<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-offers-new-deal-to-try-to-break-brexit-deadlock-220480">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s final bid to salvage her EU divorce deal appeared doomed on Wednesday as pro-Brexit Conservatives and opposition MPs rejected her attempts at a compromise to end months of deadlock.

The beleaguered leader is set to face a torrid session at Prime Minister's Questions in parliament on the eve of European elections that Britain had not even expected to take part in three years after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-brexit-talks-collapse-as-mays-premiership-crumbles-219710/amp">Brexit</a> referendum.

The poll could see the vote of the two main parties decimated.

May vowed Tuesday to give lawmakers a vote on holding a public referendum on Brexit if they approve her unpopular withdrawal agreement in a series of votes starting in early June.

She also dangled a package of other sweeteners to the deal aimed at opposition Labour MPs, in a bid to break trenchant opposition which has seen parliament reject her plan three times this year.

Watch: Prime Minister Theresa May offers a 'new' Brexit plan

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May has said she will leave office shortly after the measures she outlined are voted on -- no matter the outcome.

"I recognise the genuine and sincere strength of feeling across the house on this important issue," May said.

However, MPs from across the political spectrum reacted furiously to the prime minister's latest offer, with Conservative Brexiteers crying betrayal and Labour lawmakers saying she had not compromised enough.

In a sign of the scale of the backlash, Environment Secretary Michael Gove hinted that the vote in the week of June 3 may not go ahead after all.

"We will reflect over the course of the next few days on how people look at the proposition," he told BBC radio.

'A question of democracy'

May's offer comes as Britain votes in EU elections Thursday with the two main parties trailing behind the Brexit Party and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, according to polls.

The latest YouGov survey showed eurosceptic populist Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party claiming 37 per cent of votes, with Labour in third on 19 per cent and the Tories lagging in fifth place with just seven per cent.

"If we win big on Thursday, we will kill off any prospect of parliament forcing a second referendum upon us because they know they would lose!" Farage told supporters at a final rally Tuesday.

Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable, whose party is set to come second in the polls, told a party gathering on Tuesday that a vote for his party was "a vote to stop Brexit".

The pro-EU party's outright rejection of Brexit appears to be resonating with Remain voters who would normally back Labour or the Conservatives.

'Last chance'&nbsp;

May pitched her "new Brexit deal" as MPs' "last chance" to end political gridlock that has already delayed Britain's departure from the bloc past its original March deadline and prompted public anger.

The government is aiming for the law to be approved by the time parliament's summer recess begins on July 20, which would let the country leave at the end of that month -- as long as lawmakers reject a second referendum.

Otherwise, the process could be delayed until October 31 -- the deadline set by the EU -- or even later if its leaders grant Britain another postponement.

May on Tuesday set out a series of incentives for MPs to vote for her deal.

Some were in line with demands from Labour, but fell short of their full demands put forward during weeks of cross-party talks which ended in deadlock last week.

"The prime minister needs to today accept that what she announced yesterday is not going to work and pull the vote," the party's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said Wednesday.

'Must do better'

May's proposals threaten to further repel eurosceptics in her own Conservative Party.

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, the favourite to replace her as leader, said on Twitter he would not support the new package, having backed it last time it was put to parliament.

"We can and must do better -- and deliver what the people voted for," he said, rejecting the idea of any customs union or second referendum.

Analysts and British newspapers gave May little-to-no chance of winning on this occasion, with the eurosceptic Daily Telegraph calling her move: "Desperate, deluded, doomed."

British Prime Minister Theresa May's final bid to salvage her EU divorce deal appeared doomed on Wednesday as pro-Brexit Conservatives and opposition MPs rejected her attempts at a compromise to end months of deadlock.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's final bid to salvage her EU divorce deal appeared doomed on Wednesday as pro-Brexit Conservatives and opposition MPs rejected her attempts at a compromise to end months of deadlock. The beleaguered leader is set to face a torrid session at Prime Minister's Questions in parliament on the eve of European elections that Britain had not even expected to take part in three years after the Brexit referendum. The poll could see the vote of the two main parties decimated. May vowed Tuesday to give lawmakers a vote on holding a public referendum on Brexit if they approve her unpopular withdrawal agreement in a series of votes starting in early June. She also dangled a package of other sweeteners to the deal aimed at opposition Labour MPs, in a bid to break trenchant opposition which has seen parliament reject her plan three times this year. Watch: Prime Minister Theresa May offers a 'new' Brexit plan × May has said she will leave office shortly after the measures she outlined are voted on -- no matter the outcome. "I recognise the genuine and sincere strength of feeling across the house on this important issue," May said. However, MPs from across the political spectrum reacted furiously to the prime minister's latest offer, with Conservative Brexiteers crying betrayal and Labour lawmakers saying she had not compromised enough. In a sign of the scale of the backlash, Environment Secretary Michael Gove hinted that the vote in the week of June 3 may not go ahead after all. "We will reflect over the course of the next few days on how people look at the proposition," he told BBC radio. 'A question of democracy' May's offer comes as Britain votes in EU elections Thursday with the two main parties trailing behind the Brexit Party and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, according to polls. The latest YouGov survey showed eurosceptic populist Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party claiming 37 per cent of votes, with Labour in third on 19 per cent and the Tories lagging in fifth place with just seven per cent. "If we win big on Thursday, we will kill off any prospect of parliament forcing a second referendum upon us because they know they would lose!" Farage told supporters at a final rally Tuesday. Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable, whose party is set to come second in the polls, told a party gathering on Tuesday that a vote for his party was "a vote to stop Brexit". The pro-EU party's outright rejection of Brexit appears to be resonating with Remain voters who would normally back Labour or the Conservatives. 'Last chance' May pitched her "new Brexit deal" as MPs' "last chance" to end political gridlock that has already delayed Britain's departure from the bloc past its original March deadline and prompted public anger. The government is aiming for the law to be approved by the time parliament's summer recess begins on July 20, which would let the country leave at the end of that month -- as long as lawmakers reject a second referendum. Otherwise, the process could be delayed until October 31 -- the deadline set by the EU -- or even later if its leaders grant Britain another postponement. May on Tuesday set out a series of incentives for MPs to vote for her deal. Some were in line with demands from Labour, but fell short of their full demands put forward during weeks of cross-party talks which ended in deadlock last week. "The prime minister needs to today accept that what she announced yesterday is not going to work and pull the vote," the party's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said Wednesday. 'Must do better' May's proposals threaten to further repel eurosceptics in her own Conservative Party. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, the favourite to replace her as leader, said on Twitter he would not support the new package, having backed it last time it was put to parliament. "We can and must do better -- and deliver what the people voted for," he said, rejecting the idea of any customs union or second referendum. Analysts and British newspapers gave May little-to-no chance of winning on this occasion, with the eurosceptic Daily Telegraph calling her move: "Desperate, deluded, doomed."

Theresa May's last attempt to salvage Brexit deal at risk

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised Tuesday to give lawmakers a vote on whether to hold a second Brexit referendum as part of a last-gasp push to get her deal over the line.

The embattled British leader dangled a series of sweeteners that she hopes can resolve the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-offers-new-deal-to-try-to-break-brexit-deadlock-220480">Brexit crisis</a> three years after the country first voted to leave the European Union after 46 years.

These included a parliamentary vote on whether to put whatever Brexit deal is passed up for a second confirmatory ballot, plus a temporary customs union with the EU.

"I recognise the genuine and sincere strength of feeling across the House on this important issue," she said of a second Brexit vote.

"The government will, therefore, include in the Withdrawal Agreement Bill at introduction a requirement to vote on whether to hold a second referendum," she said.

"This must take place before the Withdrawal Agreement can be ratified."

The measure is a key demand of the main opposition Labour Party. But it is also bitterly opposed by Brexit-supporting Conservatives whose votes May also needs if she is to get her deal passed.

She said her proposals were this parliament's "last chance" to end a political deadlock that has held up the entire Brexit process and caused huge public anger.

"Today I am making a serious offer to MPs across parliament -- a new Brexit deal," May said in a nationally televised address delivered from the offices of a major accounting firm in London.

"The majority of MPs say they want to deliver the result of the referendum. So I think we need to help them find a way. And I believe there is now one last chance to do that."

May set out 10 incentives in all that will be included in a new Brexit bill that is expected to come up for a vote early next month.

"We are making a new offer to find common ground in parliament," she said.

These include a promise to give MPs a say on whether to remain in a temporary customs union and a commitment "to stay aligned with Northern Ireland" should no permanent trade deal with the EU be agreed by the end of 2020.

That promise is aimed at ensuring the support of her Northern Irish coalition partners after they broke ranks and voted against her Brexit deal, helping defeat it three times in parliament. 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised Tuesday to give lawmakers a vote on whether to hold a second Brexit referendum as part of a last-gasp push to get her deal over the line.

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised Tuesday to give lawmakers a vote on whether to hold a second Brexit referendum as part of a last-gasp push to get her deal over the line. The embattled British leader dangled a series of sweeteners that she hopes can resolve the Brexit crisis three years after the country first voted to leave the European Union after 46 years. These included a parliamentary vote on whether to put whatever Brexit deal is passed up for a second confirmatory ballot, plus a temporary customs union with the EU. "I recognise the genuine and sincere strength of feeling across the House on this important issue," she said of a second Brexit vote. "The government will, therefore, include in the Withdrawal Agreement Bill at introduction a requirement to vote on whether to hold a second referendum," she said. "This must take place before the Withdrawal Agreement can be ratified." The measure is a key demand of the main opposition Labour Party. But it is also bitterly opposed by Brexit-supporting Conservatives whose votes May also needs if she is to get her deal passed. She said her proposals were this parliament's "last chance" to end a political deadlock that has held up the entire Brexit process and caused huge public anger. "Today I am making a serious offer to MPs across parliament -- a new Brexit deal," May said in a nationally televised address delivered from the offices of a major accounting firm in London. "The majority of MPs say they want to deliver the result of the referendum. So I think we need to help them find a way. And I believe there is now one last chance to do that." May set out 10 incentives in all that will be included in a new Brexit bill that is expected to come up for a vote early next month. "We are making a new offer to find common ground in parliament," she said. These include a promise to give MPs a say on whether to remain in a temporary customs union and a commitment "to stay aligned with Northern Ireland" should no permanent trade deal with the EU be agreed by the end of 2020. That promise is aimed at ensuring the support of her Northern Irish coalition partners after they broke ranks and voted against her Brexit deal, helping defeat it three times in parliament.

British Prime Minister May holds out promise of new Brexit referendum

British Prime Minister Theresa May said Sunday she was preparing to make a "bold offer" to MPs in one final attempt to get them to back her Brexit deal.

May said that when she brings the Withdrawal Agreement Bill before parliament early next month, it will come with a new package of measures attached that she hopes can command majority support.

"I still believe there is a majority in parliament to be won for leaving with a deal," May wrote in The Sunday Times newspaper.

MPs three times rejected the deal May struck with Brussels, forcing Britain's EU departure date to pushed back from March 29 to April 12 and again to October 31.

The bill is needed to ratify the divorce agreement struck with the European Union.

On Thursday, May agreed to set out a timetable for her departure following the vote in the week beginning June 3, regardless of whether MPs back her deal at the fourth time of asking.

It is thought that she will trigger a contest for the leadership of her governing Conservative Party once the bill either falls or completes all of its stages through parliament.

'New and improved'&nbsp;

"When the Withdrawal Agreement Bill comes before MPs, it will represent a new, bold offer to MPs across the House of Commons, with an improved

package of measures that I believe can win new support," she told the newspaper.&nbsp;

"Whatever the outcome of any votes, I will not be simply asking MPs to think again. Instead I will ask them to look at a new and improved deal with fresh pairs of eyes -- and to give it their support."

The bill is expected to include new measures on protecting workers' rights, future customs arrangements with the EU, and on the use of technology to avoid the need for border controls between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state and the UK's only land neighbour.

It will not, however, seek to re-open the withdrawal agreement, which Brussels repeatedly insisted could not be re-negotiated, despite many MPs voting it down due to concerns about its so-called "backstop" clauses on Northern Ireland.

May is expected to set out the details of her proposals in a speech later this month.

May's poll gloom 

Her gambit on Sunday comes ahead of the European Parliament elections, to be held in Britain on Thursday.

The opinion polls make dire reading for the Conservatives, with the newly-formed Brexit Party forecast to win the most seats, ratcheting up the pressure on May.

The latest survey out Sunday put eurosceptic figurehead Nigel Farage's single-issue party way ahead on 34 per cent, with the main opposition Labour Party on 20 per cent, the pro-EU Liberal Democrats on 15 per cent and the Conservatives on 11 per cent.

Furthermore, the poll said the Brexit Party had overtaken the Conservatives in general election voting intentions too, with Labour leading on 29 per cent, Farage's party on 24 per cent and the Conservatives on 22 per cent.

Opinium Research conducted an online survey of 2,004 British adults between Tuesday and Thursday for The Observer newspaper.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Saturday that whoever replaces May, calling an early general election risked "killing Brexit" and making veteran socialist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn prime minister.

"A general election before we've delivered Brexit would be a disaster," he told The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"A general election before that not only risks Jeremy Corbyn, but it risks killing Brexit altogether."

The next Conservative leader is set to be chosen by the centre-right party's members. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson is the clear front runner, according to a YouGov survey of grassroots Conservatives for The Times newspaper.

Johnson was on 39 per cent, ahead of former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab on 13 per cent, interior minister Sajid Javid and Environment Secretary Michael Gove on nine per cent each and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on eight per cent.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said Sunday she was preparing to make a "bold offer" to MPs in one final attempt to get them to back her Brexit deal. May said that when she brings the Withdrawal Agreement Bill before parliament early next month, it will come with a new package of measures attached that she hopes can command majority support.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said Sunday she was preparing to make a "bold offer" to MPs in one final attempt to get them to back her Brexit deal. May said that when she brings the Withdrawal Agreement Bill before parliament early next month, it will come with a new package of measures attached that she hopes can command majority support. "I still believe there is a majority in parliament to be won for leaving with a deal," May wrote in The Sunday Times newspaper. MPs three times rejected the deal May struck with Brussels, forcing Britain's EU departure date to pushed back from March 29 to April 12 and again to October 31. The bill is needed to ratify the divorce agreement struck with the European Union. On Thursday, May agreed to set out a timetable for her departure following the vote in the week beginning June 3, regardless of whether MPs back her deal at the fourth time of asking. It is thought that she will trigger a contest for the leadership of her governing Conservative Party once the bill either falls or completes all of its stages through parliament. 'New and improved' "When the Withdrawal Agreement Bill comes before MPs, it will represent a new, bold offer to MPs across the House of Commons, with an improved package of measures that I believe can win new support," she told the newspaper. "Whatever the outcome of any votes, I will not be simply asking MPs to think again. Instead I will ask them to look at a new and improved deal with fresh pairs of eyes -- and to give it their support." The bill is expected to include new measures on protecting workers' rights, future customs arrangements with the EU, and on the use of technology to avoid the need for border controls between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state and the UK's only land neighbour. It will not, however, seek to re-open the withdrawal agreement, which Brussels repeatedly insisted could not be re-negotiated, despite many MPs voting it down due to concerns about its so-called "backstop" clauses on Northern Ireland. May is expected to set out the details of her proposals in a speech later this month. May's poll gloom Her gambit on Sunday comes ahead of the European Parliament elections, to be held in Britain on Thursday. The opinion polls make dire reading for the Conservatives, with the newly-formed Brexit Party forecast to win the most seats, ratcheting up the pressure on May. The latest survey out Sunday put eurosceptic figurehead Nigel Farage's single-issue party way ahead on 34 per cent, with the main opposition Labour Party on 20 per cent, the pro-EU Liberal Democrats on 15 per cent and the Conservatives on 11 per cent. Furthermore, the poll said the Brexit Party had overtaken the Conservatives in general election voting intentions too, with Labour leading on 29 per cent, Farage's party on 24 per cent and the Conservatives on 22 per cent. Opinium Research conducted an online survey of 2,004 British adults between Tuesday and Thursday for The Observer newspaper. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Saturday that whoever replaces May, calling an early general election risked "killing Brexit" and making veteran socialist Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn prime minister. "A general election before we've delivered Brexit would be a disaster," he told The Daily Telegraph newspaper. "A general election before that not only risks Jeremy Corbyn, but it risks killing Brexit altogether." The next Conservative leader is set to be chosen by the centre-right party's members. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson is the clear front runner, according to a YouGov survey of grassroots Conservatives for The Times newspaper. Johnson was on 39 per cent, ahead of former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab on 13 per cent, interior minister Sajid Javid and Environment Secretary Michael Gove on nine per cent each and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on eight per cent.

British Prime Minister May to make MPs a final 'bold offer' on Brexit deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday.

Three years after Britain voted to leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-eu-will-vote-and-why-it-matters-219145">European Union</a>, there is little clarity over when, how and even whether Brexit will happen, prompting some in her party to call for a new approach to the country`s biggest policy shift in more than 40 years.

May has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-step-down-before-next-phase-of-brexit-negotiations-pm-theresa-may-to-mps-206112">promised to step down after her Brexit deal</a> is approved by lawmakers. But many in her party want her to set out clearly when she will quit if the agreement is rejected for a fourth time, and others are demanding her immediate departure.

"The prime minister is determined to secure our departure from the European Union," Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee that can make or break party leaders, said following a meeting between his committee`s executive and May in parliament which he described as a "very frank exchange".

The government has said lawmakers will be able to debate and vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, the legislation required to enact May`s Brexit deal, in the week starting June 3.

"We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading of the Bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader," Brady said, adding that the conversation would take place whether the bill was passed or not.

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May, who became prime minister in the chaos that followed the 2016 referendum when Britons voted 52% to 48% to leave the EU, survived a no-confidence vote of her Conservative lawmakers in December.

Under current party rules, she cannot be challenged again for a year, but some on Brady`s committee had pushed for those rules to be changed in order to try to force her out earlier if she refused to set out a clear departure date.

Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, said he would stand as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader.

"Further procrastination"

May`s Brexit deal has been rejected three times by parliament, and weeks of talks with the opposition Labour Party, the idea of which was deeply unpopular with many Conservatives, have failed to find a consensus on the way forward.

A BBC reporter said on Thursday those talks were due to be called off soon after the ruling Conservatives gave up on any hope of a resolution.

Mired in Brexit deadlock and forced to delay Britain`s March 29 exit from the EU, May`s Conservatives suffered major losses in local elections this month and are trailing in opinion polls before May 23 European Parliament elections.&nbsp;

With Labour and Brexit-supporting rebels in the Conservatives planning to vote against her deal, it is unlikely to be approved as things stand.&nbsp;

Pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers were unimpressed with May`s failure to set a firm date to quit. One, who declined to be named, described it as "yet further procrastination which is causing appalling damage to the Conservative Party."

Another, Andrew Bridgen, said May was "an increasingly beleaguered and isolated prime minister who is desperate to salvage something from her premiership and is prepared to drive through an agreement that would fatally hamstring any future prime minister in negotiations with the EU."

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will set out a timetable for her departure in early June after the latest attempt to get her Brexit deal approved by parliament, the chairman of a powerful Conservative committee said on Thursday. Three years after Britain voted to leave the European Union, there is little clarity over when, how and even whether Brexit will happen, prompting some in her party to call for a new approach to the country`s biggest policy shift in more than 40 years. May has promised to step down after her Brexit deal is approved by lawmakers. But many in her party want her to set out clearly when she will quit if the agreement is rejected for a fourth time, and others are demanding her immediate departure. "The prime minister is determined to secure our departure from the European Union," Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee that can make or break party leaders, said following a meeting between his committee`s executive and May in parliament which he described as a "very frank exchange". The government has said lawmakers will be able to debate and vote on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, the legislation required to enact May`s Brexit deal, in the week starting June 3. "We have agreed that she and I will meet following the second reading of the Bill to agree a timetable for the election of a new leader," Brady said, adding that the conversation would take place whether the bill was passed or not. × May, who became prime minister in the chaos that followed the 2016 referendum when Britons voted 52% to 48% to leave the EU, survived a no-confidence vote of her Conservative lawmakers in December. Under current party rules, she cannot be challenged again for a year, but some on Brady`s committee had pushed for those rules to be changed in order to try to force her out earlier if she refused to set out a clear departure date. Boris Johnson, the face of the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, said he would stand as a candidate to replace May as Conservative leader. "Further procrastination" May`s Brexit deal has been rejected three times by parliament, and weeks of talks with the opposition Labour Party, the idea of which was deeply unpopular with many Conservatives, have failed to find a consensus on the way forward. A BBC reporter said on Thursday those talks were due to be called off soon after the ruling Conservatives gave up on any hope of a resolution. Mired in Brexit deadlock and forced to delay Britain`s March 29 exit from the EU, May`s Conservatives suffered major losses in local elections this month and are trailing in opinion polls before May 23 European Parliament elections. With Labour and Brexit-supporting rebels in the Conservatives planning to vote against her deal, it is unlikely to be approved as things stand. Pro-Brexit Conservative lawmakers were unimpressed with May`s failure to set a firm date to quit. One, who declined to be named, described it as "yet further procrastination which is causing appalling damage to the Conservative Party." Another, Andrew Bridgen, said May was "an increasingly beleaguered and isolated prime minister who is desperate to salvage something from her premiership and is prepared to drive through an agreement that would fatally hamstring any future prime minister in negotiations with the EU."

British Prime Minister Theresa May to set out timetable for her departure after latest Brexit deal bid

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fight-to-replace-pm-may-complicating-brexit-talks-labour-partys-mcdonnell-217910">British Prime Minister Theresa May's government</a> said Tuesday it was aiming to agree a Brexit deal by July, making it likely that Britain's MEPs elected in next week's European elections will take their seats.

Ministers agreed at a cabinet meeting to continue talks with the main opposition Labour Party on how parliament might accept the divorce deal that May agreed with the EU last year, according to her spokesman.

But he said they also agreed it was "imperative" that any exit plan be approved before parliament's summer holiday, which normally begins at the end of July.

"What she (May) is working to do is to get a deal passed as soon as possible," he said.

Asked what this meant for Britain's 73 members of the European Parliament, the spokesman added: "The factual position is if MEPs are elected and (British) parliament has not approved a withdrawal agreement bill which has achieved royal assent by June 30, they will take their seats."

After twice delaying its exit from the European Union, Britain is reluctantly taking part in European Parliament elections on May 23, almost three years after the referendum vote for Brexit.

The government had hoped to get the London parliament's agreement for May's divorce deal in the coming weeks so British MEPs would never have to take their seats.&nbsp;

But if Britain is still a member of the EU when the new European Parliament convenes on July 2, they will have to be seated.

May opened talks with Labour six weeks ago after failing three times to get her agreement through the House of Commons in the face of objections from both her own side and the opposition.

But progress has been painfully slow and there are growing calls in May's Conservative party to abandon the talks.

Cabinet discussed on Tuesday what might happen if the talks fail, including a "Plan B" to hold a series of votes in parliament on possible Brexit options, May's spokesman said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government said Tuesday it was aiming to agree a Brexit deal by July, making it likely that Britain's MEPs elected in next week's European elections will take their seats.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government said Tuesday it was aiming to agree a Brexit deal by July, making it likely that Britain's MEPs elected in next week's European elections will take their seats. Ministers agreed at a cabinet meeting to continue talks with the main opposition Labour Party on how parliament might accept the divorce deal that May agreed with the EU last year, according to her spokesman. But he said they also agreed it was "imperative" that any exit plan be approved before parliament's summer holiday, which normally begins at the end of July. "What she (May) is working to do is to get a deal passed as soon as possible," he said. Asked what this meant for Britain's 73 members of the European Parliament, the spokesman added: "The factual position is if MEPs are elected and (British) parliament has not approved a withdrawal agreement bill which has achieved royal assent by June 30, they will take their seats." After twice delaying its exit from the European Union, Britain is reluctantly taking part in European Parliament elections on May 23, almost three years after the referendum vote for Brexit. The government had hoped to get the London parliament's agreement for May's divorce deal in the coming weeks so British MEPs would never have to take their seats. But if Britain is still a member of the EU when the new European Parliament convenes on July 2, they will have to be seated. May opened talks with Labour six weeks ago after failing three times to get her agreement through the House of Commons in the face of objections from both her own side and the opposition. But progress has been painfully slow and there are growing calls in May's Conservative party to abandon the talks. Cabinet discussed on Tuesday what might happen if the talks fail, including a "Plan B" to hold a series of votes in parliament on possible Brexit options, May's spokesman said.

UK eyes July Brexit deal, MEPs likely to take seats

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday urged main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to work with her to break the Brexit deadlock, telling him,&nbsp;"Let's do a deal".

May said she understood why hardcore Brexiteers in her own centre-right Conservative Party, who want a clean break with the European Union, would wince at the prospect of striking a softer agreement with the veteran socialist.

But she insisted the clobbering both main parties took in last week's English local elections had increased the necessity of finding an EU divorce deal that a majority of MPs could get behind, even if many of her own backbenchers were not among them.

"To the leader of the opposition, I say this, let's listen to what the voters said in the elections and put our differences aside for a moment. Let's do a deal," she wrote in The Mail on Sunday newspaper.

May negotiated a withdrawal agreement with Brussels last year but MPs repeatedly voted it down, with large numbers of her own Conservative backbenchers standing against it.

"Regrettably, I have to accept there is no sign of that position changing," May wrote.

Had a withdrawal agreement been signed off, Britain would have left the EU on March 29. Its exit date has twice been postponed and is now set at October 31.

UK 'risks never leaving'

"The government has been in talks with the opposition to try to find a unified, cross-party position," May said.

"Many of my colleagues find this decision uncomfortable. Frankly, it is not what I wanted, either.

"But we have to find a way to break the deadlock - and I believe the results of the local elections give fresh urgency to this.

"We will keep negotiating, and keep trying to find a way through.

"The longer that takes, the greater the risk we will not leave at all. We need to get out of the EU and get a deal over the line."

The Conservatives lost more than a thousand seats in Thursday's English local authority polls, but left-wing Labour failed to capitalise, also losing seats as voters vented their frustration at the Brexit impasse dominating British politics.

The Sunday Times newspaper claimed that the government was prepared to give way to Labour on three areas, customs, goods alignment and workers' rights.

The broadsheet said May would set out plans for a temporary customs arrangement with the EU that would last until the next general election, which must be held by May 2022.

Anger at 'stitch-up'

However, more than 100 opposition lawmakers have written to May and Corbyn to say they would vote against any agreement the pair reach unless it is subject to a referendum.

"The very worst thing we could do at this time is a Westminster stitch-up, whether over the PM's deal or another deal. This risks alienating both those who voted leave in 2016 and those who voted remain," the letter says.

The phrase also appeared on the Sunday newspaper front pages, with The Observer's reading, "Anger grows at May-Corbyn bid to stitch up Brexit deal".

The Sunday Express said, "Brexit deal 'this week'," adding, "Panicking May and Corbyn close to an agreement that angry Brexiteers say is a 'stitch-up'."

Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith - who was himself ousted by his own MPs in 2003 - argued it was time to change the leadership, saying backbench MPs needed to "decide that either the prime minister sets the immediate date for departure or, I'm afraid, (we) must do it for her".

The hardcore eurosceptic called May a "caretaker prime minister", telling LBC radio that making fundamental decisions about Brexit under her leadership would, therefore, be "a big mistake".

May has said she will step aside once a Brexit deal has been passed by parliament.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday urged main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to work with her to break the Brexit deadlock, telling him, "Let's do a deal".

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday urged main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to work with her to break the Brexit deadlock, telling him, "Let's do a deal". May said she understood why hardcore Brexiteers in her own centre-right Conservative Party, who want a clean break with the European Union, would wince at the prospect of striking a softer agreement with the veteran socialist. But she insisted the clobbering both main parties took in last week's English local elections had increased the necessity of finding an EU divorce deal that a majority of MPs could get behind, even if many of her own backbenchers were not among them. "To the leader of the opposition, I say this, let's listen to what the voters said in the elections and put our differences aside for a moment. Let's do a deal," she wrote in The Mail on Sunday newspaper. May negotiated a withdrawal agreement with Brussels last year but MPs repeatedly voted it down, with large numbers of her own Conservative backbenchers standing against it. "Regrettably, I have to accept there is no sign of that position changing," May wrote. Had a withdrawal agreement been signed off, Britain would have left the EU on March 29. Its exit date has twice been postponed and is now set at October 31. UK 'risks never leaving' "The government has been in talks with the opposition to try to find a unified, cross-party position," May said. "Many of my colleagues find this decision uncomfortable. Frankly, it is not what I wanted, either. "But we have to find a way to break the deadlock - and I believe the results of the local elections give fresh urgency to this. "We will keep negotiating, and keep trying to find a way through. "The longer that takes, the greater the risk we will not leave at all. We need to get out of the EU and get a deal over the line." The Conservatives lost more than a thousand seats in Thursday's English local authority polls, but left-wing Labour failed to capitalise, also losing seats as voters vented their frustration at the Brexit impasse dominating British politics. The Sunday Times newspaper claimed that the government was prepared to give way to Labour on three areas, customs, goods alignment and workers' rights. The broadsheet said May would set out plans for a temporary customs arrangement with the EU that would last until the next general election, which must be held by May 2022. Anger at 'stitch-up' However, more than 100 opposition lawmakers have written to May and Corbyn to say they would vote against any agreement the pair reach unless it is subject to a referendum. "The very worst thing we could do at this time is a Westminster stitch-up, whether over the PM's deal or another deal. This risks alienating both those who voted leave in 2016 and those who voted remain," the letter says. The phrase also appeared on the Sunday newspaper front pages, with The Observer's reading, "Anger grows at May-Corbyn bid to stitch up Brexit deal". The Sunday Express said, "Brexit deal 'this week'," adding, "Panicking May and Corbyn close to an agreement that angry Brexiteers say is a 'stitch-up'." Former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith - who was himself ousted by his own MPs in 2003 - argued it was time to change the leadership, saying backbench MPs needed to "decide that either the prime minister sets the immediate date for departure or, I'm afraid, (we) must do it for her". The hardcore eurosceptic called May a "caretaker prime minister", telling LBC radio that making fundamental decisions about Brexit under her leadership would, therefore, be "a big mistake". May has said she will step aside once a Brexit deal has been passed by parliament.

'Let's do a deal' on Brexit: British PM tells Labour

By Jonathan Perraton 
 
EU leaders have agreed on a short extension to Brexit until October 31 at the latest, in order to give the British parliament time to seal a deal. This date avoids the UK still being a member when the next EU budget cycle starts – but what does it mean for the “divorce bill”, the money the UK will pay the EU after its departure?

The withdrawal agreement, which provides the legal framework for the UK’s exit from the European Union, includes arrangements to determine its financial settlement with the EU.

The essential principles of the financial settlement have been set out for months and the EU has made it clear that it regards the withdrawal agreement as settled. If and when the British parliament does agree on a Brexit deal, this financial settlement is likely to apply – but it won’t change directly as a result of the extension from the original March 29 Brexit date to October 31.

The final figure is yet to be determined, both because of uncertainties over future developments – including of course the date when the UK actually leaves the EU – and also because the bill is to be settled in euros and therefore depends on the future exchange rate between the pound and the euro.

Under the financial settlement, the UK will continue to participate in the EU’s budgets over 2019 and 2020, which takes us up to the end of the current EU budget cycle. This can be seen as the UK simply honouring the commitments it made as an EU member state at the start of the current EU budget round, and continuing to receive agreed funds through payments from the Common Agricultural Policy, structural funds and other EU programmes.

A key principle is that the UK should not pay more than it would have done as an EU member, nor should it be expected to make any payments earlier than it would have been required to do as a member. The UK’s net payments include its long-negotiated budget rebate. The UK is the third-largest contributor to the EU budget in total. It is a net contributor to the EU budget payments, when the funds the UK receives back are taken into account, although it is only sixth in terms of net payments relative to its GDP.

The key uncertainties over the future payments arise from future contingencies and the final settlement of accounts with the EU. A key principle here is that of the UK not making payments any sooner than it would have done as a member. The annual EU budget makes future expenditure commitments under what are called reste à liquider arrangements, outstanding commitments which have been made but not yet translated into payments.

Under the final settlement, the UK continues to be liable for spending commitments undertaken during the current EU budget round while it has still been a member – although it will also receive back its share of assets including capital in the European Investment Bank. The largest item in the outstanding liabilities is for EU staff pensions and other benefits. EU staff pension commitments are unfunded, meaning the EU has not set aside a provision for these future payments, as it operates on a “pay as you go” system. This means there is uncertainty over the size of future EU pension liabilities and therefore the UK’s future commitments to paying them.

Estimating the final bill

HM Treasury has estimated the total payments will be around £35-£39 billion. The independent Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) has also produced similar estimates. Crucially, the most recent OBR estimates from March 2019 indicate that most of the final settlement will be made up of the reste à liquider commitments. Settlement of the outstanding net liabilities – including future EU pension liabilities – would account for less than 10 per cent&nbsp;of the total.

Payments from the UK to the EU will continue for many years into the future (up to the 2060s), although the OBR estimates that these would be small with around three-quarters of the payments completed by 2022. There is also uncertainty over the euro-sterling exchange rate and UK economic growth, which determines the relative size of the UK economy and its contribution to the EU budget until 2020 from “own resources”, the payments determined by a member’s gross national income.

In June 2018, parliament’s Public Accounts Committee questioned the Treasury’s estimates, indicating that payments could be as much as £10 billion higher. In particular, they note potential commitments under the European Development Fund of overseas expenditure on aid programmes.

The next multi-annual financial framework for the EU budget is scheduled for 2021-27. Should the withdrawal agreement eventually be agreed by parliament, a short extension of Brexit beyond October 31 would not lead to large changes in the financial settlement, but a longer extension into 2020 could potentially lead to greater commitments if the UK remains a member into the next budgetary period. 
 
 
(Jonathan Perraton is Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Sheffield)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-extension-how-much-will-it-actually-cost-the-uk-to-leave-the-eu-115486">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By Jonathan Perraton EU leaders have agreed on a short extension to Brexit until October 31 at the latest, in order to give the British parliament time to seal a deal.

By Jonathan Perraton EU leaders have agreed on a short extension to Brexit until October 31 at the latest, in order to give the British parliament time to seal a deal. This date avoids the UK still being a member when the next EU budget cycle starts – but what does it mean for the “divorce bill”, the money the UK will pay the EU after its departure? The withdrawal agreement, which provides the legal framework for the UK’s exit from the European Union, includes arrangements to determine its financial settlement with the EU. The essential principles of the financial settlement have been set out for months and the EU has made it clear that it regards the withdrawal agreement as settled. If and when the British parliament does agree on a Brexit deal, this financial settlement is likely to apply – but it won’t change directly as a result of the extension from the original March 29 Brexit date to October 31. The final figure is yet to be determined, both because of uncertainties over future developments – including of course the date when the UK actually leaves the EU – and also because the bill is to be settled in euros and therefore depends on the future exchange rate between the pound and the euro. Under the financial settlement, the UK will continue to participate in the EU’s budgets over 2019 and 2020, which takes us up to the end of the current EU budget cycle. This can be seen as the UK simply honouring the commitments it made as an EU member state at the start of the current EU budget round, and continuing to receive agreed funds through payments from the Common Agricultural Policy, structural funds and other EU programmes. A key principle is that the UK should not pay more than it would have done as an EU member, nor should it be expected to make any payments earlier than it would have been required to do as a member. The UK’s net payments include its long-negotiated budget rebate. The UK is the third-largest contributor to the EU budget in total. It is a net contributor to the EU budget payments, when the funds the UK receives back are taken into account, although it is only sixth in terms of net payments relative to its GDP. The key uncertainties over the future payments arise from future contingencies and the final settlement of accounts with the EU. A key principle here is that of the UK not making payments any sooner than it would have done as a member. The annual EU budget makes future expenditure commitments under what are called reste à liquider arrangements, outstanding commitments which have been made but not yet translated into payments. Under the final settlement, the UK continues to be liable for spending commitments undertaken during the current EU budget round while it has still been a member – although it will also receive back its share of assets including capital in the European Investment Bank. The largest item in the outstanding liabilities is for EU staff pensions and other benefits. EU staff pension commitments are unfunded, meaning the EU has not set aside a provision for these future payments, as it operates on a “pay as you go” system. This means there is uncertainty over the size of future EU pension liabilities and therefore the UK’s future commitments to paying them. Estimating the final bill HM Treasury has estimated the total payments will be around £35-£39 billion. The independent Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) has also produced similar estimates. Crucially, the most recent OBR estimates from March 2019 indicate that most of the final settlement will be made up of the reste à liquider commitments. Settlement of the outstanding net liabilities – including future EU pension liabilities – would account for less than 10 per cent of the total. Payments from the UK to the EU will continue for many years into the future (up to the 2060s), although the OBR estimates that these would be small with around three-quarters of the payments completed by 2022. There is also uncertainty over the euro-sterling exchange rate and UK economic growth, which determines the relative size of the UK economy and its contribution to the EU budget until 2020 from “own resources”, the payments determined by a member’s gross national income. In June 2018, parliament’s Public Accounts Committee questioned the Treasury’s estimates, indicating that payments could be as much as £10 billion higher. In particular, they note potential commitments under the European Development Fund of overseas expenditure on aid programmes. The next multi-annual financial framework for the EU budget is scheduled for 2021-27. Should the withdrawal agreement eventually be agreed by parliament, a short extension of Brexit beyond October 31 would not lead to large changes in the financial settlement, but a longer extension into 2020 could potentially lead to greater commitments if the UK remains a member into the next budgetary period. (Jonathan Perraton is Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of Sheffield) (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 extension: How much will it actually cost the UK to leave the EU?

Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Wednesday she wants Britain to leave the EU as soon as possible even as she prepared to agree a potentially long delay to Brexit at an emergency summit in Brussels.

Without a postponement, Britain is due to end its 46-year membership of the European Union at midnight on Friday with no deal, risking economic chaos.&nbsp;

May had wanted to be given until June 30 to try once again to get her EU divorce deal through parliament, but her fellow leaders are expected to offer her a longer delay, of up to a year.

"I want us to be able to leave the European Union in a smooth and orderly way as soon as possible," the prime minister said as she arrived for talks in Brussels.

She added, "I've asked for an extension to June 30 but what is important is that any extension enables us to leave at the point at which we ratify the withdrawal agreement."

Under intense pressure from Brexit supporters at home, May said she still hoped to leave the EU on May 22, the last day before Britain must hold European Parliament elections.

But in Berlin earlier, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU leaders might back a delay "longer than the British prime minister has requested".

She said it should be "as short as possible" but said she believed British politicians should be given "a reasonable amount of time" to reach an agreement.

"It should be long enough to create a certain calm so we don't have to meet every two weeks to deal with the same subject," Merkel told the German parliament.

EU Council President Donald Tusk has also suggested there is "little reason to believe" the British parliament can ratify the deal by June 30.

MPs have rejected the plan three times, and May has already been forced to delay Brexit once, from March 29 to April 12. She reluctantly opened talks last week with the opposition Labour party, but those are moving slowly.

"One possibility would be a flexible extension, which would last only as long as necessary and no longer than one year," Tusk said.

According to a draft copy of the summit conclusions that EU leaders were to negotiate later in the day, they were to agree to an extension to allow May time to ratify the withdrawal agreement.

EU elections in doubt

"Such an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than [XX.XX.XXXX]," the draft reads. The other 27 EU leaders will thrash out what date to fill in the blanks on Wednesday.

"If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft, seen by AFP says.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said he expected EU leaders to delay Brexit for "much more time" than May asked, on condition that it holds European elections.

"That is why we can agree -- I speak for myself -- the prolongation," he said as he arrived in Brussels.

Britain has already reluctantly began preparations for the polls, setting the date for May 23, although officials insist they could still cancel it at the last minute.

The draft conclusions say that if Britain fails to take part, it will leave the bloc on June 1.

If an extension is agreed, Brussels will portray it as a concession to Britain, with some members -- particularly France -- not keen to see the disruptive Brexit drama drag on much longer.

EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget.

May will make her case to her colleagues before leaving them to discuss the length of the Brexit delay -- and any conditions -- without her.

Britain was originally due to leave the EU on March 29. But Brussels agreed an extension after the British parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated with May.

Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Wednesday she wants Britain to leave the EU as soon as possible even as she prepared to agree a potentially long delay to Brexit at an emergency summit in Brussels.

Prime Minister Theresa May insisted Wednesday she wants Britain to leave the EU as soon as possible even as she prepared to agree a potentially long delay to Brexit at an emergency summit in Brussels. Without a postponement, Britain is due to end its 46-year membership of the European Union at midnight on Friday with no deal, risking economic chaos. May had wanted to be given until June 30 to try once again to get her EU divorce deal through parliament, but her fellow leaders are expected to offer her a longer delay, of up to a year. "I want us to be able to leave the European Union in a smooth and orderly way as soon as possible," the prime minister said as she arrived for talks in Brussels. She added, "I've asked for an extension to June 30 but what is important is that any extension enables us to leave at the point at which we ratify the withdrawal agreement." Under intense pressure from Brexit supporters at home, May said she still hoped to leave the EU on May 22, the last day before Britain must hold European Parliament elections. But in Berlin earlier, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU leaders might back a delay "longer than the British prime minister has requested". She said it should be "as short as possible" but said she believed British politicians should be given "a reasonable amount of time" to reach an agreement. "It should be long enough to create a certain calm so we don't have to meet every two weeks to deal with the same subject," Merkel told the German parliament. EU Council President Donald Tusk has also suggested there is "little reason to believe" the British parliament can ratify the deal by June 30. MPs have rejected the plan three times, and May has already been forced to delay Brexit once, from March 29 to April 12. She reluctantly opened talks last week with the opposition Labour party, but those are moving slowly. "One possibility would be a flexible extension, which would last only as long as necessary and no longer than one year," Tusk said. According to a draft copy of the summit conclusions that EU leaders were to negotiate later in the day, they were to agree to an extension to allow May time to ratify the withdrawal agreement. EU elections in doubt "Such an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than [XX.XX.XXXX]," the draft reads. The other 27 EU leaders will thrash out what date to fill in the blanks on Wednesday. "If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft, seen by AFP says. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said he expected EU leaders to delay Brexit for "much more time" than May asked, on condition that it holds European elections. "That is why we can agree -- I speak for myself -- the prolongation," he said as he arrived in Brussels. Britain has already reluctantly began preparations for the polls, setting the date for May 23, although officials insist they could still cancel it at the last minute. The draft conclusions say that if Britain fails to take part, it will leave the bloc on June 1. If an extension is agreed, Brussels will portray it as a concession to Britain, with some members -- particularly France -- not keen to see the disruptive Brexit drama drag on much longer. EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget. May will make her case to her colleagues before leaving them to discuss the length of the Brexit delay -- and any conditions -- without her. Britain was originally due to leave the EU on March 29. But Brussels agreed an extension after the British parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated with May.

May says wants Britain to leave EU 'as soon as possible'

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday her opposition to holding a second Brexit referendum had not changed, but she expected some lawmakers may try to push for one during the process of ratifying her EU exit deal.

The Daily Telegraph reported earlier this week that May was considering offering lawmakers a vote on whether to hold a confirmatory public vote on her Brexit deal in a bid to break the deadlock in talks with the opposition Labour Party.

Asked by a lawmaker whether this had been offered during talks with Labour, May said: "My position on a second referendum, the government's position, has not changed."

"When we come to a deal, we will have to ensure that legislation goes through this House. Of course, it may be that there are those in this House that wish to press that issue as the legislation goes through."

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday her opposition to holding a second Brexit referendum had not changed, but she expected some lawmakers may try to push for one during the process of ratifying her EU exit deal.

British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday her opposition to holding a second Brexit referendum had not changed, but she expected some lawmakers may try to push for one during the process of ratifying her EU exit deal. The Daily Telegraph reported earlier this week that May was considering offering lawmakers a vote on whether to hold a confirmatory public vote on her Brexit deal in a bid to break the deadlock in talks with the opposition Labour Party. Asked by a lawmaker whether this had been offered during talks with Labour, May said: "My position on a second referendum, the government's position, has not changed." "When we come to a deal, we will have to ensure that legislation goes through this House. Of course, it may be that there are those in this House that wish to press that issue as the legislation goes through."

UK PM May says view on second Brexit referendum has not changed

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-lawmakers-to-try-to-force-pm-may-to-seek-further-brexit-delay-207516">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> said Tuesday she would ask the EU to delay <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-deal-brexit-day-after-day-more-likely-european-unions-chief-negotiator-207400">Brexit again to avoid Britain crashing out of the bloc next week</a>, signalling she could accept a closer relationship with Europe to break months of political deadlock.

After more than seven hours of talks with her ministers, May said she would request a delay that was "as short as possible and which ends when we pass a deal" through the British parliament.

In a move which enraged the Brexit-supporting wing of her Conservative Party, she also offered to work with the leader of the main opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, who favours closer ties with the European Union.

"This is a decisive moment in the story of these islands. And it requires national unity to deliver the national interest," May said in a televised address.

Corbyn responded saying he was "very happy" to meet.

Brussels has set Britain an April 12 deadline to either pass the divorce deal it agreed with May four months ago, settle on an alternative, or leave the EU without an agreement.

In reality, the deadline is even closer as the EU has called an emergency leaders summit for April 10.

EU president Donald Tusk responded cautiously to May's statement, saying: "Even if, after today, we don't know what the end result will be, let us be patient."

Break the logjam

Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. However, the exit process has only exacerbated divisions among the public and politicians, including May's cabinet.

Her statement follows weeks of turmoil.&nbsp;

MPs have rejected May's divorce deal three times, but after seizing control of the process, were unable to come up with their own plan.

May said she was "taking action to break the logjam".

She noted calls in her own party for Britain simply to end its 46-year-old membership of the bloc without any agreement with the EU, but she said that "leaving with a deal is the best solution".

May said she believed her existing deal was still necessary for an orderly Brexit, but offered to talk to Labour about a new plan for future trade ties.

Corbyn has called for a new customs union with the EU and close alignment to the bloc's single market, two things that until now, May has strongly opposed.

"I recognise my responsibility," Corbyn said, stressing that the most important issue was "to make sure we don't crash out of the EU next week with no deal".

Corbyn said any new proposals could be voted on by parliament "early next week".

If May and Corbyn could agree on a plan that MPs supported, the prime minister said she hoped to take it to the April 10 Brussels summit.

If not, she promised to allow MPs to direct what she does, expressing hope that Britain could still leave with a deal before May 22, so it did not have to take part in European Parliament elections.

The political chaos has already forced May to ask the EU to postpone the original Brexit date of March 29, but European leaders have warned they will not delay Brexit indefinitely.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that while he was "open" to a lengthy delay on certain conditions, it was "neither certainty nor automatic".

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, warned that the other 27 EU nations were prepared for a "no deal" situation, and "it becomes day after day more likely".

Future relationship&nbsp;

The EU has repeatedly refused to renegotiate the Brexit divorce deal it agreed with May last November after almost two years of negotiations but has said it could revise the accompanying political declaration on future relations.

"What we need to focus on is our future relationship with the EU," May said of her talks with Corbyn.

Key Conservative Brexit-backers slammed May's move.

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson said it was "very disappointing" that Corbyn was being given a key role in the Brexit process.

Jacob Rees-Mogg MP suggested the Labour leader could undermine the referendum.

"Getting the support of a known Marxist is not likely to instil confidence in Conservatives," he said.

Prime Minister Theresa May said Tuesday she would ask the EU to delay Brexit again to avoid Britain crashing out of the bloc next week, signalling she could accept a closer relationship with Europe to break months of political deadlock.

Prime Minister Theresa May said Tuesday she would ask the EU to delay Brexit again to avoid Britain crashing out of the bloc next week, signalling she could accept a closer relationship with Europe to break months of political deadlock. After more than seven hours of talks with her ministers, May said she would request a delay that was "as short as possible and which ends when we pass a deal" through the British parliament. In a move which enraged the Brexit-supporting wing of her Conservative Party, she also offered to work with the leader of the main opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, who favours closer ties with the European Union. "This is a decisive moment in the story of these islands. And it requires national unity to deliver the national interest," May said in a televised address. Corbyn responded saying he was "very happy" to meet. Brussels has set Britain an April 12 deadline to either pass the divorce deal it agreed with May four months ago, settle on an alternative, or leave the EU without an agreement. In reality, the deadline is even closer as the EU has called an emergency leaders summit for April 10. EU president Donald Tusk responded cautiously to May's statement, saying: "Even if, after today, we don't know what the end result will be, let us be patient." Break the logjam Britain voted by 52 to 48 per cent to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. However, the exit process has only exacerbated divisions among the public and politicians, including May's cabinet. Her statement follows weeks of turmoil. MPs have rejected May's divorce deal three times, but after seizing control of the process, were unable to come up with their own plan. May said she was "taking action to break the logjam". She noted calls in her own party for Britain simply to end its 46-year-old membership of the bloc without any agreement with the EU, but she said that "leaving with a deal is the best solution". May said she believed her existing deal was still necessary for an orderly Brexit, but offered to talk to Labour about a new plan for future trade ties. Corbyn has called for a new customs union with the EU and close alignment to the bloc's single market, two things that until now, May has strongly opposed. "I recognise my responsibility," Corbyn said, stressing that the most important issue was "to make sure we don't crash out of the EU next week with no deal". Corbyn said any new proposals could be voted on by parliament "early next week". If May and Corbyn could agree on a plan that MPs supported, the prime minister said she hoped to take it to the April 10 Brussels summit. If not, she promised to allow MPs to direct what she does, expressing hope that Britain could still leave with a deal before May 22, so it did not have to take part in European Parliament elections. The political chaos has already forced May to ask the EU to postpone the original Brexit date of March 29, but European leaders have warned they will not delay Brexit indefinitely. French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that while he was "open" to a lengthy delay on certain conditions, it was "neither certainty nor automatic". The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, warned that the other 27 EU nations were prepared for a "no deal" situation, and "it becomes day after day more likely". Future relationship The EU has repeatedly refused to renegotiate the Brexit divorce deal it agreed with May last November after almost two years of negotiations but has said it could revise the accompanying political declaration on future relations. "What we need to focus on is our future relationship with the EU," May said of her talks with Corbyn. Key Conservative Brexit-backers slammed May's move. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson said it was "very disappointing" that Corbyn was being given a key role in the Brexit process. Jacob Rees-Mogg MP suggested the Labour leader could undermine the referendum. "Getting the support of a known Marxist is not likely to instil confidence in Conservatives," he said.

British PM Theresa May seeks new Brexit delay to approve deal

By Andy Price

For all the complexity that surrounds how (and, crucially, if) the UK leaves the European Union, the story of how it got into its current situation is actually incredibly simple. The Brexit that Prime Minister Theresa May has tried to engineer, a product of the internal tensions of her own party, was doomed from the start.

Coming to power as she did in the aftermath of the referendum, May made the one decision from which all her other missteps of the last few years would stem: she chose to represent one side, and one side only of the Brexit debate, and used this as the guiding star for her entire approach to Brexit.

From the moment she took office, she drew the reddest of red lines. At her Conservative Party conference speech in 2016, she introduced the mantras that would come to define her. We heard that “Brexit means Brexit”, that Britain would have a bright future as a sovereign nation outside of the EU.

A few months later at Lancaster House, she told the country she aimed to end the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in the UK. That essentially meant committing to leaving the single market and the customs union. Across these speeches, she also introduced into the political lexicon the phrase that has haunted most politicians since – that the “losers” of the 2016 referendum must respect the result as the “will of the people”.

Later still, as prime minister, May called a snap election in the name of helping her deliver Brexit. She openly dismissed anyone opposing Brexit – which at the very least meant the 16.5m who had voted remain – as “playing games with politics”.

In hock to the hardline Brexiteers within her own party, May pushed a for a version of Brexit that would make this small group of around 100 or so individuals happy, regardless of what millions out in the country though.

The impact of this approach should not be underestimated. It not only polarised the national debate, entrenching the fissures brought forth by the referendum, but it bound May to an approach to Brexit negotiations that rendered her deal dead on arrival. Her commitment to essentially a pure Brexit meant a border between the UK and the EU in Ireland or a softening of the very parameters she had staked her entire project on. It’s not hard to see how this would end.

Failings across the board 
 
May’s own mishandling of the entire project should form the centre of any analysis of how the UK got where it is now. However, she had many handmaidens helping her along the way.

Indeed, almost all MPs were blindsided by the result of the referendum. They were then rapidly cowed into submission by the “will of the people” mantra. The overwhelming parliamentary support for triggering Article 50 in February 2017 is a great example of this.

But there are individual MPs, and smaller groupings, who would help dye May’s red lines even redder. Of course, the European Research Group (ERG) has been key. Vocal ideologues like Iain Duncan Smith and Jacob Rees Mogg have kept the pressure up, hoping for a hard Brexit. For all their protestations, such a plan has never come close to carrying majority support in parliament.

In addition to the ERG, there are individual politicians who appear to view the whole exercise as one, great political game. Boris Johnson is the example par excellence. He amends his position on May’s deal according only to how it seems to apparently benefit his own leadership aspirations. And Nigel Farage – the most arch of the arch Brexiteers, who played a major role in the Brexit campaign, even if not an official one – continues to make great personal headway out of the whole farrago. He has radio shows, TV appearances, transport in private jets. He has most recently even been seen enjoying jolly japes with his supposed enemies in the EU. 
 
But perhaps the greatest helping hand May has had in limping towards the sad end of her Brexit project has come from the opposition. Blindsided by the fact that many of their constituencies voted Leave, and led by a man who is historically a eurosceptic, Labour has failed throughout the past two years to do the one thing the House of Commons is built to engender. Labour’s approach has been constructive ambiguity.

Though this may now finally be shifting at the eleventh hour, for nearly three years, Labour has neither come out against May’s Brexit or Brexit in general out of fear of its Leave constituents. It has therefore failed to challenge the government on its legislative programme. It has robbed the country of the one thing it needed more than ever in the face of a minority government that wasn’t listening – strong and clear opposition.

None of the above is particularly new, or hidden, or opaque: it is there in the historical record, for all of us to see. And it must be seen: to move past the unparalleled failure of May’s Brexit, the UK needs to learn – and quickly – from the woeful mistakes of a woefully unprepared political class.

(Andy Price is Head of Politics, Sheffield Hallam University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-is-not-just-theresa-mays-disaster-britains-whole-political-class-has-failed-a-nation-114463">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Andy Price For all the complexity that surrounds how (and, crucially, if) the UK leaves the European Union, the story of how it got into its current situation is actually incredibly simple.

By Andy Price For all the complexity that surrounds how (and, crucially, if) the UK leaves the European Union, the story of how it got into its current situation is actually incredibly simple. The Brexit that Prime Minister Theresa May has tried to engineer, a product of the internal tensions of her own party, was doomed from the start. Coming to power as she did in the aftermath of the referendum, May made the one decision from which all her other missteps of the last few years would stem: she chose to represent one side, and one side only of the Brexit debate, and used this as the guiding star for her entire approach to Brexit. From the moment she took office, she drew the reddest of red lines. At her Conservative Party conference speech in 2016, she introduced the mantras that would come to define her. We heard that “Brexit means Brexit”, that Britain would have a bright future as a sovereign nation outside of the EU. A few months later at Lancaster House, she told the country she aimed to end the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in the UK. That essentially meant committing to leaving the single market and the customs union. Across these speeches, she also introduced into the political lexicon the phrase that has haunted most politicians since – that the “losers” of the 2016 referendum must respect the result as the “will of the people”. Later still, as prime minister, May called a snap election in the name of helping her deliver Brexit. She openly dismissed anyone opposing Brexit – which at the very least meant the 16.5m who had voted remain – as “playing games with politics”. In hock to the hardline Brexiteers within her own party, May pushed a for a version of Brexit that would make this small group of around 100 or so individuals happy, regardless of what millions out in the country though. The impact of this approach should not be underestimated. It not only polarised the national debate, entrenching the fissures brought forth by the referendum, but it bound May to an approach to Brexit negotiations that rendered her deal dead on arrival. Her commitment to essentially a pure Brexit meant a border between the UK and the EU in Ireland or a softening of the very parameters she had staked her entire project on. It’s not hard to see how this would end. Failings across the board May’s own mishandling of the entire project should form the centre of any analysis of how the UK got where it is now. However, she had many handmaidens helping her along the way. Indeed, almost all MPs were blindsided by the result of the referendum. They were then rapidly cowed into submission by the “will of the people” mantra. The overwhelming parliamentary support for triggering Article 50 in February 2017 is a great example of this. But there are individual MPs, and smaller groupings, who would help dye May’s red lines even redder. Of course, the European Research Group (ERG) has been key. Vocal ideologues like Iain Duncan Smith and Jacob Rees Mogg have kept the pressure up, hoping for a hard Brexit. For all their protestations, such a plan has never come close to carrying majority support in parliament. In addition to the ERG, there are individual politicians who appear to view the whole exercise as one, great political game. Boris Johnson is the example par excellence. He amends his position on May’s deal according only to how it seems to apparently benefit his own leadership aspirations. And Nigel Farage – the most arch of the arch Brexiteers, who played a major role in the Brexit campaign, even if not an official one – continues to make great personal headway out of the whole farrago. He has radio shows, TV appearances, transport in private jets. He has most recently even been seen enjoying jolly japes with his supposed enemies in the EU. But perhaps the greatest helping hand May has had in limping towards the sad end of her Brexit project has come from the opposition. Blindsided by the fact that many of their constituencies voted Leave, and led by a man who is historically a eurosceptic, Labour has failed throughout the past two years to do the one thing the House of Commons is built to engender. Labour’s approach has been constructive ambiguity. Though this may now finally be shifting at the eleventh hour, for nearly three years, Labour has neither come out against May’s Brexit or Brexit in general out of fear of its Leave constituents. It has therefore failed to challenge the government on its legislative programme. It has robbed the country of the one thing it needed more than ever in the face of a minority government that wasn’t listening – strong and clear opposition. None of the above is particularly new, or hidden, or opaque: it is there in the historical record, for all of us to see. And it must be seen: to move past the unparalleled failure of May’s Brexit, the UK needs to learn – and quickly – from the woeful mistakes of a woefully unprepared political class. (Andy Price is Head of Politics, Sheffield Hallam University) (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 not just Theresa May’s disaster – Britain’s whole political class has failed a nation

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has said the EU is "running out" of patience with Britain over Brexit.

The United Kingdom is in crisis after lawmakers three times rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's proposed divorce deal, and now risks crashing out of the bloc in under two weeks.

"With our British friends we have had a lot of patience, but even patience is running out," Juncker told Italian public TV channel Rai 1 on Sunday.

"I would like, in the coming hours and days, for Great Britain to reach an agreement on the way forward."

MPs held "indicative votes" last week on eight alternative Brexit options, but none of them achieved a majority.&nbsp;

"Up to now, we know what the British parliament says no to, but we do not know what it says yes to," Juncker said.

Asked about the matter of a second referendum -- an option demanded by many of those who would prefer to remain in the EU -- Juncker said that "it is something that concerns the British only".&nbsp;

"They have to decide which instruments they will use to reach the end of this process."

Italy's eurosceptic coalition government -- in power since last June -- believes it has not received enough support from the EU to manage migrants arriving by sea and has closed its ports.

But Juncker said the bloc has "strongly supported" Italy, giving more than one billion euros to help the Mediterranean country with "this massive flow of refugees".

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has said the EU is "running out" of patience with Britain over Brexit. The United Kingdom is in crisis after lawmakers three times rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's proposed divorce deal, and now risks crashing out of the bloc in under two weeks.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has said the EU is "running out" of patience with Britain over Brexit. The United Kingdom is in crisis after lawmakers three times rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's proposed divorce deal, and now risks crashing out of the bloc in under two weeks. "With our British friends we have had a lot of patience, but even patience is running out," Juncker told Italian public TV channel Rai 1 on Sunday. "I would like, in the coming hours and days, for Great Britain to reach an agreement on the way forward." MPs held "indicative votes" last week on eight alternative Brexit options, but none of them achieved a majority. "Up to now, we know what the British parliament says no to, but we do not know what it says yes to," Juncker said. Asked about the matter of a second referendum -- an option demanded by many of those who would prefer to remain in the EU -- Juncker said that "it is something that concerns the British only". "They have to decide which instruments they will use to reach the end of this process." Italy's eurosceptic coalition government -- in power since last June -- believes it has not received enough support from the EU to manage migrants arriving by sea and has closed its ports. But Juncker said the bloc has "strongly supported" Italy, giving more than one billion euros to help the Mediterranean country with "this massive flow of refugees".

EU president Juncker says bloc is 'running out of patience' with UK over Brexit

Britain's exit from the European Union was in disarray after the implosion of Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy left her under pressure from rival factions to leave without a deal, go for an election or forge a much softer divorce.

After one of the most tumultuous weeks in British politics since the 2016 referendum, it was still uncertain how, when or even if the United Kingdom will ever leave the bloc it first joined 46 years ago.

The third defeat of May's divorce deal, after her pledge to quit if it was passed, left one of the weakest leaders in a generation grappling with a perilous crisis over Brexit, the United Kingdom's most significant move since World War Two.

Parliament will vote on different Brexit options on Monday and then May could try one last roll of the dice by bringing her deal back to a vote in parliament as soon as Tuesday.

But May's government and her party, which has grappled with schism over Europe for 30 years, was in open conflict.

May's own enforcer in parliament said that the government should have been clearer that May's loss of her majority in parliament in a botched bet on a snap 2017 election would "inevitably" lead it to accept a softer Brexit.

"The government as a whole probably should have just been clearer on the consequences of that," Julian Smith, known as the chief whip, told the BBC in an interview published on Monday.

"The parliamentary arithmetic would mean that this would be inevitably a kind of softer type of Brexit," said Smith, who also said ministers had tried to undermine the prime minister.

Their behaviour, he said, was the "worst example of ill-discipline in cabinet in British political history".

Many in May's party, though, want a much more decisive split with the EU than May was proposing. The Sun newspaper said 170 of her 314 Conservative lawmakers had sent her a letter demanding that Brexit take place in the next few months - deal or no deal.

Brexit in meltdown

In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 51.9 per cent, backed leaving the EU while 16.1 million, or 48.1 per cent, backed staying. But ever since, opponents of Brexit have sought to soften, or even stop, the divorce.

The Times newspaper said May had been warned by some senior ministers that she faced resignations if she agreed to pursue a softer Brexit.

Britain was due to leave the EU on March 29 but the political deadlock in London forced May to ask the bloc for a delay. Currently, Brexit is due to take place at 2200 GMT on April 12 unless May comes up with another option.

The tumultuous Brexit crisis has left the United Kingdom divided: supporters of both Brexit and EU membership marched through London last week. Many on both sides feel betrayed by a political elite that has failed to show leadership.

Parliament is due to vote at around 1900 GMT on Monday on a range of alternative Brexit options selected by Speaker John Bercow from nine proposals put forward by lawmakers, including a no-deal exit, preventing a no-deal exit, a customs union, or a second referendum.

"There are no ideal choices available and there are very good arguments against any possible outcome at the moment but we are going to have to do something," said Justice Secretary David Gauke, who voted in the 2016 referendum to stay in the EU.

"The prime minister is reflecting on what the options are, and is considering what may happen but I don't think any decisions have been made," he told BBC TV. "We are clearly going to have to consider very carefully the will of parliament."

With no majority yet in the House of Commons for any of the Brexit options, there was speculation that an election could be called, though such a vote would be unpredictable and it is unclear who would lead the Conservatives into it.

The Conservative Party's deputy chair, James Cleverly, said it was not planning for an election. But the deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, Tom Watson, said his party was on an election footing.

Opponents of Brexit fear it will make Britain poorer, less open and divide the West as it faces the rise of China and growing assertiveness of Russia.

Supporters cast Brexit as a chance to break free from a doomed experiment in European unity they believe is falling behind the other great powers of the 21st Century.

Britain's exit from the European Union was in disarray after the implosion of Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy left her under pressure from rival factions to leave without a deal, go for an election or forge a much softer divorce.

Britain's exit from the European Union was in disarray after the implosion of Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy left her under pressure from rival factions to leave without a deal, go for an election or forge a much softer divorce. After one of the most tumultuous weeks in British politics since the 2016 referendum, it was still uncertain how, when or even if the United Kingdom will ever leave the bloc it first joined 46 years ago. The third defeat of May's divorce deal, after her pledge to quit if it was passed, left one of the weakest leaders in a generation grappling with a perilous crisis over Brexit, the United Kingdom's most significant move since World War Two. Parliament will vote on different Brexit options on Monday and then May could try one last roll of the dice by bringing her deal back to a vote in parliament as soon as Tuesday. But May's government and her party, which has grappled with schism over Europe for 30 years, was in open conflict. May's own enforcer in parliament said that the government should have been clearer that May's loss of her majority in parliament in a botched bet on a snap 2017 election would "inevitably" lead it to accept a softer Brexit. "The government as a whole probably should have just been clearer on the consequences of that," Julian Smith, known as the chief whip, told the BBC in an interview published on Monday. "The parliamentary arithmetic would mean that this would be inevitably a kind of softer type of Brexit," said Smith, who also said ministers had tried to undermine the prime minister. Their behaviour, he said, was the "worst example of ill-discipline in cabinet in British political history". Many in May's party, though, want a much more decisive split with the EU than May was proposing. The Sun newspaper said 170 of her 314 Conservative lawmakers had sent her a letter demanding that Brexit take place in the next few months - deal or no deal. Brexit in meltdown In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 51.9 per cent, backed leaving the EU while 16.1 million, or 48.1 per cent, backed staying. But ever since, opponents of Brexit have sought to soften, or even stop, the divorce. The Times newspaper said May had been warned by some senior ministers that she faced resignations if she agreed to pursue a softer Brexit. Britain was due to leave the EU on March 29 but the political deadlock in London forced May to ask the bloc for a delay. Currently, Brexit is due to take place at 2200 GMT on April 12 unless May comes up with another option. The tumultuous Brexit crisis has left the United Kingdom divided: supporters of both Brexit and EU membership marched through London last week. Many on both sides feel betrayed by a political elite that has failed to show leadership. Parliament is due to vote at around 1900 GMT on Monday on a range of alternative Brexit options selected by Speaker John Bercow from nine proposals put forward by lawmakers, including a no-deal exit, preventing a no-deal exit, a customs union, or a second referendum. "There are no ideal choices available and there are very good arguments against any possible outcome at the moment but we are going to have to do something," said Justice Secretary David Gauke, who voted in the 2016 referendum to stay in the EU. "The prime minister is reflecting on what the options are, and is considering what may happen but I don't think any decisions have been made," he told BBC TV. "We are clearly going to have to consider very carefully the will of parliament." With no majority yet in the House of Commons for any of the Brexit options, there was speculation that an election could be called, though such a vote would be unpredictable and it is unclear who would lead the Conservatives into it. The Conservative Party's deputy chair, James Cleverly, said it was not planning for an election. But the deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, Tom Watson, said his party was on an election footing. Opponents of Brexit fear it will make Britain poorer, less open and divide the West as it faces the rise of China and growing assertiveness of Russia. Supporters cast Brexit as a chance to break free from a doomed experiment in European unity they believe is falling behind the other great powers of the 21st Century.

Brexit in disarray: May under pressure to go for soft Brexit

Flying English flags and crying Brexit betrayal, thousands massed outside the British parliament on Friday on what should have been "Independence Day" -- until political paralysis prompted a last-ditch delay.

Nearly three years after the divisive referendum that saw 52 per cent of voters back leaving the EU, Britain's MPs are at a loss on how, and even whether, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-brexit-options-are-on-the-table-uk-conservatives-chair-206715">UK can properly leave the bloc</a>.

As lawmakers voted inside to reject Prime Minister Theresa May's agreement struck between London and Brussels -- for a third time -- crowds gathered in the sunshine outside on Parliament Square to demand MPs respect the vote of the majority.

"Brexit hard. Brexit now. Theresa May is a treacherous cow," the crowd chanted.

"This is about democracy. It's that simple. They're playing Russian roulette with our country. I'm so angry about it. I'm 54 and I've never been on a protest in my life," said Debbie, from Billericay, east of London, who was draped in the British flag.

"These Remain MPs have an arrogance. There's going to be a massive kickback against them."

Leave voters milled around holding up placards reading "Trust in politicians is dead" and "What is our liberty for if not to govern ourselves?", while others waved British, English, Welsh, Cornish and other UK flags.

The atmosphere was a mixture of party, wake and protest -- as the vote result triggered shrugs from people whose preference is for Britain to leave the EU with no deal at all.

"Stop the Brexit Betrayal", "Give Our Kingdom Back" and "Free Britain Now" read some of the placards.

Question of liberty

"This is so much bigger than party politics. It's the fundamental question of what it means to be free. It's 2019 in the UK and we're having to think about our liberty. That worries me," said John Abbott, 37, who travelled down from Nottingham in central England.

"There has been political chicanery and obfuscation by a bunch of rich idiots failing to do their jobs.

Some Leave voters completed a two-week, 270-mile (435-kilometre) protest march from northeast England.

Others were led to the parliament building on the banks of River Thames by Scottish pipe bands and a fishing boat on the back of a truck.

"I'm not going to have my country taken over by a dictatorship," megaphone-wielding Terry Calladine told AFP.

"All the Labour and Conservative MPs are a bunch of frauds that need dragging out by their hair," he said.

"They are opposing what they obtained their seat on. That's about as low as a snake's belly can get."

- 'Parliament v the people' - 
Suzanne Evans, a eurosceptic former member of the European Parliament, said the implications of failing to leave the EU on time at 2300 GMT on Friday were severe.

"This was supposed to be a celebration of our Independence Day. They promised us. And now we just can't trust them at all. It's absolutely disgraceful," she said of Britain's MPs.

"It is parliament versus the people. This has gone beyond being about Brexit.

"It's about democracy. It's about does the ballot box still work? From the shenanigans across the road, the answer has to be no. We are in dire straits as a country."

Jan Bowman, a 63-year-old artist Jan, said she would have been carrying "fireworks", rather than a large banner if Britain had really been leaving the EU on Friday.

Small numbers of fiercely pro- and anti-Brexit demonstrators have kept up a constant presence in Westminster in recent months.

Ardent Brexiteers want Britain to leave the bloc now without any divorce deal in place, falling back on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.

At the other end of the political spectrum, europhile London Mayor Sadiq Khan launched a campaign bus on Friday emblazoned with the slogan "We are all Londoners".

"I think we can all agree that Brexit has been a complete and utter mess," the mayor told AFP.

Elsewhere, the Church of England has invited parishioners to "cafe-style meetings" over the weekend in a bid to forge some unity over that most British of things: a cup of tea.

Suitable Bible passages and newly-composed prayers will be chosen under the slogan "Together" to prompt the faithful -- whatever their views about leaving the EU -- to start conversations.

Flying English flags and crying Brexit betrayal, thousands massed outside the British parliament on Friday on what should have been "Independence Day" -- until political paralysis prompted a last-ditch delay.

Flying English flags and crying Brexit betrayal, thousands massed outside the British parliament on Friday on what should have been "Independence Day" -- until political paralysis prompted a last-ditch delay. Nearly three years after the divisive referendum that saw 52 per cent of voters back leaving the EU, Britain's MPs are at a loss on how, and even whether, the UK can properly leave the bloc. As lawmakers voted inside to reject Prime Minister Theresa May's agreement struck between London and Brussels -- for a third time -- crowds gathered in the sunshine outside on Parliament Square to demand MPs respect the vote of the majority. "Brexit hard. Brexit now. Theresa May is a treacherous cow," the crowd chanted. "This is about democracy. It's that simple. They're playing Russian roulette with our country. I'm so angry about it. I'm 54 and I've never been on a protest in my life," said Debbie, from Billericay, east of London, who was draped in the British flag. "These Remain MPs have an arrogance. There's going to be a massive kickback against them." Leave voters milled around holding up placards reading "Trust in politicians is dead" and "What is our liberty for if not to govern ourselves?", while others waved British, English, Welsh, Cornish and other UK flags. The atmosphere was a mixture of party, wake and protest -- as the vote result triggered shrugs from people whose preference is for Britain to leave the EU with no deal at all. "Stop the Brexit Betrayal", "Give Our Kingdom Back" and "Free Britain Now" read some of the placards. Question of liberty "This is so much bigger than party politics. It's the fundamental question of what it means to be free. It's 2019 in the UK and we're having to think about our liberty. That worries me," said John Abbott, 37, who travelled down from Nottingham in central England. "There has been political chicanery and obfuscation by a bunch of rich idiots failing to do their jobs. Some Leave voters completed a two-week, 270-mile (435-kilometre) protest march from northeast England. Others were led to the parliament building on the banks of River Thames by Scottish pipe bands and a fishing boat on the back of a truck. "I'm not going to have my country taken over by a dictatorship," megaphone-wielding Terry Calladine told AFP. "All the Labour and Conservative MPs are a bunch of frauds that need dragging out by their hair," he said. "They are opposing what they obtained their seat on. That's about as low as a snake's belly can get." - 'Parliament v the people' - Suzanne Evans, a eurosceptic former member of the European Parliament, said the implications of failing to leave the EU on time at 2300 GMT on Friday were severe. "This was supposed to be a celebration of our Independence Day. They promised us. And now we just can't trust them at all. It's absolutely disgraceful," she said of Britain's MPs. "It is parliament versus the people. This has gone beyond being about Brexit. "It's about democracy. It's about does the ballot box still work? From the shenanigans across the road, the answer has to be no. We are in dire straits as a country." Jan Bowman, a 63-year-old artist Jan, said she would have been carrying "fireworks", rather than a large banner if Britain had really been leaving the EU on Friday. Small numbers of fiercely pro- and anti-Brexit demonstrators have kept up a constant presence in Westminster in recent months. Ardent Brexiteers want Britain to leave the bloc now without any divorce deal in place, falling back on World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules. At the other end of the political spectrum, europhile London Mayor Sadiq Khan launched a campaign bus on Friday emblazoned with the slogan "We are all Londoners". "I think we can all agree that Brexit has been a complete and utter mess," the mayor told AFP. Elsewhere, the Church of England has invited parishioners to "cafe-style meetings" over the weekend in a bid to forge some unity over that most British of things: a cup of tea. Suitable Bible passages and newly-composed prayers will be chosen under the slogan "Together" to prompt the faithful -- whatever their views about leaving the EU -- to start conversations.

'Betrayal': Thousands vent anger on Brexit Day that never was

British MPs on Friday rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-lawmakers-to-vote-for-pivotal-vote-on-mays-brexit-deal-206494"> EU divorce deal for a third time</a>, opening the way for a long delay to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brexit-in-quotes-what-the-uk-leaders-have-said-since-the-2016-referendum-206443">Brexit</a> -- or a potentially catastophic "no deal" withdrawal in two weeks.

Lawmakers in parliament's lower House of Commons defied May's plea to end the political deadlock that has plunged Britain into crisis, and defeated her withdrawal agreement by 344 votes to 286.

It is yet another blow to a prime minister who has all but lost control of her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-uk-pm-must-believe-in-brexit-former-conservative-leader-duncan-smith-206460">government </a>and the Brexit process -- particularly after she offered to quit if MPs backed the deal.

Britain had been due to leave the EU on Friday, the long-heralded March 29 "Independence Day", but faced with chaos in Westminster, May asked European leaders last week for a little more time.

She now faces having to return in the coming days to explain what happens next, with speculation in Brussels of an emergency summit on April 10 or 11.

The EU has set a deadline for April 12 for a decision, with two likely options: Britain leaves with no deal at all, or agrees a lengthy extension to allow time for a new approach.

May has said it would be "unacceptable" to ask voters to take part in forthcoming European Parliament elections, three years after they voted in a 2016 referendum to leave the EU.

But while "no deal" remains the default legal option, MPs have repeatedly voted against this, fearing catastrophe if Britain severs ties with its closest trading partner with no plan in place.

DUP holdouts

The failure by parliament to agree the terms of its exit from European Union has left Britain in limbo, with business leaders and trade unions warning of a "national emergency".

Voters are divided, many of them anxious and angry, and May blames MPs -- but they in turn accuse her of refusing to countenance any alternative to her unpopular deal.

"She is, frankly, unable to govern," opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said, urging her "either to listen and change course or to go".

Tired of waiting, MPs this week gave themselves unprecedented powers to vote on a range of options for Britain's future relationship with the EU.

A prosal for a new customs union got close to passing in a first round on Wednesday, as did a plan for a referendum on May's deal, with more voting planned next Monday and Wednesday.

The risk that MPs decide to agree closer ties to the EU, or even stop it altogether, has focused the minds of some Brexit supporters, who reluctantly agreed to back May's deal.

Her offer on Wednesday to quit if it passes also helped persuade some of her staunchest critics, including former foreign minister Boris Johnson.

But others refused, including May's Northern Irish allies, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which says planned arrangements for the Irish border after Brexit are unacceptable.

"We are not prepared to see our constitutional position altered by Brussels in a fit of pique for daring to leave the EU," said MP Sammy Wilson, the DUP's Brexit spokesman.

Snap election?

May's offer to quit fired the starting gun on an informal race for the leadership of her Conservative party.

Her resignation was dependent on getting the divorce deal passed -- and she might try one last time to get her deal through.

Even so, her days are numbered.

Getting another vote on a deal would be tricky, as parliament speaker John Bercow has already warned he will not let her bring the same deal back again and again.

Under an agreement struck with EU leaders last week, Britain would have left on May 22 if MPs approved the deal this week.

Officials believe there is still a chance that, if she can get it through before April 12, this date is still possible.

However, speculation is also growing that the only way out of the impasse is a snap election.

British MPs on Friday rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal for a third time, opening the way for a long delay to Brexit -- or a potentially catastophic "no deal" withdrawal in two weeks.

British MPs on Friday rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal for a third time, opening the way for a long delay to Brexit -- or a potentially catastophic "no deal" withdrawal in two weeks. Lawmakers in parliament's lower House of Commons defied May's plea to end the political deadlock that has plunged Britain into crisis, and defeated her withdrawal agreement by 344 votes to 286. It is yet another blow to a prime minister who has all but lost control of her government and the Brexit process -- particularly after she offered to quit if MPs backed the deal. Britain had been due to leave the EU on Friday, the long-heralded March 29 "Independence Day", but faced with chaos in Westminster, May asked European leaders last week for a little more time. She now faces having to return in the coming days to explain what happens next, with speculation in Brussels of an emergency summit on April 10 or 11. The EU has set a deadline for April 12 for a decision, with two likely options: Britain leaves with no deal at all, or agrees a lengthy extension to allow time for a new approach. May has said it would be "unacceptable" to ask voters to take part in forthcoming European Parliament elections, three years after they voted in a 2016 referendum to leave the EU. But while "no deal" remains the default legal option, MPs have repeatedly voted against this, fearing catastrophe if Britain severs ties with its closest trading partner with no plan in place. DUP holdouts The failure by parliament to agree the terms of its exit from European Union has left Britain in limbo, with business leaders and trade unions warning of a "national emergency". Voters are divided, many of them anxious and angry, and May blames MPs -- but they in turn accuse her of refusing to countenance any alternative to her unpopular deal. "She is, frankly, unable to govern," opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said, urging her "either to listen and change course or to go". Tired of waiting, MPs this week gave themselves unprecedented powers to vote on a range of options for Britain's future relationship with the EU. A prosal for a new customs union got close to passing in a first round on Wednesday, as did a plan for a referendum on May's deal, with more voting planned next Monday and Wednesday. The risk that MPs decide to agree closer ties to the EU, or even stop it altogether, has focused the minds of some Brexit supporters, who reluctantly agreed to back May's deal. Her offer on Wednesday to quit if it passes also helped persuade some of her staunchest critics, including former foreign minister Boris Johnson. But others refused, including May's Northern Irish allies, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which says planned arrangements for the Irish border after Brexit are unacceptable. "We are not prepared to see our constitutional position altered by Brussels in a fit of pique for daring to leave the EU," said MP Sammy Wilson, the DUP's Brexit spokesman. Snap election? May's offer to quit fired the starting gun on an informal race for the leadership of her Conservative party. Her resignation was dependent on getting the divorce deal passed -- and she might try one last time to get her deal through. Even so, her days are numbered. Getting another vote on a deal would be tricky, as parliament speaker John Bercow has already warned he will not let her bring the same deal back again and again. Under an agreement struck with EU leaders last week, Britain would have left on May 22 if MPs approved the deal this week. Officials believe there is still a chance that, if she can get it through before April 12, this date is still possible. However, speculation is also growing that the only way out of the impasse is a snap election.

British MPs reject PM Theresa May's Brexit deal for third time

MPs are set for a momentous third vote Friday on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-theresa-may-offers-to-resign-in-parliament-on-brexit-206392">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brexit-no-majority-for-any-options-after-mps-votes-206299">Brexit</a> divorce deal, which could end a months-long crisis or risk Britain crashing out of the EU in two weeks.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">House of Commons</a> has twice rejected May's withdrawal agreement, both times by large margins, but has been unable to agree any alternative -- and time is running out.

The pivotal vote takes place on the day Britain was supposed to leave the European Union until May asked the bloc's leaders last week for a little more time.

In a last-ditch bid to garner the support of discontented Conservative colleagues, she dramatically promised Wednesday to resign if the deal passed.

She appealed to Brexit supporters to back her, saying that under the delay plan hatched with Brussels, approval on Friday could see Britain out of the bloc on May 22.

But if the deal falls again, she must set out a new plan by April 12 -- with the options including a potentially catastrophic "no deal" Brexit, or a lengthy delay.

May's sacrifice swayed some of her critics, including former foreign minister Boris Johnson, but more than a dozen Conservative MPs still publicly oppose her deal.

Her Northern Irish allies, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), also continue to insist that its arrangements for the Irish border are unacceptable.

'Blindfold Brexit'

Without the support of her own side, May would have to rely on opposition Labour votes to get her deal through, but leader Jeremy Corbyn has vowed to vote against her.

Tory minister Andrea Leadsom issued a rallying cry, tweeting that "we can still make the 29th March the day we unite to make leaving the EU a reality.&nbsp;

"I hope colleagues across the House will take this last opportunity."

The government has decided to put only one part of the Brexit package to MPs, separating out the withdrawal terms from an accompanying political declaration on future ties.

Another vote will be required for Brexit to happen, but a date has not been set.

Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said separating the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration was "not part of a plan, it's a desperate measure," that the party would not vote for.

"Take the political declaration off and it's completely blind, you've no idea what you're really voting for."

Britain is leaving the EU after 46 years of membership following a divisive 2016 referendum in which voters decided 52 to 48 percent for Brexit.

But MPs appear incapable of agreeing on how to implement the result, reflecting the nationwide divisions that persist on the issue.

The ensuing chaos has led business leaders and trade unions to warn of a "national emergency", while the pound slipped again on Thursday amid fears of what might happen.

May admits her agreement, reached last November during more than 18 months of negotiations, is a compromise but insists it is the best available.

It covers citizens' rights, Britain's financial settlement, plans for the Irish border and for a transition period to ease the split until new trade terms are agreed.

'Give people certainty'

Ardent Brexit supporters say it keeps Britain too close to the EU, but others say it does not do enough to protect relations with Britain's largest trading partner.

The crunch vote caps a tumultuous week in Westminster which also saw MPs seize control of parliamentary business for a day to test support for various Brexit options.&nbsp;

However, none of the eight options drawn up by various lawmakers secured a majority, although they are hoping to narrow down the field in another round of votes next Monday.

Any new approach at this point would likely require a much longer extension that would force Britain to take part in European Parliament elections in May.

"The EU will only agree an extension until&nbsp;May 22 if the withdrawal agreement is approved this week," said Leadsom.

"I encourage all MPs to support it and ensure that we leave the EU... giving people and businesses the certainty they need."&nbsp;

MPs were not originally due to sit on Friday but the government called an emergency session, starting at 9.30am (0930 GMT) with voting due at 2.30pm (1430 GMT).

MPs are set for a momentous third vote Friday on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal, which could end a months-long crisis or risk Britain crashing out of the EU in two weeks.

MPs are set for a momentous third vote Friday on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal, which could end a months-long crisis or risk Britain crashing out of the EU in two weeks. The House of Commons has twice rejected May's withdrawal agreement, both times by large margins, but has been unable to agree any alternative -- and time is running out. The pivotal vote takes place on the day Britain was supposed to leave the European Union until May asked the bloc's leaders last week for a little more time. In a last-ditch bid to garner the support of discontented Conservative colleagues, she dramatically promised Wednesday to resign if the deal passed. She appealed to Brexit supporters to back her, saying that under the delay plan hatched with Brussels, approval on Friday could see Britain out of the bloc on May 22. But if the deal falls again, she must set out a new plan by April 12 -- with the options including a potentially catastrophic "no deal" Brexit, or a lengthy delay. May's sacrifice swayed some of her critics, including former foreign minister Boris Johnson, but more than a dozen Conservative MPs still publicly oppose her deal. Her Northern Irish allies, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), also continue to insist that its arrangements for the Irish border are unacceptable. 'Blindfold Brexit' Without the support of her own side, May would have to rely on opposition Labour votes to get her deal through, but leader Jeremy Corbyn has vowed to vote against her. Tory minister Andrea Leadsom issued a rallying cry, tweeting that "we can still make the 29th March the day we unite to make leaving the EU a reality. "I hope colleagues across the House will take this last opportunity." The government has decided to put only one part of the Brexit package to MPs, separating out the withdrawal terms from an accompanying political declaration on future ties. Another vote will be required for Brexit to happen, but a date has not been set. Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said separating the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration was "not part of a plan, it's a desperate measure," that the party would not vote for. "Take the political declaration off and it's completely blind, you've no idea what you're really voting for." Britain is leaving the EU after 46 years of membership following a divisive 2016 referendum in which voters decided 52 to 48 percent for Brexit. But MPs appear incapable of agreeing on how to implement the result, reflecting the nationwide divisions that persist on the issue. The ensuing chaos has led business leaders and trade unions to warn of a "national emergency", while the pound slipped again on Thursday amid fears of what might happen. May admits her agreement, reached last November during more than 18 months of negotiations, is a compromise but insists it is the best available. It covers citizens' rights, Britain's financial settlement, plans for the Irish border and for a transition period to ease the split until new trade terms are agreed. 'Give people certainty' Ardent Brexit supporters say it keeps Britain too close to the EU, but others say it does not do enough to protect relations with Britain's largest trading partner. The crunch vote caps a tumultuous week in Westminster which also saw MPs seize control of parliamentary business for a day to test support for various Brexit options. However, none of the eight options drawn up by various lawmakers secured a majority, although they are hoping to narrow down the field in another round of votes next Monday. Any new approach at this point would likely require a much longer extension that would force Britain to take part in European Parliament elections in May. "The EU will only agree an extension until May 22 if the withdrawal agreement is approved this week," said Leadsom. "I encourage all MPs to support it and ensure that we leave the EU... giving people and businesses the certainty they need." MPs were not originally due to sit on Friday but the government called an emergency session, starting at 9.30am (0930 GMT) with voting due at 2.30pm (1430 GMT).

UK lawmakers to vote for pivotal vote on May's Brexit deal

Brexit threatens endangered species breeding progamme, Belgian zoo says

By Sangeeta Khorana

The European Union and India have been negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) since 2007. Despite growing trade between the EU and India, talks stalled in 2013 after 16 rounds, only resuming in 2018. There has been talk in Brussels that Brexit might help remove some of the hurdles to an agreement. But this is unlikely to be the case.

If anything, the UK is better positioned to secure a trade deal with India than the EU, although this will not be straightforward. The UK’s desire to curb immigration is likely to lead to tough negotiations. But future UK-India-FTA talks may well be an opportunity to negotiate a manageable set of strategic priorities.

The EU is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for around 13 per cent of India’s total trade in goods in 2017. India contributes around 2.3 per cent of total EU trade and is the EU’s ninth biggest trade partner. Trade in goods between the EU and India grew by three times over 2002-18, from €28 billion to €91 billion.

Services are also an important component of EU-India trade. Eurostat data shows that Indian services exports to the EU were €16.6 billion in 2018, while imports were €17.1 billion. The sector has also attracted foreign direct investment from the EU, including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Belgium, as well as the UK.

Sticking points

Talks between the EU and India broke down in 2013 after it became clear that reaching an agreement on the demands for tariff reductions and market access, as well as the inclusion of social, environmental and human rights clauses would be impossible. Discussions resumed in 2018, which led to the declaration of an EU-India strategic partnership. While this agreement helped to resume the talks, it mainly reaffirmed current ties rather than tackling any of the issues that caused the trade agreement discussions to stall initially.

From the EU’s perspective, the main sticking points were drug patents, tariffs for second-hand cars, agriculture, services, rules of origin and an unacceptable list of sensitive items. The EU is adamant about negotiating a stronger intellectual property regime and a sustainable development chapter with social and environmental clauses, which India is unwilling to include in the trade agreement.

Plus, the EU wants detailed provisions for investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) after India cancelled 20 bilateral investment protection treaties with individual EU countries in 2016. The ISDS demand is not acceptable to India and current regulations require foreign investors to resolve their problems in Indian courts for a period of five years before pursuing a claim under international law.

India views the proposed trade deal as an opportunity to address issues it has with the way the two sides trade in services. In particular, India wants more visas to be granted to its skilled workers in the services industry. This has been a longstanding demand.

After Brexit, this demand is unlikely to fade. But, at a time when all EU member states are grappling with a “migration crisis” any loosening of visa rules is highly unlikely. India has also been demanding status as a “data-secure nation”, which will reduce compliance costs for Indian software providers. But, given EU concerns over regulatory norms and data-privacy standards it is unlikely that the EU will agree to this demand.

Opportunity for a UK trade deal?

The UK is among India’s main trading partners from the EU bloc. Trade totalled €13.6 billion in 2018, accounting for 17 per cent of India’s overall trade with the EU. Moreover, trade between India and the UK increased at an average rate of 8.8 per cent a year between 2002 and 2018.

Machinery and transport equipment constitute 40 per cent of India’s exports, and accounts for nearly 20 per cent of total UK’s trade with India. The UK’s exports of alcoholic beverages also registered a significant increase, from €14m to €162m from 2002-18.

The lack of progress in EU-India trade talks might just be an opportunity for the UK to launch its own negotiations for a trade deal with India. From an economic perspective, India is an attractive trade partner. It is projected to be the world’s fastest growing economy, with an annual GDP growth rate of around 6.5 per cent. In the UK, GDP is predicted to grow by a mere 1.5 per cent in 2019. India is also home to almost one-fifth of the world’s population. It could be a strategic partner for the UK in Asia, presenting an opportunity to increase Britain’s soft power in the region.

From India’s perspective, a trade deal with the UK could be an opportunity to increase pressure on other Asian countries, especially China, to liberalise their trade. This will also help India’s geopolitical considerations in the region given the history of tense diplomatic relations with Pakistan. And it could help strengthen India’s Commonwealth ties.

But other issues remain. The UK and India would still have to agree on reducing tariffs on their respective imports. Visa numbers and intellectual property would also be issues for the UK, as they were with the EU, and could yet prove contentious. So free trade talks between the UK and India could still be long and drawn out.

Recent political developments, however – including Brexit, eurozone uncertainty, sluggish global growth rates and trade tensions from the Trump administration’s pursuit of a protectionist agenda – all have serious implications for future trade talks. These could well nudge the partners to review their red lines and return to the negotiating table.

 
(Sangeeta Khorana is Professor of Economics, Bournemouth University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/is-brexit-an-opportunity-to-revive-the-eu-india-trade-deal-113780"> 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 Sangeeta Khorana The European Union and India have been negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) since 2007. Despite growing trade between the EU and India, talks stalled in 2013 after 16 rounds, only resuming in 2018.

By Sangeeta Khorana The European Union and India have been negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) since 2007. Despite growing trade between the EU and India, talks stalled in 2013 after 16 rounds, only resuming in 2018. There has been talk in Brussels that Brexit might help remove some of the hurdles to an agreement. But this is unlikely to be the case. If anything, the UK is better positioned to secure a trade deal with India than the EU, although this will not be straightforward. The UK’s desire to curb immigration is likely to lead to tough negotiations. But future UK-India-FTA talks may well be an opportunity to negotiate a manageable set of strategic priorities. The EU is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for around 13 per cent of India’s total trade in goods in 2017. India contributes around 2.3 per cent of total EU trade and is the EU’s ninth biggest trade partner. Trade in goods between the EU and India grew by three times over 2002-18, from €28 billion to €91 billion. Services are also an important component of EU-India trade. Eurostat data shows that Indian services exports to the EU were €16.6 billion in 2018, while imports were €17.1 billion. The sector has also attracted foreign direct investment from the EU, including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Belgium, as well as the UK. Sticking points Talks between the EU and India broke down in 2013 after it became clear that reaching an agreement on the demands for tariff reductions and market access, as well as the inclusion of social, environmental and human rights clauses would be impossible. Discussions resumed in 2018, which led to the declaration of an EU-India strategic partnership. While this agreement helped to resume the talks, it mainly reaffirmed current ties rather than tackling any of the issues that caused the trade agreement discussions to stall initially. From the EU’s perspective, the main sticking points were drug patents, tariffs for second-hand cars, agriculture, services, rules of origin and an unacceptable list of sensitive items. The EU is adamant about negotiating a stronger intellectual property regime and a sustainable development chapter with social and environmental clauses, which India is unwilling to include in the trade agreement. Plus, the EU wants detailed provisions for investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) after India cancelled 20 bilateral investment protection treaties with individual EU countries in 2016. The ISDS demand is not acceptable to India and current regulations require foreign investors to resolve their problems in Indian courts for a period of five years before pursuing a claim under international law. India views the proposed trade deal as an opportunity to address issues it has with the way the two sides trade in services. In particular, India wants more visas to be granted to its skilled workers in the services industry. This has been a longstanding demand. After Brexit, this demand is unlikely to fade. But, at a time when all EU member states are grappling with a “migration crisis” any loosening of visa rules is highly unlikely. India has also been demanding status as a “data-secure nation”, which will reduce compliance costs for Indian software providers. But, given EU concerns over regulatory norms and data-privacy standards it is unlikely that the EU will agree to this demand. Opportunity for a UK trade deal? The UK is among India’s main trading partners from the EU bloc. Trade totalled €13.6 billion in 2018, accounting for 17 per cent of India’s overall trade with the EU. Moreover, trade between India and the UK increased at an average rate of 8.8 per cent a year between 2002 and 2018. Machinery and transport equipment constitute 40 per cent of India’s exports, and accounts for nearly 20 per cent of total UK’s trade with India. The UK’s exports of alcoholic beverages also registered a significant increase, from €14m to €162m from 2002-18. The lack of progress in EU-India trade talks might just be an opportunity for the UK to launch its own negotiations for a trade deal with India. From an economic perspective, India is an attractive trade partner. It is projected to be the world’s fastest growing economy, with an annual GDP growth rate of around 6.5 per cent. In the UK, GDP is predicted to grow by a mere 1.5 per cent in 2019. India is also home to almost one-fifth of the world’s population. It could be a strategic partner for the UK in Asia, presenting an opportunity to increase Britain’s soft power in the region. From India’s perspective, a trade deal with the UK could be an opportunity to increase pressure on other Asian countries, especially China, to liberalise their trade. This will also help India’s geopolitical considerations in the region given the history of tense diplomatic relations with Pakistan. And it could help strengthen India’s Commonwealth ties. But other issues remain. The UK and India would still have to agree on reducing tariffs on their respective imports. Visa numbers and intellectual property would also be issues for the UK, as they were with the EU, and could yet prove contentious. So free trade talks between the UK and India could still be long and drawn out. Recent political developments, however – including Brexit, eurozone uncertainty, sluggish global growth rates and trade tensions from the Trump administration’s pursuit of a protectionist agenda – all have serious implications for future trade talks. These could well nudge the partners to review their red lines and return to the negotiating table. (Sangeeta Khorana is Professor of Economics, Bournemouth University) (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.)

A trade deal with UK will help India’s geopolitical considerations in South Asian region

Britain's next prime minister must be someone who believes in Brexit, the former leader of the ruling Conservative Party Iain Duncan Smith said on Friday.

"A new leader can take (this) forward, and a leader that really believes in Brexit. The problem has been the negotiations have been conducted under the idea that this is a damage limitation exercise," he told BBC Radio.

"It is very important that (...) we want the second phase to be led by someone who passionately believes in what 17.4 million people voted for, which was to leave the European Union."

"Now is the time for a new set of hands with a proper professional team that actually believes in Brexit and gets us through the next phase."

Britain's next prime minister must be someone who believes in Brexit, the former leader of the ruling Conservative Party Iain Duncan Smith said on Friday. "A new leader can take (this) forward, and a leader that really believes in Brexit.

Britain's next prime minister must be someone who believes in Brexit, the former leader of the ruling Conservative Party Iain Duncan Smith said on Friday. "A new leader can take (this) forward, and a leader that really believes in Brexit. The problem has been the negotiations have been conducted under the idea that this is a damage limitation exercise," he told BBC Radio. "It is very important that (...) we want the second phase to be led by someone who passionately believes in what 17.4 million people voted for, which was to leave the European Union." "Now is the time for a new set of hands with a proper professional team that actually believes in Brexit and gets us through the next phase."

Next UK PM must believe in Brexit: Former Conservative leader Duncan Smith

Brexit in quotes: What UK leaders have said since 2016 referendum

British MPs on Wednesday voted against eight alternative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heres-how-brexit-endgame-could-play-out-205678">Brexit options</a> aimed at overcoming the deadlock over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-step-down-before-next-phase-of-brexit-negotiations-pm-theresa-may-to-mps-206112">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s unpopular European Union divorce deal.

The biggest vote against was against a&nbsp;second referendum.

A call to enter a customs union with the European Union meanwhile fared the best, losing by 272-264, while members voted 295-268 against a motion requiring the eventual Withdrawal Agreement to be submitted to a referendum.

The option of revoking the United Kingdom's Article 50 declaration that it intended to leave the bloc was defeated by 109 votes.

At the other end of the spectrum, 240 members opposed the idea of a no-deal Brexit.

The options being voted on included negotiating for closer economic ties with the EU after Brexit, holding a public vote on any deal or stopping Brexit altogether.

Earlier, May told her conservative lawmakers that she would step down before the "next phase" of Brexit negotiations.

MPs have twice rejected May's Brexit deal, both times by large majorities, but she is still trying to convince them and on Wednesday made what is expected to be her final offer.

"I know there is a desire for a new approach -- and new leadership -- in the second phase of the Brexit negotiations and I won't stand in the way of that," she told a packed meeting of her Conservative MPs.

"But we need to get the deal through and deliver Brexit. I am prepared to leave this job earlier than I intended in order to do what is right for our country and our party."

(With inputs from agencies)

British MPs on Wednesday voted against eight alternative Brexit options aimed at overcoming the deadlock over Prime Minister Theresa May's unpopular European Union divorce deal.

British MPs on Wednesday voted against eight alternative Brexit options aimed at overcoming the deadlock over Prime Minister Theresa May's unpopular European Union divorce deal. The biggest vote against was against a second referendum. A call to enter a customs union with the European Union meanwhile fared the best, losing by 272-264, while members voted 295-268 against a motion requiring the eventual Withdrawal Agreement to be submitted to a referendum. The option of revoking the United Kingdom's Article 50 declaration that it intended to leave the bloc was defeated by 109 votes. At the other end of the spectrum, 240 members opposed the idea of a no-deal Brexit. The options being voted on included negotiating for closer economic ties with the EU after Brexit, holding a public vote on any deal or stopping Brexit altogether. Earlier, May told her conservative lawmakers that she would step down before the "next phase" of Brexit negotiations. MPs have twice rejected May's Brexit deal, both times by large majorities, but she is still trying to convince them and on Wednesday made what is expected to be her final offer. "I know there is a desire for a new approach -- and new leadership -- in the second phase of the Brexit negotiations and I won't stand in the way of that," she told a packed meeting of her Conservative MPs. "But we need to get the deal through and deliver Brexit. I am prepared to leave this job earlier than I intended in order to do what is right for our country and our party." (With inputs from agencies)

British MPs vote against all alternative Brexit options

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Britain's government</a> said it intended to hold a third parliamentary vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Friday but was awaiting the go-ahead from House of Commons speaker.

"We recognise that any motion brought forward tomorrow will need to be compliant with the speaker's ruling and that discussion is ongoing," Andrea Leadsom, who represents the government in parliament, told MPs.

"A motion will be tabled just as soon as possible and obviously by later today," Leadsom said Thursday.

Commons Speaker John Bercow has previously blocked a third vote on the deal, invoking a 17th-century statute that prevents parliament from voting on the same thing again and again.

"The only way we ensure we leave in good time on May 22 is by approving the withdrawal agreement by 11:00 pm on March 29," she said.

Leadsom pointed out that EU leaders had granted an extension until May 22 "provided that the withdrawal agreement is approved by the House of Commons this week".

 
&nbsp;

Britain's government said it intended to hold a third parliamentary vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Friday but was awaiting the go-ahead from House of Commons speaker.

Britain's government said it intended to hold a third parliamentary vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Friday but was awaiting the go-ahead from House of Commons speaker. "We recognise that any motion brought forward tomorrow will need to be compliant with the speaker's ruling and that discussion is ongoing," Andrea Leadsom, who represents the government in parliament, told MPs. "A motion will be tabled just as soon as possible and obviously by later today," Leadsom said Thursday. Commons Speaker John Bercow has previously blocked a third vote on the deal, invoking a 17th-century statute that prevents parliament from voting on the same thing again and again. "The only way we ensure we leave in good time on May 22 is by approving the withdrawal agreement by 11:00 pm on March 29," she said. Leadsom pointed out that EU leaders had granted an extension until May 22 "provided that the withdrawal agreement is approved by the House of Commons this week".

UK government plans third Brexit deal vote on Friday

Aides to British Prime Minister Theresa May are discussing a&nbsp;timetable for her to resign but could delay the announcement of her intention to quit until after a&nbsp;third vote by parliament on her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heres-how-brexit-endgame-could-play-out-205678">Brexit </a>plan, the Financial Times said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-to-vote-on-brexit-options-206010">British MPs to vote on Brexit options</a>

"This would avoid the unseemly impression that some Tory MPs, eg Boris (Johnson), were backing the deal for base motives," the FT's political editor George Parker said on Twitter.

There would be an understanding that May would announce her departure when or if eurosceptic lawmakers in her Conservative Party back her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-seize-control-of-brexit-for-a-day-205630">deal </a>and it clears parliament, he said.

May's deal negotiated with Brussels has already been voted down overwhelmingly by parliament twice but the government is widely expected to present it for a third time on Thursday to ensure an orderly Brexit. 
&nbsp;

Aides to British Prime Minister Theresa May are discussing a timetable for her to resign but could delay the announcement of her intention to quit until after a third vote by parliament on her Brexit plan, the Financial Times said.

Aides to British Prime Minister Theresa May are discussing a timetable for her to resign but could delay the announcement of her intention to quit until after a third vote by parliament on her Brexit plan, the Financial Times said. Also read: British MPs to vote on Brexit options "This would avoid the unseemly impression that some Tory MPs, eg Boris (Johnson), were backing the deal for base motives," the FT's political editor George Parker said on Twitter. There would be an understanding that May would announce her departure when or if eurosceptic lawmakers in her Conservative Party back her deal and it clears parliament, he said. May's deal negotiated with Brussels has already been voted down overwhelmingly by parliament twice but the government is widely expected to present it for a third time on Thursday to ensure an orderly Brexit.

Theresa May might not announce resignation until lawmakers back Brexit deal: Report

Three junior British ministers quit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-seize-control-of-brexit-for-a-day-205630">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s government over Brexit on Monday.

Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, health minister Steve Brine resigned and business minister Richard Harrington announced&nbsp;his decision to leave the government on Twitter, according to news agency AFP.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
This evening I wrote to the PM to offer her my resignation <a href="https://t.co/Z0QU5lbeJ1">pic.twitter.com/Z0QU5lbeJ1</a>
— Richard Harrington (@Richard4Watford) <a href="https://twitter.com/Richard4Watford/status/1110302682835759106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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They refused to support Theresa May over giving more say to MPs in leaving the European Union.

Around 30 members of May's Conservative party defied her to vote in favour of a motion giving MPs control of parliamentary business later this week to try to come up with an alternative Brexit plan.

Harrington in his resignation letter said that the government's approach was "playing roulette with the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of people in this country".

"As the UK's industry minister, the clear message I have been receiving from the business community is that the failure to secure a deal and to rule out a hard Brexit is resulting in cancelled investment decisions, business being placed abroad, and a sense of ridicule for British business, across the world," Harrington wrote.

Several ministers had quit May's government overBrexit.

Last year in November, British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigned. The 44-year-old was appointed to the role of Brexit minister in July last year following the resignation of his predecessor David Davis, who also quit in protest at May's Brexit strategy.

Three junior British ministers quit Prime Minister Theresa May's government over Brexit on Monday. Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, health minister Steve Brine resigned and business minister Richard Harrington announced his decision to leave the government on Twitter, according to news agency AFP.

Three junior British ministers quit Prime Minister Theresa May's government over Brexit on Monday. Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt, health minister Steve Brine resigned and business minister Richard Harrington announced his decision to leave the government on Twitter, according to news agency AFP. This evening I wrote to the PM to offer her my resignation pic.twitter.com/Z0QU5lbeJ1 — Richard Harrington (@Richard4Watford) March 25, 2019 × They refused to support Theresa May over giving more say to MPs in leaving the European Union. Around 30 members of May's Conservative party defied her to vote in favour of a motion giving MPs control of parliamentary business later this week to try to come up with an alternative Brexit plan. Harrington in his resignation letter said that the government's approach was "playing roulette with the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of people in this country". "As the UK's industry minister, the clear message I have been receiving from the business community is that the failure to secure a deal and to rule out a hard Brexit is resulting in cancelled investment decisions, business being placed abroad, and a sense of ridicule for British business, across the world," Harrington wrote. Several ministers had quit May's government overBrexit. Last year in November, British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigned. The 44-year-old was appointed to the role of Brexit minister in July last year following the resignation of his predecessor David Davis, who also quit in protest at May's Brexit strategy.

Three junior British ministers quit over Brexit: Sources

Prime Minister Theresa May admitted Monday she had still not secured the votes needed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, raising again the prospect that Britain could crash out of the European Union in two weeks' time.

With the government's strategy in disarray, MPs are now expected to begin the process of charting their own way forward -- with all options back on the table.

Anxious at the deepening political crisis in London, EU leaders last week agreed to postpone Brexit to avoid a potentially catastrophic "no deal" divorce on March 29, when 46 years of ties were formally scheduled to end.

But they warned that unless May can persuade MPs this week to support her twice-rejected withdrawal deal, Britain must come up with a new plan by April 12 -- or leave its closest trading partner with no deal at all.

"It is with great regret that I have had to conclude that as things stand, there is still not sufficient support in the House to bring back the deal for a third meaningful vote," May told the House of Commons.

However, she voiced hope this might change in the coming days, warning the alternative could be a "slow Brexit" where Britain's departure is delayed for a long time.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the government was a "national embarrassment", adding, "We will still face the prospect of a disastrous no-deal Brexit."

The EU had earlier ramped up the pressure by announcing its full readiness to deal with the "increasingly likely" event of a no-deal Brexit in three weeks.

'Chicken who bottled Brexit'

The British parliament remains deeply divided over Brexit, reflecting sharp divisions in the country almost three years after the 2016 EU referendum.

MPs have already voted against a "no deal" Brexit but this remains the default position unless they agree an alternative.

A cross-party group will on Monday try to force a debate for later this week on the way forward, which could ultimately see MPs legislate to force May to change course.

However, the prime minister said she was "sceptical" about this process, saying similar efforts in the past "produced contradictory outcomes or no outcomes at all".

May went over her own Brexit scenarios at an emergency cabinet meeting earlier Monday. It followed a weekend of media reports that her own ministers were trying to oust her.

Most of the alleged plotters are Brexit backers who fear the terms of Britain's departure being watered down or even reversed.

"Theresa May is the chicken who bottled Brexit," former foreign minister Boris Johnson wrote in a weekly column for The Telegraph.

"It is time for the PM to channel the spirit of Moses in Exodus, and say to Pharaoh in Brussels – LET MY PEOPLE GO," he wrote, leaving some room however for possibly supporting her deal.

Stop-Brexit petition

What happens to her premiership if parliament rallies around a more EU-friendly Brexit alternative that contradicts her policies is unclear.

Parliament is thought most likely to rally around the idea of keeping Britain in a customs union with the European Union or its single market.

Both of those policies contradict May's position.

A customs union would keep Britain from striking its own trade agreements with non-EU countries.

A single market would require the government to go back on May's promise to regain control of Britain's borders and migration policy.

Other alternatives include holding a second Brexit referendum and even revoking Article 50 -- the clause under which London notified Brussels of its intention to leave.

A petition to annul the two-year-old request had gathered 5.5 million signatures by Monday afternoon.

But the UK government is still busily preparing its EU divorce plans.

It launched a campaign Monday aimed at encouraging the estimated three million EU citizens in Britain to apply for settler status so that they can keep their current employment rights.

Prime Minister Theresa May admitted Monday she had still not secured the votes needed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, raising again the prospect that Britain could crash out of the European Union in two weeks' time.

Prime Minister Theresa May admitted Monday she had still not secured the votes needed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, raising again the prospect that Britain could crash out of the European Union in two weeks' time. With the government's strategy in disarray, MPs are now expected to begin the process of charting their own way forward -- with all options back on the table. Anxious at the deepening political crisis in London, EU leaders last week agreed to postpone Brexit to avoid a potentially catastrophic "no deal" divorce on March 29, when 46 years of ties were formally scheduled to end. But they warned that unless May can persuade MPs this week to support her twice-rejected withdrawal deal, Britain must come up with a new plan by April 12 -- or leave its closest trading partner with no deal at all. "It is with great regret that I have had to conclude that as things stand, there is still not sufficient support in the House to bring back the deal for a third meaningful vote," May told the House of Commons. However, she voiced hope this might change in the coming days, warning the alternative could be a "slow Brexit" where Britain's departure is delayed for a long time. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the government was a "national embarrassment", adding, "We will still face the prospect of a disastrous no-deal Brexit." The EU had earlier ramped up the pressure by announcing its full readiness to deal with the "increasingly likely" event of a no-deal Brexit in three weeks. 'Chicken who bottled Brexit' The British parliament remains deeply divided over Brexit, reflecting sharp divisions in the country almost three years after the 2016 EU referendum. MPs have already voted against a "no deal" Brexit but this remains the default position unless they agree an alternative. A cross-party group will on Monday try to force a debate for later this week on the way forward, which could ultimately see MPs legislate to force May to change course. However, the prime minister said she was "sceptical" about this process, saying similar efforts in the past "produced contradictory outcomes or no outcomes at all". May went over her own Brexit scenarios at an emergency cabinet meeting earlier Monday. It followed a weekend of media reports that her own ministers were trying to oust her. Most of the alleged plotters are Brexit backers who fear the terms of Britain's departure being watered down or even reversed. "Theresa May is the chicken who bottled Brexit," former foreign minister Boris Johnson wrote in a weekly column for The Telegraph. "It is time for the PM to channel the spirit of Moses in Exodus, and say to Pharaoh in Brussels – LET MY PEOPLE GO," he wrote, leaving some room however for possibly supporting her deal. Stop-Brexit petition What happens to her premiership if parliament rallies around a more EU-friendly Brexit alternative that contradicts her policies is unclear. Parliament is thought most likely to rally around the idea of keeping Britain in a customs union with the European Union or its single market. Both of those policies contradict May's position. A customs union would keep Britain from striking its own trade agreements with non-EU countries. A single market would require the government to go back on May's promise to regain control of Britain's borders and migration policy. Other alternatives include holding a second Brexit referendum and even revoking Article 50 -- the clause under which London notified Brussels of its intention to leave. A petition to annul the two-year-old request had gathered 5.5 million signatures by Monday afternoon. But the UK government is still busily preparing its EU divorce plans. It launched a campaign Monday aimed at encouraging the estimated three million EU citizens in Britain to apply for settler status so that they can keep their current employment rights.

Parliament support 'not sufficient' for third Brexit vote: Theresa May

The EU announced Monday it has completed its preparations for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-urged-to-set-her-own-exit-date-to-get-brexit-deal-report-205515">Britain crashing out of the bloc without a divorce accord</a>, as fears of a chaotic "no-deal" Brexit grow.

"As it is increasingly likely that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union without a deal on 12 April, the European Commission has today completed its 'no-deal' preparations," the commission, the bloc's executive arm, said in a statement.

The gloomily worded statement came just days after Brussels agreed to postpone Brexit from its previous March 29 deadline.

Unless British lawmakers approve a withdrawal agreement to ease the country out of the bloc, EU rules and agreements built up over 46 years of membership will cease to apply overnight, threatening havoc in almost every domain of life.

The commission outlined measures in 13 key areas, from rules on flying and road transport to travel regulations, fishing rights and banking -- while stressing that they would only reduce the disruption, not prevent it altogether.

"The EU's contingency measures will not -- and cannot -- mitigate the overall impact of a 'no-deal' scenario, nor do they in any way compensate for the lack of preparedness or replicate the full benefits of EU membership," the commission statements said.

"These proposals are temporary in nature, limited in scope and will be adopted unilaterally by the EU. They are not 'mini-deals' and have not been negotiated with the UK."

This last sentence is aimed at the numerous Brexit supporters in the British parliament who have sought to argue that the contingency measures would mean a no-deal exit would not be as bad as many fear.

Under no deal, the EU will immediately apply its rules at the border with the UK -- including customs checks, food safety inspections and verification of EU standards -- leading to long delays at busy crossing points such as Channel ports and the Channel Tunnel.

British citizens travelling to the EU will be limited to 90-day stays and would immediately be subject to tighter passport checks -- including possibly being asked to prove the purpose of their visit and that they have enough money to support themselves.

The EU announced Monday it has completed its preparations for Britain crashing out of the bloc without a divorce accord, as fears of a chaotic "no-deal" Brexit grow.

The EU announced Monday it has completed its preparations for Britain crashing out of the bloc without a divorce accord, as fears of a chaotic "no-deal" Brexit grow. "As it is increasingly likely that the United Kingdom will leave the European Union without a deal on 12 April, the European Commission has today completed its 'no-deal' preparations," the commission, the bloc's executive arm, said in a statement. The gloomily worded statement came just days after Brussels agreed to postpone Brexit from its previous March 29 deadline. Unless British lawmakers approve a withdrawal agreement to ease the country out of the bloc, EU rules and agreements built up over 46 years of membership will cease to apply overnight, threatening havoc in almost every domain of life. The commission outlined measures in 13 key areas, from rules on flying and road transport to travel regulations, fishing rights and banking -- while stressing that they would only reduce the disruption, not prevent it altogether. "The EU's contingency measures will not -- and cannot -- mitigate the overall impact of a 'no-deal' scenario, nor do they in any way compensate for the lack of preparedness or replicate the full benefits of EU membership," the commission statements said. "These proposals are temporary in nature, limited in scope and will be adopted unilaterally by the EU. They are not 'mini-deals' and have not been negotiated with the UK." This last sentence is aimed at the numerous Brexit supporters in the British parliament who have sought to argue that the contingency measures would mean a no-deal exit would not be as bad as many fear. Under no deal, the EU will immediately apply its rules at the border with the UK -- including customs checks, food safety inspections and verification of EU standards -- leading to long delays at busy crossing points such as Channel ports and the Channel Tunnel. British citizens travelling to the EU will be limited to 90-day stays and would immediately be subject to tighter passport checks -- including possibly being asked to prove the purpose of their visit and that they have enough money to support themselves.

European Union completes no-deal Brexit preparations

British Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/may-leaves-brexit-summit-with-more-time-less-respect-205389"> Theresa May was under pressure </a>on Monday to give a date for leaving office as the price to bring Brexit-supporting rebel lawmakers in her party behind her twice-defeated European Union divorce treaty.

At one of the most important junctures for the country in at least a generation, British politics was at fever pitch and, nearly three years since the 2016 EU membership referendum, it was still unclear how, when or if Brexit will ever take place.

With May humiliated and weakened, ministers lined up to insist she was still in charge and to deny a reported plot to demand she name a date to leave office at a cabinet meeting at 1000 GMT on Monday.

"Time's up, Theresa," Rupert Murdoch's Sun newspaper said in a front-page editorial. It said her one chance of getting the deal approved by parliament was to name a date for her departure.

"I hope that the cabinet will tell the prime minister the game is up," Andrew Bridgen, a Conservative lawmaker who supports Brexit, told Sky News.

"The prime minister does not have the confidence of the parliamentary party. She clearly doesn't have the confidence of the cabinet and she certainly doesn't have the confidence of our members out there in the country," he said.

Ministers will discuss at 0900 GMT how to address parliament's attempts to take control of Brexit before a meeting of May's cabinet team, a government source said.

The United Kingdom, which voted 52-48 per cent to leave the EU in the referendum, remains deeply divided over Brexit.

Just 24 hours after hundreds of thousands of people marched through London on Saturday to demand another referendum, May called rebel lawmakers to her Chequers residence on Sunday in an attempt to find a way to break the deadlock.

"The meeting discussed a range of issues, including whether there is sufficient support in the Commons to bring back a meaningful vote (for her deal) this week," a spokesman for May's Downing Street office said.

Boris Johnson, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Steve Baker attended along with ministers David Lidington and Michael Gove who had been reportedly lined up as caretaker prime ministers. They were forced on Sunday to deny they wanted May's job.

Mayday?

May was told by Brexiteers at the meeting she must set out a timetable to leave office if she wants to get her deal ratified, Buzzfeed reporter Alex Wickham said on Twitter.

May told the lawmakers she would quit if they voted for her twice-defeated European Union divorce deal, ITV news said.

The Sun's political editor, Tom Newton Dunn, said some ministers were urging May to pivot to a no-deal Brexit as the only way to survive in power.

The deal May negotiated with the EU was defeated in parliament by 149 votes on March 12 and by 230 votes on Jan. 15.

To get it passed, she must win over at least 75 MPs - dozens of rebels in her Conservative Party, some opposition Labour Party MPs and the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up her minority government.

The Sunday Times reported 11 unidentified ministers agreed May should stand down, warning she has become a toxic and erratic figure whose judgment has "gone haywire".

Brexit had been due to happen on March 29 before May secured a delay in talks with the EU. Now a departure date of May 22 will apply if parliament passes May's deal. If she fails, Britain will have until April 12 to offer a new plan or decide to leave without a treaty to smooth the transition and avoid an economic shock.

Lawmakers are due on Monday to debate the government's next steps on Brexit, including the delayed exit date. They have proposed changes, or amendments, including one which seeks to wrest control of the process from the government in order to hold votes on alternative ways forward.

Amendments are not legally binding, but do exert political pressure on May to change course.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was under pressure on Monday to give a date for leaving office as the price to bring Brexit-supporting rebel lawmakers in her party behind her twice-defeated European Union divorce treaty.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was under pressure on Monday to give a date for leaving office as the price to bring Brexit-supporting rebel lawmakers in her party behind her twice-defeated European Union divorce treaty. At one of the most important junctures for the country in at least a generation, British politics was at fever pitch and, nearly three years since the 2016 EU membership referendum, it was still unclear how, when or if Brexit will ever take place. With May humiliated and weakened, ministers lined up to insist she was still in charge and to deny a reported plot to demand she name a date to leave office at a cabinet meeting at 1000 GMT on Monday. "Time's up, Theresa," Rupert Murdoch's Sun newspaper said in a front-page editorial. It said her one chance of getting the deal approved by parliament was to name a date for her departure. "I hope that the cabinet will tell the prime minister the game is up," Andrew Bridgen, a Conservative lawmaker who supports Brexit, told Sky News. "The prime minister does not have the confidence of the parliamentary party. She clearly doesn't have the confidence of the cabinet and she certainly doesn't have the confidence of our members out there in the country," he said. Ministers will discuss at 0900 GMT how to address parliament's attempts to take control of Brexit before a meeting of May's cabinet team, a government source said. The United Kingdom, which voted 52-48 per cent to leave the EU in the referendum, remains deeply divided over Brexit. Just 24 hours after hundreds of thousands of people marched through London on Saturday to demand another referendum, May called rebel lawmakers to her Chequers residence on Sunday in an attempt to find a way to break the deadlock. "The meeting discussed a range of issues, including whether there is sufficient support in the Commons to bring back a meaningful vote (for her deal) this week," a spokesman for May's Downing Street office said. Boris Johnson, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Steve Baker attended along with ministers David Lidington and Michael Gove who had been reportedly lined up as caretaker prime ministers. They were forced on Sunday to deny they wanted May's job. Mayday? May was told by Brexiteers at the meeting she must set out a timetable to leave office if she wants to get her deal ratified, Buzzfeed reporter Alex Wickham said on Twitter. May told the lawmakers she would quit if they voted for her twice-defeated European Union divorce deal, ITV news said. The Sun's political editor, Tom Newton Dunn, said some ministers were urging May to pivot to a no-deal Brexit as the only way to survive in power. The deal May negotiated with the EU was defeated in parliament by 149 votes on March 12 and by 230 votes on Jan. 15. To get it passed, she must win over at least 75 MPs - dozens of rebels in her Conservative Party, some opposition Labour Party MPs and the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up her minority government. The Sunday Times reported 11 unidentified ministers agreed May should stand down, warning she has become a toxic and erratic figure whose judgment has "gone haywire". Brexit had been due to happen on March 29 before May secured a delay in talks with the EU. Now a departure date of May 22 will apply if parliament passes May's deal. If she fails, Britain will have until April 12 to offer a new plan or decide to leave without a treaty to smooth the transition and avoid an economic shock. Lawmakers are due on Monday to debate the government's next steps on Brexit, including the delayed exit date. They have proposed changes, or amendments, including one which seeks to wrest control of the process from the government in order to hold votes on alternative ways forward. Amendments are not legally binding, but do exert political pressure on May to change course.

UK PM Theresa May urged to set her own exit date to get Brexit deal: Report

British MPs to debate on next Brexit move

British Prime Minister Theresa May held crisis talks Sunday with Conservative colleagues as she tries to plot a path through a pivotal week in the Brexit process amid reports her leadership is under imminent threat.

Ensconced at her country residence Chequers, the embattled premier must decide when, or even if, to ask British MPs to vote again on her unpopular EU divorce deal which they have already overwhelmingly rejected twice.

She is also confronted with the prospect of lawmakers seizing control of House of Commons procedures in order to hold a series of so-called "indicative votes" to reveal what support exists for other options.

It follows May securing at a European Union summit this week a delay to Britain's scheduled March 29 departure for at least three weeks to get her agreement approved or find a viable alternative.

"The prime minister is speaking to her colleagues this weekend," a Downing Street spokeswoman said Sunday, declining to confirm reports she would hold an afternoon summit with leading Brexiteer MPs outside government.

After a particularly chaotic week even for May's crisis-plagued tenure -- during which she made an ill-judged attack on MPs' intransigence on her plan -- speculation is rife that Conservatives are preparing to force her to resign.

The Sunday Times reported she was "at the mercy of a full-blown cabinet coup", with plans afoot for her de facto deputy David Lidington to take over in a caretaker capacity.

The newspaper said it had spoken to 11 senior ministers who "confirmed that they wanted the prime minister to make way for someone else" and planned to confront her at a cabinet meeting on Monday. &nbsp;

The Mail on Sunday said May could be ousted "within days" and Environment Secretary Michael Gove, a prominent Brexiteer, could take over as interim leader.

Finance Minister Philip Hammond on Sunday criticised the plotters, arguing it would be "self-indulgent" to try to switch leader.

"Changing the players doesn't solve the problem," he told Sky News. "We've got to resolve this issue."

Uncertainty reigns

Britain's parliament, and cabinet has been deadlocked for months over Brexit, with lawmakers unable to decide how to implement the 2016 referendum vote to leave, reflecting bitter divisions nationwide.

On Saturday, organisers estimated one million pro-Europeans marched through central London demanding another public vote on leaving the bloc.

Following the agreement with the EU to postpone Brexit -- which MPs must still vote into British law next week -- the path forward still remains highly uncertain.

If May's deal finally wins MPs' backing Britain will leave the EU on May 22 under the terms she struck with the bloc last year.&nbsp;

If it is not passed in the coming weeks London must outline a new plan or face a no-deal Brexit as early as April 12.

A request then for another, likely lengthy, extension would require holding European Parliament elections in May.

The prime minister and Brexiteers have decried the prospect, saying it would be unfair to the narrow majority of Britons who voted to leave the bloc in 2016.

'Alternative way'

May has told MPs she will only bring back her deal for another vote if there are signs of "sufficient support".

But with her parliamentary allies the Democratic Unionist Party indicating Friday that they remain opposed to her plan, that appears unlikely.

"It's looking very difficult to bring together a majority for it," Hammond conceded to the BBC.

However, "one way or another parliament is going to have the opportunity this week to decide what it is in favour of," he added.

MPs will resume debate on Brexit on Monday and have the chance to vote on an amendment tabled by a cross-party group of senior lawmakers scheduling "indicative votes" two days later.

A similar move earlier this month failed by just two votes.&nbsp;

If passed, lawmakers will be able to vote on a range of options, from stopping Brexit altogether or holding a second referendum to remaining in a customs union with the EU or its single market.

MPs could then try to turn their non-binding votes into enforceable law.

Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay warned Sunday such a move could spark a constitutional crisis and that "the risk of a general election increases" under such a scenario.

"There is a constitutional collision if parliament is instructing a government to do something that is fundamentally against what it has been elected to do," he told the BBC.

British Prime Minister Theresa May held crisis talks Sunday with Conservative colleagues as she tries to plot a path through a pivotal week in the Brexit process amid reports her leadership is under imminent threat.

British Prime Minister Theresa May held crisis talks Sunday with Conservative colleagues as she tries to plot a path through a pivotal week in the Brexit process amid reports her leadership is under imminent threat. Ensconced at her country residence Chequers, the embattled premier must decide when, or even if, to ask British MPs to vote again on her unpopular EU divorce deal which they have already overwhelmingly rejected twice. She is also confronted with the prospect of lawmakers seizing control of House of Commons procedures in order to hold a series of so-called "indicative votes" to reveal what support exists for other options. It follows May securing at a European Union summit this week a delay to Britain's scheduled March 29 departure for at least three weeks to get her agreement approved or find a viable alternative. "The prime minister is speaking to her colleagues this weekend," a Downing Street spokeswoman said Sunday, declining to confirm reports she would hold an afternoon summit with leading Brexiteer MPs outside government. After a particularly chaotic week even for May's crisis-plagued tenure -- during which she made an ill-judged attack on MPs' intransigence on her plan -- speculation is rife that Conservatives are preparing to force her to resign. The Sunday Times reported she was "at the mercy of a full-blown cabinet coup", with plans afoot for her de facto deputy David Lidington to take over in a caretaker capacity. The newspaper said it had spoken to 11 senior ministers who "confirmed that they wanted the prime minister to make way for someone else" and planned to confront her at a cabinet meeting on Monday. The Mail on Sunday said May could be ousted "within days" and Environment Secretary Michael Gove, a prominent Brexiteer, could take over as interim leader. Finance Minister Philip Hammond on Sunday criticised the plotters, arguing it would be "self-indulgent" to try to switch leader. "Changing the players doesn't solve the problem," he told Sky News. "We've got to resolve this issue." Uncertainty reigns Britain's parliament, and cabinet has been deadlocked for months over Brexit, with lawmakers unable to decide how to implement the 2016 referendum vote to leave, reflecting bitter divisions nationwide. On Saturday, organisers estimated one million pro-Europeans marched through central London demanding another public vote on leaving the bloc. Following the agreement with the EU to postpone Brexit -- which MPs must still vote into British law next week -- the path forward still remains highly uncertain. If May's deal finally wins MPs' backing Britain will leave the EU on May 22 under the terms she struck with the bloc last year. If it is not passed in the coming weeks London must outline a new plan or face a no-deal Brexit as early as April 12. A request then for another, likely lengthy, extension would require holding European Parliament elections in May. The prime minister and Brexiteers have decried the prospect, saying it would be unfair to the narrow majority of Britons who voted to leave the bloc in 2016. 'Alternative way' May has told MPs she will only bring back her deal for another vote if there are signs of "sufficient support". But with her parliamentary allies the Democratic Unionist Party indicating Friday that they remain opposed to her plan, that appears unlikely. "It's looking very difficult to bring together a majority for it," Hammond conceded to the BBC. However, "one way or another parliament is going to have the opportunity this week to decide what it is in favour of," he added. MPs will resume debate on Brexit on Monday and have the chance to vote on an amendment tabled by a cross-party group of senior lawmakers scheduling "indicative votes" two days later. A similar move earlier this month failed by just two votes. If passed, lawmakers will be able to vote on a range of options, from stopping Brexit altogether or holding a second referendum to remaining in a customs union with the EU or its single market. MPs could then try to turn their non-binding votes into enforceable law. Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay warned Sunday such a move could spark a constitutional crisis and that "the risk of a general election increases" under such a scenario. "There is a constitutional collision if parliament is instructing a government to do something that is fundamentally against what it has been elected to do," he told the BBC.

Under threat UK prime minister Theresa  May holds Brexit crisis talks

Britain must find a way to leave the European Union in an ''orderly'' fashion rather than trying to oust Prime Minister Theresa May, finance minister Philip Hammond was quoted as saying on Sunday.&nbsp;

When asked by Sky about newspaper reports of a plot to oust May by senior ministers and whether she had run out of the road, Hammond said, "No. I don't think that is the case at all."

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-facing-plot-from-ministers-to-oust-her-205268">Changing prime minister</a> wouldn't help us," Reuters quoted him as saying. "To be talking about changing the players on the board, frankly, is self-indulgent at this time."

"I'm realistic that we may not be able to get a majority for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-1-million-rally-in-london-demanding-second-referendum-on-brexit-online-petition-grows-205194">prime minister's (Brexit) deal</a> and if that is the case then parliament will have to decide not just what it's against but what it is for," he said.

When asked about possible options for Brexit, Hammond said he was not sure there was a majority in parliament for a second referendum but that it was a coherent proposition.

"It's clear there is going to be an opportunity over the next few days for the House of Commons, if it doesn't approve the prime minister's deal, to try to find a majority behind another proposition that it can take forward," Hammond said.

Britain must find a way to leave the European Union in an ''orderly'' fashion rather than trying to oust Prime Minister Theresa May, finance minister Philip Hammond was quoted as saying on Sunday.

Britain must find a way to leave the European Union in an ''orderly'' fashion rather than trying to oust Prime Minister Theresa May, finance minister Philip Hammond was quoted as saying on Sunday. When asked by Sky about newspaper reports of a plot to oust May by senior ministers and whether she had run out of the road, Hammond said, "No. I don't think that is the case at all." "Changing prime minister wouldn't help us," Reuters quoted him as saying. "To be talking about changing the players on the board, frankly, is self-indulgent at this time." "I'm realistic that we may not be able to get a majority for the prime minister's (Brexit) deal and if that is the case then parliament will have to decide not just what it's against but what it is for," he said. When asked about possible options for Brexit, Hammond said he was not sure there was a majority in parliament for a second referendum but that it was a coherent proposition. "It's clear there is going to be an opportunity over the next few days for the House of Commons, if it doesn't approve the prime minister's deal, to try to find a majority behind another proposition that it can take forward," Hammond said.

UK finance minister Hammond denies plot to oust PM May but admits deal may not pass  

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-welcomes-brexit-delay-204744">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> on Friday tried to persuade MPs to back the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/here-is-what-is-due-to-happen-next-in-brexit-204909">Brexit deal</a>, seeking to build bridges after lashing out at lawmakers for their indecision on Brexit.

May wrote to all MPs to spell out the possible paths forward after European Union leaders granted a short delay to Britain's departure date at this week's EU summit.

However, the prime minister said she would not hold a third vote on the divorce deal next week if sufficient numbers do not switch sides in the coming days.

The premier faces daunting odds to persuade British lawmakers to support the plan -- something they have already overwhelmingly rejected twice -- by a new April 12 deadline agreed with the EU.

If May succeeds, Britain -- which was staring at a cliff-edge deadline of March 29 for leaving the EU -- will depart on May 22 under the terms of the withdrawal agreement struck with Brussels last year.

But if MPs cannot back the deal, then Britain can ask for another extension by April 12 or face a no-deal Brexit.

A further extension would require Britain to take part in European Parliament elections in May, despite having voted to leave the bloc three years ago.

Four options ahead

In her letter, May said she would only bring the divorce agreement before the House of Commons again if it looked like there was sufficient support to pass the deal.

She spelt out the four options ahead, the first to being to revoke Britain's notice to leave the EU, "but that would betray the result of the referendum", the second to leave with no deal on April 12 -- which a majority of MPs have said they do not support, in a vote earlier this month.

"If it appears that there are sufficient support and the speaker permits it, we can bring the deal back next week and if it is approved we can leave on May 22," she wrote.

But she said if there was not sufficient support or the house rejected it, Britain could ask for another extension and take part in the European Parliament elections, adding: "I strongly believe that... would be wrong".

Speaking to reporters in Brussels on Friday at the close of the EU summit, EU Council President Donald Tusk said: "Until April 12, anything is possible."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the bloc's leaders would need another summit with May to discuss how to proceed if MPs reject the agreement again.

That prospect increased on Friday after Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which props up May's government in parliament, accused the prime minister of "failure" at the EU summit.

"The government has been far too willing to capitulate," Nigel Dodds, the DUP's leader in the British parliament, said in a statement, adding that "nothing has changed as far as the withdrawal agreement is concerned".

Frustration&nbsp;

May faces an immediate hurdle in the form of John Bercow, the speaker of parliament's lower House of Commons.

He has said the agreement being voted on has to be on different terms from the ones MPs have already rejected.

There was also heightened speculation that May is increasingly open to a series of so-called "indicative votes" that could reveal the level of parliamentary support for other options.

Parliament has been deadlocked for months over Brexit, with lawmakers unable to decide how to implement the 2016 referendum vote to leave, reflecting bitter divisions in the kingdom as a whole.

In her letter, May rowed back from Wednesday night, when she made a statement lambasting MPs for failing to make their minds up on how they wanted to proceed on Brexit.

"I expressed my frustration with our failure to take a decision, but I know that many of you are frustrated too. You have a difficult job to do and it was not my intention to make it any more difficult," she said.

The pound rose on news of the Brexit delay but is likely to remain volatile amid uncertainty over what path Britain will now take.

Stocks in London ended the day 2.0 per cent lower.

As uncertainty continues to reign, more than 3.7 million people have signed an online petition calling on the government to cancel Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday tried to persuade MPs to back the Brexit deal, seeking to build bridges after lashing out at lawmakers for their indecision on Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday tried to persuade MPs to back the Brexit deal, seeking to build bridges after lashing out at lawmakers for their indecision on Brexit. May wrote to all MPs to spell out the possible paths forward after European Union leaders granted a short delay to Britain's departure date at this week's EU summit. However, the prime minister said she would not hold a third vote on the divorce deal next week if sufficient numbers do not switch sides in the coming days. The premier faces daunting odds to persuade British lawmakers to support the plan -- something they have already overwhelmingly rejected twice -- by a new April 12 deadline agreed with the EU. If May succeeds, Britain -- which was staring at a cliff-edge deadline of March 29 for leaving the EU -- will depart on May 22 under the terms of the withdrawal agreement struck with Brussels last year. But if MPs cannot back the deal, then Britain can ask for another extension by April 12 or face a no-deal Brexit. A further extension would require Britain to take part in European Parliament elections in May, despite having voted to leave the bloc three years ago. Four options ahead In her letter, May said she would only bring the divorce agreement before the House of Commons again if it looked like there was sufficient support to pass the deal. She spelt out the four options ahead, the first to being to revoke Britain's notice to leave the EU, "but that would betray the result of the referendum", the second to leave with no deal on April 12 -- which a majority of MPs have said they do not support, in a vote earlier this month. "If it appears that there are sufficient support and the speaker permits it, we can bring the deal back next week and if it is approved we can leave on May 22," she wrote. But she said if there was not sufficient support or the house rejected it, Britain could ask for another extension and take part in the European Parliament elections, adding: "I strongly believe that... would be wrong". Speaking to reporters in Brussels on Friday at the close of the EU summit, EU Council President Donald Tusk said: "Until April 12, anything is possible." German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the bloc's leaders would need another summit with May to discuss how to proceed if MPs reject the agreement again. That prospect increased on Friday after Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which props up May's government in parliament, accused the prime minister of "failure" at the EU summit. "The government has been far too willing to capitulate," Nigel Dodds, the DUP's leader in the British parliament, said in a statement, adding that "nothing has changed as far as the withdrawal agreement is concerned". Frustration May faces an immediate hurdle in the form of John Bercow, the speaker of parliament's lower House of Commons. He has said the agreement being voted on has to be on different terms from the ones MPs have already rejected. There was also heightened speculation that May is increasingly open to a series of so-called "indicative votes" that could reveal the level of parliamentary support for other options. Parliament has been deadlocked for months over Brexit, with lawmakers unable to decide how to implement the 2016 referendum vote to leave, reflecting bitter divisions in the kingdom as a whole. In her letter, May rowed back from Wednesday night, when she made a statement lambasting MPs for failing to make their minds up on how they wanted to proceed on Brexit. "I expressed my frustration with our failure to take a decision, but I know that many of you are frustrated too. You have a difficult job to do and it was not my intention to make it any more difficult," she said. The pound rose on news of the Brexit delay but is likely to remain volatile amid uncertainty over what path Britain will now take. Stocks in London ended the day 2.0 per cent lower. As uncertainty continues to reign, more than 3.7 million people have signed an online petition calling on the government to cancel Brexit.

UK PM May pushes for Brexit deal with new timetable

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