled to crash out with no deal on Friday.

But the EU has already granted one delay -- the original deadline was March 29 -- and negotiator Michel Barnier said May must explain what another postponement would achieve.

"The length of the extension must be linked to the purpose -- what it's for -- and that depends on what Mrs May will say to European leaders tomorrow," Barnier told reporters after a meeting of EU Europe ministers to discuss the Brexit crisis.

"She is coming back to indicate the way forward, that is what is expected by European leaders... It is for her to bring the roadmap."

Barnier insisted it would not be the EU's fault if a chaotic "no deal" departure -- predicted to have a calamitous impact -- came to pass.

"No deal will never be the EU's decision, it will always be the responsibility of the United Kingdom to tell us what it wants," Barnier said.

May's talks with the main opposition Labour Party have made little tangible progress, making an imminent breakthrough seem unlikely, but Barnier said he was still hopeful the process could bear fruit.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said Tuesday that the length of any delay to the divorce that the bloc may grant Britain will depend on what plan Prime Minister Theresa May brings to a crunch summit.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said Tuesday that the length of any delay to the divorce that the bloc may grant Britain will depend on what plan Prime Minister Theresa May brings to a crunch summit. The British leader is making a last-gasp diplomatic dash to Paris and Berlin on the eve of an emergency summit in Brussels, where she hopes the other 27 EU chiefs will agree to postpone Brexit to June 30. She needs more time to try to strike a compromise with the opposition that will let Britain's bitterly divided parliament back an orderly divorce plan at the fourth attempt. Without such a delay, the United Kingdom is scheduled to crash out with no deal on Friday. But the EU has already granted one delay -- the original deadline was March 29 -- and negotiator Michel Barnier said May must explain what another postponement would achieve. "The length of the extension must be linked to the purpose -- what it's for -- and that depends on what Mrs May will say to European leaders tomorrow," Barnier told reporters after a meeting of EU Europe ministers to discuss the Brexit crisis. "She is coming back to indicate the way forward, that is what is expected by European leaders... It is for her to bring the roadmap." Barnier insisted it would not be the EU's fault if a chaotic "no deal" departure -- predicted to have a calamitous impact -- came to pass. "No deal will never be the EU's decision, it will always be the responsibility of the United Kingdom to tell us what it wants," Barnier said. May's talks with the main opposition Labour Party have made little tangible progress, making an imminent breakthrough seem unlikely, but Barnier said he was still hopeful the process could bear fruit.

Any Brexit delay depends on Theresa May request: EU's Michel Barnier

UK PM Theresa May releases video statement about Brexit

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