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

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

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

UK PM May pushes for Brexit deal with new timetable

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-first-new-north-korea-sanctions-since-failed-summit-204745">US announces first new North Korea sanctions since failed summit</a>

The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on two Chinese shipping companies it says helped North Korea evade US and international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program, the first such steps since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's summit collapsed last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-welcomes-brexit-delay-204744">UK PM Theresa May welcomes Brexit delay, says Parliament now has clear choice</a>

European leaders and Prime Minister Theresa May agreed Thursday on a short delay to Britain's divorce from the European Union in the hope of ensuring an orderly Brexit. "I think what this decision tonight does is show the clear choice that is available, open to MPs," May noted.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-police-visited-mosque-shooter-before-granting-gun-licence-204754">New Zealand police visited mosque shooter before granting gun licence</a>

New Zealand police revealed Friday that they met with the accused Christchurch mosque shooter at his home in October 2017 before granting him the licence that let him purchase the weapons used in the rampage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/almost-100-dead-as-overloaded-ferry-sinks-in-iraqs-tigris-river-204757">Iraq: Almost 100 dead as overloaded ferry sinks in Tigris river, PM Mahdi declares national mourning</a>

Almost 100 people, mostly women and children, died Thursday as a ferry packed with families celebrating Kurdish New Year sank in a swollen river in the former jihadist stronghold of Mosul, in Iraq's worst accident in years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-crashes-boeing-rolls-out-safety-feature-previously-sold-as-an-option-204750">After crashes, Boeing rolls out safety feature previously sold as an option</a>

Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft will be outfitted with a warning light for malfunctions in the anti-stall system suspected in October's fatal crash in Indonesia, an industry source told AFP Thursday, standardizing a feature previously sold as an optional extra.

US announces first new North Korea sanctions since failed summit The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on two Chinese shipping companies it says helped North Korea evade US and international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program, the first such steps since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's summit collapsed last month.

US announces first new North Korea sanctions since failed summit The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on two Chinese shipping companies it says helped North Korea evade US and international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program, the first such steps since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's summit collapsed last month. UK PM Theresa May welcomes Brexit delay, says Parliament now has clear choice European leaders and Prime Minister Theresa May agreed Thursday on a short delay to Britain's divorce from the European Union in the hope of ensuring an orderly Brexit. "I think what this decision tonight does is show the clear choice that is available, open to MPs," May noted. New Zealand police visited mosque shooter before granting gun licence New Zealand police revealed Friday that they met with the accused Christchurch mosque shooter at his home in October 2017 before granting him the licence that let him purchase the weapons used in the rampage. Iraq: Almost 100 dead as overloaded ferry sinks in Tigris river, PM Mahdi declares national mourning Almost 100 people, mostly women and children, died Thursday as a ferry packed with families celebrating Kurdish New Year sank in a swollen river in the former jihadist stronghold of Mosul, in Iraq's worst accident in years. After crashes, Boeing rolls out safety feature previously sold as an option Boeing's 737 MAX aircraft will be outfitted with a warning light for malfunctions in the anti-stall system suspected in October's fatal crash in Indonesia, an industry source told AFP Thursday, standardizing a feature previously sold as an optional extra.

News brief: Big stories of the day

European leaders and Prime Minister Theresa May agreed Thursday on a short delay to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-brexit-700000-sign-uk-petition-to-stay-in-european-union-204690">Britain's divorce from the European Union</a> in the hope of ensuring an orderly Brexit.&nbsp;"I think what this decision tonight does is show the clear choice that is available, open to MPs," May noted.&nbsp;

Britain had faced a sharp cliff-edge deadline of March 29 to leave, but May's EU colleagues said the split could wait until May 22 if British lawmakers approve a withdrawal accord next week.

But if the House of Commons rejects the deal -- as it has done twice before -- Brexit will take place on April 12, unless Britain has decided by then to take part in this year's European Parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

"April 12 is the key date in terms of the UK deciding whether to hold European parliament elections," EU Council president and summit host Donald Tusk said, announcing the arrangement.&nbsp;

Britain would need time to legislate to take part in the May 23 to 26 election, and May has insisted it will not try, preferring in her words "to honour" voters' decision to end London's 46-year-old membership.

"I believe strongly that it would be wrong to ask people in the UK to participate in these elections three years after voting to leave the European Union," May said, confirming the agreement.

'Responsibility lies with the British'&nbsp;

Tusk said that if the vote is not organised then a further "extension will automatically become impossible" and that even with an election, all 27 remaining EU member states would unanimously have to approve it.

"March 29 is over. As of tonight, April 12 is the new March 29," an EU official said.

"On April 12 we have to know where things stand ... if we don't have a response by then we will have a no deal Brexit," Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel warned.

And French President Emmanuel Macron, who had taken a harder public line than some of his colleagues declared: "The responsibility now lies with the British, and I think that's the big achievement of the day."

Despite an extraordinary joint warning from Britain's business and trade union leaders that the economic disruptions of a no deal Brexit would present a "national emergency", May had refused to rule out walking away.

Even as she was meeting the EU 27 in Brussels for the European Council summit, an online petition hosted by the UK parliament and calling for Brexit to be abandoned topped two million signatures.&nbsp;

It still remains far from clear that May will be able to get the withdrawal agreement she signed last November past the House of Commons, and she turned up the heat on her own MPs after the Brexit talks.

"What the decision today underlines is the importance of the House of Commons passing a Brexit deal next week," she insisted.

"Tomorrow morning I am returning to the UK and working hard on building support to get the deal through... I hope we can all agree we are now at the moment of decision."

May had requested a short delay until June 30 to allow time for the ratification of her deal if it approved, but European leaders decided they did not want Brexit concerns to linger into the election campaign.

Deep divisions&nbsp;

Despite winning the extension, there is a chance the decision might be taken out of May's hands.

She had intended to hold a third vote on her deal this week, but the Speaker of the House of Commons blocked it, citing 400-year-old precedent that says the same proposition cannot be put to MPs again and again.

May is hoping that the EU summit's approval of fresh guarantees about the agreement will overcome the speaker's objections, but even if the deal goes forward rebel MPs may seize control of the process.

May's deal remains hugely unpopular among MPs on all sides of the Brexit debate, with some arguing it keeps Britain too closely to the EU, and others saying it would not keep it close enough.

British voters are also sharply divided.

Many pro-Europeans support a lengthy delay to Brexit, believing it would increase pressure at home for a general election or for a second referendum that might reverse the decision.&nbsp;

But there is huge anger among those who want to leave the EU and do not understand why it is taking so long, while eight of May's senior ministers last week voted against any delay.

European leaders and Prime Minister Theresa May agreed Thursday on a short delay to Britain's divorce from the European Union in the hope of ensuring an orderly Brexit.

European leaders and Prime Minister Theresa May agreed Thursday on a short delay to Britain's divorce from the European Union in the hope of ensuring an orderly Brexit. "I think what this decision tonight does is show the clear choice that is available, open to MPs," May noted. Britain had faced a sharp cliff-edge deadline of March 29 to leave, but May's EU colleagues said the split could wait until May 22 if British lawmakers approve a withdrawal accord next week. But if the House of Commons rejects the deal -- as it has done twice before -- Brexit will take place on April 12, unless Britain has decided by then to take part in this year's European Parliamentary elections. "April 12 is the key date in terms of the UK deciding whether to hold European parliament elections," EU Council president and summit host Donald Tusk said, announcing the arrangement. Britain would need time to legislate to take part in the May 23 to 26 election, and May has insisted it will not try, preferring in her words "to honour" voters' decision to end London's 46-year-old membership. "I believe strongly that it would be wrong to ask people in the UK to participate in these elections three years after voting to leave the European Union," May said, confirming the agreement. 'Responsibility lies with the British' Tusk said that if the vote is not organised then a further "extension will automatically become impossible" and that even with an election, all 27 remaining EU member states would unanimously have to approve it. "March 29 is over. As of tonight, April 12 is the new March 29," an EU official said. "On April 12 we have to know where things stand ... if we don't have a response by then we will have a no deal Brexit," Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel warned. And French President Emmanuel Macron, who had taken a harder public line than some of his colleagues declared: "The responsibility now lies with the British, and I think that's the big achievement of the day." Despite an extraordinary joint warning from Britain's business and trade union leaders that the economic disruptions of a no deal Brexit would present a "national emergency", May had refused to rule out walking away. Even as she was meeting the EU 27 in Brussels for the European Council summit, an online petition hosted by the UK parliament and calling for Brexit to be abandoned topped two million signatures. It still remains far from clear that May will be able to get the withdrawal agreement she signed last November past the House of Commons, and she turned up the heat on her own MPs after the Brexit talks. "What the decision today underlines is the importance of the House of Commons passing a Brexit deal next week," she insisted. "Tomorrow morning I am returning to the UK and working hard on building support to get the deal through... I hope we can all agree we are now at the moment of decision." May had requested a short delay until June 30 to allow time for the ratification of her deal if it approved, but European leaders decided they did not want Brexit concerns to linger into the election campaign. Deep divisions Despite winning the extension, there is a chance the decision might be taken out of May's hands. She had intended to hold a third vote on her deal this week, but the Speaker of the House of Commons blocked it, citing 400-year-old precedent that says the same proposition cannot be put to MPs again and again. May is hoping that the EU summit's approval of fresh guarantees about the agreement will overcome the speaker's objections, but even if the deal goes forward rebel MPs may seize control of the process. May's deal remains hugely unpopular among MPs on all sides of the Brexit debate, with some arguing it keeps Britain too closely to the EU, and others saying it would not keep it close enough. British voters are also sharply divided. Many pro-Europeans support a lengthy delay to Brexit, believing it would increase pressure at home for a general election or for a second referendum that might reverse the decision. But there is huge anger among those who want to leave the EU and do not understand why it is taking so long, while eight of May's senior ministers last week voted against any delay.

UK PM Theresa May welcomes Brexit delay, says Parliament now has clear choice

A sledgehammer-wielding man was seen smashing windows at two mosques in Britain's second city Birmingham and three more have been similarly vandalised overnight, the police said Thursday.

Counter-terrorism officers are investigating attacks on the mosques in different areas in the central English city, West Midlands Police said in a statement.

The force added the incidents were "being treated as linked".

"We don't know the motive for last night's attacks," said Chief Constable Dave Thompson in a statement.

"The force and the counter-terrorism unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible."

Officers were first alerted in the early hours of Thursday to reports of a man smashing windows with a sledgehammer at one of the places of worship, police said.

Following reports of a similar attack at another mosque in a nearby neighbourhood, officers launched targeted patrols and discovered "further damage" at two other sites.

A fifth mosque later reported that windows had been smashed.

"Forensic officers are working to identify evidence, and CCTV is being examined," the West Midlands force added.

Some 22 per cent of the Birmingham population described themselves as Muslim in the 2011 census.

British national police chiefs last week announced officers were providing "reassurance patrols" around mosques in the immediate aftermath of Friday's deadly gun rampage at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Anti-racism groups have warned that Islamophobia is on the rise in Britain and spurring a spike in far-right activity in the country.

A report released last month by the Hope Not Hate charity cited a poll which found more than a third of Britons see Islam as "generally a threat to the British way of life".

In another recent incident, Mohammed Mahmoud -- an imam who won praise for shielding the perpetrator of a 2017 deadly terror attack against a north London mosque -- reported he was spat at and abused this week.

Mahmoud said he was targeted Monday while returning home from a solidarity event for the New Zealand massacre with other religious leaders, as well as interior minister Sajid Javid and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

A sledgehammer-wielding man was seen smashing windows at two mosques in Britain's second city Birmingham and three more have been similarly vandalised overnight, the police said Thursday.

A sledgehammer-wielding man was seen smashing windows at two mosques in Britain's second city Birmingham and three more have been similarly vandalised overnight, the police said Thursday. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating attacks on the mosques in different areas in the central English city, West Midlands Police said in a statement. The force added the incidents were "being treated as linked". "We don't know the motive for last night's attacks," said Chief Constable Dave Thompson in a statement. "The force and the counter-terrorism unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible." Officers were first alerted in the early hours of Thursday to reports of a man smashing windows with a sledgehammer at one of the places of worship, police said. Following reports of a similar attack at another mosque in a nearby neighbourhood, officers launched targeted patrols and discovered "further damage" at two other sites. A fifth mosque later reported that windows had been smashed. "Forensic officers are working to identify evidence, and CCTV is being examined," the West Midlands force added. Some 22 per cent of the Birmingham population described themselves as Muslim in the 2011 census. British national police chiefs last week announced officers were providing "reassurance patrols" around mosques in the immediate aftermath of Friday's deadly gun rampage at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Anti-racism groups have warned that Islamophobia is on the rise in Britain and spurring a spike in far-right activity in the country. A report released last month by the Hope Not Hate charity cited a poll which found more than a third of Britons see Islam as "generally a threat to the British way of life". In another recent incident, Mohammed Mahmoud -- an imam who won praise for shielding the perpetrator of a 2017 deadly terror attack against a north London mosque -- reported he was spat at and abused this week. Mahmoud said he was targeted Monday while returning home from a solidarity event for the New Zealand massacre with other religious leaders, as well as interior minister Sajid Javid and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

UK police probe attacks on five mosques in Birmingham

Britain's Parliament votes to delay Brexit deal

British MPs on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/third-vote-in-3rd-day-uk-parliament-to-vote-today-on-delaying-brexit-203364">voted massively against delaying leaving the EU</a> in order to hold a second Brexit referendum, dealing a major blow to pro-European campaigners urging a fresh public vote.

Only 85 MPs voted for the amendment and 334 voted against, while even supporters of a second referendum from the main opposition Labour Party abstained because they said the timing of the vote was not right.

The verdict is not binding on the government, which is in any case against holding another referendum.

However, more than half the total number of MPs voted against the motion, making clear the lack of support in the House of Commons for staging a second vote.

Barely two weeks before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, Britain has yet to agree a plan on how to leave and parliament was voting Thursday on whether to ask Brussels for a delay to the departure date.

The People's Vote campaign, the main movement calling for another referendum, did not want the option brought before parliament, saying it was premature to move now — knowing it would be defeated.

In principle, Labour supports the idea of a second referendum, but asked its MPs to abstain.

However, 24 Labour MPs rebelled to vote for the motion.

The decision sparked some anger among pro-European MPs, who have long feared the Labour leadership's support for a second vote was political posturing.

'Absolutely spineless': SNP 
A letter signed by 32 mostly Labour second referendum-supporting MPs spelled out why they abstained on an amendment they knew was facing defeat.

"We need to bring colleagues who have concerns about a people's vote with us," it said.

"We will have the opportunity to... secure a people's vote within a matter of days.

"We are therefore agreeing to abstain... to give us the highest chance possible of securing a people's vote."

The vote cheered hardcore Brexiteers but left those who backed the amendment dismayed.

The motion was brought forward by MP Sarah Wollaston, who left the Conservative Party in protest over Brexit and now sits with the pro-EU Independent Group, chiefly formed of MPs who left Labour.

The group's Brexit spokeswoman Anna Soubry called the vote result "a betrayal of... the British public.

"The Independent Group will not give up. We will keep up the pressure for a people's vote on the final Brexit deal."

Ian Blackford, who leads the 35 Scottish National Party MPs, said Labour, in abstaining, were the midwives of Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit.

"An opportunity to drive forward the need for such a vote and Labour flunk it," he tweeted.

"Absolutely spineless."

Jacob Rees-Mogg, who leads the hardcore Conservative Brexiteers, said: "The so called 'losers' vote' has now been defeated in the House of Commons so it is off the table."

Remainers are planning a mass "put it to the people" rally on March 23 to demand a second Brexit referendum, with celebrities backing the cause.

British MPs on Thursday voted massively against delaying leaving the EU in order to hold a second Brexit referendum, dealing a major blow to pro-European campaigners urging a fresh public vote.

British MPs on Thursday voted massively against delaying leaving the EU in order to hold a second Brexit referendum, dealing a major blow to pro-European campaigners urging a fresh public vote. Only 85 MPs voted for the amendment and 334 voted against, while even supporters of a second referendum from the main opposition Labour Party abstained because they said the timing of the vote was not right. The verdict is not binding on the government, which is in any case against holding another referendum. However, more than half the total number of MPs voted against the motion, making clear the lack of support in the House of Commons for staging a second vote. Barely two weeks before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, Britain has yet to agree a plan on how to leave and parliament was voting Thursday on whether to ask Brussels for a delay to the departure date. The People's Vote campaign, the main movement calling for another referendum, did not want the option brought before parliament, saying it was premature to move now — knowing it would be defeated. In principle, Labour supports the idea of a second referendum, but asked its MPs to abstain. However, 24 Labour MPs rebelled to vote for the motion. The decision sparked some anger among pro-European MPs, who have long feared the Labour leadership's support for a second vote was political posturing. 'Absolutely spineless': SNP A letter signed by 32 mostly Labour second referendum-supporting MPs spelled out why they abstained on an amendment they knew was facing defeat. "We need to bring colleagues who have concerns about a people's vote with us," it said. "We will have the opportunity to... secure a people's vote within a matter of days. "We are therefore agreeing to abstain... to give us the highest chance possible of securing a people's vote." The vote cheered hardcore Brexiteers but left those who backed the amendment dismayed. The motion was brought forward by MP Sarah Wollaston, who left the Conservative Party in protest over Brexit and now sits with the pro-EU Independent Group, chiefly formed of MPs who left Labour. The group's Brexit spokeswoman Anna Soubry called the vote result "a betrayal of... the British public. "The Independent Group will not give up. We will keep up the pressure for a people's vote on the final Brexit deal." Ian Blackford, who leads the 35 Scottish National Party MPs, said Labour, in abstaining, were the midwives of Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit. "An opportunity to drive forward the need for such a vote and Labour flunk it," he tweeted. "Absolutely spineless." Jacob Rees-Mogg, who leads the hardcore Conservative Brexiteers, said: "The so called 'losers' vote' has now been defeated in the House of Commons so it is off the table." Remainers are planning a mass "put it to the people" rally on March 23 to demand a second Brexit referendum, with celebrities backing the cause.

British MPs vote overwhelmingly against holding second Brexit referendum

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/trump-eyes-large-scale-trade-deal-with-uk-203343">US President Donald Trump</a> said Thursday that a new Brexit referendum -- touted by many in Britain who say the first vote to leave the European Union led to political chaos -- would be unfair.

"I don't think another vote would be possible because it would be very unfair to people who have won" in the initial referendum to quit the European Union, he said in the White House.

Trump also said he was "surprised to see how badly it has all gone" in the attempt to disentangle Britain from the EU.

"I think it could have been negotiated in a different manner, frankly," he said, calling the shambolic situation a "shame."

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that a new Brexit referendum -- touted by many in Britain who say the first vote to leave the European Union led to political chaos -- would be unfair.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that a new Brexit referendum -- touted by many in Britain who say the first vote to leave the European Union led to political chaos -- would be unfair. "I don't think another vote would be possible because it would be very unfair to people who have won" in the initial referendum to quit the European Union, he said in the White House. Trump also said he was "surprised to see how badly it has all gone" in the attempt to disentangle Britain from the EU. "I think it could have been negotiated in a different manner, frankly," he said, calling the shambolic situation a "shame."

Second Brexit referendum would be 'very unfair': Trump

EU leader Donald Tusk said Thursday that European capitals could approve a long delay to Brexit, in a last-ditch push to persuade <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-no-deal-brexit-next-up-is-vote-to-delay-leaving-203178">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> to change her negotiating red lines. &nbsp;&nbsp;

During consultations ahead of next week's EU summit, Tusk said he "will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its Brexit strategy and build consensus around it."

As president of the European Council, Tusk will be the host of the March 21 summit in Brussels that may be asked to decide whether to push back Britain's March 29 departure from the Union.

His tweeted intervention came as British MPs prepared the latest in a series of votes on Brexit, this time on whether to ask the EU for such an extension of the "Article 50" process.

May's government has said it plans to ask for a delay until June 30 if its parliament eventually votes to approve a draft withdrawal agreement already agreed with Europe, but twice massively rejected by lawmakers. &nbsp;

Tusk's support for a longer delay may encourage pro-divorce MPs fearful that a Brexit deal would "trap" London in the Union, to look again at May's proposed deal, which she insists is the best form of departure on offer.

But the EU leader's insistence on a "rethink" reflects Brussels' long-standing position that a softer Brexit is possible if May abandons red lines, especially her opposition to joining a customs union with Europe.

EU leader Donald Tusk said Thursday that European capitals could approve a long delay to Brexit, in a last-ditch push to persuade Prime Minister Theresa May to change her negotiating red lines.

EU leader Donald Tusk said Thursday that European capitals could approve a long delay to Brexit, in a last-ditch push to persuade Prime Minister Theresa May to change her negotiating red lines. During consultations ahead of next week's EU summit, Tusk said he "will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its Brexit strategy and build consensus around it." As president of the European Council, Tusk will be the host of the March 21 summit in Brussels that may be asked to decide whether to push back Britain's March 29 departure from the Union. His tweeted intervention came as British MPs prepared the latest in a series of votes on Brexit, this time on whether to ask the EU for such an extension of the "Article 50" process. May's government has said it plans to ask for a delay until June 30 if its parliament eventually votes to approve a draft withdrawal agreement already agreed with Europe, but twice massively rejected by lawmakers. Tusk's support for a longer delay may encourage pro-divorce MPs fearful that a Brexit deal would "trap" London in the Union, to look again at May's proposed deal, which she insists is the best form of departure on offer. But the EU leader's insistence on a "rethink" reflects Brussels' long-standing position that a softer Brexit is possible if May abandons red lines, especially her opposition to joining a customs union with Europe.

EU's Donald Tusk backs 'long' delay if Britain 'rethinks' Brexit

Brexit chaos: Parliament rejects May's European Union deal again

Britain on Wednesday slashed its 2019 economic growth forecast, as finance minister Philip Hammond said lifting Brexit's "cloud of uncertainty" was parliament's "most urgent task".

The UK economy is forecast to grow by 1.2 percent this year, sharply down on the government's prediction of 1.6 percent in October, Hammond said as he gave a budget update hours before MPs vote on whether to allow the country to leave the EU with no deal.

Analysts expect parliament instead to favor delaying Britain's departure beyond the March 29 exit date, in a further vote due Thursday.

This is after parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected the country's draft Brexit divorce agreement with Brussels.

"I am acutely conscious that the House (of Commons) has other pressing matters on its mind today," Chancellor of the Exchequer Hammond told MPs after announcing that British gross domestic product growth would be much lower than expected this year, with the UK economy hit also by China's slowdown and trade war tensions.

"Last night's vote leaves a cloud of uncertainty hanging over our economy and... our most urgent task in this House is to lift that uncertainty," Hammond said in his budget address.

"Leaving with 'no deal' would mean a significant disruption in the short and medium term, and a smaller, less prosperous economy in the long term than if we leave with a deal -- higher unemployment, lower wages, higher prices in the shops.&nbsp;

"That is not what the British people voted for in June 2016" to leave the EU, the chancellor added.

Hammond added that the UK economy was expected to grow by 1.4 percent in 2020, unchanged from the government's October forecast.

Britain on Wednesday slashed its 2019 economic growth forecast, as finance minister Philip Hammond said lifting Brexit's "cloud of uncertainty" was parliament's "most urgent task".

Britain on Wednesday slashed its 2019 economic growth forecast, as finance minister Philip Hammond said lifting Brexit's "cloud of uncertainty" was parliament's "most urgent task". The UK economy is forecast to grow by 1.2 percent this year, sharply down on the government's prediction of 1.6 percent in October, Hammond said as he gave a budget update hours before MPs vote on whether to allow the country to leave the EU with no deal. Analysts expect parliament instead to favor delaying Britain's departure beyond the March 29 exit date, in a further vote due Thursday. This is after parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected the country's draft Brexit divorce agreement with Brussels. "I am acutely conscious that the House (of Commons) has other pressing matters on its mind today," Chancellor of the Exchequer Hammond told MPs after announcing that British gross domestic product growth would be much lower than expected this year, with the UK economy hit also by China's slowdown and trade war tensions. "Last night's vote leaves a cloud of uncertainty hanging over our economy and... our most urgent task in this House is to lift that uncertainty," Hammond said in his budget address. "Leaving with 'no deal' would mean a significant disruption in the short and medium term, and a smaller, less prosperous economy in the long term than if we leave with a deal -- higher unemployment, lower wages, higher prices in the shops. "That is not what the British people voted for in June 2016" to leave the EU, the chancellor added. Hammond added that the UK economy was expected to grow by 1.4 percent in 2020, unchanged from the government's October forecast.

United Kingdom slashes 2019 economic growth forecast: Budget

Britain will face EU demands for billions of euros in cash if it fails to strike a Brexit deal, Brussels officials and diplomats said on Monday after talks with London stalled 18 days before it is due to leave the bloc.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-back-in-brussels-for-latest-brexit-showdown-195815">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> agreed a withdrawal treaty last year under which Britain would pay the European Union close to 50 billion euros over the coming years to meet commitments made while a member. But the British parliament has rejected the deal and the treaty will be void if nothing changes by March 29.

In the event of a no-deal exit, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mps-outraged-by-tusks-special-place-in-hell-slur-195672">likely to cause economic disruption</a>, the EU would insist on Britain committing to settle those bills — a significant part of the EU budget — before any resumption of talks on how to manage future trading relations.

"Imagine all the bad blood and acrimony should we end up with a no-deal after two years of negotiations," an envoy who follows Brexit for one EU member state told Reuters.

"Yes, we would need to engage with them again. But not right away. And not before they show us the money."

With May planning to put the package to a second vote in parliament on Tuesday, her negotiators failed to secure concessions in Brussels at the weekend.

EU officials and national diplomats told Reuters they were growing pessimistic and looking at how a collapse of talks might play out.

An assumption in Brussels that May would ask for, and get, a delay to the deadline of a few weeks is in question: "We really want to be over with it now," one official said. "It's not going anywhere so even an extension is unlikely to break the impasse.

"There's not much patience or goodwill left on our side."

Even if there is a disorderly departure, both sides acknowledge that they will have to return to the table to negotiate a long-term free trade agreement and arrangements to avoid a "hard" customs border on land between the EU and the British province of Northern Ireland, the issue on which May's divorce deal has stalled.

But, EU diplomats and officials said, Brussels would put a price on those talks.

"First, they would have to agree to pay what they are due," an EU official said. Diplomats said negotiators have briefed the 27 other governments that this would be a condition for talks.

The other conditions would be to safeguard citizens' rights and find solutions for the Irish border, the sources said.

Another EU diplomat painted a picture of a Brexit snake eating its own tail in eternity.

"We have been very firm on these three issues because they are essential for us. And that doesn't change after a no-deal Brexit," the person said on condition of anonymity.

"So these would be back on the table as very clear conditions for starting trade talks, only the UK's position would be weakened again. It will be about what is your threshold for pain?"

Britain will face EU demands for billions of euros in cash if it fails to strike a Brexit deal, Brussels officials and diplomats said on Monday after talks with London stalled 18 days before it is due to leave the bloc.

Britain will face EU demands for billions of euros in cash if it fails to strike a Brexit deal, Brussels officials and diplomats said on Monday after talks with London stalled 18 days before it is due to leave the bloc. Prime Minister Theresa May agreed a withdrawal treaty last year under which Britain would pay the European Union close to 50 billion euros over the coming years to meet commitments made while a member. But the British parliament has rejected the deal and the treaty will be void if nothing changes by March 29. In the event of a no-deal exit, likely to cause economic disruption, the EU would insist on Britain committing to settle those bills — a significant part of the EU budget — before any resumption of talks on how to manage future trading relations. "Imagine all the bad blood and acrimony should we end up with a no-deal after two years of negotiations," an envoy who follows Brexit for one EU member state told Reuters. "Yes, we would need to engage with them again. But not right away. And not before they show us the money." With May planning to put the package to a second vote in parliament on Tuesday, her negotiators failed to secure concessions in Brussels at the weekend. EU officials and national diplomats told Reuters they were growing pessimistic and looking at how a collapse of talks might play out. An assumption in Brussels that May would ask for, and get, a delay to the deadline of a few weeks is in question: "We really want to be over with it now," one official said. "It's not going anywhere so even an extension is unlikely to break the impasse. "There's not much patience or goodwill left on our side." Even if there is a disorderly departure, both sides acknowledge that they will have to return to the table to negotiate a long-term free trade agreement and arrangements to avoid a "hard" customs border on land between the EU and the British province of Northern Ireland, the issue on which May's divorce deal has stalled. But, EU diplomats and officials said, Brussels would put a price on those talks. "First, they would have to agree to pay what they are due," an EU official said. Diplomats said negotiators have briefed the 27 other governments that this would be a condition for talks. The other conditions would be to safeguard citizens' rights and find solutions for the Irish border, the sources said. Another EU diplomat painted a picture of a Brexit snake eating its own tail in eternity. "We have been very firm on these three issues because they are essential for us. And that doesn't change after a no-deal Brexit," the person said on condition of anonymity. "So these would be back on the table as very clear conditions for starting trade talks, only the UK's position would be weakened again. It will be about what is your threshold for pain?"

In case of no-deal Brexit, European Union to ask Britain to pay close to 50 billion euros

Whether her Brexit deal passes parliament or not this week, British Prime Minister Theresa May's days are numbered, experts have said.

The Conservative leader has in the past won praise for her determination and ability to survive what has often felt like one long political crisis since the 2016 EU referendum.

But her approach to the Brexit endgame, seeking changes to the deal she herself negotiated with under three weeks to go until exit day, has prompted frustration and anger on all sides.

Pro-European ministers are in revolt over the risk of a "no deal" exit, while Brexit hardliners are livid that her promise of a decisive divorce appears to be receding.

At the same time, criticism of May's legacy from six years as interior minister is growing following a surge in knife crime and an ongoing row over the treatment of migrants.

"At first she appeared to be a unifier, but she turned out to have too little courage, imagination or skill to lead the Brexit negotiations," said an editorial in the Conservative-backing Spectator magazine.&nbsp;

It reluctantly urged MPs to back May's divorce deal on Tuesday, but only so that Britain could "turn the page on this unhappy chapter of our political history".&nbsp;

'Closed door' 
May took office after the 2016 referendum, and despite having campaigned to stay in the EU, embraced the cause with the mantra "Brexit means Brexit".

Her promise to leave the EU's institutions and end free movement of workers delighted eurosceptic MPs, but caused dismay among many pro-Europeans.

The splits in her Conservative party became a serious problem after a disastrous snap election in June 2017, when May lost her parliamentary majority.

She was forced to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's pro-Brexit Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), and since then has struggled to keep her party and its allies together.

Naturally reserved and reliant on her husband Philip and a few close aides, May often says she is just quietly "getting on with the job".

But in the last election, she struggled to engage with voters and was dubbed the "Maybot" after churning out the same answers and speeches over and over again.

Critics complain of similar difficulties in communicating during the Brexit talks, and even her own ministers are reportedly unsure what she will do if her deal is voted down.

Matthew Parris, an anti-Brexit former Conservative MP who now writes for The Times, said he once thought May was a merely an "unremarkable" politician dealing with a tough situation.

But he said her inability to engage with colleagues had exacerbated divisions over Brexit, describing her as "the living embodiment of the closed door".

Seemingly impossible 
May survived a confidence vote in December among her own MPs over her Brexit deal and is immune from a similar challenge within a year.

She was forced to promise to quit before the next scheduled election in 2022, however, and even then, one-third of her MPs voted to unseat her.

Reports this weekend suggest senior members of the government are considering whether she should offer to quit to persuade lawmakers to support her deal.

But May has been written off before.

She survived the resignations of a string of high-profile Brexit supporters, notably former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, and has endured constant sniping from MPs on the sidelines.

Her supporters note that getting a deal at all with the EU, after Britain's biggest peacetime negotiations, was a huge feat in itself.

If she gets it approved next week, she will rightly claim a major success.

"She will bask in a bump in the polls and adulation from a couple of the red tops for having achieved the seemingly impossible," said Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King's College London.

"That might make it hard to remove her straight away," he told AFP, but added: "I can't see her being there a year after we've left (the EU)."

Whether her Brexit deal passes parliament or not this week, British Prime Minister Theresa May's days are numbered, experts have said. The Conservative leader has in the past won praise for her determination and ability to survive what has often felt like one long political crisis since the 2016 EU referendum.

Whether her Brexit deal passes parliament or not this week, British Prime Minister Theresa May's days are numbered, experts have said. The Conservative leader has in the past won praise for her determination and ability to survive what has often felt like one long political crisis since the 2016 EU referendum. But her approach to the Brexit endgame, seeking changes to the deal she herself negotiated with under three weeks to go until exit day, has prompted frustration and anger on all sides. Pro-European ministers are in revolt over the risk of a "no deal" exit, while Brexit hardliners are livid that her promise of a decisive divorce appears to be receding. At the same time, criticism of May's legacy from six years as interior minister is growing following a surge in knife crime and an ongoing row over the treatment of migrants. "At first she appeared to be a unifier, but she turned out to have too little courage, imagination or skill to lead the Brexit negotiations," said an editorial in the Conservative-backing Spectator magazine. It reluctantly urged MPs to back May's divorce deal on Tuesday, but only so that Britain could "turn the page on this unhappy chapter of our political history". 'Closed door' May took office after the 2016 referendum, and despite having campaigned to stay in the EU, embraced the cause with the mantra "Brexit means Brexit". Her promise to leave the EU's institutions and end free movement of workers delighted eurosceptic MPs, but caused dismay among many pro-Europeans. The splits in her Conservative party became a serious problem after a disastrous snap election in June 2017, when May lost her parliamentary majority. She was forced to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's pro-Brexit Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), and since then has struggled to keep her party and its allies together. Naturally reserved and reliant on her husband Philip and a few close aides, May often says she is just quietly "getting on with the job". But in the last election, she struggled to engage with voters and was dubbed the "Maybot" after churning out the same answers and speeches over and over again. Critics complain of similar difficulties in communicating during the Brexit talks, and even her own ministers are reportedly unsure what she will do if her deal is voted down. Matthew Parris, an anti-Brexit former Conservative MP who now writes for The Times, said he once thought May was a merely an "unremarkable" politician dealing with a tough situation. But he said her inability to engage with colleagues had exacerbated divisions over Brexit, describing her as "the living embodiment of the closed door". Seemingly impossible May survived a confidence vote in December among her own MPs over her Brexit deal and is immune from a similar challenge within a year. She was forced to promise to quit before the next scheduled election in 2022, however, and even then, one-third of her MPs voted to unseat her. Reports this weekend suggest senior members of the government are considering whether she should offer to quit to persuade lawmakers to support her deal. But May has been written off before. She survived the resignations of a string of high-profile Brexit supporters, notably former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, and has endured constant sniping from MPs on the sidelines. Her supporters note that getting a deal at all with the EU, after Britain's biggest peacetime negotiations, was a huge feat in itself. If she gets it approved next week, she will rightly claim a major success. "She will bask in a bump in the polls and adulation from a couple of the red tops for having achieved the seemingly impossible," said Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King's College London. "That might make it hard to remove her straight away," he told AFP, but added: "I can't see her being there a year after we've left (the EU)."

UK's May staggers on amid predictions of her political demise

Britain has revoked citizenship from two more women who joined the Islamic State group in Syria, a newspaper reported Sunday, raising questions about the fate of their children.&nbsp;

The revelation follows a row over a similar decision regarding London teenager <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baby-of-islamic-state-teen-shamima-begum-dies-in-syria-sdf-202107">Shamima Begum, whose newborn baby died</a> in a Syrian refugee camp last week.

Reema Iqbal, 30, and her sister Zara, 28, left east London for Syria in 2013, and between them now have five boys under the age of eight, The Sunday Times newspaper said.

Citing legal sources, the paper said they had been stripped of their British citizenship.

The pair, who are of Pakistani heritage, reportedly married into a terror cell linked to the murder of western hostages.

The British interior ministry said it does not comment on individual cases.

A spokesman said: "Any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly."

Begum, who married a Dutch IS fighter, was located by journalists in a refugee camp after fleeing fighting between the terror group and US-backed forces.

She had asked to return to Britain with her baby after her two other children died under IS rule.

Interior minister Sajid Javid revoked her citizenship amid security fears but has been criticised for not doing more to help her son.

British law states that the government cannot remove a person's citizenship if that would make them stateless.

Begum was thought to be eligible for Bangladeshi citizenship through her parents, but Dhaka said she could not go there.

Javid has previously said that more than 100 individuals had already been deprived of their British citizenship.

 
&nbsp;

Britain has revoked citizenship from two more women who joined the Islamic State group in Syria, a newspaper reported Sunday, raising questions about the fate of their children.

Britain has revoked citizenship from two more women who joined the Islamic State group in Syria, a newspaper reported Sunday, raising questions about the fate of their children. The revelation follows a row over a similar decision regarding London teenager Shamima Begum, whose newborn baby died in a Syrian refugee camp last week. Reema Iqbal, 30, and her sister Zara, 28, left east London for Syria in 2013, and between them now have five boys under the age of eight, The Sunday Times newspaper said. Citing legal sources, the paper said they had been stripped of their British citizenship. The pair, who are of Pakistani heritage, reportedly married into a terror cell linked to the murder of western hostages. The British interior ministry said it does not comment on individual cases. A spokesman said: "Any decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are based on all available evidence and not taken lightly." Begum, who married a Dutch IS fighter, was located by journalists in a refugee camp after fleeing fighting between the terror group and US-backed forces. She had asked to return to Britain with her baby after her two other children died under IS rule. Interior minister Sajid Javid revoked her citizenship amid security fears but has been criticised for not doing more to help her son. British law states that the government cannot remove a person's citizenship if that would make them stateless. Begum was thought to be eligible for Bangladeshi citizenship through her parents, but Dhaka said she could not go there. Javid has previously said that more than 100 individuals had already been deprived of their British citizenship.

Britain removes citizenship from two more IS brides: Report

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal faces a heavy defeat in parliament on Tuesday because she has so far secured no major changes from the European Union, the leaders of two major eurosceptic factions in parliament said on Sunday.

Just 19 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29, May is scrambling - so far unsuccessfully - to secure last-minute changes to an EU exit treaty before parliament votes on Tuesday on whether to approve the deal.

If she fails, lawmakers are expected to force May to seek a delay to Brexit which some fear could see the 2016 decision to leave the bloc reversed. Others argue that without a delay Britain faces an economic shock if it leaves without a deal.

Nigel Dodds, the deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May's minority government, and Steve Baker, a leading figure in the large eurosceptic faction of her Conservative party, warned, "the political situation is grim".

"An unchanged withdrawal agreement will be defeated firmly by a sizeable proportion of Conservatives and the DUP if it is again presented to the Commons," they wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.

The Sunday Times said May was battling to save her job as aides were considering persuading her to offer to resign in a bid to get the deal approved. The newspaper also said cabinet ministers have spoken about whether to insist she goes as early as this week.

The United Kingdom’s labyrinthine crisis over EU membership is approaching its finale with an extraordinary array of options including a delay, a last-minute deal, no-deal Brexit, a snap election or even another referendum.

The ultimate outcome remains unclear, though most diplomats and investors say Brexit will define the United Kingdom's prosperity for generations to come.

Total uncertainty

Parliament rejected May's deal by 230 votes on January 15, prompting the British leader to return to Brussels in search of changes to address the so-called Irish backstop - an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Many British lawmakers object to the policy on the grounds that it could leave Britain subject to EU rules indefinitely and cleave Northern Ireland away from the rest of the country.

But, May's attempts to get the clause rewritten have so far failed to yield any result, with EU negotiators unwilling to meet her demands, and Britain rejecting a compromise offer.

If lawmakers reject May's deal on Tuesday, she has promised to let them vote the next day on whether to leave without a deal on March 29. If they reject that, then on Thursday they are due to vote on a "limited" delay.

"In the event of this vote on Tuesday not going through, nobody knows what would happen. In everything that followed there would be total uncertainty - that would be the only certainty," health minister Matt Hancock told Sky News.

Britain's opposition Labour Party should support staying in the EU if there is a second referendum, the party's Brexit spokesman, Keir Starmer, said on Sunday.

However, Starmer said the party would not be seeking to secure support in parliament for a second referendum on Tuesday.

Amid the political chaos, many company chiefs are aghast at London’s handling of Brexit and say it has already damaged Britain’s reputation as Europe’s pre-eminent destination for foreign investment.

"Business is holding its breath ahead of the votes in parliament this week, knowing that if Brexit has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected," said James Stewart, head of Brexit at KPMG UK.

"Companies are now split on whether an extension to the Brexit timeline is a good thing. Some of those who prepared early are locked into March specific contingency plans. Those carrying additional inventory know an extension will squeeze their cash flow for longer."

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal faces a heavy defeat in parliament on Tuesday because she has so far secured no major changes from the European Union, the leaders of two major eurosceptic factions in parliament said on Sunday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal faces a heavy defeat in parliament on Tuesday because she has so far secured no major changes from the European Union, the leaders of two major eurosceptic factions in parliament said on Sunday. Just 19 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29, May is scrambling - so far unsuccessfully - to secure last-minute changes to an EU exit treaty before parliament votes on Tuesday on whether to approve the deal. If she fails, lawmakers are expected to force May to seek a delay to Brexit which some fear could see the 2016 decision to leave the bloc reversed. Others argue that without a delay Britain faces an economic shock if it leaves without a deal. Nigel Dodds, the deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May's minority government, and Steve Baker, a leading figure in the large eurosceptic faction of her Conservative party, warned, "the political situation is grim". "An unchanged withdrawal agreement will be defeated firmly by a sizeable proportion of Conservatives and the DUP if it is again presented to the Commons," they wrote in the Sunday Telegraph. The Sunday Times said May was battling to save her job as aides were considering persuading her to offer to resign in a bid to get the deal approved. The newspaper also said cabinet ministers have spoken about whether to insist she goes as early as this week. The United Kingdom’s labyrinthine crisis over EU membership is approaching its finale with an extraordinary array of options including a delay, a last-minute deal, no-deal Brexit, a snap election or even another referendum. The ultimate outcome remains unclear, though most diplomats and investors say Brexit will define the United Kingdom's prosperity for generations to come. Total uncertainty Parliament rejected May's deal by 230 votes on January 15, prompting the British leader to return to Brussels in search of changes to address the so-called Irish backstop - an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Many British lawmakers object to the policy on the grounds that it could leave Britain subject to EU rules indefinitely and cleave Northern Ireland away from the rest of the country. But, May's attempts to get the clause rewritten have so far failed to yield any result, with EU negotiators unwilling to meet her demands, and Britain rejecting a compromise offer. If lawmakers reject May's deal on Tuesday, she has promised to let them vote the next day on whether to leave without a deal on March 29. If they reject that, then on Thursday they are due to vote on a "limited" delay. "In the event of this vote on Tuesday not going through, nobody knows what would happen. In everything that followed there would be total uncertainty - that would be the only certainty," health minister Matt Hancock told Sky News. Britain's opposition Labour Party should support staying in the EU if there is a second referendum, the party's Brexit spokesman, Keir Starmer, said on Sunday. However, Starmer said the party would not be seeking to secure support in parliament for a second referendum on Tuesday. Amid the political chaos, many company chiefs are aghast at London’s handling of Brexit and say it has already damaged Britain’s reputation as Europe’s pre-eminent destination for foreign investment. "Business is holding its breath ahead of the votes in parliament this week, knowing that if Brexit has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected," said James Stewart, head of Brexit at KPMG UK. "Companies are now split on whether an extension to the Brexit timeline is a good thing. Some of those who prepared early are locked into March specific contingency plans. Those carrying additional inventory know an extension will squeeze their cash flow for longer."

Theresa May faces heavy defeat in parliament as Brexit crisis grips Britain

The leader of Britain's parliament said she was beginning to wonder what game the European Union was playing over Brexit as relations between London and Brussels deteriorated ahead of a vote by lawmakers next week.

Less than three weeks before Britain is due to leave the EU, Prime Minister Theresa May has failed to secure the changes to the divorce agreement needed to gain the support of lawmakers, who handed the government a record defeat in a vote on the deal in January.

On Friday, the EU's chief negotiator put forward a proposal that was designed to keep open the border between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland after Brexit. Within minutes the offer had been rejected by London.

"There is still hope, but I have to say I'm deeply disappointed with what we're hearing coming out of the EU," Andrea Leadsom told Reuters. "I do have to ask myself what game are they playing here."

Lawmakers will vote again on Tuesday on whether to accept the deal struck by May.

Asked who would be to blame if May loses the parliamentary vote again, Leadsom said: "I would point to the EU needing to work closely with us.

"We are hoping we will be able to win that vote but that does depend on the EU coming to the table and taking seriously the (UK's) proposals."

 
&nbsp;

The leader of Britain's parliament said she was beginning to wonder what game the European Union was playing over Brexit as relations between London and Brussels deteriorated ahead of a vote by lawmakers next week.

The leader of Britain's parliament said she was beginning to wonder what game the European Union was playing over Brexit as relations between London and Brussels deteriorated ahead of a vote by lawmakers next week. Less than three weeks before Britain is due to leave the EU, Prime Minister Theresa May has failed to secure the changes to the divorce agreement needed to gain the support of lawmakers, who handed the government a record defeat in a vote on the deal in January. On Friday, the EU's chief negotiator put forward a proposal that was designed to keep open the border between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland after Brexit. Within minutes the offer had been rejected by London. "There is still hope, but I have to say I'm deeply disappointed with what we're hearing coming out of the EU," Andrea Leadsom told Reuters. "I do have to ask myself what game are they playing here." Lawmakers will vote again on Tuesday on whether to accept the deal struck by May. Asked who would be to blame if May loses the parliamentary vote again, Leadsom said: "I would point to the EU needing to work closely with us. "We are hoping we will be able to win that vote but that does depend on the EU coming to the table and taking seriously the (UK's) proposals."

'What game are they playing?' leader of British parliament asks of EU

British police briefly shut London's Westminster bridge and roads close to parliament and the capital's police headquarters on Saturday due to a suspicious vehicle.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said officers had sealed off roads at Victoria Embankment next to the River Thames and close to New Scotland Yard, the head office of the Metropolitan Police, and by Parliament Square.

Images on social media showed a heavy police presence at the central London location that is popular with tourists. The roads were later re-opened.

"The incident in Victoria Embankment has now concluded," police said on Twitter. "The vehicle has been deemed non-suspicious. All roads will now be reopened."

The United Kingdom is on its second-highest level of terrorism alert after five attacks in 2017 killed a total of 36 people, including one incident on Westminster Bridge.

British police briefly shut London's Westminster bridge and roads close to parliament and the capital's police headquarters on Saturday due to a suspicious vehicle.

British police briefly shut London's Westminster bridge and roads close to parliament and the capital's police headquarters on Saturday due to a suspicious vehicle. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said officers had sealed off roads at Victoria Embankment next to the River Thames and close to New Scotland Yard, the head office of the Metropolitan Police, and by Parliament Square. Images on social media showed a heavy police presence at the central London location that is popular with tourists. The roads were later re-opened. "The incident in Victoria Embankment has now concluded," police said on Twitter. "The vehicle has been deemed non-suspicious. All roads will now be reopened." The United Kingdom is on its second-highest level of terrorism alert after five attacks in 2017 killed a total of 36 people, including one incident on Westminster Bridge.

British police briefly close roads near parliament over security alert

Less than a month before <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-ready-to-give-uk-more-guarantees-on-brexit-chief-negotiator-michel-barnier-200761">Britain is due to leave the European Union</a>, London and Berlin signed a partnership deal on Monday (March 4) aimed at deepening their business ties, arguing that regardless of Brexit "the 21st century belongs to cities".

Along with other European cities, Berlin is jostling for a piece of London's financial technology industry and has stepped up efforts to promote the German capital as an affordable and creative alternative to other centres.

But Monday's agreement, signed by the two cities' economic development agencies, aims to promote investment both by British companies in Berlin and German companies in London.

"Brexit or no Brexit, we want to show the world that London is open for business, talent and investment from across the world," said Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for business.

The United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29 but still has no deal in place governing its exit terms, after lawmakers voted in January to reject an agreement Prime Minister Theresa May reached last year with the bloc.

Agrawal said that in all scenarios Brexit was not good for the UK, but added that independent research had shown the British capital would prove more resilient than other regions to Brexit, which Londoners opposed in Britain's 2016 referendum.

He described London and Berlin as like-minded. Both are hubs for technology companies, which the development agencies pledged to support with Monday's deal.

"Of course we are concerned about Brexit," said Knut Hechtfischer, co-founder of Ubitricity, a German firm founded in 2008 that provides charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. He helped promote the Berlin-London partnership.

The founders of Ubitricity had a strikingly simple idea which could end one of the main drawbacks of electric cars especially in large cities, the lack of enough spaces to charge up the vehicles, by putting charging sockets on lamp posts. At the end of 2018 Ubitricity together with its partner, Siemens installed the first charging points in street lights in London.

Hechtfischer said his company was concerned about Brexit, but London would remain an important market regardless of its outcome. "The transformation to electric mobility, the demand for charging infrastructure, which results from it and the need for clean air in inner cities, all these things are universal topics, which have nothing to do with the Brexit," he said, adding: ": "London will still be London whatever politicians decide in March or later. It will be an exciting city it is and it will also be an interesting market for us."

Less than a month before Britain is due to leave the European Union, London and Berlin signed a partnership deal on Monday (March 4) aimed at deepening their business ties, arguing that regardless of Brexit "the 21st century belongs to cities".

Less than a month before Britain is due to leave the European Union, London and Berlin signed a partnership deal on Monday (March 4) aimed at deepening their business ties, arguing that regardless of Brexit "the 21st century belongs to cities". Along with other European cities, Berlin is jostling for a piece of London's financial technology industry and has stepped up efforts to promote the German capital as an affordable and creative alternative to other centres. But Monday's agreement, signed by the two cities' economic development agencies, aims to promote investment both by British companies in Berlin and German companies in London. "Brexit or no Brexit, we want to show the world that London is open for business, talent and investment from across the world," said Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for business. The United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29 but still has no deal in place governing its exit terms, after lawmakers voted in January to reject an agreement Prime Minister Theresa May reached last year with the bloc. Agrawal said that in all scenarios Brexit was not good for the UK, but added that independent research had shown the British capital would prove more resilient than other regions to Brexit, which Londoners opposed in Britain's 2016 referendum. He described London and Berlin as like-minded. Both are hubs for technology companies, which the development agencies pledged to support with Monday's deal. "Of course we are concerned about Brexit," said Knut Hechtfischer, co-founder of Ubitricity, a German firm founded in 2008 that provides charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. He helped promote the Berlin-London partnership. The founders of Ubitricity had a strikingly simple idea which could end one of the main drawbacks of electric cars especially in large cities, the lack of enough spaces to charge up the vehicles, by putting charging sockets on lamp posts. At the end of 2018 Ubitricity together with its partner, Siemens installed the first charging points in street lights in London. Hechtfischer said his company was concerned about Brexit, but London would remain an important market regardless of its outcome. "The transformation to electric mobility, the demand for charging infrastructure, which results from it and the need for clean air in inner cities, all these things are universal topics, which have nothing to do with the Brexit," he said, adding: ": "London will still be London whatever politicians decide in March or later. It will be an exciting city it is and it will also be an interesting market for us."

As Brexit looms, London and Berlin promote closer business ties

French police have arrested 44 migrants who had climbed aboard a ferry while it was docked at the port of Calais in the night of Saturday to Sunday, a Pas-de-Calais prefecture official told Reuters.

The migrants entered the highly protected port area on Saturday night and used ladders to climb aboard a ferry that had arrived from Dover in Britain.

The migrants are being held at the Calais police headquarters while police officials continued searching the ship on Sunday morning.

The prefecture and humanitarian organisations estimate that several hundreds of migrants are living in the Calais area, all hoping to find a way to get to Britain.

French police have arrested 44 migrants who had climbed aboard a ferry while it was docked at the port of Calais in the night of Saturday to Sunday, a Pas-de-Calais prefecture official told Reuters.

French police have arrested 44 migrants who had climbed aboard a ferry while it was docked at the port of Calais in the night of Saturday to Sunday, a Pas-de-Calais prefecture official told Reuters. The migrants entered the highly protected port area on Saturday night and used ladders to climb aboard a ferry that had arrived from Dover in Britain. The migrants are being held at the Calais police headquarters while police officials continued searching the ship on Sunday morning. The prefecture and humanitarian organisations estimate that several hundreds of migrants are living in the Calais area, all hoping to find a way to get to Britain.

France arrests 44 migrants who climbed onto a ferry in Calais

The European Union is prepared to give <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-labour-party-backs-new-brexit-referendum-200206">Britain further Brexit guarantees</a> to help a divorce deal through the British parliament, the bloc's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said in an interview published Saturday.

"We can find guarantees to confirm, clarify, guarantee the goodwill and good faith of the Europeans with commitments which would have real legal force," Barnier said in comments published in several European newspapers including Die Welt in Germany and Les Echos in France.

Barnier also suggested European leaders would be amenable to a short "technical" delay in Britain's departure from the EU, scheduled for March 29, to give the British parliament time to formally ratify a final divorce deal.&nbsp;

The British parliament rejected the original Brexit deal hammered out by Prime Minister Theresa May and EU leaders.&nbsp;

The major sticking point was the so-called "backstop" plan for the Irish border. Some MPs fear the arrangement, which would keep Britain tied to EU trade rules until another way is found to keep the frontier open, is a "trap" that could bind it to European commerce rules indefinitely.

Barnier said there was "misunderstanding" over the proposed backstop deal.

"Limiting it in time or introducing a unilateral exit clause would call into question its credibility," the EU's top Brexit negotiator insisted.

The backstop "will end either when we have a global agreement on the future relationship or a specific agreement with Ireland," he said, assuring it "was never the wish" to bind Britain to European trade rules indefinitely.

Meetings next week&nbsp; 
Barnier said he would Britain's Brexit minister Stephen Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox next week to discuss options.

A Brussels source said those talks could take place in the Belgian capital on Tuesday.

"There is a way that the British (parliament) could vote, between now and March 12, with these guarantees of our good faith, It will be up to them to fulfil their responsibilities," Barnier said.

In 2017, Britain invoked Article 50 of EU law, triggering a two-year countdown to Brexit that ends at 11 pm on March 29.

The country is on course to leave without an agreement after British MPs in January overwhelmingly rejected the divorce deal May struck with the EU late last year.

The embattled leader is now seeking changes to the pact which she hopes will be enough to get it through parliament by March 12.

In a revised strategy unveiled this week, May vowed that if her deal is rejected, lawmakers will vote in the following days on whether to leave without a deal or delay Brexit.

But European leaders have warned any postponement would come with conditions.

Barnier suggested a short delay could be acceptable.

"The European institutions will do whatever is necessary on their side but the British have told us in the past that they will need two months to ratify" the deal.

"It would then require a simple technical extension."

While Britain is yet to request a delay, "I don't think there would be any objections in principle" from the other 27 EU nations, Barnier said.

However, any delay "must serve to solve a problem, not merely to postpone it and remain at an impasse."

The European Union is prepared to give Britain further Brexit guarantees to help a divorce deal through the British parliament, the bloc's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said in an interview published Saturday.

The European Union is prepared to give Britain further Brexit guarantees to help a divorce deal through the British parliament, the bloc's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said in an interview published Saturday. "We can find guarantees to confirm, clarify, guarantee the goodwill and good faith of the Europeans with commitments which would have real legal force," Barnier said in comments published in several European newspapers including Die Welt in Germany and Les Echos in France. Barnier also suggested European leaders would be amenable to a short "technical" delay in Britain's departure from the EU, scheduled for March 29, to give the British parliament time to formally ratify a final divorce deal. The British parliament rejected the original Brexit deal hammered out by Prime Minister Theresa May and EU leaders. The major sticking point was the so-called "backstop" plan for the Irish border. Some MPs fear the arrangement, which would keep Britain tied to EU trade rules until another way is found to keep the frontier open, is a "trap" that could bind it to European commerce rules indefinitely. Barnier said there was "misunderstanding" over the proposed backstop deal. "Limiting it in time or introducing a unilateral exit clause would call into question its credibility," the EU's top Brexit negotiator insisted. The backstop "will end either when we have a global agreement on the future relationship or a specific agreement with Ireland," he said, assuring it "was never the wish" to bind Britain to European trade rules indefinitely. Meetings next week Barnier said he would Britain's Brexit minister Stephen Barclay and Attorney General Geoffrey Cox next week to discuss options. A Brussels source said those talks could take place in the Belgian capital on Tuesday. "There is a way that the British (parliament) could vote, between now and March 12, with these guarantees of our good faith, It will be up to them to fulfil their responsibilities," Barnier said. In 2017, Britain invoked Article 50 of EU law, triggering a two-year countdown to Brexit that ends at 11 pm on March 29. The country is on course to leave without an agreement after British MPs in January overwhelmingly rejected the divorce deal May struck with the EU late last year. The embattled leader is now seeking changes to the pact which she hopes will be enough to get it through parliament by March 12. In a revised strategy unveiled this week, May vowed that if her deal is rejected, lawmakers will vote in the following days on whether to leave without a deal or delay Brexit. But European leaders have warned any postponement would come with conditions. Barnier suggested a short delay could be acceptable. "The European institutions will do whatever is necessary on their side but the British have told us in the past that they will need two months to ratify" the deal. "It would then require a simple technical extension." While Britain is yet to request a delay, "I don't think there would be any objections in principle" from the other 27 EU nations, Barnier said. However, any delay "must serve to solve a problem, not merely to postpone it and remain at an impasse."

EU ready to give UK more guarantees on Brexit: Chief negotiator Michel Barnier

The US ambassador&nbsp;Woody Johnson to Britain on Saturday denounced a "smear campaign" against American agriculture as Washington and London try to pave the way to a post-Brexit trade deal.

Woody Johnson said Britons were being fed "inflammatory and misleading terms" such as chlorinated chicken and hormone beef to cast US agriculture in "the worst possible light".

Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29 and will be free to strike its own trade deals afterwards.

"We Americans are now ready to negotiate the most ambitious and comprehensive trade deal in the history of our special relationship," Johnson wrote in The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"And, of course, we want agriculture to be part of those negotiations -- it is a great opportunity for both of us.

"But the British public has been led to believe otherwise."

He said Britons were being presented with a false choice between sticking with European Union directives or being flooded with US food "of the lowest quality".

"It's time the myths are called out for what they really are: a smear campaign from people with their own protectionist agenda."

He accused the EU of following a "museum of agriculture" approach, while US farmers were using new scientific and technological tools to become more productive.

A spokeswoman for British Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office said: "We have always been very clear that we will not lower our food standards as part of a future trading agreement."

Meanwhile, Minette Batters, president of Britain's National Farmers' Union, said: "It is imperative that any future trade deals, including a possible deal with the USA, do not allow the imports of food produced to lower standards than those required of British farmers.

"British people value and demand the high standards of animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety that our own farmers adhere to.

"These world-leading standards must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of reaching rushed trade deals. We should not accept trade deals which allow food to be imported into this country produced in ways which would be illegal here."

The US ambassador Woody Johnson to Britain on Saturday denounced a "smear campaign" against American agriculture as Washington and London try to pave the way to a post-Brexit trade deal.

The US ambassador Woody Johnson to Britain on Saturday denounced a "smear campaign" against American agriculture as Washington and London try to pave the way to a post-Brexit trade deal. Woody Johnson said Britons were being fed "inflammatory and misleading terms" such as chlorinated chicken and hormone beef to cast US agriculture in "the worst possible light". Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29 and will be free to strike its own trade deals afterwards. "We Americans are now ready to negotiate the most ambitious and comprehensive trade deal in the history of our special relationship," Johnson wrote in The Daily Telegraph newspaper. "And, of course, we want agriculture to be part of those negotiations -- it is a great opportunity for both of us. "But the British public has been led to believe otherwise." He said Britons were being presented with a false choice between sticking with European Union directives or being flooded with US food "of the lowest quality". "It's time the myths are called out for what they really are: a smear campaign from people with their own protectionist agenda." He accused the EU of following a "museum of agriculture" approach, while US farmers were using new scientific and technological tools to become more productive. A spokeswoman for British Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office said: "We have always been very clear that we will not lower our food standards as part of a future trading agreement." Meanwhile, Minette Batters, president of Britain's National Farmers' Union, said: "It is imperative that any future trade deals, including a possible deal with the USA, do not allow the imports of food produced to lower standards than those required of British farmers. "British people value and demand the high standards of animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety that our own farmers adhere to. "These world-leading standards must not be sacrificed in the pursuit of reaching rushed trade deals. We should not accept trade deals which allow food to be imported into this country produced in ways which would be illegal here."

Envoy slams UK 'smear campaign' against US agriculture

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744">Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources&nbsp;</a>

India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

The attack is India's retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">North Korea's Kim arrives in Vietnam for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">summit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">; Trump on his way</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a summit with US President Donald Trump where they will try to reach an agreement on a North's Korean pledge to give up its nuclear weapons programme.

Trump is due to arrive in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, on Tuesday evening.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-vatican-cleric-cardinal-pell-convicted-of-child-sex-crimes-199719">Top Vatican cleric Cardinal Pell convicted of child sex crimes</a>

Australian Cardinal George Pell, who helped elect popes and ran the Vatican's finances, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two choirboys, a court said Tuesday, becoming the most senior Catholic cleric ever convicted of child sex crimes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-labour-says-it-will-back-call-for-second-brexit-referendum-199733">UK's Labour party says it will back call for second Brexit referendum</a>

Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second referendum on Brexit if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-zarif-announces-unexpected-resignation-on-instagram-199721">Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif announces unexpected resignation on Instagram</a>

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the urbane, US-educated architect of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, announced his resignation unexpectedly on Monday on Instagram.

Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI. The attack is India's retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. North Korea's Kim arrives in Vietnam for summit; Trump on his way North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a summit with US President Donald Trump where they will try to reach an agreement on a North's Korean pledge to give up its nuclear weapons programme. Trump is due to arrive in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, on Tuesday evening. Top Vatican cleric Cardinal Pell convicted of child sex crimes Australian Cardinal George Pell, who helped elect popes and ran the Vatican's finances, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two choirboys, a court said Tuesday, becoming the most senior Catholic cleric ever convicted of child sex crimes. UK's Labour party says it will back call for second Brexit referendum Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second referendum on Brexit if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union. Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif announces unexpected resignation on Instagram Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the urbane, US-educated architect of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, announced his resignation unexpectedly on Monday on Instagram.

Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-to-cause-significant-harm-to-britains-health-service-199723">referendum on Brexit</a> if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union.

With just over a month until Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29, Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking changes to her exit deal in order to break an impasse in parliament.

Labour's decision could damage her hopes of winning support for a revised deal in a vote she has promised by March 12, by attracting those who would have backed her agreement in order to avoid a no-deal exit but who would prefer a second referendum.

Parliament is due to debate and vote on Wednesday on the next steps in Britain's tortuous departure from the EU, and lawmakers are set to offer proposals, or amendments, which could include demanding the exit deal is put to a public vote.

Labour said it would put forward an amendment calling on the government to adopt its Brexit proposals, which include a permanent customs union with the EU and close alignment with the bloc's single market.

"If Parliament rejects our plan, then Labour will deliver on the promise we made at our annual conference and support a public vote," Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said.

Parliament is not expected to back Labour's Brexit plan and it remains unclear whether there is a majority in parliament in favour of holding a second referendum.

"We're in a very volatile situation. We are in the middle of a political crisis and a constitutional crisis... It's difficult to say at any one point what feelings are going to be two or three weeks down the line," a Labour spokesman told reporters.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been under pressure for some time to support a second referendum. Last week, eight referendum-supporting lawmakers quit the party, in part owing to frustration over his failure to back another vote.

The prospect of holding a second vote poses a dilemma for Corbyn: while many of the party's members and supporters fervently back a so-called People's Vote, others simply want Britain to leave the EU as soon as possible.

BACK TO 'SQUARE ONE'

Labour said it would support a bid by its lawmaker Yvette Cooper to give parliament the legal power to force May to delay Brexit by seeking an extension to the Article 50 negotiating period.

"We are committed to also putting forward or supporting an amendment in favour of a public vote to prevent a damaging Tory (Conservative) Brexit being forced on the country," Corbyn was due to tell a meeting of his lawmakers on Monday, his office said.

"One way or another, we will do everything in our power to prevent no deal."

Brandon Lewis, Chairman of May's Conservatives, said another popular vote would "take us back to square one" and Labour had gone back on its promise to respect the 2016 referendum result. That went 52-48 percent in favour of leaving the EU.

The amendment on a public vote may not come at this week's vote in parliament however. The Labour spokesman said the wording and timing of the amendment was still to be decided.

A proposal by Labour lawmakers Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson that May's deal be put to the public in another referendum will not be put forward for a vote in parliament until May brings her agreement back for approval.

"There's no turning back for Jeremy now," Kyle said.

Labour lawmakers at the meeting on Monday were split in their reactions.

"I still have deep reservations about the idea of having another referendum. I think it's going to be deeply divisive," lawmaker Stephen Kinnock said.

Labour foreign affairs spokeswoman Emily Thornberry told ITV a second referendum should present a choice between May's deal and remaining in the EU, but the Labour spokesman directly contradicted her, saying that would be an unacceptable choice.

The Remain Labour campaign group, which wants to stop Brexit, said the announcement was "a significant step forward".

"A second referendum was only ever possible with the votes of Labour Members of Parliament and we are now on the verge of making this happen," founder Andrew Lewin said in a statement.

"We are not complacent, but we are closer tonight to a People’s Vote than we have ever been."

Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second referendum on Brexit if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union.

Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second referendum on Brexit if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union. With just over a month until Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29, Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking changes to her exit deal in order to break an impasse in parliament. Labour's decision could damage her hopes of winning support for a revised deal in a vote she has promised by March 12, by attracting those who would have backed her agreement in order to avoid a no-deal exit but who would prefer a second referendum. Parliament is due to debate and vote on Wednesday on the next steps in Britain's tortuous departure from the EU, and lawmakers are set to offer proposals, or amendments, which could include demanding the exit deal is put to a public vote. Labour said it would put forward an amendment calling on the government to adopt its Brexit proposals, which include a permanent customs union with the EU and close alignment with the bloc's single market. "If Parliament rejects our plan, then Labour will deliver on the promise we made at our annual conference and support a public vote," Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said. Parliament is not expected to back Labour's Brexit plan and it remains unclear whether there is a majority in parliament in favour of holding a second referendum. "We're in a very volatile situation. We are in the middle of a political crisis and a constitutional crisis... It's difficult to say at any one point what feelings are going to be two or three weeks down the line," a Labour spokesman told reporters. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been under pressure for some time to support a second referendum. Last week, eight referendum-supporting lawmakers quit the party, in part owing to frustration over his failure to back another vote. The prospect of holding a second vote poses a dilemma for Corbyn: while many of the party's members and supporters fervently back a so-called People's Vote, others simply want Britain to leave the EU as soon as possible. BACK TO 'SQUARE ONE' Labour said it would support a bid by its lawmaker Yvette Cooper to give parliament the legal power to force May to delay Brexit by seeking an extension to the Article 50 negotiating period. "We are committed to also putting forward or supporting an amendment in favour of a public vote to prevent a damaging Tory (Conservative) Brexit being forced on the country," Corbyn was due to tell a meeting of his lawmakers on Monday, his office said. "One way or another, we will do everything in our power to prevent no deal." Brandon Lewis, Chairman of May's Conservatives, said another popular vote would "take us back to square one" and Labour had gone back on its promise to respect the 2016 referendum result. That went 52-48 percent in favour of leaving the EU. The amendment on a public vote may not come at this week's vote in parliament however. The Labour spokesman said the wording and timing of the amendment was still to be decided. A proposal by Labour lawmakers Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson that May's deal be put to the public in another referendum will not be put forward for a vote in parliament until May brings her agreement back for approval. "There's no turning back for Jeremy now," Kyle said. Labour lawmakers at the meeting on Monday were split in their reactions. "I still have deep reservations about the idea of having another referendum. I think it's going to be deeply divisive," lawmaker Stephen Kinnock said. Labour foreign affairs spokeswoman Emily Thornberry told ITV a second referendum should present a choice between May's deal and remaining in the EU, but the Labour spokesman directly contradicted her, saying that would be an unacceptable choice. The Remain Labour campaign group, which wants to stop Brexit, said the announcement was "a significant step forward". "A second referendum was only ever possible with the votes of Labour Members of Parliament and we are now on the verge of making this happen," founder Andrew Lewin said in a statement. "We are not complacent, but we are closer tonight to a People’s Vote than we have ever been."

UK's Labour party says it will back call for second Brexit referendum

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strikes-on-terror-launchpads-meticulous-planning-led-to-successful-air-force-mission-199830">Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission</a>

The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uncalled-for-aggression-will-respond-at-time-place-of-our-choosing-say-pak-after-nsc-meeting-199838">Uncalled for aggression, will respond at time &amp; place of our choosing, says Pak after NSC meeting</a>

Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting in which it said India has committed "uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821">China urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821">air</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821"> strike</a>

China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-is-in-safe-hands-modi-says-hours-after-iaf-airstrikes-on-jem-terror-camps-199812">'Country is in safe hands,' Modi says hours after IAF airstrikes on JeM terror camps &nbsp;</a>

Hours after India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sanath-jayasuriya-guilty-of-breaching-anti-corruption-code-banned-for-2-years-by-icc-199876">Sanath Jayasuriya guilty of breaching anti-corruption code, banned for 2 years by ICC</a>

Sanath Jayasuriya Tuesday was banned from all cricket for two years after admitting breaching two counts of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said. Uncalled for aggression, will respond at time & place of our choosing, says Pak after NSC meeting Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting in which it said India has committed "uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing". China urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' after air strike China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours. 'Country is in safe hands,' Modi says hours after IAF airstrikes on JeM terror camps Hours after India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands. Sanath Jayasuriya guilty of breaching anti-corruption code, banned for 2 years by ICC Sanath Jayasuriya Tuesday was banned from all cricket for two years after admitting breaching two counts of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Brexit will inflict "significant harm" on Britain's National Health Service, experts warned on Tuesday, with a no-deal departure from the EU likely to provoke acute shortages of staff and medicines.&nbsp;

With little over a month remaining until Britain is due to leave the European Union, there are fears that crashing out of the bloc without an agreement could drastically affect the nation's health.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-delay-will-not-solve-the-impasse-over-deal-theresa-may-warns-199705">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> is struggling to gain domestic backing for her Brexit deal, which would be a less drastic rupture.

Writing in the medical journal The Lancet, a team of medical and legal experts said that "all forms of Brexit are bad for health."

"However, by far the worst option would be a no-deal Brexit."

They highlighted a recently published 10-year plan for the NHS that mentions Brexit only twice and cautioned that an end to free movement could exacerbate the current staffing crisis.&nbsp;

Under a no-deal scenario, the government plans a minimum salary threshold of £30,000 ($39,000, 34,500 euros) per year for non-residents, and has not announced any exception for the European health workers the NHS is so heavily reliant upon.&nbsp;

"That would exclude many health workers," said Martin McKee, co-author of the study and a professor at the London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine.

"First of all, that immediately sends out a signal that you're not particularly welcome," he told AFP.&nbsp;

McKee said EU health workers would be far less likely to choose to work for the NHS even if they met that earning threshold, as their salaries would be worthless with a weaker pound, and their pensions not guaranteed.

'Perfect storm'&nbsp;

The study examined the impact on the health service posed by four possible scenarios: no-deal, May's withdrawal agreement, the so-called Irish "backstop" to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, and the political declaration on a future EU-UK relationship.

It found that while all four scenarios would be less beneficial to the NHS than remaining in the EU, no-deal posed by far the largest threat.&nbsp;

The NHS was used by pro-Brexit campaigners in the run-up to the 2016 referendum, most infamously in the subsequently debunked promise that Britain would spend the £350 million it sends each week to Brussels on improving the health service.

McKee accused politicians of failing to grasp the health implications of leaving the EU.

"Despite the fact that 'NHS' was stuck all over the side of the bus, there was a general sense that healthcare wouldn't be affected because health is a matter for member states rather than the EU," he said.&nbsp;

"But of course everything you need, the building blocks for health systems, are in some way subject to rules on free movement of goods and people and services.&nbsp;

"So there are bound to be consequences but I'm not sure that the government fully understood that," he added.

Although the government has announced plans to stockpile medicines in order to avoid shortages in the event of a no-deal Brexit, McKee and his colleagues said the scarcity of some drugs was inevitable.

"The pharmaceutical supply system is extremely vulnerable, simply because it is so complex," he said.&nbsp;

"There's a whole lot of things which are precarious, to begin with and then Brexit is making all of them worse," he added.

&nbsp;"It really risks the creation of a perfect storm."&nbsp;

Brexit will inflict "significant harm" on Britain's National Health Service, experts warned on Tuesday, with a no-deal departure from the EU likely to provoke acute shortages of staff and medicines.

Brexit will inflict "significant harm" on Britain's National Health Service, experts warned on Tuesday, with a no-deal departure from the EU likely to provoke acute shortages of staff and medicines. With little over a month remaining until Britain is due to leave the European Union, there are fears that crashing out of the bloc without an agreement could drastically affect the nation's health. Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to gain domestic backing for her Brexit deal, which would be a less drastic rupture. Writing in the medical journal The Lancet, a team of medical and legal experts said that "all forms of Brexit are bad for health." "However, by far the worst option would be a no-deal Brexit." They highlighted a recently published 10-year plan for the NHS that mentions Brexit only twice and cautioned that an end to free movement could exacerbate the current staffing crisis. Under a no-deal scenario, the government plans a minimum salary threshold of £30,000 ($39,000, 34,500 euros) per year for non-residents, and has not announced any exception for the European health workers the NHS is so heavily reliant upon. "That would exclude many health workers," said Martin McKee, co-author of the study and a professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. "First of all, that immediately sends out a signal that you're not particularly welcome," he told AFP. McKee said EU health workers would be far less likely to choose to work for the NHS even if they met that earning threshold, as their salaries would be worthless with a weaker pound, and their pensions not guaranteed. 'Perfect storm' The study examined the impact on the health service posed by four possible scenarios: no-deal, May's withdrawal agreement, the so-called Irish "backstop" to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, and the political declaration on a future EU-UK relationship. It found that while all four scenarios would be less beneficial to the NHS than remaining in the EU, no-deal posed by far the largest threat. The NHS was used by pro-Brexit campaigners in the run-up to the 2016 referendum, most infamously in the subsequently debunked promise that Britain would spend the £350 million it sends each week to Brussels on improving the health service. McKee accused politicians of failing to grasp the health implications of leaving the EU. "Despite the fact that 'NHS' was stuck all over the side of the bus, there was a general sense that healthcare wouldn't be affected because health is a matter for member states rather than the EU," he said. "But of course everything you need, the building blocks for health systems, are in some way subject to rules on free movement of goods and people and services. "So there are bound to be consequences but I'm not sure that the government fully understood that," he added. Although the government has announced plans to stockpile medicines in order to avoid shortages in the event of a no-deal Brexit, McKee and his colleagues said the scarcity of some drugs was inevitable. "The pharmaceutical supply system is extremely vulnerable, simply because it is so complex," he said. "There's a whole lot of things which are precarious, to begin with and then Brexit is making all of them worse," he added. "It really risks the creation of a perfect storm."

Brexit to cause 'significant' harm to Britain's health service

Britain should give up control of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean "as rapidly as possible", the UN's top court said Monday in a decades-old row with Mauritius over an archipelago that is home to a huge US airbase.

The International Court of Justice said in a legal opinion that Britain had illegally split the islands from Mauritius before independence in 1968, after which the entire population of islanders was evicted.

Mauritius and the exiled Chagossians reacted with delight to the opinion delivered by judges in The Hague, which is non-binding but will carry heavy symbolic and political weight.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth hailed a " historic moment for Mauritius and all its people".

"Our territorial integrity will now be made complete, and when that occurs, the Chagossians and their descendants will finally be able to return home," he said in a statement.

Britain, however, defended its hold on the islands, saying the Diego Garcia military base, which has been used to bomb Iraq and Afghanistan, protected people around the world.

"The United Kingdom's continued administration of the Chagos Archipelago constitutes a wrongful act," chief judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said.

"The United Kingdom is under an obligation to bring an end to its administration of the Chagos Archipelago as rapidly as possible, thereby allowing Mauritius to complete the decolonisation of its territory."

The UN General Assembly in 2017 adopted a resolution presented by Mauritius and backed by African countries asking the ICJ to offer legal advice on the island chain's fate and the legality of the deportations.

'So happy'&nbsp;

Colonial power Britain split off the islands from Mauritius -- which lies around 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometres) away -- three years before Port Louis gained independence in 1968. It also paid Mauritius three million pounds.

Between 1968 and 1973 around 2,000 Chagos islanders were evicted, to Britain, Mauritius and Seychelles, to make way for a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands. The evictions were described in a British diplomatic cable at the time as the removal of "some few Tarzans and Man Fridays".

Diego Garcia is now under lease to the United States and played a key strategic role in the Cold War before being used as a staging ground for US bombing campaigns against Afghanistan and Iraq in the 2000s.

Olivier Bancoult, chairman of the Mauritius-based Chagos Refugees Group, told reporters outside court that he was "so happy".

"It is a big victory against an injustice done by the British government for many years. We people have been suffering for many years -- I am so lucky today," he said.

The ICJ opinion comes as a stunning blow to London in a case that goes to the heart of historic issues of decolonisation and current questions about Britain's place in the world as it prepares to leave the European Union.

Mauritius' lawyer Philippe Sands said there was "no wiggle room" in the judges' view and that Britain would resist pressure to comply.

"I suspect the United Kingdom will say to itself, what resistance can we put up to moving forward -- and particularly in the context of Brexit, as the United Kingdom finds itself a little bit isolated in the world," he told reporters outside court.

Britain's foreign ministry rejected the court's opinion.

"The defence facilities on British Indian Ocean Territory help to protect people here in Britain and around the world from terrorist threats, organised crime and piracy," the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement.

'Shameful' evictions&nbsp;

A US official said Washington saw the case as "purely a bilateral dispute" between Britain and Mauritius. But he questioned the authority of the court, saying that issues should be resolved through negotiations between governments.

"It is inappropriate to seek to use the court's advisory function to settle disputes between states," the State Department official said in Washington.

When judges heard the case in September, Mauritius argued that it was illegal for Britain to have broken up its territory while it was still the colonial power.

Britain, while apologising for the "shameful" way it evicted thousands of islanders, insisted Mauritius was wrong to have brought the case to the ICJ.

The Chagos Islanders have already taken their battle through the courts in Britain, where their supporters included the current Labour opposition leader, Jeremy Corbyn.

The legal opinion is only the 28th since the ICJ was set up in 1946 in the wake of World War II to provide a tribunal to resolve disputes between UN member states.

Previously such opinions include one on Israel's West Bank barrier in 2004, which judges said was illegal, and declaring legal Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2010.

Britain should give up control of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean "as rapidly as possible", the UN's top court said Monday in a decades-old row with Mauritius over an archipelago that is home to a huge US airbase.

Britain should give up control of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean "as rapidly as possible", the UN's top court said Monday in a decades-old row with Mauritius over an archipelago that is home to a huge US airbase. The International Court of Justice said in a legal opinion that Britain had illegally split the islands from Mauritius before independence in 1968, after which the entire population of islanders was evicted. Mauritius and the exiled Chagossians reacted with delight to the opinion delivered by judges in The Hague, which is non-binding but will carry heavy symbolic and political weight. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth hailed a " historic moment for Mauritius and all its people". "Our territorial integrity will now be made complete, and when that occurs, the Chagossians and their descendants will finally be able to return home," he said in a statement. Britain, however, defended its hold on the islands, saying the Diego Garcia military base, which has been used to bomb Iraq and Afghanistan, protected people around the world. "The United Kingdom's continued administration of the Chagos Archipelago constitutes a wrongful act," chief judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf said. "The United Kingdom is under an obligation to bring an end to its administration of the Chagos Archipelago as rapidly as possible, thereby allowing Mauritius to complete the decolonisation of its territory." The UN General Assembly in 2017 adopted a resolution presented by Mauritius and backed by African countries asking the ICJ to offer legal advice on the island chain's fate and the legality of the deportations. 'So happy' Colonial power Britain split off the islands from Mauritius -- which lies around 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometres) away -- three years before Port Louis gained independence in 1968. It also paid Mauritius three million pounds. Between 1968 and 1973 around 2,000 Chagos islanders were evicted, to Britain, Mauritius and Seychelles, to make way for a military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands. The evictions were described in a British diplomatic cable at the time as the removal of "some few Tarzans and Man Fridays". Diego Garcia is now under lease to the United States and played a key strategic role in the Cold War before being used as a staging ground for US bombing campaigns against Afghanistan and Iraq in the 2000s. Olivier Bancoult, chairman of the Mauritius-based Chagos Refugees Group, told reporters outside court that he was "so happy". "It is a big victory against an injustice done by the British government for many years. We people have been suffering for many years -- I am so lucky today," he said. The ICJ opinion comes as a stunning blow to London in a case that goes to the heart of historic issues of decolonisation and current questions about Britain's place in the world as it prepares to leave the European Union. Mauritius' lawyer Philippe Sands said there was "no wiggle room" in the judges' view and that Britain would resist pressure to comply. "I suspect the United Kingdom will say to itself, what resistance can we put up to moving forward -- and particularly in the context of Brexit, as the United Kingdom finds itself a little bit isolated in the world," he told reporters outside court. Britain's foreign ministry rejected the court's opinion. "The defence facilities on British Indian Ocean Territory help to protect people here in Britain and around the world from terrorist threats, organised crime and piracy," the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement. 'Shameful' evictions A US official said Washington saw the case as "purely a bilateral dispute" between Britain and Mauritius. But he questioned the authority of the court, saying that issues should be resolved through negotiations between governments. "It is inappropriate to seek to use the court's advisory function to settle disputes between states," the State Department official said in Washington. When judges heard the case in September, Mauritius argued that it was illegal for Britain to have broken up its territory while it was still the colonial power. Britain, while apologising for the "shameful" way it evicted thousands of islanders, insisted Mauritius was wrong to have brought the case to the ICJ. The Chagos Islanders have already taken their battle through the courts in Britain, where their supporters included the current Labour opposition leader, Jeremy Corbyn. The legal opinion is only the 28th since the ICJ was set up in 1946 in the wake of World War II to provide a tribunal to resolve disputes between UN member states. Previously such opinions include one on Israel's West Bank barrier in 2004, which judges said was illegal, and declaring legal Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2010.

Britain should give up Chagos Islands: UN court

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/another-delay-britains-may-promises-brexit-vote-in-parliament-by-march-12-199386">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> denied accusations by some in her governing Conservative Party that she had "a problem with immigration", saying on Sunday that while it had been good for Britain, people just wanted more control.

Last week, Anna Soubry, a Conservative lawmaker who quit May's party over what she called the government's "disastrous handling of Brexit", accused May of having "a problem with immigration" that had tied her hands in Brexit negotiations.

Asked if she had a problem with immigration, May said: "No. As I have consistently said immigration has been good for this country."

May, who was interior minister for six years, has made immigration one of the focal points for her talks to leave the European Union, saying Britain's 2016 vote to leave the bloc was a sign that people no longer wanted freedom of movement, on the EU's main pillars.

Prime Minister Theresa May denied accusations by some in her governing Conservative Party that she had "a problem with immigration", saying on Sunday that while it had been good for Britain, people just wanted more control.

Prime Minister Theresa May denied accusations by some in her governing Conservative Party that she had "a problem with immigration", saying on Sunday that while it had been good for Britain, people just wanted more control. Last week, Anna Soubry, a Conservative lawmaker who quit May's party over what she called the government's "disastrous handling of Brexit", accused May of having "a problem with immigration" that had tied her hands in Brexit negotiations. Asked if she had a problem with immigration, May said: "No. As I have consistently said immigration has been good for this country." May, who was interior minister for six years, has made immigration one of the focal points for her talks to leave the European Union, saying Britain's 2016 vote to leave the bloc was a sign that people no longer wanted freedom of movement, on the EU's main pillars.

Immigration is good for Britain, we just need control: PM May

UK Debates Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-teen-who-joined-is-has-given-birth-in-syria-family-197927">wants to return home with a newborn baby</a>, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday.&nbsp;

"Family are very disappointed with the Home Office's intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship," their lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said on Twitter.&nbsp;

"We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision," he wrote.

ITV News reported that the Home Office has sent a letter to Begum's mother, received Tuesday, notifying the family of the decision, which it said Begum had the right to appeal.

The Home Office -- Britain's interior ministry -- did not immediately reply to a request for comment from AFP.

The 19-year-old East London native joined IS in Syria in 2015 along with two classmates.

She is currently in a &nbsp;refugee camp in northeast Syria where she fled fighting in the east of the country along with hundreds of other people with links to IS.&nbsp;

At the weekend she gave birth to her third child, and asked the British authorities to show "compassion" by allowing her to raise the baby in Britain -- while expressing no regret over having joined IS.

Her other two babies died, apparently from illness and malnutrition.

Begum's case points up a dilemma facing many European countries, divided over whether to bar jihadists from returning home over security concerns, or allowing them to return to face prosecution.

Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and wants to return home with a newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday.

Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and wants to return home with a newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday. "Family are very disappointed with the Home Office's intention to have an order made depriving Shamima of her citizenship," their lawyer Tasnime Akunjee said on Twitter. "We are considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision," he wrote. ITV News reported that the Home Office has sent a letter to Begum's mother, received Tuesday, notifying the family of the decision, which it said Begum had the right to appeal. The Home Office -- Britain's interior ministry -- did not immediately reply to a request for comment from AFP. The 19-year-old East London native joined IS in Syria in 2015 along with two classmates. She is currently in a refugee camp in northeast Syria where she fled fighting in the east of the country along with hundreds of other people with links to IS. At the weekend she gave birth to her third child, and asked the British authorities to show "compassion" by allowing her to raise the baby in Britain -- while expressing no regret over having joined IS. Her other two babies died, apparently from illness and malnutrition. Begum's case points up a dilemma facing many European countries, divided over whether to bar jihadists from returning home over security concerns, or allowing them to return to face prosecution.

Britain to strip teen who joined Islamic State of citizenship: Lawyer

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-says-pulwama-attack-a-horrible-situation-198413">Trump says Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation'</a>

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, saying he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unleashing-the-power-of-south-asia-at-wion-conclave-today-in-dubai-thought-leaders-to-discuss-way-forward-for-the-region-198427">Unleashing the Power of South Asia: At WION conclave today in Dubai, thought leaders to discuss </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unleashing-the-power-of-south-asia-at-wion-conclave-today-in-dubai-thought-leaders-to-discuss-way-forward-for-the-region-198427">way</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unleashing-the-power-of-south-asia-at-wion-conclave-today-in-dubai-thought-leaders-to-discuss-way-forward-for-the-region-198427"> forward for the region</a>

WION is holding its 'Unleashing the Power of South Asia' conclave today in Dubai, the UAE. &nbsp;

The summit will bring together thought leaders from around the world to find common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-urges-india-pakistan-to-take-immediate-steps-to-defuse-tensions-198397">UN Secretary-General Guterres urges India, Pakistan to defuse tension, offers to broker peace</a>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to defuse tensions and offered to help broker a solution if both sides agree.

The two countries have been locked in a diplomatic clash following a suicide attack on February 14 in Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel, triggering counter-operations by Indian forces in the area.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-urges-india-pakistan-to-take-immediate-steps-to-defuse-tensions-198397">Britain to strip teen who joined Islamic State of citizenship: Lawyer</a>

Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and wants to return home with a newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407">Agreed to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407">alliance</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agreed-for-alliance-as-bjps-way-of-treating-allies-has-changed-uddhav-thackeray-198407"> as BJP's way of treating allies has changed: Uddhav Thackeray</a>

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies.

Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here.

Trump says Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation' US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, saying he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement.

Trump says Pulwama attack a 'horrible situation' US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described as a "horrible situation" the Pulwama terrorist attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group, in which 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed, saying he was getting reports on it and would issue a statement. Unleashing the Power of South Asia: At WION conclave today in Dubai, thought leaders to discuss way forward for the region WION is holding its 'Unleashing the Power of South Asia' conclave today in Dubai, the UAE. The summit will bring together thought leaders from around the world to find common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region. UN Secretary-General Guterres urges India, Pakistan to defuse tension, offers to broker peace UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on India and Pakistan to take immediate steps to defuse tensions and offered to help broker a solution if both sides agree. The two countries have been locked in a diplomatic clash following a suicide attack on February 14 in Kashmir that killed 40 Indian security personnel, triggering counter-operations by Indian forces in the area. Britain to strip teen who joined Islamic State of citizenship: Lawyer Britain will strip citizenship from Shamima Begum, a UK teenager who joined the Islamic State group in Syria and wants to return home with a newborn baby, a lawyer for her family said Tuesday. Agreed to alliance as BJP's way of treating allies has changed: Uddhav Thackeray Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday evening that he decided to join hands with the BJP because of the saffron party's changed way of dealing with its allies. Thackeray was speaking to Sena workers at his residence here.

<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

Britain will not take part in the elections to the European Parliament in May because it will leave the European Union on March 29th, junior Brexit minister Martin Callanan told reporters on Tuesday.

European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said on Monday that although it seemed unlikely, he could not rule out that Britain would participate in the European elections because it could ask for an extension of the deadline to leave the EU.

But asked if Britain could take part in the elections, Callanan said, "No, because we are leaving ... on the 29th of March"

Asked if that meant Britain would not ask for an extension of the deadline to get more time to agree with a withdrawal agreement, Callanan said, "The prime minister has been very clear that we intend to leave on the 29th of March -- that's what Art 50 says and that's what our domestic legislation says."

Britain will not take part in the elections to the European Parliament in May because it will leave the European Union on March 29th, junior Brexit minister Martin Callanan told reporters on Tuesday.

Britain will not take part in the elections to the European Parliament in May because it will leave the European Union on March 29th, junior Brexit minister Martin Callanan told reporters on Tuesday. European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said on Monday that although it seemed unlikely, he could not rule out that Britain would participate in the European elections because it could ask for an extension of the deadline to leave the EU. But asked if Britain could take part in the elections, Callanan said, "No, because we are leaving ... on the 29th of March" Asked if that meant Britain would not ask for an extension of the deadline to get more time to agree with a withdrawal agreement, Callanan said, "The prime minister has been very clear that we intend to leave on the 29th of March -- that's what Art 50 says and that's what our domestic legislation says."

Britain will not take part in EU parliament elections: Junior Brexit minister

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