Talks between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-solution-for-now-to-break-brexit-deadlock-201582">British and EU officials</a> to break the Brexit deadlock will "almost certainly" last into the weekend, Britain's attorney general said on Thursday, ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote in London next week.

With just three weeks to go until the scheduled departure date of March 29, the concern is growing about the possibility of Britain crashing out of the bloc after 46 years of membership with no deal in place.

Ahead of Tuesday's vote, the British government of Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking legally-binding changes to the agreement it struck with the EU in November but which was resoundingly rejected by parliament in January.

"These discussions are running, they're going to be resuming very shortly, they're going to be continuing almost certainly throughout the weekend," Geoffrey Cox, who is leading the talks, told British MPs.

Talks have focused on the current deal's so-called "backstop" solution, designed to keep the Irish border open but which critics say could lock Britain into a customs union with the EU indefinitely.

'Still waiting for proposal'

On a visit to Britain, France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau urged British politicians to "live up to the moment" as they prepared for the vote.

"So far, we are still waiting for a proposal from London, it's really a British initiative which has to come," she said.

But she later insisted on BBC radio the EU "cannot reopen" the withdrawal agreement "because it is balanced."

"The solution is on the table. The withdrawal agreement is the best possible solution."

Cox rejected criticism that Britain had not presented viable plans to the EU, telling MPs the proposals were "detailed, coherent, careful" and "as clear as day".

No-deal risks 'bitterness'&nbsp;

European Commission secretary general Martin Selmayr said progress was still possible, despite the failure of talks in Brussels so far.

"These things often happen at the very last minute," he told a Brookings Institution event in Washington.

"We have to wait for the next couple of days and weeks. We have to be very patient."

Loiseau said the EU did not want to activate the backstop either but rejected Britain's calls for an escape mechanism to be built into it, saying "what is not possible is that one of the parties decide unilaterally to leave".

If May loses Tuesday's vote, MPs will then vote on Wednesday on whether to proceed without a deal.

If MPs reject that outcome, they would then vote on Thursday on whether to ask the EU for a delay.

The request for a delay would have to be accepted unanimously by all member states and Britain would have to leave the EU on March 29 if it is rejected.

Loiseau said France had been "preparing for all scenarios" and that no deal "will not be a disaster for France or the European Union", although was concerned it could trigger cross-Channel animosity.

"I'm worried that... there would be bitterness between nations and there would be British-bashing in France and French-bashing or European-bashing in London," she told the Guardian newspaper.

"Why would be there be an extension without a reason?" Loiseau said.

"We have been in discussions for quite a long time now. There needs to be something specific to justify an extension," she added, pointing out that was the position of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Talks between British and EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock will "almost certainly" last into the weekend, Britain's attorney general said on Thursday, ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote in London next week.

Talks between British and EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock will "almost certainly" last into the weekend, Britain's attorney general said on Thursday, ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote in London next week. With just three weeks to go until the scheduled departure date of March 29, the concern is growing about the possibility of Britain crashing out of the bloc after 46 years of membership with no deal in place. Ahead of Tuesday's vote, the British government of Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking legally-binding changes to the agreement it struck with the EU in November but which was resoundingly rejected by parliament in January. "These discussions are running, they're going to be resuming very shortly, they're going to be continuing almost certainly throughout the weekend," Geoffrey Cox, who is leading the talks, told British MPs. Talks have focused on the current deal's so-called "backstop" solution, designed to keep the Irish border open but which critics say could lock Britain into a customs union with the EU indefinitely. 'Still waiting for proposal' On a visit to Britain, France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau urged British politicians to "live up to the moment" as they prepared for the vote. "So far, we are still waiting for a proposal from London, it's really a British initiative which has to come," she said. But she later insisted on BBC radio the EU "cannot reopen" the withdrawal agreement "because it is balanced." "The solution is on the table. The withdrawal agreement is the best possible solution." Cox rejected criticism that Britain had not presented viable plans to the EU, telling MPs the proposals were "detailed, coherent, careful" and "as clear as day". No-deal risks 'bitterness' European Commission secretary general Martin Selmayr said progress was still possible, despite the failure of talks in Brussels so far. "These things often happen at the very last minute," he told a Brookings Institution event in Washington. "We have to wait for the next couple of days and weeks. We have to be very patient." Loiseau said the EU did not want to activate the backstop either but rejected Britain's calls for an escape mechanism to be built into it, saying "what is not possible is that one of the parties decide unilaterally to leave". If May loses Tuesday's vote, MPs will then vote on Wednesday on whether to proceed without a deal. If MPs reject that outcome, they would then vote on Thursday on whether to ask the EU for a delay. The request for a delay would have to be accepted unanimously by all member states and Britain would have to leave the EU on March 29 if it is rejected. Loiseau said France had been "preparing for all scenarios" and that no deal "will not be a disaster for France or the European Union", although was concerned it could trigger cross-Channel animosity. "I'm worried that... there would be bitterness between nations and there would be British-bashing in France and French-bashing or European-bashing in London," she told the Guardian newspaper. "Why would be there be an extension without a reason?" Loiseau said. "We have been in discussions for quite a long time now. There needs to be something specific to justify an extension," she added, pointing out that was the position of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

UK eyes weekend talks to break Brexit deadlock

Britain would scrap 80-90 per cent of tariffs on imported goods if it leaves the European Union without a deal but would keep them for sensitive sectors such as cars and some agricultural products, broadcaster Sky News reported on Tuesday.

Sky News said the government intended to publish details on the tariff cuts if lawmakers reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in a vote due next week.

Britain's Department for International Trade said in response to the report that no final decision had been made on tariffs, but there had been discussion across government about the right level of tariffs following a no-deal Brexit.

Britain currently has tariff-free access to European Union markets and it benefits from EU trade deals with other countries. But its exports will automatically face tariffs if it leaves on March 29 without a transition deal.

The country will then have to decide if it wishes to impose reciprocal tariffs on imports from the EU.

Without tariffs, some British factories and farms would struggle to compete with imports, and Britain would lose leverage to persuade other countries to reduce tariffs on goods they import from Britain.

However, freedom to set an independent trade policy - including cutting tariffs - was a key reason for leaving the EU given by Brexit supporters, including trade minister Liam Fox.

Sky said May's cabinet of senior ministers had approved the tariff plan after the environment and farming minister Michael Gove argued to keep food tariffs and business minister Greg Clark insisted car imports should still face a 10 per cent tariff.

"According to government sources the 10-20 per cent of more sensitive items which will retain their protection includes cars, beef, lamb, dairy and some lines of textiles," it said.

Car parts, cereals and some finished food products would be among the areas where tariffs would be scrapped, it added.

The Department for International Trade said the government's priority remained to avoid a no-deal Brexit.

"If we leave the European Union without an agreement, our tariffs will need to strike a balance between protecting consumers and businesses from possible price rises and avoiding the exposure of sensitive industries to competition," a spokeswoman said.

Britain's government is due to hold a series of parliamentary votes next week asking lawmakers to approve a modified version of a Brexit plan they previously rejected, and if not, to vote on a no-deal or a delay to Brexit.

Britain would scrap 80-90 per cent of tariffs on imported goods if it leaves the European Union without a deal but would keep them for sensitive sectors such as cars and some agricultural products, broadcaster Sky News reported on Tuesday.

Britain would scrap 80-90 per cent of tariffs on imported goods if it leaves the European Union without a deal but would keep them for sensitive sectors such as cars and some agricultural products, broadcaster Sky News reported on Tuesday. Sky News said the government intended to publish details on the tariff cuts if lawmakers reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in a vote due next week. Britain's Department for International Trade said in response to the report that no final decision had been made on tariffs, but there had been discussion across government about the right level of tariffs following a no-deal Brexit. Britain currently has tariff-free access to European Union markets and it benefits from EU trade deals with other countries. But its exports will automatically face tariffs if it leaves on March 29 without a transition deal. The country will then have to decide if it wishes to impose reciprocal tariffs on imports from the EU. Without tariffs, some British factories and farms would struggle to compete with imports, and Britain would lose leverage to persuade other countries to reduce tariffs on goods they import from Britain. However, freedom to set an independent trade policy - including cutting tariffs - was a key reason for leaving the EU given by Brexit supporters, including trade minister Liam Fox. Sky said May's cabinet of senior ministers had approved the tariff plan after the environment and farming minister Michael Gove argued to keep food tariffs and business minister Greg Clark insisted car imports should still face a 10 per cent tariff. "According to government sources the 10-20 per cent of more sensitive items which will retain their protection includes cars, beef, lamb, dairy and some lines of textiles," it said. Car parts, cereals and some finished food products would be among the areas where tariffs would be scrapped, it added. The Department for International Trade said the government's priority remained to avoid a no-deal Brexit. "If we leave the European Union without an agreement, our tariffs will need to strike a balance between protecting consumers and businesses from possible price rises and avoiding the exposure of sensitive industries to competition," a spokeswoman said. Britain's government is due to hold a series of parliamentary votes next week asking lawmakers to approve a modified version of a Brexit plan they previously rejected, and if not, to vote on a no-deal or a delay to Brexit.

UK would scrap 80-90%  of tariffs after no-deal Brexit: Report

Talks between British Prime Minister Theresa May's top government lawyer and European Union negotiators to win concessions from the bloc on Brexit ended with no agreement in Brussels on Tuesday.

May has sent Attorney General Geoffrey Cox to seek changes to her deal in a last-ditch bid to get it through parliament and smooth Britain's departure from the European Union.

The talks between Cox, Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and the EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier ended with no agreement after more than three hours on Tuesday. Sources from both sides said negotiations among lower-ranking officials would continue on Wednesday.

An EU official said Tuesday's talks did not go well.

Britain is due to leave the EU in 24 days, but parliament's rejection of May's deal in January has put in doubt how, when or possibly even if Britain's biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years will take place.

May has charged Cox and Barclay with securing changes to the so-called Irish backstop, an insurance policy to prevent a "hard border" between the UK province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland if a future trading relationship falls short.

Time is of the essence, with some businesses increasingly concerned over the risk of a disorderly Brexit, which BMW said on Tuesday could mean it would move some production of engines and it's Mini model out of Britain.

Earlier, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said the government still wanted "to leave at the end of this month and it depends how quickly we can get a deal through".

"Our ask of the EU is an important ask ... but it is one ask and it's a simple one. We need substantive changes that will allow the attorney general to change his advice to the government that says that, at the moment, theoretically, we could be trapped in the backstop indefinitely."

Flexing muscles

May has struggled to convince the EU that she can get the deal through a deeply divided parliament in London, where lawmakers are increasingly flexing their muscles to try to influence Britain's departure from the bloc.

She has offered lawmakers the chance to seek to prevent a no-deal departure and to delay Brexit if parliament rejects the deal in a vote she has promised to hold by March 12. Both British and EU officials have said any delay would probably be just for a few months.

Ministers are hoping Cox can convince eurosceptic lawmakers he has done enough to remove the threat of Britain ending up in the EU's customs union indefinitely, something Brexit supporters say would make a mockery of the 2016 vote to leave the bloc.

The British government had been looking at either an end date on the provision or some way of London being able to stop the arrangement unilaterally, but have in recent days been less specific about what the changes would amount to.

Both options have long been rejected by the EU.

Asked after a meeting of senior ministers whether May had set out specific details of what Cox was seeking, her spokesman said: "No ... you can expect them (Cox and Barclay) to be having detailed discussions around the legally binding changes we're seeking to the backstop, but it wasn't discussed at cabinet."

British and EU officials said the change could come in an addendum to the agreement - something the government hopes will be enough to change minds in parliament, where deep divisions over Brexit have become increasingly entrenched.

"How we get there is something we're prepared to be flexible about," Hunt said. "But the crucial thing that we are looking for is to see whether Geoffrey Cox is going to be able to change his advice to the government."

Talks between British Prime Minister Theresa May's top government lawyer and European Union negotiators to win concessions from the bloc on Brexit ended with no agreement in Brussels on Tuesday.

Talks between British Prime Minister Theresa May's top government lawyer and European Union negotiators to win concessions from the bloc on Brexit ended with no agreement in Brussels on Tuesday. May has sent Attorney General Geoffrey Cox to seek changes to her deal in a last-ditch bid to get it through parliament and smooth Britain's departure from the European Union. The talks between Cox, Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and the EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier ended with no agreement after more than three hours on Tuesday. Sources from both sides said negotiations among lower-ranking officials would continue on Wednesday. An EU official said Tuesday's talks did not go well. Britain is due to leave the EU in 24 days, but parliament's rejection of May's deal in January has put in doubt how, when or possibly even if Britain's biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years will take place. May has charged Cox and Barclay with securing changes to the so-called Irish backstop, an insurance policy to prevent a "hard border" between the UK province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland if a future trading relationship falls short. Time is of the essence, with some businesses increasingly concerned over the risk of a disorderly Brexit, which BMW said on Tuesday could mean it would move some production of engines and it's Mini model out of Britain. Earlier, foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said the government still wanted "to leave at the end of this month and it depends how quickly we can get a deal through". "Our ask of the EU is an important ask ... but it is one ask and it's a simple one. We need substantive changes that will allow the attorney general to change his advice to the government that says that, at the moment, theoretically, we could be trapped in the backstop indefinitely." Flexing muscles May has struggled to convince the EU that she can get the deal through a deeply divided parliament in London, where lawmakers are increasingly flexing their muscles to try to influence Britain's departure from the bloc. She has offered lawmakers the chance to seek to prevent a no-deal departure and to delay Brexit if parliament rejects the deal in a vote she has promised to hold by March 12. Both British and EU officials have said any delay would probably be just for a few months. Ministers are hoping Cox can convince eurosceptic lawmakers he has done enough to remove the threat of Britain ending up in the EU's customs union indefinitely, something Brexit supporters say would make a mockery of the 2016 vote to leave the bloc. The British government had been looking at either an end date on the provision or some way of London being able to stop the arrangement unilaterally, but have in recent days been less specific about what the changes would amount to. Both options have long been rejected by the EU. Asked after a meeting of senior ministers whether May had set out specific details of what Cox was seeking, her spokesman said: "No ... you can expect them (Cox and Barclay) to be having detailed discussions around the legally binding changes we're seeking to the backstop, but it wasn't discussed at cabinet." British and EU officials said the change could come in an addendum to the agreement - something the government hopes will be enough to change minds in parliament, where deep divisions over Brexit have become increasingly entrenched. "How we get there is something we're prepared to be flexible about," Hunt said. "But the crucial thing that we are looking for is to see whether Geoffrey Cox is going to be able to change his advice to the government."

British PM May's top lawyer struggles for Brexit deal in Brussels

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday "no solution" has been found so far to break <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-near-standstill-as-brexit-approaches-survey-201345">the deadlock over Brexit</a>, a spokesman reported after the latest negotiations in Brussels.

Briefing the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, Barnier said the talks "have been difficult", spokesman Margaritis Schinas said following the four hours of negotiations on Tuesday.

Barnier informed the commissioners that "no solution has been identified at this point that is consistent with the withdrawal agreement," which the EU agreed with Prime Minister Theresa May in November.

Barnier said the discussions have nonetheless taken place in a "constructive atmosphere," speaking the day after he held the latest round of talks with UK attorney general Geoffrey Cox and Brexit minister Stephen Barclay.

Barnier confirmed the two sides were still stuck on the so-called "backstop," aimed at keeping open the border between EU member Ireland and British Northern Ireland.

The EU sees the provision in the withdrawal agreement as vital to preserving the peace process in Northern Ireland but London fears it will tie Britain indefinitely to an EU customs union.

The EU-British talks are aimed at helping May's government get the November divorce deal through parliament and avoiding Britain crashing out of the bloc on March 29 without a deal.

Cox said he had put forward some "very reasonable proposals" during his talks in Brussels.

"Both sides have exchanged robust strong views and we're now facing the real discussions. Talks will be resuming soon," Cox told Sky News television from Brussels.

"These are very sensitive discussions, we're into the meat of the matter now, we've put forward some proposals, very reasonable proposals," he said.

But he said he could not reveal the content of the discussions, saying they were "private and confidential".

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday "no solution" has been found so far to break the deadlock over Brexit, a spokesman reported after the latest negotiations in Brussels.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday "no solution" has been found so far to break the deadlock over Brexit, a spokesman reported after the latest negotiations in Brussels. Briefing the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, Barnier said the talks "have been difficult", spokesman Margaritis Schinas said following the four hours of negotiations on Tuesday. Barnier informed the commissioners that "no solution has been identified at this point that is consistent with the withdrawal agreement," which the EU agreed with Prime Minister Theresa May in November. Barnier said the discussions have nonetheless taken place in a "constructive atmosphere," speaking the day after he held the latest round of talks with UK attorney general Geoffrey Cox and Brexit minister Stephen Barclay. Barnier confirmed the two sides were still stuck on the so-called "backstop," aimed at keeping open the border between EU member Ireland and British Northern Ireland. The EU sees the provision in the withdrawal agreement as vital to preserving the peace process in Northern Ireland but London fears it will tie Britain indefinitely to an EU customs union. The EU-British talks are aimed at helping May's government get the November divorce deal through parliament and avoiding Britain crashing out of the bloc on March 29 without a deal. Cox said he had put forward some "very reasonable proposals" during his talks in Brussels. "Both sides have exchanged robust strong views and we're now facing the real discussions. Talks will be resuming soon," Cox told Sky News television from Brussels. "These are very sensitive discussions, we're into the meat of the matter now, we've put forward some proposals, very reasonable proposals," he said. But he said he could not reveal the content of the discussions, saying they were "private and confidential".

EU says 'no solution' for now to break Brexit deadlock

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-options-available-if-there-is-another-terrorist-strike-official-sources-201309">All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources</a>

Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike.&nbsp;

The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan".&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">Pakistan arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's brother</a>

Pakistan has arrested the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said Tuesday at a press conference that Mufti Abdur Rauf had been arrested.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-stopped-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters-201282">Pakistan says it stopped Indian submarine from entering its waters</a>

Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes.

The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-foreign-minister-jeremy-hunt-says-reasonably-positive-signs-from-eu-over-brexit-deal-changes-201281">UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt says 'reasonably positive' signs from EU over Brexit deal changes</a>

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which could help it get parliamentary backing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-score-india-all-set-to-face-visitors-australia-in-2nd-odi-201250">Live score: Finch, Khawaja fall in quick succession, Australia 83/2 after 15.3 overs</a>

India all-out for 250 in 48.2 overs. India captain Virat Kohli top-scored with 116 off 120 balls while Vijay Shankar made 46 of 41.

All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike.

All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike. The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan". Pakistan arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's brother Pakistan has arrested the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said Tuesday at a press conference that Mufti Abdur Rauf had been arrested. Pakistan says it stopped Indian submarine from entering its waters Pakistan has stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters, the navy said Tuesday, as tensions continue to run high between the nuclear-armed foes. The development came days after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of an all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint. UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt says 'reasonably positive' signs from EU over Brexit deal changes Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which could help it get parliamentary backing. Live score: Finch, Khawaja fall in quick succession, Australia 83/2 after 15.3 overs India all-out for 250 in 48.2 overs. India captain Virat Kohli top-scored with 116 off 120 balls while Vijay Shankar made 46 of 41.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Britain's economy came close to stagnating again in February as services companies, preparing for Brexit, cut staff at the fastest rate in more than seven years and consumers reined in their spending, surveys showed on Tuesday.

The figures suggested growth in the world's fifth-biggest economy was near a standstill as Prime Minister Theresa May tried to win last-minute Brexit concessions from Brussels.

IHS Markit, a data firm, said its UK Services Purchasing Managers' Index showed Britain's economy was set to grow by just 0.1 per cent in the first three months of 2019 compared with the last three of 2018.

After touching its lowest level in January since immediately after the Brexit referendum in 2016, the services PMI edged up to 51.3 from 50.1. That was better than the median forecast of 49.9 in a Reuters poll of economists.

But Howard Archer, an economist with EY Item Club, a forecasting firm, said the risk was very real that economic growth in the first quarter of 2019 would be weaker than his existing forecast of 0.2 per cent.

"There is a genuine chance now that the Bank of England will sit tight on interest rates through 2019 – especially if Brexit is delayed and extends the uncertainty," he said.

Separate data on Tuesday showed consumers slowed the increase in their spending in February and focused on buying food, including for stockpiling, rather than non-essential items.

Sterling rose initially on the higher-than-expected PMI reading but soon gave up its gains and was down 0.2 per cent against the U.S. dollar at $1.3158 at 1125 GMT.

BREXIT NEARS, BUT DELAY POSSIBLE

Britain's economy defied forecasts of a recession after the 2016 referendum vote to leave the European Union. But growth slowed sharply in late 2018 as worries mounted about the possibility of an abrupt, no-deal Brexit on March 29, and the global economy also weakened.

Carmakers based in Britain fear that their complex supply chains could be damaged by Brexit, and the Bank of England said on Tuesday other European Union countries were not ready for possible financial disruption.

Under pressure from within her Conservative Party, May is still seeking to rework the Brexit deal she agreed with other EU leaders. She has also raised the possibility of a delay of the departure date until June.

IHS Markit said optimism about the year ahead among services -- ranging from giant banks to high-street hairdressers -- had been lower only at the height of the global financial crisis and immediately after the Brexit referendum.

Many investment decisions were on hold and some companies said European clients were delaying committing to new projects in Britain. New export orders among services contracted for the sixth month in a row.

Companies cut jobs at the fastest pace since November 2011, with many opting not to replace people who left voluntarily.

Some companies said Britain's low unemployment rate was making it hard to find skilled staff.

IHS Markit said the main positive in February was the weakest increase in costs for services firms since May last year, opening up scope for offering discounts to clients.

Britain's economy came close to stagnating again in February as services companies, preparing for Brexit, cut staff at the fastest rate in more than seven years and consumers reined in their spending, surveys showed on Tuesday.

Britain's economy came close to stagnating again in February as services companies, preparing for Brexit, cut staff at the fastest rate in more than seven years and consumers reined in their spending, surveys showed on Tuesday. The figures suggested growth in the world's fifth-biggest economy was near a standstill as Prime Minister Theresa May tried to win last-minute Brexit concessions from Brussels. IHS Markit, a data firm, said its UK Services Purchasing Managers' Index showed Britain's economy was set to grow by just 0.1 per cent in the first three months of 2019 compared with the last three of 2018. After touching its lowest level in January since immediately after the Brexit referendum in 2016, the services PMI edged up to 51.3 from 50.1. That was better than the median forecast of 49.9 in a Reuters poll of economists. But Howard Archer, an economist with EY Item Club, a forecasting firm, said the risk was very real that economic growth in the first quarter of 2019 would be weaker than his existing forecast of 0.2 per cent. "There is a genuine chance now that the Bank of England will sit tight on interest rates through 2019 – especially if Brexit is delayed and extends the uncertainty," he said. Separate data on Tuesday showed consumers slowed the increase in their spending in February and focused on buying food, including for stockpiling, rather than non-essential items. Sterling rose initially on the higher-than-expected PMI reading but soon gave up its gains and was down 0.2 per cent against the U.S. dollar at $1.3158 at 1125 GMT. BREXIT NEARS, BUT DELAY POSSIBLE Britain's economy defied forecasts of a recession after the 2016 referendum vote to leave the European Union. But growth slowed sharply in late 2018 as worries mounted about the possibility of an abrupt, no-deal Brexit on March 29, and the global economy also weakened. Carmakers based in Britain fear that their complex supply chains could be damaged by Brexit, and the Bank of England said on Tuesday other European Union countries were not ready for possible financial disruption. Under pressure from within her Conservative Party, May is still seeking to rework the Brexit deal she agreed with other EU leaders. She has also raised the possibility of a delay of the departure date until June. IHS Markit said optimism about the year ahead among services -- ranging from giant banks to high-street hairdressers -- had been lower only at the height of the global financial crisis and immediately after the Brexit referendum. Many investment decisions were on hold and some companies said European clients were delaying committing to new projects in Britain. New export orders among services contracted for the sixth month in a row. Companies cut jobs at the fastest pace since November 2011, with many opting not to replace people who left voluntarily. Some companies said Britain's low unemployment rate was making it hard to find skilled staff. IHS Markit said the main positive in February was the weakest increase in costs for services firms since May last year, opening up scope for offering discounts to clients.

UK economy near standstill as Brexit approaches: Survey

Less than a month before <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-ready-to-give-uk-more-guarantees-on-brexit-chief-negotiator-michel-barnier-200761">Britain is due to leave the European Union</a>, London and Berlin signed a partnership deal on Monday (March 4) aimed at deepening their business ties, arguing that regardless of Brexit "the 21st century belongs to cities".

Along with other European cities, Berlin is jostling for a piece of London's financial technology industry and has stepped up efforts to promote the German capital as an affordable and creative alternative to other centres.

But Monday's agreement, signed by the two cities' economic development agencies, aims to promote investment both by British companies in Berlin and German companies in London.

"Brexit or no Brexit, we want to show the world that London is open for business, talent and investment from across the world," said Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for business.

The United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29 but still has no deal in place governing its exit terms, after lawmakers voted in January to reject an agreement Prime Minister Theresa May reached last year with the bloc.

Agrawal said that in all scenarios Brexit was not good for the UK, but added that independent research had shown the British capital would prove more resilient than other regions to Brexit, which Londoners opposed in Britain's 2016 referendum.

He described London and Berlin as like-minded. Both are hubs for technology companies, which the development agencies pledged to support with Monday's deal.

"Of course we are concerned about Brexit," said Knut Hechtfischer, co-founder of Ubitricity, a German firm founded in 2008 that provides charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. He helped promote the Berlin-London partnership.

The founders of Ubitricity had a strikingly simple idea which could end one of the main drawbacks of electric cars especially in large cities, the lack of enough spaces to charge up the vehicles, by putting charging sockets on lamp posts. At the end of 2018 Ubitricity together with its partner, Siemens installed the first charging points in street lights in London.

Hechtfischer said his company was concerned about Brexit, but London would remain an important market regardless of its outcome. "The transformation to electric mobility, the demand for charging infrastructure, which results from it and the need for clean air in inner cities, all these things are universal topics, which have nothing to do with the Brexit," he said, adding: ": "London will still be London whatever politicians decide in March or later. It will be an exciting city it is and it will also be an interesting market for us."

Less than a month before Britain is due to leave the European Union, London and Berlin signed a partnership deal on Monday (March 4) aimed at deepening their business ties, arguing that regardless of Brexit "the 21st century belongs to cities".

Less than a month before Britain is due to leave the European Union, London and Berlin signed a partnership deal on Monday (March 4) aimed at deepening their business ties, arguing that regardless of Brexit "the 21st century belongs to cities". Along with other European cities, Berlin is jostling for a piece of London's financial technology industry and has stepped up efforts to promote the German capital as an affordable and creative alternative to other centres. But Monday's agreement, signed by the two cities' economic development agencies, aims to promote investment both by British companies in Berlin and German companies in London. "Brexit or no Brexit, we want to show the world that London is open for business, talent and investment from across the world," said Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for business. The United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29 but still has no deal in place governing its exit terms, after lawmakers voted in January to reject an agreement Prime Minister Theresa May reached last year with the bloc. Agrawal said that in all scenarios Brexit was not good for the UK, but added that independent research had shown the British capital would prove more resilient than other regions to Brexit, which Londoners opposed in Britain's 2016 referendum. He described London and Berlin as like-minded. Both are hubs for technology companies, which the development agencies pledged to support with Monday's deal. "Of course we are concerned about Brexit," said Knut Hechtfischer, co-founder of Ubitricity, a German firm founded in 2008 that provides charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. He helped promote the Berlin-London partnership. The founders of Ubitricity had a strikingly simple idea which could end one of the main drawbacks of electric cars especially in large cities, the lack of enough spaces to charge up the vehicles, by putting charging sockets on lamp posts. At the end of 2018 Ubitricity together with its partner, Siemens installed the first charging points in street lights in London. Hechtfischer said his company was concerned about Brexit, but London would remain an important market regardless of its outcome. "The transformation to electric mobility, the demand for charging infrastructure, which results from it and the need for clean air in inner cities, all these things are universal topics, which have nothing to do with the Brexit," he said, adding: ": "London will still be London whatever politicians decide in March or later. It will be an exciting city it is and it will also be an interesting market for us."

As Brexit looms, London and Berlin promote closer business ties

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - 2nd March, 2019

The European Union is prepared to give <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-labour-party-backs-new-brexit-referendum-200206">Britain further Brexit guarantees</a> to help a divorce deal through the British parliament, the bloc's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said in an interview published Saturday.

"We can find guarantees to confirm, clarify, guarantee the goodwill and good faith of the Europeans with commitments which would have real legal force," Barnier said in comments published in several European newspapers including Die Welt in Germany and Les Echos in France.

Barnier also suggested European leaders would be amenable to a short "technical" delay in Britain's departure from the EU, scheduled for March 29, to give the British parliament time to formally ratify a final divorce deal.&nbsp;

The British parliament rejected the original Brexit deal hammered out by Prime Minister Theresa May and EU leaders.&nbsp;

The major sticking point was the so-called "backstop" plan for the Irish border. Some MPs fear the arrangement, which would keep Britain tied to EU trade rules until another way is found to keep the frontier open, is a "trap" that could bind it to European commerce rules indefinitely.

Barnier said there was "misunderstanding" over the proposed backstop deal.

"Limiting it in time or introducing a unilateral exit clause would call into question its credibility," the EU's top Brexit negotiator insisted.

The backstop "will end either when we have a global agreement on the future relationship or a specific agreement with Ireland," he said, assuring it "was never the wish" to bind Britain to European trade rules indefinitely.

Meetings next week&nbsp; 
Barnier said he would Britain's Brexit minister Stephen Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox next week to discuss options.

A Brussels source said those talks could take place in the Belgian capital on Tuesday.

"There is a way that the British (parliament) could vote, between now and March 12, with these guarantees of our good faith, It will be up to them to fulfil their responsibilities," Barnier said.

In 2017, Britain invoked Article 50 of EU law, triggering a two-year countdown to Brexit that ends at 11 pm on March 29.

The country is on course to leave without an agreement after British MPs in January overwhelmingly rejected the divorce deal May struck with the EU late last year.

The embattled leader is now seeking changes to the pact which she hopes will be enough to get it through parliament by March 12.

In a revised strategy unveiled this week, May vowed that if her deal is rejected, lawmakers will vote in the following days on whether to leave without a deal or delay Brexit.

But European leaders have warned any postponement would come with conditions.

Barnier suggested a short delay could be acceptable.

"The European institutions will do whatever is necessary on their side but the British have told us in the past that they will need two months to ratify" the deal.

"It would then require a simple technical extension."

While Britain is yet to request a delay, "I don't think there would be any objections in principle" from the other 27 EU nations, Barnier said.

However, any delay "must serve to solve a problem, not merely to postpone it and remain at an impasse."

The European Union is prepared to give Britain further Brexit guarantees to help a divorce deal through the British parliament, the bloc's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said in an interview published Saturday.

The European Union is prepared to give Britain further Brexit guarantees to help a divorce deal through the British parliament, the bloc's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said in an interview published Saturday. "We can find guarantees to confirm, clarify, guarantee the goodwill and good faith of the Europeans with commitments which would have real legal force," Barnier said in comments published in several European newspapers including Die Welt in Germany and Les Echos in France. Barnier also suggested European leaders would be amenable to a short "technical" delay in Britain's departure from the EU, scheduled for March 29, to give the British parliament time to formally ratify a final divorce deal. The British parliament rejected the original Brexit deal hammered out by Prime Minister Theresa May and EU leaders. The major sticking point was the so-called "backstop" plan for the Irish border. Some MPs fear the arrangement, which would keep Britain tied to EU trade rules until another way is found to keep the frontier open, is a "trap" that could bind it to European commerce rules indefinitely. Barnier said there was "misunderstanding" over the proposed backstop deal. "Limiting it in time or introducing a unilateral exit clause would call into question its credibility," the EU's top Brexit negotiator insisted. The backstop "will end either when we have a global agreement on the future relationship or a specific agreement with Ireland," he said, assuring it "was never the wish" to bind Britain to European trade rules indefinitely. Meetings next week Barnier said he would Britain's Brexit minister Stephen Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox next week to discuss options. A Brussels source said those talks could take place in the Belgian capital on Tuesday. "There is a way that the British (parliament) could vote, between now and March 12, with these guarantees of our good faith, It will be up to them to fulfil their responsibilities," Barnier said. In 2017, Britain invoked Article 50 of EU law, triggering a two-year countdown to Brexit that ends at 11 pm on March 29. The country is on course to leave without an agreement after British MPs in January overwhelmingly rejected the divorce deal May struck with the EU late last year. The embattled leader is now seeking changes to the pact which she hopes will be enough to get it through parliament by March 12. In a revised strategy unveiled this week, May vowed that if her deal is rejected, lawmakers will vote in the following days on whether to leave without a deal or delay Brexit. But European leaders have warned any postponement would come with conditions. Barnier suggested a short delay could be acceptable. "The European institutions will do whatever is necessary on their side but the British have told us in the past that they will need two months to ratify" the deal. "It would then require a simple technical extension." While Britain is yet to request a delay, "I don't think there would be any objections in principle" from the other 27 EU nations, Barnier said. However, any delay "must serve to solve a problem, not merely to postpone it and remain at an impasse."

EU ready to give UK more guarantees on Brexit: Chief negotiator Michel Barnier

Britain's Brexit champion Boris Johnson on Saturday hit out at mounting calls for a second referendum on European Union membership predicting it would arouse widespread "anger".

The former foreign minister turned tormentor of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May also mocked the "bastards" who run the EU as he attacked the bloc.

Questioned at a conference in New Delhi about pressure for a repeat of the 2016 referendum in Britain, Johnson said "I don't think that's possible."

"I think that the anger in the population would be so intense and the tedium -- people would be driven absolutely round the bend by the idea of having to vote on this thing again."

"It was a very acrimonious, very divisive campaign" in 2016, he said, predicting any second vote would produce the same result.

Johnson quit as foreign minister in May's right-wing government last year in protest at her proposed departure deal with the EU -- which would keep Britain temporarily in the EU customs union as a "backstop" until problems with the Irish border are settled.

Parliament has since rejected the deal and May is battling political turmoil ahead of the scheduled March 29 departure date.

Brexit not 'xenophobic'

"We need to get this Brexit done properly and our prime minister now needs to punch a hole through that backstop and it has got to be a hole that is big enough to fit the entire United Kingdom," Johnson told the India Today media group conference.

"Once she does that we are free. We are at the races. I am hoping she will do it," he declared of the intense talks between the government and Brussels.

Johnson also told the Indian audience that Brexit was misunderstood by those who say it is an "xenophobic, nationalistic and reactionary phenomenon."

"My objection to the EU was not that it was run by foreigners. The problem is we don't really know who is running it," Johnson said, mocking the five presidents of the EU commission, council of ministers, parliament and other bodies.

"I couldn't tell you who they are, or what they do or how they came by their jobs or how they may be removed from office.

"I have no idea how to kick those particular bastards out -- I'm not saying they are bastards. But millions and millions of people in the UK have no idea how the system works. It's completely cut off to them."

Johnson said those who predict disaster for Britain outside the bloc are "chicken lickens" but said there were still "many in the upper reaches of the UK government."

"They are like the people who said that Columbus would sail off the edge of the world."

"There is a very big struggle going on over what Brexit really means," he said.

"The treasury and the whole system, they are really too nervous of taking the leap," he added. Without control of tariffs and regulation, "sincerely you might as well be in" the EU, he said.

"Unless you have the freedom then stay in. I don't think the UK is going to stay in or that the UK should stay in," he added however.

Britain's Brexit champion Boris Johnson on Saturday hit out at mounting calls for a second referendum on European Union membership predicting it would arouse widespread "anger".

Britain's Brexit champion Boris Johnson on Saturday hit out at mounting calls for a second referendum on European Union membership predicting it would arouse widespread "anger". The former foreign minister turned tormentor of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May also mocked the "bastards" who run the EU as he attacked the bloc. Questioned at a conference in New Delhi about pressure for a repeat of the 2016 referendum in Britain, Johnson said "I don't think that's possible." "I think that the anger in the population would be so intense and the tedium -- people would be driven absolutely round the bend by the idea of having to vote on this thing again." "It was a very acrimonious, very divisive campaign" in 2016, he said, predicting any second vote would produce the same result. Johnson quit as foreign minister in May's right-wing government last year in protest at her proposed departure deal with the EU -- which would keep Britain temporarily in the EU customs union as a "backstop" until problems with the Irish border are settled. Parliament has since rejected the deal and May is battling political turmoil ahead of the scheduled March 29 departure date. Brexit not 'xenophobic' "We need to get this Brexit done properly and our prime minister now needs to punch a hole through that backstop and it has got to be a hole that is big enough to fit the entire United Kingdom," Johnson told the India Today media group conference. "Once she does that we are free. We are at the races. I am hoping she will do it," he declared of the intense talks between the government and Brussels. Johnson also told the Indian audience that Brexit was misunderstood by those who say it is an "xenophobic, nationalistic and reactionary phenomenon." "My objection to the EU was not that it was run by foreigners. The problem is we don't really know who is running it," Johnson said, mocking the five presidents of the EU commission, council of ministers, parliament and other bodies. "I couldn't tell you who they are, or what they do or how they came by their jobs or how they may be removed from office. "I have no idea how to kick those particular bastards out -- I'm not saying they are bastards. But millions and millions of people in the UK have no idea how the system works. It's completely cut off to them." Johnson said those who predict disaster for Britain outside the bloc are "chicken lickens" but said there were still "many in the upper reaches of the UK government." "They are like the people who said that Columbus would sail off the edge of the world." "There is a very big struggle going on over what Brexit really means," he said. "The treasury and the whole system, they are really too nervous of taking the leap," he added. Without control of tariffs and regulation, "sincerely you might as well be in" the EU, he said. "Unless you have the freedom then stay in. I don't think the UK is going to stay in or that the UK should stay in," he added however.

Boris Johnson says new European Union vote would unleash British 'anger'

Britain's opposition Labour Party will support a new referendum on Brexit after parliament defeated its alternative plan for leaving the European Union, the party's leader Jeremy Corbyn said.

With 29 days left until the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union, the leaders of Britain's two main parties have been forced into making key turns on the divorce in recent days.

After months of saying that Britain must leave the EU on time on March 29, May opened up the possibility on Tuesday of a short limited extension to the exit date.

Corbyn, who voted against membership in 1975 and gave only reluctant backing to the 2016 campaign to stay, on Wednesday gave an ambiguous backing for another referendum saying he would push for one alongside a national election.

"After tonight's votes in parliament, we'll continue to push for a close economic relationship based on our credible alternative plan or a general election," Corbyn said.

"We'll also back a public vote in order to prevent a damaging Tory Brexit or disastrous no deal."

John McDonnell, the second most powerful man in the Labour Party, said the party would put down an amendment calling for a second referendum as soon as May brought a deal back to parliament.

After May's deal was rejected on Jan. 15 in the biggest parliamentary defeat in modern British history, she is hoping to bring back a tweaked divorce accord for a vote, which could come as early as next week but may not take place until March 12.

Brexit maze

If her deal is voted down, May has promised lawmakers will get a chance to vote on whether to leave with no deal the day after and then on March 14 to vote on asking the EU to delay the deadline.

Lawmakers on Wednesday voted 502-20 in support of an amendment proposed by opposition Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper that spelt out May's proposed timetable. The government backed the amendment.

"We continue to see the most likely outcome of the current impasse as eventual ratification of the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal, with a three-month extension of Article 50," Goldman Sachs said.

Goldman raised the probability of that outcome to 55 per cent from 50 per cent while cutting its view of no-deal Brexit to 10 per cent from 15. It kept the probability of no Brexit at 35 per cent.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that the EU would agree to extend the Brexit deadline beyond March 29 only if Britain justified such a request with a clear objective.

"If the British need more time, we would support an extension request if it was justified by new choices from the British," Macron told a joint briefing with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel in Paris. "But we would in no way accept an extension without a clear view on the objective pursued."

Britain's opposition Labour Party will support a new referendum on Brexit after parliament defeated its alternative plan for leaving the European Union, the party's leader Jeremy Corbyn said.

Britain's opposition Labour Party will support a new referendum on Brexit after parliament defeated its alternative plan for leaving the European Union, the party's leader Jeremy Corbyn said. With 29 days left until the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union, the leaders of Britain's two main parties have been forced into making key turns on the divorce in recent days. After months of saying that Britain must leave the EU on time on March 29, May opened up the possibility on Tuesday of a short limited extension to the exit date. Corbyn, who voted against membership in 1975 and gave only reluctant backing to the 2016 campaign to stay, on Wednesday gave an ambiguous backing for another referendum saying he would push for one alongside a national election. "After tonight's votes in parliament, we'll continue to push for a close economic relationship based on our credible alternative plan or a general election," Corbyn said. "We'll also back a public vote in order to prevent a damaging Tory Brexit or disastrous no deal." John McDonnell, the second most powerful man in the Labour Party, said the party would put down an amendment calling for a second referendum as soon as May brought a deal back to parliament. After May's deal was rejected on Jan. 15 in the biggest parliamentary defeat in modern British history, she is hoping to bring back a tweaked divorce accord for a vote, which could come as early as next week but may not take place until March 12. Brexit maze If her deal is voted down, May has promised lawmakers will get a chance to vote on whether to leave with no deal the day after and then on March 14 to vote on asking the EU to delay the deadline. Lawmakers on Wednesday voted 502-20 in support of an amendment proposed by opposition Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper that spelt out May's proposed timetable. The government backed the amendment. "We continue to see the most likely outcome of the current impasse as eventual ratification of the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal, with a three-month extension of Article 50," Goldman Sachs said. Goldman raised the probability of that outcome to 55 per cent from 50 per cent while cutting its view of no-deal Brexit to 10 per cent from 15. It kept the probability of no Brexit at 35 per cent. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that the EU would agree to extend the Brexit deadline beyond March 29 only if Britain justified such a request with a clear objective. "If the British need more time, we would support an extension request if it was justified by new choices from the British," Macron told a joint briefing with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel in Paris. "But we would in no way accept an extension without a clear view on the objective pursued."

Britain's Labour Party backs new Brexit referendum

Asian markets were mostly up Wednesday with investors remaining positive about the prospects for a China-US trade deal while the pound held its gains as fears of a no-deal Brexit recede.

Wall Street provided a tepid lead as Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell gave little away to lawmakers on the central bank's plans for monetary policy.

With few catalysts to drive business, dealers are awaiting the latest developments in trade negotiations between the world's top two economies, which have helped fuel a rally across global markets this year.

And while there was a stumble Tuesday, the gains continued in Asia in early trade with Shanghai rising 0.6 per cent, Hong Kong up 0.4 per cent, Tokyo ending the morning 0.5 per cent higher and Seoul climbing 0.3 per cent.

Sydney added 0.4 per cent though Taipei and Wellington edged lower.

However, while equities are enjoying a broad-based advance, there are warnings against overconfidence.

"Investors will continue to trade from a positive standpoint, but anything that comes out that could possibly derail a China-US trade deal will probably lead to some strong profit-taking flows and a decent downside correction and increase in volatility," said Nick Twidale, chief operating officer at Rakuten Securities Australia.

'Perilous game'&nbsp; 
Hopes that Britain will not leave the European Union without a divorce pact in place has also provided some support to markets and the pound in particular.

Sterling held its own in Asia a day after surging more than one per cent on Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to let MPs vote on a three-month delay to the March 29 Brexit deadline if she is unable to ram through her own deal.

But Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, pointed out that risks remained.&nbsp;

Investors are "clearly second-guessing both the UK Parliament and the European Union, moving to a Brexit delay followed by a Brexit deal scenario", he said.

"This seems like a perilous game to play, but the momentum of this hope-versus-reality trade could push the pound to much higher levels yet. Be warned, though, that a disappointment in this glossy scenario could see just as ugly a move back down."

Traders will be keeping an eye on the second day of congressional testimony by Fed chief Powell after saying Tuesday that he saw inflation falling short of the bank's two per cent target despite rising employment and economic growth.

The comments follow recent Fed announcements that it will be "patient" before lifting or cutting interest rates and did not provide much news to investors.

Asian markets were mostly up Wednesday with investors remaining positive about the prospects for a China-US trade deal while the pound held its gains as fears of a no-deal Brexit recede.

Asian markets were mostly up Wednesday with investors remaining positive about the prospects for a China-US trade deal while the pound held its gains as fears of a no-deal Brexit recede. Wall Street provided a tepid lead as Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell gave little away to lawmakers on the central bank's plans for monetary policy. With few catalysts to drive business, dealers are awaiting the latest developments in trade negotiations between the world's top two economies, which have helped fuel a rally across global markets this year. And while there was a stumble Tuesday, the gains continued in Asia in early trade with Shanghai rising 0.6 per cent, Hong Kong up 0.4 per cent, Tokyo ending the morning 0.5 per cent higher and Seoul climbing 0.3 per cent. Sydney added 0.4 per cent though Taipei and Wellington edged lower. However, while equities are enjoying a broad-based advance, there are warnings against overconfidence. "Investors will continue to trade from a positive standpoint, but anything that comes out that could possibly derail a China-US trade deal will probably lead to some strong profit-taking flows and a decent downside correction and increase in volatility," said Nick Twidale, chief operating officer at Rakuten Securities Australia. 'Perilous game' Hopes that Britain will not leave the European Union without a divorce pact in place has also provided some support to markets and the pound in particular. Sterling held its own in Asia a day after surging more than one per cent on Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to let MPs vote on a three-month delay to the March 29 Brexit deadline if she is unable to ram through her own deal. But Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, pointed out that risks remained. Investors are "clearly second-guessing both the UK Parliament and the European Union, moving to a Brexit delay followed by a Brexit deal scenario", he said. "This seems like a perilous game to play, but the momentum of this hope-versus-reality trade could push the pound to much higher levels yet. Be warned, though, that a disappointment in this glossy scenario could see just as ugly a move back down." Traders will be keeping an eye on the second day of congressional testimony by Fed chief Powell after saying Tuesday that he saw inflation falling short of the bank's two per cent target despite rising employment and economic growth. The comments follow recent Fed announcements that it will be "patient" before lifting or cutting interest rates and did not provide much news to investors.

Asian markets up on lingering trade hopes, sterling holds gains

Concerns are growing among the British public as the Brexit deadline day draws ever nearer, with confusion and uncertainty continuing as the possibility of the March 29 exit date being delayed increases.

British Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday that if the Brexit deal cannot be passed through parliament, then the question would be put to MPs to decide whether Britain will leave the European Union with no deal or vote to postpone Brexit.

Those on both sides of the debate are unhappy with May's handling of the issue, with leave campaigners particularly frustrated that the prime minister could go back on her word.

"She has said hundreds of times that we will leave the European Union on March 29. If she does not do that, there will be serious problems. She will have broken her promise. And also the law as it stands is that we are supposed to leave on that day. My concern is that we will just drag on and on and on. It will never be resolved," said a Brexit supporter surnamed King.

Many have also been disappointed by the plague of uncertainty which has hampered businesses in the country during the Brexit negotiation stage.

"Any businessman plans years ahead for how they are going to invest. They don't sit down and wait for her to say 'perhaps next week you will get an opportunity to vote'. They needed to know two years ago what their intentions were," said another disgruntled resident in London.

Meanwhile, the fear of the potential problems that a no deal Brexit could inflict on ordinary people is also one of the major talking points.

"There are lots of people within parliament that actually would be very happy for us to crash out with no deal cause they won't hurt. It'll be the ordinary people that hurt and they don't care. Well, I'm hopeful that we'll get a referendum on May's deal. That'll be a choice given to us between her deal and remain. And I shall be voting for remain," said Roy Morton, another resident. 
&nbsp;

Concerns are growing among the British public as the Brexit deadline day draws ever nearer, with confusion and uncertainty continuing as the possibility of the March 29 exit date being delayed increases.

Concerns are growing among the British public as the Brexit deadline day draws ever nearer, with confusion and uncertainty continuing as the possibility of the March 29 exit date being delayed increases. British Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday that if the Brexit deal cannot be passed through parliament, then the question would be put to MPs to decide whether Britain will leave the European Union with no deal or vote to postpone Brexit. Those on both sides of the debate are unhappy with May's handling of the issue, with leave campaigners particularly frustrated that the prime minister could go back on her word. "She has said hundreds of times that we will leave the European Union on March 29. If she does not do that, there will be serious problems. She will have broken her promise. And also the law as it stands is that we are supposed to leave on that day. My concern is that we will just drag on and on and on. It will never be resolved," said a Brexit supporter surnamed King. Many have also been disappointed by the plague of uncertainty which has hampered businesses in the country during the Brexit negotiation stage. "Any businessman plans years ahead for how they are going to invest. They don't sit down and wait for her to say 'perhaps next week you will get an opportunity to vote'. They needed to know two years ago what their intentions were," said another disgruntled resident in London. Meanwhile, the fear of the potential problems that a no deal Brexit could inflict on ordinary people is also one of the major talking points. "There are lots of people within parliament that actually would be very happy for us to crash out with no deal cause they won't hurt. It'll be the ordinary people that hurt and they don't care. Well, I'm hopeful that we'll get a referendum on May's deal. That'll be a choice given to us between her deal and remain. And I shall be voting for remain," said Roy Morton, another resident.

Concerns of possible Brexit delay growing among British public

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that a delay of Britain's exit from the bloc is a possibility, but only if London explains in detail what it would do with the extra time.

Any delay would have to be approved by the 27 other EU nations, Michel Barnier told France Info radio.

"And the question they will immediately ask is, What for? That's what will determine the length of any extension," Barnier said.

Their goal would be to ensure that "we don't find ourselves at an impasse as we do today" at the end of any additional period," he said, reiterating that the Brexit date of March 29 "was Britain's choice."

"Speaking objectively, we don't need more time, we need a decision," Barnier said, adding that he remained determined to work towards securing an exit deal.

"It's not correct to say 'no deal' is the most likely scenario. It's possible, but not yet probable," he said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a vote in parliament Wednesday over her newly revised Brexit strategy, which allows for a possible request to delay Britain's EU departure if her divorce deal is not approved.

It was major reversal for May, who had long insisted there would be no delay to Brexit even if that meant crashing out without a withdrawal deal -- on citizens' rights, a divorce bill, and the status of the land border with Ireland.

European Council President Donald Tusk had already indicated Monday that European leaders were willing to consider a Brexit delay, calling it a "rational solution" given the political turmoil in Britain.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that a delay of Britain's exit from the bloc is a possibility, but only if London explains in detail what it would do with the extra time.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that a delay of Britain's exit from the bloc is a possibility, but only if London explains in detail what it would do with the extra time. Any delay would have to be approved by the 27 other EU nations, Michel Barnier told France Info radio. "And the question they will immediately ask is, What for? That's what will determine the length of any extension," Barnier said. Their goal would be to ensure that "we don't find ourselves at an impasse as we do today" at the end of any additional period," he said, reiterating that the Brexit date of March 29 "was Britain's choice." "Speaking objectively, we don't need more time, we need a decision," Barnier said, adding that he remained determined to work towards securing an exit deal. "It's not correct to say 'no deal' is the most likely scenario. It's possible, but not yet probable," he said. British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a vote in parliament Wednesday over her newly revised Brexit strategy, which allows for a possible request to delay Britain's EU departure if her divorce deal is not approved. It was major reversal for May, who had long insisted there would be no delay to Brexit even if that meant crashing out without a withdrawal deal -- on citizens' rights, a divorce bill, and the status of the land border with Ireland. European Council President Donald Tusk had already indicated Monday that European leaders were willing to consider a Brexit delay, calling it a "rational solution" given the political turmoil in Britain.

EU's Brexit negotiator says delay possible, but 'what for?'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744">Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources&nbsp;</a>

India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

The attack is India's retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">North Korea's Kim arrives in Vietnam for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">summit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">; Trump on his way</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a summit with US President Donald Trump where they will try to reach an agreement on a North's Korean pledge to give up its nuclear weapons programme.

Trump is due to arrive in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, on Tuesday evening.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-vatican-cleric-cardinal-pell-convicted-of-child-sex-crimes-199719">Top Vatican cleric Cardinal Pell convicted of child sex crimes</a>

Australian Cardinal George Pell, who helped elect popes and ran the Vatican's finances, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two choirboys, a court said Tuesday, becoming the most senior Catholic cleric ever convicted of child sex crimes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-labour-says-it-will-back-call-for-second-brexit-referendum-199733">UK's Labour party says it will back call for second Brexit referendum</a>

Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second referendum on Brexit if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-zarif-announces-unexpected-resignation-on-instagram-199721">Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif announces unexpected resignation on Instagram</a>

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the urbane, US-educated architect of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, announced his resignation unexpectedly on Monday on Instagram.

Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI. The attack is India's retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. North Korea's Kim arrives in Vietnam for summit; Trump on his way North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a summit with US President Donald Trump where they will try to reach an agreement on a North's Korean pledge to give up its nuclear weapons programme. Trump is due to arrive in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, on Tuesday evening. Top Vatican cleric Cardinal Pell convicted of child sex crimes Australian Cardinal George Pell, who helped elect popes and ran the Vatican's finances, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two choirboys, a court said Tuesday, becoming the most senior Catholic cleric ever convicted of child sex crimes. UK's Labour party says it will back call for second Brexit referendum Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second referendum on Brexit if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union. Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif announces unexpected resignation on Instagram Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the urbane, US-educated architect of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, announced his resignation unexpectedly on Monday on Instagram.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday she would allow<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-to-cause-significant-harm-to-britains-health-service-199723"> Parliament to vote on March 14</a> on whether to delay Brexit if MPs reject both her deal and the prospect of leaving the EU without an agreement.

If those two options are rejected the government would put forward "a motion on whether Parliament wants to see a short, limited extension to Article 50," May said, adding that any delay could only be until the end of June.

The prime minister said she still wanted Brexit to happen on the scheduled date of March 29 and repeated her promise to hold a Parliamentary vote on her deal on March 12.

If the deal is rejected, as it was overwhelmingly by parliament last month, the government would then hold a vote on March 13 on whether MPs want a no-deal Brexit.

The vote on a possible delay would be the following day.

"Let me be clear, I do not want to see Article 50 extended. Our absolute focus should be on working to get a deal and leaving on March 29," she told Parliament.

She added: "I believe that, if we have to, we will ultimately make a success of no deal".

May said her new commitments were a response to MPs who were "genuinely worried about time running out".

Six ministers have threatened to resign in recent days unless May rules out Britain crashing out of the European Union after 46 years with no agreement in place.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday she would allow Parliament to vote on March 14 on whether to delay Brexit if MPs reject both her deal and the prospect of leaving the EU without an agreement.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday she would allow Parliament to vote on March 14 on whether to delay Brexit if MPs reject both her deal and the prospect of leaving the EU without an agreement. If those two options are rejected the government would put forward "a motion on whether Parliament wants to see a short, limited extension to Article 50," May said, adding that any delay could only be until the end of June. The prime minister said she still wanted Brexit to happen on the scheduled date of March 29 and repeated her promise to hold a Parliamentary vote on her deal on March 12. If the deal is rejected, as it was overwhelmingly by parliament last month, the government would then hold a vote on March 13 on whether MPs want a no-deal Brexit. The vote on a possible delay would be the following day. "Let me be clear, I do not want to see Article 50 extended. Our absolute focus should be on working to get a deal and leaving on March 29," she told Parliament. She added: "I believe that, if we have to, we will ultimately make a success of no deal". May said her new commitments were a response to MPs who were "genuinely worried about time running out". Six ministers have threatened to resign in recent days unless May rules out Britain crashing out of the European Union after 46 years with no agreement in place.

Parliament to vote on March 14 on whether to delay Brexit: PM Theresa May

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strikes-on-terror-launchpads-meticulous-planning-led-to-successful-air-force-mission-199830">Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission</a>

The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uncalled-for-aggression-will-respond-at-time-place-of-our-choosing-say-pak-after-nsc-meeting-199838">Uncalled for aggression, will respond at time &amp; place of our choosing, says Pak after NSC meeting</a>

Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting in which it said India has committed "uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821">China urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821">air</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821"> strike</a>

China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-is-in-safe-hands-modi-says-hours-after-iaf-airstrikes-on-jem-terror-camps-199812">'Country is in safe hands,' Modi says hours after IAF airstrikes on JeM terror camps &nbsp;</a>

Hours after India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sanath-jayasuriya-guilty-of-breaching-anti-corruption-code-banned-for-2-years-by-icc-199876">Sanath Jayasuriya guilty of breaching anti-corruption code, banned for 2 years by ICC</a>

Sanath Jayasuriya Tuesday was banned from all cricket for two years after admitting breaching two counts of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said. Uncalled for aggression, will respond at time & place of our choosing, says Pak after NSC meeting Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting in which it said India has committed "uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing". China urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' after air strike China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours. 'Country is in safe hands,' Modi says hours after IAF airstrikes on JeM terror camps Hours after India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands. Sanath Jayasuriya guilty of breaching anti-corruption code, banned for 2 years by ICC Sanath Jayasuriya Tuesday was banned from all cricket for two years after admitting breaching two counts of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Brexit will inflict "significant harm" on Britain's National Health Service, experts warned on Tuesday, with a no-deal departure from the EU likely to provoke acute shortages of staff and medicines.&nbsp;

With little over a month remaining until Britain is due to leave the European Union, there are fears that crashing out of the bloc without an agreement could drastically affect the nation's health.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-delay-will-not-solve-the-impasse-over-deal-theresa-may-warns-199705">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> is struggling to gain domestic backing for her Brexit deal, which would be a less drastic rupture.

Writing in the medical journal The Lancet, a team of medical and legal experts said that "all forms of Brexit are bad for health."

"However, by far the worst option would be a no-deal Brexit."

They highlighted a recently published 10-year plan for the NHS that mentions Brexit only twice and cautioned that an end to free movement could exacerbate the current staffing crisis.&nbsp;

Under a no-deal scenario, the government plans a minimum salary threshold of £30,000 ($39,000, 34,500 euros) per year for non-residents, and has not announced any exception for the European health workers the NHS is so heavily reliant upon.&nbsp;

"That would exclude many health workers," said Martin McKee, co-author of the study and a professor at the London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine.

"First of all, that immediately sends out a signal that you're not particularly welcome," he told AFP.&nbsp;

McKee said EU health workers would be far less likely to choose to work for the NHS even if they met that earning threshold, as their salaries would be worthless with a weaker pound, and their pensions not guaranteed.

'Perfect storm'&nbsp;

The study examined the impact on the health service posed by four possible scenarios: no-deal, May's withdrawal agreement, the so-called Irish "backstop" to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, and the political declaration on a future EU-UK relationship.

It found that while all four scenarios would be less beneficial to the NHS than remaining in the EU, no-deal posed by far the largest threat.&nbsp;

The NHS was used by pro-Brexit campaigners in the run-up to the 2016 referendum, most infamously in the subsequently debunked promise that Britain would spend the £350 million it sends each week to Brussels on improving the health service.

McKee accused politicians of failing to grasp the health implications of leaving the EU.

"Despite the fact that 'NHS' was stuck all over the side of the bus, there was a general sense that healthcare wouldn't be affected because health is a matter for member states rather than the EU," he said.&nbsp;

"But of course everything you need, the building blocks for health systems, are in some way subject to rules on free movement of goods and people and services.&nbsp;

"So there are bound to be consequences but I'm not sure that the government fully understood that," he added.

Although the government has announced plans to stockpile medicines in order to avoid shortages in the event of a no-deal Brexit, McKee and his colleagues said the scarcity of some drugs was inevitable.

"The pharmaceutical supply system is extremely vulnerable, simply because it is so complex," he said.&nbsp;

"There's a whole lot of things which are precarious, to begin with and then Brexit is making all of them worse," he added.

&nbsp;"It really risks the creation of a perfect storm."&nbsp;

Brexit will inflict "significant harm" on Britain's National Health Service, experts warned on Tuesday, with a no-deal departure from the EU likely to provoke acute shortages of staff and medicines.

Brexit will inflict "significant harm" on Britain's National Health Service, experts warned on Tuesday, with a no-deal departure from the EU likely to provoke acute shortages of staff and medicines. With little over a month remaining until Britain is due to leave the European Union, there are fears that crashing out of the bloc without an agreement could drastically affect the nation's health. Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to gain domestic backing for her Brexit deal, which would be a less drastic rupture. Writing in the medical journal The Lancet, a team of medical and legal experts said that "all forms of Brexit are bad for health." "However, by far the worst option would be a no-deal Brexit." They highlighted a recently published 10-year plan for the NHS that mentions Brexit only twice and cautioned that an end to free movement could exacerbate the current staffing crisis. Under a no-deal scenario, the government plans a minimum salary threshold of £30,000 ($39,000, 34,500 euros) per year for non-residents, and has not announced any exception for the European health workers the NHS is so heavily reliant upon. "That would exclude many health workers," said Martin McKee, co-author of the study and a professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. "First of all, that immediately sends out a signal that you're not particularly welcome," he told AFP. McKee said EU health workers would be far less likely to choose to work for the NHS even if they met that earning threshold, as their salaries would be worthless with a weaker pound, and their pensions not guaranteed. 'Perfect storm' The study examined the impact on the health service posed by four possible scenarios: no-deal, May's withdrawal agreement, the so-called Irish "backstop" to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, and the political declaration on a future EU-UK relationship. It found that while all four scenarios would be less beneficial to the NHS than remaining in the EU, no-deal posed by far the largest threat. The NHS was used by pro-Brexit campaigners in the run-up to the 2016 referendum, most infamously in the subsequently debunked promise that Britain would spend the £350 million it sends each week to Brussels on improving the health service. McKee accused politicians of failing to grasp the health implications of leaving the EU. "Despite the fact that 'NHS' was stuck all over the side of the bus, there was a general sense that healthcare wouldn't be affected because health is a matter for member states rather than the EU," he said. "But of course everything you need, the building blocks for health systems, are in some way subject to rules on free movement of goods and people and services. "So there are bound to be consequences but I'm not sure that the government fully understood that," he added. Although the government has announced plans to stockpile medicines in order to avoid shortages in the event of a no-deal Brexit, McKee and his colleagues said the scarcity of some drugs was inevitable. "The pharmaceutical supply system is extremely vulnerable, simply because it is so complex," he said. "There's a whole lot of things which are precarious, to begin with and then Brexit is making all of them worse," he added. "It really risks the creation of a perfect storm."

Brexit to cause 'significant' harm to Britain's health service

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/another-delay-britains-may-promises-brexit-vote-in-parliament-by-march-12-199386">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> denied accusations by some in her governing Conservative Party that she had "a problem with immigration", saying on Sunday that while it had been good for Britain, people just wanted more control.

Last week, Anna Soubry, a Conservative lawmaker who quit May's party over what she called the government's "disastrous handling of Brexit", accused May of having "a problem with immigration" that had tied her hands in Brexit negotiations.

Asked if she had a problem with immigration, May said: "No. As I have consistently said immigration has been good for this country."

May, who was interior minister for six years, has made immigration one of the focal points for her talks to leave the European Union, saying Britain's 2016 vote to leave the bloc was a sign that people no longer wanted freedom of movement, on the EU's main pillars.

Prime Minister Theresa May denied accusations by some in her governing Conservative Party that she had "a problem with immigration", saying on Sunday that while it had been good for Britain, people just wanted more control.

Prime Minister Theresa May denied accusations by some in her governing Conservative Party that she had "a problem with immigration", saying on Sunday that while it had been good for Britain, people just wanted more control. Last week, Anna Soubry, a Conservative lawmaker who quit May's party over what she called the government's "disastrous handling of Brexit", accused May of having "a problem with immigration" that had tied her hands in Brexit negotiations. Asked if she had a problem with immigration, May said: "No. As I have consistently said immigration has been good for this country." May, who was interior minister for six years, has made immigration one of the focal points for her talks to leave the European Union, saying Britain's 2016 vote to leave the bloc was a sign that people no longer wanted freedom of movement, on the EU's main pillars.

Immigration is good for Britain, we just need control: PM May

Prime Minister Theresa May stepped up her warnings on Monday that delaying Brexit was no way to solve the impasse in parliament over Britain's departure from the European Union, saying a timely exit was "within our grasp".

She said she wanted Brexit to happen as planned on March 29 and shrugged off expectations that she will be forced to delay to avoid leaving the EU in a disorderly way without an agreement.

With <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/another-delay-britains-may-promises-brexit-vote-in-parliament-by-march-12-199386">Britain's Brexit crisis going down to the wire</a>, May is struggling to get the kind of changes from the EU she says she needs to get her divorce deal through a divided parliament and smooth the country's biggest policy shift in more than 40 years.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/european-unions-tusk-says-brexit-delay-would-be-rational-199671"> European Union's Tusk says Brexit delay would be 'rational'</a>

In Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh for an EU/Arab League summit, she met the bloc's leaders to push her efforts to make her deal more attractive to parliament, where frustrated lawmakers are gearing up to try to wrest control of Brexit from the government.

While she said EU leaders had given her a sense that a deal could be won, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said they risked "sleepwalking" into a no deal Brexit and European Council President Donald Tusk described any delay as "a rational decision".

For now, though, May is sticking firmly to the script, saying extending the negotiating period with the EU, which was triggered by Article 50, would not solve the Brexit problem.

"What it does is precisely what the word 'delay' says. It just delays the point at which you come to that decision," she told reporters at the summit. "And I think that any extension of Article 50, in that sense, isn't addressing the issue. We have (a deal) within our grasp."

May has promised to bring back a vote on her divorce settlement to parliament by March 12.

But earlier, one UK official indicated delay could be an option if lawmakers refuse to pass May's deal.

Tobias Ellwood, a defence minister, also told BBC radio: "If we cannot get this deal across the line, we are facing the prospect of having to extend."

The EU has said it is willing to grant an extension if there is evidence parliament could pass the deal after rejecting it last month in the government's biggest defeat in modern British history.

European Council President Donald Tusk said it was clear there was no majority in the British parliament for a deal.

"We will face an alternative, chaotic Brexit, or an extension," Tusk told a news conference.

"I believe that in the situation we are in, an extension would be a rational decision, but prime minister May still believes she will be able to avoid this scenario."

The EU has said any agreement on a revised Brexit deal must be sealed by the bloc's summit of national leaders on March 21-22 at the latest and May suggested that parliament could approve the deal before the bloc signed off on it.

Parliamentary woes

While sterling rallied on the suggestion of a delay, May has to tread carefully, with eurosceptics poised to leap on anything they see as an attempt to thwart Brexit.

"I think it would be disastrous if we had a delay," said Bernard Jenkin, a Conservative pro-Brexit lawmaker. "I think that faith in our politics - what faith is left in it - would evaporate."

May decided to push back a vote on her deal to give more time for talks to secure changes to the Irish backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland.

A spokeswoman for Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission president, said progress was being made. Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will hold more talks in Brussels on Tuesday.

But with the clock ticking down, some lawmakers are trying to prevent a no-deal Brexit, a scenario many say could damage the world's fifth largest economy.

Several of their plans would involve delaying Britain's departure beyond March 29 to win more time to break the deadlock in parliament.

Yvette Cooper, a Labour lawmaker, has called on parliament to back her bid to seek to force the government to hand power to parliament if no deal has been approved by March 13 and to offer lawmakers the option of requesting an extension.

But there is another, perhaps more attractive, proposal to the government, from two Conservatives, which would delay Brexit to May 23, the start of the European Parliament elections, if lawmakers have not approved a deal by March 12.

A government official said the proposal could be considered "helpful".

Prime Minister Theresa May stepped up her warnings on Monday that delaying Brexit was no way to solve the impasse in parliament over Britain's departure from the European Union, saying a timely exit was "within our grasp".

Prime Minister Theresa May stepped up her warnings on Monday that delaying Brexit was no way to solve the impasse in parliament over Britain's departure from the European Union, saying a timely exit was "within our grasp". She said she wanted Brexit to happen as planned on March 29 and shrugged off expectations that she will be forced to delay to avoid leaving the EU in a disorderly way without an agreement. With Britain's Brexit crisis going down to the wire, May is struggling to get the kind of changes from the EU she says she needs to get her divorce deal through a divided parliament and smooth the country's biggest policy shift in more than 40 years. Also read: European Union's Tusk says Brexit delay would be 'rational' In Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh for an EU/Arab League summit, she met the bloc's leaders to push her efforts to make her deal more attractive to parliament, where frustrated lawmakers are gearing up to try to wrest control of Brexit from the government. While she said EU leaders had given her a sense that a deal could be won, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said they risked "sleepwalking" into a no deal Brexit and European Council President Donald Tusk described any delay as "a rational decision". For now, though, May is sticking firmly to the script, saying extending the negotiating period with the EU, which was triggered by Article 50, would not solve the Brexit problem. "What it does is precisely what the word 'delay' says. It just delays the point at which you come to that decision," she told reporters at the summit. "And I think that any extension of Article 50, in that sense, isn't addressing the issue. We have (a deal) within our grasp." May has promised to bring back a vote on her divorce settlement to parliament by March 12. But earlier, one UK official indicated delay could be an option if lawmakers refuse to pass May's deal. Tobias Ellwood, a defence minister, also told BBC radio: "If we cannot get this deal across the line, we are facing the prospect of having to extend." The EU has said it is willing to grant an extension if there is evidence parliament could pass the deal after rejecting it last month in the government's biggest defeat in modern British history. European Council President Donald Tusk said it was clear there was no majority in the British parliament for a deal. "We will face an alternative, chaotic Brexit, or an extension," Tusk told a news conference. "I believe that in the situation we are in, an extension would be a rational decision, but prime minister May still believes she will be able to avoid this scenario." The EU has said any agreement on a revised Brexit deal must be sealed by the bloc's summit of national leaders on March 21-22 at the latest and May suggested that parliament could approve the deal before the bloc signed off on it. Parliamentary woes While sterling rallied on the suggestion of a delay, May has to tread carefully, with eurosceptics poised to leap on anything they see as an attempt to thwart Brexit. "I think it would be disastrous if we had a delay," said Bernard Jenkin, a Conservative pro-Brexit lawmaker. "I think that faith in our politics - what faith is left in it - would evaporate." May decided to push back a vote on her deal to give more time for talks to secure changes to the Irish backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland. A spokeswoman for Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission president, said progress was being made. Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will hold more talks in Brussels on Tuesday. But with the clock ticking down, some lawmakers are trying to prevent a no-deal Brexit, a scenario many say could damage the world's fifth largest economy. Several of their plans would involve delaying Britain's departure beyond March 29 to win more time to break the deadlock in parliament. Yvette Cooper, a Labour lawmaker, has called on parliament to back her bid to seek to force the government to hand power to parliament if no deal has been approved by March 13 and to offer lawmakers the option of requesting an extension. But there is another, perhaps more attractive, proposal to the government, from two Conservatives, which would delay Brexit to May 23, the start of the European Parliament elections, if lawmakers have not approved a deal by March 12. A government official said the proposal could be considered "helpful".

Brexit delay will not solve impasse over deal: PM Theresa May warns

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Monday that delaying Brexit beyond the scheduled exit date of March 29 would be a "rational solution" as there was no majority in the British parliament to approve a divorce deal.

"I believe that in the situation we are in, an extension would be a rational decision, but Prime Minister May still believes she will be able to avoid this scenario," Tusk told a news conference in Egypt a day after seeing the British leader.

Tusk said May and he discussed "legal and political context of a potential extension" of Britain's two-year limit on Brexit negotiations that expires on March 29.

"For me, it's absolutely clear that there is no majority in the House of Commons to approve a deal. We will face an alternative, chaotic Brexit, or an extension," Tusk said.

"The less time there is until the 29th of March, the greater the likelihood of an extension. And this is an objective fact, not our plan or our objective, but an objective fact."

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Monday that delaying Brexit beyond the scheduled exit date of March 29 would be a "rational solution" as there was no majority in the British parliament to approve a divorce deal.

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Monday that delaying Brexit beyond the scheduled exit date of March 29 would be a "rational solution" as there was no majority in the British parliament to approve a divorce deal. "I believe that in the situation we are in, an extension would be a rational decision, but Prime Minister May still believes she will be able to avoid this scenario," Tusk told a news conference in Egypt a day after seeing the British leader. Tusk said May and he discussed "legal and political context of a potential extension" of Britain's two-year limit on Brexit negotiations that expires on March 29. "For me, it's absolutely clear that there is no majority in the House of Commons to approve a deal. We will face an alternative, chaotic Brexit, or an extension," Tusk said. "The less time there is until the 29th of March, the greater the likelihood of an extension. And this is an objective fact, not our plan or our objective, but an objective fact."

European Union's Tusk says Brexit delay would be 'rational'

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised on Sunday to bring a vote on her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-labour-is-moving-closer-to-backing-second-brexit-referendum-senior-lawmakers-199375">Brexit deal </a>back to parliament by March 12, the latest delay in her attempts to win approval for a plan to ease Britain’s departure from the European Union.

With just 33 days until Britain is due to leave the bloc, May said there would be no so-called meaningful vote on the deal this week because her team had further meetings in Brussels to secure the kind of changes lawmakers say they need to pass it.

The latest delay after her agreement was resoundingly defeated last month by 230 lawmakers - the biggest parliamentary defeat in British history - underlines the difficulty May is having to try to find a way to get the agreement ratified.

At an EU-Arab League summit in Egypt, May will try to win the backing of the bloc's leaders to secure the changes and ease increasing frustration in Europe over the political impasse in Britain over a deal that was agreed with London in November.

On her way to Egypt where she hopes to get the approval of EU leaders for her approach, May said further meetings in Brussels on securing changes to the deal ruled out a so-called meaningful vote this week.

"We won’t bring a meaningful vote to parliament this week but we will ensure that that happens by the 12th of March," May told reporters onboard her plane.

"It is still within our grasp to leave the European Union with a deal on the 29th of March and that is what we are working to do."

May and her ministers have stepped up meetings in Brussels to secure changes to the so-called backstop - an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border, and potential focus for violence, between Britain's Northern Ireland and the EU's Ireland.

She wants the EU to reopen the divorce deal, or withdrawal agreement, to satisfy the demands of Brexit supporters and other lawmakers who fear the backstop could trap Britain in the bloc's customs union indefinitely.

So far, EU officials have shown little inclination to reopen the November agreement and have instead suggested a legal clarification of the temporary nature of the backstop to appease those who believe Brussels has constructed a trap for London.

"We have been having positive talks with the European Union ... As you know I was in Brussels last week, ministers were in Brussels last week, my team will be back in Brussels again this coming week. They will be returning to Brussels on Tuesday," she said.

"I think what's important that we are still in that process of working with the EU, looking at the ways in which we can resolve the challenge that parliament raised."

May will have to return to parliament this week regardless of whether her revised deal is voted on or not, and she said she would make a statement in parliament on Tuesday, followed by a vote on next steps the day after.

It is not yet clear what "motion" her government will put forward, but lawmakers are expected to try to influence May's strategy by voting for changes to it, including to rule out a no-deal Brexit or to press for an extension of Article 50, a measure that triggered two years of Brexit talks.

But she could face resignations from her own cabinet of top ministers if she fails to rule out leaving with no deal, something she declined to condemn or challenge.

"What we have seen around the cabinet table, in the party and in the country at large is strong views on the issue of Europe. That is not a surprise to anybody," May said.

"We have around the cabinet table, a collective not just responsibility but desire, to actually ensure that we leave the European Union with a deal."

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised on Sunday to bring a vote on her Brexit deal back to parliament by March 12, the latest delay in her attempts to win approval for a plan to ease Britain’s departure from the European Union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised on Sunday to bring a vote on her Brexit deal back to parliament by March 12, the latest delay in her attempts to win approval for a plan to ease Britain’s departure from the European Union. With just 33 days until Britain is due to leave the bloc, May said there would be no so-called meaningful vote on the deal this week because her team had further meetings in Brussels to secure the kind of changes lawmakers say they need to pass it. The latest delay after her agreement was resoundingly defeated last month by 230 lawmakers - the biggest parliamentary defeat in British history - underlines the difficulty May is having to try to find a way to get the agreement ratified. At an EU-Arab League summit in Egypt, May will try to win the backing of the bloc's leaders to secure the changes and ease increasing frustration in Europe over the political impasse in Britain over a deal that was agreed with London in November. On her way to Egypt where she hopes to get the approval of EU leaders for her approach, May said further meetings in Brussels on securing changes to the deal ruled out a so-called meaningful vote this week. "We won’t bring a meaningful vote to parliament this week but we will ensure that that happens by the 12th of March," May told reporters onboard her plane. "It is still within our grasp to leave the European Union with a deal on the 29th of March and that is what we are working to do." May and her ministers have stepped up meetings in Brussels to secure changes to the so-called backstop - an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border, and potential focus for violence, between Britain's Northern Ireland and the EU's Ireland. She wants the EU to reopen the divorce deal, or withdrawal agreement, to satisfy the demands of Brexit supporters and other lawmakers who fear the backstop could trap Britain in the bloc's customs union indefinitely. So far, EU officials have shown little inclination to reopen the November agreement and have instead suggested a legal clarification of the temporary nature of the backstop to appease those who believe Brussels has constructed a trap for London. "We have been having positive talks with the European Union ... As you know I was in Brussels last week, ministers were in Brussels last week, my team will be back in Brussels again this coming week. They will be returning to Brussels on Tuesday," she said. "I think what's important that we are still in that process of working with the EU, looking at the ways in which we can resolve the challenge that parliament raised." May will have to return to parliament this week regardless of whether her revised deal is voted on or not, and she said she would make a statement in parliament on Tuesday, followed by a vote on next steps the day after. It is not yet clear what "motion" her government will put forward, but lawmakers are expected to try to influence May's strategy by voting for changes to it, including to rule out a no-deal Brexit or to press for an extension of Article 50, a measure that triggered two years of Brexit talks. But she could face resignations from her own cabinet of top ministers if she fails to rule out leaving with no deal, something she declined to condemn or challenge. "What we have seen around the cabinet table, in the party and in the country at large is strong views on the issue of Europe. That is not a surprise to anybody," May said. "We have around the cabinet table, a collective not just responsibility but desire, to actually ensure that we leave the European Union with a deal."

Another delay: Britain's May promises Brexit vote in parliament by March 12

Britain's opposition Labour Party is moving closer to supporting a second Brexit referendum and could do so as soon as this week, several of its senior lawmakers said on Sunday.

With just over a month until Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29, Prime Minister Theresa May is still seeking to negotiate changes to her Brexit deal with Brussels in order to secure the backing of parliament for it.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has so far stuck to Labour policy to keep the option of a second referendum "on the table" if May's government fails to secure a deal with Brussels that can break an impasse in parliament, preferring a new election or his own proposed deal.

May has promised parliament the opportunity to vote on the next steps on Brexit on Feb. 27 and lawmakers intend to put forward a series of proposed changes, or amendments, to her plan, including one saying it should be put to a referendum.

Asked whether this would be the week Labour comes out in support of a second referendum, the party's deputy leader Tom Watson told BBC TV: "It might be ... We are getting closer to that point."

"We are heading in that direction but there is still more play in the day's ahead," he said.

Labour finance spokesman John McDonnell made similar comments in an interview with BBC Radio, while the party's trade spokesman Barry Gardiner told Sky News the idea of a second vote would become more important as a "safety net" as Britain edged closer to leaving without a deal.

Any public vote could not include May's deal as one of the options however as it was "not credible", he said.

The prospect of holding a second referendum poses a dilemma for Corbyn: while many of the party's members fervently back a so-called People's Vote, others just want Britain to leave as soon as possible.

McDonnell said he had met with two Labour lawmakers, Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson, who have proposed May's deal be put to the public in another referendum but he did not think enough Labour lawmakers would want to vote for it as it stands because it would involve backing May's Brexit agreement.

"We're working with them to see can we have a redraft of that amendment which people could vote for. I think there's a high possibility we could," he said.

"There’s increasingly large numbers of people who will consider now moving towards a public vote situation to block a no deal, and to block a bad deal, that Theresa May’s deal is – that will be the vote of this coming week."

Labour lawmaker Wilson told The Sunday Times newspaper he had also held talks with some of May's ministers to gain their backing for his second referendum amendment.

Britain's opposition Labour Party is moving closer to supporting a second Brexit referendum and could do so as soon as this week, several of its senior lawmakers said on Sunday.

Britain's opposition Labour Party is moving closer to supporting a second Brexit referendum and could do so as soon as this week, several of its senior lawmakers said on Sunday. With just over a month until Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29, Prime Minister Theresa May is still seeking to negotiate changes to her Brexit deal with Brussels in order to secure the backing of parliament for it. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has so far stuck to Labour policy to keep the option of a second referendum "on the table" if May's government fails to secure a deal with Brussels that can break an impasse in parliament, preferring a new election or his own proposed deal. May has promised parliament the opportunity to vote on the next steps on Brexit on Feb. 27 and lawmakers intend to put forward a series of proposed changes, or amendments, to her plan, including one saying it should be put to a referendum. Asked whether this would be the week Labour comes out in support of a second referendum, the party's deputy leader Tom Watson told BBC TV: "It might be ... We are getting closer to that point." "We are heading in that direction but there is still more play in the day's ahead," he said. Labour finance spokesman John McDonnell made similar comments in an interview with BBC Radio, while the party's trade spokesman Barry Gardiner told Sky News the idea of a second vote would become more important as a "safety net" as Britain edged closer to leaving without a deal. Any public vote could not include May's deal as one of the options however as it was "not credible", he said. The prospect of holding a second referendum poses a dilemma for Corbyn: while many of the party's members fervently back a so-called People's Vote, others just want Britain to leave as soon as possible. McDonnell said he had met with two Labour lawmakers, Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson, who have proposed May's deal be put to the public in another referendum but he did not think enough Labour lawmakers would want to vote for it as it stands because it would involve backing May's Brexit agreement. "We're working with them to see can we have a redraft of that amendment which people could vote for. I think there's a high possibility we could," he said. "There’s increasingly large numbers of people who will consider now moving towards a public vote situation to block a no deal, and to block a bad deal, that Theresa May’s deal is – that will be the vote of this coming week." Labour lawmaker Wilson told The Sunday Times newspaper he had also held talks with some of May's ministers to gain their backing for his second referendum amendment.

UK's Labour is moving closer to backing second Brexit referendum: Senior lawmakers

Three members of Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-to-meet-tusk-but-no-brexit-deal-in-the-desert-199045">Theresa May</a>'s cabinet warned Saturday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-labour-leader-corbyn-says-he-could-back-a-second-brexit-referendum-199072http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-labour-leader-corbyn-says-he-could-back-a-second-brexit-referendum-199072">Brexit</a> must be delayed if she cannot persuade the British parliament to back her EU divorce deal next week.

Business minister Greg Clark, work and pensions minister Amber Rudd and justice minister David Gauke wrote an article stating their opposition to leaving the European Union on March 29 with no deal.

May is currently scrambling to secure changes to the divorce text she struck with the bloc in November, hoping to win the support of MPs who last month rejected the deal by a massive margin.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-breakthrough-possible-within-days-uk-finance-minister-philip-hammond-198751">Brexit breakthrough possible within days, says UK finance minister Philip Hammond</a>

"If there is no breakthrough in the coming week, the balance of opinion in parliament is clear -- that it would be better to seek to... delay our date of departure rather than crash out of the European Union on March 29," the ministers wrote in the Daily Mail newspaper.

They added: "Beyond the next few days, there simply will not be time to agree on a deal and complete all the necessary legislation before March 29."

But they warned that leaving the EU with no deal would "severely" damage the economy, weaken national security and risk the break-up of the UK.

May was in Brussels this week for talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and will meet European Council president Donald Tusk on Sunday at an EU-Arab League summit in Egypt.

She has promised to update parliament on her efforts on Tuesday and either put the new deal to a fresh vote of MPs or allow them on Wednesday to debate their own ideas for the way forward.

One of these is expected to be a plan to delay Brexit to avoid a "no deal" scenario.

The ministers warned their hardline Brexit-supporting colleagues who continue to oppose May's Brexit deal that MPs will not allow Britain to leave the EU with no deal by default.

"If that happens, they (the eurosceptics) will have no-one to blame but themselves for delaying Brexit," they said. 
&nbsp;

Three members of Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet warned Saturday that Brexit must be delayed if she cannot persuade the British parliament to back her EU divorce deal next week.

Three members of Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet warned Saturday that Brexit must be delayed if she cannot persuade the British parliament to back her EU divorce deal next week. Business minister Greg Clark, work and pensions minister Amber Rudd and justice minister David Gauke wrote an article stating their opposition to leaving the European Union on March 29 with no deal. May is currently scrambling to secure changes to the divorce text she struck with the bloc in November, hoping to win the support of MPs who last month rejected the deal by a massive margin. Also read: Brexit breakthrough possible within days, says UK finance minister Philip Hammond "If there is no breakthrough in the coming week, the balance of opinion in parliament is clear -- that it would be better to seek to... delay our date of departure rather than crash out of the European Union on March 29," the ministers wrote in the Daily Mail newspaper. They added: "Beyond the next few days, there simply will not be time to agree on a deal and complete all the necessary legislation before March 29." But they warned that leaving the EU with no deal would "severely" damage the economy, weaken national security and risk the break-up of the UK. May was in Brussels this week for talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker and will meet European Council president Donald Tusk on Sunday at an EU-Arab League summit in Egypt. She has promised to update parliament on her efforts on Tuesday and either put the new deal to a fresh vote of MPs or allow them on Wednesday to debate their own ideas for the way forward. One of these is expected to be a plan to delay Brexit to avoid a "no deal" scenario. The ministers warned their hardline Brexit-supporting colleagues who continue to oppose May's Brexit deal that MPs will not allow Britain to leave the EU with no deal by default. "If that happens, they (the eurosceptics) will have no-one to blame but themselves for delaying Brexit," they said.

UK ministers warn PM Theresa May to get her deal now or delay Brexit

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