By Louise Thompson&nbsp;

A cross-parliamentary group of MPs has struck again, landing another major blow against the government ahead of the vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal on January 15. The manoeuvre changes the parliamentary timetable to give the prime minister just three days to come up with a new plan if she loses the vote. This was highly controversial in constitutional terms and the debate was extremely heated. Here’s what it means for the next stage of Brexit.

What does the amendment passed by parliament say?

Since the meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal was delayed in December, MPs have been pulling out all the stops to find creative ways of forcing the government’s hand. The amendments made to the Finance Bill were an example of this.

Now, MPs have voted through a business motion that drastically shortens the Brexit timeline should May lose the vote on her final Brexit deal on January 15. According to the amendment, she must return to the House of Commons within three days for a vote on the further options. This is instead of the plan currently in place, which would have given her 21 days to present a new plan.

Who is behind the amendment?

This is a cross-party amendment. A quick glance at the list of signatories shows some very familiar faces. Conservative backbencher Dominic Grieve has been a continual thorn in May’s side as she tries to pass Brexit legislation. Back in September 2017, he was writing about the need to challenge the government on its withdrawal legislation, which he felt was not up to scratch. His crusade to strengthen parliament’s voice on the issue has continued ever since. Now you can expect to see a “Grieve amendment” attached to almost any piece of Brexit-related legislation in parliament.

Also on the list is Chris Leslie, the Labour backbencher who has been similarly passionate about holding the government to account, tabling hundreds of amendments to May’s Brexit bills. Both are on the Politico’s list of Brexit troublemakers, where Leslie is described as an “amendment tabling machine”.

The SNP, Lib Dems, Plaid and the Greens have also signed up to the amendment. The smaller parties would typically always work together, but opposition to the prime minister’s Brexit timetable is now coming from MPs of all parties, including a significant number of her own.

Why was the selection of the amendment so controversial?

MPs spent the morning of January 9 in a heated debate about whether or not the amendment was constitutional – did it fall within the boundaries of parliamentary procedure? Many directed significant ire at Speaker John Bercow for selecting it for consideration, implying that he may be straying from the impartiality which the occupant of the chair should stand by. For some, it was a case of the speaker rewriting or reinterpreting parliamentary rules, something that parliamentary correspondent Mark D'Arcy described as a “massive ruling” that could alter the course of Brexit should the prime minister lose the vote on the final deal.

This was because the amendment was tabled to a business motion. This is different from tabling amendments to a piece of legislation like the EU Withdrawal Bill. Typically, only the government can amend the business or timetable of the House and as such, amendments would normally only come from government. There was some speculation that the amendment was a test, putting the speaker in an awkward position as he had to decide what to do with it. It later became apparent that the amendment had been selected (perhaps to placate MPs and allow the matter to be on the record). In the speaker’s words, it came down to a distinction between motion and an amendment, with this being one of the latter, as well as a discussion about the meaning of the word “forthwith” and whether this meant that a motion was unamendable or not.

It was clearly a difficult decision for Bercow, who repeatedly said he had to think carefully and make a judgement. But with reports that the House of Commons clerks had advised against the move, it seemed that the speaker really was taking a decision alone. It means that although parliament was not able to debate the amendment, Grieve was able to officially move it, and as a result, the House of Commons could vote on it. It was passed by 308 votes to 297.

Is this amendment enough to stop a no-deal Brexit?It is clear evidence of opposition to a no-deal Brexit and a growing consensus around the need for a clear decision to be expressed by parliament on a suitable alternative to the deal currently on the table.

On its own, the amendment is not going to stop a no-deal Brexit. But it does speed up the timetable by which the government would need to come back to the House of Commons with a new plan of action should the vote on the deal be lost. As such, it is part of parliament’s wider attempt to rewrite the Brexit story.

Does it currently look like May will lose the Brexit deal vote?

The prime minister’s assurances over Christmas about the Northern Ireland border may have quelled the opposition from a handful of MPs, but it still looks likely that she will lose the vote on the final deal. It was reported that she planned to repeatedly put the deal to a vote until it passed. Grieve’s amendment aimed to prevent this. But it’s not really clear if the prime minister has a Plan B.

What is Labour planning on doing if she loses the vote?

At the moment we are expecting Labour to table a &nbsp;motion of no confidence in the government if the prime minister loses the vote on January 15. But the Grieve amendment may complicate things a little bit. Should party leader Jeremy Corbyn hang tight and see what comes back in the three-day window, or table it right away? His chances of winning would depend on the timing and on whether or not a plan B does emerge from the government benches.

(Louise Thompson is Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Manchester)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-what-does-the-latest-parliamentary-upset-mean-for-theresa-may-109591">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

By Louise Thompson A cross-parliamentary group of MPs has struck again, landing another major blow against the government ahead of the vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal on January 15.

By Louise Thompson A cross-parliamentary group of MPs has struck again, landing another major blow against the government ahead of the vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal on January 15. The manoeuvre changes the parliamentary timetable to give the prime minister just three days to come up with a new plan if she loses the vote. This was highly controversial in constitutional terms and the debate was extremely heated. Here’s what it means for the next stage of Brexit. What does the amendment passed by parliament say? Since the meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal was delayed in December, MPs have been pulling out all the stops to find creative ways of forcing the government’s hand. The amendments made to the Finance Bill were an example of this. Now, MPs have voted through a business motion that drastically shortens the Brexit timeline should May lose the vote on her final Brexit deal on January 15. According to the amendment, she must return to the House of Commons within three days for a vote on the further options. This is instead of the plan currently in place, which would have given her 21 days to present a new plan. Who is behind the amendment? This is a cross-party amendment. A quick glance at the list of signatories shows some very familiar faces. Conservative backbencher Dominic Grieve has been a continual thorn in May’s side as she tries to pass Brexit legislation. Back in September 2017, he was writing about the need to challenge the government on its withdrawal legislation, which he felt was not up to scratch. His crusade to strengthen parliament’s voice on the issue has continued ever since. Now you can expect to see a “Grieve amendment” attached to almost any piece of Brexit-related legislation in parliament. Also on the list is Chris Leslie, the Labour backbencher who has been similarly passionate about holding the government to account, tabling hundreds of amendments to May’s Brexit bills. Both are on the Politico’s list of Brexit troublemakers, where Leslie is described as an “amendment tabling machine”. The SNP, Lib Dems, Plaid and the Greens have also signed up to the amendment. The smaller parties would typically always work together, but opposition to the prime minister’s Brexit timetable is now coming from MPs of all parties, including a significant number of her own. Why was the selection of the amendment so controversial? MPs spent the morning of January 9 in a heated debate about whether or not the amendment was constitutional – did it fall within the boundaries of parliamentary procedure? Many directed significant ire at Speaker John Bercow for selecting it for consideration, implying that he may be straying from the impartiality which the occupant of the chair should stand by. For some, it was a case of the speaker rewriting or reinterpreting parliamentary rules, something that parliamentary correspondent Mark D'Arcy described as a “massive ruling” that could alter the course of Brexit should the prime minister lose the vote on the final deal. This was because the amendment was tabled to a business motion. This is different from tabling amendments to a piece of legislation like the EU Withdrawal Bill. Typically, only the government can amend the business or timetable of the House and as such, amendments would normally only come from government. There was some speculation that the amendment was a test, putting the speaker in an awkward position as he had to decide what to do with it. It later became apparent that the amendment had been selected (perhaps to placate MPs and allow the matter to be on the record). In the speaker’s words, it came down to a distinction between motion and an amendment, with this being one of the latter, as well as a discussion about the meaning of the word “forthwith” and whether this meant that a motion was unamendable or not. It was clearly a difficult decision for Bercow, who repeatedly said he had to think carefully and make a judgement. But with reports that the House of Commons clerks had advised against the move, it seemed that the speaker really was taking a decision alone. It means that although parliament was not able to debate the amendment, Grieve was able to officially move it, and as a result, the House of Commons could vote on it. It was passed by 308 votes to 297. Is this amendment enough to stop a no-deal Brexit?It is clear evidence of opposition to a no-deal Brexit and a growing consensus around the need for a clear decision to be expressed by parliament on a suitable alternative to the deal currently on the table. On its own, the amendment is not going to stop a no-deal Brexit. But it does speed up the timetable by which the government would need to come back to the House of Commons with a new plan of action should the vote on the deal be lost. As such, it is part of parliament’s wider attempt to rewrite the Brexit story. Does it currently look like May will lose the Brexit deal vote? The prime minister’s assurances over Christmas about the Northern Ireland border may have quelled the opposition from a handful of MPs, but it still looks likely that she will lose the vote on the final deal. It was reported that she planned to repeatedly put the deal to a vote until it passed. Grieve’s amendment aimed to prevent this. But it’s not really clear if the prime minister has a Plan B. What is Labour planning on doing if she loses the vote? At the moment we are expecting Labour to table a motion of no confidence in the government if the prime minister loses the vote on January 15. But the Grieve amendment may complicate things a little bit. Should party leader Jeremy Corbyn hang tight and see what comes back in the three-day window, or table it right away? His chances of winning would depend on the timing and on whether or not a plan B does emerge from the government benches. (Louise Thompson is Senior Lecturer in Politics, University of Manchester) (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 row: What does the latest parliamentary upset mean for Theresa May?

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday he hoped Britain would avoid crashing out of the European Union without an agreement, as he threw his support behind the government's contentious Brexit deal days before a vote by MPs.

Flanked by British Prime Minister Theresa May during a visit to London, Abe said Japanese businesses "very much welcomed" her draft divorce deal, which a majority of British lawmakers look set to reject in parliament next Tuesday amid fierce opposition.

"We truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided and in fact that is the... wish of the whole world," the Japanese leader told a Downing Street press conference.

"This draft agreement for transition and legal stability for Japanese businesses is very much welcomed," he added.

The endorsement came as pressure grew on May to rule out a no-deal Brexit if her agreement is rejected by MPs next week.

Business minister Greg Clark broke ranks earlier Thursday to warn that leaving the European Union on March 29 with no agreement in place would be a calamity.

It would be "a disastrous situation in which we move to the most rudimentary terms of trade with our closest partners," he told BBC radio.

However, May reiterated the only way for Britain to avoid leaving without an agreement was to back her plan.

"There is a good deal on the table," she said. "I want to see this deal getting through parliament."

Triple blow

Brexit-supporting Conservative MPs are opposed to the deal, arguing it leaves the country too closely tied to Europe, and May has already pulled the vote once with defeat looming.

Most MPs supported staying in the EU in the 2016 referendum, and many have vowed to do everything within their power to prevent a no-deal scenario.

But unless Britain actively decides to delay or revoke the legal process, it will leave the bloc at the end of March regardless.

In such a scenario, it would be forced to trade with the EU on World Trade Organization terms, which could mean much higher tariffs for some products such as cars.

Japanese firms have invested billions of pounds in Britain, and are especially crucial in the car industry, using the country as a business-friendly home from which to trade across the continent.

"Even post-Brexit Japan intends to maintain this very good relationship," Abe said when asked if Britain was jeopardising this.&nbsp;

"We truly hope that more investment will be done by Japanese businesses in the United Kingdom."

However the British car sector suffered a triple blow on Thursday when three of its biggest manufacturers, including Japanese firm Honda and US maker Ford, announced job and production cuts.

Indian-owned carmaker Jaguar Land Rover announced the largest redundancies, with plans to reduce its 44,000 workforce by 4,500 under plans to make £2.5 billion of cost savings.

May and Abe pledged new cooperation on robotics and artificial intelligence, while Japan also announced an end to a 13-year ban on British beef and lamb.

General election threat

May faces daunting odds in getting her deal passed, and was dealt a stinging defeat on Wednesday when MPs voted for an amendment demanding she produce new plans within three days if the agreement is voted down.

Aiming to capitalise on her weakness, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Thursday made a Brexit speech in Wakefield, northern England, in which he called for a general election to resolve the deadlock.

"If the government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity," he said.

Corbyn has said he will seek a vote of no confidence in the government if it loses next week's Brexit vote, which could force fresh elections.

Many in his party hope that he will call for a second referendum, but the veteran leftist, a long-time critic of the European Union, has so far resisted.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday he hoped Britain would avoid crashing out of the European Union without an agreement, as he threw his support behind the government's contentious Brexit deal days before a vote by MPs.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday he hoped Britain would avoid crashing out of the European Union without an agreement, as he threw his support behind the government's contentious Brexit deal days before a vote by MPs. Flanked by British Prime Minister Theresa May during a visit to London, Abe said Japanese businesses "very much welcomed" her draft divorce deal, which a majority of British lawmakers look set to reject in parliament next Tuesday amid fierce opposition. "We truly hope that a no-deal Brexit will be avoided and in fact that is the... wish of the whole world," the Japanese leader told a Downing Street press conference. "This draft agreement for transition and legal stability for Japanese businesses is very much welcomed," he added. The endorsement came as pressure grew on May to rule out a no-deal Brexit if her agreement is rejected by MPs next week. Business minister Greg Clark broke ranks earlier Thursday to warn that leaving the European Union on March 29 with no agreement in place would be a calamity. It would be "a disastrous situation in which we move to the most rudimentary terms of trade with our closest partners," he told BBC radio. However, May reiterated the only way for Britain to avoid leaving without an agreement was to back her plan. "There is a good deal on the table," she said. "I want to see this deal getting through parliament." Triple blow Brexit-supporting Conservative MPs are opposed to the deal, arguing it leaves the country too closely tied to Europe, and May has already pulled the vote once with defeat looming. Most MPs supported staying in the EU in the 2016 referendum, and many have vowed to do everything within their power to prevent a no-deal scenario. But unless Britain actively decides to delay or revoke the legal process, it will leave the bloc at the end of March regardless. In such a scenario, it would be forced to trade with the EU on World Trade Organization terms, which could mean much higher tariffs for some products such as cars. Japanese firms have invested billions of pounds in Britain, and are especially crucial in the car industry, using the country as a business-friendly home from which to trade across the continent. "Even post-Brexit Japan intends to maintain this very good relationship," Abe said when asked if Britain was jeopardising this. "We truly hope that more investment will be done by Japanese businesses in the United Kingdom." However the British car sector suffered a triple blow on Thursday when three of its biggest manufacturers, including Japanese firm Honda and US maker Ford, announced job and production cuts. Indian-owned carmaker Jaguar Land Rover announced the largest redundancies, with plans to reduce its 44,000 workforce by 4,500 under plans to make £2.5 billion of cost savings. May and Abe pledged new cooperation on robotics and artificial intelligence, while Japan also announced an end to a 13-year ban on British beef and lamb. General election threat May faces daunting odds in getting her deal passed, and was dealt a stinging defeat on Wednesday when MPs voted for an amendment demanding she produce new plans within three days if the agreement is voted down. Aiming to capitalise on her weakness, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Thursday made a Brexit speech in Wakefield, northern England, in which he called for a general election to resolve the deadlock. "If the government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity," he said. Corbyn has said he will seek a vote of no confidence in the government if it loses next week's Brexit vote, which could force fresh elections. Many in his party hope that he will call for a second referendum, but the veteran leftist, a long-time critic of the European Union, has so far resisted.

Japanese PM voices hope Britain can avoid no-deal Brexit

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, January 11th 2019

Two of the biggest donors to the Brexit campaign say they now believe the project they championed will eventually be abandoned by the government and that the United Kingdom will stay in the European Union.

Peter Hargreaves, the billionaire who was the second biggest donor to the 2016 leave campaign, and veteran hedge fund manager Crispin Odey told Reuters they expect Britain to stay in the EU despite their campaign victory in the 2016 referendum.

As a result, Odey, who runs his hedge fund Odey Asset Management, said he is now positioning for the pound to strengthen after his flagship fund previously reaped the benefit of betting against UK assets amid wider market fears about the impact of Brexit.

The donors' pessimism comes amid deadlock in Britain's parliament over the exit deal that Prime Minister Theresa May has struck with the EU, which has cast significant uncertainty over how, or even if, Brexit will happen.

"I have totally given up. I am totally in despair, I don't think Brexit will happen at all," said Hargreaves, 72, who is one of Britain's wealthiest men and donated 3.2 million pounds ($4.08 million) to the leave campaign.

"They (pro-Europeans) are banking on the fact that people are so fed up with it that will just say 'sod it we will stay'. I do see that attitude. The problem is when something doesn't happen for so long you feel less angry about it."

Two of the biggest donors to the Brexit campaign say they now believe the project they championed will eventually be abandoned by the government and that the United Kingdom will stay in the European Union.

Two of the biggest donors to the Brexit campaign say they now believe the project they championed will eventually be abandoned by the government and that the United Kingdom will stay in the European Union. Peter Hargreaves, the billionaire who was the second biggest donor to the 2016 leave campaign, and veteran hedge fund manager Crispin Odey told Reuters they expect Britain to stay in the EU despite their campaign victory in the 2016 referendum. As a result, Odey, who runs his hedge fund Odey Asset Management, said he is now positioning for the pound to strengthen after his flagship fund previously reaped the benefit of betting against UK assets amid wider market fears about the impact of Brexit. The donors' pessimism comes amid deadlock in Britain's parliament over the exit deal that Prime Minister Theresa May has struck with the EU, which has cast significant uncertainty over how, or even if, Brexit will happen. "I have totally given up. I am totally in despair, I don't think Brexit will happen at all," said Hargreaves, 72, who is one of Britain's wealthiest men and donated 3.2 million pounds ($4.08 million) to the leave campaign. "They (pro-Europeans) are banking on the fact that people are so fed up with it that will just say 'sod it we will stay'. I do see that attitude. The problem is when something doesn't happen for so long you feel less angry about it."

Leading Brexit donors say Britain will reverse decision to leave EU

Know the difference between Hard and Soft Brexit deal

Theresa May's 2nd Brexit defeat in 2 days

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

He also spoke on Brexit and called for a moratorium on redrawing of borders in order to prevent separatist movements from carving out new countries around the world.

Here is the full transcript of the interview:

WION: We are meeting just hours after Trump gave a televised speech about border wall. He spoke about fears of uncontrolled illegal migration and described it as a crisis of the soul. Now, this is the same president who told you last year that the European Union can build a wall across the Sahara to stop people from entering Europe. Do you agree with him? Or do you think good fences make good neighbours?

Josep Borrell: I don't think so. Walls do not solve any problems, we do not need to build a wall. We already have a big wall, that is the Mediterranean Sea; people are dying every year trying to enter Europe. It is problem of relationship, the problem between Europe and Africa, or US and South America, will never be solved by putting a wall. It is a matter of cooperation and development.

WION: Lawmakers in the UK are debating about Brexit, they might vote on it next week. There are calls for a second referendum. Do you support the second referendum? Or do you think we are way past the point of no return - that this is it, take it or leave it?

Josep Borrell: Well, the Britishers said ‘Brexit is Brexit’. They repeated it many times. But what does Brexit mean? It is upto them to decide, we are waiting, we will like to know their final decision. There is a deal on the table, they can accept it or refuse it. If they refuse it, they have to decide what to do. An abrupt, hard Brexit will be very damaging for both the EU and the UK. They have to decide whether to postpone the decision, or to take longer time to discuss the deal. But we have EU elections in May. What are we going to do?

WION: About the second referendum, you said and I quote, "I don't like second referendums, it's something that doesn't look very democratic". What is undemocratic about a second referendum?

Josep Borrell: People expressed their will (with the referendum) and (now) you (want to) tell them that you made the bad choice, (that) you have to repeat the vote. Until when? Until you make the good choice. And what is the good choice? Who decides about the good choices? You know, we’ve had repeated referendums several times - in Ireland, in Denmark - where they voted (for) something, the elite did not like it and told them to vote again. I think the idea that people have to vote and re-vote until someone says this is a good answer is not a good thing.

WION: You support referendums, don't you? Be it Brexit or Catalonia or anywhere else in the world? Or are you against referendums?

Josep Borrell: I think referendum is not a good way of making a decision, it is too binary, black or white, one or zero. The world is much more complex. And I think it is impossible for the British people to be aware of the consequences of deciding to leave. It is too complex and there were a lot of lies told to them: ‘If you leave, you will have a lot of money’, ‘if you leave, we will manage better’, ‘if you leave, we will again be the big empire in the world’. Here in India you know something about it. Well, you cannot make people decide with a fake news, with incapacity of providing a good understanding of what is at stake. I think parliaments, public discussion, is a better way of taking this kind of difficult and complex decision.

WION: So, what you are saying is that referendums, be it in Catalonia or Brexit, do not necessarily solve the problem?

Josep Borrell: No, I do not think it is the best way of solving a problem. In Catalonia, additionally, it is again the Spanish constitution, as it is in France, Germany, Italy or the United States. So, I do not think it is the best way of making this kind of decision that splits the country, divides the society and confronts, in equal proportion, people.

WION: Let’s talk a bit about separatism. Countries around the world, including Spain and India, are faced with separatism, separatist tendencies, separatist elements. Do you think there is a need for a moratorium on redrawing of borders - be it Catalonia or Brexit or anything else?

Josep Borrell: In Europe, we have a moratorium after the end of World War that borders are the way they are and can only be modified by a common understanding and agreement. Brexit is not a modification of borders, in fact it has nothing to do with borders. Separatism in north of Italy or half of Belgium or Scotland or Catalonia is a different thing. And there is a big consensus in Europe to not go to redefinition of borders.

WION: Do you think it should apply to all conflict areas around the world? That there should be no new state created out of this separatist tendency?

Josep Borrell: Separatism is one thing, decolonisation is another thing. Decolonisation created new states, for sure, because it was a colonial domination. But who can believe that Catalonia is a colony of Spain?

WION: I want to come back to the issue of immigration. You have been quoted as saying that "European societies are not structured to absorb more than a certain percentage of migrants, especially if they are Muslims". What did you mean by that? And what might be the solution?

Josep Borrell: I don’t know if I said that exactly. I said especially if they are culturally and religiously different. For example, in Spain, it is easy for us to absorb migrants coming from Latin America because they speak the same language, they have the same religion - if they have one. For a Spanish coming from Argentina or Peru or Mexico, it is a kind of a member of the family. If there are people coming from other cultures, other religions without historical ties, it is much more difficult to integrate and there is a certain limit in societies above which tensions start, especially if there are no good policies to prevent this kind of things from happening and to push and to help in integration.

WION: Would you favour Muslims coming to Europe? Are Muslims welcome in Europe today and going forward?

Josep Borrell: Look, one of the pillars of European Union is no discrimination by religion. You cannot discriminate by saying ‘you, yes’ because you are a Christian, ‘you, no’ because you are a Hindu or Muslim. No discrimination by gender, no discrimination by religion so the question would not be accepted in Europe.

WION: I want to talk about India and Spain. We have seen that separatism affects both countries. Do you think India and Spain can learn together from each other's experiences of separatism? In Spain, you say talks only within the constitution. So, is there scope for learning between India and Spain when it comes to separatism?

Josep Borrell: Well, I do not know history of India and the political situation in the country as much as I should in order to answer your question. But India is a special case because you built a political union before building an economic union. In Europe, we are doing just the contrary, we are building an economic union before building a political union because we have too much history behind us and in order to build political union, you have to share markets, goods, economic relationships, to create what Jacques Delors (French politician) called solidarity of the fact. And on this solidarity of the fact, you can construct a bigger union, a stronger union, a deeper union. India is a remarkable example of how you can be united in diversity. In Europe, we say, united in diversity but when I come to India I say ‘my god, here is diversity!’

WION: Some people say that a thin line separates separatism from terrorism. Some countries around the world are afflicted by this phenomenon. Is there scope for EU and India to collaborate for combating this menace?

Josep Borrell: For combating terrorism, all democratic countries have to cooperate.

WION: ...especially in South Asia...

Josep Borrell: The south of the world, all this band going from the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa to the Indian peninsula, all this part of the world - West Asia, Syria, the Horn of Africa, the Spanish navy is patrolling the Horn of Africa to prevent terrorist attacks against ships, and India as a big, democratic country the biggest democracy in the world - has an important role to play together with western nations to fight terrorism.

WION: I want to talk about regional and global issues like what’s happening in Iran and Venezuela. President Maduro will take the oath on January 10. What are your views on impositions of sanctions against Venezuela? I am told that you do not want to see more sanctions imposed on Venezuela?

Josep Borrell: History says that sanctions do not bring a solution. Look at what happened with Cuba. The US has been blockading Cuba for decades, but the regime is still there. You have to sanction when you have to sanction, do not sanction the people, do not sanction the Venezuelan people. If you have to impose sanctions, impose it on the leaders, the ones who are guilty of doing something bad. But at the same time, try to push through a democratic dialogue, you have to put both things together, just the politics of punishing, history says, is not very effective.

WION: I want to talk about China. The Prime Minister of Norway said at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi that might is not right, that countries must play by the rules-based world order. She spoke about ocean management and was hinting at China. How do you see China's Belt and Road Initiative?

Josep Borrell: It is an important initiative. China is projecting out of its borders. China is coming back to the history. It was out of the history, it saw colonial domination, an awful war with Japan, years of communist domination, poverty and now it is a giant. Economical, technological, political and even a military power. The important thing is to be able to build, as you have said, a world ruled by rules not by power because if it is only power. If it is in the hands of the Chinese, or it is in the hands of the US, Russia or whoever, the power is being used and it needs counter powers. A multilateral world, a world based on rules accepted by the humankind, by international community is something that we have to fight for.

WION: And it applies equally to China?

Josep Borrell: Of course, for sure, why not? You cannot imagine a world where one part of humanity as important as China cannot be taken into consideration or not participating.

WION: I want to shift our focus to West Asia. Saudi Arabia has lately been in the news for the wrong reasons, for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Yet, the Spanish government insists on selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Why?

Josep Borrell: The number of arms (being sent) to Saudi Arabia is a tiny part of what Saudi Arabia is buying. Since this (Spanish) government has been in place, we have not signed any new contract, but we will honour the contract signed by the previous government.

WION: Israel is another country in the region. What do you make of the trend of some countries shifting their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Do you think it is part of the solution?

Josep Borrell: For sure it is not a part of the solution, it is creating more tensions.

WION: Why do you say that?

Josep Borrell: Because one of the part feels attacked. If you were a Palestinian, you wanted Jerusalem to be the capital of imaginary country that some day will come. And people say no, this is the capital of another country. You will not be very happy and I think we have to calm down the situation which could become explosive. I think it was a wrong decision by the Americans and it is a wrong decision by anyone who is following it.

WION: In conclusion, Mr minister, you have studied and taught both mathematics and economics at universities and institutes in Europe. But what is your first love - mathematics or economics?

Josep Borrell: It is mathematics.

WION: What do you the most - academia or politics?

Josep Borrell: There is a lot of politics in academia, no? I have been engaged in politics for much longer than academia. But if you share both approaches, you could have at the same time the rationality of the academia (as well as) the scientific approach with social engagement of the politician. The world would be much better. You know the book by John Von Neumann about the science and the politics? I read it every time I can.

WION: FC Barcelona or Real Madrid?

Josep Borrell: I don't follow football very much.

WION: Pizza or Paella?

Josep Borrell: Pizza.

WION: Will Donald Trump get a second term as US President?

Josep Borrell: I'm afraid he could have to.

WION: What should the border wall be made of: Steel or concrete?

Josep Borrell: No wall.

WION: Who is a bigger challenge: Russia or China?

Josep Borrell: I would not say they are challenges, they are actors that have to be taken into consideration because both of them want to have its place in the history. They are big enough, powerful enough in order not to be neglected.

WION: On that note, thank you.

Josep Borrell: It has been a very intelligent interview.

WION: Thank you.

Josep Borrell: It does not happen often.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism.

In an exclusive interview to WION, Spain's foreign minister Josep Borrell said that India is a remarkable example of unity in diversity and that it has an important role to play together with the western democracies in combating terrorism. He also spoke on Brexit and called for a moratorium on redrawing of borders in order to prevent separatist movements from carving out new countries around the world. Here is the full transcript of the interview: WION: We are meeting just hours after Trump gave a televised speech about border wall. He spoke about fears of uncontrolled illegal migration and described it as a crisis of the soul. Now, this is the same president who told you last year that the European Union can build a wall across the Sahara to stop people from entering Europe. Do you agree with him? Or do you think good fences make good neighbours? Josep Borrell: I don't think so. Walls do not solve any problems, we do not need to build a wall. We already have a big wall, that is the Mediterranean Sea; people are dying every year trying to enter Europe. It is problem of relationship, the problem between Europe and Africa, or US and South America, will never be solved by putting a wall. It is a matter of cooperation and development. WION: Lawmakers in the UK are debating about Brexit, they might vote on it next week. There are calls for a second referendum. Do you support the second referendum? Or do you think we are way past the point of no return - that this is it, take it or leave it? Josep Borrell: Well, the Britishers said ‘Brexit is Brexit’. They repeated it many times. But what does Brexit mean? It is upto them to decide, we are waiting, we will like to know their final decision. There is a deal on the table, they can accept it or refuse it. If they refuse it, they have to decide what to do. An abrupt, hard Brexit will be very damaging for both the EU and the UK. They have to decide whether to postpone the decision, or to take longer time to discuss the deal. But we have EU elections in May. What are we going to do? WION: About the second referendum, you said and I quote, "I don't like second referendums, it's something that doesn't look very democratic". What is undemocratic about a second referendum? Josep Borrell: People expressed their will (with the referendum) and (now) you (want to) tell them that you made the bad choice, (that) you have to repeat the vote. Until when? Until you make the good choice. And what is the good choice? Who decides about the good choices? You know, we’ve had repeated referendums several times - in Ireland, in Denmark - where they voted (for) something, the elite did not like it and told them to vote again. I think the idea that people have to vote and re-vote until someone says this is a good answer is not a good thing. WION: You support referendums, don't you? Be it Brexit or Catalonia or anywhere else in the world? Or are you against referendums? Josep Borrell: I think referendum is not a good way of making a decision, it is too binary, black or white, one or zero. The world is much more complex. And I think it is impossible for the British people to be aware of the consequences of deciding to leave. It is too complex and there were a lot of lies told to them: ‘If you leave, you will have a lot of money’, ‘if you leave, we will manage better’, ‘if you leave, we will again be the big empire in the world’. Here in India you know something about it. Well, you cannot make people decide with a fake news, with incapacity of providing a good understanding of what is at stake. I think parliaments, public discussion, is a better way of taking this kind of difficult and complex decision. WION: So, what you are saying is that referendums, be it in Catalonia or Brexit, do not necessarily solve the problem? Josep Borrell: No, I do not think it is the best way of solving a problem. In Catalonia, additionally, it is again the Spanish constitution, as it is in France, Germany, Italy or the United States. So, I do not think it is the best way of making this kind of decision that splits the country, divides the society and confronts, in equal proportion, people. WION: Let’s talk a bit about separatism. Countries around the world, including Spain and India, are faced with separatism, separatist tendencies, separatist elements. Do you think there is a need for a moratorium on redrawing of borders - be it Catalonia or Brexit or anything else? Josep Borrell: In Europe, we have a moratorium after the end of World War that borders are the way they are and can only be modified by a common understanding and agreement. Brexit is not a modification of borders, in fact it has nothing to do with borders. Separatism in north of Italy or half of Belgium or Scotland or Catalonia is a different thing. And there is a big consensus in Europe to not go to redefinition of borders. WION: Do you think it should apply to all conflict areas around the world? That there should be no new state created out of this separatist tendency? Josep Borrell: Separatism is one thing, decolonisation is another thing. Decolonisation created new states, for sure, because it was a colonial domination. But who can believe that Catalonia is a colony of Spain? WION: I want to come back to the issue of immigration. You have been quoted as saying that "European societies are not structured to absorb more than a certain percentage of migrants, especially if they are Muslims". What did you mean by that? And what might be the solution? Josep Borrell: I don’t know if I said that exactly. I said especially if they are culturally and religiously different. For example, in Spain, it is easy for us to absorb migrants coming from Latin America because they speak the same language, they have the same religion - if they have one. For a Spanish coming from Argentina or Peru or Mexico, it is a kind of a member of the family. If there are people coming from other cultures, other religions without historical ties, it is much more difficult to integrate and there is a certain limit in societies above which tensions start, especially if there are no good policies to prevent this kind of things from happening and to push and to help in integration. WION: Would you favour Muslims coming to Europe? Are Muslims welcome in Europe today and going forward? Josep Borrell: Look, one of the pillars of European Union is no discrimination by religion. You cannot discriminate by saying ‘you, yes’ because you are a Christian, ‘you, no’ because you are a Hindu or Muslim. No discrimination by gender, no discrimination by religion so the question would not be accepted in Europe. WION: I want to talk about India and Spain. We have seen that separatism affects both countries. Do you think India and Spain can learn together from each other's experiences of separatism? In Spain, you say talks only within the constitution. So, is there scope for learning between India and Spain when it comes to separatism? Josep Borrell: Well, I do not know history of India and the political situation in the country as much as I should in order to answer your question. But India is a special case because you built a political union before building an economic union. In Europe, we are doing just the contrary, we are building an economic union before building a political union because we have too much history behind us and in order to build political union, you have to share markets, goods, economic relationships, to create what Jacques Delors (French politician) called solidarity of the fact. And on this solidarity of the fact, you can construct a bigger union, a stronger union, a deeper union. India is a remarkable example of how you can be united in diversity. In Europe, we say, united in diversity but when I come to India I say ‘my god, here is diversity!’ WION: Some people say that a thin line separates separatism from terrorism. Some countries around the world are afflicted by this phenomenon. Is there scope for EU and India to collaborate for combating this menace? Josep Borrell: For combating terrorism, all democratic countries have to cooperate. WION: ...especially in South Asia... Josep Borrell: The south of the world, all this band going from the Mediterranean and sub-Saharan Africa to the Indian peninsula, all this part of the world - West Asia, Syria, the Horn of Africa, the Spanish navy is patrolling the Horn of Africa to prevent terrorist attacks against ships, and India as a big, democratic country the biggest democracy in the world - has an important role to play together with western nations to fight terrorism. WION: I want to talk about regional and global issues like what’s happening in Iran and Venezuela. President Maduro will take the oath on January 10. What are your views on impositions of sanctions against Venezuela? I am told that you do not want to see more sanctions imposed on Venezuela? Josep Borrell: History says that sanctions do not bring a solution. Look at what happened with Cuba. The US has been blockading Cuba for decades, but the regime is still there. You have to sanction when you have to sanction, do not sanction the people, do not sanction the Venezuelan people. If you have to impose sanctions, impose it on the leaders, the ones who are guilty of doing something bad. But at the same time, try to push through a democratic dialogue, you have to put both things together, just the politics of punishing, history says, is not very effective. WION: I want to talk about China. The Prime Minister of Norway said at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi that might is not right, that countries must play by the rules-based world order. She spoke about ocean management and was hinting at China. How do you see China's Belt and Road Initiative? Josep Borrell: It is an important initiative. China is projecting out of its borders. China is coming back to the history. It was out of the history, it saw colonial domination, an awful war with Japan, years of communist domination, poverty and now it is a giant. Economical, technological, political and even a military power. The important thing is to be able to build, as you have said, a world ruled by rules not by power because if it is only power. If it is in the hands of the Chinese, or it is in the hands of the US, Russia or whoever, the power is being used and it needs counter powers. A multilateral world, a world based on rules accepted by the humankind, by international community is something that we have to fight for. WION: And it applies equally to China? Josep Borrell: Of course, for sure, why not? You cannot imagine a world where one part of humanity as important as China cannot be taken into consideration or not participating. WION: I want to shift our focus to West Asia. Saudi Arabia has lately been in the news for the wrong reasons, for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Yet, the Spanish government insists on selling arms to Saudi Arabia. Why? Josep Borrell: The number of arms (being sent) to Saudi Arabia is a tiny part of what Saudi Arabia is buying. Since this (Spanish) government has been in place, we have not signed any new contract, but we will honour the contract signed by the previous government. WION: Israel is another country in the region. What do you make of the trend of some countries shifting their embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem? Do you think it is part of the solution? Josep Borrell: For sure it is not a part of the solution, it is creating more tensions. WION: Why do you say that? Josep Borrell: Because one of the part feels attacked. If you were a Palestinian, you wanted Jerusalem to be the capital of imaginary country that some day will come. And people say no, this is the capital of another country. You will not be very happy and I think we have to calm down the situation which could become explosive. I think it was a wrong decision by the Americans and it is a wrong decision by anyone who is following it. WION: In conclusion, Mr minister, you have studied and taught both mathematics and economics at universities and institutes in Europe. But what is your first love - mathematics or economics? Josep Borrell: It is mathematics. WION: What do you the most - academia or politics? Josep Borrell: There is a lot of politics in academia, no? I have been engaged in politics for much longer than academia. But if you share both approaches, you could have at the same time the rationality of the academia (as well as) the scientific approach with social engagement of the politician. The world would be much better. You know the book by John Von Neumann about the science and the politics? I read it every time I can. WION: FC Barcelona or Real Madrid? Josep Borrell: I don't follow football very much. WION: Pizza or Paella? Josep Borrell: Pizza. WION: Will Donald Trump get a second term as US President? Josep Borrell: I'm afraid he could have to. WION: What should the border wall be made of: Steel or concrete? Josep Borrell: No wall. WION: Who is a bigger challenge: Russia or China? Josep Borrell: I would not say they are challenges, they are actors that have to be taken into consideration because both of them want to have its place in the history. They are big enough, powerful enough in order not to be neglected. WION: On that note, thank you. Josep Borrell: It has been a very intelligent interview. WION: Thank you. Josep Borrell: It does not happen often.

Referendum not a good way to decide on Brexit: Spain foreign minister to WION

Britain's business minister on Thursday warned that the prospect of crashing out of the European Union without an agreement would be "disastrous" for the country, as fractious MPs prepare to vote on a contentious Brexit deal.

Greg Clark's comments contradicted official government policy of not ruling out a no-deal Brexit and exposed further divisions after embattled Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a series of setbacks in parliament.

A no-deal Brexit would be "a disastrous situation in which we move to the most rudimentary terms of trade with our closest partners," Greg Clark told BBC radio.

In such a scenario, Britain would be forced to trade with the EU on World Trade Organization terms, which could mean much higher tariffs for some products such as cars.

As things stand, Britain will leave the EU with no official deal on March 29 if parliament fails to approve an agreement the government has struck with the bloc.

MPs are set to vote on the agreement on Tuesday.

"It is my strong view that we need to come together now, we need to act to avoid no-deal because I don't think there is anything remotely like a majority in parliament that will tolerate it," he said.

Brexit supporting MPs are opposed to the deal, and May has already pulled the vote once with defeat looming.

Most MPs supported staying in the EU in the 2016 referendum, and many have vowed to do everything within their power to prevent a no-deal scenario.

As Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits Britain on Thursday, Clark said of Japanese businesses: "We need to resolve this concern, this very real concern that they have of us crashing out on March 29".

Japanese firms have invested billions of pounds in Britain, and are especially crucial in the car industry, using the country as a business-friendly home from which to trade across the continent.

The car sector was rocked on Thursday by reports that Jaguar Land Rover is set to announce up to 5,000 job cuts, with Brexit uncertainty cited as a factor.

Parliamentary fireworks

May is making a desperate last push to win MPs over to her Brexit deal, ahead of Tuesday's vote.

She faces daunting odds in getting the deal passed, and suffered a stinging defeat on Wednesday when MPs voted for an amendment demanding she produce new plans within three days if the agreement is voted down.

Aiming to capitalise on her weakness, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was on Thursday to make a Brexit speech in Wakefield, northern England, in which he was expected to call for a general election to resolve the deadlock.

"Let there be no doubt: Theresa May's deal is a bad deal and Labour will vote against it next week in parliament," he was to say, according to extracts released by his office.

"If the government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity."

Many in his party hope that he will call for a second referendum, but the veteran leftist, a long-time critic of the European Union, has so far resisted.

MPs were on Thursday to hold the second of five days of debate ahead of the historic vote, after explosive scenes in the House on Wednesday.

Brexiteers accused speaker of the house John Bercow of anti-Brexit bias when he apparently ignored the advice of Commons officials and selected the amendment demanding May bring forward new plans in the event of defeat.

Britain's business minister on Thursday warned that the prospect of crashing out of the European Union without an agreement would be "disastrous" for the country, as fractious MPs prepare to vote on a contentious Brexit deal.

Britain's business minister on Thursday warned that the prospect of crashing out of the European Union without an agreement would be "disastrous" for the country, as fractious MPs prepare to vote on a contentious Brexit deal. Greg Clark's comments contradicted official government policy of not ruling out a no-deal Brexit and exposed further divisions after embattled Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a series of setbacks in parliament. A no-deal Brexit would be "a disastrous situation in which we move to the most rudimentary terms of trade with our closest partners," Greg Clark told BBC radio. In such a scenario, Britain would be forced to trade with the EU on World Trade Organization terms, which could mean much higher tariffs for some products such as cars. As things stand, Britain will leave the EU with no official deal on March 29 if parliament fails to approve an agreement the government has struck with the bloc. MPs are set to vote on the agreement on Tuesday. "It is my strong view that we need to come together now, we need to act to avoid no-deal because I don't think there is anything remotely like a majority in parliament that will tolerate it," he said. Brexit supporting MPs are opposed to the deal, and May has already pulled the vote once with defeat looming. Most MPs supported staying in the EU in the 2016 referendum, and many have vowed to do everything within their power to prevent a no-deal scenario. As Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits Britain on Thursday, Clark said of Japanese businesses: "We need to resolve this concern, this very real concern that they have of us crashing out on March 29". Japanese firms have invested billions of pounds in Britain, and are especially crucial in the car industry, using the country as a business-friendly home from which to trade across the continent. The car sector was rocked on Thursday by reports that Jaguar Land Rover is set to announce up to 5,000 job cuts, with Brexit uncertainty cited as a factor. Parliamentary fireworks May is making a desperate last push to win MPs over to her Brexit deal, ahead of Tuesday's vote. She faces daunting odds in getting the deal passed, and suffered a stinging defeat on Wednesday when MPs voted for an amendment demanding she produce new plans within three days if the agreement is voted down. Aiming to capitalise on her weakness, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was on Thursday to make a Brexit speech in Wakefield, northern England, in which he was expected to call for a general election to resolve the deadlock. "Let there be no doubt: Theresa May's deal is a bad deal and Labour will vote against it next week in parliament," he was to say, according to extracts released by his office. "If the government cannot pass its most important legislation, then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity." Many in his party hope that he will call for a second referendum, but the veteran leftist, a long-time critic of the European Union, has so far resisted. MPs were on Thursday to hold the second of five days of debate ahead of the historic vote, after explosive scenes in the House on Wednesday. Brexiteers accused speaker of the house John Bercow of anti-Brexit bias when he apparently ignored the advice of Commons officials and selected the amendment demanding May bring forward new plans in the event of defeat.

No-deal Brexit would be disastrous: UK minister

British MPs on Wednesday begin five days of debate ahead of a historic <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-opposition-leader-corbyn-allegedly-calls-pm-theresa-may-stupid-woman-185370">delayed vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal</a>, a day after giving her a stinging blow aimed at preventing the country from crashing out of the EU with no agreement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-says-further-brexit-talks-with-eu-in-coming-days-184100">May's attempts to win over MPs</a>&nbsp;from Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up her government in parliament but is firmly opposed to the Brexit deal, were also rebuffed on Wednesday.

The government said it would grant local lawmakers in Northern Ireland greater powers to block legislation if their province ever found itself in a contentious "backstop" arrangement to avoid a hard border in Ireland.

But DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson told Sky News that the proposals were "window dressing" and that there would still have to be checks between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain in the event the backstop is enacted.

May faced another possible setback later on Wednesday as rebel Conservative MPs pushed for a vote that would force the government to reveal its plans within three days if the Brexit deal is not approved next Tuesday.

Lawmakers next week will be voting on the agreement that May has negotiated with the EU over the last 18 months, which faces daunting opposition as the clock ticks down before Britain leaves the European Union on March 29.

The prime minister has warned rebels in her own party that defeat will lead to a no-deal Brexit or no departure from the bloc at all.

But in a vote on Tuesday that raised the chances of a defeat in next week's historic vote, MPs including former ministers approved an amendment that will curtail the government's tax powers in case of a no-deal Brexit.

Brexit 'fantasies'&nbsp;

David Lidington, May's effective deputy, called the House of Commons defeat "inconvenient" yet ineffectual and insisted the government remained focused on winning approval for the prime minister's plan.

"We are focused on getting any possible vote in favour of the PM's deal," he told BBC radio.&nbsp;

"I don't think the British public are served by fantasies about magical alternative deals.&nbsp;

"The choice the people have is this deal or no deal, or — as some MPs advocate — to reverse the 2016 referendum entirely."

The prime minister has already pulled the vote once with defeat looming, and has said a loss for the government would plunge Britain into "uncharted territory".

She is still seeking assurances from the EU on the most controversial elements of the Brexit deal relating to Northern Ireland, in a bid to convince critics to back the agreement.

These assurances are set to be delivered to lawmakers before they vote, although not before they start their debate on Wednesday.

"The work to secure those assurances is ongoing. I think what's important is that if we are to secure assurances, MPs are aware of what they are before the vote takes place," a Downing Street spokesman said Tuesday.

Brexit delayed?&nbsp;

Some MPs would be in favour of a second referendum but such a move would likely cause outrage among Brexit voters and raise the issue of the framing of the question.

The battle has reached fever pitch as the deadline looms, with second referendum campaigners setting up stalls at markets nationwide and Brexiteers touring the country to persuade Britons they have nothing to fear from a clean break.

May insists Britain will leave the EU in March whatever happens, but there is growing talk of delaying the two-year Article 50 exit process to give her some breathing space to get her deal agreed.

An EU diplomat told AFP on Tuesday that "we are convinced that Theresa May will request a postponement after the agreement is rejected in the British parliament."

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay denied reports about a possible delay, saying "there are people in the European Union who are discussing this issue, but that is not the position of the UK government."

The prime minister survived a half-hearted attempt by her party to oust her before Christmas, but the level of rebellion has left her weakened.

The main opposition Labour Party on Wednesday confirmed it will seek a no-confidence vote in the government if MPs reject May's Brexit deal next week.

British MPs on Wednesday begin five days of debate ahead of a historic delayed vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, a day after giving her a stinging blow aimed at preventing the country from crashing out of the EU with no agreement.

British MPs on Wednesday begin five days of debate ahead of a historic delayed vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, a day after giving her a stinging blow aimed at preventing the country from crashing out of the EU with no agreement. May's attempts to win over MPs from Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up her government in parliament but is firmly opposed to the Brexit deal, were also rebuffed on Wednesday. The government said it would grant local lawmakers in Northern Ireland greater powers to block legislation if their province ever found itself in a contentious "backstop" arrangement to avoid a hard border in Ireland. But DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson told Sky News that the proposals were "window dressing" and that there would still have to be checks between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain in the event the backstop is enacted. May faced another possible setback later on Wednesday as rebel Conservative MPs pushed for a vote that would force the government to reveal its plans within three days if the Brexit deal is not approved next Tuesday. Lawmakers next week will be voting on the agreement that May has negotiated with the EU over the last 18 months, which faces daunting opposition as the clock ticks down before Britain leaves the European Union on March 29. The prime minister has warned rebels in her own party that defeat will lead to a no-deal Brexit or no departure from the bloc at all. But in a vote on Tuesday that raised the chances of a defeat in next week's historic vote, MPs including former ministers approved an amendment that will curtail the government's tax powers in case of a no-deal Brexit. Brexit 'fantasies' David Lidington, May's effective deputy, called the House of Commons defeat "inconvenient" yet ineffectual and insisted the government remained focused on winning approval for the prime minister's plan. "We are focused on getting any possible vote in favour of the PM's deal," he told BBC radio. "I don't think the British public are served by fantasies about magical alternative deals. "The choice the people have is this deal or no deal, or — as some MPs advocate — to reverse the 2016 referendum entirely." The prime minister has already pulled the vote once with defeat looming, and has said a loss for the government would plunge Britain into "uncharted territory". She is still seeking assurances from the EU on the most controversial elements of the Brexit deal relating to Northern Ireland, in a bid to convince critics to back the agreement. These assurances are set to be delivered to lawmakers before they vote, although not before they start their debate on Wednesday. "The work to secure those assurances is ongoing. I think what's important is that if we are to secure assurances, MPs are aware of what they are before the vote takes place," a Downing Street spokesman said Tuesday. Brexit delayed? Some MPs would be in favour of a second referendum but such a move would likely cause outrage among Brexit voters and raise the issue of the framing of the question. The battle has reached fever pitch as the deadline looms, with second referendum campaigners setting up stalls at markets nationwide and Brexiteers touring the country to persuade Britons they have nothing to fear from a clean break. May insists Britain will leave the EU in March whatever happens, but there is growing talk of delaying the two-year Article 50 exit process to give her some breathing space to get her deal agreed. An EU diplomat told AFP on Tuesday that "we are convinced that Theresa May will request a postponement after the agreement is rejected in the British parliament." Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay denied reports about a possible delay, saying "there are people in the European Union who are discussing this issue, but that is not the position of the UK government." The prime minister survived a half-hearted attempt by her party to oust her before Christmas, but the level of rebellion has left her weakened. The main opposition Labour Party on Wednesday confirmed it will seek a no-confidence vote in the government if MPs reject May's Brexit deal next week.

British MPs begin 5 days of debate before vote on Brexit deal

British MPs will vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's EU withdrawal deal on January 15, the government said Tuesday while denying growing speculation it might seek to delay Brexit if the agreement is rejected.

May postponed an initial vote last month in the face of opposition from all sides of the House of Commons, but has now set it for next Tuesday evening after 1900 GMT, following five days of debate which start on Wednesday.

May is still struggling to convince both opposition lawmakers and her own Conservative party to back the divorce agreement, heightening fears Britain could leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal.

She has promised to secure further assurances from the EU on the most controversial elements of the Brexit deal relating to Northern Ireland, and has held talks with European leaders in recent days.

"The work to secure those assurances is ongoing," her spokesman said, adding that the prime minister hoped to have something to offer MPs before next week's vote.

May is hosting several drinks parties for lawmakers this week in a bid to win them round, arguing her deal is the best compromise that ends EU membership while protecting jobs.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove told cabinet colleagues that critics holding out for a better deal were like swingers in their mid-50s waiting for Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson to turn up on a date.

But with opposition among MPs still strong, there is growing speculation London could seek to delay the EU's two-year Article 50 exit process to allow more time to get the deal through parliament.

A source in Brussels told AFP several weeks ago that Britain has been discussing the possibility with European officials, and a junior British minister, Margot James, publicly voiced the idea on Monday.

But May's spokesman insisted: "We will not be extending Article 50.

"There are people in the European Union who are discussing this issue, but that is not the position of the UK government."

'Very hypothetical'

The other 27 EU leaders have repeatedly said they will not reopen the deal struck with Britain in November, which covers key separation issues such as money and expatriate citizens' rights.

But they issued a joint statement at an EU summit last month emphasising the temporary nature of the so-called backstop arrangement designed to keep open the UK border with Ireland after Brexit.

And Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told the Irish Times there were discussions on whether the EU could offer "a further set of written guarantees, explanations and assurances".

The backstop would keep open the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland after Brexit by temporarily aligning Britain with EU trade rules.

Eurosceptic Conservatives and Northern Ireland's tiny Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up May's government, fear it could tie London to Brussels for years to come.

However, France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau said "there is nothing more that we can do" -- and warned against putting too much faith in talk of extending Article 50.

"I don't work on hypotheses -- the current situation is complex enough... Let's stick to where we are now," she added.

An EU diplomat also told AFP that the idea of delaying Brexit "is a very hypothetical option".

Any extension to Britain's departure would be complicated by the elections to the European Parliament in May. After Brexit, it will no longer be represented in the assembly.

No deal plans

May is looking at a possible time limit to the backstop arrangement and increased parliamentary scrutiny to try to sway MPs.

But if her efforts fail, many fear Britain could leave the EU with no deal, with potentially disastrous legal and economic consequences.

A cross-party group of MPs sought Tuesday to amend a finance law to limit the government's tax-raising powers in the event of "no deal", as a way of forcing it to stop such a scenario.

The impact of a disorderly Brexit would also be felt across Europe, including in the EU budget.

May's deal sets out plans for a post-Brexit transition period in which Britain would keep making financial contributions until December 2020.

EU budget commissioner Gunther Oettinger said that without this, "we would be short a figure in the billions of euros for the rest of the year and a higher figure for 2020".

British MPs will vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's EU withdrawal deal on January 15, the government said Tuesday while denying growing speculation it might seek to delay Brexit if the agreement is rejected.

British MPs will vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's EU withdrawal deal on January 15, the government said Tuesday while denying growing speculation it might seek to delay Brexit if the agreement is rejected. May postponed an initial vote last month in the face of opposition from all sides of the House of Commons, but has now set it for next Tuesday evening after 1900 GMT, following five days of debate which start on Wednesday. May is still struggling to convince both opposition lawmakers and her own Conservative party to back the divorce agreement, heightening fears Britain could leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal. She has promised to secure further assurances from the EU on the most controversial elements of the Brexit deal relating to Northern Ireland, and has held talks with European leaders in recent days. "The work to secure those assurances is ongoing," her spokesman said, adding that the prime minister hoped to have something to offer MPs before next week's vote. May is hosting several drinks parties for lawmakers this week in a bid to win them round, arguing her deal is the best compromise that ends EU membership while protecting jobs. Environment Secretary Michael Gove told cabinet colleagues that critics holding out for a better deal were like swingers in their mid-50s waiting for Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson to turn up on a date. But with opposition among MPs still strong, there is growing speculation London could seek to delay the EU's two-year Article 50 exit process to allow more time to get the deal through parliament. A source in Brussels told AFP several weeks ago that Britain has been discussing the possibility with European officials, and a junior British minister, Margot James, publicly voiced the idea on Monday. But May's spokesman insisted: "We will not be extending Article 50. "There are people in the European Union who are discussing this issue, but that is not the position of the UK government." 'Very hypothetical' The other 27 EU leaders have repeatedly said they will not reopen the deal struck with Britain in November, which covers key separation issues such as money and expatriate citizens' rights. But they issued a joint statement at an EU summit last month emphasising the temporary nature of the so-called backstop arrangement designed to keep open the UK border with Ireland after Brexit. And Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told the Irish Times there were discussions on whether the EU could offer "a further set of written guarantees, explanations and assurances". The backstop would keep open the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland after Brexit by temporarily aligning Britain with EU trade rules. Eurosceptic Conservatives and Northern Ireland's tiny Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up May's government, fear it could tie London to Brussels for years to come. However, France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau said "there is nothing more that we can do" -- and warned against putting too much faith in talk of extending Article 50. "I don't work on hypotheses -- the current situation is complex enough... Let's stick to where we are now," she added. An EU diplomat also told AFP that the idea of delaying Brexit "is a very hypothetical option". Any extension to Britain's departure would be complicated by the elections to the European Parliament in May. After Brexit, it will no longer be represented in the assembly. No deal plans May is looking at a possible time limit to the backstop arrangement and increased parliamentary scrutiny to try to sway MPs. But if her efforts fail, many fear Britain could leave the EU with no deal, with potentially disastrous legal and economic consequences. A cross-party group of MPs sought Tuesday to amend a finance law to limit the government's tax-raising powers in the event of "no deal", as a way of forcing it to stop such a scenario. The impact of a disorderly Brexit would also be felt across Europe, including in the EU budget. May's deal sets out plans for a post-Brexit transition period in which Britain would keep making financial contributions until December 2020. EU budget commissioner Gunther Oettinger said that without this, "we would be short a figure in the billions of euros for the rest of the year and a higher figure for 2020".

UK Brexit vote set for January 15 amid talk of delay

British lawmakers called on the police on Tuesday to do more to tackle intimidation of politicians and journalists outside parliament after protesters shouted verbal abuse at a prominent pro-EU Conservative during live television interviews.

More than 2-1/2 years since Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent to leave the European Union, the country remains deeply divided and both pro-Brexit and pro-EU protesters are a regular fixture in the gardens opposite parliament.

Some campaigners wrap themselves in huge EU flags while others hold banners on long poles so they can be seen in the background of temporary broadcast studios on raised platforms.&nbsp;

The area, a public space, is regularly used by media for interviews and while protests have been largely peaceful, politicians and journalists have complained the atmosphere has turned increasingly nasty in recent weeks.

On Monday, Conservative lawmaker Anna Soubry, who has called for a second referendum on Brexit, faced chants of "Soubry is a Nazi" and "liar" as she was interviewed. 
"I do object to being called a Nazi," Soubry interrupted the interview to say. "I just think this is astonishing. This is what has happened to our country."

The abuse continued as Soubry walked back across the road to parliament after the interview, with mobile phone footage shared on Twitter showing her surrounded by men, some sporting the yellow vests similar to those worn by protesters in Paris, shouting "liar", "fascist" and "scum" at her.

Sky News journalist Kay Burley, one of the broadcasters whose interview with Soubry was overshadowed by the protests, has also faced abuse and says she now has security protection.

In a letter to the Commissioner of London`s Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, a group of 60 lawmakers said they were concerned about the "deteriorating public order and security situation" around parliament.

"An ugly element of individuals with strong far right and extreme right connections ... have increasingly engaged in intimidatory and potentially criminal acts," the lawmakers, both pro-EU and pro-Brexit and from all political parties, wrote.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow said he too has written to police on the issue.

"UNLEASHING SUCH UGLINESS"

Laurence Taylor, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Met Operations, said there was an "appropriate policing plan in place" around parliament and police were assessing whether any crimes had been committed.

"We will deal robustly with incidents of harassment and abuse against anyone where that harassment or abuse constitutes a criminal offence," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

Labour lawmaker Stephen Doughty, who organised the letter, told BBC TV that there could be a repeat of the murder of Labour lawmaker Jo Cox, killed in a frenzied street attack a week before the 2016 Brexit vote by a man obsessed with Nazis and extreme right-wing ideology.

Last year, a man accused of being a member of a far-right group pleaded guilty to plotting to kill another female Labour lawmaker who, like Cox, was targeted because she was perceived as supporting immigration.&nbsp;

Abuse has taken place across the political divide, with left-wing author and Labour supporter Owen Jones also posting a video on Twitter of protesters shouting insults like "traitor" at him as he walked down the street outside parliament.

While many of those facing abuse have been supporters of remaining in the EU, pro-Brexit campaigners have also been targeted.

In September, Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent campaigner for Brexit, was confronted outside his home by activists who told his children "your daddy is a horrible person" and "lots of people hate him".

British lawmakers called on the police on Tuesday to do more to tackle intimidation of politicians and journalists outside parliament after protesters shouted verbal abuse at a prominent pro-EU Conservative during live television interviews.

British lawmakers called on the police on Tuesday to do more to tackle intimidation of politicians and journalists outside parliament after protesters shouted verbal abuse at a prominent pro-EU Conservative during live television interviews. More than 2-1/2 years since Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent to leave the European Union, the country remains deeply divided and both pro-Brexit and pro-EU protesters are a regular fixture in the gardens opposite parliament. Some campaigners wrap themselves in huge EU flags while others hold banners on long poles so they can be seen in the background of temporary broadcast studios on raised platforms. The area, a public space, is regularly used by media for interviews and while protests have been largely peaceful, politicians and journalists have complained the atmosphere has turned increasingly nasty in recent weeks. On Monday, Conservative lawmaker Anna Soubry, who has called for a second referendum on Brexit, faced chants of "Soubry is a Nazi" and "liar" as she was interviewed. "I do object to being called a Nazi," Soubry interrupted the interview to say. "I just think this is astonishing. This is what has happened to our country." The abuse continued as Soubry walked back across the road to parliament after the interview, with mobile phone footage shared on Twitter showing her surrounded by men, some sporting the yellow vests similar to those worn by protesters in Paris, shouting "liar", "fascist" and "scum" at her. Sky News journalist Kay Burley, one of the broadcasters whose interview with Soubry was overshadowed by the protests, has also faced abuse and says she now has security protection. In a letter to the Commissioner of London`s Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, a group of 60 lawmakers said they were concerned about the "deteriorating public order and security situation" around parliament. "An ugly element of individuals with strong far right and extreme right connections ... have increasingly engaged in intimidatory and potentially criminal acts," the lawmakers, both pro-EU and pro-Brexit and from all political parties, wrote. House of Commons Speaker John Bercow said he too has written to police on the issue. "UNLEASHING SUCH UGLINESS" Laurence Taylor, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Met Operations, said there was an "appropriate policing plan in place" around parliament and police were assessing whether any crimes had been committed. "We will deal robustly with incidents of harassment and abuse against anyone where that harassment or abuse constitutes a criminal offence," he said in a statement. Labour lawmaker Stephen Doughty, who organised the letter, told BBC TV that there could be a repeat of the murder of Labour lawmaker Jo Cox, killed in a frenzied street attack a week before the 2016 Brexit vote by a man obsessed with Nazis and extreme right-wing ideology. Last year, a man accused of being a member of a far-right group pleaded guilty to plotting to kill another female Labour lawmaker who, like Cox, was targeted because she was perceived as supporting immigration. Abuse has taken place across the political divide, with left-wing author and Labour supporter Owen Jones also posting a video on Twitter of protesters shouting insults like "traitor" at him as he walked down the street outside parliament. While many of those facing abuse have been supporters of remaining in the EU, pro-Brexit campaigners have also been targeted. In September, Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent campaigner for Brexit, was confronted outside his home by activists who told his children "your daddy is a horrible person" and "lots of people hate him".

Facing chants of 'Nazi' and 'scum', UK lawmakers ask police to act over Brexit abuse

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-born-gita-gopinath-appointed-imf-chief-economist-168840">Prominent Indian-American economist Gita Gopinath </a>has joined as the chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, becoming the first woman to occupy the top post at the global lender.

Gopinath, 47, joined last week at a time, when she believes the world is experiencing a retreat from globalisation, posing challenges to multilateral institutions.

The John Zwaanstra professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University, Gopinath, a US citizen, succeeds Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld as Economic Counsellor and Director of the IMF's Research Department. Obstfeld retired December 31.

Announcing her appointment on October 1, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde described her as "one of the world's outstanding economists with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership and extensive international experience."

The 11th chief economist of the IMF, Mysore-born Gopinath in a recent interview to The Harvard Gazette described her appointment at the IMF as a "tremendous honour" and said the appointment of the first ever woman for this position speaks highly of IMF's Managing Director Lagarde.

"She is phenomenal, not just in her leadership of the IMF but as a role model for women around the world," she said.

Identifying some of her top priorities at the IMF, Gopinath told The Harvard Gazette that she would like the IMF to continue to be a place that provides intellectual leadership on important policy questions.

Among the research issues that I would like to push, one would be understanding the role of dominant currencies like the dollar in international trade and finance. We could do more on the empirical side to try to understand countries' dollar exposures and on the theoretical side in terms of the implications for international spillovers, consequences of dollar shortages, etc, she said.

Most countries invoice their trade in dollars and borrow internationally in dollars. This is a central part of the international price system and the international financial system and it will be exciting to explore its consequences in greater depth with the IMF, she said.

Gopinath considers the perceived retreat from globalisation as one of the top challenges being faced by the IMF.

"The one (biggest issues being faced by the IMF) that is absolutely clear and present is that we are seeing the first serious retreat from globalisation. This has not happened in the past 50 or 60 years when the world moved toward lower tariffs and increasing trade across countries," she told the prestigious Harvard publication.

"Over the past several months, we have the US-imposed tariffs and retaliation to them from China and other nations. There is in general growing uncertainty about trade policy, including the one arising out of Brexit (the British move to leave the European Union)."

"While the trade has reduced global poverty and raised livelihoods, its consequences for inequality, and on whether the rules of engagement are fair, are real concerns that need to be addressed," she said.

Gopinath said there is also a concern about whether there is the right multilateral institutions and frameworks in place to make sure everybody feels that there is fairness in trade. "And the same goes for capital flows," she added.

"Foreign direct investment (FDI) was always viewed very favourably by countries. But because most of the FDI is now in tech-heavy firms, there are growing concerns about national security and international property theft. So I believe this retreat from globalisation and this retreat from multilateralism is quite unique to the times we are living in," Gopinath said.

Another important concern, she said, is the health of emerging markets as the US continues to normalize its interest rates.

The capital flows to several markets have reversed, putting pressure on their exchange rates and consequently on inflation, and on balance sheets, given that several emerging markets borrow heavily in dollars, said the IMF chief economist.

Gita Gopinath considers the perceived retreat from globalisation as one of the top challenges being faced by the IMF.

Prominent Indian-American economist Gita Gopinath has joined as the chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, becoming the first woman to occupy the top post at the global lender. Gopinath, 47, joined last week at a time, when she believes the world is experiencing a retreat from globalisation, posing challenges to multilateral institutions. The John Zwaanstra professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University, Gopinath, a US citizen, succeeds Maurice (Maury) Obstfeld as Economic Counsellor and Director of the IMF's Research Department. Obstfeld retired December 31. Announcing her appointment on October 1, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde described her as "one of the world's outstanding economists with impeccable academic credentials, a proven track record of intellectual leadership and extensive international experience." The 11th chief economist of the IMF, Mysore-born Gopinath in a recent interview to The Harvard Gazette described her appointment at the IMF as a "tremendous honour" and said the appointment of the first ever woman for this position speaks highly of IMF's Managing Director Lagarde. "She is phenomenal, not just in her leadership of the IMF but as a role model for women around the world," she said. Identifying some of her top priorities at the IMF, Gopinath told The Harvard Gazette that she would like the IMF to continue to be a place that provides intellectual leadership on important policy questions. Among the research issues that I would like to push, one would be understanding the role of dominant currencies like the dollar in international trade and finance. We could do more on the empirical side to try to understand countries' dollar exposures and on the theoretical side in terms of the implications for international spillovers, consequences of dollar shortages, etc, she said. Most countries invoice their trade in dollars and borrow internationally in dollars. This is a central part of the international price system and the international financial system and it will be exciting to explore its consequences in greater depth with the IMF, she said. Gopinath considers the perceived retreat from globalisation as one of the top challenges being faced by the IMF. "The one (biggest issues being faced by the IMF) that is absolutely clear and present is that we are seeing the first serious retreat from globalisation. This has not happened in the past 50 or 60 years when the world moved toward lower tariffs and increasing trade across countries," she told the prestigious Harvard publication. "Over the past several months, we have the US-imposed tariffs and retaliation to them from China and other nations. There is in general growing uncertainty about trade policy, including the one arising out of Brexit (the British move to leave the European Union)." "While the trade has reduced global poverty and raised livelihoods, its consequences for inequality, and on whether the rules of engagement are fair, are real concerns that need to be addressed," she said. Gopinath said there is also a concern about whether there is the right multilateral institutions and frameworks in place to make sure everybody feels that there is fairness in trade. "And the same goes for capital flows," she added. "Foreign direct investment (FDI) was always viewed very favourably by countries. But because most of the FDI is now in tech-heavy firms, there are growing concerns about national security and international property theft. So I believe this retreat from globalisation and this retreat from multilateralism is quite unique to the times we are living in," Gopinath said. Another important concern, she said, is the health of emerging markets as the US continues to normalize its interest rates. The capital flows to several markets have reversed, putting pressure on their exchange rates and consequently on inflation, and on balance sheets, given that several emerging markets borrow heavily in dollars, said the IMF chief economist.

Indian-American Gita Gopinath joins IMF as first female chief economist

The United Kingdom will leave the European Union on March 29 and is not looking to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-says-any-article-50-extension-reopens-the-brexit-negotiations-180269"> extend the Article 50 exit process</a>, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said on Tuesday.

The Daily Telegraph reported that British and European officials are discussing the possibility of extending Britain's formal notice to withdraw from the EU amid fears a Brexit deal will not be approved by March 29.

"The government's policy is clear on this, the prime minister has said it on many an occasion: We are leaving the European Union on the 29th of March. We are not looking to extend," Barclay told Sky News.

When asked if any lawmakers in the Conservative Party had changed their minds on opposing May's deal, Barclay said: "Some have said they are much more open to but it is obviously challenging."

The Daily Telegraph reported that British and European officials are discussing the possibility of extending Britain's formal notice to withdraw from the EU.

The United Kingdom will leave the European Union on March 29 and is not looking to extend the Article 50 exit process, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said on Tuesday. The Daily Telegraph reported that British and European officials are discussing the possibility of extending Britain's formal notice to withdraw from the EU amid fears a Brexit deal will not be approved by March 29. "The government's policy is clear on this, the prime minister has said it on many an occasion: We are leaving the European Union on the 29th of March. We are not looking to extend," Barclay told Sky News. When asked if any lawmakers in the Conservative Party had changed their minds on opposing May's deal, Barclay said: "Some have said they are much more open to but it is obviously challenging."

UK not looking to extend Article 50: Brexit minister Stephen Barclay

By John Bruton

It puzzles many people in Britain that something known as an “Irish backstop” should be at the heart of an increasingly bitter dispute. This is over the deal the UK government has made with the European Union on the terms for Brexit.

Most people understand that when the UK leaves the EU on March 29, the only land boundary between the United Kingdom and the European Union will be the 300-mile-long border in Ireland. Some do understand that if the UK leaves the EU, there will have to be border controls. After all, leaving the union was supposed to be about taking back “control,” and given that countries can only exercise control in their own territory, there is a logical necessity to have controls at the border of a country’s territory.

This is not something made up by the EU to annoy Brits but is a logical consequence of Brexit, which is, as we all know, something Britons have chosen for themselves and not something imposed on them by the European Union.

The proposed backstop in British Prime Minister Theresa May’s deal with the EU involves the whole of the UK staying in a close customs arrangement with the union. The original idea was that the backstop would be confined to Northern Ireland, but the British government preferred a backstop arrangement that would cover the whole UK, so as to minimize the controls that would otherwise have to be imposed between Britain and Northern Ireland. The object of the entire exercise is to avoid having controls at the 300 crossing points between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Some in Britain think the UK should be free to leave the EU, and that the British and Irish governments should then just decide, between themselves, that they were simply not going to have controls on the Irish border. That would not work because Ireland would still be in the European Union and would be breaking EU rules if it failed to control its portion of the EU land border.

Apart from being illegal, it would be impractical. The UK, once outside the European Union, would immediately go off and try to make trade deals with non-EU countries. These would inevitably involve agreeing to different standards and tariffs on goods coming from these non-EU countries to the ones that the European Union (including Ireland) would be applying to these nations. So, if there were no controls on the Irish border, goods from these non-EU states with which the UK had made its own trade deals could enter the European Union via Northern Ireland, without complying with EU standards or paying EU tariffs.

That would destroy the single market, which is based on common rules and tariffs, made, enforced and interpreted in the same way for all 27 EU members, including the Republic of Ireland.

Outside of the EU, under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, the United Kingdom would also have to impose tariffs on its side of the Irish border — unless it wanted to collect no tariffs at all — on goods coming into the UK from any country in the world. This is because of a WTO rule that says in the absence of a broad trade agreement, a country cannot discriminate between WTO member countries in the rate of tariffs it charges on goods coming from those countries (the most favoured nation rule).

So, in the absence of a trade deal with the EU, the UK must charge the same tariffs on Irish goods as it would charge on goods coming from any WTO members, with whom it has no trade deal — which, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, would be every WTO country. If it attempted to discriminate unilaterally, the UK would be taken to the WTO court by some or all of the WTO countries who would not be getting the same concessions.

The UK is a trading nation. As such, it benefits from a rules-based world trading system. So, it would not be in the UK’s interest to start breaking WTO rules on the day it left the EU, just to solve a problem that is of its own making.

The two allegiances in Ireland

The other big reason for having an Irish backstop and for avoiding a hard border is about human beings, rather than just about commerce. For the past four centuries, two communities with different allegiances have lived together, geographically intermingled, in the Irish province of Ulster.

One community feels a sense of allegiance to Britain, its monarch, its historic narrative and its flag. The other feels an allegiance to Ireland and identifies itself with different historic narrative and different symbols. The two communities have different religious allegiances too, but the disagreements between them are not primarily about religious matters — they are all about national identity.

For centuries, the contest between these two identities was a zero-sum game. Either the British identity had to win or the Irish identity had to win. That zero-sum approach led to wars, threats of wars or uprisings from the 17th century all the way up until the late 20th century. These conflicts caused many casualties in Ireland and in Britain, too.

British and Irish political leaders have, for the last 40 years, been trying to find a different way forward. Rather than a zero-sum game where if one identity won, the other had to lose, these leaders sought to create conditions in which both identities could coexist comfortably together within Northern Ireland, without either of them winning or losing. The aim was to ensure that neither would feel cut off from the focus of their emotional allegiance. The nationalists would not feel cut off from Dublin, and Unionists would not feel cut off from London or the “mainland” as they would call it.

The Belfast Agreement of 1998 achieved this. Crafted between Ireland and the United Kingdom, when both were members of the barrier-free EU, it created structures to have a comfort zone for both communities. This was done through establishing three interlocking structures of cooperation, incorporated in an overarching international treaty, namely: power-sharing within Northern Ireland; cooperation between north and south; and cooperation between Dublin and London. On the strength of this agreement, Ireland changed its constitution to remove a territorial claim it had on Northern Ireland.

Now, 20 years later, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union puts these structures at risk because Brexit requires barriers to go up between the UK and Ireland, where previously there was free exchange. This is why, at a meeting in London, long before the referendum in 2016, I described Brexit as an “unfriendly act” by the UK vis-à-vis my country.

The backstop is simply an effort to mitigate the damage. It is a second-best option — and a bad second best at that. The only option that will not damage the structure of peace we have so painstakingly built between Ireland and Britain, and within the island of Ireland, would be for the UK to decide to stay in the EU after all.

(John Bruton is a former Irish prime minister and an international business leader)

(This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/europe/what-is-irish-backstop-european-union-brexit-deal-no-deal-world-news-today-29083/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By John Bruton It puzzles many people in Britain that something known as an “Irish backstop” should be at the heart of an increasingly bitter dispute. This is over the deal the UK government has made with the European Union on the terms for Brexit.

By John Bruton It puzzles many people in Britain that something known as an “Irish backstop” should be at the heart of an increasingly bitter dispute. This is over the deal the UK government has made with the European Union on the terms for Brexit. Most people understand that when the UK leaves the EU on March 29, the only land boundary between the United Kingdom and the European Union will be the 300-mile-long border in Ireland. Some do understand that if the UK leaves the EU, there will have to be border controls. After all, leaving the union was supposed to be about taking back “control,” and given that countries can only exercise control in their own territory, there is a logical necessity to have controls at the border of a country’s territory. This is not something made up by the EU to annoy Brits but is a logical consequence of Brexit, which is, as we all know, something Britons have chosen for themselves and not something imposed on them by the European Union. The proposed backstop in British Prime Minister Theresa May’s deal with the EU involves the whole of the UK staying in a close customs arrangement with the union. The original idea was that the backstop would be confined to Northern Ireland, but the British government preferred a backstop arrangement that would cover the whole UK, so as to minimize the controls that would otherwise have to be imposed between Britain and Northern Ireland. The object of the entire exercise is to avoid having controls at the 300 crossing points between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Some in Britain think the UK should be free to leave the EU, and that the British and Irish governments should then just decide, between themselves, that they were simply not going to have controls on the Irish border. That would not work because Ireland would still be in the European Union and would be breaking EU rules if it failed to control its portion of the EU land border. Apart from being illegal, it would be impractical. The UK, once outside the European Union, would immediately go off and try to make trade deals with non-EU countries. These would inevitably involve agreeing to different standards and tariffs on goods coming from these non-EU countries to the ones that the European Union (including Ireland) would be applying to these nations. So, if there were no controls on the Irish border, goods from these non-EU states with which the UK had made its own trade deals could enter the European Union via Northern Ireland, without complying with EU standards or paying EU tariffs. That would destroy the single market, which is based on common rules and tariffs, made, enforced and interpreted in the same way for all 27 EU members, including the Republic of Ireland. Outside of the EU, under World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules, the United Kingdom would also have to impose tariffs on its side of the Irish border — unless it wanted to collect no tariffs at all — on goods coming into the UK from any country in the world. This is because of a WTO rule that says in the absence of a broad trade agreement, a country cannot discriminate between WTO member countries in the rate of tariffs it charges on goods coming from those countries (the most favoured nation rule). So, in the absence of a trade deal with the EU, the UK must charge the same tariffs on Irish goods as it would charge on goods coming from any WTO members, with whom it has no trade deal — which, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, would be every WTO country. If it attempted to discriminate unilaterally, the UK would be taken to the WTO court by some or all of the WTO countries who would not be getting the same concessions. The UK is a trading nation. As such, it benefits from a rules-based world trading system. So, it would not be in the UK’s interest to start breaking WTO rules on the day it left the EU, just to solve a problem that is of its own making. The two allegiances in Ireland The other big reason for having an Irish backstop and for avoiding a hard border is about human beings, rather than just about commerce. For the past four centuries, two communities with different allegiances have lived together, geographically intermingled, in the Irish province of Ulster. One community feels a sense of allegiance to Britain, its monarch, its historic narrative and its flag. The other feels an allegiance to Ireland and identifies itself with different historic narrative and different symbols. The two communities have different religious allegiances too, but the disagreements between them are not primarily about religious matters — they are all about national identity. For centuries, the contest between these two identities was a zero-sum game. Either the British identity had to win or the Irish identity had to win. That zero-sum approach led to wars, threats of wars or uprisings from the 17th century all the way up until the late 20th century. These conflicts caused many casualties in Ireland and in Britain, too. British and Irish political leaders have, for the last 40 years, been trying to find a different way forward. Rather than a zero-sum game where if one identity won, the other had to lose, these leaders sought to create conditions in which both identities could coexist comfortably together within Northern Ireland, without either of them winning or losing. The aim was to ensure that neither would feel cut off from the focus of their emotional allegiance. The nationalists would not feel cut off from Dublin, and Unionists would not feel cut off from London or the “mainland” as they would call it. The Belfast Agreement of 1998 achieved this. Crafted between Ireland and the United Kingdom, when both were members of the barrier-free EU, it created structures to have a comfort zone for both communities. This was done through establishing three interlocking structures of cooperation, incorporated in an overarching international treaty, namely: power-sharing within Northern Ireland; cooperation between north and south; and cooperation between Dublin and London. On the strength of this agreement, Ireland changed its constitution to remove a territorial claim it had on Northern Ireland. Now, 20 years later, the UK’s decision to leave the European Union puts these structures at risk because Brexit requires barriers to go up between the UK and Ireland, where previously there was free exchange. This is why, at a meeting in London, long before the referendum in 2016, I described Brexit as an “unfriendly act” by the UK vis-à-vis my country. The backstop is simply an effort to mitigate the damage. It is a second-best option — and a bad second best at that. The only option that will not damage the structure of peace we have so painstakingly built between Ireland and Britain, and within the island of Ireland, would be for the UK to decide to stay in the EU after all. (John Bruton is a former Irish prime minister and an international business leader) (This article was originally published on The Fair Observer. 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 row: Why is there an Irish backstop?

Britain's battle over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pm-may-says-if-brexit-deal-is-rejected-uk-will-be-in-uncharted-territory-188563">Brexit </a>resumes Monday when parliament returns from its Christmas break to debate and -- most likely -- defeat Prime Minister Theresa May's unpopular EU divorce deal.

The stakes could hardly be higher as the clock ticks down to the moment the world's fifth-biggest economy splits from it main trading partner on March 29.

May and the other 27 EU leaders agreed on a draft in November designed to keep the process as orderly and undamaging as possible.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pm-may-says-if-brexit-deal-is-rejected-uk-will-be-in-uncharted-territory-188563">Also read: UK's May could seek more time before final Brexit vote, Report</a>

It took nearly two years to negotiate and has managed to upset just about everyone in British politics.

May survived her party's resulting no-confidence motion but was forced to abort a December vote on the pact after admitting it would lose by a "significant margin".

There are few signs that much has changed since.

May returned empty-handed from a subsequent EU summit she had hoped could address the concerns of her disgruntled Northern Irish coalition partners.

Vote to go ahead

Brexit-backing MPs in her Conservative party are still in revolt while opposition Labour leaders are angling for new elections.

May insisted on Sunday that the vote will go ahead as planned on or around January 15. The formal debate kicks off in parliament Wednesday.

But she also warned the deal's defeat would put Britain "in unchartered territory (in which) I don't think anybody can say exactly what will happen".

London has been swirling with rumours about how exactly May intends to avoid Britain crashing out of the bloc without any trade or other arrangements in place.

One idea mentioned by advisers involves the government simply re-introducing more or less the same version of the draft over and over again.

"If we have to have the vote 30 times, we will," a Downing Street source told BuzzFeed News.

May refused to rule out the possibility of a second or third vote in parliament when pressed about it in a BBC interview Sunday.

Other reports said she intends to invite her party's most vocal opponents over for private drinks on Monday and Wednesday.

The arm twisting will be accompanied by a new government campaign designed to prepare Britons for the full impact of a disruptive no-deal scenario.

One test on Monday will see up to 150 trucks sent down a highway to the Channel port of Dover to determine how the authorities deal with gridlock.

Dover handles most of Britain's trade with Europe and is expected to get quickly plugged up if no customs arrangements are made.

But Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said reports that he and other EU sceptics could be persuaded by May's arguments about a calamitous no-deal Brexit were "wishful thinking".

Most Conservatives either "think that these fears are exaggerated or that (it) is a price worth paying for leaving the shackles of the European Union," he wrote in the Sunday Express.

Involving parliament

May outlined a formal plan of action Sunday that included the possibility of giving parliament a bigger say in a new round of trade talks with Brussels that begins once Brexit enters into force.

These "future relationship" negotiations will also try to resolve the prickly issue of keeping the Irish border open while preserving the integrity of the EU.

The temporary solution laid out in the draft withdrawal agreement does not suit Northern Ireland's tiny Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) that props up May's government.

"There's a number of ways which we're looking to see how we can involve parliament in a greater way in the future," May told the BBC.

She also promised to continue to seek "further assurances from the European Union" about the border issue ahead of next week's vote.

The DUP wants a binding guarantee from Brussels that Northern Ireland's trade with the rest of Britain will not be subjected to any types of checks.

May spent part of her holidays ringing up EU leaders about possible concessions. Brussels has made clear it will cede nothing before the vote.

Britain's battle over Brexit resumes Monday when parliament returns from its Christmas break to debate and -- most likely -- defeat Prime Minister Theresa May's unpopular EU divorce deal.

Britain's battle over Brexit resumes Monday when parliament returns from its Christmas break to debate and -- most likely -- defeat Prime Minister Theresa May's unpopular EU divorce deal. The stakes could hardly be higher as the clock ticks down to the moment the world's fifth-biggest economy splits from it main trading partner on March 29. May and the other 27 EU leaders agreed on a draft in November designed to keep the process as orderly and undamaging as possible. Also read: UK's May could seek more time before final Brexit vote, Report It took nearly two years to negotiate and has managed to upset just about everyone in British politics. May survived her party's resulting no-confidence motion but was forced to abort a December vote on the pact after admitting it would lose by a "significant margin". There are few signs that much has changed since. May returned empty-handed from a subsequent EU summit she had hoped could address the concerns of her disgruntled Northern Irish coalition partners. Vote to go ahead Brexit-backing MPs in her Conservative party are still in revolt while opposition Labour leaders are angling for new elections. May insisted on Sunday that the vote will go ahead as planned on or around January 15. The formal debate kicks off in parliament Wednesday. But she also warned the deal's defeat would put Britain "in unchartered territory (in which) I don't think anybody can say exactly what will happen". London has been swirling with rumours about how exactly May intends to avoid Britain crashing out of the bloc without any trade or other arrangements in place. One idea mentioned by advisers involves the government simply re-introducing more or less the same version of the draft over and over again. "If we have to have the vote 30 times, we will," a Downing Street source told BuzzFeed News. May refused to rule out the possibility of a second or third vote in parliament when pressed about it in a BBC interview Sunday. Other reports said she intends to invite her party's most vocal opponents over for private drinks on Monday and Wednesday. The arm twisting will be accompanied by a new government campaign designed to prepare Britons for the full impact of a disruptive no-deal scenario. One test on Monday will see up to 150 trucks sent down a highway to the Channel port of Dover to determine how the authorities deal with gridlock. Dover handles most of Britain's trade with Europe and is expected to get quickly plugged up if no customs arrangements are made. But Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said reports that he and other EU sceptics could be persuaded by May's arguments about a calamitous no-deal Brexit were "wishful thinking". Most Conservatives either "think that these fears are exaggerated or that (it) is a price worth paying for leaving the shackles of the European Union," he wrote in the Sunday Express. Involving parliament May outlined a formal plan of action Sunday that included the possibility of giving parliament a bigger say in a new round of trade talks with Brussels that begins once Brexit enters into force. These "future relationship" negotiations will also try to resolve the prickly issue of keeping the Irish border open while preserving the integrity of the EU. The temporary solution laid out in the draft withdrawal agreement does not suit Northern Ireland's tiny Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) that props up May's government. "There's a number of ways which we're looking to see how we can involve parliament in a greater way in the future," May told the BBC. She also promised to continue to seek "further assurances from the European Union" about the border issue ahead of next week's vote. The DUP wants a binding guarantee from Brussels that Northern Ireland's trade with the rest of Britain will not be subjected to any types of checks. May spent part of her holidays ringing up EU leaders about possible concessions. Brussels has made clear it will cede nothing before the vote.

Britain's battle over Brexit resumes ahead of big vote

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday that Britain would be in uncharted territory if her Brexit deal is rejected by parliament later this month, despite little sign that she has won over sceptical lawmakers.

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but May's inability so far to get her deal for a managed exit through parliament has alarmed business leaders and investors who fear the country is heading for a damaging no-deal Brexit.

May said the vote in parliament would be around January 15, as expected, contrary to reports she could delay it.

May has already delayed the vote once, in December, when it became clear she would lose unless extra reassurances from the EU were agreed.

Describing what would happen if she was defeated, May told the BBC: "We're going to be in uncharted territory. I don't think anybody can say exactly what will happen in terms of the reaction we'll see in parliament."

Amid the uncertainty over Britain's next steps - which range from leaving without a deal to not leaving at all - a poll showed more Britons want to remain a member of the EU than leave, and voters want to make the final decision themselves.

May's party itself is divided over its support for her deal, with many fearing that an insurance policy designed to avoid the re-emergence of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland could leave Britain subject to EU rules indefinitely.

One of those leading that opposition, lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, said in a newspaper article that it was "wishful thinking" that time away from parliament over the Christmas holiday could persuade him to change his mind and back the deal.

Work to do

With the parliamentary debate on her deal due to begin on January 9, May said there was still work to do to get reassurances over the backstop from the EU. She also promised parliament would have a greater say in the rest of the Brexit process and warned that rejecting her deal could prevent Britain's exit.

"Don't let the search for the perfect become the enemy of the good, because the danger there is actually we end up with no Brexit at all," May said.

She did not answer whether she would, if defeated, make a second attempt to get the deal passed by parliament.

May also did not directly respond, when asked, if she was leading the country toward a no-deal Brexit, but repeated her objections to holding a fresh public vote on the deal.

She said a second referendum would be divisive and disrespectful to those who voted to leave in the initial vote, and also highlighted the lack of time available to hold a new referendum.

"Practically, actually you couldn't get a referendum in time before the 29th of March - you'd be talking about extending Article 50," she said, referring to the two-year exit notice Britain sent to the EU in March 2017.

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday that Britain would be in uncharted territory if her Brexit deal is rejected by parliament later this month, despite little sign that she has won over sceptical lawmakers.

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday that Britain would be in uncharted territory if her Brexit deal is rejected by parliament later this month, despite little sign that she has won over sceptical lawmakers. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but May's inability so far to get her deal for a managed exit through parliament has alarmed business leaders and investors who fear the country is heading for a damaging no-deal Brexit. May said the vote in parliament would be around January 15, as expected, contrary to reports she could delay it. May has already delayed the vote once, in December, when it became clear she would lose unless extra reassurances from the EU were agreed. Describing what would happen if she was defeated, May told the BBC: "We're going to be in uncharted territory. I don't think anybody can say exactly what will happen in terms of the reaction we'll see in parliament." Amid the uncertainty over Britain's next steps - which range from leaving without a deal to not leaving at all - a poll showed more Britons want to remain a member of the EU than leave, and voters want to make the final decision themselves. May's party itself is divided over its support for her deal, with many fearing that an insurance policy designed to avoid the re-emergence of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland could leave Britain subject to EU rules indefinitely. One of those leading that opposition, lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, said in a newspaper article that it was "wishful thinking" that time away from parliament over the Christmas holiday could persuade him to change his mind and back the deal. Work to do With the parliamentary debate on her deal due to begin on January 9, May said there was still work to do to get reassurances over the backstop from the EU. She also promised parliament would have a greater say in the rest of the Brexit process and warned that rejecting her deal could prevent Britain's exit. "Don't let the search for the perfect become the enemy of the good, because the danger there is actually we end up with no Brexit at all," May said. She did not answer whether she would, if defeated, make a second attempt to get the deal passed by parliament. May also did not directly respond, when asked, if she was leading the country toward a no-deal Brexit, but repeated her objections to holding a fresh public vote on the deal. She said a second referendum would be divisive and disrespectful to those who voted to leave in the initial vote, and also highlighted the lack of time available to hold a new referendum. "Practically, actually you couldn't get a referendum in time before the 29th of March - you'd be talking about extending Article 50," she said, referring to the two-year exit notice Britain sent to the EU in March 2017.

PM May says if Brexit deal is rejected, UK will be in uncharted territory

Britain is more likely to end up leaving the European Union without a deal if parliament rejects the agreement Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with Brussels, Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Thursday.

"No deal will be far more likely if MPs (Members of Parliament) reject the government's Brexit deal later this month," Barclay wrote in the Daily Express newspaper.&nbsp;

Britain is more likely to end up leaving the European Union without a deal if parliament rejects the agreement Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with Brussels, Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Thursday.

Britain is more likely to end up leaving the European Union without a deal if parliament rejects the agreement Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with Brussels, Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Thursday. "No deal will be far more likely if MPs (Members of Parliament) reject the government's Brexit deal later this month," Barclay wrote in the Daily Express newspaper.

UK Brexit minister: No-deal EU exit 'far more likely' if parliament rejects PM May's deal

The ongoing digital transformation taking place globally is making <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/h-1b-visa-row-indian-it-industry-faces-many-challenges-175008">India's information technology (IT) industry</a> stronger, a trend that would continue its growth momentum at least in the foreseeable future, says an expert.

Former President of the industry body NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies), R Chandrashekhar said 2018 has been a watershed year for the Indian IT industry because in 2016 people were writing its "obituaries."

He said 2017 was a difficult year for the industry and there were many challenges during that period.

"And in 2018 headlines were all about how the IT industry has really made really big strides in digital transformation space globally...Which basically shows that the shift to digital has not killed the IT industry", he told PTI.

"On the contrary, it has actually made it stronger and more important as a partner for its clients," Chandrashekhar said.

"So, that's very big accomplishment by the industry and shows that the growth momentum will continue into at least foreseeable future because this is a trend which is going to remain there for a long time now".

It's a "clear and positive sign" for the industry, he said.

Also, he noted that many big IT companies in India are reporting a very strong deal pipeline and, so, the growth momentum can be expected to continue.

Several companies are forming joint ventures and also acquiring companies which, Chandrashekhar said, are important strategies to keep the growth. "Growth momentum is strong and is expected to continue."

On things in 2019 which could have a dampening effect on the export-dependent IT industry, he said if American economy slows down, it would have an impact, as also a "hard Brexit". Appreciation of rupee would have an impact on the rupee earnings of companies.

But he stressed that one should not be unduly concerned about those factors because they don't fundamentally affect the strength of the Indian IT industry.

Former president of NASSCOM R Chandrashekhar noted that many big IT companies in India are reporting a very strong deal pipeline and, so, the growth momentum can be expected to continue.

The ongoing digital transformation taking place globally is making India's information technology (IT) industry stronger, a trend that would continue its growth momentum at least in the foreseeable future, says an expert. Former President of the industry body NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies), R Chandrashekhar said 2018 has been a watershed year for the Indian IT industry because in 2016 people were writing its "obituaries." He said 2017 was a difficult year for the industry and there were many challenges during that period. "And in 2018 headlines were all about how the IT industry has really made really big strides in digital transformation space globally...Which basically shows that the shift to digital has not killed the IT industry", he told PTI. "On the contrary, it has actually made it stronger and more important as a partner for its clients," Chandrashekhar said. "So, that's very big accomplishment by the industry and shows that the growth momentum will continue into at least foreseeable future because this is a trend which is going to remain there for a long time now". It's a "clear and positive sign" for the industry, he said. Also, he noted that many big IT companies in India are reporting a very strong deal pipeline and, so, the growth momentum can be expected to continue. Several companies are forming joint ventures and also acquiring companies which, Chandrashekhar said, are important strategies to keep the growth. "Growth momentum is strong and is expected to continue." On things in 2019 which could have a dampening effect on the export-dependent IT industry, he said if American economy slows down, it would have an impact, as also a "hard Brexit". Appreciation of rupee would have an impact on the rupee earnings of companies. But he stressed that one should not be unduly concerned about those factors because they don't fundamentally affect the strength of the Indian IT industry.

Growth momentum is strong for Indian IT companies: Former NASSCOM president

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump might visit Britain in May 2019 after the country's departure in March from the European Union, the US ambassador to Britain, Woody Johnson, said on Monday.

Asked whether a state visit promised by Prime Minister Theresa May last year could be rescheduled to coincide with a commemoration of the end of World War Two in May, Johnson told BBC radio: "Between you and me, I think that would be a good time."

Trump visited Britain in July and although it was not a formal state visit after wide public protests, he met Queen Elizabeth.

Brexit marks a watershed in Britain's diplomatic relations with the world as it tries to reshape ties to Europe and bolster its long-standing "special relationship" with the United States under Trump's unpredictable presidency.

Asked if Trump would like to come again for a state visit, Johnson said: "I would think the President would be in favour of it and looking forward to it because that was mentioned when he was over here, so if we can do that it would be, I think, a big positive."

He said a deadlock in Britain's parliament, which means that it is unclear what shape Brexit will take, meant a solution was necessary. "The country is in need of leadership."

Johnson reiterated Trump's view that the United States was looking forward to a "quick, very massive bilateral trade deal" after Brexit, but that did not "look possible" under the current terms on which Prime Minister Theresa May has agreed a draft deal to leave the EU.

Trump said in November that May's deal sounded like it would be good for the EU and cast doubt on how that would affect US-UK trading arrangements.

Trump visited Britain in July and although it was not a formal state visit after wide public protests, he met Queen Elizabeth.

US President Donald Trump might visit Britain in May 2019 after the country's departure in March from the European Union, the US ambassador to Britain, Woody Johnson, said on Monday. Asked whether a state visit promised by Prime Minister Theresa May last year could be rescheduled to coincide with a commemoration of the end of World War Two in May, Johnson told BBC radio: "Between you and me, I think that would be a good time." Trump visited Britain in July and although it was not a formal state visit after wide public protests, he met Queen Elizabeth. Brexit marks a watershed in Britain's diplomatic relations with the world as it tries to reshape ties to Europe and bolster its long-standing "special relationship" with the United States under Trump's unpredictable presidency. Asked if Trump would like to come again for a state visit, Johnson said: "I would think the President would be in favour of it and looking forward to it because that was mentioned when he was over here, so if we can do that it would be, I think, a big positive." He said a deadlock in Britain's parliament, which means that it is unclear what shape Brexit will take, meant a solution was necessary. "The country is in need of leadership." Johnson reiterated Trump's view that the United States was looking forward to a "quick, very massive bilateral trade deal" after Brexit, but that did not "look possible" under the current terms on which Prime Minister Theresa May has agreed a draft deal to leave the EU. Trump said in November that May's deal sounded like it would be good for the EU and cast doubt on how that would affect US-UK trading arrangements.

Donald Trump may visit UK after Brexit: Envoy

Britain's chances of leaving the European Union are only "50-50" if MPs reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, a senior minister warned Sunday.

Liam Fox, the international trade secretary and a vocal Brexit campaigner during the 2016 referendum, warned colleagues planning on voting against May that her plan was the only way to be "100 per cent certain" that Britain would leave.

"If we were not to vote for that, I'm not sure I would give it much more than 50-50," he told The Sunday Times.

May's government is trying to persuade a sceptical British parliament to endorse a broad withdrawal deal she struck with European leaders last month.

But the bill's passage is far from certain, with May having to pull an initial vote with a crushing defeat looking, rescheduling it for the week beginning January 14.

Pro-Brexit supporters are particularly concerned about the deal's so-called "backstop" provision, which could keep Britain locked in a customs union with the EU in order to avoid a "hard" border between British province Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

But Fox urged his colleagues to "put their own pride behind them" and take what was on offer.

"The worst possible outcome of this process would be no Brexit," he told the paper.

"For me, that would induce a sense that we had betrayed the people that voted in the referendum.

"What you can be sure of is that if we vote for the prime minister's deal then its 100 per cent certain that we will leave on March 29."

He also warned parliament against trying to thwart the process through a series of legislative procedures.

"Shattering that bond of trust between parliament and the people, I think, would be incendiary," he said.

Liam Fox warned colleagues planning on voting against May that her plan was the only way to be '100 per cent certain' that Britain would leave.

Britain's chances of leaving the European Union are only "50-50" if MPs reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, a senior minister warned Sunday. Liam Fox, the international trade secretary and a vocal Brexit campaigner during the 2016 referendum, warned colleagues planning on voting against May that her plan was the only way to be "100 per cent certain" that Britain would leave. "If we were not to vote for that, I'm not sure I would give it much more than 50-50," he told The Sunday Times. May's government is trying to persuade a sceptical British parliament to endorse a broad withdrawal deal she struck with European leaders last month. But the bill's passage is far from certain, with May having to pull an initial vote with a crushing defeat looking, rescheduling it for the week beginning January 14. Pro-Brexit supporters are particularly concerned about the deal's so-called "backstop" provision, which could keep Britain locked in a customs union with the EU in order to avoid a "hard" border between British province Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. But Fox urged his colleagues to "put their own pride behind them" and take what was on offer. "The worst possible outcome of this process would be no Brexit," he told the paper. "For me, that would induce a sense that we had betrayed the people that voted in the referendum. "What you can be sure of is that if we vote for the prime minister's deal then its 100 per cent certain that we will leave on March 29." He also warned parliament against trying to thwart the process through a series of legislative procedures. "Shattering that bond of trust between parliament and the people, I think, would be incendiary," he said.

Brexit '50-50' if May's deal voted down: Senior British minister

Britain has spent more than £100 million on chartering ferries to mitigate the risk of "severe congestion" at the port of Dover in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britons-could-face-diet-change-under-hard-brexit-report-185733">the event of a no-deal Brexit</a>, according to government documents.

The government has struck deals worth £107.7 million ($137 million, 117 million euros) with British, French and Danish ferry companies that would allow for almost 4,000 more lorries a week to use other ports on England's south coast to prevent a bottleneck at Dover, it added.

"This significant extra capacity is a small but important element of the Department for Transport's (DfT) no-deal Brexit planning," said a spokesman for the department.

"The department is helping ensure the rest of government are fully prepared for a range of scenarios, including a particular focus on a potential no-deal and to mitigate the impact of any Brexit outcome on all transport modes."

The DfT has signed contracts with French firm Brittany Ferries, Danish company DFDS and Britain's Seaborne, saying the awards were "a small but important element" of its no-deal planning.

The additional services will provide up to half a million tonnes a month in extra capacity, which the government hopes will mitigate the extra time needed to perform customs checks on incoming and outgoing freight.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable called the move "complete madness".

"The government has the power to stop 'no deal' at any time but instead is spending millions on last-minute contracts," he said.

The department also warned that increased border checks could "cause delivery of critical goods to be delayed", and "significant wider disruption to the UK economy".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-cuts-christmas-break-short-to-prepare-for-brexit-186415">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> secured an agreement with European Union leaders on Nov 25 that would see Britain leave the bloc on March 29 with continued close trade ties, but the odds look stacked against her getting it through a deeply divided British parliament.

The deal has been criticised from among May's Conservative lawmakers by supporters of a cleaner break with the EU and those who want to keep close ties.

Britain has spent more than £100 million on chartering ferries to mitigate the risk of "severe congestion" at the port of Dover in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to government documents.

Britain has spent more than £100 million on chartering ferries to mitigate the risk of "severe congestion" at the port of Dover in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to government documents. The government has struck deals worth £107.7 million ($137 million, 117 million euros) with British, French and Danish ferry companies that would allow for almost 4,000 more lorries a week to use other ports on England's south coast to prevent a bottleneck at Dover, it added. "This significant extra capacity is a small but important element of the Department for Transport's (DfT) no-deal Brexit planning," said a spokesman for the department. "The department is helping ensure the rest of government are fully prepared for a range of scenarios, including a particular focus on a potential no-deal and to mitigate the impact of any Brexit outcome on all transport modes." The DfT has signed contracts with French firm Brittany Ferries, Danish company DFDS and Britain's Seaborne, saying the awards were "a small but important element" of its no-deal planning. The additional services will provide up to half a million tonnes a month in extra capacity, which the government hopes will mitigate the extra time needed to perform customs checks on incoming and outgoing freight. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable called the move "complete madness". "The government has the power to stop 'no deal' at any time but instead is spending millions on last-minute contracts," he said. The department also warned that increased border checks could "cause delivery of critical goods to be delayed", and "significant wider disruption to the UK economy". British Prime Minister Theresa May secured an agreement with European Union leaders on Nov 25 that would see Britain leave the bloc on March 29 with continued close trade ties, but the odds look stacked against her getting it through a deeply divided British parliament. The deal has been criticised from among May's Conservative lawmakers by supporters of a cleaner break with the EU and those who want to keep close ties.

UK splashes £100 million on ferries to ease Brexit fears

Germany's leading industry groups said on Wednesday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-brexit-muddles-along-trump-roots-for-a-full-break-184425">Britain's departure from the European Union</a> and trade disputes triggered by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies were posing the biggest risks to growth and prosperity.

The German economy, Europe's largest, is expected to post its weakest growth rate in many years in 2018 as exporters are facing headwinds from abroad. But vibrant domestic demand means many companies are still able to expand the business.

In a survey conducted by Reuters, the heads of Germany's leading industry associations said they did not see the economy entering a recession and that most forecasts were predicting a solid growth rate of around 1.5 per cent for 2019.

But the industry associations said the economic woes of company executives were increasing and the government should do more to help them, for example by lowering corporate taxes and investing more in digital infrastructure.

"The biggest risk in the short term is Brexit," said Dieter Kempf, president of the BDI industry association.

If Britain left the EU in March without any agreement on its future relations with the bloc, this would create massive uncertainties for trade and business, Kempf warned.

"The British economy would face the direct threat of a recession which would indirectly also affect Germany," Kempf said.

Holger Bingmann, head of the BGA trade group, said Brexit was the "most urgent problem for the German economy" while an escalation of international trade disputes sparked by the United States could potentially derail the economic upswing

DIHK President Eric Schweitzer said German companies are still worried about the US&nbsp;imposing higher import tariffs on European cars. "The threat of car tariffs is still on the table," Schweitzer warned.

It was vital that both sides increased their efforts to find a solution to the trade dispute through negotiations that ideally would lead to lower tariffs, Schweitzer said.

The German economy likely grew by around 1.5 per cent this year, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2017.

Germany's leading industry groups said on Wednesday that Britain's departure from the European Union and trade disputes triggered by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies were posing the biggest risks to growth and prosperity.

Germany's leading industry groups said on Wednesday that Britain's departure from the European Union and trade disputes triggered by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies were posing the biggest risks to growth and prosperity. The German economy, Europe's largest, is expected to post its weakest growth rate in many years in 2018 as exporters are facing headwinds from abroad. But vibrant domestic demand means many companies are still able to expand the business. In a survey conducted by Reuters, the heads of Germany's leading industry associations said they did not see the economy entering a recession and that most forecasts were predicting a solid growth rate of around 1.5 per cent for 2019. But the industry associations said the economic woes of company executives were increasing and the government should do more to help them, for example by lowering corporate taxes and investing more in digital infrastructure. "The biggest risk in the short term is Brexit," said Dieter Kempf, president of the BDI industry association. If Britain left the EU in March without any agreement on its future relations with the bloc, this would create massive uncertainties for trade and business, Kempf warned. "The British economy would face the direct threat of a recession which would indirectly also affect Germany," Kempf said. Holger Bingmann, head of the BGA trade group, said Brexit was the "most urgent problem for the German economy" while an escalation of international trade disputes sparked by the United States could potentially derail the economic upswing DIHK President Eric Schweitzer said German companies are still worried about the US imposing higher import tariffs on European cars. "The threat of car tariffs is still on the table," Schweitzer warned. It was vital that both sides increased their efforts to find a solution to the trade dispute through negotiations that ideally would lead to lower tariffs, Schweitzer said. The German economy likely grew by around 1.5 per cent this year, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2017.

German industry views Brexit, Trump as biggest risks to economy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-says-further-brexit-talks-with-eu-in-coming-days-184100">British Prime Minister Theresa May </a>has cut her Cabinet's Christmas break short to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britons-could-face-diet-change-under-hard-brexit-report-185733">prepare for Brexit</a> as the March 2019 deadline nears.

Her senior ministers will reconvene for a Cabinet meeting on January 2, five days before the rest of the UK Parliament returns from Christmas recess, to begin preparations for all eventualities including a chaotic no-deal Brexit.

Stephen Barclay, her Brexit Secretary, will lead the Cabinet meeting, which will take place a week before Parliament is scheduled to reconvene for the New Year, according to the Financial Times.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/police-powers-may-be-increased-to-combat-drones-uk-pm-may-185603">Prime Minister May </a>had put off the vote on her controversial Brexit deal two weeks ago amid deep parliamentary divisions, postponing it to mid-January instead. She has been trying to convince her MPs to back her plan, in part through ramping up the threat of no deal.

Writing in the Daily Express, she called on the Conservative Party to "put aside our differences" as the "vast majority of people" want politicians to move on from Brexit to focus on other issues.

May said it is time to "dispense with the titles of 'Leave' and 'Remain,' and instead find common ground and focus on what we can achieve together".

Christmas is a time "to put aside our differences and focus on what really matters", she said.

"Now, two and a half years after the referendum, it is time for us as a country to do the same," she added.

UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove is said to be petrified of a disorderly no-deal Brexit, which he believes will leave Britain with severe food shortages.

May also highlighted the public worries about the shortage of affordable homes.

"The sooner MPs agree the right Brexit deal, the sooner we can all get back to dealing with those issues and building a country that works for everyone," she said while accepting that "hard work" lies ahead for the government over the coming months.

She will spend Christmas Day in her Maidenhead constituency with her husband Philip before heading back to work.

Britain is scheduled to formally leave the European Union (EU) on March 29, 2019, which means the clock is running out on both sides arriving at an amicable exit agreement. However, with all sides of the UK Parliament not yet in favour of May's deal struck with EU leaders, the uncertainty over how Brexit would play out in the New Year remains.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May has cut her Cabinet's Christmas break short to prepare for Brexit as the March 2019 deadline nears. Her senior ministers will reconvene for a Cabinet meeting on January 2, five days before the rest of the UK Parliament returns from Christmas recess, to begin preparations for all eventualities including a chaotic no-deal Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has cut her Cabinet's Christmas break short to prepare for Brexit as the March 2019 deadline nears. Her senior ministers will reconvene for a Cabinet meeting on January 2, five days before the rest of the UK Parliament returns from Christmas recess, to begin preparations for all eventualities including a chaotic no-deal Brexit. Stephen Barclay, her Brexit Secretary, will lead the Cabinet meeting, which will take place a week before Parliament is scheduled to reconvene for the New Year, according to the Financial Times. Prime Minister May had put off the vote on her controversial Brexit deal two weeks ago amid deep parliamentary divisions, postponing it to mid-January instead. She has been trying to convince her MPs to back her plan, in part through ramping up the threat of no deal. Writing in the Daily Express, she called on the Conservative Party to "put aside our differences" as the "vast majority of people" want politicians to move on from Brexit to focus on other issues. May said it is time to "dispense with the titles of 'Leave' and 'Remain,' and instead find common ground and focus on what we can achieve together". Christmas is a time "to put aside our differences and focus on what really matters", she said. "Now, two and a half years after the referendum, it is time for us as a country to do the same," she added. UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove is said to be petrified of a disorderly no-deal Brexit, which he believes will leave Britain with severe food shortages. May also highlighted the public worries about the shortage of affordable homes. "The sooner MPs agree the right Brexit deal, the sooner we can all get back to dealing with those issues and building a country that works for everyone," she said while accepting that "hard work" lies ahead for the government over the coming months. She will spend Christmas Day in her Maidenhead constituency with her husband Philip before heading back to work. Britain is scheduled to formally leave the European Union (EU) on March 29, 2019, which means the clock is running out on both sides arriving at an amicable exit agreement. However, with all sides of the UK Parliament not yet in favour of May's deal struck with EU leaders, the uncertainty over how Brexit would play out in the New Year remains.

UK PM May cuts Christmas break short to prepare for Brexit

Paddy Ashdown, the face of centrist politics in Britain for more than a decade and a one-time marine commando who sought to secure peace in the former Yugoslavia, died on Saturday after being treated for cancer. He was 77.

Ashdown led the Liberal Democrats for 11 years up to 1999, steering it to become a campaigning force in British politics against the Conservatives and the Labour Party.

The party said Ashdown died on Saturday evening after a short illness. He had recently been hospitalised with bladder cancer.

It said he would be remembered as someone who made an immeasurable contribution to furthering the cause of liberalism.

Tributes came in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-may-survives-confidence-vote-but-her-brexit-deal-is-still-in-deep-trouble-183608">Theresa May</a> said Ashdown served his country with distinction. "He dedicated his life to public service and he will be sorely missed," she said in a statement.&nbsp;

Calling Ashdown a "true patriot", former Conservative Prime Minister John Major said: "In Government, Paddy Ashdown was my opponent. In Life, he was a much-valued friend."&nbsp;

Jeremy John Ashdown was born in India on February 27, 1941, the eldest son of an Indian army colonel. When he was five, his father became a pig-farmer in Northern Ireland.

He was educated at an English private school where he earned the nickname Paddy because of his strong Irish accent.

He spent years in the Royal Marines and was on active service as a commando in the jungles of Borneo. He entered parliament in 1983 and was virtually unknown when he became the leader of the pro-European party five years later.&nbsp;

However, his craggy good looks he had short sandy hair&nbsp;and an earnest expression swiftly helped him to become one of his country`s most popular leaders and for a time the "Mr Clean" of British politics.

He also gained in stature during the 1991 Gulf War, which allowed him to display his military experience and diplomatic skills.

Ashdown`s image as a family man above the sniping of mainstream politics took a hit in February 1992 when he was forced to admit to a brief extra-marital affair with his secretary.

Having stood down in 1999, he went on to become the United Nations high representative and European Union special representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ashdown described himself as having few gifts other than strong willpower.

"People said I couldn`t learn Chinese, they said I couldn`t run 30 miles in six hours. This sounds extraordinarily arrogant but I can`t remember a thing upon which I`ve set my mind that I didn`t succeed in doing," he said in early 1992.

He was replaced as head of the party by Charles Kennedy who enjoyed further electoral success when he opposed Blair`s decision to invade Iraq, and the party under Nick Clegg entered power in a coalition David Cameron`s Conservatives in 2010.&nbsp;

It has since been decimated at the polls.&nbsp;

Ashdown, the author of several books, had two children with his wife, Jane.

He had in recent years campaigned alongside Cameron and other leaders for Britain to remain within the European Union. He warned that chaos could ensue if it voted to leave and described Brexit as "a sense of personal bereavement".

Paddy Ashdown, the face of centrist politics in Britain for more than a decade and a one-time marine commando who sought to secure peace in the former Yugoslavia, died on Saturday after being treated for cancer.

Paddy Ashdown, the face of centrist politics in Britain for more than a decade and a one-time marine commando who sought to secure peace in the former Yugoslavia, died on Saturday after being treated for cancer. He was 77. Ashdown led the Liberal Democrats for 11 years up to 1999, steering it to become a campaigning force in British politics against the Conservatives and the Labour Party. The party said Ashdown died on Saturday evening after a short illness. He had recently been hospitalised with bladder cancer. It said he would be remembered as someone who made an immeasurable contribution to furthering the cause of liberalism. Tributes came in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Theresa May said Ashdown served his country with distinction. "He dedicated his life to public service and he will be sorely missed," she said in a statement. Calling Ashdown a "true patriot", former Conservative Prime Minister John Major said: "In Government, Paddy Ashdown was my opponent. In Life, he was a much-valued friend." Jeremy John Ashdown was born in India on February 27, 1941, the eldest son of an Indian army colonel. When he was five, his father became a pig-farmer in Northern Ireland. He was educated at an English private school where he earned the nickname Paddy because of his strong Irish accent. He spent years in the Royal Marines and was on active service as a commando in the jungles of Borneo. He entered parliament in 1983 and was virtually unknown when he became the leader of the pro-European party five years later. However, his craggy good looks he had short sandy hair and an earnest expression swiftly helped him to become one of his country`s most popular leaders and for a time the "Mr Clean" of British politics. He also gained in stature during the 1991 Gulf War, which allowed him to display his military experience and diplomatic skills. Ashdown`s image as a family man above the sniping of mainstream politics took a hit in February 1992 when he was forced to admit to a brief extra-marital affair with his secretary. Having stood down in 1999, he went on to become the United Nations high representative and European Union special representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ashdown described himself as having few gifts other than strong willpower. "People said I couldn`t learn Chinese, they said I couldn`t run 30 miles in six hours. This sounds extraordinarily arrogant but I can`t remember a thing upon which I`ve set my mind that I didn`t succeed in doing," he said in early 1992. He was replaced as head of the party by Charles Kennedy who enjoyed further electoral success when he opposed Blair`s decision to invade Iraq, and the party under Nick Clegg entered power in a coalition David Cameron`s Conservatives in 2010. It has since been decimated at the polls. Ashdown, the author of several books, had two children with his wife, Jane. He had in recent years campaigned alongside Cameron and other leaders for Britain to remain within the European Union. He warned that chaos could ensue if it voted to leave and described Brexit as "a sense of personal bereavement".

UK: Former Liberal Democrats leader Paddy Ashdown dies

The British government could tell citizens to change their diets if importing food from the European Union becomes difficult under a no-deal Brexit, a report said Friday.

London has begun planning what to do about food supplies if Britain leaves the EU without an agreement with Brussels, The Times said, citing plans revealed to the newspaper.

Perishable goods, such as vegetables from the Netherlands or fruit from Spain, could be held up at the border if tough checks are imposed or the EU limits trade, said the report.

It said the government had identified giant hangars around the country that could be used to stockpile food.

However, officials do not think there would be a general food shortage, according to the report.

Some companies have begun taking matters into their own hands.

The Zizzi and ASK restaurant chains will be switching from Italian to British mozzarella suppliers.

The brands' parent company Azzurri said it had taken the decision due to fears that a no-deal Brexit would disrupt food supplies into Britain.

The new Welsh milk mozzarella has already been introduced by ASK and will be on the Zizzi menu next year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/how-brexit-saga-unfolded-in-2018-184980">How Brexit saga unfolded in 2018</a>

Meanwhile, businesses including Premier Foods, Quorn, and London's plush Fortnum and Mason emporium have said they will stockpile some products in case of delays at the border.

The British government and Brussels have struck a withdrawal agreement that would prevent a no-deal Brexit.

However, it currently lacks majority support in the British parliament, being opposed by both Brexiteer lawmakers and pro-EU MPs alike.

The government has stepped up its no-deal planning.

Prime Minister Theresa May has said the vote on the deal will take place the week of January 14.

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29.

The British government could tell citizens to change their diets if importing food from the European Union becomes difficult under a no-deal Brexit, a report said Friday.

The British government could tell citizens to change their diets if importing food from the European Union becomes difficult under a no-deal Brexit, a report said Friday. London has begun planning what to do about food supplies if Britain leaves the EU without an agreement with Brussels, The Times said, citing plans revealed to the newspaper. Perishable goods, such as vegetables from the Netherlands or fruit from Spain, could be held up at the border if tough checks are imposed or the EU limits trade, said the report. It said the government had identified giant hangars around the country that could be used to stockpile food. However, officials do not think there would be a general food shortage, according to the report. Some companies have begun taking matters into their own hands. The Zizzi and ASK restaurant chains will be switching from Italian to British mozzarella suppliers. The brands' parent company Azzurri said it had taken the decision due to fears that a no-deal Brexit would disrupt food supplies into Britain. The new Welsh milk mozzarella has already been introduced by ASK and will be on the Zizzi menu next year. Also read: How Brexit saga unfolded in 2018 Meanwhile, businesses including Premier Foods, Quorn, and London's plush Fortnum and Mason emporium have said they will stockpile some products in case of delays at the border. The British government and Brussels have struck a withdrawal agreement that would prevent a no-deal Brexit. However, it currently lacks majority support in the British parliament, being opposed by both Brexiteer lawmakers and pro-EU MPs alike. The government has stepped up its no-deal planning. Prime Minister Theresa May has said the vote on the deal will take place the week of January 14. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29.

Britons could face diet change under hard Brexit: Report

The UK government has released a White Paper on its post-Brexit visas and immigration strategy, which is expected to benefit Indian students and professionals as it focuses on skills rather than country of origin.

The UK's future skills-based immigration system, tabled in the House of Commons on Wednesday by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid, removes any cap on highly-skilled migrants from anywhere in the world and improves the post-study work offering for international students.

The proposals, set to be phased in from December 2021 after the proposed transition period for Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), claim to level the country's immigration playing field with the end of the free movement for people from within the 28-member economic bloc.

"As we leave the European Union, the free movement will end. This will be a system where it is workers' skills that matter, not which country they come from," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-business-will-be-able-to-bring-in-high-skilled-workers-post-brexit-pm-may-180653">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> said in her foreword to the strategy.

"We are taking a skills-based approach to ensure we can attract the brightest and best migrants to the UK," added Javid, who made a reference to his own Pakistani origins as the "son of immigrant parents".

Under the new proposals, an annual cap of 20,700 on the number of skilled work visas issued will be removed, likely to benefit doctors and IT professionals from India, among others. There will also be a new 12-month visa route for workers at any skill level for a temporary period to allow businesses to hire the staff they need on a time-bound basis.

"People arriving on this route will not be able to bring family members with them, won't accrue rights to settle in the UK and will have a 12-month cooling off period once their visa expires," the UK Home Office said.

The onerous requirement for labour market tests by employers wanting to sponsor an overseas skilled worker is also to be done away with.

The plans were broadly welcomed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which said the White Paper recognises the value offered by skilled workers from countries like India.

"Indian Industry has long called for a fair, transparent and skills-based immigration system, and today's proposals go some way to achieving these goals," said Jim Bligh, of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Chair of CII's UK India Business Forum.

"Tackling the UK's skills gaps, particularly in digital and technology, must remain a key focus for government and it is welcome that this paper recognises the value that skilled workers from overseas can bring to helping improve the UK's skills base,"&nbsp;he said.

Under changes proposed to attract international students to the UK, the government said it would "improve the current offer" to those who have completed a degree who want to stay on in the UK to work after they have completed their studies by offering six months' post-study leave to all Master's students and Bachelor's students studying at an institution with degree-awarding powers.

This is aimed at giving them more time to find permanent skilled work and to work temporarily during that period.

"We will also allow for students studying a Bachelor's level or above to be able to apply to switch into the skilled workers route up to three months before the end of their course in the UK, and from outside of the UK for two years after their graduation," the White Paper notes.

Universities UK International, the representative group for the country's higher education institutions which has been campaigning for a better post-study offer, said the proposals recognise the important contributions made by international students to the UK.

"Allowing graduates to stay on for longer to find work in the UK sends the message that international students are welcome here, and we value the skills they bring. These changes will have a real, positive impact on the students who come here to study and their opportunities after graduating," said Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International.

However, the group added that it will continue to campaign for a longer two-year post-study work visa.

As part of some of the more contentious aspects of the new immigration White Paper, the government will hold a consultation on a minimum salary requirement of 30,000 pounds for skilled migrants seeking five-year visas and low-skilled workers may be able to apply for short-term visas of up to a year.

The document forms the basis for the Immigration and Social Security Coordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, to be published on Thursday, which ends free movement for EU nationals and creates the legal framework for a future UK borders and immigration system after Brexit. It also creates parity in the way migrants can access the country's benefits system, which will apply equally to both EU and non-EU nationals.

The new system will be implemented in a phased approach from 2021, following an extensive 12-month programme of engagement with businesses, stakeholders and the public, the Home Office said.

While it does not make a specific reference to the ruling Conservative Party's manifesto pledge to bring immigration down to the tens of thousands annually, the government stressed that the target remains in place.&nbsp;

The UK government has released a White Paper on its post-Brexit visas and immigration strategy, which is expected to benefit Indian students and professionals as it focuses on skills rather than country of origin.

The UK government has released a White Paper on its post-Brexit visas and immigration strategy, which is expected to benefit Indian students and professionals as it focuses on skills rather than country of origin. The UK's future skills-based immigration system, tabled in the House of Commons on Wednesday by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid, removes any cap on highly-skilled migrants from anywhere in the world and improves the post-study work offering for international students. The proposals, set to be phased in from December 2021 after the proposed transition period for Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), claim to level the country's immigration playing field with the end of the free movement for people from within the 28-member economic bloc. "As we leave the European Union, the free movement will end. This will be a system where it is workers' skills that matter, not which country they come from," British Prime Minister Theresa May said in her foreword to the strategy. "We are taking a skills-based approach to ensure we can attract the brightest and best migrants to the UK," added Javid, who made a reference to his own Pakistani origins as the "son of immigrant parents". Under the new proposals, an annual cap of 20,700 on the number of skilled work visas issued will be removed, likely to benefit doctors and IT professionals from India, among others. There will also be a new 12-month visa route for workers at any skill level for a temporary period to allow businesses to hire the staff they need on a time-bound basis. "People arriving on this route will not be able to bring family members with them, won't accrue rights to settle in the UK and will have a 12-month cooling off period once their visa expires," the UK Home Office said. The onerous requirement for labour market tests by employers wanting to sponsor an overseas skilled worker is also to be done away with. The plans were broadly welcomed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which said the White Paper recognises the value offered by skilled workers from countries like India. "Indian Industry has long called for a fair, transparent and skills-based immigration system, and today's proposals go some way to achieving these goals," said Jim Bligh, of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Chair of CII's UK India Business Forum. "Tackling the UK's skills gaps, particularly in digital and technology, must remain a key focus for government and it is welcome that this paper recognises the value that skilled workers from overseas can bring to helping improve the UK's skills base," he said. Under changes proposed to attract international students to the UK, the government said it would "improve the current offer" to those who have completed a degree who want to stay on in the UK to work after they have completed their studies by offering six months' post-study leave to all Master's students and Bachelor's students studying at an institution with degree-awarding powers. This is aimed at giving them more time to find permanent skilled work and to work temporarily during that period. "We will also allow for students studying a Bachelor's level or above to be able to apply to switch into the skilled workers route up to three months before the end of their course in the UK, and from outside of the UK for two years after their graduation," the White Paper notes. Universities UK International, the representative group for the country's higher education institutions which has been campaigning for a better post-study offer, said the proposals recognise the important contributions made by international students to the UK. "Allowing graduates to stay on for longer to find work in the UK sends the message that international students are welcome here, and we value the skills they bring. These changes will have a real, positive impact on the students who come here to study and their opportunities after graduating," said Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International. However, the group added that it will continue to campaign for a longer two-year post-study work visa. As part of some of the more contentious aspects of the new immigration White Paper, the government will hold a consultation on a minimum salary requirement of 30,000 pounds for skilled migrants seeking five-year visas and low-skilled workers may be able to apply for short-term visas of up to a year. The document forms the basis for the Immigration and Social Security Coordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, to be published on Thursday, which ends free movement for EU nationals and creates the legal framework for a future UK borders and immigration system after Brexit. It also creates parity in the way migrants can access the country's benefits system, which will apply equally to both EU and non-EU nationals. The new system will be implemented in a phased approach from 2021, following an extensive 12-month programme of engagement with businesses, stakeholders and the public, the Home Office said. While it does not make a specific reference to the ruling Conservative Party's manifesto pledge to bring immigration down to the tens of thousands annually, the government stressed that the target remains in place.

UK's post-Brexit visa strategy to benefit Indian students, professionals

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn faced calls to apologise on Wednesday after being accused of muttering "stupid woman" at Prime Minister Theresa May during a heated exchange over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-mays-brexit-deal-is-dead-in-the-water-now-what-for-britain-177721">her delaying tactics on Brexit</a>.

But a spokesman for the Labour leader denied he used the phrase, which sparked uproar among ruling Conservative MPs in the House of Commons, insisting he had said "stupid people".

Corbyn mouthed the words after clashing with May over her decision to delay until January a Commons vote on her unpopular Brexit deal -- just weeks before Britain leaves the EU on March 29.

London and Brussels this week stepped up planning for a "no deal" scenario, and Corbyn warned during prime minister's questions on Wednesday that this would be "a disaster for our country".

He said that by delaying a vote by MPs, May was "recklessly running down the clock, all in a shameful attempt to make her own bad deal look like the lesser of two evils".

May hit back by mocking Corbyn's position on Brexit and describing as a pantomime his failure to call a vote of confidence in her government despite demands from his own MPs.

Footage of the "stupid" comment quickly went viral on social media, watched by MPs on their phones as they sat in the Commons chamber -- and one of them asked May what she thought.

"Everybody in this House, particularly in this 100th year of women getting the vote, should be encouraging women to come into this chamber and to stand in this chamber and should therefore use appropriate language in this chamber when they are referring to female members," she said.

Several Conservative MPs said the alleged comment was a reflection of abusive language faced by many female politicians and a culture of bullying in parliament that has become a focus for concern.

Some female Labour MPs also weighed in, with Stella Creasy tweeting: "This is not ok."

But Corbyn's spokesman said: "He's clear that he did not say stupid woman and has no time for any kind of misogynistic abuse."

He said the "stupid people" remark was a response to "the attempt to belittle what is being discussed" on Brexit, adding: "This is a national crisis."

Commons Speaker John Bercow said he did not see the incident himself but, if true, Corbyn would have to apologise in front of parliament.

In chaotic scenes, however, Bercow -- who has himself been accusing of bullying and using abusive language -- was shouted down as Conservative MPs rallied to May's defence.

Commons leader Andrea Leadsom, a government minister, even stood up to ask Bercow why he had not apologised for allegedly calling her a "stupid woman" earlier this year.

Bercow replied that the issue had been resolved at the time. He had admitted muttering "stupid" in an argument about scheduling of Commons business.

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn faced calls to apologise on Wednesday after being accused of muttering "stupid woman" at Prime Minister Theresa May during a heated exchange over her delaying tactics on Brexit.

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn faced calls to apologise on Wednesday after being accused of muttering "stupid woman" at Prime Minister Theresa May during a heated exchange over her delaying tactics on Brexit. But a spokesman for the Labour leader denied he used the phrase, which sparked uproar among ruling Conservative MPs in the House of Commons, insisting he had said "stupid people". Corbyn mouthed the words after clashing with May over her decision to delay until January a Commons vote on her unpopular Brexit deal -- just weeks before Britain leaves the EU on March 29. London and Brussels this week stepped up planning for a "no deal" scenario, and Corbyn warned during prime minister's questions on Wednesday that this would be "a disaster for our country". He said that by delaying a vote by MPs, May was "recklessly running down the clock, all in a shameful attempt to make her own bad deal look like the lesser of two evils". May hit back by mocking Corbyn's position on Brexit and describing as a pantomime his failure to call a vote of confidence in her government despite demands from his own MPs. Footage of the "stupid" comment quickly went viral on social media, watched by MPs on their phones as they sat in the Commons chamber -- and one of them asked May what she thought. "Everybody in this House, particularly in this 100th year of women getting the vote, should be encouraging women to come into this chamber and to stand in this chamber and should therefore use appropriate language in this chamber when they are referring to female members," she said. Several Conservative MPs said the alleged comment was a reflection of abusive language faced by many female politicians and a culture of bullying in parliament that has become a focus for concern. Some female Labour MPs also weighed in, with Stella Creasy tweeting: "This is not ok." But Corbyn's spokesman said: "He's clear that he did not say stupid woman and has no time for any kind of misogynistic abuse." He said the "stupid people" remark was a response to "the attempt to belittle what is being discussed" on Brexit, adding: "This is a national crisis." Commons Speaker John Bercow said he did not see the incident himself but, if true, Corbyn would have to apologise in front of parliament. In chaotic scenes, however, Bercow -- who has himself been accusing of bullying and using abusive language -- was shouted down as Conservative MPs rallied to May's defence. Commons leader Andrea Leadsom, a government minister, even stood up to ask Bercow why he had not apologised for allegedly calling her a "stupid woman" earlier this year. Bercow replied that the issue had been resolved at the time. He had admitted muttering "stupid" in an argument about scheduling of Commons business.

UK opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn allegedly calls PM Theresa May 'stupid woman' 

The makers of Scotch Whisky, Britain biggest food and drink export, said on Wednesday it was imperative that lawmakers work quickly to avoid crashing out of the European Union without a deal.

With Britain's parliament deadlocked, business lobbies have urged Prime Minister Theresa May's government to avoid the chaos expected if Britain abruptly exits the EU with no transition period on March 29.

"It is imperative that the government and parliamentarians work together constructively and quickly to find a way forward which provides clarity for businesses and employees and avoids a no-deal Brexit," a spokesman for the Scotch Whisky Association said.

Whisky exports were worth 4.5 billion pounds ($5.7 billion) to Britain in 2017, its biggest food and drink export ahead of salmon, chocolate and cheese.

"A no-deal Brexit would damage our industry by forcing cost and complexity into the production and export of Scotch whisky," the spokesman said.

The makers of Scotch Whisky, Britain biggest food and drink export, said on Wednesday it was imperative that lawmakers work quickly to avoid crashing out of the European Union without a deal.

The makers of Scotch Whisky, Britain biggest food and drink export, said on Wednesday it was imperative that lawmakers work quickly to avoid crashing out of the European Union without a deal. With Britain's parliament deadlocked, business lobbies have urged Prime Minister Theresa May's government to avoid the chaos expected if Britain abruptly exits the EU with no transition period on March 29. "It is imperative that the government and parliamentarians work together constructively and quickly to find a way forward which provides clarity for businesses and employees and avoids a no-deal Brexit," a spokesman for the Scotch Whisky Association said. Whisky exports were worth 4.5 billion pounds ($5.7 billion) to Britain in 2017, its biggest food and drink export ahead of salmon, chocolate and cheese. "A no-deal Brexit would damage our industry by forcing cost and complexity into the production and export of Scotch whisky," the spokesman said.

Scotch whisky makers tell UK politicians: Avoid no-deal Brexit

Britain will publishe&nbsp;proposals for an EU immigration crackdown after Brexit on Wednesday as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-puts-3500-soldiers-on-standby-for-no-deal-brexit-185166">business groups warn the economy is not ready for Britain to crash out of the European Union</a> without a divorce agreement in place.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said visas would be introduced for EU nationals arriving after Britain leaves the bloc and the new system would be based on skills, not nationality, putting EU and non-EU &nbsp;citizens on the same footing.

"It will be a system that will bring net migration down to more sustainable levels," he told BBC radio, although he said there was "no specific target" for the reduction.

He said he hoped the new measures would put more pressure on employers "to look at the domestic workforce first".

'Misguided' approach to immigration 
Javid did not commit to an annual salary threshold for EU immigrants -- a highly contested proposal -- but said it could be "£30,000 (33,000 euros, $38,000) or thereabouts".

He said the threshold could be lowered to encourage foreign students to stay and work in the UK and for certain parts of the economy in which a labour shortage could be proven.

Many employers, including the National Health Service, have warned that £30,000 is too high and will severely limit their ability to hire EU nationals such as nurses.

The immigration proposals are aimed at winning over Brexit hardliners who have resisted voting in favour of the deal that Prime Minister Theresa May has struck with EU leaders.

But they will cause anger in parts of Britain, such as London, that have benefited from EU immigration.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the government's approach was "misguided" and "risks doing profound damage to growth, jobs and communities across London and the UK".

Migration levels already falling 
May has vowed to end free movement of people from Europe, saying that this was one of the main reasons that Britons voted to leave the European Union in a 2016 referendum.

Immigration levels have already fallen since the referendum.

Net migration to Britain was around 280,000 last year, a decrease from levels of more than 300,000 in 2014 and 2015.

The announcement came as May prepared to hold her final question and answer session of the year in parliament, where she will face more trenchant criticism of her decision to delay a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal.

The main opposition Labour Party has asked for a no confidence motion against May, while smaller groups including the Scottish National Party have requested a similar vote against the government as a whole.

Neither motion is expected to be allowed to come to a vote.

May survived a separate no-confidence vote tabled by members of her own Conservative Party last week but she came out of the process badly bruised after more than a third of her parliamentary party opted to oust her.

Some hardline Conservative MPs have since said they could vote in favour of May's deal when it comes before parliament next month, although experts say the vote is still likely to go against the prime minister.

Businesses 'watching in horror' 
The deadlock in Westminster has raised the prospects of either a second referendum or of a no-deal Brexit when the negotiating time runs out on March 29 next year.

The government on Tuesday announced no-deal plans, which include drastic measures such as stockpiling imported chemicals to ensure safe drinking water and special flights from Europe to ensure continued supply of vital medicine.

The prospect of such an exit has caused widespread concern.

Britain's five leading business associations on Wednesday warned that companies have been "watching in horror as politicians have focused on factional disputes rather than practical steps that business needs to move forward".

The group, which included the Confederation of British Industry big business lobby and the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "The lack of progress in Westminster means the risk of a no-deal Brexit is rising". 
&nbsp;

Britain will publishe proposals for an EU immigration crackdown after Brexit on Wednesday as business groups warn the economy is not ready for Britain to crash out of the European Union without a divorce agreement in place.

Britain will publishe proposals for an EU immigration crackdown after Brexit on Wednesday as business groups warn the economy is not ready for Britain to crash out of the European Union without a divorce agreement in place. Home Secretary Sajid Javid said visas would be introduced for EU nationals arriving after Britain leaves the bloc and the new system would be based on skills, not nationality, putting EU and non-EU citizens on the same footing. "It will be a system that will bring net migration down to more sustainable levels," he told BBC radio, although he said there was "no specific target" for the reduction. He said he hoped the new measures would put more pressure on employers "to look at the domestic workforce first". 'Misguided' approach to immigration Javid did not commit to an annual salary threshold for EU immigrants -- a highly contested proposal -- but said it could be "£30,000 (33,000 euros, $38,000) or thereabouts". He said the threshold could be lowered to encourage foreign students to stay and work in the UK and for certain parts of the economy in which a labour shortage could be proven. Many employers, including the National Health Service, have warned that £30,000 is too high and will severely limit their ability to hire EU nationals such as nurses. The immigration proposals are aimed at winning over Brexit hardliners who have resisted voting in favour of the deal that Prime Minister Theresa May has struck with EU leaders. But they will cause anger in parts of Britain, such as London, that have benefited from EU immigration. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the government's approach was "misguided" and "risks doing profound damage to growth, jobs and communities across London and the UK". Migration levels already falling May has vowed to end free movement of people from Europe, saying that this was one of the main reasons that Britons voted to leave the European Union in a 2016 referendum. Immigration levels have already fallen since the referendum. Net migration to Britain was around 280,000 last year, a decrease from levels of more than 300,000 in 2014 and 2015. The announcement came as May prepared to hold her final question and answer session of the year in parliament, where she will face more trenchant criticism of her decision to delay a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal. The main opposition Labour Party has asked for a no confidence motion against May, while smaller groups including the Scottish National Party have requested a similar vote against the government as a whole. Neither motion is expected to be allowed to come to a vote. May survived a separate no-confidence vote tabled by members of her own Conservative Party last week but she came out of the process badly bruised after more than a third of her parliamentary party opted to oust her. Some hardline Conservative MPs have since said they could vote in favour of May's deal when it comes before parliament next month, although experts say the vote is still likely to go against the prime minister. Businesses 'watching in horror' The deadlock in Westminster has raised the prospects of either a second referendum or of a no-deal Brexit when the negotiating time runs out on March 29 next year. The government on Tuesday announced no-deal plans, which include drastic measures such as stockpiling imported chemicals to ensure safe drinking water and special flights from Europe to ensure continued supply of vital medicine. The prospect of such an exit has caused widespread concern. Britain's five leading business associations on Wednesday warned that companies have been "watching in horror as politicians have focused on factional disputes rather than practical steps that business needs to move forward". The group, which included the Confederation of British Industry big business lobby and the Federation of Small Businesses, said: "The lack of progress in Westminster means the risk of a no-deal Brexit is rising".

Brexit will bring down immigration but there is no 'specific target': British Home Secretary

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12 survived a confidence vote over Brexit deal by her own MPs, but lost the support of her colleagues. This was the latest controversy to have hit the British government after the country's shock decision to exit the European Union (EU), popularly known as Brexit.

May won the backing of 200 Conservative lawmakers, but 117 voted to oust her.

The referendum to leave the EU was carried out across Britan in 2016, but since then has seen resignations of many British ministers, claimed the job of a prime minister, and that of a second one, almost!

The UK triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon in March last year to formally severe ties with the EU, but the deal prepared by the government of the country has not been able to pass the test of EU leaders. The two-year period of Article 50 for Britain to leave the EU will end on March 2019, but the government is still working, rather frantically, negotiating the terms of the divorce with the bloc of 28 countries.

Being part of the European Union means being a part of a group of countries which trade together, use its own currency, legislate together, and most importantly, avoid going to war with each other.

Britain's exit, or Brexit, means the UK will be devoid of all these things and the restriction of movement of goods will impact its economy adversely. The EU, at several juncture on the road to Brexit, has warned the UK of consequences, but after the June, 2016 vote, the UK is going ahead with the separation.

Early signs are already visible on the British economy since the vote. The overall performance of the UK economy among the G7 nations has tailed off, inflation has increased leading to fall of wage growth and less saving by the households. Many companies are also reluctant to invest in the UK, given the anxious investor sentiment.

Soon after the referendum, David Cameron resigned as prime minister as he wanted Britain to stay with the EU. Later, Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdrew at the last minute which made Theresa May the new prime minister of United Kingdom.

Britain and the EU have so far reached an outline agreement on three key areas of the divorce: Britain's financial settlement to the union, citizens' rights and the Irish border. A bill enacting the decision to leave the EU became law on June 26, 2018.

What happens now?

Despite the withdrawal agreement and statement on future relations with the EU, many in Britain are quietly talking of a second referendum. They want the public to be given a final say in whether the UK should operate on its own with the European Union. Theresa May is against the second referendum, and has said that her government will hold a vote in Parliament on January 21 next year on Britain's post-Brexit future.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12 survived a confidence vote over Brexit deal by her own MPs, but lost the support of her colleagues. This was the latest controversy to have hit the British government after the country's shock decision to exit the European Union (EU), popularly known as Brexit.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May on December 12 survived a confidence vote over Brexit deal by her own MPs, but lost the support of her colleagues. This was the latest controversy to have hit the British government after the country's shock decision to exit the European Union (EU), popularly known as Brexit. May won the backing of 200 Conservative lawmakers, but 117 voted to oust her. The referendum to leave the EU was carried out across Britan in 2016, but since then has seen resignations of many British ministers, claimed the job of a prime minister, and that of a second one, almost! The UK triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon in March last year to formally severe ties with the EU, but the deal prepared by the government of the country has not been able to pass the test of EU leaders. The two-year period of Article 50 for Britain to leave the EU will end on March 2019, but the government is still working, rather frantically, negotiating the terms of the divorce with the bloc of 28 countries. Being part of the European Union means being a part of a group of countries which trade together, use its own currency, legislate together, and most importantly, avoid going to war with each other. Britain's exit, or Brexit, means the UK will be devoid of all these things and the restriction of movement of goods will impact its economy adversely. The EU, at several juncture on the road to Brexit, has warned the UK of consequences, but after the June, 2016 vote, the UK is going ahead with the separation. Early signs are already visible on the British economy since the vote. The overall performance of the UK economy among the G7 nations has tailed off, inflation has increased leading to fall of wage growth and less saving by the households. Many companies are also reluctant to invest in the UK, given the anxious investor sentiment. Soon after the referendum, David Cameron resigned as prime minister as he wanted Britain to stay with the EU. Later, Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdrew at the last minute which made Theresa May the new prime minister of United Kingdom. Britain and the EU have so far reached an outline agreement on three key areas of the divorce: Britain's financial settlement to the union, citizens' rights and the Irish border. A bill enacting the decision to leave the EU became law on June 26, 2018. What happens now? Despite the withdrawal agreement and statement on future relations with the EU, many in Britain are quietly talking of a second referendum. They want the public to be given a final say in whether the UK should operate on its own with the European Union. Theresa May is against the second referendum, and has said that her government will hold a vote in Parliament on January 21 next year on Britain's post-Brexit future.

How Brexit saga unfolded in 2018

British <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-next-for-brexit-four-main-scenarios-184840">ministers agreed Tuesday to make no-deal Brexit planning "an operational priority"</a> amid continued opposition to Prime Minister Theresa's May draft divorce deal, just 14 weeks before the country leaves the EU.

Following a meeting of her cabinet -- the last before parliament breaks for the Christmas/New Year break -- Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said around 3,500 troops would be on stand-by to help deal with "any contingencies" from a no-deal outcome.

But Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said ministers still hoped to secure backing for May's agreement in a House of Commons vote delayed until next month.

He added that any responsible government would intensify preparations for the "default option" of leaving the European Union without a deal on March 29 next year.

"We agreed that preparing for no deal will be an operational priority within government," Barclay said. "But our overall priority remains to secure a deal."

He said departments would step up their advice to businesses on how best to prepare for the scenario, which many fear could be catastrophic for the British economy.

Businesses will be provided with a 100-plus page online preparation pack and emails will be sent to 80,000 of those most likely to be impacted over the next few days, according to Downing Street.

- Divisions - 
May's cabinet is divided between ministers who want the government to embrace a no-deal outcome and those who favour parliament having a final say in a series of votes on potential scenarios for Brexit.

One option is the prime minister's own Brexit deal, but that is hanging by a thread after she was forced to pull a vote on it last week in the face of huge opposition from within her own Conservative Party.

Earlier Tuesday, Downing Street reportedly blocked opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn's request Monday for a non-binding no-confidence motion in May.

That had followed her telling MPs they will not get to vote on her deal this week, but instead in the week beginning January 14.

The delay prompted accusations she was stalling to increase pressure on MPs to back the plan -- and fresh calls for Labour to table a binding no-confidence vote against the whole government.

However, such a move faces likely defeat after Conservative Brexit hardliners and the Democratic Unionist Party, which props up her government, both said they would back May.

- 'Running down the clock' - 
May insisted Monday that she was continuing to seek "assurances" from the EU over elements of her plan, although EU officials said no meetings were planned.

The postponed vote has left members of her own party and Labour opposition politicians infuriated.

"The prime minister has cynically run down the clock, trying to manoeuvre parliament into a choice between two unacceptable outcomes" -- her deal or no deal, Corbyn said.

May is also facing calls for a second referendum to resolve the impasse, with dozens of MPs from all sides now supporting another poll and reports that May's officials are also considering the possibility.

But the prime minister argued that this would betray the 2016 Brexit referendum result and undermine public confidence in politics.

"Let us not break faith with the British people by trying to stage another referendum," she told parliament on Monday.

"Another vote... would do irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics," May said, adding that it would also &nbsp;"likely leave us no further forward".

British ministers agreed Tuesday to make no-deal Brexit planning "an operational priority" amid continued opposition to Prime Minister Theresa's May draft divorce deal, just 14 weeks before the country leaves the EU.

British ministers agreed Tuesday to make no-deal Brexit planning "an operational priority" amid continued opposition to Prime Minister Theresa's May draft divorce deal, just 14 weeks before the country leaves the EU. Following a meeting of her cabinet -- the last before parliament breaks for the Christmas/New Year break -- Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said around 3,500 troops would be on stand-by to help deal with "any contingencies" from a no-deal outcome. But Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said ministers still hoped to secure backing for May's agreement in a House of Commons vote delayed until next month. He added that any responsible government would intensify preparations for the "default option" of leaving the European Union without a deal on March 29 next year. "We agreed that preparing for no deal will be an operational priority within government," Barclay said. "But our overall priority remains to secure a deal." He said departments would step up their advice to businesses on how best to prepare for the scenario, which many fear could be catastrophic for the British economy. Businesses will be provided with a 100-plus page online preparation pack and emails will be sent to 80,000 of those most likely to be impacted over the next few days, according to Downing Street. - Divisions - May's cabinet is divided between ministers who want the government to embrace a no-deal outcome and those who favour parliament having a final say in a series of votes on potential scenarios for Brexit. One option is the prime minister's own Brexit deal, but that is hanging by a thread after she was forced to pull a vote on it last week in the face of huge opposition from within her own Conservative Party. Earlier Tuesday, Downing Street reportedly blocked opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn's request Monday for a non-binding no-confidence motion in May. That had followed her telling MPs they will not get to vote on her deal this week, but instead in the week beginning January 14. The delay prompted accusations she was stalling to increase pressure on MPs to back the plan -- and fresh calls for Labour to table a binding no-confidence vote against the whole government. However, such a move faces likely defeat after Conservative Brexit hardliners and the Democratic Unionist Party, which props up her government, both said they would back May. - 'Running down the clock' - May insisted Monday that she was continuing to seek "assurances" from the EU over elements of her plan, although EU officials said no meetings were planned. The postponed vote has left members of her own party and Labour opposition politicians infuriated. "The prime minister has cynically run down the clock, trying to manoeuvre parliament into a choice between two unacceptable outcomes" -- her deal or no deal, Corbyn said. May is also facing calls for a second referendum to resolve the impasse, with dozens of MPs from all sides now supporting another poll and reports that May's officials are also considering the possibility. But the prime minister argued that this would betray the 2016 Brexit referendum result and undermine public confidence in politics. "Let us not break faith with the British people by trying to stage another referendum," she told parliament on Monday. "Another vote... would do irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics," May said, adding that it would also "likely leave us no further forward".

UK puts 3,500 soldiers on standby for no-deal Brexit

brexit-0

Brexit, News on Brexit, stories on Brexit, articles on Brexit, Brexit stories at Wion, Brexit news, Brexit latest news

brexit 0