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Theresa May's lawyer struggles for Brexit deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UK economy near standstill as Brexit approaches: Survey

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-brexit-looms-london-and-berlin-promote-closer-business-ties-201153">Theresa May's Brexit deal</a> which could help it get parliamentary backing.

Britain is due to leave on March 29 but May's withdrawal deal was overwhelmingly rejected by lawmakers in January because they want legally-binding assurances that Britain will not be trapped permanently in an Irish "backstop" - an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland.

"Time is very short. But ... compared to where we were a month ago the situation has been transformed in a positive direction," Hunt told BBC radio. "I think the signals we are getting are reasonably positive, I don't want to overstate them because I think there is still a lot of work to do.

"I think they (the EU) are beginning to realise that we can get a majority in parliament because they are seeing signals coming from the people who voted against the deal before who are saying, crucially, they are prepared to be reasonable about how we get to that position that we can't legally be trapped in the backstop."

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which could help it get parliamentary backing.

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Tuesday the European Union was giving "reasonably positive" signals about giving Britain changes to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal which could help it get parliamentary backing. Britain is due to leave on March 29 but May's withdrawal deal was overwhelmingly rejected by lawmakers in January because they want legally-binding assurances that Britain will not be trapped permanently in an Irish "backstop" - an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland. "Time is very short. But ... compared to where we were a month ago the situation has been transformed in a positive direction," Hunt told BBC radio. "I think the signals we are getting are reasonably positive, I don't want to overstate them because I think there is still a lot of work to do. "I think they (the EU) are beginning to realise that we can get a majority in parliament because they are seeing signals coming from the people who voted against the deal before who are saying, crucially, they are prepared to be reasonable about how we get to that position that we can't legally be trapped in the backstop."

UK Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt says 'reasonably positive' signs from EU over Brexit deal changes

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

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

Concerns of possible Brexit delay growing among British public

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said if his party won power he would renegotiate a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-to-meet-tusk-but-no-brexit-deal-in-the-desert-199045">Brexit deal with the European Union</a> and could hold another referendum, as he comes under pressure to support giving the public another chance to stay in the bloc.

Parliament is deadlocked over Britain's departure from the European Union after resoundingly rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May's plan last month, throwing up several outcomes, including leaving without a deal or a second referendum.

Corbyn, when asked if he would hold a referendum on any deal on any deal he negotiated, told Sky News: "We'd consider putting that to the public."

Asked to clarify if he was considering calling for another referendum, Corbyn said: "That's the point we're discussing now in the party."

This comes after nine Labour lawmakers quit the party this week over its approach to Brexit and anti-Semitism.

Earlier John McDonnell, the second most powerful man in the Labour Party, gave his strongest indication yet that Labour is close to backing a second public vote and said he would campaign for remain if one is held.

McDonnell said Labour is "moving towards" a second referendum on Brexit. He said an amendment calling for a public vote which is being tabled for debate next week by lawmakers "could be a solution".

The party's would-be finance minister said that any referendum would have remaining in the European Union as the alternative to the deal.

"If we were going on a People’s Vote based on a deal that has gone through parliament in some form, if that got voted down then you’d have status quo, and that would be remain," he told the Evening Standard.

"I’d campaign for remain and I’d vote for remain."

May has ruled out staging a second vote, saying parliament should respect the 2016 referendum when 52 per cent of Britons who cast a vote chose to leave the EU. But supporters of a second referendum say it is the only way to break the deadlock in parliament by asking for the people to decide.

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said if his party won power he would renegotiate a Brexit deal with the European Union and could hold another referendum, as he comes under pressure to support giving the public another chance to stay in the bloc.

British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said if his party won power he would renegotiate a Brexit deal with the European Union and could hold another referendum, as he comes under pressure to support giving the public another chance to stay in the bloc. Parliament is deadlocked over Britain's departure from the European Union after resoundingly rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May's plan last month, throwing up several outcomes, including leaving without a deal or a second referendum. Corbyn, when asked if he would hold a referendum on any deal on any deal he negotiated, told Sky News: "We'd consider putting that to the public." Asked to clarify if he was considering calling for another referendum, Corbyn said: "That's the point we're discussing now in the party." This comes after nine Labour lawmakers quit the party this week over its approach to Brexit and anti-Semitism. Earlier John McDonnell, the second most powerful man in the Labour Party, gave his strongest indication yet that Labour is close to backing a second public vote and said he would campaign for remain if one is held. McDonnell said Labour is "moving towards" a second referendum on Brexit. He said an amendment calling for a public vote which is being tabled for debate next week by lawmakers "could be a solution". The party's would-be finance minister said that any referendum would have remaining in the European Union as the alternative to the deal. "If we were going on a People’s Vote based on a deal that has gone through parliament in some form, if that got voted down then you’d have status quo, and that would be remain," he told the Evening Standard. "I’d campaign for remain and I’d vote for remain." May has ruled out staging a second vote, saying parliament should respect the 2016 referendum when 52 per cent of Britons who cast a vote chose to leave the EU. But supporters of a second referendum say it is the only way to break the deadlock in parliament by asking for the people to decide.

UK Labour leader Corbyn says he could back a second Brexit referendum

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

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

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

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

Three pro-EU lawmakers from Britain's governing Conservatives quit over the "disastrous handling of Brexit" on Wednesday, in a blow to Prime Minister Theresa May's attempts to unite her party around plans to leave the European Union.

The lawmakers, long critical of May's Brexit strategy to leave the EU which they believe is being driven by Conservative eurosceptics, said in a statement they would join a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/seven-lawmakers-quit-uk-labour-party-citing-brexit-betrayal-anti-semitism-198096">new group in parliament set up by seven former opposition Labour politicians</a>.

The resignations put May in an even weaker position in parliament, where her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-suffers-embarrassing-brexit-defeat-in-parliament-197491">Brexit deal was crushed by lawmakers </a>last month when eurosceptics and EU supporters voted against an agreement that both sides say offers the worst of all worlds.

They could also undermine May's negotiating position in Brussels, where she is going later on Wednesday for talks with Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to try to secure an opening for further technical work on revising the agreement.

With only 37 days until Britain leaves the EU, its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit are redrawing the political landscape. The resignations threaten a decades-old two-party system.

"The final straw for us has been this government's disastrous handling of Brexit," the three lawmakers, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston, said in a statement.

"We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP," they said, referring to a group of Conservative pro-Brexit lawmakers and the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party which props up the government in parliament.

Earlier this week, seven former Labour lawmakers announced a new movement, the Independent Group, after quitting their party over increasing frustration with their leader Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit strategy and a row over anti-Semitism.

Another former Labour lawmaker joined their ranks late on Tuesday, and several politicians from both the main opposition party and Conservatives said they expected more to follow from both sides of parliament.

For May's Brexit plan, the resignations are yet another blow to more than two years of talks to leave the EU, which have been punctuated by defeats in parliament, rows over policy and a confidence vote, which she ultimately won.

Three pro-EU lawmakers from Britain's governing Conservatives quit over the "disastrous handling of Brexit" on Wednesday, in a blow to Prime Minister Theresa May's attempts to unite her party around plans to leave the European Union.

Three pro-EU lawmakers from Britain's governing Conservatives quit over the "disastrous handling of Brexit" on Wednesday, in a blow to Prime Minister Theresa May's attempts to unite her party around plans to leave the European Union. The lawmakers, long critical of May's Brexit strategy to leave the EU which they believe is being driven by Conservative eurosceptics, said in a statement they would join a new group in parliament set up by seven former opposition Labour politicians. The resignations put May in an even weaker position in parliament, where her Brexit deal was crushed by lawmakers last month when eurosceptics and EU supporters voted against an agreement that both sides say offers the worst of all worlds. They could also undermine May's negotiating position in Brussels, where she is going later on Wednesday for talks with Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to try to secure an opening for further technical work on revising the agreement. With only 37 days until Britain leaves the EU, its biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years, divisions over Brexit are redrawing the political landscape. The resignations threaten a decades-old two-party system. "The final straw for us has been this government's disastrous handling of Brexit," the three lawmakers, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston, said in a statement. "We no longer feel we can remain in the party of a government whose policies and priorities are so firmly in the grip of the ERG and DUP," they said, referring to a group of Conservative pro-Brexit lawmakers and the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party which props up the government in parliament. Earlier this week, seven former Labour lawmakers announced a new movement, the Independent Group, after quitting their party over increasing frustration with their leader Jeremy Corbyn's Brexit strategy and a row over anti-Semitism. Another former Labour lawmaker joined their ranks late on Tuesday, and several politicians from both the main opposition party and Conservatives said they expected more to follow from both sides of parliament. For May's Brexit plan, the resignations are yet another blow to more than two years of talks to leave the EU, which have been punctuated by defeats in parliament, rows over policy and a confidence vote, which she ultimately won.

Three UK Conservatives quit party in protest over 'disastrous Brexit'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-may-seeks-a-border-compromise-in-northern-ireland-195606">Ireland's deputy prime minister</a> expressed annoyance on Monday at Britain's continued <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-brexit-talks-in-brussels-next-week-197609">failure to ratify a deal</a> on its orderly withdrawal from the European Union.

"Of course there's frustration," Simon Coveney, who is also Dublin's foreign minister, told reporters after more talks in Brussels with EU colleagues.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May thinks she might be able to get a deal signed with EU leaders in November past the British parliament if it is reworded.

But EU leaders, as Coveney noted, insist this is a non-starter and that, in particular, a guarantee of no hard border between Ireland and the UK must stay.

"My job is to try to protect Irish interests and the Irish people through Brexit, which is not an Irish policy," he said after the ministerial meeting.

"We are spending hundreds of millions of euros in Ireland preparing for a no-deal Brexit to try to protect Irish citizens," he added.&nbsp;

"We don't want to have to do that. Of course, we want a solution here. And yes, there's frustration," he said.

"We have less than 40 days to go until the United Kingdom formally leaves the European Union and we still don't know what the British government is actually asking for to actually get this deal ratified."

Earlier, Coveney had met chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier for an update on the talks.

Later, Barnier met Britain's latest minister for Brexit, Stephen Barclay, who is preparing in Brussels with British attorney general Geoffrey Cox to prepare the ground for May to return.

"Productive conversations with @MichelBarnier, with a commitment to work together to solve the backstop. I'll update my colleagues in Cabinet tomorrow," Barclay tweeted.

London wants the "backstop", the clause binding Northern Ireland into the EU customs union if a new deal to keep the border open is not found, to be time-limited or to be allowed to unilaterally end it.

May hopes that if the text of the deal is modified or clarified in such a way that Cox is able to advise sceptical lawmakers that the backstop is not binding, a majority would back it. &nbsp;&nbsp;

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt had insisted upon arriving at the meeting that Britain's support for the Northern Ireland peace deal was "unconditional".

Both London and Brussels would have to show flexibility to find a reworked Brexit deal that could get past the House of Commons, he said.

"But what we need is trust and vision on both sides, because what's at stake here is Britain's relationship with its European neighbours for the next 25 years."

Ireland's deputy prime minister expressed annoyance on Monday at Britain's continued failure to ratify a deal on its orderly withdrawal from the European Union. "Of course there's frustration," Simon Coveney, who is also Dublin's foreign minister, told reporters after more talks in Brussels with EU colleagues.

Ireland's deputy prime minister expressed annoyance on Monday at Britain's continued failure to ratify a deal on its orderly withdrawal from the European Union. "Of course there's frustration," Simon Coveney, who is also Dublin's foreign minister, told reporters after more talks in Brussels with EU colleagues. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May thinks she might be able to get a deal signed with EU leaders in November past the British parliament if it is reworded. But EU leaders, as Coveney noted, insist this is a non-starter and that, in particular, a guarantee of no hard border between Ireland and the UK must stay. "My job is to try to protect Irish interests and the Irish people through Brexit, which is not an Irish policy," he said after the ministerial meeting. "We are spending hundreds of millions of euros in Ireland preparing for a no-deal Brexit to try to protect Irish citizens," he added. "We don't want to have to do that. Of course, we want a solution here. And yes, there's frustration," he said. "We have less than 40 days to go until the United Kingdom formally leaves the European Union and we still don't know what the British government is actually asking for to actually get this deal ratified." Earlier, Coveney had met chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier for an update on the talks. Later, Barnier met Britain's latest minister for Brexit, Stephen Barclay, who is preparing in Brussels with British attorney general Geoffrey Cox to prepare the ground for May to return. "Productive conversations with @MichelBarnier, with a commitment to work together to solve the backstop. I'll update my colleagues in Cabinet tomorrow," Barclay tweeted. London wants the "backstop", the clause binding Northern Ireland into the EU customs union if a new deal to keep the border open is not found, to be time-limited or to be allowed to unilaterally end it. May hopes that if the text of the deal is modified or clarified in such a way that Cox is able to advise sceptical lawmakers that the backstop is not binding, a majority would back it. British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt had insisted upon arriving at the meeting that Britain's support for the Northern Ireland peace deal was "unconditional". Both London and Brussels would have to show flexibility to find a reworked Brexit deal that could get past the House of Commons, he said. "But what we need is trust and vision on both sides, because what's at stake here is Britain's relationship with its European neighbours for the next 25 years."

Ireland expresses 'frustration' at Brexit deal delay

British Prime Minister Theresa May could face a defeat in parliament on Thursday over her plan to renegotiate the Brexit deal, undermining her pledge to the European Union that, with changes, she can get the agreement approved.

Thursday's symbolic vote was seen by May's team as little more than a rubber stamp of her plan to secure changes to the divorce deal with the EU, giving her more time to satisfy lawmakers' concerns over one part of it — the Irish backstop.

But hardline Brexit supporters in her governing Conservative Party are angry over what they say is her acceptance of ruling out a no-deal departure, something May and her team deny, saying by law Britain will leave the EU on March 29 without an agreement if no deal is struck.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/its-mays-deal-or-long-brexit-delay-uks-chief-negotiator-overheard-saying-in-bar-197142"> It's May's deal or long Brexit delay, UK's chief negotiator overheard saying in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/its-mays-deal-or-long-brexit-delay-uks-chief-negotiator-overheard-saying-in-bar-197142">bar</a>

The latest twist in the two-year negotiation to leave the EU underlines the deep divisions in parliament over how, or even whether, Britain should leave the bloc in the country's biggest political and trade policy shift in more than 40 years.

A rebellion, even in a symbolic vote, would be a blow to May, who has insisted to EU leaders that if they offer her more concessions to the deal agreed in November, she can command a majority in parliament and get the agreement passed.

Trade minister Liam Fox urged lawmakers to back the prime minister, warning: "Our European partners will be watching".

Steve Baker, a member of the pro-Brexit European Research Group of Conservative lawmakers, said no lawmaker in the governing party could be associated with anything which seems to take a "no-deal Brexit" off the table.

"Compromising no deal would be the daftest negotiating strategy and not in the national interest," he said on Twitter.

Another Conservative lawmaker said the ERG was still discussing which strategy to pursue on Thursday - to vote against or abstain.

May is trying to secure changes to the backstop arrangement to prevent a return of border controls between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland to ease concerns that Britain will be kept too closely in the EU's orbit indefinitely or that the British province will be split away.

Extend stay

On Wednesday, European Council President Donald Tusk said the bloc was waiting for Britain to present solid proposals to break the impasse after meetings in Brussels and telephone calls between May and EU leaders.

Some Conservative and many opposition lawmakers accuse May of "running down the clock", edging Britain closer to the exit date to try to force parliament to choose between backing her deal or leaving without an agreement.

Many businesses say that outcome would be catastrophic for the world's fifth largest economy by causing major delays at ports, fracturing international supply chains and hindering investment.

More than 40 former British ambassadors called on the government to extend Britain's stay in the EU or allow for a second referendum, The Times newspaper reported. May has repeatedly said she does not back a second vote.

To try to prevent a no deal, several lawmakers will try to get parliament to back their alternative proposals on Thursday, with options including calling a second referendum, a delay to Brexit, votes on a range of options and even a push to reverse the decision to leave the EU.

It is not clear whether any will win enough support to pass, with lawmakers who are seeking to force the government to delay Brexit saying they will wait until the next round of votes May has promised on Feb. 27 to make their move.

British Prime Minister Theresa May could face a defeat in parliament on Thursday over her plan to renegotiate the Brexit deal, undermining her pledge to the European Union that, with changes, she can get the agreement approved.

British Prime Minister Theresa May could face a defeat in parliament on Thursday over her plan to renegotiate the Brexit deal, undermining her pledge to the European Union that, with changes, she can get the agreement approved. Thursday's symbolic vote was seen by May's team as little more than a rubber stamp of her plan to secure changes to the divorce deal with the EU, giving her more time to satisfy lawmakers' concerns over one part of it — the Irish backstop. But hardline Brexit supporters in her governing Conservative Party are angry over what they say is her acceptance of ruling out a no-deal departure, something May and her team deny, saying by law Britain will leave the EU on March 29 without an agreement if no deal is struck. Also read: It's May's deal or long Brexit delay, UK's chief negotiator overheard saying in bar The latest twist in the two-year negotiation to leave the EU underlines the deep divisions in parliament over how, or even whether, Britain should leave the bloc in the country's biggest political and trade policy shift in more than 40 years. A rebellion, even in a symbolic vote, would be a blow to May, who has insisted to EU leaders that if they offer her more concessions to the deal agreed in November, she can command a majority in parliament and get the agreement passed. Trade minister Liam Fox urged lawmakers to back the prime minister, warning: "Our European partners will be watching". Steve Baker, a member of the pro-Brexit European Research Group of Conservative lawmakers, said no lawmaker in the governing party could be associated with anything which seems to take a "no-deal Brexit" off the table. "Compromising no deal would be the daftest negotiating strategy and not in the national interest," he said on Twitter. Another Conservative lawmaker said the ERG was still discussing which strategy to pursue on Thursday - to vote against or abstain. May is trying to secure changes to the backstop arrangement to prevent a return of border controls between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland to ease concerns that Britain will be kept too closely in the EU's orbit indefinitely or that the British province will be split away. Extend stay On Wednesday, European Council President Donald Tusk said the bloc was waiting for Britain to present solid proposals to break the impasse after meetings in Brussels and telephone calls between May and EU leaders. Some Conservative and many opposition lawmakers accuse May of "running down the clock", edging Britain closer to the exit date to try to force parliament to choose between backing her deal or leaving without an agreement. Many businesses say that outcome would be catastrophic for the world's fifth largest economy by causing major delays at ports, fracturing international supply chains and hindering investment. More than 40 former British ambassadors called on the government to extend Britain's stay in the EU or allow for a second referendum, The Times newspaper reported. May has repeatedly said she does not back a second vote. To try to prevent a no deal, several lawmakers will try to get parliament to back their alternative proposals on Thursday, with options including calling a second referendum, a delay to Brexit, votes on a range of options and even a push to reverse the decision to leave the EU. It is not clear whether any will win enough support to pass, with lawmakers who are seeking to force the government to delay Brexit saying they will wait until the next round of votes May has promised on Feb. 27 to make their move.

Britain's PM May could face yet another Brexit defeat in parliament

British lawmakers will face a stark choice between Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/delaying-brexit-would-extend-uncertainty-uk-business-minister-195601">a&nbsp;long extension to the March 29 deadline</a> for leaving the bloc, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator was overheard saying in a Brussels bar.

Unless May can get a Brexit deal approved by the British parliament, then she will have to decide whether to delay Brexit or thrust the world's fifth largest economy into chaos by leaving without a deal.

May has repeatedly said the United Kingdom will leave on schedule, with or without a deal, as she tries to get the EU to reopen the divorce agreement she reached in November.

But her chief Brexit negotiator, Olly Robbins, was overheard by an ITV correspondent at a hotel bar in Brussels saying lawmakers would have to choose whether to accept a reworked Brexit deal or a potentially significant delay.

"Got to make them believe that the week beginning end of March... Extension is possible but if they don’t vote for the deal then the extension is a long one," ITV quoted Robbins as saying in the hotel bar on Monday during a private conversation.

Robbins made clear that he felt the fear of a long extension to Article 50 - the process of leaving the EU - might focus lawmakers' minds, ITV said.

The spectacle of one of May's most senior officials undermining her negotiating position in a hotel bar in Brussels indicates the scale of the United Kingdom's Brexit crisis that has shocked both investors and allies.

It is unclear why Robbins, an experienced civil servant, would make such comments in a hotel bar. His remarks will deepen the concerns of Brexit-supporting lawmakers that May could ultimately delay leaving the bloc.

Amid the labyrinthine plots and counterplots of Brexit, the United Kingdom's most significant political and economic move since World War Two, some major investors, such as Ford Motor Co, are trying to work out whether to shutter UK production.

NO-DEAL BREXIT?

Robbins' comments appear to undermine May's central threat of a no-deal Brexit - a scenario that supporters of EU membership say would threaten the United Kingdom's unity, spook investors and create possible chaos at major ports.

Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said he did not want to comment on conversations heard second hand in a noisy bar but the government's position was that the United Kingdom would leave on March 29 but wanted to do so with a deal.

"If the PM decides we are leaving on 29 March, deal or no deal, that will happen," Brexit-supporting Conservative Party lawmaker Steve Baker said. "Officials advise. Ministers decide."

Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage said: "Olly Robbins represents the civil service fifth column in our country. He should be sacked immediately for a combination of treachery and incompetence."

The opposition Labour Party will back a proposal to try to force the government to take "crucial decisions" on its Brexit plans by the middle of March, the party's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said.

On a call with business leaders on Tuesday, May gave the impression that she was determined to try and avoid a no-deal Brexit if she can.

"She's determined to try and avoid a no-deal Brexit if she can, because she recognises in talking to business that this could be very damaging for the UK economy and ergo jobs," Tony Smurfit, chief executive of Irish packaging group Smurfit Kappa, told Reuters.

"She is very conscious of the business position in Great Britain," added Smurfit, who said he took part in conference calls with May on Tuesday and last week.

Britain's economy will barely grow in the run-up to Brexit but if there is a deal there will be a modest post-divorce upturn, according to economists polled by Reuters.

Ford Motor Co told May that it is stepping up preparations to move production out of Britain, The Times reported on Tuesday.

In an indication of just how disruptive Brexit may be, the head of Britain's MI6 foreign spy service is expected to stay on beyond his retirement date this year to guide the intelligence agency through the post-Brexit period, The Times newspaper reported.

British lawmakers will face a stark choice between Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal a long extension to the March 29 deadline for leaving the bloc, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator was overheard saying in a Brussels bar.

British lawmakers will face a stark choice between Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal a long extension to the March 29 deadline for leaving the bloc, the UK's chief Brexit negotiator was overheard saying in a Brussels bar. Unless May can get a Brexit deal approved by the British parliament, then she will have to decide whether to delay Brexit or thrust the world's fifth largest economy into chaos by leaving without a deal. May has repeatedly said the United Kingdom will leave on schedule, with or without a deal, as she tries to get the EU to reopen the divorce agreement she reached in November. But her chief Brexit negotiator, Olly Robbins, was overheard by an ITV correspondent at a hotel bar in Brussels saying lawmakers would have to choose whether to accept a reworked Brexit deal or a potentially significant delay. "Got to make them believe that the week beginning end of March... Extension is possible but if they don’t vote for the deal then the extension is a long one," ITV quoted Robbins as saying in the hotel bar on Monday during a private conversation. Robbins made clear that he felt the fear of a long extension to Article 50 - the process of leaving the EU - might focus lawmakers' minds, ITV said. The spectacle of one of May's most senior officials undermining her negotiating position in a hotel bar in Brussels indicates the scale of the United Kingdom's Brexit crisis that has shocked both investors and allies. It is unclear why Robbins, an experienced civil servant, would make such comments in a hotel bar. His remarks will deepen the concerns of Brexit-supporting lawmakers that May could ultimately delay leaving the bloc. Amid the labyrinthine plots and counterplots of Brexit, the United Kingdom's most significant political and economic move since World War Two, some major investors, such as Ford Motor Co, are trying to work out whether to shutter UK production. NO-DEAL BREXIT? Robbins' comments appear to undermine May's central threat of a no-deal Brexit - a scenario that supporters of EU membership say would threaten the United Kingdom's unity, spook investors and create possible chaos at major ports. Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said he did not want to comment on conversations heard second hand in a noisy bar but the government's position was that the United Kingdom would leave on March 29 but wanted to do so with a deal. "If the PM decides we are leaving on 29 March, deal or no deal, that will happen," Brexit-supporting Conservative Party lawmaker Steve Baker said. "Officials advise. Ministers decide." Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage said: "Olly Robbins represents the civil service fifth column in our country. He should be sacked immediately for a combination of treachery and incompetence." The opposition Labour Party will back a proposal to try to force the government to take "crucial decisions" on its Brexit plans by the middle of March, the party's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said. On a call with business leaders on Tuesday, May gave the impression that she was determined to try and avoid a no-deal Brexit if she can. "She's determined to try and avoid a no-deal Brexit if she can, because she recognises in talking to business that this could be very damaging for the UK economy and ergo jobs," Tony Smurfit, chief executive of Irish packaging group Smurfit Kappa, told Reuters. "She is very conscious of the business position in Great Britain," added Smurfit, who said he took part in conference calls with May on Tuesday and last week. Britain's economy will barely grow in the run-up to Brexit but if there is a deal there will be a modest post-divorce upturn, according to economists polled by Reuters. Ford Motor Co told May that it is stepping up preparations to move production out of Britain, The Times reported on Tuesday. In an indication of just how disruptive Brexit may be, the head of Britain's MI6 foreign spy service is expected to stay on beyond his retirement date this year to guide the intelligence agency through the post-Brexit period, The Times newspaper reported.

It's May's deal or long Brexit delay, UK's chief negotiator overheard saying in bar

Cabinet ministers now believe Theresa May is preparing to resign as British Prime Minister this summer so she can influence who succeeds her, The Sun newspaper reported.

May has rejected the idea of targeting a customs union with the European Union, pouring cold water on hopes from some that she could shift her Brexit policy to win over the opposition Labour Party.

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but has yet to find a deal which is acceptable to both Brussels and lawmakers at home, raising the prospect of a disorderly exit that could damage the world's fifth largest economy.

Meanwhile, Defence minister Gavin Williamson on Monday said in a speech that Britain will use military force to support its interests after Brexit.

Williamson outlined plans to send Britain's new aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where London has been seeking to demonstrate its influence in relation to China, and invest his defence budget in new equipment and cyber capabilities.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Cabinet ministers now believe Theresa May is preparing to resign as British Prime Minister this summer so she can influence who succeeds her, The Sun newspaper reported.

Cabinet ministers now believe Theresa May is preparing to resign as British Prime Minister this summer so she can influence who succeeds her, The Sun newspaper reported. May has rejected the idea of targeting a customs union with the European Union, pouring cold water on hopes from some that she could shift her Brexit policy to win over the opposition Labour Party. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but has yet to find a deal which is acceptable to both Brussels and lawmakers at home, raising the prospect of a disorderly exit that could damage the world's fifth largest economy. Meanwhile, Defence minister Gavin Williamson on Monday said in a speech that Britain will use military force to support its interests after Brexit. Williamson outlined plans to send Britain's new aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where London has been seeking to demonstrate its influence in relation to China, and invest his defence budget in new equipment and cyber capabilities. (With inputs from Reuters)

British cabinet ministers believe PM May preparing to resign: Report

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Friday said he believed "a deal can be done" to avoid a disorderly British exit from the EU, after a meeting with a key ally of British Prime Minister Theresa May that he said went very well.

Varadkar later hosted May for a formal dinner in Dublin that an Irish official described as "very warm" - in contrast to a relatively chilly reception given to May in Brussels earlier this week.

Varadkar said talks with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party in Belfast in the afternoon showed there was "more that unites us than divides us when it comes to Brexit," unusually conciliatory language in what has often been an acrimonious relationship.

The DUP, which props up May's government, has been one of the fiercest critics of Britain's exit deal with the European Union, which parliament in London has rejected and more particularly the contentious "backstop" championed by Varadkar.

The provision is an insurance policy meant to keep the border between Ireland, a euro zone member, and the British-run province of Northern Ireland open under any and all circumstances. The DUP says its terms are unacceptable as they would undermine trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

The EU has said it will not remove the provision or re-open the legally binding Brexit deal agreed with Britain over two years, but has said it is ready to rework the political declaration that accompanies it.

After the meeting, DUP leader Arlene Foster said she had a "good engagement" with Varadkar and that the DUP wanted "to be as helpful as we can to try and get a deal that works for the United Kingdom and also works for the European Union."

She declined to comment on the detail of the talks, saying both sides needed space to complete discussions.

The support of the DUP's 10 members of parliament is seen as key to May's winning over sceptical members of her Conservative party and securing parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement.

Asked by Irish state broadcaster RTE how he envisaged a deal could be done between Britain and the EU after weeks of stalemate, Varadkar cited the common ground between the Irish government and the DUP.

Both sides, he said, wanted to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland, ensure Britain left with a deal and enabled frictionless trade.

"Often when you share all the major objectives, it is possible to come to a solution," Varadkar said.

"I think that on balance we will secure a deal - whether it will be by the end of March or after an extension I can't say," he added.

Speaking ahead of his dinner with May, which included cured salmon, beef fillet and a selection of Irish cheeses, Varadkar said the meeting was aimed at seeing "confidence and trust restored."

An Irish official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the meeting would not involve any formal negotiations, which are being led by Brussels.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Friday said he believed "a deal can be done" to avoid a disorderly British exit from the EU, after a meeting with a key ally of British Prime Minister Theresa May that he said went very well.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Friday said he believed "a deal can be done" to avoid a disorderly British exit from the EU, after a meeting with a key ally of British Prime Minister Theresa May that he said went very well. Varadkar later hosted May for a formal dinner in Dublin that an Irish official described as "very warm" - in contrast to a relatively chilly reception given to May in Brussels earlier this week. Varadkar said talks with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party in Belfast in the afternoon showed there was "more that unites us than divides us when it comes to Brexit," unusually conciliatory language in what has often been an acrimonious relationship. The DUP, which props up May's government, has been one of the fiercest critics of Britain's exit deal with the European Union, which parliament in London has rejected and more particularly the contentious "backstop" championed by Varadkar. The provision is an insurance policy meant to keep the border between Ireland, a euro zone member, and the British-run province of Northern Ireland open under any and all circumstances. The DUP says its terms are unacceptable as they would undermine trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. The EU has said it will not remove the provision or re-open the legally binding Brexit deal agreed with Britain over two years, but has said it is ready to rework the political declaration that accompanies it. After the meeting, DUP leader Arlene Foster said she had a "good engagement" with Varadkar and that the DUP wanted "to be as helpful as we can to try and get a deal that works for the United Kingdom and also works for the European Union." She declined to comment on the detail of the talks, saying both sides needed space to complete discussions. The support of the DUP's 10 members of parliament is seen as key to May's winning over sceptical members of her Conservative party and securing parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement. Asked by Irish state broadcaster RTE how he envisaged a deal could be done between Britain and the EU after weeks of stalemate, Varadkar cited the common ground between the Irish government and the DUP. Both sides, he said, wanted to avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland, ensure Britain left with a deal and enabled frictionless trade. "Often when you share all the major objectives, it is possible to come to a solution," Varadkar said. "I think that on balance we will secure a deal - whether it will be by the end of March or after an extension I can't say," he added. Speaking ahead of his dinner with May, which included cured salmon, beef fillet and a selection of Irish cheeses, Varadkar said the meeting was aimed at seeing "confidence and trust restored." An Irish official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the meeting would not involve any formal negotiations, which are being led by Brussels.

Irish prime minister says Brexit deal 'can be done' to avoid disorderly British exit from EU

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

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

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

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

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he hoped <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-may-seeks-a-border-compromise-in-northern-ireland-195606">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> would come to Brussels on Thursday with "realistic suggestions" on how to break the Brexit impasse as the EU would not re-open the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/delaying-brexit-would-extend-uncertainty-uk-business-minister-195601">Brexit deal</a>.

Tusk, speaking at a joint news conference with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar after their talks in Brussels, reiterated the European Union's stance that the Irish border backstop in the withdrawal agreement had to stay.

"I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said.

Varadkar said the Brexit deal, which has since been rejected by the UK parliament, was "the best possible". He said Britain's recent political instability was yet another proof of why the backstop was needed.

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he hoped British Prime Minister Theresa May would come to Brussels on Thursday with "realistic suggestions" on how to break the Brexit impasse as the EU would not re-open the Brexit deal.

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he hoped British Prime Minister Theresa May would come to Brussels on Thursday with "realistic suggestions" on how to break the Brexit impasse as the EU would not re-open the Brexit deal. Tusk, speaking at a joint news conference with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar after their talks in Brussels, reiterated the European Union's stance that the Irish border backstop in the withdrawal agreement had to stay. "I've been wondering what that special place in hell looks like, for those who promoted Brexit, without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely," Tusk said. Varadkar said the Brexit deal, which has since been rejected by the UK parliament, was "the best possible". He said Britain's recent political instability was yet another proof of why the backstop was needed.

Will not reopen Brexit deal, hope Theresa May has new proposals: European Union

British officials have begun "serious work" on the UK staying in a permanent EU customs union as a way to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-seeks-to-reopen-brexit-deal-193735">rescue the Brexit deal,</a> the Independent newspaper reported on Friday.

Preparations for the customs union are underway at a high level with some Cabinet ministers pushing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-mays-brexit-deal-finally-wins-majority-support-in-parliament-193817">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>&nbsp;to accept that she would have to drop her opposition to a customs union to get Labour parliament members to back her deal, the Independent said, citing a "well-placed Whitehall source."

“There is serious work going on about a customs union. We need to be prepared, so we are ready if the politics moves in that direction," the newspaper quoted the source as saying.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn wants Britain to be in a permanent customs union with the EU after Brexit, something May has opposed so far, saying it would hinder Britain's ability to pursue independent trade deals around the world.

British officials have begun "serious work" on the UK staying in a permanent EU customs union as a way to rescue the Brexit deal, the Independent newspaper reported on Friday.

British officials have begun "serious work" on the UK staying in a permanent EU customs union as a way to rescue the Brexit deal, the Independent newspaper reported on Friday. Preparations for the customs union are underway at a high level with some Cabinet ministers pushing Prime Minister Theresa May to accept that she would have to drop her opposition to a customs union to get Labour parliament members to back her deal, the Independent said, citing a "well-placed Whitehall source." “There is serious work going on about a customs union. We need to be prepared, so we are ready if the politics moves in that direction," the newspaper quoted the source as saying. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn wants Britain to be in a permanent customs union with the EU after Brexit, something May has opposed so far, saying it would hinder Britain's ability to pursue independent trade deals around the world.

British government begins 'serious work' on UK staying in EU customs union: Report

EU rules out Brexit Renegotiation

British Prime Minister Theresa May was closer than ever Tuesday to finally reaching an elusive Brexit deal.

By 317 votes to 301, MPs in the House of Commons gave their backing to May's deal which they rejected earlier this month, providing changes are made to the so-called Irish backstop border issue.

The 16 majority for her deal gives May a mandate to return to Brussels to call for a re-opening of negotiations, and indicates that the Brexit deal is likely to win the critical final vote in British parliament if changes are made to the Irish border issue.

Veteran MP Sir Graham Brady has been hailed as the hero of the night by including a crucial addition to May's rejected deal. It says the deal requires the Northern Ireland backstop to be replaced with alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border.

The words were enough to win over the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) as well as Conservative politicians strongly against a backstop over fears it could tie Britain permanently to the EU.

May said the British government can look forward to obtaining legally binding changes to the withdrawal agreement with regards to the backstop, allowing no hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

May and her senior advisers are not waving victory flags at the moment, with the developments in London receiving a frosty reaction in Brussels and Dublin.

The Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said in a statement issued later in Dublin, "The withdrawal agreement is not open for re-negotiation."

Referring to the withdrawal agreement agreed between EU leaders and May, Varadkar said it is a carefully negotiated compromise, which balances the U.K. position on customs and the single market with avoiding a hard border and protecting the integrity of the EU customs union and single market. He said Ireland will continue its preparations for all outcomes, including for a no-deal scenario.

A spokesman for Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, said that the backstop is part of the withdrawal agreement and the withdrawal agreement is not open for re-negotiation.

The Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn who, earlier in the evening, lost a vote that would have avoided a no-deal outcome, said he was now prepared to meet May to discuss Brexit.

May plans to discuss developments with the EU ahead of returning at a later date to the British Parliament for a meaningful date needed on a deal with Brussels.

Until now Brussels has insisted that a backstop must be part of the Brexit deal to avoid a hard border between EU member state Ireland, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K.

Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was closer than ever Tuesday to finally reaching an elusive Brexit deal. By 317 votes to 301, MPs in the House of Commons gave their backing to May's deal which they rejected earlier this month, providing changes are made to the so-called Irish backstop border issue.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was closer than ever Tuesday to finally reaching an elusive Brexit deal. By 317 votes to 301, MPs in the House of Commons gave their backing to May's deal which they rejected earlier this month, providing changes are made to the so-called Irish backstop border issue. The 16 majority for her deal gives May a mandate to return to Brussels to call for a re-opening of negotiations, and indicates that the Brexit deal is likely to win the critical final vote in British parliament if changes are made to the Irish border issue. Veteran MP Sir Graham Brady has been hailed as the hero of the night by including a crucial addition to May's rejected deal. It says the deal requires the Northern Ireland backstop to be replaced with alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border. The words were enough to win over the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) as well as Conservative politicians strongly against a backstop over fears it could tie Britain permanently to the EU. May said the British government can look forward to obtaining legally binding changes to the withdrawal agreement with regards to the backstop, allowing no hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. May and her senior advisers are not waving victory flags at the moment, with the developments in London receiving a frosty reaction in Brussels and Dublin. The Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said in a statement issued later in Dublin, "The withdrawal agreement is not open for re-negotiation." Referring to the withdrawal agreement agreed between EU leaders and May, Varadkar said it is a carefully negotiated compromise, which balances the U.K. position on customs and the single market with avoiding a hard border and protecting the integrity of the EU customs union and single market. He said Ireland will continue its preparations for all outcomes, including for a no-deal scenario. A spokesman for Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, said that the backstop is part of the withdrawal agreement and the withdrawal agreement is not open for re-negotiation. The Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn who, earlier in the evening, lost a vote that would have avoided a no-deal outcome, said he was now prepared to meet May to discuss Brexit. May plans to discuss developments with the EU ahead of returning at a later date to the British Parliament for a meaningful date needed on a deal with Brussels. Until now Brussels has insisted that a backstop must be part of the Brexit deal to avoid a hard border between EU member state Ireland, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K. Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29.

Theresa May's Brexit deal finally wins majority support in parliament

British Prime Minister Theresa May will seek to renegotiate the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-has-a-brexit-message-for-pm-may-irish-backstop-is-our-red-line-193501">EU divorce deal</a>, her spokesman said Tuesday, ahead of crunch <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-to-vote-today-on-taking-control-of-brexit-from-government-193557">votes in parliament</a> that could reset the course for Brexit.

With exactly two months to go until Britain is scheduled to leave the European Union on March 29, May is going to attempt to change the agreement she herself negotiated -- even though Brussels has insisted it will not re-open it.

"We have to have a deal which can carry the support of parliament and that's going to require some changes to the withdrawal agreement," May's spokesman said, as Downing Street tried to seize the initiative back from MPs.

The draft divorce deal was overwhelmingly rejected by lawmakers on January 15 and deeply divided MPs have been coming up with their own ideas to take a different path.

After May opens a day of debate, MPs are set to vote from 1900 GMT on measures that could include preventing a no-deal Brexit, delaying Brexit, changing the negotiated deal and even seizing control of the entire process.

May's spokesman said she backed a proposed measure that called for the removal of a controversial Irish border "backstop" arrangement written into the divorce deal.

Brexit hardliners from May's Conservative Party are set against the deal due to the backstop, which could see Britain indefinitely tied to EU trade rules in order to keep open the border with the Republic of Ireland.

The proposed measure put forward for Tuesday's votes calls for the backstop to be replaced with "alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border" on the island of Ireland.

The amendment would make clear that the Commons wishes to leave the EU with a deal, confirms the commitment to avoiding border checks and "gives us scope for a new discussion with the EU about how best we achieve that", said May's spokesman.

She told her cabinet that "to win the support of the House of Commons, legal changes to the backstop will be required", he said.

'Groundhog Day'

Confidence in London about being able to change the agreement is met with disbelief in Brussels.

Sabine Weyand, deputy to EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, said: "There's no negotiation between the EU and the UK. That negotiation is finished.

"It does feel like Groundhog Day."

She said Britain risked crashing out of the EU without a deal "by accident" because London cannot decide what it wants.

A source in French President Emmanuel Macron's office said Tuesday: "The withdrawal agreement and the backstop are not renegotiable."

And Ireland's Europe minister Helen McEntee called for "realism" from London as "there can be no change to the backstop".

No-deal risk&nbsp;

Tuesday's votes are the latest twist in the turmoil that the Brexit vote has unleashed in one of the world's top economies.

Increasing numbers of government ministers have warned they will not accept the prospect of Britain leaving without a deal on March 29, immediately severing all ties with its largest trading partner and threatening economic chaos.

British stocks jumped Tuesday and the pound was firmer ahead of the votes.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index was 1.3 per cent higher in midday deals, while the pound held recently won ground versus the dollar.

One of the amendments which could be voted on Tuesday would open the door for the House of Commons to bring in legislation preventing Britain leaving the EU without a deal by forcing May to delay Brexit for nine months if her deal is not approved before February 26.

It would also give MPs the ability to extend the deadline indefinitely.

The main opposition Labour Party is throwing its weight behind the amendment.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will seek to renegotiate the EU divorce deal, her spokesman said Tuesday, ahead of crunch votes in parliament that could reset the course for Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will seek to renegotiate the EU divorce deal, her spokesman said Tuesday, ahead of crunch votes in parliament that could reset the course for Brexit. With exactly two months to go until Britain is scheduled to leave the European Union on March 29, May is going to attempt to change the agreement she herself negotiated -- even though Brussels has insisted it will not re-open it. "We have to have a deal which can carry the support of parliament and that's going to require some changes to the withdrawal agreement," May's spokesman said, as Downing Street tried to seize the initiative back from MPs. The draft divorce deal was overwhelmingly rejected by lawmakers on January 15 and deeply divided MPs have been coming up with their own ideas to take a different path. After May opens a day of debate, MPs are set to vote from 1900 GMT on measures that could include preventing a no-deal Brexit, delaying Brexit, changing the negotiated deal and even seizing control of the entire process. May's spokesman said she backed a proposed measure that called for the removal of a controversial Irish border "backstop" arrangement written into the divorce deal. Brexit hardliners from May's Conservative Party are set against the deal due to the backstop, which could see Britain indefinitely tied to EU trade rules in order to keep open the border with the Republic of Ireland. The proposed measure put forward for Tuesday's votes calls for the backstop to be replaced with "alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border" on the island of Ireland. The amendment would make clear that the Commons wishes to leave the EU with a deal, confirms the commitment to avoiding border checks and "gives us scope for a new discussion with the EU about how best we achieve that", said May's spokesman. She told her cabinet that "to win the support of the House of Commons, legal changes to the backstop will be required", he said. 'Groundhog Day' Confidence in London about being able to change the agreement is met with disbelief in Brussels. Sabine Weyand, deputy to EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, said: "There's no negotiation between the EU and the UK. That negotiation is finished. "It does feel like Groundhog Day." She said Britain risked crashing out of the EU without a deal "by accident" because London cannot decide what it wants. A source in French President Emmanuel Macron's office said Tuesday: "The withdrawal agreement and the backstop are not renegotiable." And Ireland's Europe minister Helen McEntee called for "realism" from London as "there can be no change to the backstop". No-deal risk Tuesday's votes are the latest twist in the turmoil that the Brexit vote has unleashed in one of the world's top economies. Increasing numbers of government ministers have warned they will not accept the prospect of Britain leaving without a deal on March 29, immediately severing all ties with its largest trading partner and threatening economic chaos. British stocks jumped Tuesday and the pound was firmer ahead of the votes. London's benchmark FTSE 100 index was 1.3 per cent higher in midday deals, while the pound held recently won ground versus the dollar. One of the amendments which could be voted on Tuesday would open the door for the House of Commons to bring in legislation preventing Britain leaving the EU without a deal by forcing May to delay Brexit for nine months if her deal is not approved before February 26. It would also give MPs the ability to extend the deadline indefinitely. The main opposition Labour Party is throwing its weight behind the amendment.

UK PM May seeks to reopen Brexit deal

Brexit Deal: Theresa May to approach parliament again

WION Gravitas, 21st January, 2019

Gravitas: Theresa May presents Brexit plan-B in UK parliament

Theresa May to present Brexit plan B today

British Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-pledges-to-find-compromise-that-will-avoid-no-deal-brexit-2nd-referendum-190821">Theresa May </a>reached out to her opponents on Wednesday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-survives-no-confidence-vote-against-her-government-190826">narrowly surviving a confidence vote</a> sparked by the crushing defeat in the parliament of her Brexit deal.

After a tumultuous 24 hours which she admitted voters might find "unsettling", she conceded the divorce terms she struck with the EU had been roundly rejected but vowed to work to find an alternative.

"Now MPs have made clear what they don't want, we must all work constructively together to set out what parliament does want," May said in a televised evening address to the nation.

On Tuesday,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-votes-down-pm-mays-eu-brexit-deal-by-230-votes-190586"> MPs dealt the prime minister the heaviest drubbing</a> in modern British political history by rejecting the divorce agreement by a stunning 432 votes to 202.

But May emerged victorious on Wednesday night in a confidence vote triggered by the opposition Labour party, the first for 26 years, winning 325 votes to 306.

She set out a schedule of cross-party talks that began immediately with meetings with the Scottish nationalist, Welsh nationalist and the pro-EU Liberal Democrat leaders.

"We must find solutions that are negotiable and command sufficient support in this House," she had told earlier told parliament.

However, opposition leaders set out a list of demands for cooperating, including discussing delaying Brexit beyond March 29, and ruling out the possibility that Britain crashes out without any deal at all.

Late night talks

May is working on the tightest-possible deadline as Britain prepares to leave the bloc that for half a century defined its economic and political relations with the rest of the world.

Her defeat <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/still-time-to-negotiate-germanys-merkel-says-after-may-loses-brexit-vote-190761">sparked warnings from European leaders</a> that the prospect of "no deal" had increased, with the potential for huge economic disruption on both sides of the Channel.

May must return to parliament on Monday with a Plan B that she and her team intend to negotiate with various MPs through the weekend.

But main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would only meet May if she could "remove clearly, once and for all the prospect of the catastrophe of a no-deal Brexit".

May said she was "disappointed" by Corbyn's decision and stressed that "our door remains open".

Ian Blackford of the Scottish National Party (SNP) said after meeting May late Wednesday that his 35-seat party would only hold "genuine" talks.

If she were prepared to consider delaying Brexit, ruling out "no deal" and the option of holding a second referendum, they would participate, he said in a letter afterwards.&nbsp;

May has flatly rejected a second vote.

Divorce delay?

May survived Wednesday thanks to the support of members of her Conservative Party and its Northern Irish allies in the Democratic Union Party.

But more than a third of the Conservatives and all 10 DUP members of parliament voted against her Brexit arrangements on Tuesday -- each for their own reason.

May will thus tread carefully as she tries to win over opposition lawmakers -- many of whom want to remain in the EU -- while also attempting to appease more hardened Brexit-backing coalition partners.

She stuck to two key principles on Wednesday: limiting EU migration and pursuing an independent trade policy.

Both points rule out Labour hopes of membership of an EU customs union or its single market.

Yet she also hinted at the possibility of delaying Brexit.

May said the EU would allow this "if it was clear that there was a plan that was moving toward an agreed deal".

EU officials have said extending the negotiating period could be possible until the newly-elected European Parliament meets in July.

Blurred lines 
 
European leaders have repeatedly said they will not reopen the draft withdrawal agreement sealed at a special Brussels summit in December.

French President Emmanuel Macron suggested the EU might be willing to tweak a few minor points -- but only if they did not alter the bloc's existing position on trade and borders.

"We won't, just to solve Britain's domestic political issues, stop defending European interests," he said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there was time for talks as long as London could present a clear and united position.

"We're now waiting on what the prime minister proposes," she said.

And Irish Prime Leo Varadkar added, "that if the United Kingdom were to evolve from its red lines on the customs union and on the single market, that the European Union could evolve also."

British Prime Minister Theresa May reached out to her opponents on Wednesday after narrowly surviving a confidence vote sparked by the crushing defeat in the parliament of her Brexit deal.

British Prime Minister Theresa May reached out to her opponents on Wednesday after narrowly surviving a confidence vote sparked by the crushing defeat in the parliament of her Brexit deal. After a tumultuous 24 hours which she admitted voters might find "unsettling", she conceded the divorce terms she struck with the EU had been roundly rejected but vowed to work to find an alternative. "Now MPs have made clear what they don't want, we must all work constructively together to set out what parliament does want," May said in a televised evening address to the nation. On Tuesday, MPs dealt the prime minister the heaviest drubbing in modern British political history by rejecting the divorce agreement by a stunning 432 votes to 202. But May emerged victorious on Wednesday night in a confidence vote triggered by the opposition Labour party, the first for 26 years, winning 325 votes to 306. She set out a schedule of cross-party talks that began immediately with meetings with the Scottish nationalist, Welsh nationalist and the pro-EU Liberal Democrat leaders. "We must find solutions that are negotiable and command sufficient support in this House," she had told earlier told parliament. However, opposition leaders set out a list of demands for cooperating, including discussing delaying Brexit beyond March 29, and ruling out the possibility that Britain crashes out without any deal at all. Late night talks May is working on the tightest-possible deadline as Britain prepares to leave the bloc that for half a century defined its economic and political relations with the rest of the world. Her defeat sparked warnings from European leaders that the prospect of "no deal" had increased, with the potential for huge economic disruption on both sides of the Channel. May must return to parliament on Monday with a Plan B that she and her team intend to negotiate with various MPs through the weekend. But main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would only meet May if she could "remove clearly, once and for all the prospect of the catastrophe of a no-deal Brexit". May said she was "disappointed" by Corbyn's decision and stressed that "our door remains open". Ian Blackford of the Scottish National Party (SNP) said after meeting May late Wednesday that his 35-seat party would only hold "genuine" talks. If she were prepared to consider delaying Brexit, ruling out "no deal" and the option of holding a second referendum, they would participate, he said in a letter afterwards. May has flatly rejected a second vote. Divorce delay? May survived Wednesday thanks to the support of members of her Conservative Party and its Northern Irish allies in the Democratic Union Party. But more than a third of the Conservatives and all 10 DUP members of parliament voted against her Brexit arrangements on Tuesday -- each for their own reason. May will thus tread carefully as she tries to win over opposition lawmakers -- many of whom want to remain in the EU -- while also attempting to appease more hardened Brexit-backing coalition partners. She stuck to two key principles on Wednesday: limiting EU migration and pursuing an independent trade policy. Both points rule out Labour hopes of membership of an EU customs union or its single market. Yet she also hinted at the possibility of delaying Brexit. May said the EU would allow this "if it was clear that there was a plan that was moving toward an agreed deal". EU officials have said extending the negotiating period could be possible until the newly-elected European Parliament meets in July. Blurred lines European leaders have repeatedly said they will not reopen the draft withdrawal agreement sealed at a special Brussels summit in December. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested the EU might be willing to tweak a few minor points -- but only if they did not alter the bloc's existing position on trade and borders. "We won't, just to solve Britain's domestic political issues, stop defending European interests," he said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there was time for talks as long as London could present a clear and united position. "We're now waiting on what the prime minister proposes," she said. And Irish Prime Leo Varadkar added, "that if the United Kingdom were to evolve from its red lines on the customs union and on the single market, that the European Union could evolve also."

We must all work together for Brexit, says PM Theresa May after winning confidence vote

By Chris Stafford

Just 24 hours after suffering a historic defeat in parliament over her Brexit deal, the prime minister has survived a vote of no confidence in her government – thanks to the support of her backbench MPs. Up until this point, these same backbench MPs have been all too willing to vote against her and her Brexit deal.

The result was expected, given that a Conservative rebellion would have likely resulted in a general election that might have gone very badly for the party. Ousting the prime minister is less appealing when, instead of offering the potential for career advancement, there is a strong chance that it would instead lead to a demotion to the shadow cabinet.

With the very public plotting and scheming that has been displayed over Brexit, it is little wonder that British people have become profoundly mistrustful of their elected representatives and their motivations. What happens next is, therefore, crucial not only for the prime minister and the country but also the public’s faith in the nation’s democracy.

The way forward is not clear and many in the EU would like to know just what it is the UK actually wants. In an attempt to find out, May has promised to consult with leading parliamentarians over the way forward. She has been criticised for not doing this sooner and, while it could perhaps throw up a fresh idea to move things forward, it is hard to see what assurances the prime minister or the European Union can give that would placate anyone.

Re-open the negotiations?

Realistically speaking the only way to get the major changes on the controversial issues would be to re-open Brexit negotiations with the European Union and extend the article 50 period. While there is some support for the latter, the former has not been an acceptable option on the continent for some time now. That doesn’t appear likely to change.

Many prominent hard Brexit supporters have suggested that parliament’s dismissal of the deal will put the EU under pressure. They think Brussels will come back to the negotiating table once the screws are turned. But, as things stand, this looks like misplaced bravado and even wishful thinking.

To suggest that the defeat of the deal in parliament will somehow force the EU to waver is a perfect display of the flawed logic that created this situation in the first place. While the prospect of a no-deal Brexit is, of course, concerning to them, the remaining EU member states are prepared to weather the storm of a no-deal if they must. They would rather not have to, but if it is a choice between that or threatening the integrity of the single market and the European project itself, the choice is clear – and has been since before article 50 was even triggered.

A government cornered

Ultimately, if a new deal is well and truly off the table, there are a limited set of options the government can pursue. Brexit could be cancelled or it could be put to another referendum. Neither is likely to be popular options within the Conservative Party. More likely, it has been suggested that the government may keep making parliament vote on the deal, or some version of it, until it passes, although the legality of this is now in question. If the deal cannot get through the Commons, there may be no other option but to leave without a deal. Conservative MPs, therefore, need to either get behind the deal or resign themselves to endorsing a no-deal scenario.

It is also decision time for Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party. Having failed to win the vote of no confidence and force their preferred option of a general election, they too have to either get behind the deal or consign the country to a no-deal scenario. That said, there is, of course, the ever-controversial option of a second referendum. Corbyn has resisted calls for this so far – but, with mounting pressure from MPs and the membership, as well as a desperate need for some distinctiveness on Brexit between the two major parties, it may prove hard to keep voting down the prime minister’s deal without offering a viable alternative.

Parliament takes back control

Having successfully showed their desire and ability to assert themselves in the Brexit process in parliament, the MPs themselves may be the key to ending the deadlock. There is the looming threat that they will seize complete control of the issue, legislating to prevent a no-deal scenario from even being possible.

Given the historic defeat over the Brexit deal, it is not implausible that such a move could get the support it needs. However, if the EU refuses to budge on the deal or the timing of Brexit, it is again hard to see where this would ultimately lead. Despite claims that Brexit would allow the UK to “take back control”, it still seems that it is the European Union that is very much in charge of the situation.

(Chris Stafford is Doctoral Researcher, University of Nottingham)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-theresa-may-survives-confidence-vote-but-brussels-is-in-charge-now-109976">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 Chris Stafford Just 24 hours after suffering a historic defeat in parliament over her Brexit deal, the prime minister has survived a vote of no confidence in her government – thanks to the support of her backbench MPs.

By Chris Stafford Just 24 hours after suffering a historic defeat in parliament over her Brexit deal, the prime minister has survived a vote of no confidence in her government – thanks to the support of her backbench MPs. Up until this point, these same backbench MPs have been all too willing to vote against her and her Brexit deal. The result was expected, given that a Conservative rebellion would have likely resulted in a general election that might have gone very badly for the party. Ousting the prime minister is less appealing when, instead of offering the potential for career advancement, there is a strong chance that it would instead lead to a demotion to the shadow cabinet. With the very public plotting and scheming that has been displayed over Brexit, it is little wonder that British people have become profoundly mistrustful of their elected representatives and their motivations. What happens next is, therefore, crucial not only for the prime minister and the country but also the public’s faith in the nation’s democracy. The way forward is not clear and many in the EU would like to know just what it is the UK actually wants. In an attempt to find out, May has promised to consult with leading parliamentarians over the way forward. She has been criticised for not doing this sooner and, while it could perhaps throw up a fresh idea to move things forward, it is hard to see what assurances the prime minister or the European Union can give that would placate anyone. Re-open the negotiations? Realistically speaking the only way to get the major changes on the controversial issues would be to re-open Brexit negotiations with the European Union and extend the article 50 period. While there is some support for the latter, the former has not been an acceptable option on the continent for some time now. That doesn’t appear likely to change. Many prominent hard Brexit supporters have suggested that parliament’s dismissal of the deal will put the EU under pressure. They think Brussels will come back to the negotiating table once the screws are turned. But, as things stand, this looks like misplaced bravado and even wishful thinking. To suggest that the defeat of the deal in parliament will somehow force the EU to waver is a perfect display of the flawed logic that created this situation in the first place. While the prospect of a no-deal Brexit is, of course, concerning to them, the remaining EU member states are prepared to weather the storm of a no-deal if they must. They would rather not have to, but if it is a choice between that or threatening the integrity of the single market and the European project itself, the choice is clear – and has been since before article 50 was even triggered. A government cornered Ultimately, if a new deal is well and truly off the table, there are a limited set of options the government can pursue. Brexit could be cancelled or it could be put to another referendum. Neither is likely to be popular options within the Conservative Party. More likely, it has been suggested that the government may keep making parliament vote on the deal, or some version of it, until it passes, although the legality of this is now in question. If the deal cannot get through the Commons, there may be no other option but to leave without a deal. Conservative MPs, therefore, need to either get behind the deal or resign themselves to endorsing a no-deal scenario. It is also decision time for Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party. Having failed to win the vote of no confidence and force their preferred option of a general election, they too have to either get behind the deal or consign the country to a no-deal scenario. That said, there is, of course, the ever-controversial option of a second referendum. Corbyn has resisted calls for this so far – but, with mounting pressure from MPs and the membership, as well as a desperate need for some distinctiveness on Brexit between the two major parties, it may prove hard to keep voting down the prime minister’s deal without offering a viable alternative. Parliament takes back control Having successfully showed their desire and ability to assert themselves in the Brexit process in parliament, the MPs themselves may be the key to ending the deadlock. There is the looming threat that they will seize complete control of the issue, legislating to prevent a no-deal scenario from even being possible. Given the historic defeat over the Brexit deal, it is not implausible that such a move could get the support it needs. However, if the EU refuses to budge on the deal or the timing of Brexit, it is again hard to see where this would ultimately lead. Despite claims that Brexit would allow the UK to “take back control”, it still seems that it is the European Union that is very much in charge of the situation. (Chris Stafford is Doctoral Researcher, University of Nottingham) (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)

Theresa May survives confidence vote, but Brussels is in charge now

UK Parliament rejects Brexit deal; Theresa May faces no confidence motion in 24 hrs

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that "we still have time to negotiate" after the British Parliament comprehensively rejected the Brexit deal Prime Minister Theresa May had reached with the European Union.&nbsp;

May lost the vote by 432 votes to 202 — <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-votes-down-pm-mays-eu-brexit-deal-by-230-votes-190586">the largest government defeat in modern British history</a>. She will now face a no-confidence vote brought by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.&nbsp;

May is expected to win the trust vote, but no one really knows what will happen on Brexit.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom is scheduled to leave the European Union on March 29, a little over two months from now.&nbsp;

Anything could happen in that time — the UK may leave without a Brexit deal, it may delay Brexit, or a second referendum (whether or not to actually leave the EU) could be held.&nbsp;

"We still have time to negotiate but we're now waiting on what the prime minister proposes," Merkel said Wednesday to the news channel NTV.

"I very much regret that the British lower house last night rejected the agreement," she said.

"We believe it is up to the British side, as the prime minister has announced, to tell us what happens next.

"We want to limit the damage, and there certainly will be damage..., as much as possible.

"That's why of course we will continue to pursue an orderly solution. But we are also ready in case there is no such orderly solution."&nbsp;

France meanwhile is speeding up preparations for a "no deal" Brexit, AFP quoted a French presidential source as saying.&nbsp;

"The scenario we don't want is a no deal and the risks multiplied yesterday," the source said.

"The prime minister will meet tomorrow with the key ministers concerned to take stock of the preparations and accelerate them," the source added.

(With inputs from AFP)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that "we still have time to negotiate" after the British Parliament comprehensively rejected the Brexit deal Prime Minister Theresa May had reached with the European Union.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that "we still have time to negotiate" after the British Parliament comprehensively rejected the Brexit deal Prime Minister Theresa May had reached with the European Union. May lost the vote by 432 votes to 202 — the largest government defeat in modern British history. She will now face a no-confidence vote brought by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. May is expected to win the trust vote, but no one really knows what will happen on Brexit. The United Kingdom is scheduled to leave the European Union on March 29, a little over two months from now. Anything could happen in that time — the UK may leave without a Brexit deal, it may delay Brexit, or a second referendum (whether or not to actually leave the EU) could be held. "We still have time to negotiate but we're now waiting on what the prime minister proposes," Merkel said Wednesday to the news channel NTV. "I very much regret that the British lower house last night rejected the agreement," she said. "We believe it is up to the British side, as the prime minister has announced, to tell us what happens next. "We want to limit the damage, and there certainly will be damage..., as much as possible. "That's why of course we will continue to pursue an orderly solution. But we are also ready in case there is no such orderly solution." France meanwhile is speeding up preparations for a "no deal" Brexit, AFP quoted a French presidential source as saying. "The scenario we don't want is a no deal and the risks multiplied yesterday," the source said. "The prime minister will meet tomorrow with the key ministers concerned to take stock of the preparations and accelerate them," the source added. (With inputs from AFP)

'Still time to negotiate,' Germany's Merkel says after UK PM May loses Brexit vote

Britain's parliament on Tuesday voted against Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-may-faces-defeat-in-parliament-over-brexit-plan-190530">Theresa May's Brexit deal </a>by a massive margin, triggering a no-confidence vote that could bring down her government.&nbsp;

The House of Commons lower house voted 432 to 202 against May's plan for taking Britain out of the European Union after nearly five decades, one of the biggest defeats ever suffered by a British premier.

The EU warned that the vote, which plunges Britain into uncharted waters, boosts the risk of a "no deal" Brexit.

Moments after the outcome, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn submitted a motion of no-confidence in May's government.

The vote is set for Wednesday.

Speaking moments before the MPs cast their ballots, May said MPs had a "duty to deliver" on the results of a 2016 referendum that started the divorce.

"I believe we have a duty to deliver on the democratic decision of the British people," May said, warning MPs that the EU would not offer any "alternative deal".

"A vote against this deal is a vote for uncertainty, division, and the very real threat of a no deal," she argued to loud jeers from the packed chamber.

"The responsibility of each and every one of us at this moment is profound, for this is a historic decision that will set the future of our country for generations."

Most lawmakers have always opposed Brexit, as have some leading members of May's government, creating an inherent contradiction that has torn apart the island nation.

And with just over two months to go until the scheduled March 29 departure, Britain still cannot decide what to do.

May must now decide whether she tries to hold another vote, gets kicked out of office, delays Brexit -- or if Brexit even happens at all.

As their nation's fate was being decided, hundreds of noisy supporters and opponents of Brexit, some banging drums and others driving floats with huge dolls mocking top UK politicians, rallied outside the ancient parliament building in London.

"It could end up being the day that will lead to us leaving with no deal!" said 25-year-old Simon Fisher, who backs a swift and sharp break with the EU.

A much larger rally nearby in support of a second referendum turned Parliament Square into a sea of EU flags.

One pro-Brexit activist attempting to join the rally was detained by police to shouts of "scum" from fellow protesters in an indication of rising tensions.

Others voiced their support for a second referendum, an option May's government rules out.

'No Deal? No problem!'

May made it her mission to carry out the wishes of voters after she became premier in July 2016, putting aside her own initial misgivings and stating repeatedly that "Brexit means Brexit".

But facing a heavy drubbing, May decided to postpone a parliamentary vote in December on the Brexit deal in the hope of winning concessions from Brussels -- and that a Christmas break would change lawmakers' minds.

EU leaders came back with only non-binding clarifications, and just a handful of new MPs have rallied to May's side.

The UK government's current plan appears to be to try to ram a very similar version of the agreement through parliament on a second or possibly even third attempt.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker returned to Brussels from Strasbourg on Tuesday "to handle the situation after the vote," according to his office.

In Strasbourg, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas raised the possibility of further talks while ruling out a full renegotiation of the text.

Hardline Brexiteers and Remainers oppose the agreement for different reasons and many fear it could lock Britain into an unfavourable trading relationship with the EU.

Bitter debates about Britain's place in the world have dominated the national discourse ever since the referendum, dividing families and playing out in front of parliament on Tuesday.

Financial markets were also watching closely, with several currency trading companies roping in extra staff for the vote and at least one putting a cap on trades to avoid excessive movements.

Risk of no deal

Criticism of the deal is focused on an arrangement to keep open the border with Ireland by aligning Britain with some EU trade rules, if and until London and Brussels sign a new economic partnership which could take several years.

Sammy Wilson, Brexit spokesman with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, upon which May relies for her parliamentary majority, told the BBC his party would not be forced into backing the deal by fears over the border.

The government must set out what happens next by Monday, if -- as is expected -- it survives the no-confidence vote.

Speculation is growing on both sides of the Channel that May could ask to delay Brexit.

But a diplomatic source told AFP any extension would not be possible beyond June 30, when the new European Parliament will be formed.&nbsp;

The withdrawal agreement includes plans for a post-Brexit transition period until a new relationship is drawn up, in return for continued budget contributions from London.

Without it, and if there is no delay, Britain will sever ties with its nearest neighbours with no agreement to ease the blow.

Britain's parliament on Tuesday voted against Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal by a massive margin, triggering a no-confidence vote that could bring down her government.

Britain's parliament on Tuesday voted against Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal by a massive margin, triggering a no-confidence vote that could bring down her government. The House of Commons lower house voted 432 to 202 against May's plan for taking Britain out of the European Union after nearly five decades, one of the biggest defeats ever suffered by a British premier. The EU warned that the vote, which plunges Britain into uncharted waters, boosts the risk of a "no deal" Brexit. Moments after the outcome, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn submitted a motion of no-confidence in May's government. The vote is set for Wednesday. Speaking moments before the MPs cast their ballots, May said MPs had a "duty to deliver" on the results of a 2016 referendum that started the divorce. "I believe we have a duty to deliver on the democratic decision of the British people," May said, warning MPs that the EU would not offer any "alternative deal". "A vote against this deal is a vote for uncertainty, division, and the very real threat of a no deal," she argued to loud jeers from the packed chamber. "The responsibility of each and every one of us at this moment is profound, for this is a historic decision that will set the future of our country for generations." Most lawmakers have always opposed Brexit, as have some leading members of May's government, creating an inherent contradiction that has torn apart the island nation. And with just over two months to go until the scheduled March 29 departure, Britain still cannot decide what to do. May must now decide whether she tries to hold another vote, gets kicked out of office, delays Brexit -- or if Brexit even happens at all. As their nation's fate was being decided, hundreds of noisy supporters and opponents of Brexit, some banging drums and others driving floats with huge dolls mocking top UK politicians, rallied outside the ancient parliament building in London. "It could end up being the day that will lead to us leaving with no deal!" said 25-year-old Simon Fisher, who backs a swift and sharp break with the EU. A much larger rally nearby in support of a second referendum turned Parliament Square into a sea of EU flags. One pro-Brexit activist attempting to join the rally was detained by police to shouts of "scum" from fellow protesters in an indication of rising tensions. Others voiced their support for a second referendum, an option May's government rules out. 'No Deal? No problem!' May made it her mission to carry out the wishes of voters after she became premier in July 2016, putting aside her own initial misgivings and stating repeatedly that "Brexit means Brexit". But facing a heavy drubbing, May decided to postpone a parliamentary vote in December on the Brexit deal in the hope of winning concessions from Brussels -- and that a Christmas break would change lawmakers' minds. EU leaders came back with only non-binding clarifications, and just a handful of new MPs have rallied to May's side. The UK government's current plan appears to be to try to ram a very similar version of the agreement through parliament on a second or possibly even third attempt. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker returned to Brussels from Strasbourg on Tuesday "to handle the situation after the vote," according to his office. In Strasbourg, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas raised the possibility of further talks while ruling out a full renegotiation of the text. Hardline Brexiteers and Remainers oppose the agreement for different reasons and many fear it could lock Britain into an unfavourable trading relationship with the EU. Bitter debates about Britain's place in the world have dominated the national discourse ever since the referendum, dividing families and playing out in front of parliament on Tuesday. Financial markets were also watching closely, with several currency trading companies roping in extra staff for the vote and at least one putting a cap on trades to avoid excessive movements. Risk of no deal Criticism of the deal is focused on an arrangement to keep open the border with Ireland by aligning Britain with some EU trade rules, if and until London and Brussels sign a new economic partnership which could take several years. Sammy Wilson, Brexit spokesman with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, upon which May relies for her parliamentary majority, told the BBC his party would not be forced into backing the deal by fears over the border. The government must set out what happens next by Monday, if -- as is expected -- it survives the no-confidence vote. Speculation is growing on both sides of the Channel that May could ask to delay Brexit. But a diplomatic source told AFP any extension would not be possible beyond June 30, when the new European Parliament will be formed. The withdrawal agreement includes plans for a post-Brexit transition period until a new relationship is drawn up, in return for continued budget contributions from London. Without it, and if there is no delay, Britain will sever ties with its nearest neighbours with no agreement to ease the blow.

Brexit: UK Parliament votes down PM May's EU deal by 230 votes

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