Prime Minister Theresa May will seek Wednesday to rally her splintered party behind her with just six months to go until Britain leaves the European Union and negotiations in a state of disarray.

Her address at the ruling Conservative Party's annual gathering comes with May buffeted from all directions and Europeans increasingly anxious that the two sides are heading for a messy divorce.

The potentially calamitous impact a no-deal Brexit would have on trade prompted France's budget minister to admit on Tuesday that Paris was preparing "for the worst".

But May's immediate concerns will be to regain the confidence of her party and present a semblance of a united front in crucial negotiations with Brussels over the next two weeks.

"I passionately believe that our best days lie ahead of us and that our future is full of promise," May said in pre-released extracts of her speech.

Irish headache&nbsp;

Eurosceptic MPs led by former foreign minister Boris Johnson have held a string of packed fringe meetings to argue against May's proposal for Britain to follow EU trade rules on goods after it leaves.

Johnson and others say such a close partnership would still see Britain follow EU rules and ignore the wishes of voters who backed the Brexit referendum in 2016.

The EU instead argues that May is asking for too much -- "cherry-picking" the benefits a union brings to trade while still leaving the bloc.

May argues her proposal is the only way to protect jobs and cross-border trade while also avoiding physical checks on Britain's land border with EU member Ireland.

She has however promised new proposals on a plan B -- a backstop -- to keep the frontier open if and until the new trade deal could be agreed with the EU.

Speculation is growing that London may accept some checks on goods passing between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the rest of Britain.

These are meant to avoid them on the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland itself -- something all sides want to avoid.

But Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) on Tuesday appeared to reject the idea outright.

"NO border in the Irish Sea will ever be acceptable to unionists throughout the UK... regulatory or otherwise," DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted after meeting May on Tuesday.

May's party depends on Foster's small party for its majority in the House of Commons. MPs must approve any final Brexit deal.

A rebellion by the DUP -- or indeed by even a small number of Conservative MPs -- could be enough to kill any arrangement May reaches with the EU.

Foster seemed to leave some room for compromise by telling the BBC on Wednesday that she did not want to vote against May's government.

"What is important is to make sure that whatever is agreed doesn't damage Northern Ireland in terms of its economy," Foster said.

May's plan 'dangerous'

May's hold on power has been fragile since last year's disastrous snap election when the Conservatives lost their Commons majority.

Barely a month has gone by when there is not speculation of a plot against her, much of it focused around Johnson, a leading Brexit campaigner and former mayor of London.

He told a 1,500-strong crowd on Tuesday that May's trade plan was "dangerous", saying it undermined the hopes of Brexit voters.

Johnson's speech also ranged from health to housing and crime, in what was widely viewed as a pitch for his party's leadership.

But May has surprised many observers by surviving this far, and many delegates at the conference -- whatever their feelings on Brexit -- are wary of a change at the top now.

Prime Minister Theresa May will seek Wednesday to rally her splintered party behind her with just six months to go until Britain leaves the European Union and negotiations in a state of disarray.

Prime Minister Theresa May will seek Wednesday to rally her splintered party behind her with just six months to go until Britain leaves the European Union and negotiations in a state of disarray. Her address at the ruling Conservative Party's annual gathering comes with May buffeted from all directions and Europeans increasingly anxious that the two sides are heading for a messy divorce. The potentially calamitous impact a no-deal Brexit would have on trade prompted France's budget minister to admit on Tuesday that Paris was preparing "for the worst". But May's immediate concerns will be to regain the confidence of her party and present a semblance of a united front in crucial negotiations with Brussels over the next two weeks. "I passionately believe that our best days lie ahead of us and that our future is full of promise," May said in pre-released extracts of her speech. Irish headache Eurosceptic MPs led by former foreign minister Boris Johnson have held a string of packed fringe meetings to argue against May's proposal for Britain to follow EU trade rules on goods after it leaves. Johnson and others say such a close partnership would still see Britain follow EU rules and ignore the wishes of voters who backed the Brexit referendum in 2016. The EU instead argues that May is asking for too much -- "cherry-picking" the benefits a union brings to trade while still leaving the bloc. May argues her proposal is the only way to protect jobs and cross-border trade while also avoiding physical checks on Britain's land border with EU member Ireland. She has however promised new proposals on a plan B -- a backstop -- to keep the frontier open if and until the new trade deal could be agreed with the EU. Speculation is growing that London may accept some checks on goods passing between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the rest of Britain. These are meant to avoid them on the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland itself -- something all sides want to avoid. But Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) on Tuesday appeared to reject the idea outright. "NO border in the Irish Sea will ever be acceptable to unionists throughout the UK... regulatory or otherwise," DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted after meeting May on Tuesday. May's party depends on Foster's small party for its majority in the House of Commons. MPs must approve any final Brexit deal. A rebellion by the DUP -- or indeed by even a small number of Conservative MPs -- could be enough to kill any arrangement May reaches with the EU. Foster seemed to leave some room for compromise by telling the BBC on Wednesday that she did not want to vote against May's government. "What is important is to make sure that whatever is agreed doesn't damage Northern Ireland in terms of its economy," Foster said. May's plan 'dangerous' May's hold on power has been fragile since last year's disastrous snap election when the Conservatives lost their Commons majority. Barely a month has gone by when there is not speculation of a plot against her, much of it focused around Johnson, a leading Brexit campaigner and former mayor of London. He told a 1,500-strong crowd on Tuesday that May's trade plan was "dangerous", saying it undermined the hopes of Brexit voters. Johnson's speech also ranged from health to housing and crime, in what was widely viewed as a pitch for his party's leadership. But May has surprised many observers by surviving this far, and many delegates at the conference -- whatever their feelings on Brexit -- are wary of a change at the top now.

UK's May seeks to rally party as Brexit pressures mount

Britain will end preferential access for European Union workers after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday, saying she wanted to attract high-skilled immigrants wherever they were from.

In an announcement at her Conservative party conference, May said she would publish plans for a single system for EU and non-EU countries later this year, ahead of a bill to be published in 2019.

Immigration was a key issue in the Brexit campaign ahead of the 2016 vote to leave the bloc.

May said the EU's free movement of people will end with Brexit and "for the first time in decades, it will be this country that controls and chooses who we want to come here".

"It will be a skills-based system where it is workers' skills that matter, not where they come from," she said in a statement.

"It will be a system that looks across the globe and attracts the people with the skills we need."

She added: "For too long people have felt they have been ignored on immigration and that politicians have not taken their concerns seriously enough.

"The new skills-based system will make sure low skilled immigration is brought down and set the UK on the path to reduce immigration to sustainable levels, as we promised.&nbsp;

"At the same time we are training up British people for the skilled jobs of the future."

The announcement follows a government-commissioned report that last month recommended a level playing field for people coming from overseas but restrictions on low-skilled workers.

May said that those wanting to live and work in Britain for the long term would need to earn a minimum salary, and would only be able to bring their family if sponsored by their future employers.

However, she conceded that immigration policy could be affected by Britain's future trade deals.

The EU may seek to negotiate continued preferential treatment in return for Britain's access to its single market, while other countries could also seek visa waivers as part of their own trade agreements.

"The ability of people from trading partners to deliver services and student exchange programmes will form part of future trade agreements," the prime minister said.

The government has already promised to protect the rights of more than three million EU citizens currently living in Britain after Brexit, even if there is no divorce deal.

Britain will end preferential access for European Union workers after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday, saying she wanted to attract high-skilled immigrants wherever they were from.

Britain will end preferential access for European Union workers after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday, saying she wanted to attract high-skilled immigrants wherever they were from. In an announcement at her Conservative party conference, May said she would publish plans for a single system for EU and non-EU countries later this year, ahead of a bill to be published in 2019. Immigration was a key issue in the Brexit campaign ahead of the 2016 vote to leave the bloc. May said the EU's free movement of people will end with Brexit and "for the first time in decades, it will be this country that controls and chooses who we want to come here". "It will be a skills-based system where it is workers' skills that matter, not where they come from," she said in a statement. "It will be a system that looks across the globe and attracts the people with the skills we need." She added: "For too long people have felt they have been ignored on immigration and that politicians have not taken their concerns seriously enough. "The new skills-based system will make sure low skilled immigration is brought down and set the UK on the path to reduce immigration to sustainable levels, as we promised. "At the same time we are training up British people for the skilled jobs of the future." The announcement follows a government-commissioned report that last month recommended a level playing field for people coming from overseas but restrictions on low-skilled workers. May said that those wanting to live and work in Britain for the long term would need to earn a minimum salary, and would only be able to bring their family if sponsored by their future employers. However, she conceded that immigration policy could be affected by Britain's future trade deals. The EU may seek to negotiate continued preferential treatment in return for Britain's access to its single market, while other countries could also seek visa waivers as part of their own trade agreements. "The ability of people from trading partners to deliver services and student exchange programmes will form part of future trade agreements," the prime minister said. The government has already promised to protect the rights of more than three million EU citizens currently living in Britain after Brexit, even if there is no divorce deal.

Britain will stop favouring EU workers after Brexit: PM Theresa May

British Prime Minister Theresa May and her main rival Boris Johnson battled Tuesday to woo their Conservative party members, as the European Union raised the pressure on London to offer compromises to reach a Brexit deal.

Johnson will make his long-anticipated speech to the party's annual conference in Birmingham, central England, where he is expected to repeat his attacks on May's strategy for leaving the EU.

Aides to the charismatic former foreign minister said he would also cover a wide range of domestic issues, reinforcing speculation that he is making a pitch for May's job.

In broadcast interviews on Tuesday, the prime minister acknowledged Johnson's speech would be a "lively" event, and called for her party to "come together".

But she ensured she dominated the headlines by announcing a new immigration policy -- something that was not expected until Wednesday, and will address many Tory members' concerns.

Free movement of EU workers was a key issue in the 2016 vote for Brexit, and May confirmed that Europeans would be treated the same as non-EU citizens in future.

Her public battle with Johnson comes just weeks before May must return to Brussels in a bid to break the deadlock in Brexit negotiations and reach a deal.

The prime minister hinted at a possible compromise on how to keep the land border with Ireland open after Brexit, a key sticking point in the EU talks, on which London is due to publish new plans shortly.

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker meanwhile warned that London's threat to walk away from the negotiations without a deal would have consequences.

"We want a deal. Those who think no deal would be the better solution are not aware of the difficulties such a scenario would imply," he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Alternative plan

Johnson was a leading campaigner for Brexit in the referendum. Even after being appointed foreign minister he continually challenged May's EU strategy.

He quit in July in protest at her plan for Britain to follow EU rules in goods after Brexit, which she says will protect cross-border trade but he argues would keep London tied to the bloc well into the future.

The EU has also rejected the plan, saying it undermines the bloc's cherished single market.

Numerous eurosceptic Conservative MPs have already drawn big crowds in Birmingham as they offer their own idea for a looser trade arrangement with the EU.

Johnson endorses the same alternative proposal, but the maverick former London mayor has particular star power, and his lunchtime address in a 1,500-capacity hall is expected to be packed.

"He's not a details guy, but he's a guy who has vision. And he's a winner," said Ian Burgess, a delegate in his 60s from Somerset in western England.

Think he's a clown

Johnson is known for his wit and confrontational style, and before the event he posed for a press photograph in a field of long grass.

It clearly mocked May, who once said the naughtiest thing she had done was run through a field of wheat.

But Johnson's recent comments about her Brexit plan, calling it "deranged" and saying it strapped a suicide vest to the British constitution, have angered many fellow MPs.

Several former colleagues used the conference to make jokes at his expense, while finance minister Philip Hammond said his alternative Brexit plan was "fantasy".

Even former Brexit minister David Davis, a fellow eurosceptic who describes Johnson as a "great mate", said many of his ideas "are good headlines but not necessarily good policies".

Among the delegates, there is also unease about Johnson's public disagreements with May.

Amandeep Garcha, a 21-year-old student activist from Derby, backs Johnson's Brexit position, but said: "When you're high up in the ranks, you should deal with these things privately."

Mike Kay, a 34-year-old delegate from Manchester in northwest England, added: "He has a kind of charisma that so few others do. But he is very divisive, that's a problem.

"A large section of the country thinks he is a clown."

British Prime Minister Theresa May and her main rival Boris Johnson battled Tuesday to woo their Conservative party members, as the European Union raised the pressure on London to offer compromises to reach a Brexit deal.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and her main rival Boris Johnson battled Tuesday to woo their Conservative party members, as the European Union raised the pressure on London to offer compromises to reach a Brexit deal. Johnson will make his long-anticipated speech to the party's annual conference in Birmingham, central England, where he is expected to repeat his attacks on May's strategy for leaving the EU. Aides to the charismatic former foreign minister said he would also cover a wide range of domestic issues, reinforcing speculation that he is making a pitch for May's job. In broadcast interviews on Tuesday, the prime minister acknowledged Johnson's speech would be a "lively" event, and called for her party to "come together". But she ensured she dominated the headlines by announcing a new immigration policy -- something that was not expected until Wednesday, and will address many Tory members' concerns. Free movement of EU workers was a key issue in the 2016 vote for Brexit, and May confirmed that Europeans would be treated the same as non-EU citizens in future. Her public battle with Johnson comes just weeks before May must return to Brussels in a bid to break the deadlock in Brexit negotiations and reach a deal. The prime minister hinted at a possible compromise on how to keep the land border with Ireland open after Brexit, a key sticking point in the EU talks, on which London is due to publish new plans shortly. EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker meanwhile warned that London's threat to walk away from the negotiations without a deal would have consequences. "We want a deal. Those who think no deal would be the better solution are not aware of the difficulties such a scenario would imply," he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Alternative plan Johnson was a leading campaigner for Brexit in the referendum. Even after being appointed foreign minister he continually challenged May's EU strategy. He quit in July in protest at her plan for Britain to follow EU rules in goods after Brexit, which she says will protect cross-border trade but he argues would keep London tied to the bloc well into the future. The EU has also rejected the plan, saying it undermines the bloc's cherished single market. Numerous eurosceptic Conservative MPs have already drawn big crowds in Birmingham as they offer their own idea for a looser trade arrangement with the EU. Johnson endorses the same alternative proposal, but the maverick former London mayor has particular star power, and his lunchtime address in a 1,500-capacity hall is expected to be packed. "He's not a details guy, but he's a guy who has vision. And he's a winner," said Ian Burgess, a delegate in his 60s from Somerset in western England. Think he's a clown Johnson is known for his wit and confrontational style, and before the event he posed for a press photograph in a field of long grass. It clearly mocked May, who once said the naughtiest thing she had done was run through a field of wheat. But Johnson's recent comments about her Brexit plan, calling it "deranged" and saying it strapped a suicide vest to the British constitution, have angered many fellow MPs. Several former colleagues used the conference to make jokes at his expense, while finance minister Philip Hammond said his alternative Brexit plan was "fantasy". Even former Brexit minister David Davis, a fellow eurosceptic who describes Johnson as a "great mate", said many of his ideas "are good headlines but not necessarily good policies". Among the delegates, there is also unease about Johnson's public disagreements with May. Amandeep Garcha, a 21-year-old student activist from Derby, backs Johnson's Brexit position, but said: "When you're high up in the ranks, you should deal with these things privately." Mike Kay, a 34-year-old delegate from Manchester in northwest England, added: "He has a kind of charisma that so few others do. But he is very divisive, that's a problem. "A large section of the country thinks he is a clown."

UK's May and Johnson battle it out as Brexit deadline looms

Britain's Brexit secretary will warn the European Union on Monday that his government's willingness to compromise in divorce talks is "not without limits".

In a speech to his Conservative party conference in Birmingham, central England, Dominic Raab will repeat London's threat to walk away if it cannot get a deal it wants.

"My approach to Brexit is pragmatic, not dogmatic," he will say, according to extracts released by the party.&nbsp;

"But our willingness to compromise is not without limits. We are leaving the European Union in fact, not just in name."

EU leaders have rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's plan for close post-Brexit trade ties, and demanded she rework the ideas before a summit next month.

Both sides are still hoping to reach a deal later this year, ahead of Brexit in March.

Raab said the British plan "manages the risks of Brexit" and "grasps the opportunities", while keeping open the border with Ireland.

"If an attempt is made to lock us in via the back door of the European Economic Area and Customs Union... or if the only offer from the EU threatens the integrity of our union, then we will be left with no choice but to leave without a deal," he will say.

May told the BBC on Sunday that she wanted to hear more detail about the EU objections.

"My mood is to listen to what the EU have to say about their concerns and to sit down and talk them through with them," she said.

Britain's Brexit secretary will warn the European Union on Monday that his government's willingness to compromise in divorce talks is "not without limits". In a speech to his Conservative party conference in Birmingham, central England, Dominic Raab will repeat London's threat to walk away if it cannot get a deal it wants.

Britain's Brexit secretary will warn the European Union on Monday that his government's willingness to compromise in divorce talks is "not without limits". In a speech to his Conservative party conference in Birmingham, central England, Dominic Raab will repeat London's threat to walk away if it cannot get a deal it wants. "My approach to Brexit is pragmatic, not dogmatic," he will say, according to extracts released by the party. "But our willingness to compromise is not without limits. We are leaving the European Union in fact, not just in name." EU leaders have rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's plan for close post-Brexit trade ties, and demanded she rework the ideas before a summit next month. Both sides are still hoping to reach a deal later this year, ahead of Brexit in March. Raab said the British plan "manages the risks of Brexit" and "grasps the opportunities", while keeping open the border with Ireland. "If an attempt is made to lock us in via the back door of the European Economic Area and Customs Union... or if the only offer from the EU threatens the integrity of our union, then we will be left with no choice but to leave without a deal," he will say. May told the BBC on Sunday that she wanted to hear more detail about the EU objections. "My mood is to listen to what the EU have to say about their concerns and to sit down and talk them through with them," she said.

UK warns of limits to Brexit compromises

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pakistan-helicopter-violates-indian-airspace-poonch-sector-jk-168534">J&amp;K: Pakistan helicopter violates Indian airspace in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pakistan-helicopter-violates-indian-airspace-poonch-sector-jk-168534">Poonch</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pakistan-helicopter-violates-indian-airspace-poonch-sector-jk-168534"> sector</a>

A Pakistani chopper Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. News agency PTI quoting Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said that the helicopter violated the airspace around 12:13 pm.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/industry/hyderabad-bound-jet-airways-flight-makes-emergency-landing-indore-airport-168533">Hyderabad-bound Jet flight makes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/industry/hyderabad-bound-jet-airways-flight-makes-emergency-landing-indore-airport-168533">emergency</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/industry/hyderabad-bound-jet-airways-flight-makes-emergency-landing-indore-airport-168533"> landing at Indore airport</a>

A Hyderabad bound Jet Airways flight made an emergency landing at Indore airport after the crew encountered a technical glitch in the engine on Sunday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lets-come-together-may-makes-brexit-appeal-party-168544">'Let's come together,' UK PM Theresa May makes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lets-come-together-may-makes-brexit-appeal-party-168544">Brexit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lets-come-together-may-makes-brexit-appeal-party-168544"> appeal to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lets-come-together-may-makes-brexit-appeal-party-168544">party</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May called on her party on Sunday to unite behind her plan to leave the European Union, making a direct appeal to critics by saying their desire for a free trade deal was at the heart of her own Brexit proposals.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rapper-kanye-west-changes-his-name-ye-168551">Rapper Kanye West changes his name to Ye</a>

Rapper Kanye West has announced that his new name is 'Ye'. The 41-year-old musician shared the news of his name change on Twitter and wrote, "the being formally known as Kanye West. I am YE."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fearing-debt-trap-pakistan-rethinks-chinese-silk-road-projects-168559">Fearing debt trap, Pakistan rethinks Chinese 'Silk Road' projects</a>

After lengthy delays, an $8.2 billion revamp of a colonial-era rail line snaking from the Arabian Sea to the foothills of the Hindu Kush has become a test of Pakistan's ability to rethink signature Chinese "Silk Road" projects due to debt concerns.

J&K: Pakistan helicopter violates Indian airspace in Poonch sector A Pakistani chopper Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said.

J&K: Pakistan helicopter violates Indian airspace in Poonch sector A Pakistani chopper Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. News agency PTI quoting Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said that the helicopter violated the airspace around 12:13 pm. Hyderabad-bound Jet flight makes emergency landing at Indore airport A Hyderabad bound Jet Airways flight made an emergency landing at Indore airport after the crew encountered a technical glitch in the engine on Sunday, news agency ANI reported. 'Let's come together,' UK PM Theresa May makes Brexit appeal to party Prime Minister Theresa May called on her party on Sunday to unite behind her plan to leave the European Union, making a direct appeal to critics by saying their desire for a free trade deal was at the heart of her own Brexit proposals. Rapper Kanye West changes his name to Ye Rapper Kanye West has announced that his new name is 'Ye'. The 41-year-old musician shared the news of his name change on Twitter and wrote, "the being formally known as Kanye West. I am YE." Fearing debt trap, Pakistan rethinks Chinese 'Silk Road' projects After lengthy delays, an $8.2 billion revamp of a colonial-era rail line snaking from the Arabian Sea to the foothills of the Hindu Kush has become a test of Pakistan's ability to rethink signature Chinese "Silk Road" projects due to debt concerns.

News brief: Big stories of the day

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday asked her Conservative Party members to unite behind her to ensure the government gets a good exit deal from the European Union, insisting that her so-called Chequers plan was the right way forward.

"My message to my party is let's come together and get the best deal for Britain," May told the BBC on the first day of the annual Conservative Party conference.

Meanwhile, critics of Theresa May's Brexit plans stepped up their efforts on Sunday to force the British prime minister to change tack on leaving the European Union, setting the tone for one of the worst-tempered conferences for her Conservative Party.

Her former foreign secretary and former Brexit minister both came out to rubbish her so-called Chequers plan, just six months before Britain is due to leave the EU in the country's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years.

(With inputs from Reuters)

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday asked her Conservative Party members to unite behind her to ensure the government gets a good exit deal from the European Union, insisting that her so-called Chequers plan was the right way forward.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday asked her Conservative Party members to unite behind her to ensure the government gets a good exit deal from the European Union, insisting that her so-called Chequers plan was the right way forward. "My message to my party is let's come together and get the best deal for Britain," May told the BBC on the first day of the annual Conservative Party conference. Meanwhile, critics of Theresa May's Brexit plans stepped up their efforts on Sunday to force the British prime minister to change tack on leaving the European Union, setting the tone for one of the worst-tempered conferences for her Conservative Party. Her former foreign secretary and former Brexit minister both came out to rubbish her so-called Chequers plan, just six months before Britain is due to leave the EU in the country's biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years. (With inputs from Reuters)

UK PM Theresa May calls on her party to unite over Brexit

Britain's Boris Johnson on Friday unveiled his vision for Brexit as he urged Prime Minister Theresa May to pursue a "Super Canada" trade deal, sparking renewed infighting among ruling Conservatives ahead of their annual party conference.

The former foreign secretary, who resigned from the government in July over the issue, described May's current proposals for the future relationship with the EU as a "moral and intellectual humiliation".

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Johnson outlined a six-point alternative plan, that would scrap a backstop agreement struck with the European Union last December on the contentious Irish border.

He argued that adopting technology and making customs checks away from the frontier would prevent a return to a hard border -- a sticking point in negotiations and a key factor in May's proposal.

The ardent Brexiteer called for Britain and the EU instead to negotiate a free trade agreement -- dubbed "Super Canada" -- mirroring the deal the bloc signed with Ottawa in 2016.

It removed the vast majority of customs duties on exports crossing the Atlantic.

He conceded that negotiating such an agreement, which would aim for mutual recognition of standards to keep goods moving and also include services, may require extending any Brexit transition period beyond 2020.&nbsp;

"This is the moment to change the course of the negotiations and (to) do justice to the ambitions and potential of Brexit," Johnson wrote in the 4,500-word article.

"We have the chance to get it right, and I am afraid that future generations will not lightly forgive us if we fail."

His intervention ahead of the Conservative Party conference -- where he will address a fringe event on Tuesday -- prompted immediate Tory division.

"Shame he didn't research the link between agreeing a solution that keeps the Irish border frictionless and the chances of agreeing withdrawal terms," former cabinet minister Nicky Morgan wrote on Twitter. "Or does he just not care?"

In contrast, eurosceptic MP Bernard Jenkin called the plan "powerful" while Brexiteer colleague Nadine Dorries called Johnson "a man with a plan".

The blueprint will increase pressure on embattled leader May as her divided party's gathering starts Sunday under the shadow of Brexit.

She has proposed Britain follow EU rules in trade in goods after Brexit, to protect manufacturing supply lines and avoid the hard border between Northern Ireland, a British province, and EU member Ireland.

The plan, forged in July at May's country retreat Chequers, has faced strong opposition in her Conservative party and criticism in Brussels, but she has repeatedly vowed to stick with it.

Johnson reiterated Friday the proposal was a "democratic disaster" that would "cheat the electorate" and leave Britain "half in, half out" of Europe.

Britain is set to leave the EU next March, with both sides agreeing that a provisional divorce deal, comprising assurances on the Irish border among other things, must be reached by mid-November

Britain's Boris Johnson on Friday unveiled his vision for Brexit as he urged Prime Minister Theresa May to pursue a "Super Canada" trade deal, sparking renewed infighting among ruling Conservatives ahead of their annual party conference.

Britain's Boris Johnson on Friday unveiled his vision for Brexit as he urged Prime Minister Theresa May to pursue a "Super Canada" trade deal, sparking renewed infighting among ruling Conservatives ahead of their annual party conference. The former foreign secretary, who resigned from the government in July over the issue, described May's current proposals for the future relationship with the EU as a "moral and intellectual humiliation". Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Johnson outlined a six-point alternative plan, that would scrap a backstop agreement struck with the European Union last December on the contentious Irish border. He argued that adopting technology and making customs checks away from the frontier would prevent a return to a hard border -- a sticking point in negotiations and a key factor in May's proposal. The ardent Brexiteer called for Britain and the EU instead to negotiate a free trade agreement -- dubbed "Super Canada" -- mirroring the deal the bloc signed with Ottawa in 2016. It removed the vast majority of customs duties on exports crossing the Atlantic. He conceded that negotiating such an agreement, which would aim for mutual recognition of standards to keep goods moving and also include services, may require extending any Brexit transition period beyond 2020. "This is the moment to change the course of the negotiations and (to) do justice to the ambitions and potential of Brexit," Johnson wrote in the 4,500-word article. "We have the chance to get it right, and I am afraid that future generations will not lightly forgive us if we fail." His intervention ahead of the Conservative Party conference -- where he will address a fringe event on Tuesday -- prompted immediate Tory division. "Shame he didn't research the link between agreeing a solution that keeps the Irish border frictionless and the chances of agreeing withdrawal terms," former cabinet minister Nicky Morgan wrote on Twitter. "Or does he just not care?" In contrast, eurosceptic MP Bernard Jenkin called the plan "powerful" while Brexiteer colleague Nadine Dorries called Johnson "a man with a plan". The blueprint will increase pressure on embattled leader May as her divided party's gathering starts Sunday under the shadow of Brexit. She has proposed Britain follow EU rules in trade in goods after Brexit, to protect manufacturing supply lines and avoid the hard border between Northern Ireland, a British province, and EU member Ireland. The plan, forged in July at May's country retreat Chequers, has faced strong opposition in her Conservative party and criticism in Brussels, but she has repeatedly vowed to stick with it. Johnson reiterated Friday the proposal was a "democratic disaster" that would "cheat the electorate" and leave Britain "half in, half out" of Europe. Britain is set to leave the EU next March, with both sides agreeing that a provisional divorce deal, comprising assurances on the Irish border among other things, must be reached by mid-November

Boris Johnson's Brexit plan prompts fresh Tory division

The 30-minute circuit also features the 'Theresa May Sack Race,' 'Jacob Rees-Logg lifts' and 'Politico Headslammer' in which participants slam balls on to pictures of British Prime Minister Theresa May and opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Brexit rage: Londoners hit Boris & Theresa punching bags

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday Labour would vote against a Brexit deal based on Theresa May's proposals, the strongest warning yet to a prime minister whose plan to leave the European Union is hanging by a thread.

On the final day of his party's annual conference, Corbyn sought to show that his party was ready to take over the reins of power, setting out in the most detail yet what he called "a radical plan to rebuild and transform our country" and promising new jobs from a green "revolution".

Corbyn also made a direct bid for the support of those outside the British capital who voted to exit the EU, often in frustration at feeling left behind by a London-based elite, saying Labour was ready to take over the tortured Brexit talks.

Britain is not due another election until 2022, but Labour is already preparing for a snap vote.

Despite her denials, few are ruling out an early election after May's already precarious position was further weakened last week when the EU rebuffed her Brexit proposal, known as "Chequers", which is also unpopular in her Conservative Party.

Corbyn, a veteran eurosceptic who in 1975 voted "No" to Britain's membership of the then-European Community, said Labour respected the outcome of a 2016 referendum when Britons voted to leave the EU, the biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years.

"As it stands, Labour will vote against the Chequers plan or whatever is left of it and oppose leaving the EU with no deal," Corbyn told a packed hall at the conference in the northern English city of Liverpool.

"And it is inconceivable that we should crash out of Europe with no deal - that would be a national disaster. That is why if parliament votes down a Tory deal or the government fails to reach any deal at all we would press for a general election. Failing that, all options are on the table."

Corbyn hoped to steer his annual party meeting away from Brexit, which has divided his party just as it has done May's Conservatives and much of the country. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019.

The Labour leader, seeking to paper over his party's divisions, has backed a call to keep open the option of holding a second referendum on staying in the EU despite opposition from some powerful trade unions.

Revolution?

May has said she will press ahead with her Chequers proposals to leave the EU, named after her country residence where an agreement was hashed out with her ministers in July.

But with a working majority of only 13 in the 650-seat parliament and a former junior minister warning that as many as 80 of her own lawmakers could vote against, May could have been hoping to secure some support from the opposition.

Corbyn ruled that out.

He told May in his speech that Labour would back a "sensible deal" with the EU, adding that she if can't reach one she should "make way for a party that can".

Setting out his wider agenda for government, Corbyn took aim at the "greed-is-good, deregulated financial capitalism" that led to the 2008 financial crisis, saying politicians, including in his own party, had failed to make "essential changes to a broken economic system".

"That's why Labour is offering a radical plan to rebuild and transform Britain," he said.

He also pledged to create more than 400,000 skilled "green" jobs nationwide by investing in technologies to cut net carbon emissions by 60 percent by 2030 and to zero by 2050.

Corbyn and his team have peppered their conference with policy announcements, trying to show they are ready for the long term. The green jobs plan would cover two terms in government.

With announcements ranging from handing workers shares in companies to expanding free universal childcare, Labour has wanted to showcase their planning for an early election.

But the Conservative Party, running almost neck and neck with Labour in opinion polls, accused Corbyn's team of making "unfunded" promises.

"This is the 37th unfunded promise Labour have made since the last election," said Claire Perry, minister for energy and clean growth. "Labour's ideas have all failed before and would leave the country struggling with more debt, more waste and ordinary working people paying for it - just like last time." 
&nbsp;

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday Labour would vote against a Brexit deal based on Theresa May's proposals, the strongest warning yet to a prime minister whose plan to leave the European Union is hanging by a thread.

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday Labour would vote against a Brexit deal based on Theresa May's proposals, the strongest warning yet to a prime minister whose plan to leave the European Union is hanging by a thread. On the final day of his party's annual conference, Corbyn sought to show that his party was ready to take over the reins of power, setting out in the most detail yet what he called "a radical plan to rebuild and transform our country" and promising new jobs from a green "revolution". Corbyn also made a direct bid for the support of those outside the British capital who voted to exit the EU, often in frustration at feeling left behind by a London-based elite, saying Labour was ready to take over the tortured Brexit talks. Britain is not due another election until 2022, but Labour is already preparing for a snap vote. Despite her denials, few are ruling out an early election after May's already precarious position was further weakened last week when the EU rebuffed her Brexit proposal, known as "Chequers", which is also unpopular in her Conservative Party. Corbyn, a veteran eurosceptic who in 1975 voted "No" to Britain's membership of the then-European Community, said Labour respected the outcome of a 2016 referendum when Britons voted to leave the EU, the biggest shift in foreign and trade policy in more than 40 years. "As it stands, Labour will vote against the Chequers plan or whatever is left of it and oppose leaving the EU with no deal," Corbyn told a packed hall at the conference in the northern English city of Liverpool. "And it is inconceivable that we should crash out of Europe with no deal - that would be a national disaster. That is why if parliament votes down a Tory deal or the government fails to reach any deal at all we would press for a general election. Failing that, all options are on the table." Corbyn hoped to steer his annual party meeting away from Brexit, which has divided his party just as it has done May's Conservatives and much of the country. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019. The Labour leader, seeking to paper over his party's divisions, has backed a call to keep open the option of holding a second referendum on staying in the EU despite opposition from some powerful trade unions. Revolution? May has said she will press ahead with her Chequers proposals to leave the EU, named after her country residence where an agreement was hashed out with her ministers in July. But with a working majority of only 13 in the 650-seat parliament and a former junior minister warning that as many as 80 of her own lawmakers could vote against, May could have been hoping to secure some support from the opposition. Corbyn ruled that out. He told May in his speech that Labour would back a "sensible deal" with the EU, adding that she if can't reach one she should "make way for a party that can". Setting out his wider agenda for government, Corbyn took aim at the "greed-is-good, deregulated financial capitalism" that led to the 2008 financial crisis, saying politicians, including in his own party, had failed to make "essential changes to a broken economic system". "That's why Labour is offering a radical plan to rebuild and transform Britain," he said. He also pledged to create more than 400,000 skilled "green" jobs nationwide by investing in technologies to cut net carbon emissions by 60 percent by 2030 and to zero by 2050. Corbyn and his team have peppered their conference with policy announcements, trying to show they are ready for the long term. The green jobs plan would cover two terms in government. With announcements ranging from handing workers shares in companies to expanding free universal childcare, Labour has wanted to showcase their planning for an early election. But the Conservative Party, running almost neck and neck with Labour in opinion polls, accused Corbyn's team of making "unfunded" promises. "This is the 37th unfunded promise Labour have made since the last election," said Claire Perry, minister for energy and clean growth. "Labour's ideas have all failed before and would leave the country struggling with more debt, more waste and ordinary working people paying for it - just like last time."

Labour will vote against PM May's Chequers Brexit plan, says Jeremy Corbyn

Britain`s opposition Labour Party will vote against any deal Prime Minister Theresa May clinches with the European Union and is open to a second referendum with the option of staying in the bloc, Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said on Tuesday.

With just over six months until Britain leaves the European Union, May has yet to reach a deal with Brussels on the terms of the divorce, and her plan for future trade ties has been rebuffed by both the EU and many lawmakers in her own Conservative Party.

Labour has listed six tests it would apply to any Brexit deal, including whether it ensured a strong future relationship with the EU and delivered the same benefits Britain has as a member of the bloc`s single market and customs union.

Starmer said May was on course to fail these tests and called for an election to allow a Labour government to steer Britain`s departure from the EU, the biggest shift in the country`s foreign and trade policy in decades.

"If Theresa May brings back a deal that does not meet our tests - and that looks increasingly likely - Labour will vote against her deal," he told Labour members at the party`s conference in the northern city of Liverpool.

He repeated Labour`s argument that if parliament rejected May`s Chequers deal, named after the prime minister`s country residence where she hashed out a plan with her ministers, the party would press for a general election.

"But if we need to break the impasse our options must include campaigning for a public vote and nobody is ruling out remain as an option," he said to a standing ovation and prolonged applause in a packed conference hall.

The Conservative Party`s chairman, Brandon Lewis, accused Labour of breaking "their promises" and taking "us back to square one on Brexit".

But with May`s plan for maintaining close ties with the EU for trade in goods facing opposition from her own lawmakers, Labour could play a decisive role in whether any Brexit deal is approved by parliament.&nbsp;

May has a working majority of just 13 in the 650-seat parliament and a former junior minister said this month as many as 80 of her own lawmakers were prepared to vote against a Brexit deal based on the Chequers plan.

Second Referendum?

But like the governing Conservatives and much of the country, Labour is split over how to leave the bloc, with its veteran eurosceptic leader, Jeremy Corbyn, under pressure from many members to move to a more pro-EU position.

Brendan Chilton, general secretary of Brexit campaigning group Labour Leave, accused Starmer of launching a leadership bid and of trying to undermine Corbyn.

"This is a betrayal of the very highest order. It is a betrayal not only of the millions of Labour voters, but of our 2017 manifesto," he said, referring to the party`s campaign at last year's election that gained Labour more votes than many expected.

Labour`s conference will vote later on Tuesday on keeping a second Brexit referendum as an option if May fails to get her Brexit plan through parliament.

In the published motion which the Labour conference will debate later on Tuesday, the party again set out is position on Brexit - it wants full participation in the EU`s single market after Brexit and will reject a "no deal Brexit".

The wording on a possible second referendum was left vague, opening the way for some to describe it as a fudge when the party`s finance spokesman, John McDonnell, said any such vote should be on how to leave the EU, not whether to do so.

But Starmer was clear. He understood that the motion could allow Britain to vote to stay in the EU.

"This isn`t about frustrating the process," he said. "It`s about stopping a destructive Tory Brexit. It`s about fighting for our values and about fighting for our country."

Britain`s opposition Labour Party will vote against any deal Prime Minister Theresa May clinches with the European Union and is open to a second referendum with the option of staying in the bloc, Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said on Tuesday.

Britain`s opposition Labour Party will vote against any deal Prime Minister Theresa May clinches with the European Union and is open to a second referendum with the option of staying in the bloc, Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said on Tuesday. With just over six months until Britain leaves the European Union, May has yet to reach a deal with Brussels on the terms of the divorce, and her plan for future trade ties has been rebuffed by both the EU and many lawmakers in her own Conservative Party. Labour has listed six tests it would apply to any Brexit deal, including whether it ensured a strong future relationship with the EU and delivered the same benefits Britain has as a member of the bloc`s single market and customs union. Starmer said May was on course to fail these tests and called for an election to allow a Labour government to steer Britain`s departure from the EU, the biggest shift in the country`s foreign and trade policy in decades. "If Theresa May brings back a deal that does not meet our tests - and that looks increasingly likely - Labour will vote against her deal," he told Labour members at the party`s conference in the northern city of Liverpool. He repeated Labour`s argument that if parliament rejected May`s Chequers deal, named after the prime minister`s country residence where she hashed out a plan with her ministers, the party would press for a general election. "But if we need to break the impasse our options must include campaigning for a public vote and nobody is ruling out remain as an option," he said to a standing ovation and prolonged applause in a packed conference hall. The Conservative Party`s chairman, Brandon Lewis, accused Labour of breaking "their promises" and taking "us back to square one on Brexit". But with May`s plan for maintaining close ties with the EU for trade in goods facing opposition from her own lawmakers, Labour could play a decisive role in whether any Brexit deal is approved by parliament. May has a working majority of just 13 in the 650-seat parliament and a former junior minister said this month as many as 80 of her own lawmakers were prepared to vote against a Brexit deal based on the Chequers plan. Second Referendum? But like the governing Conservatives and much of the country, Labour is split over how to leave the bloc, with its veteran eurosceptic leader, Jeremy Corbyn, under pressure from many members to move to a more pro-EU position. Brendan Chilton, general secretary of Brexit campaigning group Labour Leave, accused Starmer of launching a leadership bid and of trying to undermine Corbyn. "This is a betrayal of the very highest order. It is a betrayal not only of the millions of Labour voters, but of our 2017 manifesto," he said, referring to the party`s campaign at last year's election that gained Labour more votes than many expected. Labour`s conference will vote later on Tuesday on keeping a second Brexit referendum as an option if May fails to get her Brexit plan through parliament. In the published motion which the Labour conference will debate later on Tuesday, the party again set out is position on Brexit - it wants full participation in the EU`s single market after Brexit and will reject a "no deal Brexit". The wording on a possible second referendum was left vague, opening the way for some to describe it as a fudge when the party`s finance spokesman, John McDonnell, said any such vote should be on how to leave the EU, not whether to do so. But Starmer was clear. He understood that the motion could allow Britain to vote to stay in the EU. "This isn`t about frustrating the process," he said. "It`s about stopping a destructive Tory Brexit. It`s about fighting for our values and about fighting for our country."

UK's Labour to vote against Brexit deal, open to second referendum

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that Britain had still not expressed a clear position on its post-Brexit relations with the EU, warning that only "six to eight weeks" remained to reach an agreement.

Success in the upcoming negotiations depended "largely on what it is Britain really wants, and on this the discussion has still not been entirely clear", Merkel told a business conference in Berlin.

Merkel reiterated the stance of the remaining 27 EU members that "you can't belong to a single market if you want to stick to just one of its principles but not the other three".

Brussels believes May wants Britain to keep the benefits of free trade on goods with the EU without following its three other core principles, the free movement of people, services and capital over borders.

British Prime Minister Theresa May had hit back Friday at the EU after it roundly rejected her Brexit plan, saying its refusal to compromise was "not acceptable" and warning she was still prepared to walk away from the talks.

May blamed Brussels for the "impasse" just weeks ahead of a deadline to seal a deal -- and six months before Britain leaves the EU in March.

The EU summit in Salzburg had also raised the stakes by putting on ice a special summit planned for November to seal a deal, saying it would only happen if there is progress next month.

Merkel said the November special summit would "probably" take place but warned that "six to eight weeks of intense work lie ahead in which we have to make political decisions".

Progress could be achieved in October, she said, but added that any proposal should "formulate in the most concrete terms possible" what future relations should look like.

Otherwise, warned the chancellor, "the transition period could become too short to reach any kind of reasonable agreement".

May's government faces heightening pressure as it lacks a stable majority in parliament and could face defeat by MPs if and when it brings a final deal with Brussels for a vote.

Critics of May's Brexit proposal have launched a "Save Brexit Campaign" to push for a clean break with the EU.

Polls show the country is still more or less divided on Brexit, although a narrow majority might now support staying in the EU.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that Britain had still not expressed a clear position on its post-Brexit relations with the EU, warning that only "six to eight weeks" remained to reach an agreement.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that Britain had still not expressed a clear position on its post-Brexit relations with the EU, warning that only "six to eight weeks" remained to reach an agreement. Success in the upcoming negotiations depended "largely on what it is Britain really wants, and on this the discussion has still not been entirely clear", Merkel told a business conference in Berlin. Merkel reiterated the stance of the remaining 27 EU members that "you can't belong to a single market if you want to stick to just one of its principles but not the other three". Brussels believes May wants Britain to keep the benefits of free trade on goods with the EU without following its three other core principles, the free movement of people, services and capital over borders. British Prime Minister Theresa May had hit back Friday at the EU after it roundly rejected her Brexit plan, saying its refusal to compromise was "not acceptable" and warning she was still prepared to walk away from the talks. May blamed Brussels for the "impasse" just weeks ahead of a deadline to seal a deal -- and six months before Britain leaves the EU in March. The EU summit in Salzburg had also raised the stakes by putting on ice a special summit planned for November to seal a deal, saying it would only happen if there is progress next month. Merkel said the November special summit would "probably" take place but warned that "six to eight weeks of intense work lie ahead in which we have to make political decisions". Progress could be achieved in October, she said, but added that any proposal should "formulate in the most concrete terms possible" what future relations should look like. Otherwise, warned the chancellor, "the transition period could become too short to reach any kind of reasonable agreement". May's government faces heightening pressure as it lacks a stable majority in parliament and could face defeat by MPs if and when it brings a final deal with Brussels for a vote. Critics of May's Brexit proposal have launched a "Save Brexit Campaign" to push for a clean break with the EU. Polls show the country is still more or less divided on Brexit, although a narrow majority might now support staying in the EU.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says still unclear what Britain wants in Brexit talks

Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet has agreed that EU citizens should not have preferential access to work in Britain compared to people from elsewhere after Brexit, media reports said Tuesday.

Ministers gathering on Monday "unanimously supported a system based on skills rather than nationality", an unnamed source told the BBC, with similar reports in The Times and The Guardian.

Citizens from the other 27 European Union member states are currently free to live and work in Britain under the bloc's freedom of movement rules, but this will end after Brexit.

A government-commissioned report last week recommended that in future, EU and non-EU citizens follow the same immigration rules, with preference given to high-skilled workers.

The report's author, Alan Manning of the Migration Advisory Committee, briefed the cabinet meeting on Monday on his plan.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The cabinet agreed that, once free movement is brought to an end, the government will be able to introduce a new system which works in the best interests of the UK, including by helping to boost productivity."

May is now expected to make an announcement on future immigration rules at her Conservative party's conference next week, before likely introducing proposals later this year.

However, any post-Brexit immigration policy could be affected by Britain's future trade deals.

The EU may well seek to negotiate continued preferential treatment in return for access to its single market, while other countries could also seek visa waivers in return for trade deals.

May promised last week that even if Brexit negotiations with the EU break down, the rights of Europeans currently living in Britain "will be protected".

Her spokesman said there would be formal proposals published "shortly".

Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet has agreed that EU citizens should not have preferential access to work in Britain compared to people from elsewhere after Brexit, media reports said Tuesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet has agreed that EU citizens should not have preferential access to work in Britain compared to people from elsewhere after Brexit, media reports said Tuesday. Ministers gathering on Monday "unanimously supported a system based on skills rather than nationality", an unnamed source told the BBC, with similar reports in The Times and The Guardian. Citizens from the other 27 European Union member states are currently free to live and work in Britain under the bloc's freedom of movement rules, but this will end after Brexit. A government-commissioned report last week recommended that in future, EU and non-EU citizens follow the same immigration rules, with preference given to high-skilled workers. The report's author, Alan Manning of the Migration Advisory Committee, briefed the cabinet meeting on Monday on his plan. A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The cabinet agreed that, once free movement is brought to an end, the government will be able to introduce a new system which works in the best interests of the UK, including by helping to boost productivity." May is now expected to make an announcement on future immigration rules at her Conservative party's conference next week, before likely introducing proposals later this year. However, any post-Brexit immigration policy could be affected by Britain's future trade deals. The EU may well seek to negotiate continued preferential treatment in return for access to its single market, while other countries could also seek visa waivers in return for trade deals. May promised last week that even if Brexit negotiations with the EU break down, the rights of Europeans currently living in Britain "will be protected". Her spokesman said there would be formal proposals published "shortly".

UK government 'agrees not to favour EU workers after Brexit'

The EU on Monday gave Britain two months to recover 2.7 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in lost customs duties or risk referral to the EU's top court after London allegedly ignored a scam by Chinese importers.

The demand, part of a so-called infringement action launched by Brussels, threatens to further inflame tensions amid fraught Brexit negotiations just days after an EU summit in Austria ended in acrimony.

"The United Kingdom now has two months to act; otherwise the Commission may refer the case to the Court of Justice of the EU," said a statement by the commission, the European Union's executive arm.

The case follows an investigation last year by the EU fraud watchdog that found Britain turned a blind eye to the rampant use of fake invoices and customs claims by Chinese importers for textiles and footwear.

The commission believes that "despite having been informed of the risks of fraud", Britain "failed to take effective action to prevent the fraud" -- a failure which in turn short-changed the EU budget.

The affair is especially ill-timed as Britain's proposal for future trade ties with Europe after Brexit centres on an offer that London handle customs checks on behalf of the EU after the split.

Britain's Brexit proposal was flatly dismissed as "unworkable" by EU Council President Donald Tusk, to the frustration of British Prime Minister Theresa May.

The EU on Monday gave Britain two months to recover 2.7 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in lost customs duties or risk referral to the EU's top court after London allegedly ignored a scam by Chinese importers.

The EU on Monday gave Britain two months to recover 2.7 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in lost customs duties or risk referral to the EU's top court after London allegedly ignored a scam by Chinese importers. The demand, part of a so-called infringement action launched by Brussels, threatens to further inflame tensions amid fraught Brexit negotiations just days after an EU summit in Austria ended in acrimony. "The United Kingdom now has two months to act; otherwise the Commission may refer the case to the Court of Justice of the EU," said a statement by the commission, the European Union's executive arm. The case follows an investigation last year by the EU fraud watchdog that found Britain turned a blind eye to the rampant use of fake invoices and customs claims by Chinese importers for textiles and footwear. The commission believes that "despite having been informed of the risks of fraud", Britain "failed to take effective action to prevent the fraud" -- a failure which in turn short-changed the EU budget. The affair is especially ill-timed as Britain's proposal for future trade ties with Europe after Brexit centres on an offer that London handle customs checks on behalf of the EU after the split. Britain's Brexit proposal was flatly dismissed as "unworkable" by EU Council President Donald Tusk, to the frustration of British Prime Minister Theresa May.

EU gives Britain two months to pay 2.7 billion euros over China fraud

Britain's Labour Party kicked off its annual conference on Sunday hoping to prove it was ready to unseat the embattled Conservative government despite its own splits on Brexit and rows over anti-Semitism.

Leader Jeremy Corbyn has a golden opportunity to capitalise on Prime Minister Theresa May's weakness after European Union leaders rejected her Brexit plans on Thursday.

But he must first ensure that his party's internal tensions take a back seat to bolster his image as a prime-minister-in-waiting.

"The sheer levels of animosity that exists between Corbyn and his opponents is quite remarkable," Anand Menon, political professor at King's College London, told AFP ahead of the four-day event in Liverpool.

Brexit is one of the fault lines, dividing even normal allies.&nbsp;

Most of Corbyn's MPs and his younger supporters are in favour of the EU, but many voters in the party's working-class heartlands back Brexit.

Corbyn has so far tried to avoid the divisive subject, instead sticking to promoting a domestic social agenda that helped him upset the odds at last year's general election and strip May of her parliamentary majority.

But with Brexit negotiations rapidly heading nowhere as the March 29 deadline looms, party members look set to force a debate and a vote on the conference floor pushing for a second referendum.

Corbyn said on Sunday he would "adhere" to whatever came out of conference, although he would prefer to hold a general election instead.

"This government doesn't look very strong," he told the BBC.

"We could well be looking towards a general election and you know what? We are ready for it."

Pro-EU supporters are due to hold a large march as the conference opens on Sunday, calling for a second vote.

Corbyn will likely stick to his tried-and-tested method when he delivers his keynote speech on Wednesday, according to experts, prioritising efforts to bring down the government rather than trying to stop Brexit.

Corbyn said on Sunday he voted to "remain and reform the EU" in the 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership.

'Abrasive language'&nbsp;

Another potential issue hampering Corbyn's designs on power is the anti-Semitism row that has dogged the party since he took over in 2015.

He recently admitted the party had a "real problem" with the issue, leading veteran MP Frank Field to quit last month. Field said the leadership was becoming "a force for anti-Semitism in British politics".

The National Executive Committee (NEC), the party's ruling body, agreed this month to adopt in full an international definition of anti-Semitism for its code of conduct, but only after fierce opposition from those in the party who believe it will limit criticism of Israel.

"I will die fighting racism in any form," Corbyn said when asked directly by the BBC whether he was an anti-Semite.

When pressed on his views on Israel, Corbyn added: "It's right that people should be able to discuss the establishment of the state of Israel but recognise the existence of the state of Israel, and not prevent that type of debate."

Labour's polling numbers have remained relatively stable throughout the scandal, although the chaos in the Tory party could mask any impact it has had, said Steven Fielding, professor at University of Nottingham.

But the row continues to reverberate through the party.

"There is a lot of resentment, a lot of bitterness which I don't think will be very easily dispelled and there may be some Labour MPs who eventually leave on the basis of anti-Semitism issues," Fielding said.

A group of Labour campaigners will hold a rally on Sunday to protest Corbyn's handling of the scandal.

"If they want this conference to work they are going to have to deal with anti-Semitism, rather than pretending that they have dealt with it already," said Menon.

The scandal has deepened the divisions between Corbyn's far-left supporters and the more centrist faction of MPs who held power in the party after Tony Blair took charge in 1994.

These centrist MPs now find themselves on the sidelines and battling for their political lives in the face of aggressive attempts by Corbyn's supporters to de-select them, another issue that could raise tensions during conference.

"The leadership might try and persuade Momentum activists not to make it (de-selection) a central plank of conference but the language is getting very, very abrasive," noted Menon.

Britain's Labour Party kicked off its annual conference on Sunday hoping to prove it was ready to unseat the embattled Conservative government despite its own splits on Brexit and rows over anti-Semitism.

Britain's Labour Party kicked off its annual conference on Sunday hoping to prove it was ready to unseat the embattled Conservative government despite its own splits on Brexit and rows over anti-Semitism. Leader Jeremy Corbyn has a golden opportunity to capitalise on Prime Minister Theresa May's weakness after European Union leaders rejected her Brexit plans on Thursday. But he must first ensure that his party's internal tensions take a back seat to bolster his image as a prime-minister-in-waiting. "The sheer levels of animosity that exists between Corbyn and his opponents is quite remarkable," Anand Menon, political professor at King's College London, told AFP ahead of the four-day event in Liverpool. Brexit is one of the fault lines, dividing even normal allies. Most of Corbyn's MPs and his younger supporters are in favour of the EU, but many voters in the party's working-class heartlands back Brexit. Corbyn has so far tried to avoid the divisive subject, instead sticking to promoting a domestic social agenda that helped him upset the odds at last year's general election and strip May of her parliamentary majority. But with Brexit negotiations rapidly heading nowhere as the March 29 deadline looms, party members look set to force a debate and a vote on the conference floor pushing for a second referendum. Corbyn said on Sunday he would "adhere" to whatever came out of conference, although he would prefer to hold a general election instead. "This government doesn't look very strong," he told the BBC. "We could well be looking towards a general election and you know what? We are ready for it." Pro-EU supporters are due to hold a large march as the conference opens on Sunday, calling for a second vote. Corbyn will likely stick to his tried-and-tested method when he delivers his keynote speech on Wednesday, according to experts, prioritising efforts to bring down the government rather than trying to stop Brexit. Corbyn said on Sunday he voted to "remain and reform the EU" in the 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership. 'Abrasive language' Another potential issue hampering Corbyn's designs on power is the anti-Semitism row that has dogged the party since he took over in 2015. He recently admitted the party had a "real problem" with the issue, leading veteran MP Frank Field to quit last month. Field said the leadership was becoming "a force for anti-Semitism in British politics". The National Executive Committee (NEC), the party's ruling body, agreed this month to adopt in full an international definition of anti-Semitism for its code of conduct, but only after fierce opposition from those in the party who believe it will limit criticism of Israel. "I will die fighting racism in any form," Corbyn said when asked directly by the BBC whether he was an anti-Semite. When pressed on his views on Israel, Corbyn added: "It's right that people should be able to discuss the establishment of the state of Israel but recognise the existence of the state of Israel, and not prevent that type of debate." Labour's polling numbers have remained relatively stable throughout the scandal, although the chaos in the Tory party could mask any impact it has had, said Steven Fielding, professor at University of Nottingham. But the row continues to reverberate through the party. "There is a lot of resentment, a lot of bitterness which I don't think will be very easily dispelled and there may be some Labour MPs who eventually leave on the basis of anti-Semitism issues," Fielding said. A group of Labour campaigners will hold a rally on Sunday to protest Corbyn's handling of the scandal. "If they want this conference to work they are going to have to deal with anti-Semitism, rather than pretending that they have dealt with it already," said Menon. The scandal has deepened the divisions between Corbyn's far-left supporters and the more centrist faction of MPs who held power in the party after Tony Blair took charge in 1994. These centrist MPs now find themselves on the sidelines and battling for their political lives in the face of aggressive attempts by Corbyn's supporters to de-select them, another issue that could raise tensions during conference. "The leadership might try and persuade Momentum activists not to make it (de-selection) a central plank of conference but the language is getting very, very abrasive," noted Menon.

UK's Labour hopes to paper over Brexit splits for united front

United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May said she has reached an impasse on negotiations with the European Union (EU) after a summit in which her Brexit plan was rejected.

May asked the EU to show "respect" for Britain's choice and the outcome of the June 2016 referendum, reported CNN.

A day after her return from the summit in Salzburg, Austria, May had called on the EU to put forward its objections to her plan or put forth an alternative.

"Throughout this process, I have treated the EU with nothing but respect. The UK expects the same. A good relationship at the end of this process depends on it," CNN quoted May, as saying.

May perceived that the informal meeting at Salzburg would open ways to resolve outstanding issues in Brexit talks before the formal meeting in October.

However, leaders of the 27 remaining EU nations stayed firm in their opposition to May's plans.

Earlier, the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, had said that May's Brexit trade plan would not work.

Holding a press conference after two days of intense talks with May, Tusk said that leaders of the EU had agreed that the Chequer's plan would undermine the bloc's single market.

"Everybody shared the view that while there are positive elements in the Chequers proposal for economic cooperation, the suggested framework will not work -- not least because it risks undermining the single market," Tusk explained.

After two days of an informal summit by EU leaders, they will meet once again at a formal summit next month, which the Polish politician called "the moment of truth" for smooth Brexit negotiations.&nbsp;

United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May said she has reached an impasse on negotiations with the European Union (EU) after a summit in which her Brexit plan was rejected.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May said she has reached an impasse on negotiations with the European Union (EU) after a summit in which her Brexit plan was rejected. May asked the EU to show "respect" for Britain's choice and the outcome of the June 2016 referendum, reported CNN. A day after her return from the summit in Salzburg, Austria, May had called on the EU to put forward its objections to her plan or put forth an alternative. "Throughout this process, I have treated the EU with nothing but respect. The UK expects the same. A good relationship at the end of this process depends on it," CNN quoted May, as saying. May perceived that the informal meeting at Salzburg would open ways to resolve outstanding issues in Brexit talks before the formal meeting in October. However, leaders of the 27 remaining EU nations stayed firm in their opposition to May's plans. Earlier, the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, had said that May's Brexit trade plan would not work. Holding a press conference after two days of intense talks with May, Tusk said that leaders of the EU had agreed that the Chequer's plan would undermine the bloc's single market. "Everybody shared the view that while there are positive elements in the Chequers proposal for economic cooperation, the suggested framework will not work -- not least because it risks undermining the single market," Tusk explained. After two days of an informal summit by EU leaders, they will meet once again at a formal summit next month, which the Polish politician called "the moment of truth" for smooth Brexit negotiations.

Negotiations with EU on Brexit at an impasse: Theresa May

France still believes that a good deal on Brexit is possible but the country must prepare for the possibility of Britain and the European Union failing to reach an agreement on its divorce from the bloc, a minister said on Saturday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday that Brexit talks with the EU had hit an impasse, defiantly challenging the bloc to come up with its own plans a day after EU leaders savaged her proposals.

"The British people decided to leave in a (2016) referendum, we respect that. But this choice cannot lead to the EU going bust, unravelling," Nathalie Loiseau, minister for European affairs, told France Info radio.

"That's the message we have tried to send for several months now to our British counterparts, who may have thought we were going to say 'yes' to whatever deal they came up with."

Loiseau said May's so-called Chequers proposals, whereby British goods would enter the EU's single market freely, were "too negative" and would have led to "unfair competition for European companies".

She said she still believed a good deal with Britain was possible, but that France should get ready for the possibility of a "no deal" and would introduce legislation in November to that effect.

"We are working on reaching a good deal, that's where we spend most of our energy. It's still possible, I believe it is, all the 27 (EU member states) believe it is. But I can't rule out that we don't reach an agreement in the end."

"Let's imagine we don't reach an agreement. What we say is we must prepare for that," she added.

May has said her proposals for future trade with the EU were the only way forward. EU leaders in Salzburg repeated their view that the plans would undermine their cherished single market.

France still believes that a good deal on Brexit is possible but the country must prepare for the possibility of Britain and the European Union failing to reach an agreement on its divorce from the bloc, a minister said on Saturday.

France still believes that a good deal on Brexit is possible but the country must prepare for the possibility of Britain and the European Union failing to reach an agreement on its divorce from the bloc, a minister said on Saturday. British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday that Brexit talks with the EU had hit an impasse, defiantly challenging the bloc to come up with its own plans a day after EU leaders savaged her proposals. "The British people decided to leave in a (2016) referendum, we respect that. But this choice cannot lead to the EU going bust, unravelling," Nathalie Loiseau, minister for European affairs, told France Info radio. "That's the message we have tried to send for several months now to our British counterparts, who may have thought we were going to say 'yes' to whatever deal they came up with." Loiseau said May's so-called Chequers proposals, whereby British goods would enter the EU's single market freely, were "too negative" and would have led to "unfair competition for European companies". She said she still believed a good deal with Britain was possible, but that France should get ready for the possibility of a "no deal" and would introduce legislation in November to that effect. "We are working on reaching a good deal, that's where we spend most of our energy. It's still possible, I believe it is, all the 27 (EU member states) believe it is. But I can't rule out that we don't reach an agreement in the end." "Let's imagine we don't reach an agreement. What we say is we must prepare for that," she added. May has said her proposals for future trade with the EU were the only way forward. EU leaders in Salzburg repeated their view that the plans would undermine their cherished single market.

France sees Brexit deal as possible, but must prepare for 'no deal'

European Union leaders will push for a Brexit deal next month but warned Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday that if she will not give ground on trade and the Irish border by November they are ready to cope with Britain crashing out.

"Don't worry, be happy," joked EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker after telling reporters after a summit in Austria that the Europeans had full plans in place in the event there was no deal before Britain leaves next March.

May promised new proposals to reassure Dublin that it would not get a "hard border" with the British province of Northern Ireland but warned she too could live with a no-deal outcome -- though many round the summit table in picturesque Salzburg see that as more of a negotiating tactic than a credible threat.

She said her "Chequers" proposals for trade with the EU, intended also to resolve arguments over the borders of Northern Ireland, were the only way forward. EU leaders repeated their view the plans would undermine their cherished single market.

But leaders also tried to put a positive spin on their 24 hours of talks. Summit chair Donald Tusk said he was more optimistic about getting agreements both to ease Britain out gently and to sketch out a future free trade pact.

Tusk said a Brussels summit on October 18 would be a "moment of truth" to overcome remaining big problems and leaders pencilled in the weekend of Nov. 17-18 to formalise a final agreement.

But May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were among those who stressed there was still "a lot of work" to do.

May faces a fight with angry Conservatives at her party's conference in 10 days. They deride her willingness to bind Britain into much EU regulation in return for free trade; some would prefer a no-deal "hard Brexit" in March, despite warnings that would ravage the British economy.

EU leaders understand that she can give little away before the conference ends on Oct. 3. But they hope their negotiator, Michel Barnier, can secure her agreement next month to what will be new EU proposals. These will be fundamentally unchanged but may be politically more palatable, notably on Northern Ireland.

"Ritual dance is always a part of such negotiations," a senior adviser to one of May's summit peers told Reuters.

"It may be that they will just accept what we have proposed after the Tory conference."

Whether it can be done by mid-November, many doubt. Brussels is familiar with the theatre of diplomacy, where being seen to hold out to the bitter end can help sell the unpopular back home and some diplomats believe a deal could take until Christmas.

Any later, and there would be a risk of failing to get it ratified by both parliaments before Brexit Day on March 29.

"It was clear today that we need substantial progress by October and that we then aim to finalise everything in November," Merkel said. "But there is still a lot of work to do on the question of how future trade relations will look."

"You can't belong to the single market if you are not part of the single market, but you can develop a lot of creativity to find practical, good, close solutions."

French President Emmanuel Macron rammed home the message: "It was a good and brave step by the prime minister," he said of her trade plan. "But we all agreed on this today, the proposals in their current state are not acceptable.

"The Chequers plan cannot be 'take it or leave it'."

The EU also insists on a "backstop" clause in any withdrawal treaty. This would keep Northern Ireland under EU economic oversight if London and Brussels cannot agree a trade pact to keep UK-EU borders open after a transition period ends in 2020 -- an idea that May and a small party in the province that props up her minority government oppose.

"We need to ensure that nothing is done which effectively carves Northern Ireland away from the rest of the United Kingdom," May told reporters after Tusk had briefed her on the discussions the other 27 had on Brexit over lunch.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said there was no chance the EU would compromise on its demands and rejected speculation the other countries would be tempted to fudge the Irish issue until later. But he also said he thought there would be a deal.

European Union leaders will push for a Brexit deal next month but warned Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday that if she will not give ground on trade and the Irish border by November they are ready to cope with Britain crashing out.

European Union leaders will push for a Brexit deal next month but warned Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday that if she will not give ground on trade and the Irish border by November they are ready to cope with Britain crashing out. "Don't worry, be happy," joked EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker after telling reporters after a summit in Austria that the Europeans had full plans in place in the event there was no deal before Britain leaves next March. May promised new proposals to reassure Dublin that it would not get a "hard border" with the British province of Northern Ireland but warned she too could live with a no-deal outcome -- though many round the summit table in picturesque Salzburg see that as more of a negotiating tactic than a credible threat. She said her "Chequers" proposals for trade with the EU, intended also to resolve arguments over the borders of Northern Ireland, were the only way forward. EU leaders repeated their view the plans would undermine their cherished single market. But leaders also tried to put a positive spin on their 24 hours of talks. Summit chair Donald Tusk said he was more optimistic about getting agreements both to ease Britain out gently and to sketch out a future free trade pact. Tusk said a Brussels summit on October 18 would be a "moment of truth" to overcome remaining big problems and leaders pencilled in the weekend of Nov. 17-18 to formalise a final agreement. But May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were among those who stressed there was still "a lot of work" to do. May faces a fight with angry Conservatives at her party's conference in 10 days. They deride her willingness to bind Britain into much EU regulation in return for free trade; some would prefer a no-deal "hard Brexit" in March, despite warnings that would ravage the British economy. EU leaders understand that she can give little away before the conference ends on Oct. 3. But they hope their negotiator, Michel Barnier, can secure her agreement next month to what will be new EU proposals. These will be fundamentally unchanged but may be politically more palatable, notably on Northern Ireland. "Ritual dance is always a part of such negotiations," a senior adviser to one of May's summit peers told Reuters. "It may be that they will just accept what we have proposed after the Tory conference." Whether it can be done by mid-November, many doubt. Brussels is familiar with the theatre of diplomacy, where being seen to hold out to the bitter end can help sell the unpopular back home and some diplomats believe a deal could take until Christmas. Any later, and there would be a risk of failing to get it ratified by both parliaments before Brexit Day on March 29. "It was clear today that we need substantial progress by October and that we then aim to finalise everything in November," Merkel said. "But there is still a lot of work to do on the question of how future trade relations will look." "You can't belong to the single market if you are not part of the single market, but you can develop a lot of creativity to find practical, good, close solutions." French President Emmanuel Macron rammed home the message: "It was a good and brave step by the prime minister," he said of her trade plan. "But we all agreed on this today, the proposals in their current state are not acceptable. "The Chequers plan cannot be 'take it or leave it'." The EU also insists on a "backstop" clause in any withdrawal treaty. This would keep Northern Ireland under EU economic oversight if London and Brussels cannot agree a trade pact to keep UK-EU borders open after a transition period ends in 2020 -- an idea that May and a small party in the province that props up her minority government oppose. "We need to ensure that nothing is done which effectively carves Northern Ireland away from the rest of the United Kingdom," May told reporters after Tusk had briefed her on the discussions the other 27 had on Brexit over lunch. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said there was no chance the EU would compromise on its demands and rejected speculation the other countries would be tempted to fudge the Irish issue until later. But he also said he thought there would be a deal.

EU pushes October Brexit agreement, threatens no deal

WION Speed News: Watch top international & national news of the morning, September 21, 2018

A legal appeal to determine whether Britain alone can change its mind about leaving the European Union should be given consideration by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Scotland's highest court said on Friday in a boost to anti-Brexit campaigners.

The Court of Session decision means the ECJ should say whether it is legally possible for Britain to stay in the world's biggest trading bloc if its parliament so decides.

Petitioners argued that legal certainty about the process is needed in advance of any British parliamentary vote because no country has ever withdrawn from the European Union.

Prime Minister Theresa May's plans for Brexit are mired in doubt after EU leaders cautioned her on Thursday that unless she presented an alternative to her current proposal, Britain would crash out of the EU without a deal.

Friday's decision could now, theoretically, be appealed again before the UK Supreme Court, although legal sources close to the case believe that option is unlikely.

Pro-European petitioners argued that while there is no legal doubt that Britain could stop Brexit with the permission of the other 27 member states, it should seek to establish a legal right to do so unilaterally whether the rest of the bloc likes it or not.

Judges at the Court of Session said they had agreed to refer the case for advice on EU law from the ECJ.

British government officials were unavailable to comment.

A legal appeal to determine whether Britain alone can change its mind about leaving the European Union should be given consideration by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Scotland's highest court said on Friday in a boost to anti-Brexit campaigners.

A legal appeal to determine whether Britain alone can change its mind about leaving the European Union should be given consideration by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), Scotland's highest court said on Friday in a boost to anti-Brexit campaigners. The Court of Session decision means the ECJ should say whether it is legally possible for Britain to stay in the world's biggest trading bloc if its parliament so decides. Petitioners argued that legal certainty about the process is needed in advance of any British parliamentary vote because no country has ever withdrawn from the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May's plans for Brexit are mired in doubt after EU leaders cautioned her on Thursday that unless she presented an alternative to her current proposal, Britain would crash out of the EU without a deal. Friday's decision could now, theoretically, be appealed again before the UK Supreme Court, although legal sources close to the case believe that option is unlikely. Pro-European petitioners argued that while there is no legal doubt that Britain could stop Brexit with the permission of the other 27 member states, it should seek to establish a legal right to do so unilaterally whether the rest of the bloc likes it or not. Judges at the Court of Session said they had agreed to refer the case for advice on EU law from the ECJ. British government officials were unavailable to comment.

European court should say if UK alone can stop Brexit: Scottish judges

The president of Britain's main business lobby today warned that the country's car industry risked "becoming extinct" outside the EU's customs union.

"If we do not have a customs union, there are sectors of manufacturing society in the UK which risk becoming extinct," Confederation of British Industry (CBI) president Paul Dreschler told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

He highlighted the car industry as being particularly threatened by any deal that did not secure "real frictionless trade" with the European Union post-Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May is under pressure to commit to some kind of customs partnership as she pushes key Brexit legislation through parliament, despite promising that Britain would make a clean break with the EU in order to strike trade deals with the rest of the world.

The CBI president claimed there was "zero evidence" that such deals would provide any economic benefit to Britain.

"There's zero evidence that independent trade deals will provide any economic benefit to the UK that's material. It's a myth," he said.

The uncertainty was also forcing companies to delay investment decisions, he added. "We already know tens of millions, in fact, hundreds of millions have been invested by UK pharmaceutical and finance companies to create continuity post a worse-case Brexit scenario," he said.

"We still haven't got clarity about the future direction, about where we're heading, what will the future relationship with Europe be, at a level of detail that matters for investment." Brexit campaigner Patrick Minford, from the

Economists for Free Trade group accused the CBI of doing the bidding of "vested interests that oppose the competition and productivity growth that free trade under Brexit will bring".

"Precisely what Brexit will do is remove the EU protectionism and excessive regulation that is holding back our economy," he told the BBC.

"The gains from our potential free trade agreements are well documented. Our calculations put them at 4 per cent of GDP," he added.

May yesterday avoided a major blow to her Brexit strategy after lawmakers rejected a plan that would have given parliament a veto on the final deal negotiated with Brussels, but only after reaching a backroom deal with potential rebels.

She faces further battles today over how closely Britain stays aligned with the EU's economy after leaving.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Theresa May is under pressure to commit to some kind of customs partnership as she pushes key Brexit legislation through parliament

The president of Britain's main business lobby today warned that the country's car industry risked "becoming extinct" outside the EU's customs union. "If we do not have a customs union, there are sectors of manufacturing society in the UK which risk becoming extinct," Confederation of British Industry (CBI) president Paul Dreschler told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. He highlighted the car industry as being particularly threatened by any deal that did not secure "real frictionless trade" with the European Union post-Brexit. Prime Minister Theresa May is under pressure to commit to some kind of customs partnership as she pushes key Brexit legislation through parliament, despite promising that Britain would make a clean break with the EU in order to strike trade deals with the rest of the world. The CBI president claimed there was "zero evidence" that such deals would provide any economic benefit to Britain. "There's zero evidence that independent trade deals will provide any economic benefit to the UK that's material. It's a myth," he said. The uncertainty was also forcing companies to delay investment decisions, he added. "We already know tens of millions, in fact, hundreds of millions have been invested by UK pharmaceutical and finance companies to create continuity post a worse-case Brexit scenario," he said. "We still haven't got clarity about the future direction, about where we're heading, what will the future relationship with Europe be, at a level of detail that matters for investment." Brexit campaigner Patrick Minford, from the Economists for Free Trade group accused the CBI of doing the bidding of "vested interests that oppose the competition and productivity growth that free trade under Brexit will bring". "Precisely what Brexit will do is remove the EU protectionism and excessive regulation that is holding back our economy," he told the BBC. "The gains from our potential free trade agreements are well documented. Our calculations put them at 4 per cent of GDP," he added. May yesterday avoided a major blow to her Brexit strategy after lawmakers rejected a plan that would have given parliament a veto on the final deal negotiated with Brussels, but only after reaching a backroom deal with potential rebels. She faces further battles today over how closely Britain stays aligned with the EU's economy after leaving.

Brexit could make UK car sector 'extinct': Report

Prime Minister Theresa May will urge her Conservative Party on Monday to show unity when parliament votes on changes to her Brexit blueprint, a potential showdown that could reshape her approach to Britain's departure from the EU.

Lawmakers will vote on Tuesday and Wednesday this week on amendments to the EU withdrawal bill, legislation to sever ties with the bloc by essentially copying and pasting the bloc's laws so that Britain's legal system can function after March next year.

Her government is most vulnerable over an amendment, introduced by the upper house of parliament, to change the so-called "meaningful vote" on any final Brexit deal by handing the lower house more power to set the "direction" of the government if it rejects the agreement.

She will also be tested by rebels in her own party over her commitment to leave the EU's single market and customs union, which will transform Britain's future trading relationship for many years to come.

May is expected to address a meeting of Conservative members called the 1922 Committee later on Monday and will repeat her stance that the EU withdrawal bill is purely technical "to ensure a smooth and orderly transition as we leave".

"The message we send to the country through our votes this week is important. We must be clear that we are united as a party in our determination to deliver on the decision made by the British people," she is expected to say.

"They want us to deliver on Brexit and build a brighter future for Britain as we take back control of our money, our laws and our borders."

May is struggling to unite not only her party but her top team of ministers over how to leave the EU, particularly over the future customs arrangements which have pitted those wanting closer ties with the EU against others who demand a clean break.

She got backing over the weekend, when two Conservative lawmakers from either side of the debate -- Amber Rudd, a former pro-EU campaigner and interior minister, and Iain Duncan Smith, a leading eurosceptic, joined forces to urge members to "march in lockstep behind the prime minister as she delivers on the vote".

But with only 10 months left before Britain is due to leave, her government is under pressure from EU negotiators, businesses wanting clarity, and from many in the country to start taking decisions on its preferred future trading ties.

May's decision to leave the customs union, which sets tariffs for goods imported into the EU, has also been criticised for raising the prospect of a "hard" border on the island of Ireland, which some fear could reignite sectarian violence.

She was forced into crisis meetings with her pro-Brexit ministers last week over fall back measures that would ensure no return to a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which is in the EU.

The opposition Labour Party wants Britain to negotiate a new customs union with the EU and there are several Conservative lawmakers who want the close ties the, or a, customs union offers to offer certainty to businesses.

The government is trying to overturn 14 amendments handed down by the House of Lords but may swallow a defeat on the customs union because of the vague wording which only requires ministers to report what efforts they had made to secure a customs union by the end of October.

The opposition Labour Party wants Britain to negotiate a new customs union with the EU

Prime Minister Theresa May will urge her Conservative Party on Monday to show unity when parliament votes on changes to her Brexit blueprint, a potential showdown that could reshape her approach to Britain's departure from the EU. Lawmakers will vote on Tuesday and Wednesday this week on amendments to the EU withdrawal bill, legislation to sever ties with the bloc by essentially copying and pasting the bloc's laws so that Britain's legal system can function after March next year. Her government is most vulnerable over an amendment, introduced by the upper house of parliament, to change the so-called "meaningful vote" on any final Brexit deal by handing the lower house more power to set the "direction" of the government if it rejects the agreement. She will also be tested by rebels in her own party over her commitment to leave the EU's single market and customs union, which will transform Britain's future trading relationship for many years to come. May is expected to address a meeting of Conservative members called the 1922 Committee later on Monday and will repeat her stance that the EU withdrawal bill is purely technical "to ensure a smooth and orderly transition as we leave". "The message we send to the country through our votes this week is important. We must be clear that we are united as a party in our determination to deliver on the decision made by the British people," she is expected to say. "They want us to deliver on Brexit and build a brighter future for Britain as we take back control of our money, our laws and our borders." May is struggling to unite not only her party but her top team of ministers over how to leave the EU, particularly over the future customs arrangements which have pitted those wanting closer ties with the EU against others who demand a clean break. She got backing over the weekend, when two Conservative lawmakers from either side of the debate -- Amber Rudd, a former pro-EU campaigner and interior minister, and Iain Duncan Smith, a leading eurosceptic, joined forces to urge members to "march in lockstep behind the prime minister as she delivers on the vote". But with only 10 months left before Britain is due to leave, her government is under pressure from EU negotiators, businesses wanting clarity, and from many in the country to start taking decisions on its preferred future trading ties. May's decision to leave the customs union, which sets tariffs for goods imported into the EU, has also been criticised for raising the prospect of a "hard" border on the island of Ireland, which some fear could reignite sectarian violence. She was forced into crisis meetings with her pro-Brexit ministers last week over fall back measures that would ensure no return to a hard border between the British province of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which is in the EU. The opposition Labour Party wants Britain to negotiate a new customs union with the EU and there are several Conservative lawmakers who want the close ties the, or a, customs union offers to offer certainty to businesses. The government is trying to overturn 14 amendments handed down by the House of Lords but may swallow a defeat on the customs union because of the vague wording which only requires ministers to report what efforts they had made to secure a customs union by the end of October.

Britain's Theresa May to urge Conservative unity before parliament's votes

British Prime Minister Theresa May narrowly avoided a major blow to her Brexit strategy Tuesday after MPs rejected a plan that would have given parliament a veto on the final deal negotiated with Brussels.

The House of Commons voted 324 to 298 to defeat an amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill which would have removed her government's power to unilaterally walk away from talks with Brussels.

But in extraordinary scenes, ministers were forced to offer last-minute compromises to pro-European MPs before holding private talks in corners of the chamber as the debate raged on.

May had feared a rebellion by her Conservative MPs over the motion, one of 15 submitted by the unelected upper House of Lords on which lawmakers will vote over the coming two days.

The bill will then go back to the Lords on Monday.

The pro-European cause was boosted when junior justice minister Phillip Lee, a close personal friend of the prime minister, resigned shortly before the debate in order to back the veto amendment.

May had earlier warned that defeat would weaken her hand in exit talks, while a string of eurosceptic MPs stood up to accuse the rebels of trying to thwart Brexit.

"Anything that undermines the government at home will make negotiations with the EU more difficult," May told a meeting of her cabinet.

Talks with Brussels have stalled over the fraught issue of the Irish border, but both sides are hoping to agree a final deal by October in time for the break on March 29, 2019.

The EU (Withdrawal) Bill would formally end Britain's membership of the bloc and transfer more than 40 years of European law onto the British statute books.

May is seeking to overturn 14 of 15 amendments passed by the Lords earlier this year, but has a fight on her hands due to her fragile majority in the 650-seat Commons.

She has already agreed to give MPs a vote on the final Brexit deal, but says it will be a yes or no decision -- meaning that rejecting it could see Britain crash out of the EU.

The Lords amendment would have given parliament the power to decide what happened next, with the possibility of going back to the negotiating table or even staying in the bloc.

Following its defeat, the government's own amendment on the so-called meaningful vote will go forward to the House of Lords for debate next week -- but with some changes.

Solicitor General Robert Buckland promised to work on the proposal taking into account concerns raised by former attorney general Dominic Grieve, a leading pro-European rebel.

Grieve told MPs: "If we don't achieve a deal at all, the fact is we are going to be facing an immense crisis.

"The question is how do we take some sensible steps to anticipate that happening and try to make sure that there is a coherent process for dealing with it."

Passions ran high in Tuesday's three-hour debate, when angry eurosceptics accused their rivals of trying to undermine the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU.

"The decision was taken by the people, we gave them that decision and we have to stand by it," said Conservative MP Bill Cash.

His pro-European colleague Anna Soubry hit back that hardline eurosceptics were seeking to "take us over the cliff of hard Brexit".

She has previously spoken of the threats she faced for challenging the government, and revealed that one colleague would not be voting as they wished this week for fear of reprisals.

Opposition Labour lawmaker Chuka Umunna had earlier accused Britain's tabloids of intimidation, holding up Tuesday's edition of the eurosceptic Daily Express.

It featured a British flag and the headline: "Ignore the will of the people at your peril."

Also on Tuesday, the government successfully overturned an attempt to remove the date of Brexit from the face of the bill.

Further clashes were expected on Wednesday during debate on amendments relating to how closely Britain stays aligned with the EU's economy after leaving.

Ministers were forced to offer last-minute compromises to pro-European MPs before holding private talks

British Prime Minister Theresa May narrowly avoided a major blow to her Brexit strategy Tuesday after MPs rejected a plan that would have given parliament a veto on the final deal negotiated with Brussels. The House of Commons voted 324 to 298 to defeat an amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill which would have removed her government's power to unilaterally walk away from talks with Brussels. But in extraordinary scenes, ministers were forced to offer last-minute compromises to pro-European MPs before holding private talks in corners of the chamber as the debate raged on. May had feared a rebellion by her Conservative MPs over the motion, one of 15 submitted by the unelected upper House of Lords on which lawmakers will vote over the coming two days. The bill will then go back to the Lords on Monday. The pro-European cause was boosted when junior justice minister Phillip Lee, a close personal friend of the prime minister, resigned shortly before the debate in order to back the veto amendment. May had earlier warned that defeat would weaken her hand in exit talks, while a string of eurosceptic MPs stood up to accuse the rebels of trying to thwart Brexit. "Anything that undermines the government at home will make negotiations with the EU more difficult," May told a meeting of her cabinet. Talks with Brussels have stalled over the fraught issue of the Irish border, but both sides are hoping to agree a final deal by October in time for the break on March 29, 2019. The EU (Withdrawal) Bill would formally end Britain's membership of the bloc and transfer more than 40 years of European law onto the British statute books. May is seeking to overturn 14 of 15 amendments passed by the Lords earlier this year, but has a fight on her hands due to her fragile majority in the 650-seat Commons. She has already agreed to give MPs a vote on the final Brexit deal, but says it will be a yes or no decision -- meaning that rejecting it could see Britain crash out of the EU. The Lords amendment would have given parliament the power to decide what happened next, with the possibility of going back to the negotiating table or even staying in the bloc. Following its defeat, the government's own amendment on the so-called meaningful vote will go forward to the House of Lords for debate next week -- but with some changes. Solicitor General Robert Buckland promised to work on the proposal taking into account concerns raised by former attorney general Dominic Grieve, a leading pro-European rebel. Grieve told MPs: "If we don't achieve a deal at all, the fact is we are going to be facing an immense crisis. "The question is how do we take some sensible steps to anticipate that happening and try to make sure that there is a coherent process for dealing with it." Passions ran high in Tuesday's three-hour debate, when angry eurosceptics accused their rivals of trying to undermine the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU. "The decision was taken by the people, we gave them that decision and we have to stand by it," said Conservative MP Bill Cash. His pro-European colleague Anna Soubry hit back that hardline eurosceptics were seeking to "take us over the cliff of hard Brexit". She has previously spoken of the threats she faced for challenging the government, and revealed that one colleague would not be voting as they wished this week for fear of reprisals. Opposition Labour lawmaker Chuka Umunna had earlier accused Britain's tabloids of intimidation, holding up Tuesday's edition of the eurosceptic Daily Express. It featured a British flag and the headline: "Ignore the will of the people at your peril." Also on Tuesday, the government successfully overturned an attempt to remove the date of Brexit from the face of the bill. Further clashes were expected on Wednesday during debate on amendments relating to how closely Britain stays aligned with the EU's economy after leaving.

British PM Theresa May wins key Brexit vote in Parliament after compromise deal

Spider-Man Star Tom Holland Makes Sure He’s the First to Wish Jake Gyllenhaal a Happy Birthday

 
Tom Holland is the first one of&nbsp;Jake Gyllenhaal's friends to wish him on his birthday. The two actors starred in Spider-Man: Far From Home together last year and spent a lot of time professing their love for each other. The Mysterio actor turns 41 today.&nbsp; 
 
Taking to his Instagram, Holland wrote, "I had to be the first. Happy birthday mate miss you ♥️,"&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

 
 
Gyllenhaal and Holland shared a warm camaraderie on the sets of Spider-Man: Far from Home.&nbsp;Gyllenhall even joked that&nbsp;he wants to marry Holland and Holland has referred to his co-star as his husband in posts. 
 
One of the last times the two men had fun together on social media was back in April for the shirtless handstand challenge. 
 
In recent weeks, many actors have been confirmed for the upcoming Marvel's 'Spider-Man 3'. That list does not (yet) include Gyllenhaal. Though Gyllenhaal's Mysterio presumably died on-screen during the events of Far From Home, Marvel producer Eric Carroll previously teased otherwise, suggesting the character could end up with a story arc similar to that of an iconic Doctor Strange villain. "We wanted to find our 'in' and similar to what we did with Mordo in Doctor Strange," Carroll said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/yearender-2020-how-the-uncertainty-of-2020-affected-films-from-marvel-and-dc-universe-346730">Also read: How the uncertainty of 2020 affected films from Marvel and DC Universe</a>

Gyllenhaal may remain a question mark, but we recently learned the movie will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-tobey-maguire-andrew-garfield-to-feature-in-tom-hollands-spider-man-3-348698">feature Andrew Garfield as The Amazing Spider-Man's Spider-Man</a>, Kirsten Dunst as MJ from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, Alfred Molina as Doc Ock from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2, and potentially more. 
 
Another big name that was dropped last week is Charlie Cox, who played Daredevil/Matt Murdock on Netflix's slate of Marvel shows. While Tobey Maguire (Sam Raimi's Spider-Man) hasn't been officially announced for the movie, fans are pretty sure he's going to be making an appearance, too. The new movie is also expected to feature Jamie Foxx as Electro from 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'.

Arron Banks, the outspoken founder of the Leave.eu campaign, was introduced to London envoy Alexander Yakovenko by Alexander Udod, a 'suspected Russian intelligence officer', the report said

Spider-Man Star Tom Holland Makes Sure He’s the First to Wish Jake Gyllenhaal a Happy Birthday Tom Holland is the first one of Jake Gyllenhaal's friends to wish him on his birthday. The two actors starred in Spider-Man: Far From Home together last year and spent a lot of time professing their love for each other. The Mysterio actor turns 41 today. Taking to his Instagram, Holland wrote, "I had to be the first. Happy birthday mate miss you ♥️," View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Holland (@tomholland2013) × Gyllenhaal and Holland shared a warm camaraderie on the sets of Spider-Man: Far from Home. Gyllenhall even joked that he wants to marry Holland and Holland has referred to his co-star as his husband in posts. One of the last times the two men had fun together on social media was back in April for the shirtless handstand challenge. In recent weeks, many actors have been confirmed for the upcoming Marvel's 'Spider-Man 3'. That list does not (yet) include Gyllenhaal. Though Gyllenhaal's Mysterio presumably died on-screen during the events of Far From Home, Marvel producer Eric Carroll previously teased otherwise, suggesting the character could end up with a story arc similar to that of an iconic Doctor Strange villain. "We wanted to find our 'in' and similar to what we did with Mordo in Doctor Strange," Carroll said. Also read: How the uncertainty of 2020 affected films from Marvel and DC Universe Gyllenhaal may remain a question mark, but we recently learned the movie will feature Andrew Garfield as The Amazing Spider-Man's Spider-Man, Kirsten Dunst as MJ from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, Alfred Molina as Doc Ock from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2, and potentially more. Another big name that was dropped last week is Charlie Cox, who played Daredevil/Matt Murdock on Netflix's slate of Marvel shows. While Tobey Maguire (Sam Raimi's Spider-Man) hasn't been officially announced for the movie, fans are pretty sure he's going to be making an appearance, too. The new movie is also expected to feature Jamie Foxx as Electro from 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2'.

Brexit donor held undisclosed meetings with Russian envoy: Report

Britain's foreign minister Boris Johnson warned that there could be a Brexit meltdown but it will be "all right in the end" and that US&nbsp;President Trump would take a tougher stance were he leading the talks, according to BuzzFeed.

Johnson's comments were secretly recorded at a dinner on Wednesday evening and released on Thursday by the news website hours after ministers found a compromise on a backstop Brexit plan for the Irish border.

Johnson said that Prime Minister Theresa May was beginning to take a harder line but that there would be a need for level-headedness as talks became more difficult in the months ahead.

"I think Theresa is going to go into a phase where we are much more combative with Brussels,” Johnson was recorded saying.

"You’ve got to face the fact there may now be a meltdown. OK? I don’t want anybody to panic during the meltdown. No panic. Pro bono publico, no bloody panic. It’s going to be all right in the end."

Johnson said US&nbsp;President Trump, who is locked in a battle over steel tariffs with European allies including Britain, would take a stronger approach if he were in charge of the negotiations.

"Imagine Trump doing Brexit,” said Johnson.

"He’d go in bloody hard… There’d be all sorts of breakdowns, all sorts of chaos. Everyone would think he’d gone mad. But actually you might get somewhere. It’s a very, very good thought."

A spokeswoman at May's Downing Street office did not offer an immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.

"I think Theresa is going to go into a phase where we are much more combative with Brussels,” Johnson said

Britain's foreign minister Boris Johnson warned that there could be a Brexit meltdown but it will be "all right in the end" and that US President Trump would take a tougher stance were he leading the talks, according to BuzzFeed. Johnson's comments were secretly recorded at a dinner on Wednesday evening and released on Thursday by the news website hours after ministers found a compromise on a backstop Brexit plan for the Irish border. Johnson said that Prime Minister Theresa May was beginning to take a harder line but that there would be a need for level-headedness as talks became more difficult in the months ahead. "I think Theresa is going to go into a phase where we are much more combative with Brussels,” Johnson was recorded saying. "You’ve got to face the fact there may now be a meltdown. OK? I don’t want anybody to panic during the meltdown. No panic. Pro bono publico, no bloody panic. It’s going to be all right in the end." Johnson said US President Trump, who is locked in a battle over steel tariffs with European allies including Britain, would take a stronger approach if he were in charge of the negotiations. "Imagine Trump doing Brexit,” said Johnson. "He’d go in bloody hard… There’d be all sorts of breakdowns, all sorts of chaos. Everyone would think he’d gone mad. But actually you might get somewhere. It’s a very, very good thought." A spokeswoman at May's Downing Street office did not offer an immediate comment when contacted by Reuters.

Brace for a possible 'Brexit meltdown' but don't panic, UK's Johnson cautions: Buzzfeed

France does not think Britain will launch a rival to the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation system, according to minutes from a meeting between a cabinet minister and lawmakers.

A row over Galileo, a rival of the US-owned GPS, became a flashpoint in Brexit talks after London accused the EU of shutting British companies out of the project.

“Some surprising announcements or positions were recently made public about Galileo,” Delphine Geny-Stephann, a junior economy minister, told French lawmakers in the May 17 hearing on Brexit, the minutes of which were made public on Monday.

“Considering the cost of the programme and the investment that would represent, about 10 billion euros, we find it hard to imagine they could go it alone,” she said.

“Good luck with that,” one lawmaker, Jean-Louis Bourlanges, replied, according to the minutes.

Galileo was commissioned in 2003 and is due for completion by 2020. One expert said last month that any rival system could cost about 3 billion pounds ($4 billion).

Geny-Stephann was asked about London’s threats to withdraw its authorisations to British companies working on Galileo.

“I see in that, more than anything else, a negotiation argument aimed at opening talks,” she said, according to the minutes.

The UK space agency, on behalf of the business minister Greg Clark, wrote to British companies asking them to consult the government before agreeing any new contracts to work on the project, in a move aimed at stopping the transfer of technology to EU companies.

Responding to the French minister’s comments on Monday, a UK Space Agency spokesman said if no agreement could be reached on Galileo, the UK would need to consider alternatives to meet its needs.

“The development of a domestic system is economically viable and made possible by the world-leading expertise of the UK space sector,” the spokesman said.

Britain told the EU last month that it would demand the repayment of up to 1 billion pounds if the bloc restricts its access to Galileo.

A row over Galileo, a rival of the US-owned GPS, became a flashpoint in Brexit talks after London accused the EU of shutting British companies out of the project

France does not think Britain will launch a rival to the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation system, according to minutes from a meeting between a cabinet minister and lawmakers. A row over Galileo, a rival of the US-owned GPS, became a flashpoint in Brexit talks after London accused the EU of shutting British companies out of the project. “Some surprising announcements or positions were recently made public about Galileo,” Delphine Geny-Stephann, a junior economy minister, told French lawmakers in the May 17 hearing on Brexit, the minutes of which were made public on Monday. “Considering the cost of the programme and the investment that would represent, about 10 billion euros, we find it hard to imagine they could go it alone,” she said. “Good luck with that,” one lawmaker, Jean-Louis Bourlanges, replied, according to the minutes. Galileo was commissioned in 2003 and is due for completion by 2020. One expert said last month that any rival system could cost about 3 billion pounds ($4 billion). Geny-Stephann was asked about London’s threats to withdraw its authorisations to British companies working on Galileo. “I see in that, more than anything else, a negotiation argument aimed at opening talks,” she said, according to the minutes. The UK space agency, on behalf of the business minister Greg Clark, wrote to British companies asking them to consult the government before agreeing any new contracts to work on the project, in a move aimed at stopping the transfer of technology to EU companies. Responding to the French minister’s comments on Monday, a UK Space Agency spokesman said if no agreement could be reached on Galileo, the UK would need to consider alternatives to meet its needs. “The development of a domestic system is economically viable and made possible by the world-leading expertise of the UK space sector,” the spokesman said. Britain told the EU last month that it would demand the repayment of up to 1 billion pounds if the bloc restricts its access to Galileo.

France doubts UK would develop own satnav rival to Galileo

European&nbsp;shares&nbsp;will&nbsp;end&nbsp;2018&nbsp;just&nbsp;ahead of their&nbsp;January&nbsp;peak, recovering from current levels as a resilient economy gradually overcomes a temporary slowdown and corporate earnings continue to rise, a&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;poll&nbsp;showed.

The&nbsp;poll&nbsp;was taken May 15-30, largely before a mounting political crisis in Italy sparked worries over a possible breakup of the euro zone, triggering a heavy sell-off in Italian assets.

The pan-European&nbsp;STOXX 600 benchmark index is expected to reach 406 points by year-end, according to the&nbsp;poll&nbsp;of 29 brokers, fund managers and analysts, up 5.6 percent from Tuesday's close and 4.3 percent on the year.

That will be enough for the index to surpass a 29-month high of 403.7 points it reached in January.

Eurozone blue-chips are expected to rise a bit further, up 7.9 percent from Tuesday's close to 3,700 points, according to the median of 37 responses.

Prospects for&nbsp;European&nbsp;shares&nbsp;faded at the beginning of the year as economic growth slowed more than expected, raising concerns there will be no return to boom.

But analysts were optimistic economic activity should be robust enough to modestly prop up shares&nbsp;and company earnings.

"For now, synchronized economic expansion, solid earnings growth and still relatively low volatility levels look supportive for global equity markets", Deutsche Asset Management analysts said.

According to Thomson&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;IBES estimates, earnings for STOXX 600 companies are expected to grow 8.7 percent in&nbsp;2018&nbsp;on revenues up 5.1 percent.

A majority of investors in Europe answered "yes" when asked if they thought global stocks would continue to rise in&nbsp;2018.

Among the risks identified by investors are Italy, Brexit talks, a US-China trade war, oil prices surging&nbsp;above&nbsp;100 dollars a barrel or international tensions involving Iran or North Korea.

"The economic picture stays positive but political risks are the top concern," said Tomas Hildebrandt, senior portfolio manager at Evli Bank in Helsinki.

A faster-than-expected acceleration in US&nbsp;inflation and interest rates is also seen as a threat after a rise in American wages took the market by surprise in February.

With the current rise in the dollar, investors said they believed the biggest risk of a sell-off was in emerging markets, where returns looked less attractive given rising US&nbsp;government bond yields.

A mounting political crisis in Italy sparked worries over a possible breakup of the eurozone, triggering a heavy sell-off in Italian assets

European shares will end 2018 just ahead of their January peak, recovering from current levels as a resilient economy gradually overcomes a temporary slowdown and corporate earnings continue to rise, a Reuters poll showed. The poll was taken May 15-30, largely before a mounting political crisis in Italy sparked worries over a possible breakup of the euro zone, triggering a heavy sell-off in Italian assets. The pan-European STOXX 600 benchmark index is expected to reach 406 points by year-end, according to the poll of 29 brokers, fund managers and analysts, up 5.6 percent from Tuesday's close and 4.3 percent on the year. That will be enough for the index to surpass a 29-month high of 403.7 points it reached in January. Eurozone blue-chips are expected to rise a bit further, up 7.9 percent from Tuesday's close to 3,700 points, according to the median of 37 responses. Prospects for European shares faded at the beginning of the year as economic growth slowed more than expected, raising concerns there will be no return to boom. But analysts were optimistic economic activity should be robust enough to modestly prop up shares and company earnings. "For now, synchronized economic expansion, solid earnings growth and still relatively low volatility levels look supportive for global equity markets", Deutsche Asset Management analysts said. According to Thomson Reuters IBES estimates, earnings for STOXX 600 companies are expected to grow 8.7 percent in 2018 on revenues up 5.1 percent. A majority of investors in Europe answered "yes" when asked if they thought global stocks would continue to rise in 2018. Among the risks identified by investors are Italy, Brexit talks, a US-China trade war, oil prices surging above 100 dollars a barrel or international tensions involving Iran or North Korea. "The economic picture stays positive but political risks are the top concern," said Tomas Hildebrandt, senior portfolio manager at Evli Bank in Helsinki. A faster-than-expected acceleration in US inflation and interest rates is also seen as a threat after a rise in American wages took the market by surprise in February. With the current rise in the dollar, investors said they believed the biggest risk of a sell-off was in emerging markets, where returns looked less attractive given rising US government bond yields.

European shares to end 2018 just above January peak: Report

British manufacturers turned up the pressure on the government to abandon one of its post-Brexit customs proposals on Tuesday, slamming the idea of a technology-based plan for border checks as naive and a waste of money.

Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out Britain staying in a customs union with the EU bloc - to the dismay of many employers groups - and says her government is working on two possible solutions to minimise delays at Britain's ports and airports.

But the EEF manufacturers' body said it was unrealistic and naive to think a technological border solution, known as "max fac," or maximum facilitation, could be implemented by the time a planned Brexit transition period ends in December 2020.

"It may have some long-term benefits, but suggesting max fac is a solution to our immediate problems is a non-starter," EEF Chief Executive Stephen Phipson said in a statement.

Phipson said a max fac-style arrangement at the U.S.-Canada border had not eliminated the need for checks on most goods.

The customs conundrum - which will define commerce between Britain and its biggest trading partner for decades - is a test of May's leadership as she tries to pacify rival factions in her Conservative Party and her cabinet.

She also needs to win agreement from Brussels where officials have dismissed both the options being considered.

The max fac option is favoured by Erosceptics in May's party who want looser ties with the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc.

But last week Britain's most senior tax official said such a customs arrangement could cost businesses up to 20 billion pounds ($27 billion) a year.

Under the other option, Britain would collect tariffs on imports from outside the bloc on the EU's behalf.

A senior EU official last week dismissed as "fantasy" some of Britain's main demands for Brexit, including on the Northern Ireland border. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier urged Britain to stop playing "hide and seek."

May's spokesman on Tuesday criticised what he called "sound bites and negative anonymous briefings" and called for a more constructive tone to the negotiations.

The EEF has previously urged the government to give businesses clarity on what Brexit will look and has warned of possible damage to complex cross-border supply chains.

Last week another major employers' group, the Confederation of British Industry said remaining in a customs union was currently the only workable option for Britain. Finance minister Philip Hammond rejected that view.

Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out Britain staying in a customs union with the EU bloc - to the dismay of many employers groups - and says her government is working on two possible solutions to minimise delays at Britain's ports and airports

British manufacturers turned up the pressure on the government to abandon one of its post-Brexit customs proposals on Tuesday, slamming the idea of a technology-based plan for border checks as naive and a waste of money. Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out Britain staying in a customs union with the EU bloc - to the dismay of many employers groups - and says her government is working on two possible solutions to minimise delays at Britain's ports and airports. But the EEF manufacturers' body said it was unrealistic and naive to think a technological border solution, known as "max fac," or maximum facilitation, could be implemented by the time a planned Brexit transition period ends in December 2020. "It may have some long-term benefits, but suggesting max fac is a solution to our immediate problems is a non-starter," EEF Chief Executive Stephen Phipson said in a statement. Phipson said a max fac-style arrangement at the U.S.-Canada border had not eliminated the need for checks on most goods. The customs conundrum - which will define commerce between Britain and its biggest trading partner for decades - is a test of May's leadership as she tries to pacify rival factions in her Conservative Party and her cabinet. She also needs to win agreement from Brussels where officials have dismissed both the options being considered. The max fac option is favoured by Erosceptics in May's party who want looser ties with the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc. But last week Britain's most senior tax official said such a customs arrangement could cost businesses up to 20 billion pounds ($27 billion) a year. Under the other option, Britain would collect tariffs on imports from outside the bloc on the EU's behalf. A senior EU official last week dismissed as "fantasy" some of Britain's main demands for Brexit, including on the Northern Ireland border. Chief negotiator Michel Barnier urged Britain to stop playing "hide and seek." May's spokesman on Tuesday criticised what he called "sound bites and negative anonymous briefings" and called for a more constructive tone to the negotiations. The EEF has previously urged the government to give businesses clarity on what Brexit will look and has warned of possible damage to complex cross-border supply chains. Last week another major employers' group, the Confederation of British Industry said remaining in a customs union was currently the only workable option for Britain. Finance minister Philip Hammond rejected that view.

Manufacturers slam UK Brexit customs idea as naive

The EU's Brexit negotiator urged the British government on Saturday to stop playing "hide and seek" over its aims for trade ties and warned that delays in agreeing on judicial oversight risk wrecking any Brexit deal.

In pointed remarks after an ill-tempered week of talks in Brussels, Michel Barnier insisted he would not be intimidated by what he called a "blame game" from London of accusing the EU of inflexibility in rejecting British demands for close cooperation on security, trade and other issues after Brexit.

In the text of a speech in Portugal to experts in EU law, he accused British leaders of failing to understand that it was the unique legal structures of the EU, to which Britain had contributed for 45 years, which underpinned trust among member states. These, he said, could not be extended to a non-member.

The former French minister's comments come two days after an EU official dismissed as "fantasy" London's ideas for a customs deal, the border with Ireland and other issues.

British ministers said those remarks were not "helpful". Both sides are hoping to make progress on a treaty before Prime Minister Theresa May meets the other 27 EU national leaders in a month in Brussels. They aim to agree a treaty by October.

Barnier said he was ready to have "political level" talks to try to advance in three key areas where uncertainty remains, 10 months before Britain is due to leave in March 2019 -- how to rule on future disputes over the withdrawal treaty, a "backstop" solution for the Irish border and a framework for future ties.

May's government, deeply divided over how to stick close to the EU, is debating whether to drop its rejection of a customs union. Barnier said: "If the United Kingdom would like to change its own red lines, it must tell us. The sooner the better ... A negotiation cannot be a game of hide and seek."

On the issue of the governance of a withdrawal treaty, he repeated the EU's insistence that primacy of the European Court of Justice inside the Union be maintained in regulating any dispute that could not be resolved by a joint committee appointed by the political leadership of both sides.

The role of British judges would be respected, he added.

But "without an agreement on governance, there will be no withdrawal agreement and so no transition period."

Many businesses are counting on a broad status quo between Britain and the EU after Brexit, agreed until the end of 2020.

Barnier also criticised British officials for accusing the EU of inflexibility that would leave gaps in cooperation on security and other areas which would hurt both sides: "I see the temptation of a 'blame game' by which the European Union is responsible for the negative consequences of Brexit," he said.

"But that will not sway us. That will not sway me."

Citing British demands to be allowed to stay inside the EU's data protection system in the interests of EU business, Barnier said this was to miss the importance of the EU's internal rules.

"Let's be clear: Brexit is not and never will be in the interests of EU businesses," he said. "It would not be in those businesses' interests to abandon our autonomy of decisions.

"The United Kingdom must face up to the reality of the Union. It must also face the reality of Brexit ... It is one thing to be inside the Union and another to be on the outside."

In pointed remarks after an ill-tempered week of talks in Brussels, Michel Barnier insisted he would not be intimidated by what he called a "blame game" from London of accusing the EU of inflexibility in rejecting British demands for close cooperation on security, trade and other issues after Brexit

The EU's Brexit negotiator urged the British government on Saturday to stop playing "hide and seek" over its aims for trade ties and warned that delays in agreeing on judicial oversight risk wrecking any Brexit deal. In pointed remarks after an ill-tempered week of talks in Brussels, Michel Barnier insisted he would not be intimidated by what he called a "blame game" from London of accusing the EU of inflexibility in rejecting British demands for close cooperation on security, trade and other issues after Brexit. In the text of a speech in Portugal to experts in EU law, he accused British leaders of failing to understand that it was the unique legal structures of the EU, to which Britain had contributed for 45 years, which underpinned trust among member states. These, he said, could not be extended to a non-member. The former French minister's comments come two days after an EU official dismissed as "fantasy" London's ideas for a customs deal, the border with Ireland and other issues. British ministers said those remarks were not "helpful". Both sides are hoping to make progress on a treaty before Prime Minister Theresa May meets the other 27 EU national leaders in a month in Brussels. They aim to agree a treaty by October. Barnier said he was ready to have "political level" talks to try to advance in three key areas where uncertainty remains, 10 months before Britain is due to leave in March 2019 -- how to rule on future disputes over the withdrawal treaty, a "backstop" solution for the Irish border and a framework for future ties. May's government, deeply divided over how to stick close to the EU, is debating whether to drop its rejection of a customs union. Barnier said: "If the United Kingdom would like to change its own red lines, it must tell us. The sooner the better ... A negotiation cannot be a game of hide and seek." On the issue of the governance of a withdrawal treaty, he repeated the EU's insistence that primacy of the European Court of Justice inside the Union be maintained in regulating any dispute that could not be resolved by a joint committee appointed by the political leadership of both sides. The role of British judges would be respected, he added. But "without an agreement on governance, there will be no withdrawal agreement and so no transition period." Many businesses are counting on a broad status quo between Britain and the EU after Brexit, agreed until the end of 2020. Barnier also criticised British officials for accusing the EU of inflexibility that would leave gaps in cooperation on security and other areas which would hurt both sides: "I see the temptation of a 'blame game' by which the European Union is responsible for the negative consequences of Brexit," he said. "But that will not sway us. That will not sway me." Citing British demands to be allowed to stay inside the EU's data protection system in the interests of EU business, Barnier said this was to miss the importance of the EU's internal rules. "Let's be clear: Brexit is not and never will be in the interests of EU businesses," he said. "It would not be in those businesses' interests to abandon our autonomy of decisions. "The United Kingdom must face up to the reality of the Union. It must also face the reality of Brexit ... It is one thing to be inside the Union and another to be on the outside."

End 'hide and seek' Brexit approach, Barnier tells UK

Pakistan has been identified among three main source countries for money laundering in the UK, according to an analysis by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The agency found that Britain was the prime destination for corrupt 'politically exposed persons'&nbsp(PEPs) to invest their funds and the most common source countries of those funds were Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan.

The UK is a prime destination for foreign corrupt PEPs to launder the proceeds of corruption. Investment in UK property, particularly in London, continues to be an attractive mechanism to launder funds, the NCA notes in its National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime 2018' released last week.

The true scale of PEPs' investment in the UK is not known, however, the source countries that are most commonly seen are Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan,&nbspit adds.

The NCA, a non-ministerial UK government law enforcement agency, found that a small number&nbspof UK-based professional enablers, such as solicitors, accountants, estate agents and trust and company service providers, assist such corrupt individuals in laundering their money in Britain.

The overseas jurisdictions that have the most enduring impact on the UK across the majority of the different money laundering threats are: Russia, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Some of these jurisdictions have large financial sectors which also make them attractive as destinations or transit points for the proceeds of crime, the NCA report notes. 
 
It also warns of a Brexit-related spike in corrupt activities between the UK and countries outside the European Union (EU).

The report states, As the UK moves towards exiting the EU in March 2019, UK-based businesses may look to increase the amount of trade they have with non-EU countries.

"We judge, this will increase the likelihood that UK businesses will come into contact with corrupt markets, particularly in the developing world, raising the risk they will be drawn into corrupt practices."

The agency found that Britain was the prime destination for corrupt 'politically exposed persons' (PEPs) to invest their funds and the most common source countries of those funds were Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan

Pakistan has been identified among three main source countries for money laundering in the UK, according to an analysis by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The agency found that Britain was the prime destination for corrupt 'politically exposed persons' (PEPs) to invest their funds and the most common source countries of those funds were Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan. The UK is a prime destination for foreign corrupt PEPs to launder the proceeds of corruption. Investment in UK property, particularly in London, continues to be an attractive mechanism to launder funds, the NCA notes in its National Strategic Assessment of Serious and Organised Crime 2018' released last week. The true scale of PEPs' investment in the UK is not known, however, the source countries that are most commonly seen are Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan,&nbspit adds. The NCA, a non-ministerial UK government law enforcement agency, found that a small number&nbspof UK-based professional enablers, such as solicitors, accountants, estate agents and trust and company service providers, assist such corrupt individuals in laundering their money in Britain. The overseas jurisdictions that have the most enduring impact on the UK across the majority of the different money laundering threats are: Russia, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Some of these jurisdictions have large financial sectors which also make them attractive as destinations or transit points for the proceeds of crime, the NCA report notes. It also warns of a Brexit-related spike in corrupt activities between the UK and countries outside the European Union (EU). The report states, As the UK moves towards exiting the EU in March 2019, UK-based businesses may look to increase the amount of trade they have with non-EU countries. "We judge, this will increase the likelihood that UK businesses will come into contact with corrupt markets, particularly in the developing world, raising the risk they will be drawn into corrupt practices."

Pakistan key source of money laundering in UK: Report

The United Kingdom has denied visas&nbsp;to over 1,600 skilled engineers and IT specialists who were offered jobs in the UK between December and March BBC reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the authorities have cited the reason that they were denied because the number of monthly applying visas exceeded during that period.

Amid the ongoing Brexit issue, locals of UK are threatened with people coming out of UK for employment thus the government has asked employers to focus on recruiting from the UK before looking overseas.

However, reports say that most economists have shown concern on the immigration policy of UK as it may hamper the government's efforts to develop a high-tech economy as hiring talents from other countries would help in innovation.

As per the report of BBC, the home office of UK received a high volume of applications from employers who had offered jobs to workers outside the UK.

Between December and March, 1,226 IT specialists and 383 engineers reportedly denied visas while 1,876 medical professionals and people working in the healthcare sector, 197 teachers and 584 other professions were unable to take up their job offers in the UK due to the formality issues in the UK.

The yearly limit for non-European Union workers to get work visas is set at 20,700 per year with a monthly limit of about 1,600.

Last year in October media reports said that as the British government is seeking to slash the number of immigrants from the European Union following UK's departure there are over 11,000 job vacancies in healthcare service sector.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

According to the report, the authorities have cited the reason that they were denied because the number of monthly applying visas exceeded during that period

The United Kingdom has denied visas to over 1,600 skilled engineers and IT specialists who were offered jobs in the UK between December and March BBC reported on Wednesday. According to the report, the authorities have cited the reason that they were denied because the number of monthly applying visas exceeded during that period. Amid the ongoing Brexit issue, locals of UK are threatened with people coming out of UK for employment thus the government has asked employers to focus on recruiting from the UK before looking overseas. However, reports say that most economists have shown concern on the immigration policy of UK as it may hamper the government's efforts to develop a high-tech economy as hiring talents from other countries would help in innovation. As per the report of BBC, the home office of UK received a high volume of applications from employers who had offered jobs to workers outside the UK. Between December and March, 1,226 IT specialists and 383 engineers reportedly denied visas while 1,876 medical professionals and people working in the healthcare sector, 197 teachers and 584 other professions were unable to take up their job offers in the UK due to the formality issues in the UK. The yearly limit for non-European Union workers to get work visas is set at 20,700 per year with a monthly limit of about 1,600. Last year in October media reports said that as the British government is seeking to slash the number of immigrants from the European Union following UK's departure there are over 11,000 job vacancies in healthcare service sector.

UK denies visa to over 1000 IT professionals and engineers

British Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Sunday she could be trusted to deliver a good Brexit deal as she tried to mend government rifts over the best way forward.

May's Conservative administration is divided on what sort of customs agreement Britain should have with the European Union after it leaves the bloc.

The splits were laid bare last week when Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson dismissed as "crazy" one of May's proposals for future EU customs arrangements.

But the prime minister insisted: "You can trust me to deliver", as she attempted to ease the tensions.

"The path I am setting out is the path to deliver the Brexit people voted for," she wrote in The Sunday Times newspaper.

"Of course, the details are incredibly complex and, as in any negotiation, there will have to be compromises.&nbsp

"I will need your help and support to get there. And in return, my pledge to you is simple: I will not let you down."

May said she had proposed different options for a new customs arrangement with the EU and the government would continue to work on them during the negotiations.

She said her mission in the talks was to build a new, close trading relationship with the EU, put Britain in full control over its immigration policy and taxpayer spending and build closer ties with the world's emerging economies.

She said any deal must protect the United Kingdom's constitutional and economic integrity and honour the Northern Irish peace accords.

"This means there can be no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, or between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK," May wrote.

"Any agreements must create as little friction as possible for trade," she said, adding: "We must not constrain our ability to negotiate trade agreements with other countries around the world by being bound into a customs union."

Final decision looming 
Last year, London put forward two options to ease cross-border trade with the EU but, with Brexit looming, has still yet to make a final decision on which to pursue.

May's preferred option, the customs partnership, was reportedly rejected at a meeting of her senior ministers last week, while Brussels has also condemned it as "magical thinking".

The model would involve Britain collecting EU tariffs on goods heading into the bloc but charging its own on UK-destined products.

A second option, "maximum facilitation", would involve using technology to minimise customs checks, but the EU has also cast doubt on its viability.

A decision is not expected for at least another week, but the clock is ticking ahead of a crucial EU summit in June.

The Sunday Times said May's article was "an appeal for unity as she enters another perilous phase of her premiership".

The main opposition Labour Party called Sunday for parliament to be given the chance to vote on a customs union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Sunday she could be trusted to deliver a good Brexit deal as she tried to mend government rifts over the best way forward

British Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Sunday she could be trusted to deliver a good Brexit deal as she tried to mend government rifts over the best way forward. May's Conservative administration is divided on what sort of customs agreement Britain should have with the European Union after it leaves the bloc. The splits were laid bare last week when Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson dismissed as "crazy" one of May's proposals for future EU customs arrangements. But the prime minister insisted: "You can trust me to deliver", as she attempted to ease the tensions. "The path I am setting out is the path to deliver the Brexit people voted for," she wrote in The Sunday Times newspaper. "Of course, the details are incredibly complex and, as in any negotiation, there will have to be compromises. "I will need your help and support to get there. And in return, my pledge to you is simple: I will not let you down." May said she had proposed different options for a new customs arrangement with the EU and the government would continue to work on them during the negotiations. She said her mission in the talks was to build a new, close trading relationship with the EU, put Britain in full control over its immigration policy and taxpayer spending and build closer ties with the world's emerging economies. She said any deal must protect the United Kingdom's constitutional and economic integrity and honour the Northern Irish peace accords. "This means there can be no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, or between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK," May wrote. "Any agreements must create as little friction as possible for trade," she said, adding: "We must not constrain our ability to negotiate trade agreements with other countries around the world by being bound into a customs union." Final decision looming Last year, London put forward two options to ease cross-border trade with the EU but, with Brexit looming, has still yet to make a final decision on which to pursue. May's preferred option, the customs partnership, was reportedly rejected at a meeting of her senior ministers last week, while Brussels has also condemned it as "magical thinking". The model would involve Britain collecting EU tariffs on goods heading into the bloc but charging its own on UK-destined products. A second option, "maximum facilitation", would involve using technology to minimise customs checks, but the EU has also cast doubt on its viability. A decision is not expected for at least another week, but the clock is ticking ahead of a crucial EU summit in June. The Sunday Times said May's article was "an appeal for unity as she enters another perilous phase of her premiership". The main opposition Labour Party called Sunday for parliament to be given the chance to vote on a customs union.

British PM Theresa May says 'trust me' on Brexit

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