Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May launched a tour of European capitals on Tuesday in a desperate bid to salvage her Brexit deal, a day after delaying a parliamentary vote on the text to avoid a crushing defeat.

May held talks in The Hague with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte before heading to Berlin to meet Chancellor Angela Merkel as she struggles to unite British lawmakers behind her faltering plan.

She was then to see EU President Donald Tusk and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels.

"I'm surprised because we had reached an agreement on the 25th of November" at the last EU summit, Juncker told the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, dubbing Brexit a "surprise guest" at this week's summit.

"The deal we have achieved is the best deal possible, it's the only deal possible. There is no room whatsoever for renegotiation but of course there is room, if used intelligently, to give further clarification and further interpretations," he said.

'A political declaration'&nbsp;

Tusk said the other 27 EU leaders would discuss Brexit at a special meeting on Thursday, at the start of a pre-planned summit in Brussels which May will attend.

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told national broadcaster RTE that Dublin ruled out changes to the wording of the withdrawal agreement but said there could be "a political declaration coming from a European Council".

"The Irish government doesn't have an issue with providing reassurance if that's helpful," he said.

The embattled May is facing a rebellion in her own party and from parliamentary allies over a clause in the deal relating to Northern Ireland that is threatening to sink both the agreement and her leadership.

"I will now do everything I possibly can to secure further assurances," May told mutinous MPs Monday on her dash to Europe ahead of the EU summit.

If no deal is secured, Britain will still have to leave the EU on March 29 with the government warning a no-deal Brexit will be hugely damaging to the economy.

Anand Menon, a European politics professor at King's College, London, said May needed Brussels to make it "absolutely clear" no major concessions are on offer -- no matter who is prime minister.

"What they might do is add some language to the political declaration, not the withdrawal agreement," he added.&nbsp; 
"I imagine they'll add some language saying that both sides remain convinced that we'll never need to use the backstop".

Lawmaker outrage

MPs had been due to vote on Tuesday on the deal with Brussels, which covers the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union after 46 years.

But facing a huge rebellion of her own Tory MPs, primarily over the backstop clause designed to keep open Britain's border with Ireland, May conceded she expected to lose and delayed it.

The decision sent the pound plunging and both sides said they would step up preparations for a no-deal Brexit.

May suffered a barage of scathing headlines on Tuesday, with the Sun calling her move a "Brexmas Turkey" while the Guardian called it "desperate".

The right-leaning Daily Telegraph carried the headline "the lady is for turning", an uncomplimentary comparison to former leader Margaret Thatcher.

Government 'in complete disarray'

In a sign of the uproar, an opposition Labour MP was ejected from the House of Commons after picking up the ceremonial mace in protest at the government's conduct.

The mace -- a symbol of royal authority required to sit in its place for parliament to pass laws -- was last taken from its place in protest in 2009.

Leader of the House and Tory MP Andrea Leadsom defended May on Tuesday saying she was aiming to secure "legally-binding reassurances" that Britain would not be indefinitely stuck in a backstop customs arrangement.

"The EU is always in a position where it negotiates at the last possible moment," she told BBC Radio 4.

She said the assurances could take the form of "an addendum".

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is facing calls to table a no-confidence vote in the prime minister.

"The government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray," he said.

But Labour said it would hold off on trying to unseat May for now.

Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May launched a tour of European capitals on Tuesday in a desperate bid to salvage her Brexit deal, a day after delaying a parliamentary vote on the text to avoid a crushing defeat.

Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May launched a tour of European capitals on Tuesday in a desperate bid to salvage her Brexit deal, a day after delaying a parliamentary vote on the text to avoid a crushing defeat. May held talks in The Hague with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte before heading to Berlin to meet Chancellor Angela Merkel as she struggles to unite British lawmakers behind her faltering plan. She was then to see EU President Donald Tusk and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels. "I'm surprised because we had reached an agreement on the 25th of November" at the last EU summit, Juncker told the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, dubbing Brexit a "surprise guest" at this week's summit. "The deal we have achieved is the best deal possible, it's the only deal possible. There is no room whatsoever for renegotiation but of course there is room, if used intelligently, to give further clarification and further interpretations," he said. 'A political declaration' Tusk said the other 27 EU leaders would discuss Brexit at a special meeting on Thursday, at the start of a pre-planned summit in Brussels which May will attend. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney told national broadcaster RTE that Dublin ruled out changes to the wording of the withdrawal agreement but said there could be "a political declaration coming from a European Council". "The Irish government doesn't have an issue with providing reassurance if that's helpful," he said. The embattled May is facing a rebellion in her own party and from parliamentary allies over a clause in the deal relating to Northern Ireland that is threatening to sink both the agreement and her leadership. "I will now do everything I possibly can to secure further assurances," May told mutinous MPs Monday on her dash to Europe ahead of the EU summit. If no deal is secured, Britain will still have to leave the EU on March 29 with the government warning a no-deal Brexit will be hugely damaging to the economy. Anand Menon, a European politics professor at King's College, London, said May needed Brussels to make it "absolutely clear" no major concessions are on offer -- no matter who is prime minister. "What they might do is add some language to the political declaration, not the withdrawal agreement," he added. "I imagine they'll add some language saying that both sides remain convinced that we'll never need to use the backstop". Lawmaker outrage MPs had been due to vote on Tuesday on the deal with Brussels, which covers the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union after 46 years. But facing a huge rebellion of her own Tory MPs, primarily over the backstop clause designed to keep open Britain's border with Ireland, May conceded she expected to lose and delayed it. The decision sent the pound plunging and both sides said they would step up preparations for a no-deal Brexit. May suffered a barage of scathing headlines on Tuesday, with the Sun calling her move a "Brexmas Turkey" while the Guardian called it "desperate". The right-leaning Daily Telegraph carried the headline "the lady is for turning", an uncomplimentary comparison to former leader Margaret Thatcher. Government 'in complete disarray' In a sign of the uproar, an opposition Labour MP was ejected from the House of Commons after picking up the ceremonial mace in protest at the government's conduct. The mace -- a symbol of royal authority required to sit in its place for parliament to pass laws -- was last taken from its place in protest in 2009. Leader of the House and Tory MP Andrea Leadsom defended May on Tuesday saying she was aiming to secure "legally-binding reassurances" that Britain would not be indefinitely stuck in a backstop customs arrangement. "The EU is always in a position where it negotiates at the last possible moment," she told BBC Radio 4. She said the assurances could take the form of "an addendum". Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is facing calls to table a no-confidence vote in the prime minister. "The government has lost control of events and is in complete disarray," he said. But Labour said it would hold off on trying to unseat May for now.

May tours Europe in desperate bid to save Brexit deal

Asian markets sank Monday as investors juggle a number of negative issues that have fuelled worries about the global outlook.

The China-US trade row, the Huawei crisis, signs of weakness in the Chinese and US economies, and<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-says-brexit-deal-defeat-could-topple-uk-government-182705"> Brexit </a>are among the key matters depressing equities, though there was some upbeat news in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-is-allying-with-russia-to-shore-up-oil-prices-as-opecs-power-wanes-182621">OPEC</a>'s decision to slash crude production.

On Sunday, China summoned the US ambassador to protest at the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-should-withdraw-arrest-warrant-for-huawei-executive-182747"> arrest of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou</a> in Canada last week over allegations of fraud linked to the breaking of Iran sanctions.

An angry China has demanded Washington drop its extradition request, as investors fret that the arrest could throw a spanner in the works of a fragile trade war truce between Beijing and Washington.

"Huawei... will likely remain in the headlines for some time as China continues to pressure both Canada and US to withdraw charges," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA.

"It's more than apparent that US-China tensions are well beyond trade. And when combined with the fact 'tariffs-limbo' is likely to extend well into 2019, uncertainty is expected to remain high, and could still explode into a full-blown trade war."

Still, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said he did not expect the arrest to disrupt the talks.

Lighthizer, the man leading trade negotiations with China, also said he did not expect to see an extension past the March 1 deadline for a deal between the world's top two economies.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed this month to a 90-day ceasefire in the multi-billion-dollar tariffs row that will allow officials to find a resolution. A threatened hike in levies on Chinese imports will be imposed if there is no agreement is reached.

Equity markets, which have been buffeted by the trade row this year&nbsp;and were hammered by the arrest last week were down on Monday, tracking heavy losses in New York.

Weak data&nbsp;

Shanghai fell 0.7 per cent, Hong Kong shed 1.7 per cent and Tokyo lost 2.3 per cent by the break. Sydney shed two per cent, Singapore gave up 1.3 per cent and Seoul gave up 1.1 per cent. There were also losses for Manila, Taipei and Wellington.

Adding to investor unease was Chinese data showing growth in exports and imports both slowed in November while factory inflation slowed indicating demand remains weak. Also, the trade surplus with the US a key point of irritation for Trump ballooned to a record last month despite the imposition of tariffs.

"Although the resumption of trade negotiations between China and the US may reduce the risk of further escalation of trade friction, China's domestic and external demand are under downward pressure," said China International Capital Corporation economist Liu Liu.

That came after the US on Friday said job creation slowed and came in a lot lower than expected, while the International Monetary Fund's top economist warned the world's top economy would see growth slow next year.

"Uncertainty about US-China relations couple with concerns about the health of the US economy is hurting risk assets across the board," said Innes. "Indeed, market sentiment remains fragile, and the US November employment report didn't precisely provide a rosy outlook for the health of the US economy."

Oil prices were boosted after OPEC and other key producers including Russia agreed at the weekend to cut output by 1.2 million barrels a day.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said the agreement "should help the market reach a balance" after prices plunged by about a third from their four-year highs seen at the start of October

The news lifted energy firms, with PetroChina jumping one per cent in Hong Kong and Inpex 0.8 per cent higher in Tokyo.

Attention is now on Tuesday's key vote in Westminster, where Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win over MPs to back her Brexit agreement.

There is talk that if she fails, her government will be toppled and the country could see another general election, fuelling further uncertainty.

Asian markets sank Monday as investors juggle a number of negative issues that have fuelled worries about the global outlook. The China-US trade row, the Huawei crisis, signs of weakness in the Chinese and US economies, and Brexit are among the key matters depressing equities, though there was some upbeat news in OPEC's decision to slash crude production.

Asian markets sank Monday as investors juggle a number of negative issues that have fuelled worries about the global outlook. The China-US trade row, the Huawei crisis, signs of weakness in the Chinese and US economies, and Brexit are among the key matters depressing equities, though there was some upbeat news in OPEC's decision to slash crude production. On Sunday, China summoned the US ambassador to protest at the arrest of top Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada last week over allegations of fraud linked to the breaking of Iran sanctions. An angry China has demanded Washington drop its extradition request, as investors fret that the arrest could throw a spanner in the works of a fragile trade war truce between Beijing and Washington. "Huawei... will likely remain in the headlines for some time as China continues to pressure both Canada and US to withdraw charges," said Stephen Innes, head of Asia-Pacific trade at OANDA. "It's more than apparent that US-China tensions are well beyond trade. And when combined with the fact 'tariffs-limbo' is likely to extend well into 2019, uncertainty is expected to remain high, and could still explode into a full-blown trade war." Still, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said he did not expect the arrest to disrupt the talks. Lighthizer, the man leading trade negotiations with China, also said he did not expect to see an extension past the March 1 deadline for a deal between the world's top two economies. Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed this month to a 90-day ceasefire in the multi-billion-dollar tariffs row that will allow officials to find a resolution. A threatened hike in levies on Chinese imports will be imposed if there is no agreement is reached. Equity markets, which have been buffeted by the trade row this year and were hammered by the arrest last week were down on Monday, tracking heavy losses in New York. Weak data Shanghai fell 0.7 per cent, Hong Kong shed 1.7 per cent and Tokyo lost 2.3 per cent by the break. Sydney shed two per cent, Singapore gave up 1.3 per cent and Seoul gave up 1.1 per cent. There were also losses for Manila, Taipei and Wellington. Adding to investor unease was Chinese data showing growth in exports and imports both slowed in November while factory inflation slowed indicating demand remains weak. Also, the trade surplus with the US a key point of irritation for Trump ballooned to a record last month despite the imposition of tariffs. "Although the resumption of trade negotiations between China and the US may reduce the risk of further escalation of trade friction, China's domestic and external demand are under downward pressure," said China International Capital Corporation economist Liu Liu. That came after the US on Friday said job creation slowed and came in a lot lower than expected, while the International Monetary Fund's top economist warned the world's top economy would see growth slow next year. "Uncertainty about US-China relations couple with concerns about the health of the US economy is hurting risk assets across the board," said Innes. "Indeed, market sentiment remains fragile, and the US November employment report didn't precisely provide a rosy outlook for the health of the US economy." Oil prices were boosted after OPEC and other key producers including Russia agreed at the weekend to cut output by 1.2 million barrels a day. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said the agreement "should help the market reach a balance" after prices plunged by about a third from their four-year highs seen at the start of October The news lifted energy firms, with PetroChina jumping one per cent in Hong Kong and Inpex 0.8 per cent higher in Tokyo. Attention is now on Tuesday's key vote in Westminster, where Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win over MPs to back her Brexit agreement. There is talk that if she fails, her government will be toppled and the country could see another general election, fuelling further uncertainty.

Asia markets tumble as dealers buffeted by negative issues

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-resigns-cites-personal-reasons-182915">RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons'</a>

RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons".&nbsp;

"On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement.&nbsp;

Pointedly, he did not mention the finance ministry or the government in his statement.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/legal-team-will-take-proper-steps-over-whatever-judgement-is-pronounced-mallya-182872">UK court orders Vijay Mallya's extradition to India, CBI says 'we welcome the verdict'</a>

UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India.

According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in the High Court.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-will-continue-to-lend-full-support-to-people-of-kashmir-imran-khan-182917">Pakistan will continue to lend full support to people of Kashmir: Imran Khan</a>

Pakistan would continue to lend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday.&nbsp;

Khan's remarks came in a message on the Human Rights Day which is observed every year on December 10.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/had-bitter-experience-tried-putting-forth-my-words-while-in-nda-rlsp-chief-upendra-kushwaha-quits-as-union-minister-pulls-out-from-nda-182866">'Bihar is still where it was,' RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha says after pulling out of NDA</a>

RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha quit as union minister on Monday and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance.&nbsp;

The minister stated that he has had a "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts".&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-insists-will-not-renegotiate-brexit-deal-182934">EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal</a>

The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament.

"Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons' RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately.

RBI Governor Urjit Patel resigns, says it's for 'personal reasons' RBI Governor Urjit Patel has resigned, saying he was doing so for "personal reasons". "On account of personal reasons, I have decided to step down from my current position (RBI Governor) effective immediately. It has been my privilege and honour to serve in the Reserve Bank of India in various capacities over the years," Patel said in a statement. Pointedly, he did not mention the finance ministry or the government in his statement. UK court orders Vijay Mallya's extradition to India, CBI says 'we welcome the verdict' UK's Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. According to reports, Mallya has 14 days to appeal his extradition in the High Court. Pakistan will continue to lend full support to people of Kashmir: Imran Khan Pakistan would continue to lend full diplomatic, political and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. Khan's remarks came in a message on the Human Rights Day which is observed every year on December 10. 'Bihar is still where it was,' RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha says after pulling out of NDA RLSP Chief Upendra Kushwaha quit as union minister on Monday and stated that his party will no longer be a part of the National Democratic Alliance. The minister stated that he has had a "bitter experience" with the BJP, adding that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar "has done injustice to people of all fronts". EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament. "Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-through-london-in-support-of-brexit-ahead-of-crucial-vote-182758">Brexit</a> divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament.

"Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with the president of the commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, on Sunday to give him "an update on the state of play" as she prepares to take the deal to parliament.

And earlier Monday, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-court-rules-britain-can-revoke-brexit-unilaterally-182854">European Court of Justice</a> ruled that Britain has the unilateral right to withdraw its plan to leave the European Union if it so decides before Brexit day at the end of March.

But Andreeva said the court decision does not alter the European negotiating position.

"We have an agreement on the table that was endorsed by the EU Council in Article 50 format on the 25th of November. As president Juncker said, this deal is the best and only deal possible. We will not renegotiate," she said.&nbsp;

The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament.

The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament. "Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters. British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with the president of the commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, on Sunday to give him "an update on the state of play" as she prepares to take the deal to parliament. And earlier Monday, the European Court of Justice ruled that Britain has the unilateral right to withdraw its plan to leave the European Union if it so decides before Brexit day at the end of March. But Andreeva said the court decision does not alter the European negotiating position. "We have an agreement on the table that was endorsed by the EU Council in Article 50 format on the 25th of November. As president Juncker said, this deal is the best and only deal possible. We will not renegotiate," she said.

EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal

Ahead of a crucial vote on Britain's divorce deal with the European Union (EU), thousands of protesters marched through London in support of Brexit on Sunday amid tight security measures in place by Scotland Yard.

The pro-Brexit march through London, dubbed the "Brexit Betrayal" march, was met by a counter-protest at the same time but taking different routes.

The Metropolitan Police had earlier urged protesters to keep their demonstrations peaceful but indicated it is taking no chances against the backdrop of some violent clashes during the "Yellow Vests" street protests in the neighbouring French city of Paris over the weekend.

The march comes days before a crunch vote in the Parliament on the Withdrawal Agreement struck by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-says-brexit-deal-defeat-could-topple-uk-government-182705">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s government with the European Union on December 11.

May on Sunday warned that parliament's rejection of her Brexit deal could leave Britain in the EU and bring the opposition Labour Party to power.

Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29 next year under the Article 50 process set in motion after the referendum over two years ago.

Under the deal struck by the British prime minister with the EU, the UK would be able to negotiate trade deals with other countries, including India, during the transition period after Brexit day, but would not be able to implement them until the end of the planned 21-month transition period, which itself could be extended.

May is facing her biggest crisis since coming to power a month after Britain voted by a 52-48 margin in June 2016 to leave the EU after 46 years.

Commenting on Sunday's protests, Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said, "the right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption."

"Experience has shown us that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder, not just on the day itself but in the longer term,? he said, adding that the force would "adopt a robust arrest policy on anyone who attends and is intent on violence and disorder".

The Met Police has said it would keep the two rival sides apart by issuing two separate routes for them to follow through the West End. The conditions have been imposed under Section 12 and 14 of the UK's Public Order Act, 1986.

Far-right group English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson has joined the pro-Brexit march called by the anti-Europe UK Independence Party (UKIP), with the counter-protesters including groups like Unite Against Fascism and grassroots group Momentum rallying together against the "far-right extremists".

UKIP said its march against the "Brexit Betrayal" would be "the largest pro-Brexit event of the year".

Some of their banners refer to politicians committing "treason", also referring to the British prime minister, Theresa May, "Treason May".

"Be there to show you want to Dump the Deal and that Brexit means Exit," said UKIP leader Gerard Batten, who has angered members of his own party by appointing Robinson as an adviser.

UKIP's prominent former leader, Nigel Farage, had stepped down from the party recently expressing his anger at the party's swing towards extreme right-wing politics.

"This march isn't about Brexit, it's about far-right extremists dressing up in suits and pretending to be respectable," said Opposition Labour Party's shadow chancellor John McDonnell, as he called on people to take to the streets against the poison of the far-right.

Meanwhile, a rally is also taking place in London organised by pro-EU group Best for Britain and the People's Vote campaign for another referendum to revisit the June 2016 vote in favour of Brexit ahead of a crucial House of Commons vote on Prime Minister May's controversial Withdrawal Agreement struck with the European Union.

Ahead of a crucial vote on Britain's divorce deal with the European Union (EU), thousands of protesters marched through London in support of Brexit on Sunday amid tight security measures in place by Scotland Yard.

Ahead of a crucial vote on Britain's divorce deal with the European Union (EU), thousands of protesters marched through London in support of Brexit on Sunday amid tight security measures in place by Scotland Yard. The pro-Brexit march through London, dubbed the "Brexit Betrayal" march, was met by a counter-protest at the same time but taking different routes. The Metropolitan Police had earlier urged protesters to keep their demonstrations peaceful but indicated it is taking no chances against the backdrop of some violent clashes during the "Yellow Vests" street protests in the neighbouring French city of Paris over the weekend. The march comes days before a crunch vote in the Parliament on the Withdrawal Agreement struck by Prime Minister Theresa May's government with the European Union on December 11. May on Sunday warned that parliament's rejection of her Brexit deal could leave Britain in the EU and bring the opposition Labour Party to power. Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29 next year under the Article 50 process set in motion after the referendum over two years ago. Under the deal struck by the British prime minister with the EU, the UK would be able to negotiate trade deals with other countries, including India, during the transition period after Brexit day, but would not be able to implement them until the end of the planned 21-month transition period, which itself could be extended. May is facing her biggest crisis since coming to power a month after Britain voted by a 52-48 margin in June 2016 to leave the EU after 46 years. Commenting on Sunday's protests, Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said, "the right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption." "Experience has shown us that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder, not just on the day itself but in the longer term,? he said, adding that the force would "adopt a robust arrest policy on anyone who attends and is intent on violence and disorder". The Met Police has said it would keep the two rival sides apart by issuing two separate routes for them to follow through the West End. The conditions have been imposed under Section 12 and 14 of the UK's Public Order Act, 1986. Far-right group English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson has joined the pro-Brexit march called by the anti-Europe UK Independence Party (UKIP), with the counter-protesters including groups like Unite Against Fascism and grassroots group Momentum rallying together against the "far-right extremists". UKIP said its march against the "Brexit Betrayal" would be "the largest pro-Brexit event of the year". Some of their banners refer to politicians committing "treason", also referring to the British prime minister, Theresa May, "Treason May". "Be there to show you want to Dump the Deal and that Brexit means Exit," said UKIP leader Gerard Batten, who has angered members of his own party by appointing Robinson as an adviser. UKIP's prominent former leader, Nigel Farage, had stepped down from the party recently expressing his anger at the party's swing towards extreme right-wing politics. "This march isn't about Brexit, it's about far-right extremists dressing up in suits and pretending to be respectable," said Opposition Labour Party's shadow chancellor John McDonnell, as he called on people to take to the streets against the poison of the far-right. Meanwhile, a rally is also taking place in London organised by pro-EU group Best for Britain and the People's Vote campaign for another referendum to revisit the June 2016 vote in favour of Brexit ahead of a crucial House of Commons vote on Prime Minister May's controversial Withdrawal Agreement struck with the European Union.

Thousands protest through London in support of Brexit ahead of crucial vote

Breaking News: Brexit can be revoked unilaterally, says UK court

The European Court of Justice ruled Monday that Britain could halt withdrawal from the EU without seeking the approval of fellow member states, in a victory for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-through-london-in-support-of-brexit-ahead-of-crucial-vote-182758">anti-Brexit campaigners</a>.

"The United Kingdom is free to revoke unilaterally the notification of its intention to withdraw from the EU," the European Court of Justice said, in response to a suit from a group of Scottish politicians.

"Such a revocation, decided in accordance with its own national constitutional requirements, would have the effect that the United Kingdom remains in the EU under terms that are unchanged as regards its status as a member State," the court ruled.

Following a 2016 referendum, Britain declared its intention to quit the European Union on March 29 last year, triggering the "Article 50" EU treaty procedure that would see it definitively leave two years later, on the same date next year.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government insists it has no intention of halting the process and has agreed a draft withdrawal agreement with the 27 remaining member states.

The withdrawal agreement is expected to go before the British parliament for approval on Tuesday.

If, as appears likely, it is rejected it would raise fears that Britain could crash out of the union on March 29 without a deal or that it could revoke or postpone Brexit in order to hold another referendum.

The court's ruling will be welcomed by campaigners for a second referendum, but May's government insists it has no intention of reversing course, whatever the court in Luxembourg might say.

"We don't want to stay in the EU. We voted very clearly," Environment Secretary Michael Gove, an influential cabinet Brexiteer, told BBC radio.

"This case is all very well but it doesn't alter either the result of the referendum or the clear intention of the government to leave.

"It's the intent of the government to honour that referendum mandate."

The European Court of Justice ruled Monday that Britain could halt withdrawal from the EU without seeking the approval of fellow member states, in a victory for anti-Brexit campaigners.

The European Court of Justice ruled Monday that Britain could halt withdrawal from the EU without seeking the approval of fellow member states, in a victory for anti-Brexit campaigners. "The United Kingdom is free to revoke unilaterally the notification of its intention to withdraw from the EU," the European Court of Justice said, in response to a suit from a group of Scottish politicians. "Such a revocation, decided in accordance with its own national constitutional requirements, would have the effect that the United Kingdom remains in the EU under terms that are unchanged as regards its status as a member State," the court ruled. Following a 2016 referendum, Britain declared its intention to quit the European Union on March 29 last year, triggering the "Article 50" EU treaty procedure that would see it definitively leave two years later, on the same date next year. British Prime Minister Theresa May's government insists it has no intention of halting the process and has agreed a draft withdrawal agreement with the 27 remaining member states. The withdrawal agreement is expected to go before the British parliament for approval on Tuesday. If, as appears likely, it is rejected it would raise fears that Britain could crash out of the union on March 29 without a deal or that it could revoke or postpone Brexit in order to hold another referendum. The court's ruling will be welcomed by campaigners for a second referendum, but May's government insists it has no intention of reversing course, whatever the court in Luxembourg might say. "We don't want to stay in the EU. We voted very clearly," Environment Secretary Michael Gove, an influential cabinet Brexiteer, told BBC radio. "This case is all very well but it doesn't alter either the result of the referendum or the clear intention of the government to leave. "It's the intent of the government to honour that referendum mandate."

EU Court rules Britain can revoke Brexit unilaterally

Brexit is imminent. Everybody knows that Brexit means Britain's exit from the European Union and the world is debating over its implications on immigration, trade etc. which will be affected after Theresa May's government and the British Parliament agrees to economically split from mainland Europe. 
&nbsp; 
The government-level talks are going on, while, the discussion is limited when it comes to Brexit and&nbsp;football.

Britain's top-flight football league and probably the best football league in the world - English Premier League (EPL) will be hit if 'Hard Brexit' is delivered by the government.

A 'hard' exit from the EU would see tighter regulations regarding the movement of goods and people. If restrictions are placed on the movement of players, then attendance of players like, French player N'golo Kante and Algerian Riyad Mahrez will be doubtful.&nbsp;

So far, the Premier League clubs have been able to sign players without work permits from within the European Economic Area (EEA) and players from outside the EEA must satisfy strict criteria to gain a work permit.

How Brexit will impact the Premier league?

To be exact, 53.4 per cent of England voted to leave EU but when we break it down to cities, it will give us a fair idea whether the clubs want Brexit or not.

The highest ranked football clubs are present in cities like Liverpool, City of London, Manchester etc, and they voted to remain in the EU.

EU referendum results:

City of London (Turnout: 73.5%): Leave 24.7% | Remain 75.3% 
Liverpool (Turnout: 65.0%): Leave 41.8% | Remain 58.2% 
Manchester (Turnout: 59.7%): Leave 39.6% | Remain 60.4% 
Leicester (Turnout: 65.0%): Leave 48.9% | Remain 51.1%

Burnley chairman Mike Garlick and his Stoke counterpart Peter Coates have claimed that Brexit could be "hugely damaging" to English football.

Like them, there were several people who have come forward to deny Brexit's impact because the owners earn a huge amount of money from transfers and marketing of big names.

There is no denying the fact that a huge number of talent arrives from Europe, as top football talent lies in the mainland and major European teams belong in the top flight.

But it will give an opportunity for other continents which are working to encourage football.

English clubs might be able to scout more proactively in South America or Asia, where clubs from Spain and Germany currently get good value for money.&nbsp;

It may also put more pressure on English clubs to develop and provide opportunities for academy talent, who come at a lower cost than recruited players, remember David Beckham belonged to the Manchester youth team, so did other England greats - Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen came from Liverpool FC Reserves and Academy, Wayne Rooney came from Everton Academy.

The fear of relegation and its financial consequences will always put pressure on Premier League clubs to spend, but extra options from the academy and new markets would help reduce the premium English clubs pay burden.&nbsp;

Brexit will definitely affect English clubs but at the very least it will ultimately be a push factor for change.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Brexit is imminent. Everybody knows that Brexit means Britain's exit from the European Union and the world is debating over its implications on immigration, trade etc.

Brexit is imminent. Everybody knows that Brexit means Britain's exit from the European Union and the world is debating over its implications on immigration, trade etc. which will be affected after Theresa May's government and the British Parliament agrees to economically split from mainland Europe. The government-level talks are going on, while, the discussion is limited when it comes to Brexit and football. Britain's top-flight football league and probably the best football league in the world - English Premier League (EPL) will be hit if 'Hard Brexit' is delivered by the government. A 'hard' exit from the EU would see tighter regulations regarding the movement of goods and people. If restrictions are placed on the movement of players, then attendance of players like, French player N'golo Kante and Algerian Riyad Mahrez will be doubtful. So far, the Premier League clubs have been able to sign players without work permits from within the European Economic Area (EEA) and players from outside the EEA must satisfy strict criteria to gain a work permit. How Brexit will impact the Premier league? To be exact, 53.4 per cent of England voted to leave EU but when we break it down to cities, it will give us a fair idea whether the clubs want Brexit or not. The highest ranked football clubs are present in cities like Liverpool, City of London, Manchester etc, and they voted to remain in the EU. EU referendum results: City of London (Turnout: 73.5%): Leave 24.7% | Remain 75.3% Liverpool (Turnout: 65.0%): Leave 41.8% | Remain 58.2% Manchester (Turnout: 59.7%): Leave 39.6% | Remain 60.4% Leicester (Turnout: 65.0%): Leave 48.9% | Remain 51.1% Burnley chairman Mike Garlick and his Stoke counterpart Peter Coates have claimed that Brexit could be "hugely damaging" to English football. Like them, there were several people who have come forward to deny Brexit's impact because the owners earn a huge amount of money from transfers and marketing of big names. There is no denying the fact that a huge number of talent arrives from Europe, as top football talent lies in the mainland and major European teams belong in the top flight. But it will give an opportunity for other continents which are working to encourage football. English clubs might be able to scout more proactively in South America or Asia, where clubs from Spain and Germany currently get good value for money. It may also put more pressure on English clubs to develop and provide opportunities for academy talent, who come at a lower cost than recruited players, remember David Beckham belonged to the Manchester youth team, so did other England greats - Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen came from Liverpool FC Reserves and Academy, Wayne Rooney came from Everton Academy. The fear of relegation and its financial consequences will always put pressure on Premier League clubs to spend, but extra options from the academy and new markets would help reduce the premium English clubs pay burden. Brexit will definitely affect English clubs but at the very least it will ultimately be a push factor for change. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Impact of Brexit on English Premier League

Britain's Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-may-hails-brexit-deal-but-her-mps-says-it-threatens-uks-unity-177389">Theresa May</a> is expected to delay Tuesday's key parliamentary vote on her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-says-no-brexit-is-an-alternative-to-draft-deal-177526">Brexit deal</a> and head to Brussels next week to demand better terms from the European Union, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

The newspaper cited "ministers and aides" who said they expected her to announce on Sunday that she was delaying the vote. It is widely expected she will lose and ministers are concerned that the scale of defeat would be such it could bring down her government.

May will head to Brussels next week to make a final appeal to the European Union to improve Britain's exit deal from the bloc, according to the newspaper, after warnings from ministers that better terms were needed to win lawmaker support.

May's spokesman said on Friday the vote would go ahead next week despite calls from some lawmakers for a delay.

With her own future in the balance, May has repeatedly insisted that her deal, which envisages continued close ties with the EU, is the only one on the table and that the alternatives are a painful 'no-deal' exit from the EU or possibly no Brexit at all.

But the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-work-and-pensions-minister-mcvey-quits-over-brexit-deal-177518"> pressure on May mounted over </a>the weekend after Conservative lawmaker Will Quince quit his government role on Saturday in opposition to her deal, and the Sunday Times said further resignations were expected.

One minister told the Sunday Times that he would quit if the vote went ahead, and the newspaper added that at least two Brexit-backing ministers and two members of the whips office were also on the verge of resigning.

The Sunday Times also said that some ministers were planning for a second referendum on EU membership, naming cabinet office minister David Lidington, and justice secretary, David Gauke, as those considering that as a possible outcome.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to delay Tuesday's key parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal and head to Brussels next week to demand better terms from the European Union, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to delay Tuesday's key parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal and head to Brussels next week to demand better terms from the European Union, the Sunday Times newspaper reported. The newspaper cited "ministers and aides" who said they expected her to announce on Sunday that she was delaying the vote. It is widely expected she will lose and ministers are concerned that the scale of defeat would be such it could bring down her government. May will head to Brussels next week to make a final appeal to the European Union to improve Britain's exit deal from the bloc, according to the newspaper, after warnings from ministers that better terms were needed to win lawmaker support. May's spokesman said on Friday the vote would go ahead next week despite calls from some lawmakers for a delay. With her own future in the balance, May has repeatedly insisted that her deal, which envisages continued close ties with the EU, is the only one on the table and that the alternatives are a painful 'no-deal' exit from the EU or possibly no Brexit at all. But the pressure on May mounted over the weekend after Conservative lawmaker Will Quince quit his government role on Saturday in opposition to her deal, and the Sunday Times said further resignations were expected. One minister told the Sunday Times that he would quit if the vote went ahead, and the newspaper added that at least two Brexit-backing ministers and two members of the whips office were also on the verge of resigning. The Sunday Times also said that some ministers were planning for a second referendum on EU membership, naming cabinet office minister David Lidington, and justice secretary, David Gauke, as those considering that as a possible outcome.

UK PM May expected to delay Brexit vote, demand better deal: Report

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was condemned as "a huge step into the unknown" by a committee of lawmakers responsible for scrutinising it, in the latest blow to her efforts to win parliamentary approval for it this week.&nbsp;

May is battling to win support for a Brexit deal which will define both the UK`s departure from the bloc and her future as leader. Current forecasts suggest she will lose the vote in parliament on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The critical report by the cross-party Committee on Exiting the European Union, agreed unanimously and published on Sunday, will help lawmakers decide how to vote, said the committee's chairman Hilary Benn.

"This deal would represent a huge step into the unknown," added Benn.

"It does not give the British people or our businesses the clarity and the certainty they need about our future trading relationship with the EU in five or ten years` time."

A summary of the report listed over a dozen problems with the deal in its current form including the backstop - the mechanism intended to ensure there is no return to a hard border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland, an element of the deal which has come in for some of the heaviest lawmaker criticism.

"Activating the backstop would result in immediate barriers to UK-EU trade in goods and services ... the UK could face the threat of significant economic disruption which would reduce its leverage in the negotiations," the report said.&nbsp;

It also said May`s deal had avoided making choices about the future relationship with the EU, meaning that negotiations would be needed which would likely go on for "a number of years".&nbsp;

The deal did not set out realistic or workable objectives for the future relationship between Britain and the EU, it added.&nbsp;

"If the government`s main priority is to secure EU-UK trade that is as frictionless as possible, it must decide how far it is willing to follow EU rules. This is not a choice the government has so far been willing to make," the report said.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was condemned as "a huge step into the unknown" by a committee of lawmakers responsible for scrutinising it, in the latest blow to her efforts to win parliamentary approval for it this week.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was condemned as "a huge step into the unknown" by a committee of lawmakers responsible for scrutinising it, in the latest blow to her efforts to win parliamentary approval for it this week. May is battling to win support for a Brexit deal which will define both the UK`s departure from the bloc and her future as leader. Current forecasts suggest she will lose the vote in parliament on Tuesday. The critical report by the cross-party Committee on Exiting the European Union, agreed unanimously and published on Sunday, will help lawmakers decide how to vote, said the committee's chairman Hilary Benn. "This deal would represent a huge step into the unknown," added Benn. "It does not give the British people or our businesses the clarity and the certainty they need about our future trading relationship with the EU in five or ten years` time." A summary of the report listed over a dozen problems with the deal in its current form including the backstop - the mechanism intended to ensure there is no return to a hard border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland, an element of the deal which has come in for some of the heaviest lawmaker criticism. "Activating the backstop would result in immediate barriers to UK-EU trade in goods and services ... the UK could face the threat of significant economic disruption which would reduce its leverage in the negotiations," the report said. It also said May`s deal had avoided making choices about the future relationship with the EU, meaning that negotiations would be needed which would likely go on for "a number of years". The deal did not set out realistic or workable objectives for the future relationship between Britain and the EU, it added. "If the government`s main priority is to secure EU-UK trade that is as frictionless as possible, it must decide how far it is willing to follow EU rules. This is not a choice the government has so far been willing to make," the report said.

Brexit lawmakers' committee slams May's deal in latest blow ahead of vote

By Oliver Patel

Stopping Brexit is possible, but it’s complicated. I’m not arguing here that no Brexit is going to happen, only that it is legally and practically possible, and recent events render it slightly more likely.

The only way Brexit can be stopped is if the Article 50 notification, triggered in March 2017 to begin the UK’s departure from the EU, is revoked. Under EU law, once Article 50 is triggered, the departing state automatically leaves the EU after two years, unless Article 50 is extended.

Unfortunately, the short text of Article 50 doesn’t say whether the departing state can unilaterally revoke its notification to leave, or whether the consent of the remaining EU member states is required. A case, currently under consideration by the European Court of Justice (CJEU), will determine just that.

On December 4, the advocate general, Campos Sánchez-Bordona, issued his opinion to the court, arguing that Article 50 is unilaterally revocable. He argued that if the consent of the EU27 was required, this could lead to the departing state being forced to leave the EU against its will, which would be unacceptable.

If the CJEU upholds this opinion in its final judgement due on December 10 – which is not guaranteed – the UK would be able to revoke Article 50 unilaterally, provided it was acting in good faith.

Changes needed to UK law

A revocation of Article 50 would have to be initiated by the UK. It’s anticipated that parliamentary approval, via an act of parliament, would also be required to revoke Article 50, although some constitutional lawyers disagree. Even if parliamentary approval was not legally required, it’s difficult to imagine the government revoking Article 50 without parliament’s backing.

The June 2016 referendum imposed no legal obligation on the government to implement the result. However, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 sets the date of Brexit as March 29, 2019 in law. Crucially, it also repeals the European Communities Act 1972, which is the legislation that brought the UK into the EU. This means that a change in UK law is also required to stop Brexit.

So, to stop Brexit, Article 50 would need to be revoked, and, after that, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 must be repealed. Even if parliamentary approval is not required for the former, it is for the latter.

A new mandate from the public

In the UK’s democracy, parliament is sovereign and it would be entitled to try and stop Brexit if it wanted. Still, it’s implausible to imagine this parliament, or any future parliament, trying to stop Brexit without some form of electoral mandate.

A general election or second referendum could provide one. The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 means that a general election is unlikely, as it would require two-thirds of MPs to vote in favour of one. Alternatively, a majority of MPs would need to vote in favour of a no-confidence motion against the government. If no new government can then be formed within 14 days, a general election would be triggered.

A second referendum is perhaps more likely. It would require primary legislation, and therefore the support of a majority of MPs. A referendum could come about via an amendment to the “meaningful vote” on the withdrawal agreement on December 11 which makes approval of it, or approval of the subsequent implementing legislation, conditional on a referendum.

A referendum could also emerge if MPs reject Theresa May’s deal. To avoid the UK leaving the EU without a deal – and if no better deal can be negotiated and win the support of parliament – MPs might then seek to force a second referendum to break the impasse.

Dominic Grieve’s amendment, passed on December 4 in a significant defeat for the government, makes such a move easier. By law, the government is required to produce a written statement to MPs outlining its plan, within 21 days of the deal being rejected.

MPs then vote on a motion on the basis of that statement. Grieve’s amendment now enables MPs to table amendments to this motion, thereby giving them much more political control over what happens next if the deal is voted down. If at this stage, a majority of MPs support a second referendum, they could amend the motion to require one, and it could be politically impossible for the government to ignore their will.

A second referendum would require a minimum of 22 weeks to organise and hold. This means that Article 50 would need to be extended because there wouldn’t be enough time before the end of March 2019. It’s reasonable to assume that the EU would unanimously agree to an extension if it was for the purpose of a second referendum. The date of Brexit in UK law would also need to be amended, but this should not be a problem if a majority of MPs have voted for a second referendum.

High levels of uncertainty

The path to stopping Brexit is fraught with legal uncertainty and political controversy. Although it’s possible – and more likely now than a few days ago – it remains a highly uncertain prospect. May’s deal could pass, perhaps in a second vote if the first ends in defeat. No deal still remains the default outcome, and so cannot be ruled out. Crucially, the UK will automatically leave the EU on March 29, 2019, with or without a deal, unless Article 50 is extended or revoked.

Amid the uncertainty, what’s clear is that stopping Brexit requires a majority in parliament to change the law, force a second referendum or general election, and revoke Article 50. It also requires a cooperative and patient EU, to allow for an extension of Article 50 and potentially consent to its revocation. Finally, it requires a willing public, which is probably the biggest obstacle on the tumultuous path to stopping Brexit.

(Oliver Patel is Research Associate, UCL European Institute)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-is-it-possible-to-stop-it-107750">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

By Oliver Patel Stopping Brexit is possible, but it’s complicated. I’m not arguing here that no Brexit is going to happen, only that it is legally and practically possible, and recent events render it slightly more likely.

By Oliver Patel Stopping Brexit is possible, but it’s complicated. I’m not arguing here that no Brexit is going to happen, only that it is legally and practically possible, and recent events render it slightly more likely. The only way Brexit can be stopped is if the Article 50 notification, triggered in March 2017 to begin the UK’s departure from the EU, is revoked. Under EU law, once Article 50 is triggered, the departing state automatically leaves the EU after two years, unless Article 50 is extended. Unfortunately, the short text of Article 50 doesn’t say whether the departing state can unilaterally revoke its notification to leave, or whether the consent of the remaining EU member states is required. A case, currently under consideration by the European Court of Justice (CJEU), will determine just that. On December 4, the advocate general, Campos Sánchez-Bordona, issued his opinion to the court, arguing that Article 50 is unilaterally revocable. He argued that if the consent of the EU27 was required, this could lead to the departing state being forced to leave the EU against its will, which would be unacceptable. If the CJEU upholds this opinion in its final judgement due on December 10 – which is not guaranteed – the UK would be able to revoke Article 50 unilaterally, provided it was acting in good faith. Changes needed to UK law A revocation of Article 50 would have to be initiated by the UK. It’s anticipated that parliamentary approval, via an act of parliament, would also be required to revoke Article 50, although some constitutional lawyers disagree. Even if parliamentary approval was not legally required, it’s difficult to imagine the government revoking Article 50 without parliament’s backing. The June 2016 referendum imposed no legal obligation on the government to implement the result. However, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 sets the date of Brexit as March 29, 2019 in law. Crucially, it also repeals the European Communities Act 1972, which is the legislation that brought the UK into the EU. This means that a change in UK law is also required to stop Brexit. So, to stop Brexit, Article 50 would need to be revoked, and, after that, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 must be repealed. Even if parliamentary approval is not required for the former, it is for the latter. A new mandate from the public In the UK’s democracy, parliament is sovereign and it would be entitled to try and stop Brexit if it wanted. Still, it’s implausible to imagine this parliament, or any future parliament, trying to stop Brexit without some form of electoral mandate. A general election or second referendum could provide one. The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 means that a general election is unlikely, as it would require two-thirds of MPs to vote in favour of one. Alternatively, a majority of MPs would need to vote in favour of a no-confidence motion against the government. If no new government can then be formed within 14 days, a general election would be triggered. A second referendum is perhaps more likely. It would require primary legislation, and therefore the support of a majority of MPs. A referendum could come about via an amendment to the “meaningful vote” on the withdrawal agreement on December 11 which makes approval of it, or approval of the subsequent implementing legislation, conditional on a referendum. A referendum could also emerge if MPs reject Theresa May’s deal. To avoid the UK leaving the EU without a deal – and if no better deal can be negotiated and win the support of parliament – MPs might then seek to force a second referendum to break the impasse. Dominic Grieve’s amendment, passed on December 4 in a significant defeat for the government, makes such a move easier. By law, the government is required to produce a written statement to MPs outlining its plan, within 21 days of the deal being rejected. MPs then vote on a motion on the basis of that statement. Grieve’s amendment now enables MPs to table amendments to this motion, thereby giving them much more political control over what happens next if the deal is voted down. If at this stage, a majority of MPs support a second referendum, they could amend the motion to require one, and it could be politically impossible for the government to ignore their will. A second referendum would require a minimum of 22 weeks to organise and hold. This means that Article 50 would need to be extended because there wouldn’t be enough time before the end of March 2019. It’s reasonable to assume that the EU would unanimously agree to an extension if it was for the purpose of a second referendum. The date of Brexit in UK law would also need to be amended, but this should not be a problem if a majority of MPs have voted for a second referendum. High levels of uncertainty The path to stopping Brexit is fraught with legal uncertainty and political controversy. Although it’s possible – and more likely now than a few days ago – it remains a highly uncertain prospect. May’s deal could pass, perhaps in a second vote if the first ends in defeat. No deal still remains the default outcome, and so cannot be ruled out. Crucially, the UK will automatically leave the EU on March 29, 2019, with or without a deal, unless Article 50 is extended or revoked. Amid the uncertainty, what’s clear is that stopping Brexit requires a majority in parliament to change the law, force a second referendum or general election, and revoke Article 50. It also requires a cooperative and patient EU, to allow for an extension of Article 50 and potentially consent to its revocation. Finally, it requires a willing public, which is probably the biggest obstacle on the tumultuous path to stopping Brexit. (Oliver Patel is Research Associate, UCL European Institute) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Brexit: Is it possible to stop it?

Britain will struggle to achieve even modest economic growth next year unless the government secures an orderly<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mays-brexit-deal-under-fire-as-legal-advice-stiffens-opposition-181720"> Brexit </a>in March, the Confederation of British Industry said on Thursday.

The CBI said the world's fifth-largest economy would grow by 1.3 per cent in 2018, 1.4 per cent in 2019 and 1.6 per cent in 2020, little changed from its previous projections in June.

The forecasts were slightly weaker than those of the Bank of England.

The CBI said it was assuming that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-uk-government-found-in-contempt-of-parliament-181525">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> wins backing in parliament for her preferred plan for leaving the European Union, something which looks unlikely at a vote due on Dec. 11.

"A no-deal scenario would blow these figures out of the water," the CBI's director-general, Carolyn Fairbairn, said, reiterating her organisation's support for May's plan.

Last week, the BoE warned that a worst-case Brexit could deal a bigger blow to Britain than the 2008 financial crisis, shrinking the economy by as much as 8 per cent in a year.

Economists at US&nbsp;bank JP&nbsp;Morgan said on Wednesday the odds of Britain staying in the EU had risen to 40 per cent from 20 per cent, following parliamentary setbacks for May and the likelihood that the European Court of Justice will rule that Britain could unilaterally revoke its EU departure notice.

Before the 2016 referendum, the CBI argued that staying in the EU would be best for Britain's economy.

Whilst the CBI expects real wage growth to recover partially, it predicts living standards will not rise much, due to Britain's failure to tackle persistently weak productivity.

"Brexit has sucked the oxygen from the domestic agenda," Fairbairn said.

Britain will struggle to achieve even modest economic growth next year unless the government secures an orderly Brexit in March, the Confederation of British Industry said on Thursday.

Britain will struggle to achieve even modest economic growth next year unless the government secures an orderly Brexit in March, the Confederation of British Industry said on Thursday. The CBI said the world's fifth-largest economy would grow by 1.3 per cent in 2018, 1.4 per cent in 2019 and 1.6 per cent in 2020, little changed from its previous projections in June. The forecasts were slightly weaker than those of the Bank of England. The CBI said it was assuming that Prime Minister Theresa May wins backing in parliament for her preferred plan for leaving the European Union, something which looks unlikely at a vote due on Dec. 11. "A no-deal scenario would blow these figures out of the water," the CBI's director-general, Carolyn Fairbairn, said, reiterating her organisation's support for May's plan. Last week, the BoE warned that a worst-case Brexit could deal a bigger blow to Britain than the 2008 financial crisis, shrinking the economy by as much as 8 per cent in a year. Economists at US bank JP Morgan said on Wednesday the odds of Britain staying in the EU had risen to 40 per cent from 20 per cent, following parliamentary setbacks for May and the likelihood that the European Court of Justice will rule that Britain could unilaterally revoke its EU departure notice. Before the 2016 referendum, the CBI argued that staying in the EU would be best for Britain's economy. Whilst the CBI expects real wage growth to recover partially, it predicts living standards will not rise much, due to Britain's failure to tackle persistently weak productivity. "Brexit has sucked the oxygen from the domestic agenda," Fairbairn said.

UK economy risks severe damage without orderly Brexit: British industry

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-in-a-position-to-tell-us-what-to-do-says-saudi-arabia-on-oil-price-cut-181971">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-in-a-position-to-tell-us-what-to-do-says-saudi-arabia-on-oil-price-cut-181971"> not in a position to tell us what to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-in-a-position-to-tell-us-what-to-do-says-saudi-arabia-on-oil-price-cut-181971">do,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-in-a-position-to-tell-us-what-to-do-says-saudi-arabia-on-oil-price-cut-181971"> says Saudi Arabia on oil price cut</a>

In a move aimed at President Trump, Saudi Arabia's oil minister said the US should not try to dictate policy to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC.

President Trump in a tweet on Wednesday had said the world does not want to see, or need higher oil prices.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-long-standing-demand-of-sikhs-unfortunate-pak-tried-to-politicise-religious-issue-india-181940">Kartarpur corridor </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-long-standing-demand-of-sikhs-unfortunate-pak-tried-to-politicise-religious-issue-india-181940">long standing</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-long-standing-demand-of-sikhs-unfortunate-pak-tried-to-politicise-religious-issue-india-181940"> demand of Sikhs, unfortunate Pak tried to politicise religious issue: India</a>

India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) said today that India's protocol officers were denied entry for the Kartarpur ceremony.

"We see it as the fulfilment of the long-standing demand of the Sikh community. It is unfortunate that Pakistan attempted to politicised a religious issue," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/perpetrators-involved-in-chabahar-terror-attack-should-be-brought-to-justice-india-181926">Perpetrators involved in Chabahar terror attack should be brought to justice: India</a>

India today condemned the suicide attack on the Chabahar port in southeastern Iran in which at least three people were killed and several others were injured.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-immediate-release-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-181949">China urges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-immediate-release-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-181949">immediate</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-immediate-release-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-181949"> release of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou&nbsp;</a>

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday firmly opposed the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer in Vancouver, Canada and urged an immediate release of her.

Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou was detained in Canada at the request of the United States and the US is seeking her extradition.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/can-uk-renounce-brexit-eu-court-decides-monday-181916">Can </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/can-uk-renounce-brexit-eu-court-decides-monday-181916">UK</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/can-uk-renounce-brexit-eu-court-decides-monday-181916"> renounce Brexit? EU court to decide on Monday</a>

The European Court of Justice is expected to announce on Monday whether or not Britain can unilaterally halt its march towards Brexit, a day before a make-or-break vote by MPs on the divorce deal.

US not in a position to tell us what to do, says Saudi Arabia on oil price cut In a move aimed at President Trump, Saudi Arabia's oil minister said the US should not try to dictate policy to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC.

US not in a position to tell us what to do, says Saudi Arabia on oil price cut In a move aimed at President Trump, Saudi Arabia's oil minister said the US should not try to dictate policy to the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC. President Trump in a tweet on Wednesday had said the world does not want to see, or need higher oil prices. Kartarpur corridor long standing demand of Sikhs, unfortunate Pak tried to politicise religious issue: India India's ministry of external affairs(MEA) said today that India's protocol officers were denied entry for the Kartarpur ceremony. "We see it as the fulfilment of the long-standing demand of the Sikh community. It is unfortunate that Pakistan attempted to politicised a religious issue," MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. Perpetrators involved in Chabahar terror attack should be brought to justice: India India today condemned the suicide attack on the Chabahar port in southeastern Iran in which at least three people were killed and several others were injured. China urges immediate release of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday firmly opposed the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer in Vancouver, Canada and urged an immediate release of her. Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou was detained in Canada at the request of the United States and the US is seeking her extradition. Can UK renounce Brexit? EU court to decide on Monday The European Court of Justice is expected to announce on Monday whether or not Britain can unilaterally halt its march towards Brexit, a day before a make-or-break vote by MPs on the divorce deal.

The European Court of Justice is expected to announce on Monday whether or not Britain can unilaterally halt its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-urges-lawmakers-to-back-her-brexit-deal-but-rebels-remain-unconvinced-181914">march towards Brexit</a>, a day before a make-or-break vote by MPs on the divorce deal.

Europe's top court has been asked to rule on whether, having activated the so-called "Article 50" countdown towards departure, London could simply stop the clock.

One of the Union's advocates general, a senior legal adviser, has already issued an opinion suggesting that Britain can indeed unilaterally suspend its departure.

But the court must first confirm it accepts jurisdiction in the case, which is based on a request lodged by a group of anti-Brexit Scottish politicians.

The court is due to say on Monday whether the 26 judges accept jurisdiction and issue a ruling.

The next day the British parliament votes on the draft divorce plan, with Prime Minister Theresa May currently struggling to sell the deal.

May insists she has no plans to reverse Brexit, despite parliamentary opposition to her withdrawal deal from both pro- and anti-Europe MPs. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The court could also decide Brexit can only be postponed or halted by unanimous agreement of all 27 other EU member states -- or otherwise go ahead on March 29.

The European Court of Justice is expected to announce on Monday whether or not Britain can unilaterally halt its march towards Brexit, a day before a make-or-break vote by MPs on the divorce deal.

The European Court of Justice is expected to announce on Monday whether or not Britain can unilaterally halt its march towards Brexit, a day before a make-or-break vote by MPs on the divorce deal. Europe's top court has been asked to rule on whether, having activated the so-called "Article 50" countdown towards departure, London could simply stop the clock. One of the Union's advocates general, a senior legal adviser, has already issued an opinion suggesting that Britain can indeed unilaterally suspend its departure. But the court must first confirm it accepts jurisdiction in the case, which is based on a request lodged by a group of anti-Brexit Scottish politicians. The court is due to say on Monday whether the 26 judges accept jurisdiction and issue a ruling. The next day the British parliament votes on the draft divorce plan, with Prime Minister Theresa May currently struggling to sell the deal. May insists she has no plans to reverse Brexit, despite parliamentary opposition to her withdrawal deal from both pro- and anti-Europe MPs. The court could also decide Brexit can only be postponed or halted by unanimous agreement of all 27 other EU member states -- or otherwise go ahead on March 29.

Can UK renounce Brexit? EU court to decide on Monday

The United Kingdom government`s move to not publish the full legal advice based on which it formulated the Brexit plan, was on Tuesday (local time) found to be in contempt of the Parliament.

This marks the first-ever instance where the British government has been found to be in contempt of the Parliament, CNN reported.

The Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-government-loses-key-parliament-vote-on-brexit-181516">Theresa May-led Conservative Party government</a> lost the vote&nbsp;by a margin of 18 votes (311 for, 293 against) in the House of Commons, a heavy blow to the government ahead of the five-day debate on the proposed Brexit agreement.

The House of Commons took to Twitter to confirm the outcome of the vote and that ministers were found to be in contempt.

"House of Commons votes 311 to 293 to approve the privilege motion, finding Ministers in contempt and ordering the immediate publication of the full legal advice on the #Brexit deal," the tweet read.

Following the defeat, the government confirmed that it would release the legal advice, which was prepared by Attorney general Geoffrey Cox, on Wednesday.

Prior to the voting, May spoke to the Cabinet about the "candid" legal advice given to ministers, stressing the importance of keeping it confidential.

According to CNN, the Labour Party`s Brexit spokesperson Keir Starmer said that the defeat in the House was a "badge of shame" for the government. He further told the British Press Association that the decision had "huge constitutional and political significance".

The contempt vote comes as senior legislators from six parties urged, via a joint letter, the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, to launch proceedings under contempt of Parliament against the government.

"The Government has failed to publish the Attorney General`s full and final legal advice on the Brexit deal, as was ordered by Parliament. We have been left with no option but to write to the Speaker of the House of Commons to ask him to launch proceedings of contempt," Starmer tweeted earlier.

Starmer had accused the government of "willfully refusing to comply" with the order of the Parliament during the debate on Tuesday. "This is contempt," he added.

The day started on a bad note for the British government as a top European Union (EU) law officer that the UK could unilaterally cancel the Brexit process.

The Advocate General told the European Court of Justice that the approval of the remaining 27 EU member nations is not necessary for the cancellation of the two-year countdown for Brexit.

This was followed by the House of Commons approving an amendment which gives the Parliament more influence over the process if the government`s deal was to be rejected by lawmakers next week.

In 2016, over 50 per cent of the UK electorate voted to leave the EU, following which the British government had triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning the country`s process of its exit from the European bloc.

According to the draft deal, the UK is scheduled to leave the bloc on March 29, 2019, after which it will move into a 21-month long transitionary period (post-Brexit transition).&nbsp;

The United Kingdom government`s move to not publish the full legal advice based on which it formulated the Brexit plan, was on Tuesday (local time) found to be in contempt of the Parliament.

The United Kingdom government`s move to not publish the full legal advice based on which it formulated the Brexit plan, was on Tuesday (local time) found to be in contempt of the Parliament. This marks the first-ever instance where the British government has been found to be in contempt of the Parliament, CNN reported. The Prime Minister Theresa May-led Conservative Party government lost the vote by a margin of 18 votes (311 for, 293 against) in the House of Commons, a heavy blow to the government ahead of the five-day debate on the proposed Brexit agreement. The House of Commons took to Twitter to confirm the outcome of the vote and that ministers were found to be in contempt. "House of Commons votes 311 to 293 to approve the privilege motion, finding Ministers in contempt and ordering the immediate publication of the full legal advice on the #Brexit deal," the tweet read. Following the defeat, the government confirmed that it would release the legal advice, which was prepared by Attorney general Geoffrey Cox, on Wednesday. Prior to the voting, May spoke to the Cabinet about the "candid" legal advice given to ministers, stressing the importance of keeping it confidential. According to CNN, the Labour Party`s Brexit spokesperson Keir Starmer said that the defeat in the House was a "badge of shame" for the government. He further told the British Press Association that the decision had "huge constitutional and political significance". The contempt vote comes as senior legislators from six parties urged, via a joint letter, the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, to launch proceedings under contempt of Parliament against the government. "The Government has failed to publish the Attorney General`s full and final legal advice on the Brexit deal, as was ordered by Parliament. We have been left with no option but to write to the Speaker of the House of Commons to ask him to launch proceedings of contempt," Starmer tweeted earlier. Starmer had accused the government of "willfully refusing to comply" with the order of the Parliament during the debate on Tuesday. "This is contempt," he added. The day started on a bad note for the British government as a top European Union (EU) law officer that the UK could unilaterally cancel the Brexit process. The Advocate General told the European Court of Justice that the approval of the remaining 27 EU member nations is not necessary for the cancellation of the two-year countdown for Brexit. This was followed by the House of Commons approving an amendment which gives the Parliament more influence over the process if the government`s deal was to be rejected by lawmakers next week. In 2016, over 50 per cent of the UK electorate voted to leave the EU, following which the British government had triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning the country`s process of its exit from the European bloc. According to the draft deal, the UK is scheduled to leave the bloc on March 29, 2019, after which it will move into a 21-month long transitionary period (post-Brexit transition).

Brexit: UK government found in contempt of Parliament

Prime Minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-uk-government-found-in-contempt-of-parliament-181525"> Theresa May’s Brexit deal</a> came under fire from allies and opponents alike on Wednesday after the government was forced to publish legal advice showing the United Kingdom could be locked indefinitely in the European Union's orbit.

After a string of humiliating parliamentary defeats for May the day before cast new doubt over her ability to get a deal approved, US&nbsp;investment bank JP Morgan said the chances of Britain calling off Brexit altogether had increased.

As investors and allies tried to work out the ultimate destination for the world's fifth largest economy, the Northern Irish party which props up May's government said legal advice about the deal was "devastating".

May was forced by parliament to publish advice from the government's top lawyer about the fallback mechanism, or backstop, to prevent the return of border controls between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the EU-member Irish Republic.

"Despite statements in the Protocol that it is not intended to be permanent and the clear intention of the parties that it should be replaced by alternative, permanent arrangements, in international law the Protocol would endure indefinitely until a superseding agreement took its place," the advice said.

"In the absence of a right of termination, there is a legal risk that the United Kingdom might become subject to protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations."

Brexit, the United Kingdom's biggest economic and political shift since World War Two, has repeatedly plunged British politics into crisis since the shock 2016 vote to leave the EU.

Now May is trying to get her deal approved by a parliament which shows every sign of striking it down in a vote on December 11. It is unclear what happens if the deal is rejected as Britain is due to leave on March 29.

Nigel Dodds, the deputy leader of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, said the legal advice proved that Northern Ireland would be treated differently to the rest of the United Kingdom.

BREXIT REVERSED?

On Tuesday, just hours before the start of a five-day debate in the British parliament on May's Brexit deal, a top law official at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) said Britain could pull back its formal divorce notice.

"The UK now appears to have the option of revoking unilaterally and taking a period of time of its own choosing to decide what happens next," JP&nbsp;Morgan economist Malcolm Barr wrote in a note to clients.

He placed a 10 per cent probability on a no-deal Brexit, down from 20 per cent, and a 50 per cent probability on an orderly Brexit, down from 60 per cent. The chance of no Brexit at all doubled to 40 per cent from 20 per cent, in a sign of perhaps the biggest shift in perception since the 2016 vote to leave.

Britain's pro-Brexit trade minister Liam Fox said it was now possible that Brexit would not happen. There was a real danger that parliament would try to "steal" Brexit from the British people, Fox told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday.

Sterling, which has see-sawed on Brexit news since the referendum, traded well off the 17-month lows it hit on Tuesday, lifted by suggestions that Britain may opt not to leave the European Union after all.

In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 52 per cent, backed Brexit while 16.1 million, or 48 per cent, backed staying in the bloc.

If parliament rejects her deal, May has warned Britain could leave without a deal or that there could be no Brexit at all.

Supporters of Brexit have said that if Brexit is reversed, the United Kingdom will be thrust into a constitutional crisis as what they say the financial and political elite will have thwarted the democratic will of the people.

While May's Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party both say they respect the 2016 vote to leave, a growing number of backbench lawmakers say the only solution may be a new referendum giving voters an option to stay in the EU.

If the deal is voted down, some members of parliament from both main parties have said they would act to stop a Brexit with no agreement, which business chiefs and investors fear would weaken the West, spook financial markets and block trade.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal came under fire from allies and opponents alike on Wednesday after the government was forced to publish legal advice showing the United Kingdom could be locked indefinitely in the European Union's orbit.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal came under fire from allies and opponents alike on Wednesday after the government was forced to publish legal advice showing the United Kingdom could be locked indefinitely in the European Union's orbit. After a string of humiliating parliamentary defeats for May the day before cast new doubt over her ability to get a deal approved, US investment bank JP Morgan said the chances of Britain calling off Brexit altogether had increased. As investors and allies tried to work out the ultimate destination for the world's fifth largest economy, the Northern Irish party which props up May's government said legal advice about the deal was "devastating". May was forced by parliament to publish advice from the government's top lawyer about the fallback mechanism, or backstop, to prevent the return of border controls between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the EU-member Irish Republic. "Despite statements in the Protocol that it is not intended to be permanent and the clear intention of the parties that it should be replaced by alternative, permanent arrangements, in international law the Protocol would endure indefinitely until a superseding agreement took its place," the advice said. "In the absence of a right of termination, there is a legal risk that the United Kingdom might become subject to protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations." Brexit, the United Kingdom's biggest economic and political shift since World War Two, has repeatedly plunged British politics into crisis since the shock 2016 vote to leave the EU. Now May is trying to get her deal approved by a parliament which shows every sign of striking it down in a vote on December 11. It is unclear what happens if the deal is rejected as Britain is due to leave on March 29. Nigel Dodds, the deputy leader of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, said the legal advice proved that Northern Ireland would be treated differently to the rest of the United Kingdom. BREXIT REVERSED? On Tuesday, just hours before the start of a five-day debate in the British parliament on May's Brexit deal, a top law official at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) said Britain could pull back its formal divorce notice. "The UK now appears to have the option of revoking unilaterally and taking a period of time of its own choosing to decide what happens next," JP Morgan economist Malcolm Barr wrote in a note to clients. He placed a 10 per cent probability on a no-deal Brexit, down from 20 per cent, and a 50 per cent probability on an orderly Brexit, down from 60 per cent. The chance of no Brexit at all doubled to 40 per cent from 20 per cent, in a sign of perhaps the biggest shift in perception since the 2016 vote to leave. Britain's pro-Brexit trade minister Liam Fox said it was now possible that Brexit would not happen. There was a real danger that parliament would try to "steal" Brexit from the British people, Fox told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday. Sterling, which has see-sawed on Brexit news since the referendum, traded well off the 17-month lows it hit on Tuesday, lifted by suggestions that Britain may opt not to leave the European Union after all. In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 52 per cent, backed Brexit while 16.1 million, or 48 per cent, backed staying in the bloc. If parliament rejects her deal, May has warned Britain could leave without a deal or that there could be no Brexit at all. Supporters of Brexit have said that if Brexit is reversed, the United Kingdom will be thrust into a constitutional crisis as what they say the financial and political elite will have thwarted the democratic will of the people. While May's Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party both say they respect the 2016 vote to leave, a growing number of backbench lawmakers say the only solution may be a new referendum giving voters an option to stay in the EU. If the deal is voted down, some members of parliament from both main parties have said they would act to stop a Brexit with no agreement, which business chiefs and investors fear would weaken the West, spook financial markets and block trade.

May's Brexit deal under fire as legal advice stiffens opposition

The British government suffered a major blow on Tuesday when it lost a parliamentary vote on legal advice it received on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-can-revoke-brexit-unilaterally-eu-court-adviser-181406">Brexit deal </a>agreed with EU leaders last month.

A motion by the main opposition Labour Party to find the government in contempt of parliament for failing to publish the advice was passed by 311 MPs in favour to 293 against.

The government reacted to the defeat by saying it would publish the "final and full" advice on Wednesday.

Opponents believe the advice will reveal Attorney General Geoffrey Cox's misgivings about the Brexit agreement.

The parliamentary vote has delayed a speech by Prime Minister Theresa May at the start of five days of debate on the deal itself before a final vote on December 11 which the government is expected to lose.

May was still due to address parliament later on Tuesday.

Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said: "This House has now spoken and it's of huge constitutional and political significance. It is, I think unprecedented for this House to find government ministers in contempt".

The British government suffered a major blow on Tuesday when it lost a parliamentary vote on legal advice it received on the Brexit deal agreed with EU leaders last month.

The British government suffered a major blow on Tuesday when it lost a parliamentary vote on legal advice it received on the Brexit deal agreed with EU leaders last month. A motion by the main opposition Labour Party to find the government in contempt of parliament for failing to publish the advice was passed by 311 MPs in favour to 293 against. The government reacted to the defeat by saying it would publish the "final and full" advice on Wednesday. Opponents believe the advice will reveal Attorney General Geoffrey Cox's misgivings about the Brexit agreement. The parliamentary vote has delayed a speech by Prime Minister Theresa May at the start of five days of debate on the deal itself before a final vote on December 11 which the government is expected to lose. May was still due to address parliament later on Tuesday. Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said: "This House has now spoken and it's of huge constitutional and political significance. It is, I think unprecedented for this House to find government ministers in contempt".

British government loses key parliament vote on Brexit

Britain should be allowed to unilaterally revoke its departure notice from the European Union, an adviser to the bloc's highest court said on Tuesday, before a landmark ruling in the coming weeks.

The non-binding opinion for the European Court of Justice (ECJ) comes as the British parliament begins five days of debate on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-business-will-be-able-to-bring-in-high-skilled-workers-post-brexit-pm-may-180653">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s proposed Brexit deal with the EU before voting on it next Tuesday.

"Advocate General (Manuel) Campos Sanchez-Bordona proposes that the Court of Justice should declare that Article 50 ... allows the unilateral revocation of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU," the ECJ said.

"That possibility continues to exist until such time as the withdrawal agreement is formally concluded," it said in a statement, meaning Britain would have to notify the EU that it has changed its mind before Brexit day, on March 29, 2019.

"The Advocate General emphasises that withdrawal from an international treaty, which is the reverse of treaty-making power, is by definition a unilateral act of a state party and a manifestation of its sovereignty," the court also said.

"A member state which decides to withdraw is to notify the European Council of 'its intention' - and not of its decision - to withdraw, and such an intention may change," it added. "It would be illogical to force that member state to withdraw from the EU in order to then have to negotiate its accession."

The court, which tends to follow the advocate general's opinion in its final decisions, did not give an exact date for the ruling but it is expected in the coming weeks.

OPPOSITION IN PARLIAMENT

May has agreed to an exit pact and an outline of future EU-UK ties with the other 27 states staying on together after Brexit. But the proposed accord still needs the endorsement of the British parliament, where it faces stiff opposition.

The other EU states, as well as the bloc's executive, want any revocation of Britain's withdrawal notice to require the consent of the bloc, fearing that, otherwise, Britain or other would be leavers could use this tactic to win concessions.

Tuesday's opinion rejects that argument but says that "good faith and sincere cooperation must also be observed" in any withdrawal of the exit notice.

The case was brought before the ECJ by Scottish politicians opposed to Brexit. They hope it could pave the way for a potential second Brexit referendum, giving voters the option to remain in the EU.

"That puts the decision about our future back into the hands of our own elected representatives," said Jo Maugham, one of the lawyers involved in the case.

Both May and the EU have said that, if the British parliament votes this offer down, Britain would risk crashing out of the bloc with no deal in place to mitigate the damage. May says it would risk not delivering the Brexit that the British people voted for.

But the tentative deal is also opposed by advocates of a sharp break from the EU and she is struggling to get enough backing for it, even within her own party.

"Every effort is being made on both sides of the Channel to stop Brexit," prominent 'Leave' campaigner Nigel Farage said after the ECJ statement.

Britain should be allowed to unilaterally revoke its departure notice from the European Union, an adviser to the bloc's highest court said on Tuesday, before a landmark ruling in the coming weeks.

Britain should be allowed to unilaterally revoke its departure notice from the European Union, an adviser to the bloc's highest court said on Tuesday, before a landmark ruling in the coming weeks. The non-binding opinion for the European Court of Justice (ECJ) comes as the British parliament begins five days of debate on Prime Minister Theresa May's proposed Brexit deal with the EU before voting on it next Tuesday. "Advocate General (Manuel) Campos Sanchez-Bordona proposes that the Court of Justice should declare that Article 50 ... allows the unilateral revocation of the notification of the intention to withdraw from the EU," the ECJ said. "That possibility continues to exist until such time as the withdrawal agreement is formally concluded," it said in a statement, meaning Britain would have to notify the EU that it has changed its mind before Brexit day, on March 29, 2019. "The Advocate General emphasises that withdrawal from an international treaty, which is the reverse of treaty-making power, is by definition a unilateral act of a state party and a manifestation of its sovereignty," the court also said. "A member state which decides to withdraw is to notify the European Council of 'its intention' - and not of its decision - to withdraw, and such an intention may change," it added. "It would be illogical to force that member state to withdraw from the EU in order to then have to negotiate its accession." The court, which tends to follow the advocate general's opinion in its final decisions, did not give an exact date for the ruling but it is expected in the coming weeks. OPPOSITION IN PARLIAMENT May has agreed to an exit pact and an outline of future EU-UK ties with the other 27 states staying on together after Brexit. But the proposed accord still needs the endorsement of the British parliament, where it faces stiff opposition. The other EU states, as well as the bloc's executive, want any revocation of Britain's withdrawal notice to require the consent of the bloc, fearing that, otherwise, Britain or other would be leavers could use this tactic to win concessions. Tuesday's opinion rejects that argument but says that "good faith and sincere cooperation must also be observed" in any withdrawal of the exit notice. The case was brought before the ECJ by Scottish politicians opposed to Brexit. They hope it could pave the way for a potential second Brexit referendum, giving voters the option to remain in the EU. "That puts the decision about our future back into the hands of our own elected representatives," said Jo Maugham, one of the lawyers involved in the case. Both May and the EU have said that, if the British parliament votes this offer down, Britain would risk crashing out of the bloc with no deal in place to mitigate the damage. May says it would risk not delivering the Brexit that the British people voted for. But the tentative deal is also opposed by advocates of a sharp break from the EU and she is struggling to get enough backing for it, even within her own party. "Every effort is being made on both sides of the Channel to stop Brexit," prominent 'Leave' campaigner Nigel Farage said after the ECJ statement.

Britain can revoke Brexit unilaterally: EU court adviser

Theresa May said on Saturday she would be the prime minister to take Britain out of the European Union and that parliament should back her Brexit deal to ensure certainty for the future.

May sealed a deal with EU leaders last Sunday that would see Britain leave the bloc on March 29 with continued close ties, but the odds look stacked against her getting it approved by a deeply divided British parliament.

The deal has been criticized by many of May's Conservative lawmakers, both supporters of a cleaner break with the EU and those who want to keep closer ties. Opposition parties and a small Northern Irish party which props up May's minority government have also said they plan to reject the deal.

Several of her ministers have resigned in protest at the deal, and some of her lawmakers have called for a confidence vote in her leadership, something some believe could happen if she loses the vote in parliament.

"There is a lot more for me still to do, not least delivering on Brexit and being the prime minister that does take the United Kingdom out of the European Union," May told a news conference at the G20 Summit in Argentina, when asked what her legacy would be if she is forced to quit.

She said the next nine days were an important time for the country, ahead of a Dec. 11 vote in parliament on her deal.

"I will be talking with Members of Parliament ... and explaining why passing this deal in the vote that will take place in the House of Commons will take us to certainty for the future, and that failure to do that would only lead to uncertainty."

May, who discussed trade with the leaders of Australia, Canada, Chile, Turkey and Japan on the sidelines of the summit, said she had heard from other leaders about the need for that certainty.

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged May to ensure stability as Britain leaves the EU and asked her to do what she could to avoid a 'no deal' Brexit.

May said that during her meetings with world leaders she had updated them on the Brexit deal and told them it would be a good deal for the global economy as well as international firms which have invested in Britain or that use European bases to supply the UK market.

"That this deal sets a path for the UK to a brighter future has been affirmed by the discussions I have had on trade over the past two days," she said.

"Friends and partners have made clear that they are keen to sign and implement ambitious free trade agreements with us as soon as possible," she added.

Theresa May said on Saturday she would be the prime minister to take Britain out of the European Union and that parliament should back her Brexit deal to ensure certainty for the future.

Theresa May said on Saturday she would be the prime minister to take Britain out of the European Union and that parliament should back her Brexit deal to ensure certainty for the future. May sealed a deal with EU leaders last Sunday that would see Britain leave the bloc on March 29 with continued close ties, but the odds look stacked against her getting it approved by a deeply divided British parliament. The deal has been criticized by many of May's Conservative lawmakers, both supporters of a cleaner break with the EU and those who want to keep closer ties. Opposition parties and a small Northern Irish party which props up May's minority government have also said they plan to reject the deal. Several of her ministers have resigned in protest at the deal, and some of her lawmakers have called for a confidence vote in her leadership, something some believe could happen if she loses the vote in parliament. "There is a lot more for me still to do, not least delivering on Brexit and being the prime minister that does take the United Kingdom out of the European Union," May told a news conference at the G20 Summit in Argentina, when asked what her legacy would be if she is forced to quit. She said the next nine days were an important time for the country, ahead of a Dec. 11 vote in parliament on her deal. "I will be talking with Members of Parliament ... and explaining why passing this deal in the vote that will take place in the House of Commons will take us to certainty for the future, and that failure to do that would only lead to uncertainty." May, who discussed trade with the leaders of Australia, Canada, Chile, Turkey and Japan on the sidelines of the summit, said she had heard from other leaders about the need for that certainty. Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged May to ensure stability as Britain leaves the EU and asked her to do what she could to avoid a 'no deal' Brexit. May said that during her meetings with world leaders she had updated them on the Brexit deal and told them it would be a good deal for the global economy as well as international firms which have invested in Britain or that use European bases to supply the UK market. "That this deal sets a path for the UK to a brighter future has been affirmed by the discussions I have had on trade over the past two days," she said. "Friends and partners have made clear that they are keen to sign and implement ambitious free trade agreements with us as soon as possible," she added.

I will be PM to take Britain out of EU, says UK's May

Theresa May reassures world leaders on Brexit deal

European Union warns UK over Brexit deal

Britain on Friday unveiled four agreements signed with Spain as part of the Brexit withdrawal deal that provides for unprecedented cooperation between Madrid and Gibraltar.

The memoranda of understanding outline cooperation in the fields of tobacco smuggling, policing, workers' rights and the environment, setting up joint committees that will meet to exchange information.

This only applies to the transition period until the United Kingdom actually leaves the European Union, but nevertheless represents a boost in relations between Spain and Gibraltar, a British overseas territory long claimed by Madrid.

"The memoranda reflect our shared desire to work together in a spirit of trust and solidarity," the British government said in a statement.

They do not, however, touch on the thorny issue of sovereignty.

Spain has a long-standing claim on Gibraltar, a small rocky outcrop on Spain's southern tip that it ceded to the British crown in 1713.

Gibraltar, however, wants to maintain its ties with the United Kingdom.

Relations between Spain and Gibraltar have long been strained and this has been reflected in the small land border between the two.

In one particularly belligerent row over disputed waters, Spanish authorities upped border checks in 2013, creating hours-long logjams and forcing the European Commission to intervene and ease the crisis.

But Brexit forced the governments of Spain, Gibraltar and Britain to the negotiating table on many long-standing issues.

Under the accords, Gibraltar has agreed to increase the price of tobacco products in an effort to attack contraband trade.

Prices are currently between 25 and 48 per cent lower than in Spain, depending on the products, according to the government of Gibraltar.

The deal says that "by June 30, 2020, the average retail price differential of tobacco products will be no more than 32 per cent greater than the most recently published Spanish prices for the equivalent tobacco products."

Another memorandum sets up a joint Spain-Gibraltar committee for police and customs cooperation, another for workers' rights and another on environmental issues, with each side having an equal number of members.

Britain on Friday unveiled four agreements signed with Spain as part of the Brexit withdrawal deal that provides for unprecedented cooperation between Madrid and Gibraltar.

Britain on Friday unveiled four agreements signed with Spain as part of the Brexit withdrawal deal that provides for unprecedented cooperation between Madrid and Gibraltar. The memoranda of understanding outline cooperation in the fields of tobacco smuggling, policing, workers' rights and the environment, setting up joint committees that will meet to exchange information. This only applies to the transition period until the United Kingdom actually leaves the European Union, but nevertheless represents a boost in relations between Spain and Gibraltar, a British overseas territory long claimed by Madrid. "The memoranda reflect our shared desire to work together in a spirit of trust and solidarity," the British government said in a statement. They do not, however, touch on the thorny issue of sovereignty. Spain has a long-standing claim on Gibraltar, a small rocky outcrop on Spain's southern tip that it ceded to the British crown in 1713. Gibraltar, however, wants to maintain its ties with the United Kingdom. Relations between Spain and Gibraltar have long been strained and this has been reflected in the small land border between the two. In one particularly belligerent row over disputed waters, Spanish authorities upped border checks in 2013, creating hours-long logjams and forcing the European Commission to intervene and ease the crisis. But Brexit forced the governments of Spain, Gibraltar and Britain to the negotiating table on many long-standing issues. Under the accords, Gibraltar has agreed to increase the price of tobacco products in an effort to attack contraband trade. Prices are currently between 25 and 48 per cent lower than in Spain, depending on the products, according to the government of Gibraltar. The deal says that "by June 30, 2020, the average retail price differential of tobacco products will be no more than 32 per cent greater than the most recently published Spanish prices for the equivalent tobacco products." Another memorandum sets up a joint Spain-Gibraltar committee for police and customs cooperation, another for workers' rights and another on environmental issues, with each side having an equal number of members.

Brexit deals bring Spain, Gibraltar closer together

British science and universities minister, Sam Gyimah, quit Prime Minister Theresa May`s government on Friday, the sixth minister to resign in protest of her proposed Brexit deal with the European Union.

Gyimah, a junior-ranking minister who campaigned in the 2016 vote to keep Britain in the EU, said May`s deal meant Britain would surrender its "voice and its veto" and that the prime minister should not rule out the prospect of a second referendum.

His resignation represents a further blow to May, who is trying to persuade her own lawmakers to approve the deal she struck with Brussels on Sunday.&nbsp;

May faces criticism from all sides including the Northern Irish party propping up her government, ahead of Britain`s departure from the EU in four months.&nbsp;

"It has become increasingly clear to me that the proposed deal is not in the British national interest, and that to vote for this deal is to set ourselves up for failure," Gyimah wrote in a resignation statement published by the Daily Telegraph newspaper. "We will be losing, not taking control of our national destiny." 
Gyimah did applaud the "grit and determination" of May, who is in Buenos Aires attending a Group of 20 summit.

Earlier on Friday, May conceded that Britain will not use the EU`s Galileo space project for defence or critical national infrastructure, following a row over the post-Brexit future of the planned rival to the US Global Positioning System.

"Galileo is only a foretaste of what`s to come under the government`s Brexit deal," Gyimah said in his statement.&nbsp;

British science and universities minister, Sam Gyimah, quit Prime Minister Theresa May`s government on Friday, the sixth minister to resign in protest of her proposed Brexit deal with the European Union.

British science and universities minister, Sam Gyimah, quit Prime Minister Theresa May`s government on Friday, the sixth minister to resign in protest of her proposed Brexit deal with the European Union. Gyimah, a junior-ranking minister who campaigned in the 2016 vote to keep Britain in the EU, said May`s deal meant Britain would surrender its "voice and its veto" and that the prime minister should not rule out the prospect of a second referendum. His resignation represents a further blow to May, who is trying to persuade her own lawmakers to approve the deal she struck with Brussels on Sunday. May faces criticism from all sides including the Northern Irish party propping up her government, ahead of Britain`s departure from the EU in four months. "It has become increasingly clear to me that the proposed deal is not in the British national interest, and that to vote for this deal is to set ourselves up for failure," Gyimah wrote in a resignation statement published by the Daily Telegraph newspaper. "We will be losing, not taking control of our national destiny." Gyimah did applaud the "grit and determination" of May, who is in Buenos Aires attending a Group of 20 summit. Earlier on Friday, May conceded that Britain will not use the EU`s Galileo space project for defence or critical national infrastructure, following a row over the post-Brexit future of the planned rival to the US Global Positioning System. "Galileo is only a foretaste of what`s to come under the government`s Brexit deal," Gyimah said in his statement.

Another UK minister quits in protest at May's Brexit deal

Britain`s post-Brexit immigration system will enable businesses to bring in high-skilled workers from the rest of the world, but firms should also do more to train up young British people, Prime Minister Theresa May said.

Immigration was a major issue in the 2016 vote to leave the European Union and May has promised to end the free movement of EU citizens to live in Britain.

The government is due to publish a policy paper soon setting out how the new immigration system will work, and many businesses are worried about their ability to hire staff with the right skills post-Brexit.

"We are talking to business about their needs ... What I hope to see and what I`m sure we will be seeing is opportunities for young people in the UK, opportunities for training and skilling young people in the UK," May told reporters at the G20 summit in Argentina.

"We recognise that there are businesses who want to bring people in from the rest of the world, particularly in highly skilled areas and our immigration system will reflect that."

In September, a government-commissioned report recommended Britain should not give preferential treatment to EU workers in its post-Brexit immigration system but should prioritise the higher-skilled.&nbsp;

Britain`s post-Brexit immigration system will enable businesses to bring in high-skilled workers from the rest of the world, but firms should also do more to train up young British people, Prime Minister Theresa May said.

Britain`s post-Brexit immigration system will enable businesses to bring in high-skilled workers from the rest of the world, but firms should also do more to train up young British people, Prime Minister Theresa May said. Immigration was a major issue in the 2016 vote to leave the European Union and May has promised to end the free movement of EU citizens to live in Britain. The government is due to publish a policy paper soon setting out how the new immigration system will work, and many businesses are worried about their ability to hire staff with the right skills post-Brexit. "We are talking to business about their needs ... What I hope to see and what I`m sure we will be seeing is opportunities for young people in the UK, opportunities for training and skilling young people in the UK," May told reporters at the G20 summit in Argentina. "We recognise that there are businesses who want to bring people in from the rest of the world, particularly in highly skilled areas and our immigration system will reflect that." In September, a government-commissioned report recommended Britain should not give preferential treatment to EU workers in its post-Brexit immigration system but should prioritise the higher-skilled.

UK business will be able to bring in high-skilled workers post-Brexit: PM May

brexit-0

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

brexit 0

May tours Europe in desperate bid to save Brexit deal

Asia markets tumble as dealers buffeted by negative issues

News brief: Big stories of the day

EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal

Thousands protest through London in support of Brexit ahead of crucial vote

Breaking News: Brexit can be revoked unilaterally, says UK court

EU Court rules Britain can revoke Brexit unilaterally

Impact of Brexit on English Premier League

UK PM May expected to delay Brexit vote, demand better deal: Report

Brexit lawmakers' committee slams May's deal in latest blow ahead of vote

Brexit: Is it possible to stop it?

UK economy risks severe damage without orderly Brexit: British industry

News brief: Big stories of the day

Can UK renounce Brexit? EU court to decide on Monday

Brexit: UK government found in contempt of Parliament

May's Brexit deal under fire as legal advice stiffens opposition

British government loses key parliament vote on Brexit

Britain can revoke Brexit unilaterally: EU court adviser

I will be PM to take Britain out of EU, says UK's May

Theresa May reassures world leaders on Brexit deal

European Union warns UK over Brexit deal

Brexit deals bring Spain, Gibraltar closer together

Another UK minister quits in protest at May's Brexit deal

UK business will be able to bring in high-skilled workers post-Brexit: PM May