<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-posts-slowest-growth-in-six-years-196677">A British departure from the European Union without a deal</a> could put 600,000 jobs around the world at risk, with Germany the hardest hit, a study published Monday found.

Researchers at the IWH institute in Halle, eastern Germany, examined what would happen if UK imports from the remaining EU fell 25 percent after Brexit.

They reckoned that some 103,000 jobs would be under threat in Europe's largest economy Germany and 50,000 in France.

Being affected by Brexit would not necessarily mean workers were laid off, the economists noted.

"Given the lack of skilled labour in many advanced economies, firms could also try to keep staff on by cutting hours or opening new markets," they said.

It is so far uncertain whether Britain will strike a deal with the EU before its legally-binding exit date of March 29, after a huge majority of lawmakers last month voted down Prime Minister Theresa May's painstakingly-negotiated accord with Brussels.

A "hard" departure without a deal would see tariffs imposed at the border, "tangling up global supply chains," study co-author Oliver Holtemoeller said in a statement.

The economists focused only on trade in goods and services, leaving out other possible economic impacts of Brexit like changes to investment flows.

They noted that "since markets are linked up across the globe, suppliers based outside the European Union are also affected" by a no-deal Brexit.

Within the 27 remaining EU countries, a total of almost 180,000 posts at firms directly exporting to the UK would be at risk.

But 433,000 more workers in the EU and around the world would be affected, as their employers sell to companies who in turn export to Britain.

For example, the study found some 60,000 workers in China and 3,000 in Japan could lose their jobs.

In the UK, the study turned up around 12,000 jobs dependent on supplying EU firms with inputs for products which are then sold back to Britain.

But a study published early last year by research firm Cambridge Econometrics estimated that a total of 500,000 British jobs would be at risk if there is no deal.

In European powerhouse Germany, the vital car industry would be the worst affected with 15,000 jobs, many of them in Volkswagen company town Wolfsburg and at BMW's factory in Dingolfing.

By contrast, France's service sector would be the worst hit, the IWH study found. 
&nbsp;

A British departure from the European Union without a deal could put 600,000 jobs around the world at risk, with Germany the hardest hit, a study published Monday found.

A British departure from the European Union without a deal could put 600,000 jobs around the world at risk, with Germany the hardest hit, a study published Monday found. Researchers at the IWH institute in Halle, eastern Germany, examined what would happen if UK imports from the remaining EU fell 25 percent after Brexit. They reckoned that some 103,000 jobs would be under threat in Europe's largest economy Germany and 50,000 in France. Being affected by Brexit would not necessarily mean workers were laid off, the economists noted. "Given the lack of skilled labour in many advanced economies, firms could also try to keep staff on by cutting hours or opening new markets," they said. It is so far uncertain whether Britain will strike a deal with the EU before its legally-binding exit date of March 29, after a huge majority of lawmakers last month voted down Prime Minister Theresa May's painstakingly-negotiated accord with Brussels. A "hard" departure without a deal would see tariffs imposed at the border, "tangling up global supply chains," study co-author Oliver Holtemoeller said in a statement. The economists focused only on trade in goods and services, leaving out other possible economic impacts of Brexit like changes to investment flows. They noted that "since markets are linked up across the globe, suppliers based outside the European Union are also affected" by a no-deal Brexit. Within the 27 remaining EU countries, a total of almost 180,000 posts at firms directly exporting to the UK would be at risk. But 433,000 more workers in the EU and around the world would be affected, as their employers sell to companies who in turn export to Britain. For example, the study found some 60,000 workers in China and 3,000 in Japan could lose their jobs. In the UK, the study turned up around 12,000 jobs dependent on supplying EU firms with inputs for products which are then sold back to Britain. But a study published early last year by research firm Cambridge Econometrics estimated that a total of 500,000 British jobs would be at risk if there is no deal. In European powerhouse Germany, the vital car industry would be the worst affected with 15,000 jobs, many of them in Volkswagen company town Wolfsburg and at BMW's factory in Dingolfing. By contrast, France's service sector would be the worst hit, the IWH study found.

No-deal Brexit 'could cost 600,000 jobs worldwide': Study

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliamentary-committee-gives-twitter-another-15-day-deadline-to-appear-before-it-196714">Parliamentary</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliamentary-committee-gives-twitter-another-15-day-deadline-to-appear-before-it-196714"> committee gives Twitter another 15-day deadline to appear before it</a>

Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-hope-we-can-together-start-a-new-kind-of-politics-priyanka-gandhi-says-on-lucknow-road-show-196688">'I hope we can together start a new kind of politics,' Priyanka Gandhi says on Lucknow roadshow</a>

The recently-appointed Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Babbar, held a 20-kilometre roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital on Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-2019-general-elections-closing-in-facebook-expands-fact-checking-network-to-curb-fake-news-in-india-196669">With Lok Sabha elections coming, Facebook says it is expanding its fact-checking network</a>

Facebook Inc is expanding its fact-checking network in India to curb the spread of misinformation as the world's largest democracy prepares for a general election that must be held by May, the US-based social media giant said on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-posts-slowest-growth-in-six-years-196677">Brexit uncertainty: UK economy posts slowest growth in six years</a>

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-iran-to-continue-expanding-military-might-missile-work-196656">Iran to continue expanding military might, missile work: President Hassan Rouhani</a>

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile programme despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran's defensive work, state TV reported.

&nbsp;

Parliamentary committee gives Twitter another 15-day deadline to appear before it Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short.

Parliamentary committee gives Twitter another 15-day deadline to appear before it Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1. 'I hope we can together start a new kind of politics,' Priyanka Gandhi says on Lucknow roadshow The recently-appointed Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Babbar, held a 20-kilometre roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital on Monday. With Lok Sabha elections coming, Facebook says it is expanding its fact-checking network Facebook Inc is expanding its fact-checking network in India to curb the spread of misinformation as the world's largest democracy prepares for a general election that must be held by May, the US-based social media giant said on Monday. Brexit uncertainty: UK economy posts slowest growth in six years Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites. Iran to continue expanding military might, missile work: President Hassan Rouhani Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile programme despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran's defensive work, state TV reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-what-will-happen-in-the-british-parliament-on-february-14-196447">Brexit uncertainty</a> and weaker global growth bites.

Gross domestic product growth stood at 1.4 per cent last year, down from 1.8 per cent in 2017, while growth was only 0.2 per cent in the last three months of 2018, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.

"Following a pickup in activity over the summer months -- in part due to warm weather and the World Cup -- real GDP growth slowed markedly in the final quarter of 2018, with GDP falling by 0.4 per cent in the month of December," the ONS said.&nbsp;

"Construction, production and services output fell in the month, the first time that there has been such a broad-based fall in monthly output since September 2012."

The data comes after the Bank of England last week slashed its forecast for UK growth this year to 1.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent, blaming the downgrade on a global economic slowdown and "the fog of Brexit".

It also comes as the British government is seeking to win more time to secure EU concessions on Brexit that could pass parliament and avert a chaotic split from the bloc on March 29.

Businesses and governments are on edge as Britain is just weeks away from its scheduled departure from the European project after 46 years and still has no firm arrangements in place.

The Bank of England last week stressed that Britain's economic output was also being dragged down by a global slowdown, with growth dampening in China, the United States and the eurozone.

The point was echoed by analysts reacting to Monday's data.

"Brexit uncertainty is certainly not helping matters on the economic front, but it is probably only a secondary factor in this slowdown, with the primary cause being a drop in overall global activity," noted David Cheetham, chief market analyst at XTB trading group.

"The eurozone in particular has been especially weak on the data front of late, and the focus now is very much on whether there can be a tangible breakthrough on the trade front between the US and China, with Beijing back after their New Year's holiday."

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites.

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites. Gross domestic product growth stood at 1.4 per cent last year, down from 1.8 per cent in 2017, while growth was only 0.2 per cent in the last three months of 2018, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement. "Following a pickup in activity over the summer months -- in part due to warm weather and the World Cup -- real GDP growth slowed markedly in the final quarter of 2018, with GDP falling by 0.4 per cent in the month of December," the ONS said. "Construction, production and services output fell in the month, the first time that there has been such a broad-based fall in monthly output since September 2012." The data comes after the Bank of England last week slashed its forecast for UK growth this year to 1.2 per cent from 1.7 per cent, blaming the downgrade on a global economic slowdown and "the fog of Brexit". It also comes as the British government is seeking to win more time to secure EU concessions on Brexit that could pass parliament and avert a chaotic split from the bloc on March 29. Businesses and governments are on edge as Britain is just weeks away from its scheduled departure from the European project after 46 years and still has no firm arrangements in place. The Bank of England last week stressed that Britain's economic output was also being dragged down by a global slowdown, with growth dampening in China, the United States and the eurozone. The point was echoed by analysts reacting to Monday's data. "Brexit uncertainty is certainly not helping matters on the economic front, but it is probably only a secondary factor in this slowdown, with the primary cause being a drop in overall global activity," noted David Cheetham, chief market analyst at XTB trading group. "The eurozone in particular has been especially weak on the data front of late, and the focus now is very much on whether there can be a tangible breakthrough on the trade front between the US and China, with Beijing back after their New Year's holiday."

Brexit uncertainty: UK economy posts slowest growth in six years

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-may-survives-confidence-vote-but-her-brexit-deal-is-still-in-deep-trouble-183608">British Prime Minister Theresa</a> May has rejected the idea of targeting a customs union with the European Union, pouring cold water on hopes from some that she could shift her Brexit policy to win over the opposition Labour Party.

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but has yet to find a deal which is acceptable to both Brussels and lawmakers at home, raising the prospect of a disorderly exit that could damage the world's fifth largest economy.

Brexit has divided Britain at every level from voters to the cabinet and raised fears internationally that it will weaken the West. Brexit supporters hail it as casting off a failing German-led project.

Last week, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set out the conditions under which he would instruct his party to support an exit deal in parliament. Foremost was a demand that May seek a "permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union".

The EU has urged May to grasp Labour's compromise offer rather than press ahead with her preferred option of getting her own divided party onside by renegotiating a clause in the exit agreement relating to the Northern Irish border.

But May's office published her reply to Corbyn late on Sunday, showing little appetite for a U-turn which would risk splitting her fractious party by ruling out the scope for Britain to strike its own trade deals around the world.

"I am not clear why you believe it would be preferable to seek a say in future EU trade deals rather than the ability to strike our own deal?" May wrote in a three-page letter.

May and her government have repeatedly said membership of a customs union would prevent it from having an independent trade policy - something they have promoted as one of the main economic benefits of leaving the EU.

Although May welcomed the prospect of future talks with Corbyn to try and find a compromise, the letter gave no ground on their central point of disagreement.

That leaves May battling to persuade a reluctant EU to look again at the Irish backstop - a fallback policy designed to prevent the resurrection of a hard border in Ireland if talks to find a long-term trade arrangement fail.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay will meet EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday ahead of a crunch moment in parliament on Thursday when lawmakers will try to force May to change course or give up control of the exit process.

May will promise lawmakers a second opportunity to influence the Brexit talks later in the month in a bid to stave off any rebellion from within her own party by those who fear Britain could end up leaving without a deal.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has rejected the idea of targeting a customs union with the European Union, pouring cold water on hopes from some that she could shift her Brexit policy to win over the opposition Labour Party.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has rejected the idea of targeting a customs union with the European Union, pouring cold water on hopes from some that she could shift her Brexit policy to win over the opposition Labour Party. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but has yet to find a deal which is acceptable to both Brussels and lawmakers at home, raising the prospect of a disorderly exit that could damage the world's fifth largest economy. Brexit has divided Britain at every level from voters to the cabinet and raised fears internationally that it will weaken the West. Brexit supporters hail it as casting off a failing German-led project. Last week, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set out the conditions under which he would instruct his party to support an exit deal in parliament. Foremost was a demand that May seek a "permanent and comprehensive UK-wide customs union". The EU has urged May to grasp Labour's compromise offer rather than press ahead with her preferred option of getting her own divided party onside by renegotiating a clause in the exit agreement relating to the Northern Irish border. But May's office published her reply to Corbyn late on Sunday, showing little appetite for a U-turn which would risk splitting her fractious party by ruling out the scope for Britain to strike its own trade deals around the world. "I am not clear why you believe it would be preferable to seek a say in future EU trade deals rather than the ability to strike our own deal?" May wrote in a three-page letter. May and her government have repeatedly said membership of a customs union would prevent it from having an independent trade policy - something they have promoted as one of the main economic benefits of leaving the EU. Although May welcomed the prospect of future talks with Corbyn to try and find a compromise, the letter gave no ground on their central point of disagreement. That leaves May battling to persuade a reluctant EU to look again at the Irish backstop - a fallback policy designed to prevent the resurrection of a hard border in Ireland if talks to find a long-term trade arrangement fail. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay will meet EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday ahead of a crunch moment in parliament on Thursday when lawmakers will try to force May to change course or give up control of the exit process. May will promise lawmakers a second opportunity to influence the Brexit talks later in the month in a bid to stave off any rebellion from within her own party by those who fear Britain could end up leaving without a deal.

UK PM May rejects pivot towards Brexit customs union compromise

The week that was in pictures

The British parliament is set to hold a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-to-promise-new-brexit-debate-in-push-for-more-negotiating-time-196441">debate on Brexit</a> on February 14 but this is not a re-run of a vote last month on whether to approve the exit deal Prime Minister Theresa May's negotiated with the European Union.

May is seeking changes to her deal with Brussels after it was rejected by a record majority in parliament on January 15. She has said she wants to bring a revised deal back to parliament for a vote "as soon as possible" but has not yet set a date for doing so.

She has promised that, if she has not brought her deal back for a so-called "meaningful vote" by February 13, lawmakers will get to debate Brexit on February 14.

Below is what will happen on that day:

What will they debate?&nbsp;

May will make a statement to parliament on February 13 updating lawmakers on her progress so far in seeking changes to her deal.

The debate on February 14 will be on a motion -- a proposal put forward for debate -- about Brexit more generally. The previous similar debate on January 29 was on a motion which simply asked lawmakers to agree that they had considered May's latest statement on the Brexit negotiations.

Can lawmakers propose changes?&nbsp;

Yes. As with the January 29 debate, lawmakers will be able to propose changes, known as amendments. It is likely that many amendments similar to those debated on January 29 will be proposed, including attempts to shift control of the process away from government and give parliament a chance to define Brexit.

As with January 29, if these are successful they could have a profound effect, giving lawmakers who want to block, delay or renegotiate Brexit a possible legal route to do so.

With the EU saying so far that they are not willing to reopen talks on the Withdrawal Agreement, other lawmakers are likely to propose alternatives to May's deal to gauge support for them and persuade the prime minister to change course by seeking closer EU ties or holding a second referendum.

An attempt by Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper and Conservative Nick Boles to give parliament the power to request a delay to Britain's March 29 exit was defeated by lawmakers on January 29, but Boles said he would renew that effort on February 14 if a deal has not been passed by then.

The government persuaded many lawmakers not to support that previous attempt by promising them that it would not be their last chance to seek to stop a 'no-deal' departure from the EU as they would get to debate Brexit again on February 14.

On Wednesday, a Conservative lawmaker involved in discussions with the government about changes to the deal said that if May could demonstrate that the EU was willing to renegotiate, she would buy herself some more time and avoid a potential flashpoint in parliament on February 14.

Will there be votes?&nbsp;

The Speaker, John Bercow, will decide whether to select any of the amendments for a vote. Lawmakers will vote on each of the selected amendments one by one, before voting to give final approval to the wording of the motion itself.

Before the debate begins, lawmakers will have to agree to the proposed timetable for the debate, currently just one day. If lawmakers believe that more than one day is needed, the votes could, in theory, be pushed into the following week.

Will it definitely go ahead?&nbsp;

If May succeeds in winning changes to her Brexit deal in the next few days she could bring it back for a debate and vote before February 14, and this more general debate would not go ahead. However, she is not expected to secure any changes before then.

British media have reported a fresh vote on May's deal is most likely to happen in the week of February 25 at the earliest.

The government will give parliament another chance to debate the issue by February 27 using the same format described above, if a deal has not been agreed before then.

The British parliament is set to hold a debate on Brexit on February 14 but this is not a re-run of a vote last month on whether to approve the exit deal Prime Minister Theresa May's negotiated with the European Union.

The British parliament is set to hold a debate on Brexit on February 14 but this is not a re-run of a vote last month on whether to approve the exit deal Prime Minister Theresa May's negotiated with the European Union. May is seeking changes to her deal with Brussels after it was rejected by a record majority in parliament on January 15. She has said she wants to bring a revised deal back to parliament for a vote "as soon as possible" but has not yet set a date for doing so. She has promised that, if she has not brought her deal back for a so-called "meaningful vote" by February 13, lawmakers will get to debate Brexit on February 14. Below is what will happen on that day: What will they debate? May will make a statement to parliament on February 13 updating lawmakers on her progress so far in seeking changes to her deal. The debate on February 14 will be on a motion -- a proposal put forward for debate -- about Brexit more generally. The previous similar debate on January 29 was on a motion which simply asked lawmakers to agree that they had considered May's latest statement on the Brexit negotiations. Can lawmakers propose changes? Yes. As with the January 29 debate, lawmakers will be able to propose changes, known as amendments. It is likely that many amendments similar to those debated on January 29 will be proposed, including attempts to shift control of the process away from government and give parliament a chance to define Brexit. As with January 29, if these are successful they could have a profound effect, giving lawmakers who want to block, delay or renegotiate Brexit a possible legal route to do so. With the EU saying so far that they are not willing to reopen talks on the Withdrawal Agreement, other lawmakers are likely to propose alternatives to May's deal to gauge support for them and persuade the prime minister to change course by seeking closer EU ties or holding a second referendum. An attempt by Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper and Conservative Nick Boles to give parliament the power to request a delay to Britain's March 29 exit was defeated by lawmakers on January 29, but Boles said he would renew that effort on February 14 if a deal has not been passed by then. The government persuaded many lawmakers not to support that previous attempt by promising them that it would not be their last chance to seek to stop a 'no-deal' departure from the EU as they would get to debate Brexit again on February 14. On Wednesday, a Conservative lawmaker involved in discussions with the government about changes to the deal said that if May could demonstrate that the EU was willing to renegotiate, she would buy herself some more time and avoid a potential flashpoint in parliament on February 14. Will there be votes? The Speaker, John Bercow, will decide whether to select any of the amendments for a vote. Lawmakers will vote on each of the selected amendments one by one, before voting to give final approval to the wording of the motion itself. Before the debate begins, lawmakers will have to agree to the proposed timetable for the debate, currently just one day. If lawmakers believe that more than one day is needed, the votes could, in theory, be pushed into the following week. Will it definitely go ahead? If May succeeds in winning changes to her Brexit deal in the next few days she could bring it back for a debate and vote before February 14, and this more general debate would not go ahead. However, she is not expected to secure any changes before then. British media have reported a fresh vote on May's deal is most likely to happen in the week of February 25 at the earliest. The government will give parliament another chance to debate the issue by February 27 using the same format described above, if a deal has not been agreed before then.

Brexit: What will happen in the British parliament on February 14?

British Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge this week to give parliament another chance to voice their opinions on Brexit by February 27 as she tries to buy more time to negotiate a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irish-prime-minister-says-brexit-deal-can-be-done-196135">new deal with the European Union</a>.

As the clock ticks down to Britain's scheduled exit on March 29, May is trying to persuade the EU to change a deal that was agreed between London and Brussels late last year but overwhelmingly rejected by parliament in January.

May wants to win over lawmakers in her Conservative Party with changes relating to the Northern Irish border, but the EU has refused to reopen that part of the deal and instead wants May to pursue a compromise with the main opposition Labour Party by agreeing closer UK-EU ties.

The impasse has left the world's fifth largest economy facing an uncertain future, rattling financial markets and businesses about the prospect of a disorderly exit from the bloc that could damage the economy.

Housing minister James Brokenshire said on Sunday, May would commit to giving parliament another debate on Brexit with the chance to vote on alternative options, if a deal had not yet been agreed and voted upon by then.

May is already due to update parliament on her progress towards a deal on Wednesday and then on Thursday to give parliament a chance to express their opinion. The new pledge would be for a repeat of this process by February 27.

"That gives that sense of timetable, clarity, and purpose on what we're doing with the EU - taking that work forward and our determination to get a deal - but equally knowing that role that parliament very firmly has," Brokenshire told the BBC.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay will meet EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday to discuss changes to the part of the exit deal relating to the 'backstop', an insurance policy against the return of a hard border between EU member Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland.

Emergency zone

Labour's Brexit policy chief Keir Starmer told the Sunday Times newspaper that his party would seek to use the debate in parliament this week to prevent May from waiting until the last minute to come back with a deal, and compel her to present a fresh accord for lawmakers to consider before February 26.

"We shouldn’t be put in a position where the clock is run down and the prime minister says it's either my deal or even worse. That isn’t right in terms of the respect for parliament," said Starmer.

The head of the business lobby group the Confederation of British Industry warned that the chances of Britain leaving the EU next month without a deal have increased and the country has now entered "the emergency zone".

May will ask lawmakers on Thursday to reaffirm that they support her bid to renegotiate the backstop, a government source said. The backstop is the main obstacle to securing agreement on the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the EU.

May's opponents are expected to put forward a series of alternative approaches which will be voted upon, although it is not clear yet whether any will have sufficient support to pass, and if they do, whether they will force the government to act.

Labour's plan, which has yet to be published in detail, will be among the options discussed on Thursday.

An opinion poll published in the Independent newspaper on Sunday showed 53 per cent of British voters would support a delay in Brexit, while 33 per cent would back a no-deal Brexit even it that harmed the economy.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge this week to give parliament another chance to voice their opinions on Brexit by February 27 as she tries to buy more time to negotiate a new deal with the European Union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge this week to give parliament another chance to voice their opinions on Brexit by February 27 as she tries to buy more time to negotiate a new deal with the European Union. As the clock ticks down to Britain's scheduled exit on March 29, May is trying to persuade the EU to change a deal that was agreed between London and Brussels late last year but overwhelmingly rejected by parliament in January. May wants to win over lawmakers in her Conservative Party with changes relating to the Northern Irish border, but the EU has refused to reopen that part of the deal and instead wants May to pursue a compromise with the main opposition Labour Party by agreeing closer UK-EU ties. The impasse has left the world's fifth largest economy facing an uncertain future, rattling financial markets and businesses about the prospect of a disorderly exit from the bloc that could damage the economy. Housing minister James Brokenshire said on Sunday, May would commit to giving parliament another debate on Brexit with the chance to vote on alternative options, if a deal had not yet been agreed and voted upon by then. May is already due to update parliament on her progress towards a deal on Wednesday and then on Thursday to give parliament a chance to express their opinion. The new pledge would be for a repeat of this process by February 27. "That gives that sense of timetable, clarity, and purpose on what we're doing with the EU - taking that work forward and our determination to get a deal - but equally knowing that role that parliament very firmly has," Brokenshire told the BBC. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay will meet EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday to discuss changes to the part of the exit deal relating to the 'backstop', an insurance policy against the return of a hard border between EU member Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland. Emergency zone Labour's Brexit policy chief Keir Starmer told the Sunday Times newspaper that his party would seek to use the debate in parliament this week to prevent May from waiting until the last minute to come back with a deal, and compel her to present a fresh accord for lawmakers to consider before February 26. "We shouldn’t be put in a position where the clock is run down and the prime minister says it's either my deal or even worse. That isn’t right in terms of the respect for parliament," said Starmer. The head of the business lobby group the Confederation of British Industry warned that the chances of Britain leaving the EU next month without a deal have increased and the country has now entered "the emergency zone". May will ask lawmakers on Thursday to reaffirm that they support her bid to renegotiate the backstop, a government source said. The backstop is the main obstacle to securing agreement on the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the EU. May's opponents are expected to put forward a series of alternative approaches which will be voted upon, although it is not clear yet whether any will have sufficient support to pass, and if they do, whether they will force the government to act. Labour's plan, which has yet to be published in detail, will be among the options discussed on Thursday. An opinion poll published in the Independent newspaper on Sunday showed 53 per cent of British voters would support a delay in Brexit, while 33 per cent would back a no-deal Brexit even it that harmed the economy.

UK's May to promise new Brexit debate in push for more negotiating time

Jaguar Land Rover's owner Tata Motors Ltd stunned markets by posting the biggest-ever quarterly loss in Indian corporate history of about $4 billion on slumping China sales, sending its shares crashing as much as 30 per cent.

Tata Motors also warned that the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tata-motors-jaguar-land-rover-to-halt-production-amid-brexit-disruption-192756"> Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) unit</a>, which brings in most of its revenue, would swing to an operating loss in the year to March versus an earlier projection for breakeven, given weak sales at the luxury British carmaker.

JLR's China retail sales almost halved in the December quarter as overall demand in the world's biggest auto market contracted last year for the first time since the 1990s. The firm has also been buffeted by Brexit woes and weaker business for diesel cars that account for the bulk of its sales in Europe.

Tata Motors turned in a third-quarter loss of 269.93 billion rupees ($3.8 billion) on Thursday, more than half its current market capitalisation of $6.1 billion, mostly due to a massive impairment at JLR. Analysts were expecting a profit.

"We are now taking clear and decisive actions in JLR to step up its competitiveness, reduce costs and improve cash flows and make the business fit for the future," Chief Financial Officer PB Balaji told reporters on a conference call on Thursday.

JLR has taken steps to address the slide in China sales by changing its strategy to focus on profits for dealers instead of sales and incentivising retail sales over wholesale, he said.

"We are encouraged by continued demand for the refreshed Range Rover and Range Rover Sport," JLR Chief Commercial Officer Felix Brautigam said in a statement.

"With deliveries of the new Evoque due to start later this quarter, we look forward to building momentum."

But analysts expect JLR to struggle to generate profit with China's economy projected to slow further this year after growth eased to its weakest pace in almost three decades in 2018.

JLR's overall retail sales in January plunged 11 per cent.

BROKERAGE SLASH PRICE TARGETS

The dour numbers prompted Tata investors to make a beeline for the exits as markets opened on Friday, with shares of the company skidding to their lowest in nine years at one point.

The stock was down about 20 per cent by 0720 GMT near 150 rupees, on track for its sharpest drop since 2003.

At least four brokerages cut their price target for Tata Motors shares after its quarterly loss.

Analysts at Jefferies pegged the stock at 250 rupees, versus an earlier target of 300 rupees, citing weak performance at JLR.

Tata Motors took a non-cash charge of 278.38 billion rupees for impairment at JLR in the quarter. Changes in market conditions, especially in China, technology disruptions and the rising cost of debt led to the charge.

JLR, Britain's biggest carmaker, also faces disruption due to persistent uncertainty over a Brexit deal and has decided to halt production for a couple of weeks in April.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was rejected in parliament last month and the government is trying to make changes to win the support of lawmakers even as the date for Britain's departure from the European Union looms less than two months away.

Jaguar Land Rover's owner Tata Motors Ltd stunned markets by posting the biggest-ever quarterly loss in Indian corporate history of about $4 billion on slumping China sales, sending its shares crashing as much as 30 per cent.

Jaguar Land Rover's owner Tata Motors Ltd stunned markets by posting the biggest-ever quarterly loss in Indian corporate history of about $4 billion on slumping China sales, sending its shares crashing as much as 30 per cent. Tata Motors also warned that the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) unit, which brings in most of its revenue, would swing to an operating loss in the year to March versus an earlier projection for breakeven, given weak sales at the luxury British carmaker. JLR's China retail sales almost halved in the December quarter as overall demand in the world's biggest auto market contracted last year for the first time since the 1990s. The firm has also been buffeted by Brexit woes and weaker business for diesel cars that account for the bulk of its sales in Europe. Tata Motors turned in a third-quarter loss of 269.93 billion rupees ($3.8 billion) on Thursday, more than half its current market capitalisation of $6.1 billion, mostly due to a massive impairment at JLR. Analysts were expecting a profit. "We are now taking clear and decisive actions in JLR to step up its competitiveness, reduce costs and improve cash flows and make the business fit for the future," Chief Financial Officer PB Balaji told reporters on a conference call on Thursday. JLR has taken steps to address the slide in China sales by changing its strategy to focus on profits for dealers instead of sales and incentivising retail sales over wholesale, he said. "We are encouraged by continued demand for the refreshed Range Rover and Range Rover Sport," JLR Chief Commercial Officer Felix Brautigam said in a statement. "With deliveries of the new Evoque due to start later this quarter, we look forward to building momentum." But analysts expect JLR to struggle to generate profit with China's economy projected to slow further this year after growth eased to its weakest pace in almost three decades in 2018. JLR's overall retail sales in January plunged 11 per cent. BROKERAGE SLASH PRICE TARGETS The dour numbers prompted Tata investors to make a beeline for the exits as markets opened on Friday, with shares of the company skidding to their lowest in nine years at one point. The stock was down about 20 per cent by 0720 GMT near 150 rupees, on track for its sharpest drop since 2003. At least four brokerages cut their price target for Tata Motors shares after its quarterly loss. Analysts at Jefferies pegged the stock at 250 rupees, versus an earlier target of 300 rupees, citing weak performance at JLR. Tata Motors took a non-cash charge of 278.38 billion rupees for impairment at JLR in the quarter. Changes in market conditions, especially in China, technology disruptions and the rising cost of debt led to the charge. JLR, Britain's biggest carmaker, also faces disruption due to persistent uncertainty over a Brexit deal and has decided to halt production for a couple of weeks in April. British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was rejected in parliament last month and the government is trying to make changes to win the support of lawmakers even as the date for Britain's departure from the European Union looms less than two months away.

Tata Motors posts record $4 billion loss on Jaguar woes, shares crash

Irish PM Varadkar says deal 'can be done' on Brexit

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-now-sees-brexit-unstoppable-aims-to-avert-fiasco-195657">Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May</a> heads back to meet EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday as she seeks a way to avoid a no deal Brexit in 50 days time.

Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

The president of the European Commission, Juncker, told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not re-open talks on the deal.

And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan.

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

Juncker, at a later news conference, did not use the same language, but cheerfully laughed off Tusk's remark.

But he also repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed.

"She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop.

This apparently united front did not daunt Number 10, who insisted that the British parliament's rejection of the deal meant that May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail.

According to talking points provided by Downing Street ahead of the visit, May will admit that: "Securing such changes will not be easy."&nbsp;

But she will add: "Last week, Parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop.

"The Government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes. The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line."&nbsp;

The impasse in Brussels has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing.

Tusk and Juncker said they look forward to hosting May on Thursday, and Varadkar will have dinner with her in Dublin on Friday.

Offering warm support for his Irish guest, Tusk said the European Union "will not gamble with peace" on the Irish border by removing the backstop from the deal.

"I hope that tomorrow we will hear from Prime Minister May a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse," he said.

But he added: "A sense of responsibility also tells us to prepare for a possible fiasco."&nbsp;

Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, thanked Tusk.

"While we expect the backstop will never be used, we agreed again today it is needed as a legal guarantee to ensure there is no return to a hard border," he said.

On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy.

May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

May's spokesman stressed that she wasn't coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29th deadline.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May heads back to meet EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday as she seeks a way to avoid a no deal Brexit in 50 days time. Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May heads back to meet EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday as she seeks a way to avoid a no deal Brexit in 50 days time. Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement. The president of the European Commission, Juncker, told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not re-open talks on the deal. And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan. "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said. Juncker, at a later news conference, did not use the same language, but cheerfully laughed off Tusk's remark. But he also repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed. "She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop. This apparently united front did not daunt Number 10, who insisted that the British parliament's rejection of the deal meant that May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail. According to talking points provided by Downing Street ahead of the visit, May will admit that: "Securing such changes will not be easy." But she will add: "Last week, Parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop. "The Government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes. The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line." The impasse in Brussels has led to heightened fears Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing. Tusk and Juncker said they look forward to hosting May on Thursday, and Varadkar will have dinner with her in Dublin on Friday. Offering warm support for his Irish guest, Tusk said the European Union "will not gamble with peace" on the Irish border by removing the backstop from the deal. "I hope that tomorrow we will hear from Prime Minister May a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse," he said. But he added: "A sense of responsibility also tells us to prepare for a possible fiasco." Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, thanked Tusk. "While we expect the backstop will never be used, we agreed again today it is needed as a legal guarantee to ensure there is no return to a hard border," he said. On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province. Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy. May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland. May's spokesman stressed that she wasn't coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29th deadline.

Government wants to urgently work with  EU: May on Brexit plan

Britain and the EU agreed Thursday to hold <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-back-in-brussels-for-latest-brexit-showdown-195815">more talks to try to avoid a no-deal Brexit</a>, after a "robust" meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

A joint statement issued after the talks in Brussels said Juncker had again warned that &nbsp;November's withdrawal agreement could not be renegotiated -- after May came hoping to persuade Brussels to agree on the need to change the so-called "backstop" clause for the Irish border.

But Juncker "expressed his openness to add wording" to a parallel political declaration laying out ambitions for future EU-UK ties if London wants to seek a "more ambitious" closer relationship after Brexit.

In a sharp reminder of the urgency of finding a solution before Brexit day on March 29, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned that Britain's economy was "not yet prepared" for a no-deal departure.

May came hoping to change the backstop so that Britain cannot be "trapped" in the bloc against its will -- and by doing so win over enough MPs at home to get the deal through parliament.

She reminded Juncker that the British parliament had mandated her to seek "a legally binding change to the terms of the backstop", but instead was offered a fresh round of talks. EU negotiator Michel Barnier will now meet British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay in Strasbourg on Monday.

May herself will meet Juncker again before the end of February, a commission spokesman said.

A stony-faced May shook hands stiffly with Juncker as she arrived at commission headquarters, refusing to answer questions, but she was expected to make a statement later Thursday.

Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement.

Juncker told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not reopen talks on the deal, while Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan.&nbsp;

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

- 'Don't gamble with peace' - 
But even this latest demonstration of EU unity did not deter Downing Street, which insisted May's top priority on the trip was to "find a way to guarantee we cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop".

Number 10 said that because the British parliament rejected the deal, May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail.

The impasse in Brussels has deepened fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing.

May has exasperated EU leaders by repeatedly coming to Brussels without detailed proposals to solve the Brexit deadlock, and Tusk warned her he expected her to bring "a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse".

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, wrote to May on Thursday setting out his five conditions for backing her on Brexit -- including the UK staying in the EU's customs union.

While his demands will not be palatable to many in May's Conservative party -- not least because of the deeply entrenched tribalism of British politics -- it suggests there may be room for manoeuvre, if not yet a clear path to a cross-party deal.

After seeing Tusk and Juncker on Thursday, May will have dinner with her Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar &nbsp;Dublin on Friday.

Painstaking talks 
Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, said recent "instability in British politics" showed why a backstop was essential.

On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy.

May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

May's spokesman stressed that she was not coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29 deadline.

Britain and the EU agreed Thursday to hold more talks to try to avoid a no-deal Brexit, after a "robust" meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.

Britain and the EU agreed Thursday to hold more talks to try to avoid a no-deal Brexit, after a "robust" meeting between Prime Minister Theresa May and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker. A joint statement issued after the talks in Brussels said Juncker had again warned that November's withdrawal agreement could not be renegotiated -- after May came hoping to persuade Brussels to agree on the need to change the so-called "backstop" clause for the Irish border. But Juncker "expressed his openness to add wording" to a parallel political declaration laying out ambitions for future EU-UK ties if London wants to seek a "more ambitious" closer relationship after Brexit. In a sharp reminder of the urgency of finding a solution before Brexit day on March 29, Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned that Britain's economy was "not yet prepared" for a no-deal departure. May came hoping to change the backstop so that Britain cannot be "trapped" in the bloc against its will -- and by doing so win over enough MPs at home to get the deal through parliament. She reminded Juncker that the British parliament had mandated her to seek "a legally binding change to the terms of the backstop", but instead was offered a fresh round of talks. EU negotiator Michel Barnier will now meet British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay in Strasbourg on Monday. May herself will meet Juncker again before the end of February, a commission spokesman said. A stony-faced May shook hands stiffly with Juncker as she arrived at commission headquarters, refusing to answer questions, but she was expected to make a statement later Thursday. Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement. Juncker told reporters May already knows and accepts that the Union will not reopen talks on the deal, while Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for -- in his view -- recklessly failing to plan. "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said. - 'Don't gamble with peace' - But even this latest demonstration of EU unity did not deter Downing Street, which insisted May's top priority on the trip was to "find a way to guarantee we cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop". Number 10 said that because the British parliament rejected the deal, May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail. The impasse in Brussels has deepened fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing. May has exasperated EU leaders by repeatedly coming to Brussels without detailed proposals to solve the Brexit deadlock, and Tusk warned her he expected her to bring "a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse". Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, wrote to May on Thursday setting out his five conditions for backing her on Brexit -- including the UK staying in the EU's customs union. While his demands will not be palatable to many in May's Conservative party -- not least because of the deeply entrenched tribalism of British politics -- it suggests there may be room for manoeuvre, if not yet a clear path to a cross-party deal. After seeing Tusk and Juncker on Thursday, May will have dinner with her Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar Dublin on Friday. Painstaking talks Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, said recent "instability in British politics" showed why a backstop was essential. On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province. Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy. May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland. May's spokesman stressed that she was not coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29 deadline.

May, EU's Juncker agree to more talks to try and avoid no-deal Brexit

Britain's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/government-wants-to-urgently-work-with-eu-may-on-brexit-plan-195694">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> returned to Brussels on Thursday for a showdown with EU leaders as she bids to avoid a calamitous no-deal Brexit in 50 days' time.

The stony-faced premier shook hands stiffly with Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, but refused to respond to questions as they entered EU headquarters.

May is to demand that Brussels agree on the need to change the so-called "backstop" for the Irish border in the withdrawal agreement so that Britain cannot be "trapped" in the bloc against its will.

Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-now-sees-brexit-unstoppable-aims-to-avert-fiasco-195657">EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement</a>.

Juncker, the president of the European Commission, told reporters that May already knows and accepts that the Union will not reopen talks on the deal.

And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for — in his view — recklessly failing to plan.&nbsp;

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

Juncker later repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed.&nbsp;

"She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop.

'Don't gamble with peace'&nbsp;

But even this latest demonstration of EU unity did not deter Downing Street, which insisted May's top priority on the trip was to "find a way to guarantee we cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop".

Number 10 said that because the British parliament rejected the deal, May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail.

When she meets Juncker, and later Tusk, the beleaguered British leader will admit that "securing such changes will not be easy", according to talking points released by Number 10.

But she will add: "Last week, Parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop.&nbsp;

"The government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes. The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line."

The impasse in Brussels has deepened fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing.

May has exasperated EU leaders by repeatedly coming to Brussels without detailed proposals to solve the Brexit deadlock, and Tusk warned her he expected her to bring "a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse".

Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, wrote to May on Thursday setting out his five conditions for backing her on Brexit — including the UK staying in the EU's customs union.

While his demands will not be palatable to many in May's Conservative party — not least because of the deeply entrenched tribalism of British politics — it suggests there may be room for manoeuvre, if not yet a clear path to a cross-party deal.

After seeing Tusk and Juncker on Thursday, May will have dinner with Varadkar in Dublin on Friday.

Painstaking talks&nbsp;

Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, said recent "instability in British politics" showed why a backstop was essential.

On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province.

Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy.

May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland.

May's spokesman stressed that she was not coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29 deadline.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May returned to Brussels on Thursday for a showdown with EU leaders as she bids to avoid a calamitous no-deal Brexit in 50 days' time.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May returned to Brussels on Thursday for a showdown with EU leaders as she bids to avoid a calamitous no-deal Brexit in 50 days' time. The stony-faced premier shook hands stiffly with Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, but refused to respond to questions as they entered EU headquarters. May is to demand that Brussels agree on the need to change the so-called "backstop" for the Irish border in the withdrawal agreement so that Britain cannot be "trapped" in the bloc against its will. Expectations for the visit were already modest when, on Wednesday, EU kingpins Donald Tusk and Juncker torched May's prospects of winning changes to the withdrawal agreement. Juncker, the president of the European Commission, told reporters that May already knows and accepts that the Union will not reopen talks on the deal. And Tusk, who represents EU member governments as head of the European Council, triggered outrage across the Channel by damning pro-Brexit politicians for — in his view — recklessly failing to plan. "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said. Juncker later repeated the same warning that the withdrawal agreement, and the backstop clause designed to keep the Irish border open if no future trade deal is agreed, will not be changed. "She knows that the commission is not prepared to reopen the issue," Juncker said, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who also insisted on the need for the backstop. 'Don't gamble with peace' But even this latest demonstration of EU unity did not deter Downing Street, which insisted May's top priority on the trip was to "find a way to guarantee we cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop". Number 10 said that because the British parliament rejected the deal, May must seek material changes to the accord or see it fail. When she meets Juncker, and later Tusk, the beleaguered British leader will admit that "securing such changes will not be easy", according to talking points released by Number 10. But she will add: "Last week, Parliament made clear that for the first time it could support the withdrawal agreement, subject to changes to the backstop. "The government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes. The EU shares the UK's commitment to leave with a deal. We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line." The impasse in Brussels has deepened fears that Britain could crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29, disrupting trade and supplies to manufacturing. May has exasperated EU leaders by repeatedly coming to Brussels without detailed proposals to solve the Brexit deadlock, and Tusk warned her he expected her to bring "a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse". Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the main opposition Labour party, wrote to May on Thursday setting out his five conditions for backing her on Brexit — including the UK staying in the EU's customs union. While his demands will not be palatable to many in May's Conservative party — not least because of the deeply entrenched tribalism of British politics — it suggests there may be room for manoeuvre, if not yet a clear path to a cross-party deal. After seeing Tusk and Juncker on Thursday, May will have dinner with Varadkar in Dublin on Friday. Painstaking talks Varadkar, whose government has stressed the importance of maintaining an open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit, said recent "instability in British politics" showed why a backstop was essential. On Wednesday, May discussed the issue with Northern Irish leaders in the British province. Last month, the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal that May had negotiated with the EU after 18 months of painstaking diplomacy. May is now looking into changes to satisfy her MPs, who fear the backstop would keep Britain indefinitely tied to EU rules with even closer alignment for Northern Ireland. May's spokesman stressed that she was not coming to Brussels to ask for more time and remained determined to deliver a Brexit deal before the March 29 deadline.

Theresa May returns to Brussels trying desperately to avoid no-deal Brexit

Prime Minister Theresa May was in Brussels on Thursday to plead with EU leaders to change the Brexit divorce deal she negotiated last year, in order to get it through parliament, after they offered little hope they were willing to do so.

A cool handshake for the cameras with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker did little to conceal the tension, just 50 days before Britain could leave the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-wont-re-open-brexit-deal-hope-may-will-have-new-proposals-donald-tusk-195619">European Union</a> without measures in place to keep trade flowing freely.

Neither spoke, with one reporter shouting to the retreating leaders: "Is this hell, prime minister?" EU summit chair Donald Tusk said on Wednesday that Brexit promoters deserved "a special place in hell" - a blunt display of frustration in Brussels that drew condemnation from many in Britain.

The London parliament, which rejected May's agreement by the biggest majority in modern British history, has voted to renegotiate the deal, replacing a provision that some fear could keep British-ruled Northern Ireland under EU rules indefinitely.

EU leaders have repeatedly said it would be impossible to replace the provision, known as the "backstop" because it is required to ensure no hard border, once a focus for sectarian violence, between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland.

Unless parliament approves a deal, Britain is on course to leave the EU on March 29 with no transition arrangement in place, a scenario that many businesses say would be catastrophic for the economy. Other options could include delaying Brexit, holding a new referendum or cancelling it altogether.

May will return to parliament next week for a debate on the Brexit negotiations when lawmakers could again try to wrest control of the process from her, but a crunch vote on approving the Brexit deal is likely to come later in the month.

Both May's Conservative Party and the main opposition Labour Party are formally committed to carrying out Brexit following a 2016 referendum in which voters chose to leave the EU by a margin of 52-48 per cent. But both parties are deeply divided internally over how or even whether to do so.

In a letter to May released on Wednesday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set out five conditions for Labour to support a deal. Those include a "permanent and comprehensive" customs union with the bloc, which May has ruled out.

Corbyn also demanded a close alignment with the single market, "unambiguous agreements" on future security arrangements and commitments on UK participation in EU agencies and funding programmes.

URGENT WORK

Before arriving in Brussels for talks with EU leaders, May acknowledged that her task would not be easy. A government source said a breakthrough on Thursday was not expected.

She will tell Juncker, Tusk and the European parliament's Antonio Tajani she wants to work "urgently" with them to secure changes to the deal reached in November.

Acknowledging that the agreement "was the product of much hard work and was negotiated in good faith", May will tell the leaders parliament had sent "an unequivocal message that change is required", according to her office.

"The government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes ... We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line."

Tusk channelled the frustration in Brussels on Wednesday with unusually strong words, saying he wondered what "that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely."

British Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington played down the outburst: "I think Mr Tusk was venting yesterday," he told BBC radio.

"I would tell him it wasn't the most brilliant diplomacy in the world," Lidington said. "Anybody who has watched the House of Commons from time to time knows that intemperate and exaggerated language isn't something that only comes out of Brussels."

The main stumbling block to winning British parliamentary approval of the deal is the Northern Irish backstop, an insurance policy that requires some EU rules to operate in the British-ruled province unless another means can be agreed in future to guarantee a land border free from inspections.

Some lawmakers want May to remove the provision entirely, while others say they will accept a way for London to end it unilaterally, or legally-binding assurances that it would not lead to Britain being trapped in the EU's sphere indefinitely.

But the EU, and particularly Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar say they will not re-open the agreement. They argue that the political instability in Britain has only further proved the need for the backstop.

Prime Minister Theresa May was in Brussels on Thursday to plead with EU leaders to change the Brexit divorce deal she negotiated last year, in order to get it through parliament, after they offered little hope they were willing to do so.

Prime Minister Theresa May was in Brussels on Thursday to plead with EU leaders to change the Brexit divorce deal she negotiated last year, in order to get it through parliament, after they offered little hope they were willing to do so. A cool handshake for the cameras with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker did little to conceal the tension, just 50 days before Britain could leave the European Union without measures in place to keep trade flowing freely. Neither spoke, with one reporter shouting to the retreating leaders: "Is this hell, prime minister?" EU summit chair Donald Tusk said on Wednesday that Brexit promoters deserved "a special place in hell" - a blunt display of frustration in Brussels that drew condemnation from many in Britain. The London parliament, which rejected May's agreement by the biggest majority in modern British history, has voted to renegotiate the deal, replacing a provision that some fear could keep British-ruled Northern Ireland under EU rules indefinitely. EU leaders have repeatedly said it would be impossible to replace the provision, known as the "backstop" because it is required to ensure no hard border, once a focus for sectarian violence, between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland. Unless parliament approves a deal, Britain is on course to leave the EU on March 29 with no transition arrangement in place, a scenario that many businesses say would be catastrophic for the economy. Other options could include delaying Brexit, holding a new referendum or cancelling it altogether. May will return to parliament next week for a debate on the Brexit negotiations when lawmakers could again try to wrest control of the process from her, but a crunch vote on approving the Brexit deal is likely to come later in the month. Both May's Conservative Party and the main opposition Labour Party are formally committed to carrying out Brexit following a 2016 referendum in which voters chose to leave the EU by a margin of 52-48 per cent. But both parties are deeply divided internally over how or even whether to do so. In a letter to May released on Wednesday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn set out five conditions for Labour to support a deal. Those include a "permanent and comprehensive" customs union with the bloc, which May has ruled out. Corbyn also demanded a close alignment with the single market, "unambiguous agreements" on future security arrangements and commitments on UK participation in EU agencies and funding programmes. URGENT WORK Before arriving in Brussels for talks with EU leaders, May acknowledged that her task would not be easy. A government source said a breakthrough on Thursday was not expected. She will tell Juncker, Tusk and the European parliament's Antonio Tajani she wants to work "urgently" with them to secure changes to the deal reached in November. Acknowledging that the agreement "was the product of much hard work and was negotiated in good faith", May will tell the leaders parliament had sent "an unequivocal message that change is required", according to her office. "The government now wants urgently to work with the EU to secure such changes ... We must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line." Tusk channelled the frustration in Brussels on Wednesday with unusually strong words, saying he wondered what "that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely." British Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington played down the outburst: "I think Mr Tusk was venting yesterday," he told BBC radio. "I would tell him it wasn't the most brilliant diplomacy in the world," Lidington said. "Anybody who has watched the House of Commons from time to time knows that intemperate and exaggerated language isn't something that only comes out of Brussels." The main stumbling block to winning British parliamentary approval of the deal is the Northern Irish backstop, an insurance policy that requires some EU rules to operate in the British-ruled province unless another means can be agreed in future to guarantee a land border free from inspections. Some lawmakers want May to remove the provision entirely, while others say they will accept a way for London to end it unilaterally, or legally-binding assurances that it would not lead to Britain being trapped in the EU's sphere indefinitely. But the EU, and particularly Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar say they will not re-open the agreement. They argue that the political instability in Britain has only further proved the need for the backstop.

British PM May takes demand for Brexit renegotiation to Brussels

With just 50 days to go until Britain is due to leave the European Union, the chances of British Prime Minister resurrecting a deal with the bloc hangs by a thread.

The United Kingdom is on course to leave the EU on March 29 without a deal unless <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/government-wants-to-urgently-work-with-eu-may-on-brexit-plan-195694">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce agreement she reached in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers.

Frustration runs deep among European leaders over the British parliament's rejection of the divorce deal and May's demands that the EU now give up on key principles or face disruption in just 50 days.

As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for a disorderly no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said Britain now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit.

For May, failure to deliver a revised deal would shatter the fragile unity in her Conservative Party, leaving her already-diminished authority in tatters, and ramping up uncertainty in financial markets over the fate of the British economy, the world's fifth largest.

The United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU has strained ties between its constituent parts: England and Wales voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay.

May has said she will seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland, or legally binding changes to the backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism.

Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before the Good Friday peace agreement.

Under the divorce deal agreed in November, the 'backstop' would come into effect if the two sides failed to come up with a better idea to keep the border open.

EU officials are asking May to embrace a proposal by the opposition Labour Party to join a permanent customs union with the bloc.

Such a move could remove the need for the backstop and, some in the EU believe, may win approval in Britain's parliament. But officials have low expectations ahead of the prime minister's visit to Brussels on Thursday.

With just 50 days to go until Britain is due to leave the European Union, the chances of British Prime Minister resurrecting a deal with the bloc hangs by a thread.

With just 50 days to go until Britain is due to leave the European Union, the chances of British Prime Minister resurrecting a deal with the bloc hangs by a thread. The United Kingdom is on course to leave the EU on March 29 without a deal unless Prime Minister Theresa May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce agreement she reached in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers. Frustration runs deep among European leaders over the British parliament's rejection of the divorce deal and May's demands that the EU now give up on key principles or face disruption in just 50 days. As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for a disorderly no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said Britain now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit. For May, failure to deliver a revised deal would shatter the fragile unity in her Conservative Party, leaving her already-diminished authority in tatters, and ramping up uncertainty in financial markets over the fate of the British economy, the world's fifth largest. The United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU has strained ties between its constituent parts: England and Wales voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay. May has said she will seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland, or legally binding changes to the backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism. Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before the Good Friday peace agreement. Under the divorce deal agreed in November, the 'backstop' would come into effect if the two sides failed to come up with a better idea to keep the border open. EU officials are asking May to embrace a proposal by the opposition Labour Party to join a permanent customs union with the bloc. Such a move could remove the need for the backstop and, some in the EU believe, may win approval in Britain's parliament. But officials have low expectations ahead of the prime minister's visit to Brussels on Thursday.

Timeline 50 days ahead of Brexit

Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/government-wants-to-urgently-work-with-eu-may-on-brexit-plan-195694">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>, offering to support her Brexit deal if she makes five legally binding commitments – including joining a customs union.

Below are Labour's five demands for supporting her deal:

- A permanent customs union. This would include a say in future trade deals

- Close alignment with the EU's single market. This would be underpinned by shared institutions and obligations

- A pledge to keep workers rights in line with those in the EU&nbsp;

- Commitments on participation in EU agencies and funding programmes, including in areas such as the environment, education, and industrial regulation

- Agreements on the detail of future security arrangements, including access to the European Arrest Warrant

Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to Prime Minister Theresa May, offering to support her Brexit deal if she makes five legally binding commitments – including joining a customs union.

Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has written to Prime Minister Theresa May, offering to support her Brexit deal if she makes five legally binding commitments – including joining a customs union. Below are Labour's five demands for supporting her deal: - A permanent customs union. This would include a say in future trade deals - Close alignment with the EU's single market. This would be underpinned by shared institutions and obligations - A pledge to keep workers rights in line with those in the EU - Commitments on participation in EU agencies and funding programmes, including in areas such as the environment, education, and industrial regulation - Agreements on the detail of future security arrangements, including access to the European Arrest Warrant

UK opposition Labour Party sets terms for backing May on Brexit

British politicians reacted angrily on Wednesday to European Union leader Donald Tusk after he wondered "what special place in Hell" awaited those who advocated Brexit without a clear plan, calling him a "devilish Euro maniac".

"Donald Tusk once again shows his contempt for the 17.4 million people who voted to escape the corruption of the EU," said Sammy Wilson, Brexit spokesman for Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party.

"This devilish Euro maniac is doing his best to keep the United Kingdom bound by the chains of EU bureaucracy and control," he added.

Tusk made the comments at a news conference in Brussels, where he was flanked by Irish leader Leo Varadkar.

Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom and prominent Leave supporter demanded an apology, calling Tusks's comments "spiteful".

"I think that what he has said is pretty unacceptable and pretty disgraceful," she told BBC Radio 4.

"I'm sure that when he reflects on it he may well wish he hadn't done it."

Fellow Tory and veteran eurosceptic Peter Bone said it was a "completely outrageous insult.

"I don't recall any president insulting members of this House, members of the government and the British people in such a way," he said.

But anti-Brexit MPs were supportive of Tusks's comments.

"Sometimes the truth hurts, doesn't it?" Joanna Cherry, an MP from the Scottish National Party, said in parlaiment.

Campaign group For our Futures' Sake said Tusk was "entirely correct".&nbsp;

The outburst dominated the online editions of Britain's newspapers, with Brexit-supporting tabloid The Sun leading with the headline "EU'VE LOST IT", adding that "sneering Donald Tusk has taken an extraordinary dig at Brexiteers".

The Mail Online carried a picture of Tusk in high spirits with Varadkar after the news conference, underneath the headline "EU President Tusk is caught laughing at the row he will cause".

Brexit figurehead Jacob Rees-Mogg, a staunch Catholic, questioned Tusk's theological credentials, saying he was "hardly in the Aquinas class...and he seems to have forgotten the commandment about not bearing false witness".

Leave supporting Tory MP Simon Clarke said the European Council president's comment's "push me towards supporting a clean break and No Deal".

Prominent Brexit campaigner Douglas Carswell also suggested that Tusk's comments "will inadvertently nudge things closer towards a clean departure from the EU".

Gerard Batten, leader of the anti-EU UKIP party, said the comments were a sign that Tusk was "getting overwrought".&nbsp;

"Mr Tusk has forgotten that in Dante's Inferno the lowest level in Hell is reserved for traitors. I would remind him that those who want their country governed by a foreign power are traitors," he added.

British politicians reacted angrily on Wednesday to European Union leader Donald Tusk after he wondered "what special place in Hell" awaited those who advocated Brexit without a clear plan, calling him a "devilish Euro maniac".

British politicians reacted angrily on Wednesday to European Union leader Donald Tusk after he wondered "what special place in Hell" awaited those who advocated Brexit without a clear plan, calling him a "devilish Euro maniac". "Donald Tusk once again shows his contempt for the 17.4 million people who voted to escape the corruption of the EU," said Sammy Wilson, Brexit spokesman for Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party. "This devilish Euro maniac is doing his best to keep the United Kingdom bound by the chains of EU bureaucracy and control," he added. Tusk made the comments at a news conference in Brussels, where he was flanked by Irish leader Leo Varadkar. Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom and prominent Leave supporter demanded an apology, calling Tusks's comments "spiteful". "I think that what he has said is pretty unacceptable and pretty disgraceful," she told BBC Radio 4. "I'm sure that when he reflects on it he may well wish he hadn't done it." Fellow Tory and veteran eurosceptic Peter Bone said it was a "completely outrageous insult. "I don't recall any president insulting members of this House, members of the government and the British people in such a way," he said. But anti-Brexit MPs were supportive of Tusks's comments. "Sometimes the truth hurts, doesn't it?" Joanna Cherry, an MP from the Scottish National Party, said in parlaiment. Campaign group For our Futures' Sake said Tusk was "entirely correct". The outburst dominated the online editions of Britain's newspapers, with Brexit-supporting tabloid The Sun leading with the headline "EU'VE LOST IT", adding that "sneering Donald Tusk has taken an extraordinary dig at Brexiteers". The Mail Online carried a picture of Tusk in high spirits with Varadkar after the news conference, underneath the headline "EU President Tusk is caught laughing at the row he will cause". Brexit figurehead Jacob Rees-Mogg, a staunch Catholic, questioned Tusk's theological credentials, saying he was "hardly in the Aquinas class...and he seems to have forgotten the commandment about not bearing false witness". Leave supporting Tory MP Simon Clarke said the European Council president's comment's "push me towards supporting a clean break and No Deal". Prominent Brexit campaigner Douglas Carswell also suggested that Tusk's comments "will inadvertently nudge things closer towards a clean departure from the EU". Gerard Batten, leader of the anti-EU UKIP party, said the comments were a sign that Tusk was "getting overwrought". "Mr Tusk has forgotten that in Dante's Inferno the lowest level in Hell is reserved for traitors. I would remind him that those who want their country governed by a foreign power are traitors," he added.

UK MPs outraged by Tusk's 'special place in Hell' slur

EU summit chairman Donald Tusk said he had abandoned hope that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/delaying-brexit-would-extend-uncertainty-uk-business-minister-195601">Brexit might be stopped</a> and said on Wednesday his priority was now to avert a "fiasco" in 50 days if Britain crashes out without a deal.

Assuring Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar of the solidarity of all other member states as Dublin insists Britain give legal guarantees to avoid disrupting the Northern Ireland border, Tusk told a joint news conference in Brussels that he saw no force capable of blocking a "pro-Brexit" government and opposition.

As British <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-may-seeks-a-border-compromise-in-northern-ireland-195606">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> prepares to meet EU officials in Brussels on Thursday with a mandate from lawmakers to rework the withdrawal treaty she agreed with the Union in November, Tusk and Varadkar both echoed other European leaders in ruling out change to the text, including the Irish "backstop" -- the protocol which parliament roundly rejected last month.

"I hope that tomorrow we will hear from Prime Minister May a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse," Tusk said.

"I strongly believe that a common solution is possible."

Tusk, the European Council president, said, however, that the EU must step up planning for Britain leaving on March 29 without having a legal agreement: "A sense of responsibility also tells us to prepare for a possible fiasco," he said.

"SPECIAL PLACE IN HELL"

In combative mood, he added that those who promoted Brexit without offering a clear plan for how to unravel safely 46 years of membership deserved "a special place in hell".

A former Polish prime minister, Tusk has been a notable EU voice in encouraging Britons to try to reverse the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum but on Wednesday he was notably downbeat.

"I know that still a very great number of people ... wish for a reversal of this decision. I have always been with you, with all my heart. But the facts are unmistakable."

He said the "pro-Brexit stance" of May and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn meant that "today, there is no political force and no effective leadership for remain".

Varadkar, visiting Brussels a day before May as Ireland strives to protect its interests in the bloc as its former colonial ruler and main trading partner quits, said the Brexit deal made last year was "the best deal possible".

Dublin, he insisted, would not give up on an open-ended backstop obliging Britain to retain many EU rules until a better way could be found to keep goods flowing unchecked across the new EU-UK land border across the island of Ireland.

"We expect that the backstop would never be used," Varadkar said. But, he added: "The instability of UK politics in recent weeks demonstrates exactly why we need a legal guarantee."

EU summit chairman Donald Tusk said he had abandoned hope that Brexit might be stopped and said on Wednesday his priority was now to avert a "fiasco" in 50 days if Britain crashes out without a deal.

EU summit chairman Donald Tusk said he had abandoned hope that Brexit might be stopped and said on Wednesday his priority was now to avert a "fiasco" in 50 days if Britain crashes out without a deal. Assuring Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar of the solidarity of all other member states as Dublin insists Britain give legal guarantees to avoid disrupting the Northern Ireland border, Tusk told a joint news conference in Brussels that he saw no force capable of blocking a "pro-Brexit" government and opposition. As British Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to meet EU officials in Brussels on Thursday with a mandate from lawmakers to rework the withdrawal treaty she agreed with the Union in November, Tusk and Varadkar both echoed other European leaders in ruling out change to the text, including the Irish "backstop" -- the protocol which parliament roundly rejected last month. "I hope that tomorrow we will hear from Prime Minister May a realistic suggestion on how to end the impasse," Tusk said. "I strongly believe that a common solution is possible." Tusk, the European Council president, said, however, that the EU must step up planning for Britain leaving on March 29 without having a legal agreement: "A sense of responsibility also tells us to prepare for a possible fiasco," he said. "SPECIAL PLACE IN HELL" In combative mood, he added that those who promoted Brexit without offering a clear plan for how to unravel safely 46 years of membership deserved "a special place in hell". A former Polish prime minister, Tusk has been a notable EU voice in encouraging Britons to try to reverse the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum but on Wednesday he was notably downbeat. "I know that still a very great number of people ... wish for a reversal of this decision. I have always been with you, with all my heart. But the facts are unmistakable." He said the "pro-Brexit stance" of May and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn meant that "today, there is no political force and no effective leadership for remain". Varadkar, visiting Brussels a day before May as Ireland strives to protect its interests in the bloc as its former colonial ruler and main trading partner quits, said the Brexit deal made last year was "the best deal possible". Dublin, he insisted, would not give up on an open-ended backstop obliging Britain to retain many EU rules until a better way could be found to keep goods flowing unchecked across the new EU-UK land border across the island of Ireland. "We expect that the backstop would never be used," Varadkar said. But, he added: "The instability of UK politics in recent weeks demonstrates exactly why we need a legal guarantee."

European Union now sees Brexit as unstoppable, aims to avert 'fiasco'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566">Pakistan Supreme Court tells </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566">army</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566"> to stay out of politics, media</a>

Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573">Money-laundering case: Robert Vadra at ED office, is being questioned by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573">team</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/robert-vadra-reaches-ed-office-195573"> of 7</a>

Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a money-laundering case. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-wont-re-open-brexit-deal-hope-may-will-have-new-proposals-donald-tusk-195619">Will not reopen Brexit deal, hope May has new proposals: European Union</a>

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he hoped British Prime Minister Theresa May would come to Brussels on Thursday with "realistic suggestions" on how to break the Brexit impasse as the EU would not re-open the Brexit deal.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/with-eight-batsmen-we-should-be-able-to-chase-big-totals-rohit-sharma-195597">India captain Rohit Sharma blames batsmen for 1st T20I loss to New Zealand</a>

India skipper Rohit Sharma Wednesday said that a line-up with eight specialist batsmen should have chased down the 220-run target set by New Zealand, however steep it might have looked for a T20 match.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sabarimala-row-support-supreme-court-verdict-will-lift-ban-on-entry-of-women-says-temple-board-195559">Sabarimala Board tells Supreme Court: Support your verdict, will allow entry of women into temple</a>

In a massive U-turn, the Travancore Dewasom Board, which runs Kerala's Sabarimala temple, told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it now supports the court's September 28, 2018 verdict allowing all women into the shrine.

Pakistan Supreme Court tells army to stay out of politics, media Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence.

Pakistan Supreme Court tells army to stay out of politics, media Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence. Money-laundering case: Robert Vadra at ED office, is being questioned by team of 7 Robert Vadra arrived at the Delhi offices of the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday to be questioned in connection with a money-laundering case. the case relates to the alleged possession of illegal foreign assets. Will not reopen Brexit deal, hope May has new proposals: European Union European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he hoped British Prime Minister Theresa May would come to Brussels on Thursday with "realistic suggestions" on how to break the Brexit impasse as the EU would not re-open the Brexit deal. India captain Rohit Sharma blames batsmen for 1st T20I loss to New Zealand India skipper Rohit Sharma Wednesday said that a line-up with eight specialist batsmen should have chased down the 220-run target set by New Zealand, however steep it might have looked for a T20 match. Sabarimala Board tells Supreme Court: Support your verdict, will allow entry of women into temple In a massive U-turn, the Travancore Dewasom Board, which runs Kerala's Sabarimala temple, told the Supreme Court Wednesday that it now supports the court's September 28, 2018 verdict allowing all women into the shrine.

British Prime Minister Theresa May tried to break the deadlock over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/delaying-brexit-would-extend-uncertainty-uk-business-minister-195601">Brexit on Wednesday</a> by thrashing out alternative proposals for the Irish border with political parties in Northern Ireland.

The United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal unless May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce deal she agreed in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers.

As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for the turmoil of a no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said the United Kingdom now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit.

At meetings in Belfast, May tried to tackle the biggest obstacle to getting a deal ratified by the British parliament - an insurance policy covering the possible future arrangements for the border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.

"We will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland," May said on Tuesday.

May said she would seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border or legally binding changes to the border backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism.

Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian conflict.

MAY TO BRUSSELS

As a way to prevent a hard border, Brussels and London agreed a so-called backstop - basically a promise that unless the sides come up with a better idea then the United Kingdom would remain bound by EU market and customs rules so that goods would not have to be checked.

But the Northern Irish party which props up May's minority government says it could endanger the province's place in the United Kingdom, while Brexit supporters in May's Conservative Party worry it would lock the country into EU rules for the long term.

British ministers, The Sun newspaper said, have been examining a plan drawn up by Japan's Fujitsu to track trade across the border, while the Telegraph said ministers had discussed delaying Brexit by eight weeks.

May is due to meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and then European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels on Thursday.

While the EU has been clear it does not want to reopen the divorce deal, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a creative solution could break the impasse.

But diplomats in Brussels said they had heard no new proposals from London and the risk of a no-deal exit was increasing. EU leaders, diplomats said, were frustrated at May's failure to build a consensus on Brexit.

Delaying Brexit would extend rather than resolve the uncertainty that is hurting the economy, Britain's business minister Greg Clark told a parliament committee on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May tried to break the deadlock over Brexit on Wednesday by thrashing out alternative proposals for the Irish border with political parties in Northern Ireland.

British Prime Minister Theresa May tried to break the deadlock over Brexit on Wednesday by thrashing out alternative proposals for the Irish border with political parties in Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal unless May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce deal she agreed in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers. As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for the turmoil of a no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said the United Kingdom now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit. At meetings in Belfast, May tried to tackle the biggest obstacle to getting a deal ratified by the British parliament - an insurance policy covering the possible future arrangements for the border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland. "We will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland," May said on Tuesday. May said she would seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border or legally binding changes to the border backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism. Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian conflict. MAY TO BRUSSELS As a way to prevent a hard border, Brussels and London agreed a so-called backstop - basically a promise that unless the sides come up with a better idea then the United Kingdom would remain bound by EU market and customs rules so that goods would not have to be checked. But the Northern Irish party which props up May's minority government says it could endanger the province's place in the United Kingdom, while Brexit supporters in May's Conservative Party worry it would lock the country into EU rules for the long term. British ministers, The Sun newspaper said, have been examining a plan drawn up by Japan's Fujitsu to track trade across the border, while the Telegraph said ministers had discussed delaying Brexit by eight weeks. May is due to meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and then European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels on Thursday. While the EU has been clear it does not want to reopen the divorce deal, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a creative solution could break the impasse. But diplomats in Brussels said they had heard no new proposals from London and the risk of a no-deal exit was increasing. EU leaders, diplomats said, were frustrated at May's failure to build a consensus on Brexit. Delaying Brexit would extend rather than resolve the uncertainty that is hurting the economy, Britain's business minister Greg Clark told a parliament committee on Wednesday.

British PM May seeks a border compromise in Northern Ireland

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-faces-defeat-in-parliament-over-brexit-plan-190530">Delaying Brexit</a> would extend rather than resolve the uncertainty that is hurting the economy, Britain's business minister Greg Clark told a parliament committee on Wednesday.

"Pausing Article 50 would not cure the uncertainty. In fact it would extend the uncertainty," Clark told lawmakers, referring to the legal mechanism under which Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29.

Delaying Brexit would extend rather than resolve the uncertainty that is hurting the economy, Britain's business minister Greg Clark told a parliament committee on Wednesday.

Delaying Brexit would extend rather than resolve the uncertainty that is hurting the economy, Britain's business minister Greg Clark told a parliament committee on Wednesday. "Pausing Article 50 would not cure the uncertainty. In fact it would extend the uncertainty," Clark told lawmakers, referring to the legal mechanism under which Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29.

Delaying Brexit will extend uncertainty: UK business minister

EU president Jean-Claude Juncker will meet Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday, the EU said, as Brussels and London seek ways to save the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-says-still-time-to-find-brexit-solution-195296">Brexit deal</a>.

Plans for Britain to leave the bloc on March 29 under a withdrawal agreement signed last year were thrown into doubt when British lawmakers rejected the accord.

Brussels is now waiting for May to formally request renewed talks, while warning that the agreement itself can not at this stage be reopened for discussion.

"Our position remains clear, and has been expressed several times," Juncker's spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters at his daily briefing Tuesday.

"A series of votes has taken place in the British parliament, upon the basis of which the prime minister will come to explain what comes next," he said.

"We will receive her with pleasure," Schinas said. "While the commission's position is clear, we are waiting to see what the prime minister has to say."

May will visit Juncker at the commission's Berlaymont headquarters a day after Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's talks on Wednesday with EU leaders.

The office of Donald Tusk, who as head of the European Council represents the leaders of EU member states, did not immediately confirm that May would also visit him.

EU president Jean-Claude Juncker will meet Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday, the EU said, as Brussels and London seek ways to save the Brexit deal.

EU president Jean-Claude Juncker will meet Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday, the EU said, as Brussels and London seek ways to save the Brexit deal. Plans for Britain to leave the bloc on March 29 under a withdrawal agreement signed last year were thrown into doubt when British lawmakers rejected the accord. Brussels is now waiting for May to formally request renewed talks, while warning that the agreement itself can not at this stage be reopened for discussion. "Our position remains clear, and has been expressed several times," Juncker's spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters at his daily briefing Tuesday. "A series of votes has taken place in the British parliament, upon the basis of which the prime minister will come to explain what comes next," he said. "We will receive her with pleasure," Schinas said. "While the commission's position is clear, we are waiting to see what the prime minister has to say." May will visit Juncker at the commission's Berlaymont headquarters a day after Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's talks on Wednesday with EU leaders. The office of Donald Tusk, who as head of the European Council represents the leaders of EU member states, did not immediately confirm that May would also visit him.

Britain's May to meet EU leaders Thursday on Brexit

There is still time to find a solution to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-no-deal-eu-exit-far-more-likely-if-parliament-rejects-pm-mays-deal-188021">Britain's exit from the EU</a>, German Chancellor<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-pm-voices-hope-britain-can-avoid-no-deal-brexit-189485"> Angela Merkel </a>said Tuesday, voicing optimism on a political deal over the tricky "backstop" that has stymied progress.

Speaking to Japanese and German business leaders in Tokyo, Merkel stressed that "on the one hand, time is pressing" and businesses using "just-in-time" delivery processes could not afford lengthy customs procedures.

However, she added, "From a political point of view, there is still time. Two months is not a long time but there is still time, and this should be used by all sides."

Britain is poised to leave the EU at the end of March following a 2016 referendum.

Merkel acknowledged the issue of the unpopular Northern Ireland backstop provision was "complicating"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-a-no-deal-brexit-would-be-less-costly-for-the-eu-than-the-uk-192654"> Brexit </a>talks.

The backstop is intended to ensure there is no return to a hard border with Ireland, but Brexit supporters fear it will keep Britain tied to EU customs rules.

She said the issue with the backstop was a "problem that is precisely defined and therefore one should be able to find a precisely defined solution".

"But this solution depends on the question of what the future relationship between Britain and the EU will be like and what type of trade deal we sign with each other," added the chancellor.

Throwing the ball into London's court, she stressed, "It will be very important for us to know what exactly the British side sees as its future relationship with the EU."

After meeting Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe Monday, she urged "creativity" and "goodwill" to find a solution.&nbsp;

However, she was clear that any solution could only come via the political declaration attached to the withdrawal agreement — rather than re-opening talks on the actual exit deal.

There are concerns in London that any tweaks to the political declaration will not be legally binding.

Her Monday comments were seen as conciliatory and boosted the pound as British Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to engage in further talks with EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock as the exit date approaches.

A top EU official, however, sounded the alarm bell after talks with British MPs.

Martin Selmayr, the right-hand man of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, said the meeting had confirmed the view that the EU was right to start in December 2017 preparations for a "no-deal" Brexit.

Merkel said relations between Britain and the EU bloc were currently strong and would remain that way.&nbsp;

"Over the last two years during which we have been dealing with Britain's exit, we have worked more closely together than during several years when Britain was a member of the European Union," she quipped to laughter. 
&nbsp;

There is still time to find a solution to Britain's exit from the EU, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday, voicing optimism on a political deal over the tricky "backstop" that has stymied progress.

There is still time to find a solution to Britain's exit from the EU, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday, voicing optimism on a political deal over the tricky "backstop" that has stymied progress. Speaking to Japanese and German business leaders in Tokyo, Merkel stressed that "on the one hand, time is pressing" and businesses using "just-in-time" delivery processes could not afford lengthy customs procedures. However, she added, "From a political point of view, there is still time. Two months is not a long time but there is still time, and this should be used by all sides." Britain is poised to leave the EU at the end of March following a 2016 referendum. Merkel acknowledged the issue of the unpopular Northern Ireland backstop provision was "complicating" Brexit talks. The backstop is intended to ensure there is no return to a hard border with Ireland, but Brexit supporters fear it will keep Britain tied to EU customs rules. She said the issue with the backstop was a "problem that is precisely defined and therefore one should be able to find a precisely defined solution". "But this solution depends on the question of what the future relationship between Britain and the EU will be like and what type of trade deal we sign with each other," added the chancellor. Throwing the ball into London's court, she stressed, "It will be very important for us to know what exactly the British side sees as its future relationship with the EU." After meeting Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe Monday, she urged "creativity" and "goodwill" to find a solution. However, she was clear that any solution could only come via the political declaration attached to the withdrawal agreement — rather than re-opening talks on the actual exit deal. There are concerns in London that any tweaks to the political declaration will not be legally binding. Her Monday comments were seen as conciliatory and boosted the pound as British Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to engage in further talks with EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock as the exit date approaches. A top EU official, however, sounded the alarm bell after talks with British MPs. Martin Selmayr, the right-hand man of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, said the meeting had confirmed the view that the EU was right to start in December 2017 preparations for a "no-deal" Brexit. Merkel said relations between Britain and the EU bloc were currently strong and would remain that way. "Over the last two years during which we have been dealing with Britain's exit, we have worked more closely together than during several years when Britain was a member of the European Union," she quipped to laughter.

Germany's Merkel says 'still time' to find Brexit solution

Britain on Monday will seek to reassure foreign investors worried about Britain leaving the EU after Japanese automaker Nissan said it was scrapping a major planned investment less than two months before Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May was due to hold a conference call with around 55 chairmen and chief executives of European multinationals with operations in Britain.

"She'll be stressing on that call the importance of the UK leaving the EU with a deal," her spokesman said.

Nissan's decision not to build its new X-Trail vehicle at its factory in Sunderland in northeast England was "very disappointing," he said, adding however that the company had confirmed no jobs would be lost as a result.

Business Secretary Greg Clark was also due to make a statement to parliament on Nissan as Brexit supporters and opponents fiercely debated whether the decision was motivated by Britain's impending withdrawal from the EU.

Britain is on course to crash out of the bloc on March 29 after MPs last month voted massively against a divorce deal struck between May and EU leaders in December.

Clark himself told the Financial Times that Nissan told him their decision was "a warning sign" of the damage that a no-deal Brexit could have on Britain's car sector.

'Still, time to reach agreement'

May is now seeking to renegotiate her deal, particularly its contentious "backstop" provision to keep the Irish border free-flowing, in a bid to secure parliament's support.

EU leaders have so far refused, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel repeated this on Monday, saying the Brexit agreement had been painstakingly negotiated and reopening it "is not on the agenda".

But speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, she said: "We want to do everything to avoid a no-deal because that would increase the uncertainty."

Merkel said questions about the backstop could be discussed in the so-called political agreement that accompanies the Brexit deal, adding: "We need to show creativity, we need to listen to each other.

"We can still use the time to come to an agreement over the things that are standing in our way if everyone shows goodwill."

In London, May has invited hardline eurosceptics and Remain supporters within her Conservative Party to come up with possible alternatives to the backstop.

The MPs were set to meet later on Monday and again on Tuesday and Wednesday.&nbsp;

May wrote in the Sunday Telegraph that she intends to return to Brussels where she will be "battling for Britain and Northern Ireland" to change the deal.

"If we stand together and speak with one voice, I believe we can find the right way forward," she wrote.

Meanwhile, Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson, Britain's former foreign secretary, warned that rumours of an imminent election could be a government "scare tactic" aimed at getting Conservative MPs to support a Brexit deal.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said that "if Tory MPs were asked to go into electoral battle in the next few months, there would be a hole in the heart of our manifesto".

"I have no idea what we would say about the EU - because after two-and-a-half years of dither the truly astonishing feature of the UK position is that the big questions have still not been answered," he wrote.

Britain on Monday will seek to reassure foreign investors worried about Britain leaving the EU after Japanese automaker Nissan said it was scrapping a major planned investment less than two months before Brexit.

Britain on Monday will seek to reassure foreign investors worried about Britain leaving the EU after Japanese automaker Nissan said it was scrapping a major planned investment less than two months before Brexit. Prime Minister Theresa May was due to hold a conference call with around 55 chairmen and chief executives of European multinationals with operations in Britain. "She'll be stressing on that call the importance of the UK leaving the EU with a deal," her spokesman said. Nissan's decision not to build its new X-Trail vehicle at its factory in Sunderland in northeast England was "very disappointing," he said, adding however that the company had confirmed no jobs would be lost as a result. Business Secretary Greg Clark was also due to make a statement to parliament on Nissan as Brexit supporters and opponents fiercely debated whether the decision was motivated by Britain's impending withdrawal from the EU. Britain is on course to crash out of the bloc on March 29 after MPs last month voted massively against a divorce deal struck between May and EU leaders in December. Clark himself told the Financial Times that Nissan told him their decision was "a warning sign" of the damage that a no-deal Brexit could have on Britain's car sector. 'Still, time to reach agreement' May is now seeking to renegotiate her deal, particularly its contentious "backstop" provision to keep the Irish border free-flowing, in a bid to secure parliament's support. EU leaders have so far refused, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel repeated this on Monday, saying the Brexit agreement had been painstakingly negotiated and reopening it "is not on the agenda". But speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo, she said: "We want to do everything to avoid a no-deal because that would increase the uncertainty." Merkel said questions about the backstop could be discussed in the so-called political agreement that accompanies the Brexit deal, adding: "We need to show creativity, we need to listen to each other. "We can still use the time to come to an agreement over the things that are standing in our way if everyone shows goodwill." In London, May has invited hardline eurosceptics and Remain supporters within her Conservative Party to come up with possible alternatives to the backstop. The MPs were set to meet later on Monday and again on Tuesday and Wednesday. May wrote in the Sunday Telegraph that she intends to return to Brussels where she will be "battling for Britain and Northern Ireland" to change the deal. "If we stand together and speak with one voice, I believe we can find the right way forward," she wrote. Meanwhile, Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson, Britain's former foreign secretary, warned that rumours of an imminent election could be a government "scare tactic" aimed at getting Conservative MPs to support a Brexit deal. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, he said that "if Tory MPs were asked to go into electoral battle in the next few months, there would be a hole in the heart of our manifesto". "I have no idea what we would say about the EU - because after two-and-a-half years of dither the truly astonishing feature of the UK position is that the big questions have still not been answered," he wrote.

UK seeks to reassure foreign investors over Brexit

The pound dropped Monday following weak UK construction data and as Prime Minister Theresa May seeks to try and finally unlock the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-trade-minister-says-eu-irresponsible-to-refuse-to-reopen-brexit-deal-194815">Brexit stalemate</a>.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index, featuring large multinationals earning in dollars and euros, climbed to a two-month high above 7,000 points thanks to the weaker pound.

Eurozone stock markets faltered, while Asia mostly advanced.

Oil prices hit the highest levels this year as the crisis in OPEC producer Venezuela fuels concerns over potential tighter crude supplies.&nbsp;

"A minor decline for the pound, one that followed a 10- month low UK construction PMI... allowed the FTSE to hit a fresh two-month high," noted Connor Campbell, financial analyst at Spreadex traders.

The IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction purchasing managers' index fell to 50.6 in January from 52.8 the previous month.

"Uncertainty about Brexit has snuffed out the recovery in the construction sector," said Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

"In the unlikely event of a no-deal Brexit, the sector likely will slide into another recession, amid weaker business confidence and tighter credit conditions.&nbsp;

"But provided a deal is signed off, the construction sector likely will enjoy strong growth soon.&nbsp;

"Business investment should rebound later this year, given that firms' profit margins are relatively healthy and their balance sheets are awash with cash," Tombs added.

May on Sunday said she would be "armed with a fresh mandate and new ideas" when she next meets European Union negotiators over her Brexit deal.

EU officials have insisted that the deal -- rejected by British lawmakers -- is not open for renegotiation.

But May wrote in the Sunday Telegraph that she would be "battling for Britain and Northern Ireland" in her efforts to get rid of the agreement's unpopular "backstop" provision.

The so-called backstop is intended to ensure there is no return to a hard border with Ireland, but Brexit supporters fear it will keep Britain tied to the EU's customs rules.

Aside from Brexit, markets continued to feast over strong US jobs data published Friday, helping Asian stock markets to gain in thin trade owing to the three-day Lunar New Year break.

Expectations that the Federal Reserve will take its foot off the gas in raising US interest rates -- and optimism that China and the United States will eventually hammer out a deal to resolve their long-running trade war -- provided support.

The US, the world's biggest economy, added 304,000 new posts in January, almost double what was expected and the strongest reading for almost a year, while growth in pay held steady above inflation.

All three main indices on Wall Street ended with gains Friday, which filtered through to Asia.

The pound dropped Monday following weak UK construction data and as Prime Minister Theresa May seeks to try and finally unlock the Brexit stalemate. London's benchmark FTSE 100 index, featuring large multinationals earning in dollars and euros, climbed to a two-month high above 7,000 points thanks to the weaker pound.

The pound dropped Monday following weak UK construction data and as Prime Minister Theresa May seeks to try and finally unlock the Brexit stalemate. London's benchmark FTSE 100 index, featuring large multinationals earning in dollars and euros, climbed to a two-month high above 7,000 points thanks to the weaker pound. Eurozone stock markets faltered, while Asia mostly advanced. Oil prices hit the highest levels this year as the crisis in OPEC producer Venezuela fuels concerns over potential tighter crude supplies. "A minor decline for the pound, one that followed a 10- month low UK construction PMI... allowed the FTSE to hit a fresh two-month high," noted Connor Campbell, financial analyst at Spreadex traders. The IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction purchasing managers' index fell to 50.6 in January from 52.8 the previous month. "Uncertainty about Brexit has snuffed out the recovery in the construction sector," said Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. "In the unlikely event of a no-deal Brexit, the sector likely will slide into another recession, amid weaker business confidence and tighter credit conditions. "But provided a deal is signed off, the construction sector likely will enjoy strong growth soon. "Business investment should rebound later this year, given that firms' profit margins are relatively healthy and their balance sheets are awash with cash," Tombs added. May on Sunday said she would be "armed with a fresh mandate and new ideas" when she next meets European Union negotiators over her Brexit deal. EU officials have insisted that the deal -- rejected by British lawmakers -- is not open for renegotiation. But May wrote in the Sunday Telegraph that she would be "battling for Britain and Northern Ireland" in her efforts to get rid of the agreement's unpopular "backstop" provision. The so-called backstop is intended to ensure there is no return to a hard border with Ireland, but Brexit supporters fear it will keep Britain tied to the EU's customs rules. Aside from Brexit, markets continued to feast over strong US jobs data published Friday, helping Asian stock markets to gain in thin trade owing to the three-day Lunar New Year break. Expectations that the Federal Reserve will take its foot off the gas in raising US interest rates -- and optimism that China and the United States will eventually hammer out a deal to resolve their long-running trade war -- provided support. The US, the world's biggest economy, added 304,000 new posts in January, almost double what was expected and the strongest reading for almost a year, while growth in pay held steady above inflation. All three main indices on Wall Street ended with gains Friday, which filtered through to Asia.

Pound falls as PM May plans fresh Brexit assault

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