Prime Minister Theresa May will travel to Northern Ireland and Wales on Tuesday as part of a tour of the United Kingdom designed to rally support for her widely criticised Brexit deal before a vote in parliament.

May secured an agreement with the EU on Sunday for a deal that will see Britain leaving the bloc with continued close trade ties, but the odds now look stacked against her getting it approved by a deeply divided British parliament.

Tuesday's tour includes meetings with political leaders from all parties in Northern Ireland - which will have Britain`s only land border with the European Union and whose future has been a stumbling block in the negotiations.

"Having been told by the EU that we would need to split the UK in two, we are leaving as one United Kingdom," May said in a statement announcing the visit and defending the border arrangements agreed with the EU.&nbsp;

"My deal delivers for every corner of the UK and I will work hard to strengthen the bonds that unite us as we look ahead to our future outside of the EU."

The visit is part one of several fronts May`s team are working on to build support ahead of the Dec. 11 vote in parliament. Some of her senior ministers have been praising the deal in public, and courting opposition lawmakers in private.&nbsp;

So far, the deal has failed to impress the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May`s minority government. The DUP said they would vote against the current form of the deal, drastically reducing May`s chances of passing it, because it could leave the Northern Ireland subject to different rules than the rest of the country.

May will highlight the business case for backing her deal, saying that it has support from manufacturers who "need to be able to trade freely across the border with Ireland and have unfettered access to the rest of the United Kingdom’s market".

May will also meet students, academics, and community and religious leaders in Northern Ireland. On the Welsh leg of the visit she will meet political leaders and farmers.

Prime Minister Theresa May will travel to Northern Ireland and Wales on Tuesday as part of a tour of the United Kingdom designed to rally support for her widely criticised Brexit deal before a vote in parliament.

Prime Minister Theresa May will travel to Northern Ireland and Wales on Tuesday as part of a tour of the United Kingdom designed to rally support for her widely criticised Brexit deal before a vote in parliament. May secured an agreement with the EU on Sunday for a deal that will see Britain leaving the bloc with continued close trade ties, but the odds now look stacked against her getting it approved by a deeply divided British parliament. Tuesday's tour includes meetings with political leaders from all parties in Northern Ireland - which will have Britain`s only land border with the European Union and whose future has been a stumbling block in the negotiations. "Having been told by the EU that we would need to split the UK in two, we are leaving as one United Kingdom," May said in a statement announcing the visit and defending the border arrangements agreed with the EU. "My deal delivers for every corner of the UK and I will work hard to strengthen the bonds that unite us as we look ahead to our future outside of the EU." The visit is part one of several fronts May`s team are working on to build support ahead of the Dec. 11 vote in parliament. Some of her senior ministers have been praising the deal in public, and courting opposition lawmakers in private. So far, the deal has failed to impress the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May`s minority government. The DUP said they would vote against the current form of the deal, drastically reducing May`s chances of passing it, because it could leave the Northern Ireland subject to different rules than the rest of the country. May will highlight the business case for backing her deal, saying that it has support from manufacturers who "need to be able to trade freely across the border with Ireland and have unfettered access to the rest of the United Kingdom’s market". May will also meet students, academics, and community and religious leaders in Northern Ireland. On the Welsh leg of the visit she will meet political leaders and farmers.

Theresa May begins tour of Britain to sell Brexit deal benefits

Prime Minister Theresa May will on Monday convene her cabinet and update parliament on her newly-agreed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-the-end-of-a-loveless-46-year-marriage-179375">Brexit deal</a>, as the embattled British leader tries to sell the maligned plan to a sceptical country.

May returns to a mutinous Westminster after sealg the agreement with European Union leaders at a summit on Sunday in Brussels, where both sides insisted this was the best and only option available.

But she faces a big battle to win MPs' approval ahead of a vote next month, with lawmakers from all parties -- including her own Conservatives and governing allies the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) -- opposed.

"We can back this deal, deliver on the vote of the referendum and move on to building a brighter future," May will tell the House of Commons, according to excerpts of her planned remarks released by Downing Street.&nbsp;

"Or this house can choose to reject this deal and go back to square one.

"It would open the door to more division and more uncertainty, with all the risks that will entail," she will warn lawmakers.

'National interest'

The agreement sealed Sunday prepares for Britain's smooth exit from the EU on March 29, 2019, and sets out a vision for "as close as possible a partnership" afterwards.

It covers financial matters, citizens' rights, provisions to keep open Britain's border with Ireland and arrangements for a 21-month post-Brexit transition phase.

The lengthy, legally enforceable divorce deal is accompanied by a short political declaration setting out hopes for future ties, including security, trade and migration.

Until it is approved by parliaments in Britain and Strasbourg, all sides are still planning for the potentially disastrous possibility of Britain quitting the European Union with no new arrangements in place.

A European source told AFP that May herself acknowledged in Brussels Sunday that she did not currently have a majority in parliament to pass her plan.&nbsp;

The prime minister vowed to warn her rebellious MPs that at least half could lose their seats at the next election if they fail to deliver her Brexit deal, the source said.

She will now embark on an intensive nationwide campaign promoting the plan -- and the dangers of no-deal -- ahead of the vote by lawmakers on or around December 12, according to reports.

"I believe our national interest is clear," she will tell MPs Monday.

"The British people want us to get on with a deal that honours the referendum and allows us to come together again as a country whichever way we voted."

Challenging arithmetic

But arch-Brexiteers despise the agreement, arguing it keeps Britain too closely aligned with the bloc.

Alongside the DUP, they also dislike the so-called "backstop" plan for Northern Ireland after a 21-month post-Brexit transition period.

If used, it would keep the British-ruled province more closely aligned with the EU in certain areas so as to avoid a hard border with remaining EU member Ireland.

The Northern Irish DUP party, whose 10 MP's prop up May's government, has pledged to "review" its support if her plan gets approved by parliament.

Meanwhile, more than 80 Tory MPs have declared publicly that they intend to vote against it.

"I don't believe that, so far, this deal delivers on what the British people really voted for," former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith told Sky News on Sunday.

Cabinet colleagues have conceded it was an uphill struggle but remain resolute.&nbsp;

"The arithmetic at the moment is looking challenging but a lot can change over the next two weeks," Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt told the BBC on Sunday.

"We're going to get through this and give people the Brexit they voted for," he added optimistically.

However, opponents were also readying for the fight.&nbsp;

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his party will oppose the package in parliament and work with MPs from other parties to block a no-deal Brexit.

"This is a bad deal for the country," he said in a statement.

"It is the result of a miserable failure of negotiation that leaves us with the worst of all worlds."

Prime Minister Theresa May will on Monday convene her cabinet and update parliament on her newly-agreed Brexit deal, as the embattled British leader tries to sell the maligned plan to a sceptical country.

Prime Minister Theresa May will on Monday convene her cabinet and update parliament on her newly-agreed Brexit deal, as the embattled British leader tries to sell the maligned plan to a sceptical country. May returns to a mutinous Westminster after sealg the agreement with European Union leaders at a summit on Sunday in Brussels, where both sides insisted this was the best and only option available. But she faces a big battle to win MPs' approval ahead of a vote next month, with lawmakers from all parties -- including her own Conservatives and governing allies the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) -- opposed. "We can back this deal, deliver on the vote of the referendum and move on to building a brighter future," May will tell the House of Commons, according to excerpts of her planned remarks released by Downing Street. "Or this house can choose to reject this deal and go back to square one. "It would open the door to more division and more uncertainty, with all the risks that will entail," she will warn lawmakers. 'National interest' The agreement sealed Sunday prepares for Britain's smooth exit from the EU on March 29, 2019, and sets out a vision for "as close as possible a partnership" afterwards. It covers financial matters, citizens' rights, provisions to keep open Britain's border with Ireland and arrangements for a 21-month post-Brexit transition phase. The lengthy, legally enforceable divorce deal is accompanied by a short political declaration setting out hopes for future ties, including security, trade and migration. Until it is approved by parliaments in Britain and Strasbourg, all sides are still planning for the potentially disastrous possibility of Britain quitting the European Union with no new arrangements in place. A European source told AFP that May herself acknowledged in Brussels Sunday that she did not currently have a majority in parliament to pass her plan. The prime minister vowed to warn her rebellious MPs that at least half could lose their seats at the next election if they fail to deliver her Brexit deal, the source said. She will now embark on an intensive nationwide campaign promoting the plan -- and the dangers of no-deal -- ahead of the vote by lawmakers on or around December 12, according to reports. "I believe our national interest is clear," she will tell MPs Monday. "The British people want us to get on with a deal that honours the referendum and allows us to come together again as a country whichever way we voted." Challenging arithmetic But arch-Brexiteers despise the agreement, arguing it keeps Britain too closely aligned with the bloc. Alongside the DUP, they also dislike the so-called "backstop" plan for Northern Ireland after a 21-month post-Brexit transition period. If used, it would keep the British-ruled province more closely aligned with the EU in certain areas so as to avoid a hard border with remaining EU member Ireland. The Northern Irish DUP party, whose 10 MP's prop up May's government, has pledged to "review" its support if her plan gets approved by parliament. Meanwhile, more than 80 Tory MPs have declared publicly that they intend to vote against it. "I don't believe that, so far, this deal delivers on what the British people really voted for," former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith told Sky News on Sunday. Cabinet colleagues have conceded it was an uphill struggle but remain resolute. "The arithmetic at the moment is looking challenging but a lot can change over the next two weeks," Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt told the BBC on Sunday. "We're going to get through this and give people the Brexit they voted for," he added optimistically. However, opponents were also readying for the fight. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his party will oppose the package in parliament and work with MPs from other parties to block a no-deal Brexit. "This is a bad deal for the country," he said in a statement. "It is the result of a miserable failure of negotiation that leaves us with the worst of all worlds."

Theresa May begins intensive campaign to sell Brexit deal at home

Theresa May meets top EU officials

Prime Minister Theresa May faces an uphill struggle to win approval for her newly-agreed Brexit deal in Britain's parliament next month.

A defeat in the House of Commons, where lawmakers have voiced strong opposition, would have uncertain consequences.&nbsp;

No-deal Brexit

Britain has legislated to leave the European Union on March 29, 2019, after triggering Article 50 -- the treaty mechanism used to exit the bloc -- two years prior. &nbsp;

May has warned that if MPs vote down her plan the country risks crashing out on this date with no agreement.

That would sever ties overnight with its closest trading partner, with fears of grounded flights, medicine shortages and gridlocked ports and motorways.&nbsp;

Dozens of arch-Brexiteers, led by a hardline backbencher, Jacob Rees-Mogg, believe no deal would be preferable to the current plan that keeps the country tied closer to the bloc.

But that view lacks majority support in parliament. Lawmakers have vowed to stop it happening. But it remains unclear how they could reverse the law passed to leave the EU.

They fear Britain and financial markets would be thrown into chaos, with even finance minister Philip Hammond sounding alarmed on Saturday.&nbsp;

"If we were to leave the EU without a deal I have no doubt that the consequences for the UK economy would be very serious indeed, very disruptive, and very negative for jobs, for prosperity in the future," he told the BBC.

A new deal

MPs are expected to vote on May's plan on or around December 10, with an EU summit set for later that week.

If they reject her deal, the prime minister may head to Brussels, aiming to finesse elements of the plan to win support at home.&nbsp;

Bloc leaders have warned they will not return to the negotiating table. But with the threat of a no-deal Brexit -- which would have deleterious consequences for EU countries -- they could relent.

The Sunday Telegraph newspaper reported that several British cabinet members and EU diplomats were secretly working on "plan B" proposals.

The senior ministers were said to be plotting the parameters of a relationship with Brussels similar to that applied to Norway, which is not an EU member but is in the European single market.

Although being in the single market would require maintaining freedom of movement of EU citizens into Britain -- a contentious issue for May and many pro-Brexit voters -- this approach is considered more likely to command a majority in parliament and potentially pass a second vote.

Meanwhile, EU figures are said to be "war-gaming" how the bloc could extend Article 50 to allow for a tweaked deal or other scenarios, the Telegraph said.

Alternatives

Beyond those scenarios, the situation becomes even more uncertain.

Conservative lawmakers could restart a stalled bid to replace May as party leader. That would require 48 MPs -- 15 per cent of the parliamentary party -- to initiate an internal contest, and a majority then supporting a rival.

Meanwhile, the prime minister could try to break the parliamentary deadlock by calling a general election -- but would need the backing of two-thirds of all MPs.

A simple majority of all lawmakers could also topple her government with a vote of no confidence. That could lead to the formation of a new government -- possibly a coalition of parties -- if MPs agreed within two weeks, or then an election.

The likelihood of May downfall has risen amid signs of strain in her Westminster alliance.

The Democratic Unionist Party, a fervently pro-Brexit party in the UK's Northern Ireland which props up her government, has said it could withdraw its support over the issue.&nbsp;

In a warning shot earlier this week, it withdrew support for government finance legislation.&nbsp;

Alternatively, calls for a so-called "People's Vote" -- a new referendum -- now attract significant cross-party support.

May has repeatedly ruled out another referendum. But with at least a dozen Tories and opposition parties increasingly in favour, she could face a majority pushing for it in the House of Commons amid the paralysis.

Prime Minister Theresa May faces an uphill struggle to win approval for her newly-agreed Brexit deal in Britain's parliament next month. A defeat in the House of Commons, where lawmakers have voiced strong opposition, would have uncertain consequences.

Prime Minister Theresa May faces an uphill struggle to win approval for her newly-agreed Brexit deal in Britain's parliament next month. A defeat in the House of Commons, where lawmakers have voiced strong opposition, would have uncertain consequences. No-deal Brexit Britain has legislated to leave the European Union on March 29, 2019, after triggering Article 50 -- the treaty mechanism used to exit the bloc -- two years prior. May has warned that if MPs vote down her plan the country risks crashing out on this date with no agreement. That would sever ties overnight with its closest trading partner, with fears of grounded flights, medicine shortages and gridlocked ports and motorways. Dozens of arch-Brexiteers, led by a hardline backbencher, Jacob Rees-Mogg, believe no deal would be preferable to the current plan that keeps the country tied closer to the bloc. But that view lacks majority support in parliament. Lawmakers have vowed to stop it happening. But it remains unclear how they could reverse the law passed to leave the EU. They fear Britain and financial markets would be thrown into chaos, with even finance minister Philip Hammond sounding alarmed on Saturday. "If we were to leave the EU without a deal I have no doubt that the consequences for the UK economy would be very serious indeed, very disruptive, and very negative for jobs, for prosperity in the future," he told the BBC. A new deal MPs are expected to vote on May's plan on or around December 10, with an EU summit set for later that week. If they reject her deal, the prime minister may head to Brussels, aiming to finesse elements of the plan to win support at home. Bloc leaders have warned they will not return to the negotiating table. But with the threat of a no-deal Brexit -- which would have deleterious consequences for EU countries -- they could relent. The Sunday Telegraph newspaper reported that several British cabinet members and EU diplomats were secretly working on "plan B" proposals. The senior ministers were said to be plotting the parameters of a relationship with Brussels similar to that applied to Norway, which is not an EU member but is in the European single market. Although being in the single market would require maintaining freedom of movement of EU citizens into Britain -- a contentious issue for May and many pro-Brexit voters -- this approach is considered more likely to command a majority in parliament and potentially pass a second vote. Meanwhile, EU figures are said to be "war-gaming" how the bloc could extend Article 50 to allow for a tweaked deal or other scenarios, the Telegraph said. Alternatives Beyond those scenarios, the situation becomes even more uncertain. Conservative lawmakers could restart a stalled bid to replace May as party leader. That would require 48 MPs -- 15 per cent of the parliamentary party -- to initiate an internal contest, and a majority then supporting a rival. Meanwhile, the prime minister could try to break the parliamentary deadlock by calling a general election -- but would need the backing of two-thirds of all MPs. A simple majority of all lawmakers could also topple her government with a vote of no confidence. That could lead to the formation of a new government -- possibly a coalition of parties -- if MPs agreed within two weeks, or then an election. The likelihood of May downfall has risen amid signs of strain in her Westminster alliance. The Democratic Unionist Party, a fervently pro-Brexit party in the UK's Northern Ireland which props up her government, has said it could withdraw its support over the issue. In a warning shot earlier this week, it withdrew support for government finance legislation. Alternatively, calls for a so-called "People's Vote" -- a new referendum -- now attract significant cross-party support. May has repeatedly ruled out another referendum. But with at least a dozen Tories and opposition parties increasingly in favour, she could face a majority pushing for it in the House of Commons amid the paralysis.

Uncharted territory: What if UK MPs reject Brexit deal?

British Prime Minister Theresa May wrote a "letter to the nation" Sunday vowing to campaign with "heart and soul" for her Brexit deal once EU leaders sign off on it this weekend.

May, who hopes to seal the divorce agreement and outline of future ties with Europe at a Brussels summit Sunday, faces a daunting challenge winning the support of Britain's parliament.

The Sunday Telegraph reported that members of her own cabinet and EU diplomats are <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-battling-to-save-her-job-brexit-deal-after-4-ministers-quit-177575">secretly working on "plan B" proposals</a>, fearing lawmakers will reject the current deal.

But in the letter published in several newspapers, May insisted her agreement would "honour the result" of the 2016 referendum -- when 52 per cent backed Leave -- and be "a moment of renewal and reconciliation".

"It will be a deal that is in our national interest -- one that works for our whole country and all of our people, whether you voted 'Leave' or 'Remain'," May wrote.

"It is a deal for a brighter future, which enables us to seize the opportunities that lie ahead."

Reiterating Britain would be leaving the European Union on March 29 next year, she urged people to get behind the deal.

"Parliament will have the chance to do that in a few weeks' time when it has a meaningful vote on the deal," the prime minister said.

"I will be campaigning with my heart and soul to win that vote and to deliver this Brexit deal, for the good of our the United Kingdom and all of our people."

May is struggling even to unite her ruling Conservatives, and Northern Irish parliamentary allies the Democratic Unionist Party, behind the plan.

Meanwhile, opposition parties including Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Nationalists, have all vowed to vote against it.&nbsp;

According to the Sunday Telegraph report, several senior ministers are now plotting the parameters of a Norway-style relationship with Brussels.

It said senior EU figures are "war-gaming" how the bloc could extend Article 50 -- the mechanism used to leave the bloc next March -- to allow for various scenarios.&nbsp;

Among them is a possible second referendum.

Responding to May's letter, Labour MP Stephen Doughty said it was "completely false" to claim the only options were her agreement or no deal.&nbsp;

"By rejecting this deal, parliament can give the public a real choice in a people's vote between leaving the EU on these terms or sticking with the deal we've got inside the EU," he added.

British Prime Minister Theresa May wrote a "letter to the nation" Sunday vowing to campaign with "heart and soul" for her Brexit deal once EU leaders sign off on it this weekend.

British Prime Minister Theresa May wrote a "letter to the nation" Sunday vowing to campaign with "heart and soul" for her Brexit deal once EU leaders sign off on it this weekend. May, who hopes to seal the divorce agreement and outline of future ties with Europe at a Brussels summit Sunday, faces a daunting challenge winning the support of Britain's parliament. The Sunday Telegraph reported that members of her own cabinet and EU diplomats are secretly working on "plan B" proposals, fearing lawmakers will reject the current deal. But in the letter published in several newspapers, May insisted her agreement would "honour the result" of the 2016 referendum -- when 52 per cent backed Leave -- and be "a moment of renewal and reconciliation". "It will be a deal that is in our national interest -- one that works for our whole country and all of our people, whether you voted 'Leave' or 'Remain'," May wrote. "It is a deal for a brighter future, which enables us to seize the opportunities that lie ahead." Reiterating Britain would be leaving the European Union on March 29 next year, she urged people to get behind the deal. "Parliament will have the chance to do that in a few weeks' time when it has a meaningful vote on the deal," the prime minister said. "I will be campaigning with my heart and soul to win that vote and to deliver this Brexit deal, for the good of our the United Kingdom and all of our people." May is struggling even to unite her ruling Conservatives, and Northern Irish parliamentary allies the Democratic Unionist Party, behind the plan. Meanwhile, opposition parties including Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Nationalists, have all vowed to vote against it. According to the Sunday Telegraph report, several senior ministers are now plotting the parameters of a Norway-style relationship with Brussels. It said senior EU figures are "war-gaming" how the bloc could extend Article 50 -- the mechanism used to leave the bloc next March -- to allow for various scenarios. Among them is a possible second referendum. Responding to May's letter, Labour MP Stephen Doughty said it was "completely false" to claim the only options were her agreement or no deal. "By rejecting this deal, parliament can give the public a real choice in a people's vote between leaving the EU on these terms or sticking with the deal we've got inside the EU," he added.

'A deal for a brighter future': Theresa May writes open letter to Britons on Brexit deal

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/europe/27-european-union-leaders-approve-brexit-deal-with-britain-eu-council-president-donald-tusk-179318">divorce deal approved by Britain and the European Union </a>on Sunday sets the stage for the end of a nearly 46-year marriage of convenience, built on prudence rather than shared dreams.

"It's been a utilitarian relationship since 1973 and the emphasis was always on the economic dimension, not on the political one," said Pauline Schnapper, professor of contemporary British history at the Sorbonne University in Paris.

"The sentimental dimension is near non-existent."

Britain was against joining the European project when it was conceived after the Second World War in a spirit of reconciliation.&nbsp;

"We didn't feel vulnerable enough to join," said Anand Menon, a professor of European politics at King's College London.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-the-only-possible-deal-may-on-brexit-179368">'This is the only possible deal': May on Brexit</a>

Instead, Britain preferred to focus on its special relationship with the United States and the remains of its empire.

London nevertheless supported the push for closer integration on the European continent and wartime prime minister Winston Churchill memorably called for the creation of a "United States of Europe" in a 1946 Zurich speech.

But in the early 1960s, Britain's fortunes changed for the worse. 
Its economic growth started lagging behind that of France and Germany, making the European single market on its doorstep seem an appealing option.

'I want my money back'

"The UK's leaders came to realise that the UK could not be outside what, by the 1960s, was fast becoming western Europe's leading organisation for economics, politics and non-traditional security matters," said Tim Oliver, lecturer at London's Loughborough University.

"The UK had to be inside it to shape it."&nbsp;

But joining the European project was not an easy task.

France's then-president Charles de Gaulle vetoed Britain's first application in 1961, seeing it as a "Trojan Horse" for the United States and doubting Britain's European spirit.

Another French veto followed in 1967 and the UK was only finally welcomed into the then European Economic Community (EEC) on January 1, 1973. 
Unfortunately for Britain, the first oil crisis struck the same year and the much-hoped-for economic boost failed to materialise.

Nevertheless, 67 per cent of the British people voted to remain in the EEC in a 1975 referendum.

But the result did little to temper euro scepticism in Britain, with politicians of all stripes reluctant to defend the project and the first crisis was not long in coming.&nbsp;

London refused in 1979 to participate in the European monetary system, defending its national and fiscal sovereignty.

It then resisted initiatives to deepen political integration, reinforcing the criticism that Britain had "one foot in, one foot out" of the project.

Britain notably refused in 1985 to participate in the Schengen agreement for free movement, and in 1993 to join the euro.&nbsp;

Its anti-federalist approach was spelt out by prime minister Margaret Thatcher during a 1988 speech at the College of Europe in Bruges.

In it, she rejected the idea of a "European super-state exercising a new dominance from Brussels".

The Conservative leader had four years earlier finally won a rebate on Britain's contribution to the European budget, making the infamous demand: "I want my money back".&nbsp;

'Illusionary' freedom

With deeper European political union in the 1990s, Britain's defiance towards Brussels accelerated, leading to the creation of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), which campaigned for the country's exit from the EU.

The party's success, particularly in the 2014 European Parliament elections when it topped the polls, pushed the Conservative-led government to harden its rhetoric.

The eurozone crisis, large-scale immigration from the EU and the refugee crisis of the past few years stoked the discontent, pushing prime minister David Cameron to call the June 2016 referendum.

For pro-Brexit supporters, the vote to leave the EU will mean Britain finally "taking back control" of its borders, laws and finances.

"They had a rather dreamlike situation since they were in the union, yet had opt-outs on a number of things," noted Pascale Joannin, executive director of the Robert Schuman Foundation, named after the French politician considered to be one of the "founding fathers" of the European Union.

"But now they will be outside the union's institutions without a voice, and they will have to adhere to a number of European regulations", he added.

The divorce deal approved by Britain and the European Union on Sunday sets the stage for the end of a nearly 46-year marriage of convenience, built on prudence rather than shared dreams.

The divorce deal approved by Britain and the European Union on Sunday sets the stage for the end of a nearly 46-year marriage of convenience, built on prudence rather than shared dreams. "It's been a utilitarian relationship since 1973 and the emphasis was always on the economic dimension, not on the political one," said Pauline Schnapper, professor of contemporary British history at the Sorbonne University in Paris. "The sentimental dimension is near non-existent." Britain was against joining the European project when it was conceived after the Second World War in a spirit of reconciliation. "We didn't feel vulnerable enough to join," said Anand Menon, a professor of European politics at King's College London. Also read: 'This is the only possible deal': May on Brexit Instead, Britain preferred to focus on its special relationship with the United States and the remains of its empire. London nevertheless supported the push for closer integration on the European continent and wartime prime minister Winston Churchill memorably called for the creation of a "United States of Europe" in a 1946 Zurich speech. But in the early 1960s, Britain's fortunes changed for the worse. Its economic growth started lagging behind that of France and Germany, making the European single market on its doorstep seem an appealing option. 'I want my money back' "The UK's leaders came to realise that the UK could not be outside what, by the 1960s, was fast becoming western Europe's leading organisation for economics, politics and non-traditional security matters," said Tim Oliver, lecturer at London's Loughborough University. "The UK had to be inside it to shape it." But joining the European project was not an easy task. France's then-president Charles de Gaulle vetoed Britain's first application in 1961, seeing it as a "Trojan Horse" for the United States and doubting Britain's European spirit. Another French veto followed in 1967 and the UK was only finally welcomed into the then European Economic Community (EEC) on January 1, 1973. Unfortunately for Britain, the first oil crisis struck the same year and the much-hoped-for economic boost failed to materialise. Nevertheless, 67 per cent of the British people voted to remain in the EEC in a 1975 referendum. But the result did little to temper euro scepticism in Britain, with politicians of all stripes reluctant to defend the project and the first crisis was not long in coming. London refused in 1979 to participate in the European monetary system, defending its national and fiscal sovereignty. It then resisted initiatives to deepen political integration, reinforcing the criticism that Britain had "one foot in, one foot out" of the project. Britain notably refused in 1985 to participate in the Schengen agreement for free movement, and in 1993 to join the euro. Its anti-federalist approach was spelt out by prime minister Margaret Thatcher during a 1988 speech at the College of Europe in Bruges. In it, she rejected the idea of a "European super-state exercising a new dominance from Brussels". The Conservative leader had four years earlier finally won a rebate on Britain's contribution to the European budget, making the infamous demand: "I want my money back". 'Illusionary' freedom With deeper European political union in the 1990s, Britain's defiance towards Brussels accelerated, leading to the creation of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), which campaigned for the country's exit from the EU. The party's success, particularly in the 2014 European Parliament elections when it topped the polls, pushed the Conservative-led government to harden its rhetoric. The eurozone crisis, large-scale immigration from the EU and the refugee crisis of the past few years stoked the discontent, pushing prime minister David Cameron to call the June 2016 referendum. For pro-Brexit supporters, the vote to leave the EU will mean Britain finally "taking back control" of its borders, laws and finances. "They had a rather dreamlike situation since they were in the union, yet had opt-outs on a number of things," noted Pascale Joannin, executive director of the Robert Schuman Foundation, named after the French politician considered to be one of the "founding fathers" of the European Union. "But now they will be outside the union's institutions without a voice, and they will have to adhere to a number of European regulations", he added.

Brexit deal: The end of a loveless 46-year marriage

The Brexit deal marks a clear victory for Ireland -- one no-one in Britain saw coming and one which has raised the Irish government's standing at home and abroad.

Ireland is tethered to Britain through a common history, enmeshed economies and a border with the British province of Northern Ireland that held up negotiations for months.

Some British hardliners had argued that Ireland would simply follow along in any exit deal -- a sentiment that caused outrage among many Irish and helped harden resolve.

At the centre of the dispute was a legal guarantee to keep the Irish border open, known as the "backstop", which Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and his EU allies insisted on and Britain eventually and very reluctantly agreed to.

Ireland was opposed to Brexit and is fearful both of the impact on trade with biggest economic partner Britain and any destabilising influence on the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended three decades of sectarian conflict.

Bi-partisan support

When the draft accord was published earlier this month, Irish politicians across the spectrum lauded it as the best possible outcome for the Republic in contrast to the deep divisions in the British parliament over its merits.

"The Irish government's key preferences were all reflected in the divorce settlement," said Etain Tannam, a senior lecturer at Trinity College Dublin.

"Bi-partisan party support in the Irish parliament for the government's Brexit policy has been noteworthy since the withdrawal process began," she said.

In the tug of war of international interests, Ireland's government now has greater traction and is earning a reputation as a shrewd bargainer -- at the same time as Britain's prestige is on the wane.

"The places have changed. Britain, not Ireland, is the relatively small and isolated country," Irish columnist Fintan O'Toole wrote in a column for the Guardian newspaper.

"Ireland, not the British Empire, has on its side the power of a huge multinational bloc," he said, referring to Britain's previous dominant influence over Ireland.

'Dangerous instability'

Whilst Britain has been plunged into political turmoil ever since the 2016 Brexit referendum, Irish politics has been imbued with a sense of unity in the national interest.

Varadkar's centre-right Fine Gael minority government is theoretically vulnerable with its reliance on the centre-left opposition party Fianna Fail through a confidence and supply agreement.

But the two age-old rivals agreed to extend their pact through until the end of Brexit negotiations.

"An election during this critical time would create a dangerous instability," Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin wrote in an October letter to the prime minister.

In polls, Varadkar's party holds a firm lead -- making him one of the few clear-cut winners in the Brexit morass.

When the draft withdrawal deal was announced last week Varadkar abstained from a victory lap, issuing the staid remark that it was "one of the better days in politics".

Ireland 'at the heart of the EU'

Ireland had four priorities in negotiations -- to preserve the peace process, maintain common travel rights with the UK and minimise the economic impact of Brexit.

The final one was to reaffirm the Republic's "place at the heart of the European Union".

Mindful that it will soon be isolated at the edge of the trading bloc, the Irish government has doubled down on its membership of the union with statements of solidarity.

And opinion polls suggest that calls by Brexiteers for Ireland to follow Britain in leaving the EU have fallen on deaf ears.

A survey by pollsters Red C earlier this year found that 92 per cent of the Irish population now support staying in the EU -- up from 88 per cent last year.

The Brexit deal marks a clear victory for Ireland -- one no-one in Britain saw coming and one which has raised the Irish government's standing at home and abroad.

The Brexit deal marks a clear victory for Ireland -- one no-one in Britain saw coming and one which has raised the Irish government's standing at home and abroad. Ireland is tethered to Britain through a common history, enmeshed economies and a border with the British province of Northern Ireland that held up negotiations for months. Some British hardliners had argued that Ireland would simply follow along in any exit deal -- a sentiment that caused outrage among many Irish and helped harden resolve. At the centre of the dispute was a legal guarantee to keep the Irish border open, known as the "backstop", which Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and his EU allies insisted on and Britain eventually and very reluctantly agreed to. Ireland was opposed to Brexit and is fearful both of the impact on trade with biggest economic partner Britain and any destabilising influence on the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended three decades of sectarian conflict. Bi-partisan support When the draft accord was published earlier this month, Irish politicians across the spectrum lauded it as the best possible outcome for the Republic in contrast to the deep divisions in the British parliament over its merits. "The Irish government's key preferences were all reflected in the divorce settlement," said Etain Tannam, a senior lecturer at Trinity College Dublin. "Bi-partisan party support in the Irish parliament for the government's Brexit policy has been noteworthy since the withdrawal process began," she said. In the tug of war of international interests, Ireland's government now has greater traction and is earning a reputation as a shrewd bargainer -- at the same time as Britain's prestige is on the wane. "The places have changed. Britain, not Ireland, is the relatively small and isolated country," Irish columnist Fintan O'Toole wrote in a column for the Guardian newspaper. "Ireland, not the British Empire, has on its side the power of a huge multinational bloc," he said, referring to Britain's previous dominant influence over Ireland. 'Dangerous instability' Whilst Britain has been plunged into political turmoil ever since the 2016 Brexit referendum, Irish politics has been imbued with a sense of unity in the national interest. Varadkar's centre-right Fine Gael minority government is theoretically vulnerable with its reliance on the centre-left opposition party Fianna Fail through a confidence and supply agreement. But the two age-old rivals agreed to extend their pact through until the end of Brexit negotiations. "An election during this critical time would create a dangerous instability," Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin wrote in an October letter to the prime minister. In polls, Varadkar's party holds a firm lead -- making him one of the few clear-cut winners in the Brexit morass. When the draft withdrawal deal was announced last week Varadkar abstained from a victory lap, issuing the staid remark that it was "one of the better days in politics". Ireland 'at the heart of the EU' Ireland had four priorities in negotiations -- to preserve the peace process, maintain common travel rights with the UK and minimise the economic impact of Brexit. The final one was to reaffirm the Republic's "place at the heart of the European Union". Mindful that it will soon be isolated at the edge of the trading bloc, the Irish government has doubled down on its membership of the union with statements of solidarity. And opinion polls suggest that calls by Brexiteers for Ireland to follow Britain in leaving the EU have fallen on deaf ears. A survey by pollsters Red C earlier this year found that 92 per cent of the Irish population now support staying in the EU -- up from 88 per cent last year.

How Ireland beat Britain in the Brexit divorce battle

British Prime Minister Theresa May declared Sunday that a Brexit deal struck with the European Union is the only one possible, urging MPs and the British public to get behind it.&nbsp;

"If people think there is somehow another negotiation to be done, that is not the case," she told reporters after EU leaders approved the divorce text.&nbsp;

"This is the deal that is on the table, this is the best possible deal, it's the only possible deal."&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May declared Sunday that a Brexit deal struck with the European Union is the only one possible, urging MPs and the British public to get behind it.

British Prime Minister Theresa May declared Sunday that a Brexit deal struck with the European Union is the only one possible, urging MPs and the British public to get behind it. "If people think there is somehow another negotiation to be done, that is not the case," she told reporters after EU leaders approved the divorce text. "This is the deal that is on the table, this is the best possible deal, it's the only possible deal."

'This is the only possible deal': May on Brexit

Breaking News: EU leaders back Theresa May's Brexit deal

European Union leaders met Sunday to approve a historic Brexit deal, with one declaring Britain's withdrawal a "tragedy", but holding out hope of close future ties.

Arriving for a special summit in Brussels, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the bloc's executive arm, said it was a "sad day".

"To see a country like Great Britain... leave the EU is not a moment of joy nor of celebration, it's a sad moment and it's a tragedy," he said.

Michel Barnier, the former French foreign minister who negotiated the deal on behalf of the bloc, added: "We will remain allies, partners and friends."

The leaders of the 27 EU states will approve the agreement before being joined by British Prime Minister Theresa May in a highly symbolic moment.

Forged during 17 months of tough negotiations, the deal covers financial matters, citizens' rights, Northern Ireland and a transition phase, and sets out hopes for future security and trade ties.

But it is not the final stage, as the House of Commons in London must still approve the deal before Brexit day on March 29, 2019 -- and many MPs have warned they will not back it.

Until the agreement is approved, all sides are still planning for the potentially disastrous possibility that Britain ends its four-decade EU membership with no new arrangements in place.

Media reports in London on Sunday suggested some of May's own ministers were secretly working with EU diplomats on a "Plan B" in case parliament rejected the agreement next month.

But Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte warned as he arrived in Brussels that there was little point in going back to the negotiating table.

"Overall, I think this is the max that we can all do, both Theresa May and her government as well as the European Union," he said.

"No victors here today, nobody winning, we’re all losing -- but given that context, this (agreement) is acceptable."

'Reduce risks and losses'

European Council President Donald Tusk, who has always said he would prefer Britain not to leave, said on the eve of the summit that "no-one will have reasons to be happy" when Brexit happens.

But he said terms had been agreed that would "reduce the risks and losses", and recommended that EU leaders sign off on the deal.

Lithuania president Dalia Grybauskaite said as she arrived: "We will endorse the Brexit agreement, but there is nothing good for any side because it is withdrawal from the EU."

In London, eurosceptics in May's Conservative party and their Northern Irish allies warn they will not support the agreement, which they argue keeps Britain too close to the EU.

But in an open "letter to the nation" on Sunday, May said it delivered on the 2016 referendum vote to leave, and was a "deal for a brighter future".

Britain remains deeply divided over the decision, but the prime minister said that finally leaving could be "a moment of renewal and reconciliation".

"To do that we need to get on with Brexit now by getting behind this deal," she said.

Gibraltar tensions

The summit risked being derailed by a late objection to the deal by Spain over the British territory of Gibraltar.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez threatened to reject it unless his country kept a veto over future changes to EU ties with "The Rock", which borders Spain and which it has long claimed.

The impasse was resolved when Britain promised to continue bilateral talks with Madrid after Brexit -- although that itself caused further tensions.

Sanchez claimed that discussions would cover the "co-sovereignty" of Gibraltar, something residents overwhelmingly rejected in a 2002 referendum.

May, who arrived in Brussels on Saturday evening for final talks with Tusk and Juncker, was quick to correct her Spanish counterpart.

"The UK's position on the sovereignty of Gibraltar has not changed and will not change," she said.

In legal terms, Spain's disapproval would not have halted the divorce settlement.

Fishing rights

But it would have been an embarrassing split for EU leaders who have proved remarkably united in the painful negotiations.

British MPs are most concerned about an arrangement in the withdrawal agreement to keep open the border between British Northern Ireland and Ireland, which could see the province follow EU rules for years.

But there are also concerns in EU capitals about fishing rights and commercial rules Britain must follow to maintain access to the bloc's markets.

A diplomatic source said the minutes of Sunday's summit meeting of the 27 leaders would record those concerns.

European Union leaders met Sunday to approve a historic Brexit deal, with one declaring Britain's withdrawal a "tragedy", but holding out hope of close future ties.

European Union leaders met Sunday to approve a historic Brexit deal, with one declaring Britain's withdrawal a "tragedy", but holding out hope of close future ties. Arriving for a special summit in Brussels, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the bloc's executive arm, said it was a "sad day". "To see a country like Great Britain... leave the EU is not a moment of joy nor of celebration, it's a sad moment and it's a tragedy," he said. Michel Barnier, the former French foreign minister who negotiated the deal on behalf of the bloc, added: "We will remain allies, partners and friends." The leaders of the 27 EU states will approve the agreement before being joined by British Prime Minister Theresa May in a highly symbolic moment. Forged during 17 months of tough negotiations, the deal covers financial matters, citizens' rights, Northern Ireland and a transition phase, and sets out hopes for future security and trade ties. But it is not the final stage, as the House of Commons in London must still approve the deal before Brexit day on March 29, 2019 -- and many MPs have warned they will not back it. Until the agreement is approved, all sides are still planning for the potentially disastrous possibility that Britain ends its four-decade EU membership with no new arrangements in place. Media reports in London on Sunday suggested some of May's own ministers were secretly working with EU diplomats on a "Plan B" in case parliament rejected the agreement next month. But Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte warned as he arrived in Brussels that there was little point in going back to the negotiating table. "Overall, I think this is the max that we can all do, both Theresa May and her government as well as the European Union," he said. "No victors here today, nobody winning, we’re all losing -- but given that context, this (agreement) is acceptable." 'Reduce risks and losses' European Council President Donald Tusk, who has always said he would prefer Britain not to leave, said on the eve of the summit that "no-one will have reasons to be happy" when Brexit happens. But he said terms had been agreed that would "reduce the risks and losses", and recommended that EU leaders sign off on the deal. Lithuania president Dalia Grybauskaite said as she arrived: "We will endorse the Brexit agreement, but there is nothing good for any side because it is withdrawal from the EU." In London, eurosceptics in May's Conservative party and their Northern Irish allies warn they will not support the agreement, which they argue keeps Britain too close to the EU. But in an open "letter to the nation" on Sunday, May said it delivered on the 2016 referendum vote to leave, and was a "deal for a brighter future". Britain remains deeply divided over the decision, but the prime minister said that finally leaving could be "a moment of renewal and reconciliation". "To do that we need to get on with Brexit now by getting behind this deal," she said. Gibraltar tensions The summit risked being derailed by a late objection to the deal by Spain over the British territory of Gibraltar. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez threatened to reject it unless his country kept a veto over future changes to EU ties with "The Rock", which borders Spain and which it has long claimed. The impasse was resolved when Britain promised to continue bilateral talks with Madrid after Brexit -- although that itself caused further tensions. Sanchez claimed that discussions would cover the "co-sovereignty" of Gibraltar, something residents overwhelmingly rejected in a 2002 referendum. May, who arrived in Brussels on Saturday evening for final talks with Tusk and Juncker, was quick to correct her Spanish counterpart. "The UK's position on the sovereignty of Gibraltar has not changed and will not change," she said. In legal terms, Spain's disapproval would not have halted the divorce settlement. Fishing rights But it would have been an embarrassing split for EU leaders who have proved remarkably united in the painful negotiations. British MPs are most concerned about an arrangement in the withdrawal agreement to keep open the border between British Northern Ireland and Ireland, which could see the province follow EU rules for years. But there are also concerns in EU capitals about fishing rights and commercial rules Britain must follow to maintain access to the bloc's markets. A diplomatic source said the minutes of Sunday's summit meeting of the 27 leaders would record those concerns.

European Union leaders to sign off 'tragic' Brexit deal

EU leaders gathered on Sunday to make a formal offer of a Brexit package deal to Prime Minister Theresa May that she and they hope can survive fury in the British parliament to ease Britain out of the bloc in March.

After 18 months of negotiation, including some last-minute brinkmanship from Spain seeking guarantees of a role in the future of Gibraltar, the 27 national leaders will endorse terms for withdrawal and an outline of future EU-UK ties at a tightly choreographed summit that will conclude with a visit from May.

The biggest question now facing the European Union is whether May's divided minority government can steer the deal, which foresees London following many EU rules to keep easy trade access, through fierce resistance in parliament in the coming weeks from both supporters and opponents of Brexit.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, among the first to arrive, refused to be drawn on what might happen if the deal fails, saying it was up to British lawmakers to decide.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country is one Britain's closest trading partners, praised May's handling of the difficult negotiations and said he was confident that she could see the deal through the London parliament.

Saying the EU "hates" Brexit, Rutte said: "Nobody's winning -- we are all losing." But, he said, the deal was an acceptable compromise for all that gave May a chance to clinch a solution.

Grybauskaite said there were at least four possible outcomes if the British parliament blocks the package and named three - that Britons would hold a second referendum, hold a new election to replace May or return to Brussels to try and renegotiate the package. A fourth is that Britain will simply crash out of the bloc on March 29 without legal clarity.

Both sides have been making preparations for such a "no deal" scenario, though the EU insists Britain has more to lose. The pound has strengthened since the deal came together over the past 10 days, but companies and investors remain nervous.

Summit chair Donald Tusk said "no one will have reasons to be happy" when Brexit is concluded but quoted British rock star Freddie Mercury of Queen, who died 27 years ago on Saturday, to say: "Friends will be friends right till the end."

The 27 EU national leaders will gather for an hour or so to formally endorse both a detailed treaty setting out the terms on which Britain will leave in an orderly manner in March and a declaration outlining how Britain can keep close to its biggest market by following many EU rules after a 2-4-year transition.

They will then meet May briefly as she seeks momentum to get the package through the British parliament in the coming weeks.

British opposition

The Democratic Unionist Party, whose votes from Northern Ireland have helped May to govern since she lost her majority in a misjudged snap election last year, said it would try to block a Brexit deal it called "pitiful" - partly because it binds London to many EU rules it will no longer help set and partly as the DUP fears it could weaken the province's ties to Britain.

No one knows what will happen if parliament rejects May's plan, which she and EU leaders say is the best deal available.

In an open letter to the nation, published on Sunday, May said she would campaign "heart and soul" to get her Brexit deal through: "It will be a deal that is in our national interest – one that works for our whole country and all of our people, whether you voted Leave or Remain," she said.

Sunday newspapers said different factions in her own Conservative party were preparing alternative plans to keep Britain closer to the EU should her deal fail as many expect.

Wrangling over how to keep open troubled Northern Ireland's land border with the EU without creating disruptive customs barriers with the Irish Republic dogged much of the 18 months of talks before accords were struck this month. Another relic of the imperial past, Britain's 300-year-old naval base on Spain's southern coast, threatened to derail plans at the last minute.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez threatened to boycott Sunday's meeting if he did not get amendments to the deal to ensure Madrid gets a say in Gibraltar's future ties with the EU.

After officials wrangled through the night, he announced on Saturday afternoon that he had such written pledges. Brussels officials said those essentially confirmed what most EU leaders had already understood - that Spain must have a binding say over how any future EU-UK trade pact might affect Gibraltar.

May will meet Sanchez for face-to-face talks during the summit, officials said.

EU leaders gathered on Sunday to make a formal offer of a Brexit package deal to Prime Minister Theresa May that she and they hope can survive fury in the British parliament to ease Britain out of the bloc in March.

EU leaders gathered on Sunday to make a formal offer of a Brexit package deal to Prime Minister Theresa May that she and they hope can survive fury in the British parliament to ease Britain out of the bloc in March. After 18 months of negotiation, including some last-minute brinkmanship from Spain seeking guarantees of a role in the future of Gibraltar, the 27 national leaders will endorse terms for withdrawal and an outline of future EU-UK ties at a tightly choreographed summit that will conclude with a visit from May. The biggest question now facing the European Union is whether May's divided minority government can steer the deal, which foresees London following many EU rules to keep easy trade access, through fierce resistance in parliament in the coming weeks from both supporters and opponents of Brexit. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, among the first to arrive, refused to be drawn on what might happen if the deal fails, saying it was up to British lawmakers to decide. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, whose country is one Britain's closest trading partners, praised May's handling of the difficult negotiations and said he was confident that she could see the deal through the London parliament. Saying the EU "hates" Brexit, Rutte said: "Nobody's winning -- we are all losing." But, he said, the deal was an acceptable compromise for all that gave May a chance to clinch a solution. Grybauskaite said there were at least four possible outcomes if the British parliament blocks the package and named three - that Britons would hold a second referendum, hold a new election to replace May or return to Brussels to try and renegotiate the package. A fourth is that Britain will simply crash out of the bloc on March 29 without legal clarity. Both sides have been making preparations for such a "no deal" scenario, though the EU insists Britain has more to lose. The pound has strengthened since the deal came together over the past 10 days, but companies and investors remain nervous. Summit chair Donald Tusk said "no one will have reasons to be happy" when Brexit is concluded but quoted British rock star Freddie Mercury of Queen, who died 27 years ago on Saturday, to say: "Friends will be friends right till the end." The 27 EU national leaders will gather for an hour or so to formally endorse both a detailed treaty setting out the terms on which Britain will leave in an orderly manner in March and a declaration outlining how Britain can keep close to its biggest market by following many EU rules after a 2-4-year transition. They will then meet May briefly as she seeks momentum to get the package through the British parliament in the coming weeks. British opposition The Democratic Unionist Party, whose votes from Northern Ireland have helped May to govern since she lost her majority in a misjudged snap election last year, said it would try to block a Brexit deal it called "pitiful" - partly because it binds London to many EU rules it will no longer help set and partly as the DUP fears it could weaken the province's ties to Britain. No one knows what will happen if parliament rejects May's plan, which she and EU leaders say is the best deal available. In an open letter to the nation, published on Sunday, May said she would campaign "heart and soul" to get her Brexit deal through: "It will be a deal that is in our national interest – one that works for our whole country and all of our people, whether you voted Leave or Remain," she said. Sunday newspapers said different factions in her own Conservative party were preparing alternative plans to keep Britain closer to the EU should her deal fail as many expect. Wrangling over how to keep open troubled Northern Ireland's land border with the EU without creating disruptive customs barriers with the Irish Republic dogged much of the 18 months of talks before accords were struck this month. Another relic of the imperial past, Britain's 300-year-old naval base on Spain's southern coast, threatened to derail plans at the last minute. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez threatened to boycott Sunday's meeting if he did not get amendments to the deal to ensure Madrid gets a say in Gibraltar's future ties with the EU. After officials wrangled through the night, he announced on Saturday afternoon that he had such written pledges. Brussels officials said those essentially confirmed what most EU leaders had already understood - that Spain must have a binding say over how any future EU-UK trade pact might affect Gibraltar. May will meet Sanchez for face-to-face talks during the summit, officials said.

European Union leaders to hand UK PM Theresa May Brexit package

Opposition to a draft Brexit deal due to be approved by EU leaders will dominate a conference on Saturday of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Northern Irish party whose support is vital to Prime Minister Theresa May's government and Brexit plans.

Britain's former foreign minister Boris Johnson, a staunch critic of the deal, will be attending -- along with Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, which is at the heart of a row that could also undermine Sunday's EU summit.

The DUP has propped up Prime Minister Theresa May's government ever since an election in 2017 in which her Conservatives lost their majority and were forced to turn to the right-wingers for help.

But that support is hanging by a thread over the party's opposition to May's draft deal with the European Union, which it believes will lead to a different economic status for the British province compared to the mainland.

All eyes will therefore be on Belfast for the party's annual meeting, where British finance minister Philip Hammond, who backs May's deal, is also expected, highlighting the central role the DUP now plays.

Seeds of divergence

Party leader Arlene Foster will insist that the government "must implement the referendum result of 2016" and "we must leave as one nation," according to extracts released by the party.

Foster will tell May that the draft agreement "fails her own key commitments" but will hold off on withdrawing the party's support for her, according to the extracts.

"As things stand we would be sowing the seeds of inevitable economic divergence from our largest market," she will add, while paying tribute to May's "determined efforts" in more conciliatory comments.

The DUP is in favour of British rule in Northern Ireland, and fears that any weakening of the bonds with the rest of the country could increase the chances of a unified Ireland.

It has fought bitterly to prevent that happening, with its hardline tactics forged in the decades-long Troubles, which came to an end with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Johnson is also at odds with his Conservative Party boss May, and shares the DUP's dissatisfaction with the Brexit deal, with both promising to vote it down if and when the agreement comes to parliament next month as expected.

The DUP's 10 MPs have been ferocious opponents to the "backstop" clause struck by British and EU negotiators to act as a legal guarantee for keeping the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland open.

May courts business

May met with Northern Ireland business leaders on Thursday in an effort to put pressure on the DUP to support the deal.

After the meeting, business boss Stephen Kelly from Northern Ireland Manufacturing, a lobby, said he hoped "that not just the DUP but all parties" would support the deal.

The party campaigned in favour of Brexit but is also faced with public concern in Northern Ireland about the prospect of a reimposition of a hard border.

The self-styled "Christian fundamentalist" party has softened its fiery anti-Catholicism and other harsh stances since it was founded by Protestant evangelical minister Ian Paisley in 1971.

But it still holds tight to what critics call its puritanical views, particularly on social issues such as abortion.

£1 billion for deal

The party was thrust into the spotlight after May's disastrous performance in last year's general election, when she was forced to seek their help to form a government.

The agreement came at the price of a promise of £1.0 billion (1.1 billion euros, $1.3 billion) in extra funding for Northern Ireland -- around half of which has been disbursed.

Its influence has prompted warnings that a disrupted balance of power in Belfast could harm the delicate peace struck after decades of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland.

Irish republicans Sinn Fein have blamed the London power deal for the failure to restart a power-sharing executive with the DUP in Northern Ireland.

That arrangement collapsed in January 2017 because of a row over Foster's handling of a botched renewable heating funding scheme.

Opposition to a draft Brexit deal due to be approved by EU leaders will dominate a conference on Saturday of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Northern Irish party whose support is vital to Prime Minister Theresa May's government and Brexit plans.

Opposition to a draft Brexit deal due to be approved by EU leaders will dominate a conference on Saturday of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Northern Irish party whose support is vital to Prime Minister Theresa May's government and Brexit plans. Britain's former foreign minister Boris Johnson, a staunch critic of the deal, will be attending -- along with Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, which is at the heart of a row that could also undermine Sunday's EU summit. The DUP has propped up Prime Minister Theresa May's government ever since an election in 2017 in which her Conservatives lost their majority and were forced to turn to the right-wingers for help. But that support is hanging by a thread over the party's opposition to May's draft deal with the European Union, which it believes will lead to a different economic status for the British province compared to the mainland. All eyes will therefore be on Belfast for the party's annual meeting, where British finance minister Philip Hammond, who backs May's deal, is also expected, highlighting the central role the DUP now plays. Seeds of divergence Party leader Arlene Foster will insist that the government "must implement the referendum result of 2016" and "we must leave as one nation," according to extracts released by the party. Foster will tell May that the draft agreement "fails her own key commitments" but will hold off on withdrawing the party's support for her, according to the extracts. "As things stand we would be sowing the seeds of inevitable economic divergence from our largest market," she will add, while paying tribute to May's "determined efforts" in more conciliatory comments. The DUP is in favour of British rule in Northern Ireland, and fears that any weakening of the bonds with the rest of the country could increase the chances of a unified Ireland. It has fought bitterly to prevent that happening, with its hardline tactics forged in the decades-long Troubles, which came to an end with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Johnson is also at odds with his Conservative Party boss May, and shares the DUP's dissatisfaction with the Brexit deal, with both promising to vote it down if and when the agreement comes to parliament next month as expected. The DUP's 10 MPs have been ferocious opponents to the "backstop" clause struck by British and EU negotiators to act as a legal guarantee for keeping the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland open. May courts business May met with Northern Ireland business leaders on Thursday in an effort to put pressure on the DUP to support the deal. After the meeting, business boss Stephen Kelly from Northern Ireland Manufacturing, a lobby, said he hoped "that not just the DUP but all parties" would support the deal. The party campaigned in favour of Brexit but is also faced with public concern in Northern Ireland about the prospect of a reimposition of a hard border. The self-styled "Christian fundamentalist" party has softened its fiery anti-Catholicism and other harsh stances since it was founded by Protestant evangelical minister Ian Paisley in 1971. But it still holds tight to what critics call its puritanical views, particularly on social issues such as abortion. £1 billion for deal The party was thrust into the spotlight after May's disastrous performance in last year's general election, when she was forced to seek their help to form a government. The agreement came at the price of a promise of £1.0 billion (1.1 billion euros, $1.3 billion) in extra funding for Northern Ireland -- around half of which has been disbursed. Its influence has prompted warnings that a disrupted balance of power in Belfast could harm the delicate peace struck after decades of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. Irish republicans Sinn Fein have blamed the London power deal for the failure to restart a power-sharing executive with the DUP in Northern Ireland. That arrangement collapsed in January 2017 because of a row over Foster's handling of a botched renewable heating funding scheme.

Brexit deal critics gather in Belfast on eve of EU summit

An 11th-hour deal on Saturday to answer Spanish demands for a big say on Gibraltar after Britain leaves the EU has salvaged an EU summit which will now go ahead as planned on Sunday to deliver a Brexit accord.

With British Prime Minister Theresa May due to meet EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker and summit chair Donald Tusk at 6 pm (1700 GMT) and 7:15 pm respectively, Tusk secured a deal with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who had been threatening to scupper the consensus by staying away on Sunday.

"After the phone call between (Tusk) and (Sanchez) a few minutes ago, we are closer to tomorrow`s (European Council)," Tusk`s spokesman Preben Aamann said on Twitter.

The British government released a letter from the British ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow to the head of Tusk`s secretariat spelling out that Britain would make no presumption that any future EU-UK trade pact would apply to Gibraltar.

Sanchez was due to make a statement in Madrid at 3 pm (1400 GMT) to outline the agreement, diplomats said, after British and Spanish negotiators talked through the night with EU officials trying to broker a deal that would reassure Madrid on how the Brexit treaties would apply to Gibraltar and give it a clear say on their application -- without reopening the texts.

Those assurances should form part of a brief statement agreed by the 27 EU leaders and added to the minutes of Sunday morning`s hour-long meeting before the 27 meet May at 11 am.

"Negotiations went on through the night with Spain and Britain," one diplomatic source said. "In a telephone conversation just now, Tusk and Sanchez reached an agreement on Gibraltar. The summit will go ahead."

Many Brussels insiders view Sanchez`s gambit as summit grandstanding for domestic purposes -- he faces a regional election next weekend in Andalusia, the province to which Spaniards argue Britain`s 300-year-old naval base and 30,000 citizens on the rock of Gibraltar rightly belong.

The biggest obstacle to the Brexit accord overall is the vehement opposition in the British parliament. Without its approval, Britain could leave the bloc on March 29 without an agreement to mitigate economic and legal disruption.

An 11th-hour deal on Saturday to answer Spanish demands for a big say on Gibraltar after Britain leaves the EU has salvaged an EU summit which will now go ahead as planned on Sunday to deliver a Brexit accord.

An 11th-hour deal on Saturday to answer Spanish demands for a big say on Gibraltar after Britain leaves the EU has salvaged an EU summit which will now go ahead as planned on Sunday to deliver a Brexit accord. With British Prime Minister Theresa May due to meet EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker and summit chair Donald Tusk at 6 pm (1700 GMT) and 7:15 pm respectively, Tusk secured a deal with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who had been threatening to scupper the consensus by staying away on Sunday. "After the phone call between (Tusk) and (Sanchez) a few minutes ago, we are closer to tomorrow`s (European Council)," Tusk`s spokesman Preben Aamann said on Twitter. The British government released a letter from the British ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow to the head of Tusk`s secretariat spelling out that Britain would make no presumption that any future EU-UK trade pact would apply to Gibraltar. Sanchez was due to make a statement in Madrid at 3 pm (1400 GMT) to outline the agreement, diplomats said, after British and Spanish negotiators talked through the night with EU officials trying to broker a deal that would reassure Madrid on how the Brexit treaties would apply to Gibraltar and give it a clear say on their application -- without reopening the texts. Those assurances should form part of a brief statement agreed by the 27 EU leaders and added to the minutes of Sunday morning`s hour-long meeting before the 27 meet May at 11 am. "Negotiations went on through the night with Spain and Britain," one diplomatic source said. "In a telephone conversation just now, Tusk and Sanchez reached an agreement on Gibraltar. The summit will go ahead." Many Brussels insiders view Sanchez`s gambit as summit grandstanding for domestic purposes -- he faces a regional election next weekend in Andalusia, the province to which Spaniards argue Britain`s 300-year-old naval base and 30,000 citizens on the rock of Gibraltar rightly belong. The biggest obstacle to the Brexit accord overall is the vehement opposition in the British parliament. Without its approval, Britain could leave the bloc on March 29 without an agreement to mitigate economic and legal disruption.

Gibraltar deal clears way for Sunday Brexit summit

Spain was standing between Theresa May and a Brexit deal as it threatened to derail an EU summit on Sunday if it does not get new assurances on having a say in the future of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-you-need-to-know-about-gibraltar-in-brexit-talks-178603">Gibraltar</a>.

As talks among Spanish, British and EU officials continued on Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was ready to thwart his British counterpart May's hopes of seeing EU leaders sign off on promises of close ties with London after Britain leaves the bloc in March if he did not get his way.

EU diplomats and officials said there was still no clear breakthrough on Saturday morning, hours before some of the other leaders must set off for Brussels ahead of Sunday's breakfast summit -- few will be happy if plans change.

Brussels diplomats and representatives of other governments across Europe said they did not believe Madrid would upset the careful choreography of Sunday's summitry, when May and her 27 EU peers will fly in for a couple of hours in the morning. But they also heard strong words from Spanish ministers that left them unwilling to call Sanchez's bluff without further talks.

On a visit to Cuba, Sanchez said he had yet to receive assurances that any future decisions on Gibraltar would be decided in direct talks between London and Madrid.

"The guarantees are still not enough and Spain maintains its veto to Brexit. If there is a deal, then it will be lifted," he said when it was already late on Friday in Europe. "If there is no deal ... the European Council will most likely not take place."

Spain can expect its European allies to swing more clearly behind its 300-year-old claims to sovereignty over "The Rock", a British naval base on its southern coast that is home to some 30,000 people whose economy faces major questions after Brexit.

But demands that extensive treaty documentation recently agreed between Brussels and London be tweaked to give Spain a bigger say over its implementation in regard to Gibraltar face resistance from Britain and EU allies who are wary that the whole edifice of the long-negotiated deal might unravel.

"Proud People"

Diplomats said there was no doubting the passion behind the Spanish arguments when advisers to the 27 EU leaders met in Brussels on Friday to prepare the summit: "The Spanish are very proud people and this is absolutely important for them," one participant in the talks told Reuters.

"We have to have a solution. I am quite sure we will have one."

Some in Brussels stress that Sanchez is fighting a regional election in Andalusia, the province that abuts Gibraltar, next weekend and may want to play up the issue for home consumption.

For him to force the cancellation of the summit, or drag it out beyond the morning, would incur the wrath of his peers.

May is due to meet EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker on Saturday at 6 pm (1700 GMT), and diplomats say that should be the moment they confirm that the Gibraltar issue is settled. May will then meet summit chair Donald Tusk.

In Germany, a government spokesman was confident a solution would be found in time for Sunday's summit.

Berlin had earlier said there could be no more technical negotiations at the summit, and that Chancellor Angela Merkel could skip it if all the texts are not ready in advance.

The biggest obstacle to the Brexit accord overall is the vehement opposition in the British parliament. Without its approval, Britain could leave the bloc on March 29 without an agreement to mitigate economic and legal disruption.

Spain was standing between Theresa May and a Brexit deal as it threatened to derail an EU summit on Sunday if it does not get new assurances on having a say in the future of Gibraltar.

Spain was standing between Theresa May and a Brexit deal as it threatened to derail an EU summit on Sunday if it does not get new assurances on having a say in the future of Gibraltar. As talks among Spanish, British and EU officials continued on Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was ready to thwart his British counterpart May's hopes of seeing EU leaders sign off on promises of close ties with London after Britain leaves the bloc in March if he did not get his way. EU diplomats and officials said there was still no clear breakthrough on Saturday morning, hours before some of the other leaders must set off for Brussels ahead of Sunday's breakfast summit -- few will be happy if plans change. Brussels diplomats and representatives of other governments across Europe said they did not believe Madrid would upset the careful choreography of Sunday's summitry, when May and her 27 EU peers will fly in for a couple of hours in the morning. But they also heard strong words from Spanish ministers that left them unwilling to call Sanchez's bluff without further talks. On a visit to Cuba, Sanchez said he had yet to receive assurances that any future decisions on Gibraltar would be decided in direct talks between London and Madrid. "The guarantees are still not enough and Spain maintains its veto to Brexit. If there is a deal, then it will be lifted," he said when it was already late on Friday in Europe. "If there is no deal ... the European Council will most likely not take place." Spain can expect its European allies to swing more clearly behind its 300-year-old claims to sovereignty over "The Rock", a British naval base on its southern coast that is home to some 30,000 people whose economy faces major questions after Brexit. But demands that extensive treaty documentation recently agreed between Brussels and London be tweaked to give Spain a bigger say over its implementation in regard to Gibraltar face resistance from Britain and EU allies who are wary that the whole edifice of the long-negotiated deal might unravel. "Proud People" Diplomats said there was no doubting the passion behind the Spanish arguments when advisers to the 27 EU leaders met in Brussels on Friday to prepare the summit: "The Spanish are very proud people and this is absolutely important for them," one participant in the talks told Reuters. "We have to have a solution. I am quite sure we will have one." Some in Brussels stress that Sanchez is fighting a regional election in Andalusia, the province that abuts Gibraltar, next weekend and may want to play up the issue for home consumption. For him to force the cancellation of the summit, or drag it out beyond the morning, would incur the wrath of his peers. May is due to meet EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker on Saturday at 6 pm (1700 GMT), and diplomats say that should be the moment they confirm that the Gibraltar issue is settled. May will then meet summit chair Donald Tusk. In Germany, a government spokesman was confident a solution would be found in time for Sunday's summit. Berlin had earlier said there could be no more technical negotiations at the summit, and that Chancellor Angela Merkel could skip it if all the texts are not ready in advance. The biggest obstacle to the Brexit accord overall is the vehement opposition in the British parliament. Without its approval, Britain could leave the bloc on March 29 without an agreement to mitigate economic and legal disruption.

Spain bars May's way to Brussels Brexit deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May was headed back to Brussels on Saturday to defend the planned Brexit divorce deal even as Spain threatened to boycott an EU summit meant to endorse it.

May has final day talks scheduled with EU leaders Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk, although diplomats said the withdrawal agreement is finished and ready for EU leaders to approve on Sunday.

Nothing in the painful 17-month withdrawal process has gone smoothly, and on Friday, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned he might not attend if the leaders do not acknowledge that Madrid holds a veto over the fate of Gibraltar in any post-Brexit negotiation of new EU-UK ties.

Visiting Cuba, Sanchez said that Madrid must be allowed to negotiate directly with London on Gibraltar and give its specific assent to any changes to its relationship to the European Union in a future agreement between Britain and Brussels. &nbsp;

"If there's no agreement, it's very clear what will happen, there very probably won't be a European Council" summit, he said.

Gibraltar, a tiny rocky outcrop home to a port and around 30,000 people, is a British territory claimed by Spain and will be a bone of contention as London negotiates a new relationship with Brussels after Brexit day on March 29.&nbsp;

Luis Marco Aguiriano Nalda, Spain's secretary of state for European affairs, said Madrid wanted London to put in writing that it shared Madrid's interpretation of the negotiated Brexit deal texts regarding its stance on Gibraltar.

"We have demanded that it be published by the British authorities before the European Council on Sunday," said in Brussels.

In London, however, a Downing Street source said he did not know what document Aguiriano could be referring to and added: "We have negotiated on behalf of the whole of the UK family. That includes Gibraltar and the overseas territories."

In legal terms, Spain's disapproval would not halt the divorce settlement, but it would embarrass EU leaders keen to show that the 27 are united.

More uncertainty

And, as Aguiriano noted, any final relationship negotiated between London and Brussels after Brexit day on March 29 would have to be approved by all remaining member states -- giving Spain a de facto veto further down the line.

May is due in Brussels later on Saturday to see EU Commission president Juncker, head of the bloc's executive, and EU Council president Tusk, whose institution represents the member states.

But European diplomats told AFP no more substantive negotiations would take place and Sunday's summit would simply see leaders sign off on the fruit of 17 months of dialogue.

A European diplomat said the meeting's minutes would include language stressing the importance of Britain maintaining a level playing field in trade rules during the 21-month post-Brexit transition, and on fishing rights.

And the summit will make it clear that the European Council would take the lead over the Commission in negotiating future ties -- another measure to reassure Madrid that its voice will be heard before any final settlement is reached.

After that, May will still have to sell the deal to the British Parliament, an even greater political challenge.

May refused to say whether she would resign if parliament eventually votes down the divorce agreement that the EU is set to endorse on Sunday, alongside a shorter political framework to guide talks on future ties.

"If this deal does not go through, we are back at square one. What we end up with is more division and more uncertainty," she warned.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May was headed back to Brussels on Saturday to defend the planned Brexit divorce deal even as Spain threatened to boycott an EU summit meant to endorse it.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was headed back to Brussels on Saturday to defend the planned Brexit divorce deal even as Spain threatened to boycott an EU summit meant to endorse it. May has final day talks scheduled with EU leaders Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk, although diplomats said the withdrawal agreement is finished and ready for EU leaders to approve on Sunday. Nothing in the painful 17-month withdrawal process has gone smoothly, and on Friday, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned he might not attend if the leaders do not acknowledge that Madrid holds a veto over the fate of Gibraltar in any post-Brexit negotiation of new EU-UK ties. Visiting Cuba, Sanchez said that Madrid must be allowed to negotiate directly with London on Gibraltar and give its specific assent to any changes to its relationship to the European Union in a future agreement between Britain and Brussels. "If there's no agreement, it's very clear what will happen, there very probably won't be a European Council" summit, he said. Gibraltar, a tiny rocky outcrop home to a port and around 30,000 people, is a British territory claimed by Spain and will be a bone of contention as London negotiates a new relationship with Brussels after Brexit day on March 29. Luis Marco Aguiriano Nalda, Spain's secretary of state for European affairs, said Madrid wanted London to put in writing that it shared Madrid's interpretation of the negotiated Brexit deal texts regarding its stance on Gibraltar. "We have demanded that it be published by the British authorities before the European Council on Sunday," said in Brussels. In London, however, a Downing Street source said he did not know what document Aguiriano could be referring to and added: "We have negotiated on behalf of the whole of the UK family. That includes Gibraltar and the overseas territories." In legal terms, Spain's disapproval would not halt the divorce settlement, but it would embarrass EU leaders keen to show that the 27 are united. More uncertainty And, as Aguiriano noted, any final relationship negotiated between London and Brussels after Brexit day on March 29 would have to be approved by all remaining member states -- giving Spain a de facto veto further down the line. May is due in Brussels later on Saturday to see EU Commission president Juncker, head of the bloc's executive, and EU Council president Tusk, whose institution represents the member states. But European diplomats told AFP no more substantive negotiations would take place and Sunday's summit would simply see leaders sign off on the fruit of 17 months of dialogue. A European diplomat said the meeting's minutes would include language stressing the importance of Britain maintaining a level playing field in trade rules during the 21-month post-Brexit transition, and on fishing rights. And the summit will make it clear that the European Council would take the lead over the Commission in negotiating future ties -- another measure to reassure Madrid that its voice will be heard before any final settlement is reached. After that, May will still have to sell the deal to the British Parliament, an even greater political challenge. May refused to say whether she would resign if parliament eventually votes down the divorce agreement that the EU is set to endorse on Sunday, alongside a shorter political framework to guide talks on future ties. "If this deal does not go through, we are back at square one. What we end up with is more division and more uncertainty," she warned.

British PM Theresa May heads to Brussels as Spain threatens Brexit summit

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday the European Union would not renegotiate the Brexit deal if Britain's parliament rejected the current version of the exit agreement.

"I believe if we were to go back to the European Union and say `well people didn`t like that deal, can we have another one?` ... I don`t think they`re going to come to us and say we`ll give you a better deal," she told BBC radio during a question and answer session with listeners.

Questioned repeatedly over whether she would resign if she loses a vote to approve the deal, expected in mid-December, she said her focus was on getting it through at the first attempt and not on her own future.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday the European Union would not renegotiate the Brexit deal if Britain's parliament rejected the current version of the exit agreement.

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday the European Union would not renegotiate the Brexit deal if Britain's parliament rejected the current version of the exit agreement. "I believe if we were to go back to the European Union and say `well people didn`t like that deal, can we have another one?` ... I don`t think they`re going to come to us and say we`ll give you a better deal," she told BBC radio during a question and answer session with listeners. Questioned repeatedly over whether she would resign if she loses a vote to approve the deal, expected in mid-December, she said her focus was on getting it through at the first attempt and not on her own future.

EU won't give us better Brexit deal if parliament rejects current one: UK PM Theresa May

As the Brexit negotiations head towards an endgame, there is turmoil all around. British politics is on knife’s edge with the future of Prime Minister Theresa May and in some ways the entire Conservative Party on the line. The Opposition, too, is struggling to put its own house in order and even the European Union is facing disunity within its ranks despite pretensions of a united front.&nbsp;

Last week, an agreement on the withdrawal deal was reached in principle by May and the European Union (EU) which included a £39 billion “divorce bill” and the controversial customs “backstop” which keeps the UK temporarily in the EU customs union so as to prevent the return of manned customs posts at the Irish border. However, the joint political declaration on future relations which is to be confirmed on Sunday is only temporary. It will be the 21-month transition period after Britain leaves the EU on March 29, 2019, that would see the finalisation of the binding agreement. And this has led to challenges from all sides.

May is struggling to finalise a Brexit deal to be agreed at this Sunday’s summit of European leaders even as she is under pressure from her own MPs not to cede any further ground in negotiations. For the time being, her threat is that she has managed to get the best possible deal from the EU and that it’s either this deal or no deal and, therefore, no Brexit that has secured her position. But there is a demand for more clarity on all sides of the British Parliament about the exact terms of UK’s future engagement with the EU if at all the Parliament is to support the deal.&nbsp;

Despite a number of resignations from her cabinet and backroom manoeuvring to topple her from No 10 Downing Street, May looks stronger today than she looked last week and that’s a tribute to her own political skills and quite an accomplishment under the present circumstances. Yet her critics remain unrelenting. One of her strongest detractors, Jacob Rees-Mogg, has made a case that the time has come for May’s detractors to push for a confidence vote in May or face the spectacle of her leading the Tories into the next election. But he has accepted that he doesn’t have the required threshold of 48 letters needed to trigger a contest for Tory leadership. Opinion polls are also underscoring that support for May is growing among the British populace which is looking for a speedy resolution of this crisis. &nbsp;

On the other side, the EU had to complete the text on future ties with the UK on Tuesday but several member states have raised objection, leading to a delay. Countries have highlighted several issues such as UK access to the EU single market, access to UK waters for EU boats as well as Gibraltar. Spain, which is worried about the future status of Gibraltar, has warned it will reject the draft Brexit withdrawal deal without a clarification of the text on future talks on the status of Gibraltar. France has raised concerns about fishing rights and nations as the Netherlands and Denmark, remain concerned about the potential competitive advantage to UK businesses over the European without the UK being tied to strict environmental regulations.

Despite these concerns, Brussels would be hoping that when it would come to the crunch on Sunday, all 27 member nations of the EU would sign up to the Brexit deal so as to avoid a situation where there is a no deal and further uncertainty haunts the region. And in some ways, it is in EU’s interest that the British Prime Minister gets her plan approved by the British Parliament. A domestic political crisis in the UK is not in EU’s interest at this critical juncture. May also wants to demonstrate that she is fighting hard to secure British interests. So in a way, both May and the EU are sailing in the same boat.&nbsp;

As Britain struggles with its future relationship with the EU, its outreach to nations like India has been growing in order to seek out new avenues for economic relationships. British officials have been signalling that Brexit could augur well for trade ties between India and the EU as the two nations would find it easier to conclude a free trade pact without the involvement of the entire panoply of EU member states.&nbsp;

The economic relationship between the UK and India certainly remains a robust one. While the two nations can look forward to a potential FTA, the negotiations can only proceed once the UK has put its own house in order. India will also be looking for concessions on Indian skilled labour accessing UK markets.&nbsp;

The challenge for the UK at the moment is to sort out its own internal deliberations on the future of its trajectory with the EU. New Delhi will assess its own future with the UK in light of the choices London makes with Brussels.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-brexit-a-challenge-for-uk-an-opportunity-for-india-2688308">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

As the Brexit negotiations head towards an endgame, there is turmoil all around. British politics is on knife’s edge with the future of Prime Minister Theresa May and in some ways the entire Conservative Party on the line.

As the Brexit negotiations head towards an endgame, there is turmoil all around. British politics is on knife’s edge with the future of Prime Minister Theresa May and in some ways the entire Conservative Party on the line. The Opposition, too, is struggling to put its own house in order and even the European Union is facing disunity within its ranks despite pretensions of a united front. Last week, an agreement on the withdrawal deal was reached in principle by May and the European Union (EU) which included a £39 billion “divorce bill” and the controversial customs “backstop” which keeps the UK temporarily in the EU customs union so as to prevent the return of manned customs posts at the Irish border. However, the joint political declaration on future relations which is to be confirmed on Sunday is only temporary. It will be the 21-month transition period after Britain leaves the EU on March 29, 2019, that would see the finalisation of the binding agreement. And this has led to challenges from all sides. May is struggling to finalise a Brexit deal to be agreed at this Sunday’s summit of European leaders even as she is under pressure from her own MPs not to cede any further ground in negotiations. For the time being, her threat is that she has managed to get the best possible deal from the EU and that it’s either this deal or no deal and, therefore, no Brexit that has secured her position. But there is a demand for more clarity on all sides of the British Parliament about the exact terms of UK’s future engagement with the EU if at all the Parliament is to support the deal. Despite a number of resignations from her cabinet and backroom manoeuvring to topple her from No 10 Downing Street, May looks stronger today than she looked last week and that’s a tribute to her own political skills and quite an accomplishment under the present circumstances. Yet her critics remain unrelenting. One of her strongest detractors, Jacob Rees-Mogg, has made a case that the time has come for May’s detractors to push for a confidence vote in May or face the spectacle of her leading the Tories into the next election. But he has accepted that he doesn’t have the required threshold of 48 letters needed to trigger a contest for Tory leadership. Opinion polls are also underscoring that support for May is growing among the British populace which is looking for a speedy resolution of this crisis. On the other side, the EU had to complete the text on future ties with the UK on Tuesday but several member states have raised objection, leading to a delay. Countries have highlighted several issues such as UK access to the EU single market, access to UK waters for EU boats as well as Gibraltar. Spain, which is worried about the future status of Gibraltar, has warned it will reject the draft Brexit withdrawal deal without a clarification of the text on future talks on the status of Gibraltar. France has raised concerns about fishing rights and nations as the Netherlands and Denmark, remain concerned about the potential competitive advantage to UK businesses over the European without the UK being tied to strict environmental regulations. Despite these concerns, Brussels would be hoping that when it would come to the crunch on Sunday, all 27 member nations of the EU would sign up to the Brexit deal so as to avoid a situation where there is a no deal and further uncertainty haunts the region. And in some ways, it is in EU’s interest that the British Prime Minister gets her plan approved by the British Parliament. A domestic political crisis in the UK is not in EU’s interest at this critical juncture. May also wants to demonstrate that she is fighting hard to secure British interests. So in a way, both May and the EU are sailing in the same boat. As Britain struggles with its future relationship with the EU, its outreach to nations like India has been growing in order to seek out new avenues for economic relationships. British officials have been signalling that Brexit could augur well for trade ties between India and the EU as the two nations would find it easier to conclude a free trade pact without the involvement of the entire panoply of EU member states. The economic relationship between the UK and India certainly remains a robust one. While the two nations can look forward to a potential FTA, the negotiations can only proceed once the UK has put its own house in order. India will also be looking for concessions on Indian skilled labour accessing UK markets. The challenge for the UK at the moment is to sort out its own internal deliberations on the future of its trajectory with the EU. New Delhi will assess its own future with the UK in light of the choices London makes with Brussels. (This article was originally published on DNA. 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: A challenge for UK, an opportunity for India

Spain's eleventh-hour objection over Gibraltar prevented the European Union on Friday from clearing the last hurdle before a leaders` summit on Sunday is due to endorse the Brexit deal with Britain.

A meeting in Brussels of national negotiators of the 27 EU states staying on together after Brexit ended with no agreement on Gibraltar after nearly three hours. "The work continues," one diplomatic source said.&nbsp;

Four months before Britain leaves the EU, the legal divorce treaty and an accompanying political declaration on future ties are due to be rubber-stamped by British Prime Minister Theresa May and the leaders of the 27 countries remaining in the EU.

May will arrive for more talks with the head of the EU`s executive, Jean-Claude Juncker, in Brussels late on Saturday, just hours before the summit is due to start.&nbsp;

Her spokeswoman said in London May would work with the Spanish government on Gibraltar, a disputed British overseas territory.

Spain has asked for changes to Britain`s legal withdrawal treaty and the accompanying political declaration to make clear any decisions about Gibraltar would only be taken with Madrid.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Thursday Spain would be against the Brexit package on Sunday if it is not changed.

"After my conversation with Theresa May, our positions remain far away. My government will always defend the interests of Spain. If there are no changes, we will veto Brexit," he said.

Under EU rules, the withdrawal treaty is adopted by a majority and not unanimity, so a single state cannot block it. However, EU leaders want unity on this most politically sensitive matter.

&nbsp;"We`ve worked very hard and have in fact reached agreement with Spanish colleagues in respect of Gibraltar`s role in the withdrawal process," Gibraltar`s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said on Friday.

"If (the withdrawal agreement is) opened for one comma or one full-stop on Gibraltar, it`s going to be re-opened on any of the other issues."

OPPOSITION IN UK PARLIAMENT&nbsp;

The Brexit accord faces vehement opposition in the British parliament, which must vote in favour for it to take effect. Otherwise Britain risks leaving the bloc on March 29, 2019, without an agreement to mitigate economic disruption.

May`s former Brexit minister Dominic Raab on Friday expected the House of Commons to vote it down.

Determined not to allow any redrafting of either of the two texts and risk derailing the process, EU states have instead proposed addressing Spain`s concerns in a separate statement by the 27 leaders on Sunday that would not be part of negotiations with Britain.

It could refer back to the EU`s 2017 Brexit negotiating mandate, which said: "After the United Kingdom leaves the Union, no agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom may apply to the territory of Gibraltar without the agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom."

Diplomatic sources said the 27 EU leaders` negotiators, or `sherpas`, added to the statement more clauses on climate and expatriate rights to compliment lines on fisheries and industry rules already contained in a draft seen by Reuters.

The EU`s 27 national negotiators are due to meet again on Saturday.

EU diplomats had hoped a text would be agreed by late Friday but fear Sanchez will want to discuss it at the top level on Sunday to show determination and score points with voters at home ahead of a December regional election.&nbsp;

Germany has said there can be no more technical negotiations at what is supposed to be a largely ceremonial summit and said Chancellor Angela Merkel could skip it if all the texts are not ready in advance.&nbsp;

The Brexit deal covers financial settlement, expatriates` rights and the Irish border, as well as setting a blueprint for future trade and security ties. It must also be backed by the European Parliament to come into force.

Spain's eleventh-hour objection over Gibraltar prevented the European Union on Friday from clearing the last hurdle before a leaders` summit on Sunday is due to endorse the Brexit deal with Britain.

Spain's eleventh-hour objection over Gibraltar prevented the European Union on Friday from clearing the last hurdle before a leaders` summit on Sunday is due to endorse the Brexit deal with Britain. A meeting in Brussels of national negotiators of the 27 EU states staying on together after Brexit ended with no agreement on Gibraltar after nearly three hours. "The work continues," one diplomatic source said. Four months before Britain leaves the EU, the legal divorce treaty and an accompanying political declaration on future ties are due to be rubber-stamped by British Prime Minister Theresa May and the leaders of the 27 countries remaining in the EU. May will arrive for more talks with the head of the EU`s executive, Jean-Claude Juncker, in Brussels late on Saturday, just hours before the summit is due to start. Her spokeswoman said in London May would work with the Spanish government on Gibraltar, a disputed British overseas territory. Spain has asked for changes to Britain`s legal withdrawal treaty and the accompanying political declaration to make clear any decisions about Gibraltar would only be taken with Madrid. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Thursday Spain would be against the Brexit package on Sunday if it is not changed. "After my conversation with Theresa May, our positions remain far away. My government will always defend the interests of Spain. If there are no changes, we will veto Brexit," he said. Under EU rules, the withdrawal treaty is adopted by a majority and not unanimity, so a single state cannot block it. However, EU leaders want unity on this most politically sensitive matter. "We`ve worked very hard and have in fact reached agreement with Spanish colleagues in respect of Gibraltar`s role in the withdrawal process," Gibraltar`s Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said on Friday. "If (the withdrawal agreement is) opened for one comma or one full-stop on Gibraltar, it`s going to be re-opened on any of the other issues." OPPOSITION IN UK PARLIAMENT The Brexit accord faces vehement opposition in the British parliament, which must vote in favour for it to take effect. Otherwise Britain risks leaving the bloc on March 29, 2019, without an agreement to mitigate economic disruption. May`s former Brexit minister Dominic Raab on Friday expected the House of Commons to vote it down. Determined not to allow any redrafting of either of the two texts and risk derailing the process, EU states have instead proposed addressing Spain`s concerns in a separate statement by the 27 leaders on Sunday that would not be part of negotiations with Britain. It could refer back to the EU`s 2017 Brexit negotiating mandate, which said: "After the United Kingdom leaves the Union, no agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom may apply to the territory of Gibraltar without the agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the United Kingdom." Diplomatic sources said the 27 EU leaders` negotiators, or `sherpas`, added to the statement more clauses on climate and expatriate rights to compliment lines on fisheries and industry rules already contained in a draft seen by Reuters. The EU`s 27 national negotiators are due to meet again on Saturday. EU diplomats had hoped a text would be agreed by late Friday but fear Sanchez will want to discuss it at the top level on Sunday to show determination and score points with voters at home ahead of a December regional election. Germany has said there can be no more technical negotiations at what is supposed to be a largely ceremonial summit and said Chancellor Angela Merkel could skip it if all the texts are not ready in advance. The Brexit deal covers financial settlement, expatriates` rights and the Irish border, as well as setting a blueprint for future trade and security ties. It must also be backed by the European Parliament to come into force.

EU struggles to agree on Gibraltar before Brexit summit

EU-Brexit draft deal: May needs support of 320 MPs

WION Gravitas: Theresa May's Brexit test in UK Parliament

Theresa May addresses House of Commons

From the shock Brexit vote to British and EU negotiators agreeing a draft divorce deal and an outline of post-Brexit ties, here are the milestones on Britain's rocky road out of the European Union.

Britons vote to leave

In a referendum Britons on June 23, 2016 choose to end their membership of the EU by 52 percent to 48 percent.

The result prompts the resignation the next day of Conservative prime minister David Cameron, who had called the referendum and led the campaign to remain in the EU.

In a race to replace him, Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdraws at the last minute and Theresa May, Cameron's interior minister for six years, becomes prime minister on July 11.

Clean break

On January 17, 2017 May gives a major speech setting out her Brexit strategy, saying Britain will also leave Europe's single market.

On March 13 Britain's parliament gives final approval to a bill empowering May to trigger Article 50 of the EU treaty which lays out the process for leaving the union.

Exit process triggered

With a letter to EU President Donald Tusk on March 29 formally announcing the intention to leave, the government sets in motion Article 50.

Its two-year timetable for withdrawal is set to wind up by March 29, 2019.

Lost majority

To capitalise on the perceived weakness of the opposition Labour party and strengthen her hand in Brexit negotiations, May calls a snap election for June 8.

Her gamble backfires as the Conservatives lose their parliamentary majority. They are forced to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to be able to govern.

The issue of British guarantees to keep an open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit becomes a key sticking point in negotiations.

First terms agreed

Britain and the EU reach a deal on some key terms of the divorce in early December 2017 after all-night negotiations. They include Britain's EU bill as part of the settlement.

EU leaders give the go-ahead for the next stage of Brexit talks, including on how Britain will continue to trade with the bloc after the split.

Brexit bill passed

A bill enacting the decision to leave the EU becomes law on June 26, 2018, following months of debate and after receiving the formal assent of Queen Elizabeth II.

The bill transfers decades of European law onto British statute books and enshrines "Brexit day" as March 29, 2019.

Top ministers quit

On July 6 May wins agreement from her warring cabinet to pursue "a UK-EU free trade area" that would retain a strong alignment with the EU after Brexit.

Two days later David Davis, the eurosceptic Brexit minister, quits as does his deputy. May is giving "too much away too easily", Davis says.

In a major blow, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also resigns on July 9, having criticised the Brexit blueprint in private, and becomes a leading critic of May's plans.

Draft divorce deal agreed

The European Union on November 13 publishes contingency plans for a "no-deal" Brexit.

But a few hours later, May's office says negotiating teams have reached a draft agreement for a Brexit. 
On November 14 the cabinet meets over the draft for more than five hours. May says afterwards it had made a "collective decision" to give its backing.

Rebellion

On November 15 four ministers, including Brexit secretary Dominic Raab, quit in protest at the exit deal, which May defends to parliament ahead of a December vote on it.

EU President Donald Tusk confirms the bloc will hold a special summit to seal the agreement on November 25.

Outline on future ties

British and EU negotiators strike a draft agreement on post-Brexit ties on November 22 to go with the divorce deal.

The text covers economic and security ties and states that free movement for British and EU nationals "will no longer apply" after Britain leaves the bloc.

May defends the two agreements as "the right deal for Britain" despite opposition from Brexit hardliners in her own Conservative Party who urge her to renegotiate.

 
&nbsp;

From the shock Brexit vote to British and EU negotiators agreeing a draft divorce deal and an outline of post-Brexit ties, here are the milestones on Britain's rocky road out of the European Union.

From the shock Brexit vote to British and EU negotiators agreeing a draft divorce deal and an outline of post-Brexit ties, here are the milestones on Britain's rocky road out of the European Union. Britons vote to leave In a referendum Britons on June 23, 2016 choose to end their membership of the EU by 52 percent to 48 percent. The result prompts the resignation the next day of Conservative prime minister David Cameron, who had called the referendum and led the campaign to remain in the EU. In a race to replace him, Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson withdraws at the last minute and Theresa May, Cameron's interior minister for six years, becomes prime minister on July 11. Clean break On January 17, 2017 May gives a major speech setting out her Brexit strategy, saying Britain will also leave Europe's single market. On March 13 Britain's parliament gives final approval to a bill empowering May to trigger Article 50 of the EU treaty which lays out the process for leaving the union. Exit process triggered With a letter to EU President Donald Tusk on March 29 formally announcing the intention to leave, the government sets in motion Article 50. Its two-year timetable for withdrawal is set to wind up by March 29, 2019. Lost majority To capitalise on the perceived weakness of the opposition Labour party and strengthen her hand in Brexit negotiations, May calls a snap election for June 8. Her gamble backfires as the Conservatives lose their parliamentary majority. They are forced to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to be able to govern. The issue of British guarantees to keep an open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit becomes a key sticking point in negotiations. First terms agreed Britain and the EU reach a deal on some key terms of the divorce in early December 2017 after all-night negotiations. They include Britain's EU bill as part of the settlement. EU leaders give the go-ahead for the next stage of Brexit talks, including on how Britain will continue to trade with the bloc after the split. Brexit bill passed A bill enacting the decision to leave the EU becomes law on June 26, 2018, following months of debate and after receiving the formal assent of Queen Elizabeth II. The bill transfers decades of European law onto British statute books and enshrines "Brexit day" as March 29, 2019. Top ministers quit On July 6 May wins agreement from her warring cabinet to pursue "a UK-EU free trade area" that would retain a strong alignment with the EU after Brexit. Two days later David Davis, the eurosceptic Brexit minister, quits as does his deputy. May is giving "too much away too easily", Davis says. In a major blow, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also resigns on July 9, having criticised the Brexit blueprint in private, and becomes a leading critic of May's plans. Draft divorce deal agreed The European Union on November 13 publishes contingency plans for a "no-deal" Brexit. But a few hours later, May's office says negotiating teams have reached a draft agreement for a Brexit. On November 14 the cabinet meets over the draft for more than five hours. May says afterwards it had made a "collective decision" to give its backing. Rebellion On November 15 four ministers, including Brexit secretary Dominic Raab, quit in protest at the exit deal, which May defends to parliament ahead of a December vote on it. EU President Donald Tusk confirms the bloc will hold a special summit to seal the agreement on November 25. Outline on future ties British and EU negotiators strike a draft agreement on post-Brexit ties on November 22 to go with the divorce deal. The text covers economic and security ties and states that free movement for British and EU nationals "will no longer apply" after Britain leaves the bloc. May defends the two agreements as "the right deal for Britain" despite opposition from Brexit hardliners in her own Conservative Party who urge her to renegotiate.

Brexit in dates: From Leave vote to draft deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday hailed a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-uk-agree-on-draft-text-laying-out-close-post-brexit-relationship-178825">draft Brexit agreement</a> for future ties between London and Brussels as "the right deal" for Britain and said she was "determined to deliver it".

"This is the right deal for the UK," she said after updating the cabinet on the text of a declaration on post-Brexit relations agreed.

Assuring that the British sovereignty on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-you-need-to-know-about-gibraltar-in-brexit-talks-178603">Gibraltar </a>will be protected,&nbsp;May said that the Brexit negotiations were at a "critical moment" ahead of an EU summit.&nbsp;

"The negotiations are now at a critical moment," May said, adding that British sovereignty on Gibraltar -- a contentious issue ahead of the summit -- would be "protected".

The EU summit will consider the draft Brexit deal on&nbsp;Sunday alongside a draft divorce agreement struck last week.

(With inputs from AFP)

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday hailed a draft Brexit agreement for future ties between London and Brussels as "the right deal" for Britain and said she was "determined to deliver it".

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday hailed a draft Brexit agreement for future ties between London and Brussels as "the right deal" for Britain and said she was "determined to deliver it". "This is the right deal for the UK," she said after updating the cabinet on the text of a declaration on post-Brexit relations agreed. Assuring that the British sovereignty on Gibraltar will be protected, May said that the Brexit negotiations were at a "critical moment" ahead of an EU summit. "The negotiations are now at a critical moment," May said, adding that British sovereignty on Gibraltar -- a contentious issue ahead of the summit -- would be "protected". The EU summit will consider the draft Brexit deal on Sunday alongside a draft divorce agreement struck last week. (With inputs from AFP)

Draft Brexit agreement 'right deal for the UK': May

Negotiations to secure an orderly Brexit deal will go down to the wire after Theresa May said she would return to Brussels for more talks on the eve of a planned signing summit.

After an inconclusive trip to Brussels to meet EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker, the British prime minister said she would return on Saturday to finalise preparations for a full EU meeting the next day.

It is believed that the texts of the deal will not be final before a meeting of top EU diplomats -- the summit's so-called "sherpas" -- on Friday, frustrating some European leaders.

"There are some further issues that need resolution. We have given direction to our negotiators this evening. The work on those issues will now start immediately," May said in a statement on Wednesday.

"I believe we have been able to give sufficient direction for them to be able to resolve those remaining issues," she said, adding that she would meet Juncker again on Saturday.

With less than four days until Sunday's meeting, a European Commission spokesperson said: "Very good progress was made in meeting between President Juncker and Prime Minister Theresa May."

But she added: "Work is continuing."

News of Saturday's last-ditch meeting will not go down well in Berlin, where Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel had earlier urged negotiators not to reopen talks on the main withdrawal agreement.

"I hope it will be solved by Sunday," she told German lawmakers. "We know how difficult the discussions are in Britain, but I can say for the German government that we agree with this exit agreement."

Negotiators are hammering out details of a political statement on future UK-EU ties that will accompany the divorce deal, under pressure to put it together before the sherpa meeting on Friday.

After enduring another parliamentary grilling at prime minister's questions in London, May slipped out of the Westminster bear pit and crossed the Channel to meet the head of the EU executive.

Having seen off -- at least for now -- a potential leadership challenge by hardline Brexiteers in her own party, she hoped to wring out of Brussels a Brexit arrangement that she can sell to her parliament.

The withdrawal treaty itself is all but final, and preparations are under way for Sunday's summit to sign it, but there remains the matter of the parallel 20-page political declaration on future relations.

European diplomats and EU officials have been in intense talks on the declaration this week.

May must show that she has left nothing on the table if she is to convince British members of parliament to ratify the deal in the coming weeks.

May and Juncker were expected to cover fishing rights and the movement of goods after Brexit, as well as the duration of the transition period and the British territory of Gibraltar, which lies on an outcrop off Spain.

Spain, N&nbsp;Ireland pressure

May faces pressure from her Northern Irish allies, who oppose a deal they say weakens British sovereignty in their province, and from Spain, which has warned it might oppose the accord over Gibraltar.

Madrid wants a veto over applying any agreement on post-transition relations to Gibraltar but May told MPs that Britain "will not exclude Gibraltar from our negotiations on the future relationship".

There is frustration among some EU countries at Spain trying to play hardball so late in the game.&nbsp;

"We are following the latest developments with growing concern and incomprehension -- among the EU27 our Spanish friends are all alone on this," an EU diplomat told AFP.

Madrid reiterated its threat on Wednesday to vote against the draft deal.

Two of May's top ministers quit last week, including her Brexit secretary, while MPs from all parties came out against the withdrawal deal -- increasing the chances that Britain will crash out of the Union on March 29 without an agreement.

The withdrawal deal covers Britain's financial settlement, expatriate citizens' rights, contingency plans to keep open the Irish border and the terms of a post-Brexit transition.

'Show our displeasure'

Opposition to the agreement is also building in the pro-Brexit camp. Anti-Europe Conservatives have savaged the divorce deal, which they say keeps Britain too close to the EU.

Rebels led by MP Jacob Rees-Mogg failed in their attempt to force an immediate confidence vote in May's leadership, but warned they would keep trying.

The withdrawal agreement sets out plans for a 21-month transition after Brexit, in which Britain and the EU want to turn their outline agreement on the future relationship into a full trade deal.

Negotiations to secure an orderly Brexit deal will go down to the wire after Theresa May said she would return to Brussels for more talks on the eve of a planned signing summit.

Negotiations to secure an orderly Brexit deal will go down to the wire after Theresa May said she would return to Brussels for more talks on the eve of a planned signing summit. After an inconclusive trip to Brussels to meet EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker, the British prime minister said she would return on Saturday to finalise preparations for a full EU meeting the next day. It is believed that the texts of the deal will not be final before a meeting of top EU diplomats -- the summit's so-called "sherpas" -- on Friday, frustrating some European leaders. "There are some further issues that need resolution. We have given direction to our negotiators this evening. The work on those issues will now start immediately," May said in a statement on Wednesday. "I believe we have been able to give sufficient direction for them to be able to resolve those remaining issues," she said, adding that she would meet Juncker again on Saturday. With less than four days until Sunday's meeting, a European Commission spokesperson said: "Very good progress was made in meeting between President Juncker and Prime Minister Theresa May." But she added: "Work is continuing." News of Saturday's last-ditch meeting will not go down well in Berlin, where Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel had earlier urged negotiators not to reopen talks on the main withdrawal agreement. "I hope it will be solved by Sunday," she told German lawmakers. "We know how difficult the discussions are in Britain, but I can say for the German government that we agree with this exit agreement." Negotiators are hammering out details of a political statement on future UK-EU ties that will accompany the divorce deal, under pressure to put it together before the sherpa meeting on Friday. After enduring another parliamentary grilling at prime minister's questions in London, May slipped out of the Westminster bear pit and crossed the Channel to meet the head of the EU executive. Having seen off -- at least for now -- a potential leadership challenge by hardline Brexiteers in her own party, she hoped to wring out of Brussels a Brexit arrangement that she can sell to her parliament. The withdrawal treaty itself is all but final, and preparations are under way for Sunday's summit to sign it, but there remains the matter of the parallel 20-page political declaration on future relations. European diplomats and EU officials have been in intense talks on the declaration this week. May must show that she has left nothing on the table if she is to convince British members of parliament to ratify the deal in the coming weeks. May and Juncker were expected to cover fishing rights and the movement of goods after Brexit, as well as the duration of the transition period and the British territory of Gibraltar, which lies on an outcrop off Spain. Spain, N Ireland pressure May faces pressure from her Northern Irish allies, who oppose a deal they say weakens British sovereignty in their province, and from Spain, which has warned it might oppose the accord over Gibraltar. Madrid wants a veto over applying any agreement on post-transition relations to Gibraltar but May told MPs that Britain "will not exclude Gibraltar from our negotiations on the future relationship". There is frustration among some EU countries at Spain trying to play hardball so late in the game. "We are following the latest developments with growing concern and incomprehension -- among the EU27 our Spanish friends are all alone on this," an EU diplomat told AFP. Madrid reiterated its threat on Wednesday to vote against the draft deal. Two of May's top ministers quit last week, including her Brexit secretary, while MPs from all parties came out against the withdrawal deal -- increasing the chances that Britain will crash out of the Union on March 29 without an agreement. The withdrawal deal covers Britain's financial settlement, expatriate citizens' rights, contingency plans to keep open the Irish border and the terms of a post-Brexit transition. 'Show our displeasure' Opposition to the agreement is also building in the pro-Brexit camp. Anti-Europe Conservatives have savaged the divorce deal, which they say keeps Britain too close to the EU. Rebels led by MP Jacob Rees-Mogg failed in their attempt to force an immediate confidence vote in May's leadership, but warned they would keep trying. The withdrawal agreement sets out plans for a 21-month transition after Brexit, in which Britain and the EU want to turn their outline agreement on the future relationship into a full trade deal.

Brexit goes down to wire as May calls last-day talks

Watch: WION Dispatch, 22nd November, 2018

Britain and the European Union agreed a draft text setting out a close post-Brexit relationship, officials said, though wrangles over fish and the future of Gibraltar must still be settled before leaders meet on Sunday.

Thursday's news sent the pound nearly one percent higher on relief among investors that 18 months of tense negotiation were bearing fruit, keeping Britain close to its biggest market and ensuring nothing much will change for at least two years.

British Prime Minister Theresa May told reporters in London: "The British people want this to be settled, they want a good deal that sets us on course for a brighter future ... That deal is within our grasp and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/draft-brexit-agreement-right-deal-for-the-uk-may-178814">I am determined to deliver it</a>."

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<h5>The main question mark is over whether Spain, seeing Brexit as an opportunity to swing the EU's weight behind its 300-year campaign to reclaim Gibraltar from Britain, can be persuaded to remain patient</h5>
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EU officials said there was a solid consensus that remaining niggles should not hold up a final deal for Sunday, as the other 27 governments go through the new paperwork. The main question mark is over whether Spain, seeing Brexit as an opportunity to swing the EU's weight behind its 300-year campaign to reclaim Gibraltar from Britain, can be persuaded to remain patient.

After a draft treaty last week set the terms for Britain's departure in March, May had met EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday, hoping to finalise an ambitious declaration on future ties that can help her secure backing at home for the whole Brexit package in the teeth of furious parliamentary opposition, even within her own party.

She is due to meet Juncker again on the eve of the summit, at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT) on Saturday, and a spokesman for Juncker said that by then there should nothing much left to sort out.

With Spain, France and other EU member states lobbying for various national vested interests in that political declaration - a 26-page wishlist on future trade and security ties separate from the 585-page withdrawal agreement - there was concern in Brussels that haggling could get out of hand and derail Sunday's tightly choreographed formal summit of the 27 leaders with May.

Summit chair Donald Tusk said: "It has been agreed at negotiators' level and agreed in principle at political level."

PARKED

EU sources told Reuters that other demands from governments would be parked in a separate page or two of short text to be endorsed at the summit. French calls for access to British fishing grounds and insistence that post-Brexit Britain follow EU environment, tax, labour and industrial rules are largely drafted, leaving a gap for Spain's concerns that Madrid be given an effective veto over applying any future deal to Gibraltar.

The main text of the political declaration, seen by Reuters, said the EU and Britain "agree to develop an ambitious, wide-ranging and balanced economic partnership.

"This partnership will be comprehensive, encompassing a free trade area as well as wider sectoral cooperation ... will be underpinned by provisions ensuring a level playing field."

Crucially for May, it commits the EU to looking for ways to avoid triggering a "backstop" clause intended to ensure the Irish border remains free of customs checks. Those include, it says, technical and administrative means favoured by May's pro-Brexit allies that could limit Britain's need to keep its broader economic and trade rules in line with the continent.

The European Commission said Juncker encouraged May to talk with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, which they had done late on Wednesday, and that Gibraltar, along with some questions on fishing, were what remained unresolved.

The text said the post-Brexit relationship would respect "the integrity of the Union's Single Market and the Customs Union as well as the United Kingdom's internal market, and recognise the development of an independent trade policy by the United Kingdom beyond this economic partnership".

The latter point responds to complaints from May's key parliamentary allies in Northern Ireland that the EU plan to avoid a hard border with EU-member Ireland could isolate the province from the British mainland. The former deals with EU concern that Britain is using the Irish question to get special access to the EU market while dispensing with its regulations.

Both sides need an accord to keep trade flowing between the world’s biggest trading bloc and the fifth largest national economy. But May has struggled to untangle nearly 46 years of membership without damaging trade or upsetting the lawmakers who will ultimately decide the fate of any deals she can secure.

Despite the hopes of financial firms in London, Britain secured no improvements to its proposed future trading relations in financial services.

May updated her cabinet on the state of talks by teleconference but her spokesman cautioned that no final deal can be agreed ahead of the EU summit on Sunday. In practice, however, EU leaders who will meet for an hour before they meet May, want all negotiating finished before.

The transition period, currently due to end after 21 months in December 2020, can be extended for up to two years. May has said it must end before a British election due in mid-2021.

Britain and the European Union agreed a draft text setting out a close post-Brexit relationship, officials said, though wrangles over fish and the future of Gibraltar must still be settled before leaders meet on Sunday.

Britain and the European Union agreed a draft text setting out a close post-Brexit relationship, officials said, though wrangles over fish and the future of Gibraltar must still be settled before leaders meet on Sunday. Thursday's news sent the pound nearly one percent higher on relief among investors that 18 months of tense negotiation were bearing fruit, keeping Britain close to its biggest market and ensuring nothing much will change for at least two years. British Prime Minister Theresa May told reporters in London: "The British people want this to be settled, they want a good deal that sets us on course for a brighter future ... That deal is within our grasp and I am determined to deliver it." The main question mark is over whether Spain, seeing Brexit as an opportunity to swing the EU's weight behind its 300-year campaign to reclaim Gibraltar from Britain, can be persuaded to remain patient × EU officials said there was a solid consensus that remaining niggles should not hold up a final deal for Sunday, as the other 27 governments go through the new paperwork. The main question mark is over whether Spain, seeing Brexit as an opportunity to swing the EU's weight behind its 300-year campaign to reclaim Gibraltar from Britain, can be persuaded to remain patient. After a draft treaty last week set the terms for Britain's departure in March, May had met EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday, hoping to finalise an ambitious declaration on future ties that can help her secure backing at home for the whole Brexit package in the teeth of furious parliamentary opposition, even within her own party. She is due to meet Juncker again on the eve of the summit, at 6 p.m. (1700 GMT) on Saturday, and a spokesman for Juncker said that by then there should nothing much left to sort out. With Spain, France and other EU member states lobbying for various national vested interests in that political declaration - a 26-page wishlist on future trade and security ties separate from the 585-page withdrawal agreement - there was concern in Brussels that haggling could get out of hand and derail Sunday's tightly choreographed formal summit of the 27 leaders with May. Summit chair Donald Tusk said: "It has been agreed at negotiators' level and agreed in principle at political level." PARKED EU sources told Reuters that other demands from governments would be parked in a separate page or two of short text to be endorsed at the summit. French calls for access to British fishing grounds and insistence that post-Brexit Britain follow EU environment, tax, labour and industrial rules are largely drafted, leaving a gap for Spain's concerns that Madrid be given an effective veto over applying any future deal to Gibraltar. The main text of the political declaration, seen by Reuters, said the EU and Britain "agree to develop an ambitious, wide-ranging and balanced economic partnership. "This partnership will be comprehensive, encompassing a free trade area as well as wider sectoral cooperation ... will be underpinned by provisions ensuring a level playing field." Crucially for May, it commits the EU to looking for ways to avoid triggering a "backstop" clause intended to ensure the Irish border remains free of customs checks. Those include, it says, technical and administrative means favoured by May's pro-Brexit allies that could limit Britain's need to keep its broader economic and trade rules in line with the continent. The European Commission said Juncker encouraged May to talk with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, which they had done late on Wednesday, and that Gibraltar, along with some questions on fishing, were what remained unresolved. The text said the post-Brexit relationship would respect "the integrity of the Union's Single Market and the Customs Union as well as the United Kingdom's internal market, and recognise the development of an independent trade policy by the United Kingdom beyond this economic partnership". The latter point responds to complaints from May's key parliamentary allies in Northern Ireland that the EU plan to avoid a hard border with EU-member Ireland could isolate the province from the British mainland. The former deals with EU concern that Britain is using the Irish question to get special access to the EU market while dispensing with its regulations. Both sides need an accord to keep trade flowing between the world’s biggest trading bloc and the fifth largest national economy. But May has struggled to untangle nearly 46 years of membership without damaging trade or upsetting the lawmakers who will ultimately decide the fate of any deals she can secure. Despite the hopes of financial firms in London, Britain secured no improvements to its proposed future trading relations in financial services. May updated her cabinet on the state of talks by teleconference but her spokesman cautioned that no final deal can be agreed ahead of the EU summit on Sunday. In practice, however, EU leaders who will meet for an hour before they meet May, want all negotiating finished before. The transition period, currently due to end after 21 months in December 2020, can be extended for up to two years. May has said it must end before a British election due in mid-2021.

EU, UK agree on draft text laying out close post-Brexit relationship

WION Dispatch: EU-Brexit deal on future ties agreed upon

The EU and Britain on Thursday agreed a draft declaration laying out plans for "ambitious, broad, deep and flexible" relations after Brexit, setting the stage for the divorce to be finalised at a weekend summit.

The EU Council President Donald Tusk said the 26-page declaration, outlining how Britain will work with the bloc on trade, security, the environment and other issues, had been agreed "in principle" and would now be sent to the remaining 27 member states for approval.

The pound leapt by about one per cent against the dollar and also firmed against the euro on news of the declaration.

Britain's embattled Prime Minister Theresa May hopes the declaration will convince sceptical lawmakers to approve her vision for the UK's departure from the bloc.

Officials said May will make a statement to parliament later in the day, presumably to sell the deal to MPs.

A special summit of all 28 EU leaders to sign the final Brexit deal is planned for Sunday, with May set to travel to Brussels the night before to finalise preparations.&nbsp;

First, the texts must be cleared by a meeting of top EU diplomats -- the summit's so-called "sherpas" -- on Friday.

The political declaration, seen by AFP, says future ties will be wide-ranging, covering economic cooperation, law enforcement and criminal justice, foreign policy, security and defence.

While the declaration has no legal weight, May will hope that ardent Brexiteers will be appeased by references to Britain developing "an independent trade policy" and spelling out an end to free movement of citizens between the EU and UK -- two of the key demands of the Leave campaign.

She has been under intense pressure from all sides over the withdrawal deal, with a slew of ministers resigning in protest and some of her own party MPs launching a bid -- stalled for now -- to unseat her.

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), on whom May's Conservatives depend for their majority, has been flexing its muscles, fearing that efforts to avoid a hard border with Ireland will lead to the province drifting apart from the rest of the UK.

Gibraltar, fish unresolved

"I have just sent to EU27 a draft Political Declaration on the Future Relationship between EU and UK," Tusk, who represents the 27 remaining EU member countries, tweeted.

"The Commission President (Jean-Claude Juncker) has informed me that it has been agreed at negotiators' level and agreed in principle at political level."

He said EU leaders still have to endorse the draft declaration, which is due to accompany a draft of agreed terms for Britain's withdrawal from the bloc on March 29.

In an update of the withdrawal agreement, both sides have agreed that the post-Brexit transition period may be extended from its current end date of December 31, 2020 "for up to one or two years."

The transition period is designed to allow governments and businesses to adjust to a new relationship after more than four decades of close ties.

But the declaration does not deal with the vexed issues of fishing and Gibraltar, the British territory that sits on an outcrop of southern Spain.

Madrid wants a veto over applying any agreement on post-transition relations to Gibraltar, while some EU countries including France have voiced concerns about access to British fishing waters after Brexit.

European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters the two issues "still need to be addressed and resolved".

On Wednesday Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez repeated a threat to sink the whole Brexit deal if Madrid's concerns on Gibraltar were not met.

In London, a spokesman said Thursday that May "will shortly be updating cabinet on the state of the negotiations." 
May was due to host Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, current holder of the rotating EU presidency, for talks at Downing Street.

She was then expected to address the House of Commons, in a statement focused on progress in EU negotiations, at around 3:00 pm (1500 GMT), parliamentary officials said.

&nbsp;

The EU and Britain on Thursday agreed a draft declaration laying out plans for "ambitious, broad, deep and flexible" relations after Brexit, setting the stage for the divorce to be finalised at a weekend summit.

The EU and Britain on Thursday agreed a draft declaration laying out plans for "ambitious, broad, deep and flexible" relations after Brexit, setting the stage for the divorce to be finalised at a weekend summit. The EU Council President Donald Tusk said the 26-page declaration, outlining how Britain will work with the bloc on trade, security, the environment and other issues, had been agreed "in principle" and would now be sent to the remaining 27 member states for approval. The pound leapt by about one per cent against the dollar and also firmed against the euro on news of the declaration. Britain's embattled Prime Minister Theresa May hopes the declaration will convince sceptical lawmakers to approve her vision for the UK's departure from the bloc. Officials said May will make a statement to parliament later in the day, presumably to sell the deal to MPs. A special summit of all 28 EU leaders to sign the final Brexit deal is planned for Sunday, with May set to travel to Brussels the night before to finalise preparations. First, the texts must be cleared by a meeting of top EU diplomats -- the summit's so-called "sherpas" -- on Friday. The political declaration, seen by AFP, says future ties will be wide-ranging, covering economic cooperation, law enforcement and criminal justice, foreign policy, security and defence. While the declaration has no legal weight, May will hope that ardent Brexiteers will be appeased by references to Britain developing "an independent trade policy" and spelling out an end to free movement of citizens between the EU and UK -- two of the key demands of the Leave campaign. She has been under intense pressure from all sides over the withdrawal deal, with a slew of ministers resigning in protest and some of her own party MPs launching a bid -- stalled for now -- to unseat her. Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), on whom May's Conservatives depend for their majority, has been flexing its muscles, fearing that efforts to avoid a hard border with Ireland will lead to the province drifting apart from the rest of the UK. Gibraltar, fish unresolved "I have just sent to EU27 a draft Political Declaration on the Future Relationship between EU and UK," Tusk, who represents the 27 remaining EU member countries, tweeted. "The Commission President (Jean-Claude Juncker) has informed me that it has been agreed at negotiators' level and agreed in principle at political level." He said EU leaders still have to endorse the draft declaration, which is due to accompany a draft of agreed terms for Britain's withdrawal from the bloc on March 29. In an update of the withdrawal agreement, both sides have agreed that the post-Brexit transition period may be extended from its current end date of December 31, 2020 "for up to one or two years." The transition period is designed to allow governments and businesses to adjust to a new relationship after more than four decades of close ties. But the declaration does not deal with the vexed issues of fishing and Gibraltar, the British territory that sits on an outcrop of southern Spain. Madrid wants a veto over applying any agreement on post-transition relations to Gibraltar, while some EU countries including France have voiced concerns about access to British fishing waters after Brexit. European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters the two issues "still need to be addressed and resolved". On Wednesday Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez repeated a threat to sink the whole Brexit deal if Madrid's concerns on Gibraltar were not met. In London, a spokesman said Thursday that May "will shortly be updating cabinet on the state of the negotiations." May was due to host Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, current holder of the rotating EU presidency, for talks at Downing Street. She was then expected to address the House of Commons, in a statement focused on progress in EU negotiations, at around 3:00 pm (1500 GMT), parliamentary officials said.

EU, UK agree draft on 'ambitious' post-Brexit ties

Breaking News: Brexit's draft deal agreed upon; subject to leaders endorsement

Issues relating to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-you-need-to-know-about-gibraltar-in-brexit-talks-178603"> Gibraltar in Britain</a>`s exit from the European Union are by no means resolved, a British government source said on Thursday, stressing that all 27 other EU states have to agree on the final text of the agreement.

Speaking after negotiators said they had agreed in principle to a text setting out the future relationship between Britain and the EU, the source also said significant progress had been made on the political declaration on Britain`s future EU ties.

"We have made significant progress from the outline political declaration in a number of areas," the source said. "Gibraltar remains a significant issue ... it is clear there are issues to resolve there." 
&nbsp;

Issues relating to Gibraltar in Britain`s exit from the European Union are by no means resolved, a British government source said on Thursday, stressing that all 27 other EU states have to agree on the final text of the agreement.

Issues relating to Gibraltar in Britain`s exit from the European Union are by no means resolved, a British government source said on Thursday, stressing that all 27 other EU states have to agree on the final text of the agreement. Speaking after negotiators said they had agreed in principle to a text setting out the future relationship between Britain and the EU, the source also said significant progress had been made on the political declaration on Britain`s future EU ties. "We have made significant progress from the outline political declaration in a number of areas," the source said. "Gibraltar remains a significant issue ... it is clear there are issues to resolve there."

Gibraltar remains an issue in Brexit talks: UK government source

British Prime Minister Theresa May will make an "emergency statement" to MPs on Thursday, the parliament said after London and Brussels struck a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-uk-agree-draft-on-ambitious-post-brexit-ties-178780"> draft deal on post-Brexit ties</a>.

"The prime minister will make an emergency statement to the Commons later today," the lower house said on Twitter.

Downing Street said the prime minister was holding a teleconference with cabinet ministers about the deal, which the two sides hope to sign off on at a summit in Brussels on Sunday.

May held talks in Brussels on Wednesday on two separate agreements that must also be approved by the European and UK parliaments before Britain leaves the bloc in March.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will make an "emergency statement" to MPs on Thursday, the parliament said after London and Brussels struck a draft deal on post-Brexit ties.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will make an "emergency statement" to MPs on Thursday, the parliament said after London and Brussels struck a draft deal on post-Brexit ties. "The prime minister will make an emergency statement to the Commons later today," the lower house said on Twitter. Downing Street said the prime minister was holding a teleconference with cabinet ministers about the deal, which the two sides hope to sign off on at a summit in Brussels on Sunday. May held talks in Brussels on Wednesday on two separate agreements that must also be approved by the European and UK parliaments before Britain leaves the bloc in March.

UK PM to make emergency address to parliament Thursday: Official

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