The British pound fell Tuesday awaiting key Brexit votes on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-prepares-fresh-brexit-push-257303"> withdrawal agreement bill</a>.

Europe and Asian stock markets rose on growing expectations that China and the United States will sign a partial trade deal next month, dealers said.

Sterling fell further from Monday's five-month peaks, struck after parliament forced Johnson to request <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-sends-unsigned-letter-seeking-brexit-delay-256989">another extension</a> to Britain's scheduled exit from the European Union.

The pound switched hands at $1.2936 Tuesday, down from $1.2960 late in New York on Monday.

Sterling had earlier Monday spiked $1.3013, the highest level since May.&nbsp;

Johnson published his hotly-awaited withdrawal agreement bill (WAB) late on Monday, with just over a week to go until Brexit on October 31.

"The Brexit saga rumbles on today as MPs debate and vote on the WAB in what is likely to be the first of a few excruciating and long sessions in parliament," said Oanda analyst Craig Erlam.

Johnson faces two crucial Brexit votes that could decide if he still has a reasonable shot at securing his EU divorce by next week's deadline.

Firstly, the Conservative leader hopes parliament gives initial support to a Brexit bill that translates the revised withdrawal agreement he struck with Brussels last week into UK law.

Secondly, he also hopes the lower House of Commons will vote in favour of a speedy timescale to pass the entire legislation in just three days.

The rapid timetable, a big ask for a 110-page text designed to unwind 46 years of intricate EU-UK ties,&nbsp;has sparked outcry from opposition lawmakers.

"The main events of the day will likely come this evening, after the stock market here in London has closed, with parliament set for two key votes on Brexit," said XTB analyst David Cheetham.

Even if the withdrawal bill "passes there’s a fair chance that a vote on the timetable shortly afterwards will fail.

"Several MPs have already voiced their displeasure at the lack of time to scrutinise the bill," he added.

At the same time, Johnson has been forced by parliament to request a three-month extension that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-considers-brexit-extension-boris-johnson-battles-to-save-deal-257370">European leaders will consider</a> once they get a clearer picture of this week's parliamentary votes.

Elsewhere Tuesday, global stock markets gained on modest gains on easing trade war concerns.

US President Donald Trump reinforced hopes Monday that he and Xi Jinping will be able to put pen to paper on a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-phase-1-china-trade-pact-on-track-for-november-257404"> mini pact</a>, saying China had already started promised purchases of farm goods, and that the first part of a wider commitment was almost complete.

"We'll be able to, we think, sign a completed document with China on phase one," Trump said at the White House, adding they would then move on to the next phases.

Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said efforts were being made for it to be ready when the leaders meet at the APEC summit next month in Chile.

Trump's economics adviser Larry Kudlow indicated tariffs planned to go into effect in December could be cancelled if the talks go well.

The British pound fell Tuesday awaiting key Brexit votes on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's withdrawal agreement bill. Europe and Asian stock markets rose on growing expectations that China and the United States will sign a partial trade deal next month, dealers said.

The British pound fell Tuesday awaiting key Brexit votes on Prime Minister Boris Johnson's withdrawal agreement bill. Europe and Asian stock markets rose on growing expectations that China and the United States will sign a partial trade deal next month, dealers said. Sterling fell further from Monday's five-month peaks, struck after parliament forced Johnson to request another extension to Britain's scheduled exit from the European Union. The pound switched hands at $1.2936 Tuesday, down from $1.2960 late in New York on Monday. Sterling had earlier Monday spiked $1.3013, the highest level since May. Johnson published his hotly-awaited withdrawal agreement bill (WAB) late on Monday, with just over a week to go until Brexit on October 31. "The Brexit saga rumbles on today as MPs debate and vote on the WAB in what is likely to be the first of a few excruciating and long sessions in parliament," said Oanda analyst Craig Erlam. Johnson faces two crucial Brexit votes that could decide if he still has a reasonable shot at securing his EU divorce by next week's deadline. Firstly, the Conservative leader hopes parliament gives initial support to a Brexit bill that translates the revised withdrawal agreement he struck with Brussels last week into UK law. Secondly, he also hopes the lower House of Commons will vote in favour of a speedy timescale to pass the entire legislation in just three days. The rapid timetable, a big ask for a 110-page text designed to unwind 46 years of intricate EU-UK ties, has sparked outcry from opposition lawmakers. "The main events of the day will likely come this evening, after the stock market here in London has closed, with parliament set for two key votes on Brexit," said XTB analyst David Cheetham. Even if the withdrawal bill "passes there’s a fair chance that a vote on the timetable shortly afterwards will fail. "Several MPs have already voiced their displeasure at the lack of time to scrutinise the bill," he added. At the same time, Johnson has been forced by parliament to request a three-month extension that European leaders will consider once they get a clearer picture of this week's parliamentary votes. Elsewhere Tuesday, global stock markets gained on modest gains on easing trade war concerns. US President Donald Trump reinforced hopes Monday that he and Xi Jinping will be able to put pen to paper on a mini pact, saying China had already started promised purchases of farm goods, and that the first part of a wider commitment was almost complete. "We'll be able to, we think, sign a completed document with China on phase one," Trump said at the White House, adding they would then move on to the next phases. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said efforts were being made for it to be ready when the leaders meet at the APEC summit next month in Chile. Trump's economics adviser Larry Kudlow indicated tariffs planned to go into effect in December could be cancelled if the talks go well.

British pound falls ahead of Brexit vote

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker insisted Tuesday the EU had done "all in our power" to ensure an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-speaker-john-bercow-blocks-holding-of-new-vote-on-brexit-deal-257365">orderly Brexit</a>, but said the bloc would await British parliamentary approval for a new divorce deal before ratifying it. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Expressing regret that Britain planned to leave the EU on October 31, Juncker said: "At least we can look ourselves in the eyes and say that we have done all in our power to make sure that this departure is orderly."&nbsp;

"We need now to watch events in Westminster very closely. It's not possible, not imaginable that this parliament will ratify the agreement before Westminster will have ratified the agreement," he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is desperately trying to secure a break from Brussels that severs many of the island nation's economic and political ties with Europe after 46 years of EU membership.

Lawmakers in Britain, meeting on a Saturday for the first time in 37 years, voted to demand that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-prepares-fresh-brexit-push-257303">Johnson delay Brexit</a> while they further consider his newly-agreed EU divorce agreement.

The government's new strategy is to get parliament Tuesday to approve an accompanying package of legislation that needs ratifying for Brexit to take effect.

Britain has been struggling to agree on how to leave the EU ever since narrowly backing Brexit in a 2016 referendum.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker insisted Tuesday the EU had done "all in our power" to ensure an orderly Brexit, but said the bloc would await British parliamentary approval for a new divorce deal before ratifying it.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker insisted Tuesday the EU had done "all in our power" to ensure an orderly Brexit, but said the bloc would await British parliamentary approval for a new divorce deal before ratifying it. Expressing regret that Britain planned to leave the EU on October 31, Juncker said: "At least we can look ourselves in the eyes and say that we have done all in our power to make sure that this departure is orderly." "We need now to watch events in Westminster very closely. It's not possible, not imaginable that this parliament will ratify the agreement before Westminster will have ratified the agreement," he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is desperately trying to secure a break from Brussels that severs many of the island nation's economic and political ties with Europe after 46 years of EU membership. Lawmakers in Britain, meeting on a Saturday for the first time in 37 years, voted to demand that Johnson delay Brexit while they further consider his newly-agreed EU divorce agreement. The government's new strategy is to get parliament Tuesday to approve an accompanying package of legislation that needs ratifying for Brexit to take effect. Britain has been struggling to agree on how to leave the EU ever since narrowly backing Brexit in a 2016 referendum.

European Union 'have done all in our power' for orderly Brexit: Juncker

Is United Kingdom Seeking A Brexit Deadline Extension Or A Withdrawal From European Union?

Gravitas: Brexit & The Tale Of Three Letters!

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson battles to save Brexit deal as EU considers Brexit extension.

EU considers Brexit extension, Boris Johnson battles to save deal

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will again try to put his Brexit deal to a vote in parliament on Monday after he was forced by his opponents to send a letter to Brussels seeking a delay to Britain's departure from the European Union.

WION Dispatch: Boris Johnson to push for 2nd vote on his deal

European Union leaders were on Sunday considering a request by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-sends-unsigned-letter-seeking-brexit-delay-256989">Prime Minister Boris Johnson to delay Britain's departure from the bloc,</a> which he was forced to make after MPs refused to back his Brexit deal.

Johnson has pinned his premiership on getting Britain out of the European Union on October 31, more than three years after the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit.

But the House of Commons on Saturday refused to support a divorce deal he struck with Brussels last week, triggering a law demanding he asks to delay Brexit to avoid the risk of a damaging "no-deal" exit.

The Conservative leader duly sent a letter to European Council President Donald Tusk late Saturday asking for the required three-month delay, but did not sign it.

He sent a second letter, signed, warning that "a further extension would damage the interests of the UK and our EU partners".

A defiant Johnson had earlier told MPs: "I will not negotiate a delay with the EU."

Tusk said he would begin consulting EU leaders "on how to react", a process one diplomat said could take a few days.

Johnson has already spoken to the leaders of France, Germany and the Netherlands to press his case, and Paris warned Saturday that a Brexit delay was "in nobody's interest".

Votes loom next week

In the meantime, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-urges-united-kingdom-to-explain-brexit-plan-as-soon-as-possible-256956">Johnson will bring forward legislation</a> that he hopes would nevertheless allow Brexit on October 31.

MPs voted to withhold approval for his divorce deal unless and until the legislation required to ratify the treaty is passed through parliament.

The government is seeking a new vote on its deal on Monday, although this may fall foul of parliamentary procedure.

If it introduces the treaty implementation bill on Monday, however, MPs could be called to vote as early as Tuesday.

Johnson wrote to Tusk that he was "confident" he could get it through before the of the month.

However, the main opposition Labour Party has condemned the deal as a "sell-out", while Johnson's Northern Irish allies are opposed to its arrangements for the province.

'House of fools'

Johnson sent the letter to Brussels after a day of high drama in the Commons, which staged its first Saturday sitting in 37 years to debate his Brexit deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-delay-brexit-deal-decision-256944">He urged MPs to end years of uncertainty</a> that has weighed on the economy and divided the nation, but they refused, warning his deal would leave Britain worse off.

"Why won't they let us leave?" lamented the Brexit-backing Sunday Express newspaper.

The Mail on Sunday led with the headline "The House of Fools", warning MPs had "subjected us to yet more agonising delay".

The Brexit date has already been pushed back twice, to the fury of those who wanted to chart their own course and abandon the European project after nearly 50 years.

But there was also jubilation at the vote among tens of thousands of protesters who gathered outside parliament on Saturday to demand a new referendum to reverse Brexit.

"That's really good, that's one step away from Brexit," demonstrator Philip Dobson told AFP.

"Reject Brexit", "Put It To The People" and "Stop This Madness" read some of the placards at the mass march, where many protesters also waved EU flags.

No-deal fears

Johnson took office in July vowing to leave the EU on October 31 come what may.

But MPs fearful of the risks of a "no-deal" departure sought to bind his hands, with a law demanding he delay Brexit if he failed to get an agreement approved by October 19.

The amendment passed Saturday is designed specifically to avoid this scenario.

MPs had feared they might pass the Brexit deal but then get bogged down with the laws needed to implement it, risking Britain accidentally crashing out of the EU at the end of the month.

European Union leaders were on Sunday considering a request by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to delay Britain's departure from the bloc, which he was forced to make after MPs refused to back his Brexit deal.

European Union leaders were on Sunday considering a request by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to delay Britain's departure from the bloc, which he was forced to make after MPs refused to back his Brexit deal. Johnson has pinned his premiership on getting Britain out of the European Union on October 31, more than three years after the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit. But the House of Commons on Saturday refused to support a divorce deal he struck with Brussels last week, triggering a law demanding he asks to delay Brexit to avoid the risk of a damaging "no-deal" exit. The Conservative leader duly sent a letter to European Council President Donald Tusk late Saturday asking for the required three-month delay, but did not sign it. He sent a second letter, signed, warning that "a further extension would damage the interests of the UK and our EU partners". A defiant Johnson had earlier told MPs: "I will not negotiate a delay with the EU." Tusk said he would begin consulting EU leaders "on how to react", a process one diplomat said could take a few days. Johnson has already spoken to the leaders of France, Germany and the Netherlands to press his case, and Paris warned Saturday that a Brexit delay was "in nobody's interest". Votes loom next week In the meantime, Johnson will bring forward legislation that he hopes would nevertheless allow Brexit on October 31. MPs voted to withhold approval for his divorce deal unless and until the legislation required to ratify the treaty is passed through parliament. The government is seeking a new vote on its deal on Monday, although this may fall foul of parliamentary procedure. If it introduces the treaty implementation bill on Monday, however, MPs could be called to vote as early as Tuesday. Johnson wrote to Tusk that he was "confident" he could get it through before the of the month. However, the main opposition Labour Party has condemned the deal as a "sell-out", while Johnson's Northern Irish allies are opposed to its arrangements for the province. 'House of fools' Johnson sent the letter to Brussels after a day of high drama in the Commons, which staged its first Saturday sitting in 37 years to debate his Brexit deal. He urged MPs to end years of uncertainty that has weighed on the economy and divided the nation, but they refused, warning his deal would leave Britain worse off. "Why won't they let us leave?" lamented the Brexit-backing Sunday Express newspaper. The Mail on Sunday led with the headline "The House of Fools", warning MPs had "subjected us to yet more agonising delay". The Brexit date has already been pushed back twice, to the fury of those who wanted to chart their own course and abandon the European project after nearly 50 years. But there was also jubilation at the vote among tens of thousands of protesters who gathered outside parliament on Saturday to demand a new referendum to reverse Brexit. "That's really good, that's one step away from Brexit," demonstrator Philip Dobson told AFP. "Reject Brexit", "Put It To The People" and "Stop This Madness" read some of the placards at the mass march, where many protesters also waved EU flags. No-deal fears Johnson took office in July vowing to leave the EU on October 31 come what may. But MPs fearful of the risks of a "no-deal" departure sought to bind his hands, with a law demanding he delay Brexit if he failed to get an agreement approved by October 19. The amendment passed Saturday is designed specifically to avoid this scenario. MPs had feared they might pass the Brexit deal but then get bogged down with the laws needed to implement it, risking Britain accidentally crashing out of the EU at the end of the month.

European Union mulls Johnson's reluctant Brexit delay request

European Union officials called Sunday for a ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying the breakdown in talks between the US and the Taliban presented an opportunity to push anew for a truce.

US President Donald Trump last month declared talks with the insurgents "dead", citing a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier.

Negotiations had been in the final stages for a deal that would have seen the US pull troops from Afghanistan after 18 years in return for various Taliban guarantees.

But to the dismay of many Afghans and international observers, the deal included no immediate, comprehensive ceasefire, rather it would supposedly have paved the way for a reduction in violence and later talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

Roland Kobia, the EU special envoy for Afghanistan, said the talks' collapse provided a chance to push for a ceasefire which would, in turn, prove a large enough change in Afghanistan for Trump to consider resuming negotiations.

"It's the right moment and the right opportunity to maybe go one step beyond a simple reduction in violence and explore ways in which a ceasefire ... will take place," Kobia told Kabul journalists.

"The idea is really to see how we can move the ceasefire idea forward instead of leaving it for later.... There is an opportunity here today".

When asked how the EU, which has only a limited footprint in Afghanistan, could leverage a truce, Kobia suggested that the Taliban might return to power in "one form or another" within months so would entertain a truce to help normalise future relations with the European bloc.

"A ceasefire would be a token, a guarantee of goodwill and good preparation for the normalisation of these relationships," Kobia said.

The Taliban, for its part, has steadfastly ruled out an immediate ceasefire but last year downed weapons for a three-day truce.

Delayed election results

Afghanistan is currently in an uneasy waiting period following the first round of presidential elections on September 28.&nbsp;

Results were supposed to be released Saturday but have been indefinitely delayed due to "technical issues", the Independent Election Commission said.

Pierre Mayaudon, head of the EU delegation in Afghanistan, said a delay of a few days to finalise results was legitimate to ensure votes were fairly counted.

"But not many more days that again will go into weeks and will possibly raise the perception that something is happening," he told reporters.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper meanwhile arrived in Kabul on Sunday on an unannounced visit.

According to Fawad Aman, a spokesman for the Afghan defence ministry, Esper was due to meet with "key leaders and receive an operational update".

US Forces-Afghanistan, headquartered in Kabul, did not immediately return a request for comment on Esper's visit.

Since Trump ended talks with the Taliban, Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading negotiations, has spoken informally with insurgents in Pakistan, raising the possibility the US is seeking to resume discussions.

In the meantime, violence in Afghanistan continues unabated. On Friday, at least 70 people were killed when a mosque in Nangarhar province was bombed.

European Union officials called Sunday for a ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying the breakdown in talks between the US and the Taliban presented an opportunity to push anew for a truce.

European Union officials called Sunday for a ceasefire in Afghanistan, saying the breakdown in talks between the US and the Taliban presented an opportunity to push anew for a truce. US President Donald Trump last month declared talks with the insurgents "dead", citing a Taliban attack that killed a US soldier. Negotiations had been in the final stages for a deal that would have seen the US pull troops from Afghanistan after 18 years in return for various Taliban guarantees. But to the dismay of many Afghans and international observers, the deal included no immediate, comprehensive ceasefire, rather it would supposedly have paved the way for a reduction in violence and later talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. Roland Kobia, the EU special envoy for Afghanistan, said the talks' collapse provided a chance to push for a ceasefire which would, in turn, prove a large enough change in Afghanistan for Trump to consider resuming negotiations. "It's the right moment and the right opportunity to maybe go one step beyond a simple reduction in violence and explore ways in which a ceasefire ... will take place," Kobia told Kabul journalists. "The idea is really to see how we can move the ceasefire idea forward instead of leaving it for later.... There is an opportunity here today". When asked how the EU, which has only a limited footprint in Afghanistan, could leverage a truce, Kobia suggested that the Taliban might return to power in "one form or another" within months so would entertain a truce to help normalise future relations with the European bloc. "A ceasefire would be a token, a guarantee of goodwill and good preparation for the normalisation of these relationships," Kobia said. The Taliban, for its part, has steadfastly ruled out an immediate ceasefire but last year downed weapons for a three-day truce. Delayed election results Afghanistan is currently in an uneasy waiting period following the first round of presidential elections on September 28. Results were supposed to be released Saturday but have been indefinitely delayed due to "technical issues", the Independent Election Commission said. Pierre Mayaudon, head of the EU delegation in Afghanistan, said a delay of a few days to finalise results was legitimate to ensure votes were fairly counted. "But not many more days that again will go into weeks and will possibly raise the perception that something is happening," he told reporters. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper meanwhile arrived in Kabul on Sunday on an unannounced visit. According to Fawad Aman, a spokesman for the Afghan defence ministry, Esper was due to meet with "key leaders and receive an operational update". US Forces-Afghanistan, headquartered in Kabul, did not immediately return a request for comment on Esper's visit. Since Trump ended talks with the Taliban, Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy leading negotiations, has spoken informally with insurgents in Pakistan, raising the possibility the US is seeking to resume discussions. In the meantime, violence in Afghanistan continues unabated. On Friday, at least 70 people were killed when a mosque in Nangarhar province was bombed.

European Union calls for Afghanistan ceasefire

Brexit will happen by October 31, British government minister Michael Gove said on Sunday, despite lawmakers forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to send a letter on Saturday,&nbsp;to the European Union requesting a delay.

"We are going to leave by October 31, we have the means and the ability to do so," Gove, the minister is in charge of no-deal Brexit preparations, told Sky News.

The fractious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-urges-united-kingdom-to-explain-brexit-plan-as-soon-as-possible-256956">British parliament refused to vote on Johnson's new Brexit</a> withdrawal deal on Saturday, a move that forced him to seek a third postponement of Britain's departure from the bloc. It has so far been envisaged for October 31.

After the British parliament refused to endorse Johnson's deal at the first time of asking on Saturday, the prime minister sent a letter to the bloc requesting a delay, as required by a law passed earlier by parliament.

Gove said that Johnson had sent the letter because it was required by parliament, but "parliament can't change the prime minister's mind".

At a rare Sunday meeting of ambassadors of the 27 states that will make up the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-delay-brexit-deal-decision-256944">EU after Brexit</a>, the diplomats decided to forward Johnson's deal to the European Parliament for its required approval. The EU chamber sits in Strasbourg next week.

Brexit will happen by October 31, British government minister Michael Gove said on Sunday, despite lawmakers forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to send a letter on Saturday, to the European Union requesting a delay.

Brexit will happen by October 31, British government minister Michael Gove said on Sunday, despite lawmakers forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to send a letter on Saturday, to the European Union requesting a delay. "We are going to leave by October 31, we have the means and the ability to do so," Gove, the minister is in charge of no-deal Brexit preparations, told Sky News. The fractious British parliament refused to vote on Johnson's new Brexit withdrawal deal on Saturday, a move that forced him to seek a third postponement of Britain's departure from the bloc. It has so far been envisaged for October 31. After the British parliament refused to endorse Johnson's deal at the first time of asking on Saturday, the prime minister sent a letter to the bloc requesting a delay, as required by a law passed earlier by parliament. Gove said that Johnson had sent the letter because it was required by parliament, but "parliament can't change the prime minister's mind". At a rare Sunday meeting of ambassadors of the 27 states that will make up the EU after Brexit, the diplomats decided to forward Johnson's deal to the European Parliament for its required approval. The EU chamber sits in Strasbourg next week.

Gove says United Kingdom will leave European Union by October 31, Farage calls for general election

Brussels officials on Sunday pressed on with plans to ratify <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-mulls-johnsons-reluctant-brexit-delay-request-257025">the divorce deal</a> as European leaders considered Prime Minister Boris Johnson's reluctant request for a Brexit delay.

Ambassadors and senior officials from the other 27 members states met Sunday after British MPs forced Johnson to send EU Council president Donald Tusk a late request to postpone the withdrawal.

But Tusk will spend a "few days" canvassing member state leaders, meaning the British parliament will likely have to vote on Brexit again before hearing their decision on the October 31 departure.

"It was a very short and normal meeting of the EU ambassadors to launch the next steps of the EU ratification of the agreement," EU negotiator Michel Barnier told reporters after Sunday's talks.

Diplomats told AFP the ambassadors' meeting lasted only 15 minutes and had dealt simply with EU ratification, although a participant said they had "taken note" of Johnson's letter.

Asked whether he thought EU leaders would grant a delay, Barnier said: "President Tusk will consult in the next days."

Previous deal torpedoed

On Saturday, MPs pushed through an amendment obliging a furious Johnson to ask for an extension until the British legislation governing the withdrawal is drafted and passed. &nbsp;

Johnson, who refused to sign the letter and insists no delay is necessary, plans to bring the Brexit agreement he reached with Barnier last week to a vote on Monday.

MPs will thus have to vote without knowing whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-sends-unsigned-letter-seeking-brexit-delay-256989">EU leaders will allow an extension</a>, and if so whether they will delay Brexit as far as January 31 next year, as the British letter requested.

"Further developments on the British side will have to be taken into account," another European diplomat confirmed.

"What was decided on Thursday stays on the table. The British parliament didn't reject the deal, so no need to change course."

And one diplomat took to Twitter to complain that his Sunday morning had been disrupted by British political manoeuvres.

Gregor Schusterschitz, Austria's deputy permanent representative to the EU, sent a picture of the meeting agenda.&nbsp;

"What better way at to start a Sunday morning than with a meeting on Brexit... and this in all the uncertainty yet again created by the House of Commons," he added.&nbsp;

European sources were not sure how any decision on an extension will be made. Tusk could call a special summit next week, but diplomats said he is more likely to use a written procedure.

One European diplomat suggested a summit would only be necessary if British MPs reject the deal next week and overturn the whole process. Any decision, either way, must be unanimous.

Last week, EU and UK negotiators announced an agreement to govern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-urges-united-kingdom-to-explain-brexit-plan-as-soon-as-possible-256956">Britain's departure from the bloc</a> at the end of the month and European leaders endorsed it at a summit on Thursday.

The EU parliament will begin its own ratification procedures on Monday but Britain's House of Commons, which torpedoed an earlier agreement signed a year earlier, still has its doubts.

Brussels officials on Sunday pressed on with plans to ratify the divorce deal as European leaders considered Prime Minister Boris Johnson's reluctant request for a Brexit delay.

Brussels officials on Sunday pressed on with plans to ratify the divorce deal as European leaders considered Prime Minister Boris Johnson's reluctant request for a Brexit delay. Ambassadors and senior officials from the other 27 members states met Sunday after British MPs forced Johnson to send EU Council president Donald Tusk a late request to postpone the withdrawal. But Tusk will spend a "few days" canvassing member state leaders, meaning the British parliament will likely have to vote on Brexit again before hearing their decision on the October 31 departure. "It was a very short and normal meeting of the EU ambassadors to launch the next steps of the EU ratification of the agreement," EU negotiator Michel Barnier told reporters after Sunday's talks. Diplomats told AFP the ambassadors' meeting lasted only 15 minutes and had dealt simply with EU ratification, although a participant said they had "taken note" of Johnson's letter. Asked whether he thought EU leaders would grant a delay, Barnier said: "President Tusk will consult in the next days." Previous deal torpedoed On Saturday, MPs pushed through an amendment obliging a furious Johnson to ask for an extension until the British legislation governing the withdrawal is drafted and passed. Johnson, who refused to sign the letter and insists no delay is necessary, plans to bring the Brexit agreement he reached with Barnier last week to a vote on Monday. MPs will thus have to vote without knowing whether EU leaders will allow an extension, and if so whether they will delay Brexit as far as January 31 next year, as the British letter requested. "Further developments on the British side will have to be taken into account," another European diplomat confirmed. "What was decided on Thursday stays on the table. The British parliament didn't reject the deal, so no need to change course." And one diplomat took to Twitter to complain that his Sunday morning had been disrupted by British political manoeuvres. Gregor Schusterschitz, Austria's deputy permanent representative to the EU, sent a picture of the meeting agenda. "What better way at to start a Sunday morning than with a meeting on Brexit... and this in all the uncertainty yet again created by the House of Commons," he added. European sources were not sure how any decision on an extension will be made. Tusk could call a special summit next week, but diplomats said he is more likely to use a written procedure. One European diplomat suggested a summit would only be necessary if British MPs reject the deal next week and overturn the whole process. Any decision, either way, must be unanimous. Last week, EU and UK negotiators announced an agreement to govern Britain's departure from the bloc at the end of the month and European leaders endorsed it at a summit on Thursday. The EU parliament will begin its own ratification procedures on Monday but Britain's House of Commons, which torpedoed an earlier agreement signed a year earlier, still has its doubts.

European Union moves to ratify Brexit accord despite delay request

Johnson faces a Brexit showdown with parliament on Saturday after clinching a last-minute divorce deal with the European Union that his Northern Irish allies and opposition parties, oppose.

UK Parliament to vote on Brexit Deal Today

The European Commission urged British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-delay-brexit-deal-decision-256944">Boris Johnson's government on Saturday to quickly explain</a> how it wants to proceed with Brexit preparations after losing another parliamentary vote.

Spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said Brussels "takes note of the vote in the House of Commons today on the so-called Letwin Amendment meaning that the Withdrawal Agreement itself was not put to vote today.&nbsp;

"It will be for the UK government to inform us about the next steps as soon as possible," she tweeted.

Earlier, the British parliament passed an amendment which has the effect of forcing Johnson to ask EU leaders to delay <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-brexit-activists-march-to-parliament-as-members-of-parliament-debate-deal-256941">Brexit beyond October 31</a>, something he had vowed not to do.

The delay would have to be requested by a letter from the British government to the European Council, which represents member state leaders in Brussels.

An official at the council said it had "no comment for now".

Saturday's parliamentary manoeuvres follow the announcement at an EU summit on Thursday that London and Brussels had come to an agreement to allow Britain to leave the bloc at the end of the month. &nbsp;

The European Commission urged British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government on Saturday to quickly explain how it wants to proceed with Brexit preparations after losing another parliamentary vote.

The European Commission urged British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government on Saturday to quickly explain how it wants to proceed with Brexit preparations after losing another parliamentary vote. Spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said Brussels "takes note of the vote in the House of Commons today on the so-called Letwin Amendment meaning that the Withdrawal Agreement itself was not put to vote today. "It will be for the UK government to inform us about the next steps as soon as possible," she tweeted. Earlier, the British parliament passed an amendment which has the effect of forcing Johnson to ask EU leaders to delay Brexit beyond October 31, something he had vowed not to do. The delay would have to be requested by a letter from the British government to the European Council, which represents member state leaders in Brussels. An official at the council said it had "no comment for now". Saturday's parliamentary manoeuvres follow the announcement at an EU summit on Thursday that London and Brussels had come to an agreement to allow Britain to leave the bloc at the end of the month.

European Union urges United Kingdom to explain Brexit plan 'as soon as possible'

Tens of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-in-the-balance-as-british-members-of-parliament-hold-knife-edge-vote-256892">pro-EU protesters from across Britain</a> wielding banners, placards and flags converged on parliament on Saturday, as MPs debated the government's Brexit deal.

Beneath largely clear blue skies, demonstrators rallied near Hyde Park in central London before marching to Westminster to call for a second referendum on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-scrambles-to-sell-brexit-deal-to-mps-256702">Britain's planned EU departure</a>.

Walking behind a pink banner proclaiming "together for the final say", they chanted: "What do we want? People's vote! When do we want it? Now."

"The first referendum was jumping on a train without a destination," said Douglas Hill, 35, from Oxford, south-central England, with his Estonian wife and their baby daughter.

"Now that we have a destination, we need to have a second referendum."

Another attendee, Theodor Howe, a 20-year-old student in Dundee, eastern Scotland, conceded another poll could be divisive but insisted it was still necessary.

"People should have a say in what is going to happen," he told AFP, expressing hope that MPs reject Johnson's deal and that he is forced to ask Brussels for another delay.

Politicians including John McDonnell, from the main opposition Labour party, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, were due to address the crowds.

Organisers from the People's Vote pressure group laid on 172 buses to bring people to the British capital, with the cost covered by supporters from sport, business and entertainment, it said.

Former prime ministers John Major, a Conservative, and Tony Blair, of Labour, feature in a film set to be broadcast to the crowds once they arrive in Parliament Square.

"Whatever is the outcome, no deal or bad deal, it should not pass without the final say resting with the people," they said in a statement Friday.

London Mayor Khan was among those leading the crowd as it snaked its way towards parliament, which was holding its first Saturday sitting since the 1982 Falklands War as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-new-way-forward-for-britain-and-eu-pm-boris-johnson-256870">British prime minister bids</a> to win MPs backing.

The protesters unveiled an effigy depicting Johnson as a puppet operated by his chief advisor Dominic Cummings -- a highly divisive figure who led the 2016 campaign to leave the EU.

A smaller counter-protest by Brexit supporters draped in Britain's union flag was also staged in Westminster, with rival demonstrators verbally sparring with each other in the shadow in parliament.

Tens of thousands of pro-EU protesters from across Britain wielding banners, placards and flags converged on parliament on Saturday, as MPs debated the government's Brexit deal.

Tens of thousands of pro-EU protesters from across Britain wielding banners, placards and flags converged on parliament on Saturday, as MPs debated the government's Brexit deal. Beneath largely clear blue skies, demonstrators rallied near Hyde Park in central London before marching to Westminster to call for a second referendum on Britain's planned EU departure. Walking behind a pink banner proclaiming "together for the final say", they chanted: "What do we want? People's vote! When do we want it? Now." "The first referendum was jumping on a train without a destination," said Douglas Hill, 35, from Oxford, south-central England, with his Estonian wife and their baby daughter. "Now that we have a destination, we need to have a second referendum." Another attendee, Theodor Howe, a 20-year-old student in Dundee, eastern Scotland, conceded another poll could be divisive but insisted it was still necessary. "People should have a say in what is going to happen," he told AFP, expressing hope that MPs reject Johnson's deal and that he is forced to ask Brussels for another delay. Politicians including John McDonnell, from the main opposition Labour party, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, were due to address the crowds. Organisers from the People's Vote pressure group laid on 172 buses to bring people to the British capital, with the cost covered by supporters from sport, business and entertainment, it said. Former prime ministers John Major, a Conservative, and Tony Blair, of Labour, feature in a film set to be broadcast to the crowds once they arrive in Parliament Square. "Whatever is the outcome, no deal or bad deal, it should not pass without the final say resting with the people," they said in a statement Friday. London Mayor Khan was among those leading the crowd as it snaked its way towards parliament, which was holding its first Saturday sitting since the 1982 Falklands War as the British prime minister bids to win MPs backing. The protesters unveiled an effigy depicting Johnson as a puppet operated by his chief advisor Dominic Cummings -- a highly divisive figure who led the 2016 campaign to leave the EU. A smaller counter-protest by Brexit supporters draped in Britain's union flag was also staged in Westminster, with rival demonstrators verbally sparring with each other in the shadow in parliament.

Anti-Brexit activists march to parliament as Members of Parliament debate deal

North Macedonia's Prime Minister on Saturday called for early elections after the European Union (EU) failed to open membership talks for his Balkan state, which had been the key goal of his administration.&nbsp;

"This is what I'm proposing: organising quick snap elections where you, citizens, will decide the road we are going to take," Zoran Zaev said in a televised address a day after the bitter disappointment from Brussels.&nbsp;

After hours of heated wrangling, EU leaders were thwarted from greenlighting the start of Skopje's accession talks on Friday because of opposition chiefly from France.

"We are victims of the EU's historical mistake," Zaev said in his address, echoing the words of European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and other top officials in Brussels who had fought hard to open the talks and were deeply apologetic.

"I am disappointed and angry and I know that the entire population feels this way," Zaev continued.

He said he would meet with the president and other political leaders on Sunday to discuss the next steps.

A Social Democrat who came to power in 2017, Zaev staked all of his political capital into putting North Macedonia on a path to the EU.&nbsp;

He had to battle fierce opposition from nationalist forces to change his country's name,&nbsp;which was previously Macedonia,&nbsp;to overcome a row with Greece that had been standing in the way of the country's EU integration.

North Macedonia's Prime Minister on Saturday called for early elections after the European Union (EU) failed to open membership talks for his Balkan state, which had been the key goal of his administration.

North Macedonia's Prime Minister on Saturday called for early elections after the European Union (EU) failed to open membership talks for his Balkan state, which had been the key goal of his administration. "This is what I'm proposing: organising quick snap elections where you, citizens, will decide the road we are going to take," Zoran Zaev said in a televised address a day after the bitter disappointment from Brussels. After hours of heated wrangling, EU leaders were thwarted from greenlighting the start of Skopje's accession talks on Friday because of opposition chiefly from France. "We are victims of the EU's historical mistake," Zaev said in his address, echoing the words of European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker and other top officials in Brussels who had fought hard to open the talks and were deeply apologetic. "I am disappointed and angry and I know that the entire population feels this way," Zaev continued. He said he would meet with the president and other political leaders on Sunday to discuss the next steps. A Social Democrat who came to power in 2017, Zaev staked all of his political capital into putting North Macedonia on a path to the EU. He had to battle fierce opposition from nationalist forces to change his country's name, which was previously Macedonia, to overcome a row with Greece that had been standing in the way of the country's EU integration.

Northern Macedonia Prime Minister calls for snap elections after European Union snub

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-day-of-reckoning-parliament-to-vote-on-boris-johnsons-deal-256805">Brexit deal</a> offered a "new way forward" for Britain and the EU, as he urged MPs to vote for it in a rare weekend session of parliament.

He told lawmakers the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-how-boris-johnsons-brexit-deal-is-different-from-theresa-mays-version-256727">divorce agreement</a> he struck this week in Brussels would be a "new way forward and a new and better deal both for Britain and our friends in the EU".

Johnson also warned against further delay to Britain's departure from the European Union, telling lawmakers there was "little appetite" for another extension.

He told parliament that "further delay is pointless, expensive and deeply corrosive to public trust", as MPs sat on a weekend for the first time in 37 years to debate his divorce agreement.

Britain's parliament sat on a Saturday for the first time in 37-years to debate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-scrambles-to-sell-brexit-deal-to-mps-256702">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s Brexit deal to leave the European Union.

Johnson is currently making a statement to lawmakers, after which there will be a debate and then votes on amendments and finally - if all goes according to the government's plan - his deal.

Watch: Brexit - a chance or challenge for India?

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MPs will decide on the divorce deal struck with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/european-union-leaders-discuss-12-trillion-post-brexit-budget-256617">EU leaders</a> on Thursday, in a knife-edge vote that could see Britain out of the bloc on October 31. Parliament's last Saturday session was in 1982.

More than three years since the United Kingdom voted 52-48 to be the first country to leave the European project, Johnson will try to win parliament's approval for the divorce treaty he struck in Brussels on Thursday.

Johnson depicted the vote as the last chance to secure an orderly&nbsp;Brexit. Though he is obliged by law to seek a&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;delay if his deal falls, Johnson said the United Kingdom would still leave on October 31. He didn't explain how.

The so-called&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;"Super Saturday" tops a frenetic week which saw Johnson confound his opponents by clinching a new&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;deal although his Northern Irish allies opposed it.

In a divided parliament where he has no majority and opponents are plotting maximum political damage ahead of an imminent election, Johnson must now win the support of 320 lawmakers to pass his deal.

If he wins the vote, Johnson will go down in history as the leader who delivered a&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;- for good or bad - that pulls the United Kingdom far out of the EU's orbit.

Should he fail, Johnson will face the humiliation of&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;unravelling after repeatedly promising that he would get it done - "do or die" - by October 31.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said his Brexit deal offered a "new way forward" for Britain and the EU, as he urged MPs to vote for it in a rare weekend session of parliament.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said his Brexit deal offered a "new way forward" for Britain and the EU, as he urged MPs to vote for it in a rare weekend session of parliament. He told lawmakers the divorce agreement he struck this week in Brussels would be a "new way forward and a new and better deal both for Britain and our friends in the EU". Johnson also warned against further delay to Britain's departure from the European Union, telling lawmakers there was "little appetite" for another extension. He told parliament that "further delay is pointless, expensive and deeply corrosive to public trust", as MPs sat on a weekend for the first time in 37 years to debate his divorce agreement. Britain's parliament sat on a Saturday for the first time in 37-years to debate Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit deal to leave the European Union. Johnson is currently making a statement to lawmakers, after which there will be a debate and then votes on amendments and finally - if all goes according to the government's plan - his deal. Watch: Brexit - a chance or challenge for India? × MPs will decide on the divorce deal struck with EU leaders on Thursday, in a knife-edge vote that could see Britain out of the bloc on October 31. Parliament's last Saturday session was in 1982. More than three years since the United Kingdom voted 52-48 to be the first country to leave the European project, Johnson will try to win parliament's approval for the divorce treaty he struck in Brussels on Thursday. Johnson depicted the vote as the last chance to secure an orderly Brexit. Though he is obliged by law to seek a Brexit delay if his deal falls, Johnson said the United Kingdom would still leave on October 31. He didn't explain how. The so-called Brexit "Super Saturday" tops a frenetic week which saw Johnson confound his opponents by clinching a new Brexit deal although his Northern Irish allies opposed it. In a divided parliament where he has no majority and opponents are plotting maximum political damage ahead of an imminent election, Johnson must now win the support of 320 lawmakers to pass his deal. If he wins the vote, Johnson will go down in history as the leader who delivered a Brexit - for good or bad - that pulls the United Kingdom far out of the EU's orbit. Should he fail, Johnson will face the humiliation of Brexit unravelling after repeatedly promising that he would get it done - "do or die" - by October 31.

Ahead of parliament vote on Brexit deal, Johnson says it is the 'new way forward for Britain and EU'

Brexit basics: What it is and why does it matter?

European&nbsp;Union&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;will&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;a new&nbsp;budget&nbsp;plan on Friday that could allow the bloc to spend up to 1.1&nbsp;trillion&nbsp;euros&nbsp;in the 2021-2027 period, but deep divisions among governments could block a deal for months.

Under a proposal prepared by Finland, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, the next long-term&nbsp;budget&nbsp;should have a financial capacity between 1.03 per cent&nbsp;and 1.08 per cent&nbsp;of the bloc's gross national income (GNI), a measure of output.

That would allow the EU to spend between 1 and 1.1&nbsp;trillion&nbsp;euros for seven years with its first&nbsp;budget&nbsp;after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-agrees-brexit-deal-but-must-now-win-over-parliament-256575">exit from the club of Britain</a>, one of the top contributors to EU coffers.

The document, seen by Reuters, is less ambitious than proposals put forward by the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Commission, the EU executive, which is seeking a&nbsp;budget&nbsp;worth 1.1 per cent&nbsp;of GNI. The EU parliament called for an even higher&nbsp;budget&nbsp;at 1.3 per cent&nbsp;of GNI.

But the Finnish proposal moves beyond a 1 per cent&nbsp;cap set by Germany, the bloc's largest economy.

Finland's midway solution has displeased most of the 27 EU states, EU officials said, anticipating long negotiations before a compromise can be reached.

Talks on&nbsp;budgets are traditionally among the most divisive in a bloc that in recent years has become increasingly prone to quarrels, as its states are deeply split over economic policies, financial reforms and how to handle migrants.

The Finnish proposal, which cuts spending on farmers and poorer regions, has managed to unite the divided EU&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;in its criticism.

"The text has caused nearly unanimous dissatisfaction," a diplomat involved in the talks said.

While the bloc has embarked on a range of new expensive policies, such as protecting its borders and increasing social security, states are reluctant to pay more.

Germany and other Nordic supporters of a smaller&nbsp;budget&nbsp;argue that because of&nbsp;Brexit, they would pay more into EU coffers even with a 1 per cent&nbsp;cap because they would need to compensate for the loss of Britain's transfers.

Eastern and southern states, who benefit from EU funds on poorer regions and agriculture, are keen to see a bigger&nbsp;budget, and are not happy with Finland's proposed cuts on these sectors.

Under the proposal, subsidies to poor regions would drop to less than 30 per cent&nbsp;of the&nbsp;budget&nbsp;from 34 per cent&nbsp;now, while aid to farmers would fall to slightly more than 30 per cent&nbsp;from over 35 per cent&nbsp;of the total.

To complicate matters, the new&nbsp;budget&nbsp;should also include rules that would suspend funding to member states with rule-of-law shortcomings, such as limits to media freedom or the independence of judges.

This is irking states like Poland and Hungary which Brussels has long accused of breaches in the rule of law after judiciary and media reforms adopted by their far-right governments.

Friday's meeting is seen as a starting point and is not supposed to find a compromise, but divisions are so deep that many officials fear a deal may not be reached by a self-imposed December deadline. A later deal would delay the launch of spending programmes.

The Finns remained confident, however, and insist their suggested spending range would eventually be backed by EU states. "The fact that almost everybody is against our text shows we have put forward a fair proposal," one diplomat said.

European Union leaders will discuss a new budget plan on Friday that could allow the bloc to spend up to 1.1 trillion euros in the 2021-2027 period, but deep divisions among governments could block a deal for months.

European Union leaders will discuss a new budget plan on Friday that could allow the bloc to spend up to 1.1 trillion euros in the 2021-2027 period, but deep divisions among governments could block a deal for months. Under a proposal prepared by Finland, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, the next long-term budget should have a financial capacity between 1.03 per cent and 1.08 per cent of the bloc's gross national income (GNI), a measure of output. That would allow the EU to spend between 1 and 1.1 trillion euros for seven years with its first budget after the exit from the club of Britain, one of the top contributors to EU coffers. The document, seen by Reuters, is less ambitious than proposals put forward by the European Commission, the EU executive, which is seeking a budget worth 1.1 per cent of GNI. The EU parliament called for an even higher budget at 1.3 per cent of GNI. But the Finnish proposal moves beyond a 1 per cent cap set by Germany, the bloc's largest economy. Finland's midway solution has displeased most of the 27 EU states, EU officials said, anticipating long negotiations before a compromise can be reached. Talks on budgets are traditionally among the most divisive in a bloc that in recent years has become increasingly prone to quarrels, as its states are deeply split over economic policies, financial reforms and how to handle migrants. The Finnish proposal, which cuts spending on farmers and poorer regions, has managed to unite the divided EU leaders in its criticism. "The text has caused nearly unanimous dissatisfaction," a diplomat involved in the talks said. While the bloc has embarked on a range of new expensive policies, such as protecting its borders and increasing social security, states are reluctant to pay more. Germany and other Nordic supporters of a smaller budget argue that because of Brexit, they would pay more into EU coffers even with a 1 per cent cap because they would need to compensate for the loss of Britain's transfers. Eastern and southern states, who benefit from EU funds on poorer regions and agriculture, are keen to see a bigger budget, and are not happy with Finland's proposed cuts on these sectors. Under the proposal, subsidies to poor regions would drop to less than 30 per cent of the budget from 34 per cent now, while aid to farmers would fall to slightly more than 30 per cent from over 35 per cent of the total. To complicate matters, the new budget should also include rules that would suspend funding to member states with rule-of-law shortcomings, such as limits to media freedom or the independence of judges. This is irking states like Poland and Hungary which Brussels has long accused of breaches in the rule of law after judiciary and media reforms adopted by their far-right governments. Friday's meeting is seen as a starting point and is not supposed to find a compromise, but divisions are so deep that many officials fear a deal may not be reached by a self-imposed December deadline. A later deal would delay the launch of spending programmes. The Finns remained confident, however, and insist their suggested spending range would eventually be backed by EU states. "The fact that almost everybody is against our text shows we have put forward a fair proposal," one diplomat said.

European Union leaders discuss $1.2 trillion post-Brexit budget

The United States imposed tariffs on a record $7.5-billion worth of European Union goods on Friday, despite threats of retaliation, with Airbus, French wine and Scottish whiskies among the high-profile targets.

The tariffs, which took effect just after midnight in Washington (0401 GMT), came after talks between European officials and US trade representatives failed to win a last-minute reprieve.

The WTO-endorsed onslaught from US President Donald Trump also comes as Washington is mired in a trade war with China and could risk destabilising the global economy further.

In the line of fire are civilian aircraft from Britain, France, Germany and Spain -- the countries that formed Airbus -- which will now cost 10 per cent more when imported to the US.

But the tariffs also target consumer products such as French wine, which Trump had vowed to attack in recent months. Wine from France, Spain and Germany will now face 25 per cent tariffs.

Speaking in Washington hours before the tariffs were due to come into effect, France's Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire warned the move would have serious repercussions.

"Europe is ready to retaliate, in the framework of course of the WTO," he told reporters shortly after meeting with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund annual meetings.

"These decisions would have very negative consequences both from an economic and a political point of view."

Le Maire was due to meet US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer later on Friday.

He also warned the US against starting another front in its trade conflicts and again called for a negotiated solution.

At a time when the global economy is slowing, "I think that our responsibility is to do our best to avoid that kind of conflict," Le Maire said.&nbsp;

The Europeans have long advocated negotiation over conflict and they themselves will be able to impose tariffs next year to punish the United States for subsidising Boeing.

But EU officials had already offered in July to call a truce on subsidies for planemakers, in which both sides would admit fault and agree to curtail state aid -- to no avail. The two sides have been involved in a row over the subsidies for 15 years.

The tariffs kick in just days after the United States was given the formal go-ahead by the World Trade Organization.

As recently as Wednesday, Trump singled out the Europeans for being unfair with the US on trade, but said his door was open to negotiate a settlement.

'Very hard'

The Europeans fear above all that Trump will impose heavy duties on imports of European cars around mid-November.&nbsp;

This would be a serious blow for the German automotive sector in particular, even if giants such as Volkswagen or BMW also manufacture in the United States.&nbsp;

"Our products are very hard to bring in (to Europe)" when Europeans easily import their cars into the United States, Trump said.

The Airbus-Boeing row is just one of several issues stoking transatlantic tensions that quickly descended into acrimony when Trump took office in 2017.

Trump embraced a protectionist agenda, slapping import duties on steel and aluminium from the EU and other allies, while also threatening tariffs on cars.

Trade groups in Europe such as winemakers, German tool manufacturers and whisky producers in Scotland have kept a clamour of protest, demanding Washington reverse tack.

The US leader and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker agreed in July 2018 to a ceasefire in the conflict to hold trade talks that have so far led nowhere.

The epic legal battle between Airbus and Boeing at the World Trade Organization began in 2004 when Washington accused Britain, France, Germany and Spain of providing illegal subsidies and grants to support the production of a range of Airbus products.

A year later, the EU alleged that Boeing had received $19.1 billion worth of prohibited subsidies from 1989 to 2006 from various branches of the US government.

The two cases were then tangled up in a legal quagmire, with each side being given partial vindication after a long series of appeals and counter appeals.

The United States imposed tariffs on a record $7.5-billion worth of European Union goods on Friday, despite threats of retaliation, with Airbus, French wine and Scottish whiskies among the high-profile targets.

The United States imposed tariffs on a record $7.5-billion worth of European Union goods on Friday, despite threats of retaliation, with Airbus, French wine and Scottish whiskies among the high-profile targets. The tariffs, which took effect just after midnight in Washington (0401 GMT), came after talks between European officials and US trade representatives failed to win a last-minute reprieve. The WTO-endorsed onslaught from US President Donald Trump also comes as Washington is mired in a trade war with China and could risk destabilising the global economy further. In the line of fire are civilian aircraft from Britain, France, Germany and Spain -- the countries that formed Airbus -- which will now cost 10 per cent more when imported to the US. But the tariffs also target consumer products such as French wine, which Trump had vowed to attack in recent months. Wine from France, Spain and Germany will now face 25 per cent tariffs. Speaking in Washington hours before the tariffs were due to come into effect, France's Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire warned the move would have serious repercussions. "Europe is ready to retaliate, in the framework of course of the WTO," he told reporters shortly after meeting with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund annual meetings. "These decisions would have very negative consequences both from an economic and a political point of view." Le Maire was due to meet US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer later on Friday. He also warned the US against starting another front in its trade conflicts and again called for a negotiated solution. At a time when the global economy is slowing, "I think that our responsibility is to do our best to avoid that kind of conflict," Le Maire said. The Europeans have long advocated negotiation over conflict and they themselves will be able to impose tariffs next year to punish the United States for subsidising Boeing. But EU officials had already offered in July to call a truce on subsidies for planemakers, in which both sides would admit fault and agree to curtail state aid -- to no avail. The two sides have been involved in a row over the subsidies for 15 years. The tariffs kick in just days after the United States was given the formal go-ahead by the World Trade Organization. As recently as Wednesday, Trump singled out the Europeans for being unfair with the US on trade, but said his door was open to negotiate a settlement. 'Very hard' The Europeans fear above all that Trump will impose heavy duties on imports of European cars around mid-November. This would be a serious blow for the German automotive sector in particular, even if giants such as Volkswagen or BMW also manufacture in the United States. "Our products are very hard to bring in (to Europe)" when Europeans easily import their cars into the United States, Trump said. The Airbus-Boeing row is just one of several issues stoking transatlantic tensions that quickly descended into acrimony when Trump took office in 2017. Trump embraced a protectionist agenda, slapping import duties on steel and aluminium from the EU and other allies, while also threatening tariffs on cars. Trade groups in Europe such as winemakers, German tool manufacturers and whisky producers in Scotland have kept a clamour of protest, demanding Washington reverse tack. The US leader and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker agreed in July 2018 to a ceasefire in the conflict to hold trade talks that have so far led nowhere. The epic legal battle between Airbus and Boeing at the World Trade Organization began in 2004 when Washington accused Britain, France, Germany and Spain of providing illegal subsidies and grants to support the production of a range of Airbus products. A year later, the EU alleged that Boeing had received $19.1 billion worth of prohibited subsidies from 1989 to 2006 from various branches of the US government. The two cases were then tangled up in a legal quagmire, with each side being given partial vindication after a long series of appeals and counter appeals.

US imposes record $7.5 billion tariffs on EU goods, targeting Airbus, wine and whisky

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched a charm offensive on Friday to sell his Brexit deal to sceptical MPs, with a looming vote in parliament resting on a knife-edge.

The Conservative leader pulled off a major coup in agreeing a new divorce deal with the European Union on Thursday, paving the way for him to deliver his promise to leave the bloc on October 31.

But the agreement must still be approved by the House of Commons, which is meeting for the first time on a Saturday in 37 years to debate the text -- and many MPs are strongly opposed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-says-great-new-deal-reached-on-brexit-256464">'Great new deal' reached on Brexit: UK PM Boris Johnson</a>

Johnson told a Brussels press conference late Thursday that he was "very confident" of getting the accord through -- although analysts suggest the vote could be very tight.

Johnson has no majority among MPs, opposition parties have come out against the deal and even his parliamentary ally, Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), says it cannot support the terms.

If the Commons rejects the deal, Johnson will be forced by law to ask the EU to delay Brexit, for what would be the third time. He has said he would rather "die in a ditch" than do so.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sought to focus MPs' minds, saying Brussels can see no need to prolong the tortuous three-year Brexit process -- although the decision to delay, if requested by London, would be for EU leaders.

"There is no choice between Brexit or no Brexit: it's a choice between deal or no deal," Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said Friday.&nbsp;

'This is our chance'

Johnson took office in July vowing to keep to the October 31 Brexit deadline, deal or no deal.

He pledged to renegotiate the most contentious elements of a divorce text agreed by his predecessor Theresa May with Brussels last year, which was rejected by MPs three times.

The compromise deal that was finally struck on Thursday has a new arrangement for keeping open the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

"It looks like we are very close to the final stretch," EU Council President Donald Tusk said after the bloc's leaders endorsed the text.

Johnson has assured his European counterparts that he can get the deal through the Commons, where he requires the support of 319 other MPs to guarantee backing.

"I'm very confident that when my colleagues in parliament study this agreement, that they will want to vote for it on Saturday, and then in succeeding days," he told reporters.

"This is our chance in the UK as democrats to get Brexit done, and come out on October 31."

Wooing Labour rebels

However, the DUP has said it cannot support the plans, as efforts to avoid checks on the Irish land border would lead to new trade barriers between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain.

The main opposition Labour, Scottish National and Liberal Democrat parties are also against.

The pound had risen to five-month peaks on news of the deal.

However sterling dipped about 0.1 percent against the dollar on Friday as investors continued to fret over Johnson's chances of success.

Johnson will meet with and call MPs to try to win support for his deal throughout Friday, a Downing Street official said.

With the numbers extremely close, he needs to win over Labour MPs representing Brexit-supporting constituencies.

The Labour leadership objects to the new deal because it paves the way for looser ties between Britain and the EU than were previously envisaged. The party wants a second referendum on any deal.

"We should just vote the deal down because it's such a bad deal," Labour finance spokesman John McDonnell told BBC radio.

"It is a sell-out."

Britain's eurosceptic newspapers backed Johnson's deal, which comes more than three years after Britons voted narrowly to leave the EU in a referendum that has left the country bitterly divided.

"Get real... take the deal!" said The Sun's front page, while the Daily Mail went for "He's done his duty. Now MPs must do theirs", and the Daily Express said "Just do it!"

Meanwhile, the Financial Times called for a second referendum, while the Labour-supporting Daily Mirror said the best thing about Johnson's deal was that it was better than no deal.

The Times urged lawmakers to back the agreement, while The Daily Telegraph said parliament "must not scupper this chance". 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched a charm offensive on Friday to sell his Brexit deal to sceptical MPs, with a looming vote in parliament resting on a knife-edge.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched a charm offensive on Friday to sell his Brexit deal to sceptical MPs, with a looming vote in parliament resting on a knife-edge. The Conservative leader pulled off a major coup in agreeing a new divorce deal with the European Union on Thursday, paving the way for him to deliver his promise to leave the bloc on October 31. But the agreement must still be approved by the House of Commons, which is meeting for the first time on a Saturday in 37 years to debate the text -- and many MPs are strongly opposed. Also read: 'Great new deal' reached on Brexit: UK PM Boris Johnson Johnson told a Brussels press conference late Thursday that he was "very confident" of getting the accord through -- although analysts suggest the vote could be very tight. Johnson has no majority among MPs, opposition parties have come out against the deal and even his parliamentary ally, Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), says it cannot support the terms. If the Commons rejects the deal, Johnson will be forced by law to ask the EU to delay Brexit, for what would be the third time. He has said he would rather "die in a ditch" than do so. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sought to focus MPs' minds, saying Brussels can see no need to prolong the tortuous three-year Brexit process -- although the decision to delay, if requested by London, would be for EU leaders. "There is no choice between Brexit or no Brexit: it's a choice between deal or no deal," Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said Friday. 'This is our chance' Johnson took office in July vowing to keep to the October 31 Brexit deadline, deal or no deal. He pledged to renegotiate the most contentious elements of a divorce text agreed by his predecessor Theresa May with Brussels last year, which was rejected by MPs three times. The compromise deal that was finally struck on Thursday has a new arrangement for keeping open the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. "It looks like we are very close to the final stretch," EU Council President Donald Tusk said after the bloc's leaders endorsed the text. Johnson has assured his European counterparts that he can get the deal through the Commons, where he requires the support of 319 other MPs to guarantee backing. "I'm very confident that when my colleagues in parliament study this agreement, that they will want to vote for it on Saturday, and then in succeeding days," he told reporters. "This is our chance in the UK as democrats to get Brexit done, and come out on October 31." Wooing Labour rebels However, the DUP has said it cannot support the plans, as efforts to avoid checks on the Irish land border would lead to new trade barriers between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain. The main opposition Labour, Scottish National and Liberal Democrat parties are also against. The pound had risen to five-month peaks on news of the deal. However sterling dipped about 0.1 percent against the dollar on Friday as investors continued to fret over Johnson's chances of success. Johnson will meet with and call MPs to try to win support for his deal throughout Friday, a Downing Street official said. With the numbers extremely close, he needs to win over Labour MPs representing Brexit-supporting constituencies. The Labour leadership objects to the new deal because it paves the way for looser ties between Britain and the EU than were previously envisaged. The party wants a second referendum on any deal. "We should just vote the deal down because it's such a bad deal," Labour finance spokesman John McDonnell told BBC radio. "It is a sell-out." Britain's eurosceptic newspapers backed Johnson's deal, which comes more than three years after Britons voted narrowly to leave the EU in a referendum that has left the country bitterly divided. "Get real... take the deal!" said The Sun's front page, while the Daily Mail went for "He's done his duty. Now MPs must do theirs", and the Daily Express said "Just do it!" Meanwhile, the Financial Times called for a second referendum, while the Labour-supporting Daily Mirror said the best thing about Johnson's deal was that it was better than no deal. The Times urged lawmakers to back the agreement, while The Daily Telegraph said parliament "must not scupper this chance".

British PM Boris Johnson scrambles to sell Brexit deal to MPs

Gold prices held steady on Thursday as weak United States retail sales data fanned concerns that the country's economy may be feeling the pinch of the long-drawn trade war with China, while palladium held close to a record high hit the previous day.

Spot gold&nbsp;inched 0.1 per cent&nbsp;higher to $1,490.37 per ounce as of 0044 GMT&nbsp;US gold futures&nbsp;rose 0.1 per cent&nbsp;to $1,495.60.

Asian shares were subdued as the soft US&nbsp;sales data pointed to signs that the US&nbsp;economy was beginning to show signs of weakness, and a global recession was looming.

US&nbsp;retail sales fell for the first time in seven months in September, suggesting that manufacturing-led weakness could be spreading to the broader economy, keeping the door open for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates again later this month.

Investors awaited further news on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-trade-mini-deal-being-papered-trump-256340">US-China trade front</a>. US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday that trade negotiators are working on nailing down a phase 1 trade deal text for their presidents to sign next month.

Elsewhere, a European Union leaders' two-day summit in Brussels starting on Thursday will be dominated by last-gasp efforts to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-at-hand-in-brussels-boris-johnson-struggles-to-win-support-at-home-256400">seal a deal on Britain's exit</a> from the bloc despite a raft of other pressing issues, from the crisis in the Middle East to the EU budget.

Investors have welcomed optimistic comments from key officials during last few days. British culture minister Nicky Morgan said late on Wednesday there is a good chance of a deal.

Indicative of sentiment, SPDR Gold Trust GLD, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings fell 0.16 per cent&nbsp;to 918.19 tonnes on Wednesday from 919.66 tonnes on Tuesday.

Palladium rose 0.2 per cent&nbsp;to $1,770.54 an ounce on Thursday after notching a fresh high of $1,779.23 on Wednesday.

Gold prices held steady on Thursday as weak United States retail sales data fanned concerns that the country's economy may be feeling the pinch of the long-drawn trade war with China, while palladium held close to a record high hit the previous day.

Gold prices held steady on Thursday as weak United States retail sales data fanned concerns that the country's economy may be feeling the pinch of the long-drawn trade war with China, while palladium held close to a record high hit the previous day. Spot gold inched 0.1 per cent higher to $1,490.37 per ounce as of 0044 GMT US gold futures rose 0.1 per cent to $1,495.60. Asian shares were subdued as the soft US sales data pointed to signs that the US economy was beginning to show signs of weakness, and a global recession was looming. US retail sales fell for the first time in seven months in September, suggesting that manufacturing-led weakness could be spreading to the broader economy, keeping the door open for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates again later this month. Investors awaited further news on the US-China trade front. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday that trade negotiators are working on nailing down a phase 1 trade deal text for their presidents to sign next month. Elsewhere, a European Union leaders' two-day summit in Brussels starting on Thursday will be dominated by last-gasp efforts to seal a deal on Britain's exit from the bloc despite a raft of other pressing issues, from the crisis in the Middle East to the EU budget. Investors have welcomed optimistic comments from key officials during last few days. British culture minister Nicky Morgan said late on Wednesday there is a good chance of a deal. Indicative of sentiment, SPDR Gold Trust GLD, the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings fell 0.16 per cent to 918.19 tonnes on Wednesday from 919.66 tonnes on Tuesday. Palladium rose 0.2 per cent to $1,770.54 an ounce on Thursday after notching a fresh high of $1,779.23 on Wednesday.

Gold steady as disappointing US retail sales weigh on risk appetite

Britain and the European Union were on the verge of a last-minute Brexit deal on Wednesday but Prime Minister Boris Johnson still has work to do at home to ensure his government and factious parliament approve the plan.

"The basic foundations of this agreement are ready and theoretically we could accept a deal tomorrow," said European Council President Donald Tusk, who will chair a summit of EU leaders, including Johnson, on Thursday and Friday.

However, Tusk said in comments broadcast by Polish broadcaster TVN 24 that "certain doubts have appeared from the British side", a reference to Johnson's need to win over politicians who fear he may have conceded too much.

French President Emmanuel Macron said an agreement was being finalised and hoped it could be approved on Thursday.

"I want to believe an agreement is being finalised and that we will be able to endorse it tomorrow," Macron said at a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Toulouse.

Merkel said she believed slightly more that a deal was possible.

Any approval by the EU of a deal at their summit would be conditional on the British House of Commons backing it at a special sitting on Saturday. A short delay of Britain's October&nbsp;31 departure date would follow to polish the detail.

If Johnson fails to nail down the terms of Britain's exit from the European Union or fails to get a deal ratified in the UK house, he will almost certainly have to seek a longer extension of the departure date more than three years after the country voted in a referendum to leave.

After another day of technical talks in Brussels, EU officials said an agreement had been reached on customs arrangements for Northern Ireland, 'level playing field' provisions on labour and environment standards that the EU has insisted on to ensure fair competition under a new trade deal after Brexit.

That also went for the consent by the Northern Irish assembly renewable every four years to go on aligning the province's regulations with the EU ones after Brexit.

VAT was the only outstanding element, EU sources said, and a UK government source expected no further movement on Wednesday towards finalising the deal. The person said that there were issues holding up the deal both at home and with the EU.

While differences over the divorce between the world's fifth-largest economy and its biggest trading bloc had almost all been resolved, "overall backing from the British government" was still needed to seal an agreement, an EU diplomat said.

The main stumbling block remaining for Johnson appeared to be objections from a small Northern Ireland political party whose votes he must secure to get any deal through parliament.

Winning over the dup

The sticking point in the long-running talks with Brussels over Brexit, which has already been delayed twice, was the border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.

The conundrum for London was how to prevent the frontier becoming a backdoor into the EU's single market without erecting controls which could undermine the 1998 peace agreement that ended decades of conflict in the province.

It eventually proposed that Northern Ireland remain in the UK customs area. However, tariffs would apply on goods crossing from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland if they were deemed to be headed further, to Ireland and the bloc's single market.

To get a deal that hinges on this through parliament, where he does not have a majority, Johnson will likely need backing from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which says maintaining the United Kingdom's economic integrity is sacrosanct.

Pro-Brexit lawmakers from Johnson's governing Conservative Party say they will only back a deal if it has gained the support of the DUP, which fears Northern Ireland could be left behind in the EU's orbit when Britain leaves.

A central figure in the 2016 referendum who came to power as leader of the Conservative Party in July, Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU on Oct. 31 with or without a deal.

But parliament has passed a law saying Britain cannot leave without one, and Johnson has not explained how he can get around that.

Emergency brexit summit ahead?&nbsp;

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said earlier on Wednesday that if an agreement cannot be reached before the summit, there was still time left to act before the Oct. 31 deadline.

"October 31 is still a few weeks away and there is the possibility of an additional summit before that if we need one ... Although time is running short, I am confident that (Ireland's) objectives can be met," he said.

Sterling was on a roller-coaster ride through the day as varying reports suggested a deal was nigh or pointed to last-minute hurdles.

Britain's Brexit minister, Steve Barclay, said he would not accept a delay beyond Oct. 31, even if it was only used to tie up the necessary legal requirements of an agreement. Extension options mulled by the EU range from an additional month to half a year or more.

If necessary, the bloc may hold an emergency summit later in October to either approve a deal, grant an extension or make final preparations for a chaotic split.

Britain and the European Union were on the verge of a last-minute Brexit deal on Wednesday but Prime Minister Boris Johnson still has work to do at home to ensure his government and factious parliament approve the plan.

Britain and the European Union were on the verge of a last-minute Brexit deal on Wednesday but Prime Minister Boris Johnson still has work to do at home to ensure his government and factious parliament approve the plan. "The basic foundations of this agreement are ready and theoretically we could accept a deal tomorrow," said European Council President Donald Tusk, who will chair a summit of EU leaders, including Johnson, on Thursday and Friday. However, Tusk said in comments broadcast by Polish broadcaster TVN 24 that "certain doubts have appeared from the British side", a reference to Johnson's need to win over politicians who fear he may have conceded too much. French President Emmanuel Macron said an agreement was being finalised and hoped it could be approved on Thursday. "I want to believe an agreement is being finalised and that we will be able to endorse it tomorrow," Macron said at a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Toulouse. Merkel said she believed slightly more that a deal was possible. Any approval by the EU of a deal at their summit would be conditional on the British House of Commons backing it at a special sitting on Saturday. A short delay of Britain's October 31 departure date would follow to polish the detail. If Johnson fails to nail down the terms of Britain's exit from the European Union or fails to get a deal ratified in the UK house, he will almost certainly have to seek a longer extension of the departure date more than three years after the country voted in a referendum to leave. After another day of technical talks in Brussels, EU officials said an agreement had been reached on customs arrangements for Northern Ireland, 'level playing field' provisions on labour and environment standards that the EU has insisted on to ensure fair competition under a new trade deal after Brexit. That also went for the consent by the Northern Irish assembly renewable every four years to go on aligning the province's regulations with the EU ones after Brexit. VAT was the only outstanding element, EU sources said, and a UK government source expected no further movement on Wednesday towards finalising the deal. The person said that there were issues holding up the deal both at home and with the EU. While differences over the divorce between the world's fifth-largest economy and its biggest trading bloc had almost all been resolved, "overall backing from the British government" was still needed to seal an agreement, an EU diplomat said. The main stumbling block remaining for Johnson appeared to be objections from a small Northern Ireland political party whose votes he must secure to get any deal through parliament. Winning over the dup The sticking point in the long-running talks with Brussels over Brexit, which has already been delayed twice, was the border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland. The conundrum for London was how to prevent the frontier becoming a backdoor into the EU's single market without erecting controls which could undermine the 1998 peace agreement that ended decades of conflict in the province. It eventually proposed that Northern Ireland remain in the UK customs area. However, tariffs would apply on goods crossing from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland if they were deemed to be headed further, to Ireland and the bloc's single market. To get a deal that hinges on this through parliament, where he does not have a majority, Johnson will likely need backing from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which says maintaining the United Kingdom's economic integrity is sacrosanct. Pro-Brexit lawmakers from Johnson's governing Conservative Party say they will only back a deal if it has gained the support of the DUP, which fears Northern Ireland could be left behind in the EU's orbit when Britain leaves. A central figure in the 2016 referendum who came to power as leader of the Conservative Party in July, Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU on Oct. 31 with or without a deal. But parliament has passed a law saying Britain cannot leave without one, and Johnson has not explained how he can get around that. Emergency brexit summit ahead? Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said earlier on Wednesday that if an agreement cannot be reached before the summit, there was still time left to act before the Oct. 31 deadline. "October 31 is still a few weeks away and there is the possibility of an additional summit before that if we need one ... Although time is running short, I am confident that (Ireland's) objectives can be met," he said. Sterling was on a roller-coaster ride through the day as varying reports suggested a deal was nigh or pointed to last-minute hurdles. Britain's Brexit minister, Steve Barclay, said he would not accept a delay beyond Oct. 31, even if it was only used to tie up the necessary legal requirements of an agreement. Extension options mulled by the EU range from an additional month to half a year or more. If necessary, the bloc may hold an emergency summit later in October to either approve a deal, grant an extension or make final preparations for a chaotic split.

Brexit deal at hand in Brussels, Boris Johnson struggles to win support at home

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker congratulated Prime Minister Boris Johnson on their Brexit withdrawal deal Thursday and said it meant there would be "no further delay".&nbsp;

"We have a deal, and this deal means there is no need for any kind of prolongation," Juncker told reporters as he welcomed the British leader to EU headquarters ahead of summit talks.

British MPs are expected to vote on the deal on Saturday. &nbsp;Pro-EU parliamentarians hope they can defeat it and Brexit can still be delayed to allow a general election or a new referendum on whether to leave the EU at all.

Arriving later at an EU summit of leaders expected to endorse the new withdrawal plan, Juncker said he hoped British MPs would pass the plan as agreed so that Britain can leave on October 31.

"There will be no prolongation. There is not an argument for further delay -- it has to be done now," he said.

"We have a deal. The British prime minister has to make sure it passes the hurdles of the British parliament. I was ruling out any sort of prolongation. We have a deal.

"I'm satisfied that we were able to find a deal. I'm sad that Britain will be leaving the European Union," he said, adding that Johnson agreed that there should be no more delay.

 
&nbsp;

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker congratulated Prime Minister Boris Johnson on their Brexit withdrawal deal Thursday and said it meant there would be "no further delay".

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker congratulated Prime Minister Boris Johnson on their Brexit withdrawal deal Thursday and said it meant there would be "no further delay". "We have a deal, and this deal means there is no need for any kind of prolongation," Juncker told reporters as he welcomed the British leader to EU headquarters ahead of summit talks. British MPs are expected to vote on the deal on Saturday. Pro-EU parliamentarians hope they can defeat it and Brexit can still be delayed to allow a general election or a new referendum on whether to leave the EU at all. Arriving later at an EU summit of leaders expected to endorse the new withdrawal plan, Juncker said he hoped British MPs would pass the plan as agreed so that Britain can leave on October 31. "There will be no prolongation. There is not an argument for further delay -- it has to be done now," he said. "We have a deal. The British prime minister has to make sure it passes the hurdles of the British parliament. I was ruling out any sort of prolongation. We have a deal. "I'm satisfied that we were able to find a deal. I'm sad that Britain will be leaving the European Union," he said, adding that Johnson agreed that there should be no more delay.

EU's Jean-Claude Juncker says Brexit will not be delayed

The British pound had a tumultuous session on Thursday as a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-says-great-new-deal-reached-on-brexit-256464">draft Brexit deal between London and Brussels</a> sparked both hope and scepticism in a volatile forex market.

Sterling soared to within a whisker of $1.30, striking five-month peaks, when news flashed across traders' screens that the European Union had reached a draft Brexit withdrawal deal with London.

The pound held on to most of those gains for a while, absorbing a bout of profit-taking, but then the currency plunged when it dawned on investors that there was no guarantee of UK parliamentary backing for the agreement.

"After the initial relief that the UK government and EU have done a deal, markets are worried that it still does not have enough support to get through parliament on Saturday," independent economist Julian Jessop told AFP.

By 1330 GMT, the currency was pretty much back to where it started from against the dollar.

'Still chance of no deal'

It is unclear how many of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative MPs will back the deal when he brings it to lawmakers for approval Saturday, and whether the opposition will try to vote it down or attempt to force a fresh referendum.

"There is still a chance for a no-deal Brexit – although the more likely scenario would be for the Prime Minister to follow the law and request the EU for a Brexit deadline extension, which then opens up more uncertainty," said Fawad Razaqzada at Forex.com.

Northern Ireland's DUP said Thursday it was "unable to support" the draft deal. A pre-emptive DUP announcement to the same effect issued before the draft deal had already weighed on sterling, before news from Brussels gave the currency wings, if not for long.

The London stock market, which usually moves in the opposite direction from sterling, enjoyed a rise Thursday, becoming the day's star performer in otherwise lacklustre European equity trading.&nbsp;

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones index rose at the start of business.

Earlier in Asia, most markets ended in the red, with traders unable to take advantage of weak US retail data that raised the chances of another Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

Comments in the Fed's Beige Book update on the economy also pointed to a slowdown in the world's biggest economy.

Oil prices fell as data pointed to a sharp rise in US stockpiles that reinforced worries about the impact on demand from the China-US trade war and the global economic slowdown.

Key figures around 1330 GMT

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2831 from $1.2832 at 2100 GMT

Euro/pound: UP at 86.68 pence from 86.28 pence

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1124 from $1.1033&nbsp;

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 108.62 yen from 108.76 yen

London - FTSE 100: UP 0.8 percent at 7,223.88 points

Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.1 percent at 5,699.52

Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.6 percent at 12,740.91

EURO STOXX 50: UP 0.2 percent at 3,606.10

New York - Dow: UP 0.3 percent at 27,078.39

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.1 percent at 22,451.86 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 0.7 percent at 26,848.49 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 2,977.33 (close)

Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 0.7 percent at $59.03 per barrel

West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.8 percent at $52.93

The British pound had a tumultuous session on Thursday as a draft Brexit deal between London and Brussels sparked both hope and scepticism in a volatile forex market.

The British pound had a tumultuous session on Thursday as a draft Brexit deal between London and Brussels sparked both hope and scepticism in a volatile forex market. Sterling soared to within a whisker of $1.30, striking five-month peaks, when news flashed across traders' screens that the European Union had reached a draft Brexit withdrawal deal with London. The pound held on to most of those gains for a while, absorbing a bout of profit-taking, but then the currency plunged when it dawned on investors that there was no guarantee of UK parliamentary backing for the agreement. "After the initial relief that the UK government and EU have done a deal, markets are worried that it still does not have enough support to get through parliament on Saturday," independent economist Julian Jessop told AFP. By 1330 GMT, the currency was pretty much back to where it started from against the dollar. 'Still chance of no deal' It is unclear how many of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative MPs will back the deal when he brings it to lawmakers for approval Saturday, and whether the opposition will try to vote it down or attempt to force a fresh referendum. "There is still a chance for a no-deal Brexit – although the more likely scenario would be for the Prime Minister to follow the law and request the EU for a Brexit deadline extension, which then opens up more uncertainty," said Fawad Razaqzada at Forex.com. Northern Ireland's DUP said Thursday it was "unable to support" the draft deal. A pre-emptive DUP announcement to the same effect issued before the draft deal had already weighed on sterling, before news from Brussels gave the currency wings, if not for long. The London stock market, which usually moves in the opposite direction from sterling, enjoyed a rise Thursday, becoming the day's star performer in otherwise lacklustre European equity trading. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones index rose at the start of business. Earlier in Asia, most markets ended in the red, with traders unable to take advantage of weak US retail data that raised the chances of another Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Comments in the Fed's Beige Book update on the economy also pointed to a slowdown in the world's biggest economy. Oil prices fell as data pointed to a sharp rise in US stockpiles that reinforced worries about the impact on demand from the China-US trade war and the global economic slowdown. Key figures around 1330 GMT Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2831 from $1.2832 at 2100 GMT Euro/pound: UP at 86.68 pence from 86.28 pence Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1124 from $1.1033 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 108.62 yen from 108.76 yen London - FTSE 100: UP 0.8 percent at 7,223.88 points Paris - CAC 40: UP 0.1 percent at 5,699.52 Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.6 percent at 12,740.91 EURO STOXX 50: UP 0.2 percent at 3,606.10 New York - Dow: UP 0.3 percent at 27,078.39 Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.1 percent at 22,451.86 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: UP 0.7 percent at 26,848.49 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 2,977.33 (close) Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 0.7 percent at $59.03 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.8 percent at $52.93

Pound goes on rollercoaster ride after Brexit draft deal

Britain and the European Union reached a last-ditch <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-prime-minister-says-there-are-outstanding-brexit-issues-may-need-more-time-256248">Brexit deal</a> on Thursday, just hours before an EU summit that is expected to give it a seal of approval.&nbsp;

But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-at-hand-in-brussels-boris-johnson-struggles-to-win-support-at-home-256400">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> will still have to take the accord to a sceptical British parliament for its backing on Saturday, and it is far from certain that it will pass.

Johnson, who has pledged to take Britain out of the EU with or without an agreement, tweeted: "We've got a great new deal that takes back control — now Parliament should get Brexit done on Saturday."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We’ve got a great new deal that takes back control — now Parliament should get Brexit done on Saturday so we can move on to other priorities like the cost of living, the NHS, violent crime and our environment <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GetBrexitDone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GetBrexitDone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TakeBackControl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TakeBackControl</a>
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1184764798107602944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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EU officials are pleased they avoided an immediate crisis at the European Council summit, and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker recommended that the other 27 EU leaders endorse the deal.

"Where there is a will, there is a deal -- we have one! It's a fair and balanced agreement for the EU and the UK and it is testament to our commitment to find solutions," Juncker tweeted.

The draft agreement was forged just weeks before Britain was due to leave the bloc on October 31, ending more than four decades of close economic and political ties with its nearest neighbours. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch: Make-or-break week for Brexit deal

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Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier said: "We have managed to find solutions that fully respect the integrity of the single market.&nbsp;

"We created a new and legally operative solution to avoid a hard border, and protect peace and stability on the island of Ireland," he said.

"It is a solution that works for the EU, for the UK and for people and businesses in Northern Ireland."

One immediate hurdle is opposition from Johnson's allies in Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which pre-emptively rejected the compromise. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The agreement would see the British-ruled province remain under EU customs and Value Added Tax (VAT) rules, and the loyalist DUP announced that it can not support it.

It is not clear how many of Johnson's Conservative MPs will back the deal, and if the British opposition could vote it down or attempt to force a nationwide referendum to approve or reject it.

Before setting off for Brussels, German Chancellor Angela Merkel noted approvingly that London had been ready to negotiate and put "concrete proposals on the table".

Economic disruption

Under the measures to replace the so-called "Irish backstop" in the previous failed agreement, the plan would see Northern Ireland remain British legal territory but trade under EU regulations.

This is intended to prevent the return of a hard border with EU-member Ireland. But, because it would involve some customs and tax checks with the rest of the UK, it raised the hackles of the DUP. &nbsp; &nbsp;

EU negotiator Michel Barnier was to give a news conference to outline more details of the deal.

But one EU source told AFP the agreement "is politically fragile in London" because of Johnson's reliance on votes from the DUP and Conservative eurosceptics.

The leaders also hope the summit will rise above the Brexit mire and focus on the EU budget debate, bids by North Macedonia and Albania to start talks to join the bloc, and the crisis in relations with Turkey.&nbsp;

The Brexit issue is first on the agenda, with the EU's 27 other leaders to hear Johnson speak then retire to mull their response. But the issue could be delayed to Friday if the deal text needs more work.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Britain and the European Union reached a last-ditch Brexit deal on Thursday, just hours before an EU summit that is expected to give it a seal of approval. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson will still have to take the accord to a sceptical British parliament for its backing on Saturday, and it is far from certain that it will pass.

Britain and the European Union reached a last-ditch Brexit deal on Thursday, just hours before an EU summit that is expected to give it a seal of approval. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson will still have to take the accord to a sceptical British parliament for its backing on Saturday, and it is far from certain that it will pass. Johnson, who has pledged to take Britain out of the EU with or without an agreement, tweeted: "We've got a great new deal that takes back control — now Parliament should get Brexit done on Saturday." We’ve got a great new deal that takes back control — now Parliament should get Brexit done on Saturday so we can move on to other priorities like the cost of living, the NHS, violent crime and our environment #GetBrexitDone #TakeBackControl — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 17, 2019 × EU officials are pleased they avoided an immediate crisis at the European Council summit, and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker recommended that the other 27 EU leaders endorse the deal. "Where there is a will, there is a deal -- we have one! It's a fair and balanced agreement for the EU and the UK and it is testament to our commitment to find solutions," Juncker tweeted. The draft agreement was forged just weeks before Britain was due to leave the bloc on October 31, ending more than four decades of close economic and political ties with its nearest neighbours. Watch: Make-or-break week for Brexit deal × Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier said: "We have managed to find solutions that fully respect the integrity of the single market. "We created a new and legally operative solution to avoid a hard border, and protect peace and stability on the island of Ireland," he said. "It is a solution that works for the EU, for the UK and for people and businesses in Northern Ireland." One immediate hurdle is opposition from Johnson's allies in Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which pre-emptively rejected the compromise. The agreement would see the British-ruled province remain under EU customs and Value Added Tax (VAT) rules, and the loyalist DUP announced that it can not support it. It is not clear how many of Johnson's Conservative MPs will back the deal, and if the British opposition could vote it down or attempt to force a nationwide referendum to approve or reject it. Before setting off for Brussels, German Chancellor Angela Merkel noted approvingly that London had been ready to negotiate and put "concrete proposals on the table". Economic disruption Under the measures to replace the so-called "Irish backstop" in the previous failed agreement, the plan would see Northern Ireland remain British legal territory but trade under EU regulations. This is intended to prevent the return of a hard border with EU-member Ireland. But, because it would involve some customs and tax checks with the rest of the UK, it raised the hackles of the DUP. EU negotiator Michel Barnier was to give a news conference to outline more details of the deal. But one EU source told AFP the agreement "is politically fragile in London" because of Johnson's reliance on votes from the DUP and Conservative eurosceptics. The leaders also hope the summit will rise above the Brexit mire and focus on the EU budget debate, bids by North Macedonia and Albania to start talks to join the bloc, and the crisis in relations with Turkey. The Brexit issue is first on the agenda, with the EU's 27 other leaders to hear Johnson speak then retire to mull their response. But the issue could be delayed to Friday if the deal text needs more work.

'Great new deal' reached on Brexit: UK PM Boris Johnson

British shoppers grew more cautious about their spending in the three months to September despite rising wages, official figures showed on Thursday, raising concerns about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-starts-to-shows-cracks-under-brexit-and-global-strains-254409">health of the economy</a> in the run-up to Brexit.

Consumer spending has been the biggest driver of British economic growth since June 2016's referendum to leave the European Union, but there have been increasing signs that this is starting to soften.

Looking at the third quarter as a whole, which strips out monthly volatility, quarterly sales growth held steady at 0.6 per cent&nbsp;while the annual pace of expansion dropped to 3.1 per cent&nbsp;from 3.6 per cent&nbsp;in the second quarter, the weakest since the late 2018.

Stripping out inflation adjustments, growth in retail spending was the weakest in more than three years.

Sterling showed little reaction to the data, with markets focused on whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson can broker a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-says-great-new-deal-reached-on-brexit-256464"> Brexit deal</a> that is acceptable both to Brussels and Britain's parliament before the country is due to leave on October&nbsp;31.

"September's retail sales figures were perhaps a bit of a relief given the intense Brexit uncertainty, but were hardly a picture of strength," economist Ruth Gregory of consultancy Capital Economics said.

Monthly retail sales volumes were flat in September and annual sales growth picked up to 3.1 per cent&nbsp;from a weak 2.6 per cent&nbsp;in August, the Office for National Statistics said - slightly less of a recovery than economists had forecast in a Reuters poll.

"Food shops bounced back after a weak few months, but there was yet more bad news for department stores, with sales continuing to fall in September," ONS statistician Rhian Murphy said.

Some retailers said unusually rainy weather had hurt demand too, the ONS added.

Sales in the 'non-specialised stores' category - which includes department stores - dropped by an annual 2.0 per cent&nbsp;in the third quarter, the biggest decline since the first three months of 2009 when Britain was mired in recession.

At the start of this month, major retailer John Lewis Partnership said it would cut a third of senior managers and merge its supermarket and department store divisions to better tackle challenges from online stores.

The lacklustre ONS figures are less bleak than a British Retail Consortium survey that showed the biggest fall in retail spending of any September since at least the mid-1990s.

In recent months, surveys by the BRC and Confederation of British Industry have painted a weaker picture of the retail sector than subsequent official data - in part due to the former focusing more on large high-street chains.

The ONS data has a broader sample that includes more online and small retailers, and its measure of retail spending showed annual growth slowing to 3.5 per cent&nbsp;in the third quarter from 4.1 per cent&nbsp;in the second quarter, the weakest since the second quarter of 2016.

Until recently consumers appeared to have largely taken Brexit in their stride, helped by weaker inflation and stronger growth in wages which are rising at the fastest pace in more than a decade.

That has aided the world's fifth-biggest economy at a time when many companies have been cutting back on investment because of uncertainty about Brexit.

A separate Bank of England survey on Thursday showed British lenders expect business loans will dry up in the next few months at the fastest rate since the financial crisis, boding poorly for investment as Brexit nears.

There have also been signs that consumers are turning more cautious as Britain's political crisis drags on.

Several British retailers, including supermarkets Asda and Morrisons&nbsp;and home improvement group Kingfisher, have highlighted the drag of Brexit uncertainty on bigger purchases.

But clothing retailer Next&nbsp;attributed a disappointing start to autumn trading to unusually warm weather in parts of Britain, rather than shoppers holding back on buying new items because of Brexit.

British shoppers grew more cautious about their spending in the three months to September despite rising wages, official figures showed on Thursday, raising concerns about the health of the economy in the run-up to Brexit.

British shoppers grew more cautious about their spending in the three months to September despite rising wages, official figures showed on Thursday, raising concerns about the health of the economy in the run-up to Brexit. Consumer spending has been the biggest driver of British economic growth since June 2016's referendum to leave the European Union, but there have been increasing signs that this is starting to soften. Looking at the third quarter as a whole, which strips out monthly volatility, quarterly sales growth held steady at 0.6 per cent while the annual pace of expansion dropped to 3.1 per cent from 3.6 per cent in the second quarter, the weakest since the late 2018. Stripping out inflation adjustments, growth in retail spending was the weakest in more than three years. Sterling showed little reaction to the data, with markets focused on whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson can broker a Brexit deal that is acceptable both to Brussels and Britain's parliament before the country is due to leave on October 31. "September's retail sales figures were perhaps a bit of a relief given the intense Brexit uncertainty, but were hardly a picture of strength," economist Ruth Gregory of consultancy Capital Economics said. Monthly retail sales volumes were flat in September and annual sales growth picked up to 3.1 per cent from a weak 2.6 per cent in August, the Office for National Statistics said - slightly less of a recovery than economists had forecast in a Reuters poll. "Food shops bounced back after a weak few months, but there was yet more bad news for department stores, with sales continuing to fall in September," ONS statistician Rhian Murphy said. Some retailers said unusually rainy weather had hurt demand too, the ONS added. Sales in the 'non-specialised stores' category - which includes department stores - dropped by an annual 2.0 per cent in the third quarter, the biggest decline since the first three months of 2009 when Britain was mired in recession. At the start of this month, major retailer John Lewis Partnership said it would cut a third of senior managers and merge its supermarket and department store divisions to better tackle challenges from online stores. The lacklustre ONS figures are less bleak than a British Retail Consortium survey that showed the biggest fall in retail spending of any September since at least the mid-1990s. In recent months, surveys by the BRC and Confederation of British Industry have painted a weaker picture of the retail sector than subsequent official data - in part due to the former focusing more on large high-street chains. The ONS data has a broader sample that includes more online and small retailers, and its measure of retail spending showed annual growth slowing to 3.5 per cent in the third quarter from 4.1 per cent in the second quarter, the weakest since the second quarter of 2016. Until recently consumers appeared to have largely taken Brexit in their stride, helped by weaker inflation and stronger growth in wages which are rising at the fastest pace in more than a decade. That has aided the world's fifth-biggest economy at a time when many companies have been cutting back on investment because of uncertainty about Brexit. A separate Bank of England survey on Thursday showed British lenders expect business loans will dry up in the next few months at the fastest rate since the financial crisis, boding poorly for investment as Brexit nears. There have also been signs that consumers are turning more cautious as Britain's political crisis drags on. Several British retailers, including supermarkets Asda and Morrisons and home improvement group Kingfisher, have highlighted the drag of Brexit uncertainty on bigger purchases. But clothing retailer Next attributed a disappointing start to autumn trading to unusually warm weather in parts of Britain, rather than shoppers holding back on buying new items because of Brexit.

United Kingdom retail sales growth softens as department stores disappoint

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party announced Thursday it cannot support Boris Johnson's current Brexit plan, dealing a major blow to the British prime minister just hours before a crunch EU summit.

"As things stand, we could not support what is being suggested on customs and consent issues, and there is a lack of clarity on VAT (value-added tax)," the DUP, which backs Johnson's government, said in a brief statement on Twitter.

"We will continue to work with the government to try and get a sensible deal that works for Northern Ireland and protects the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom."

The statement was seen as a major setback for Johnson, who would most likely need the support of his DUP allies in parliament for any deal agreed in Brussels.

It came as British and EU negotiators worked late into the night in the hopes of presenting a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-at-hand-in-brussels-boris-johnson-struggles-to-win-support-at-home-256400"> last-minute Brexit deal</a> to leaders meeting for a European summit.

Both sides said they were close to finding a basis for a treaty to ensure Britain heads for a managed withdrawal from the European bloc it has been part of for nearly half a century.

But officials had to iron out details on how Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, would remain under the European scheme for sales tax.

The pound fell 0.5 per cent against the dollar and the euro within minutes of the announcement. A pound was worth 1.2759 dollars and 1.1525 euros.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told BBC television: "We always knew these negotiations were going to be difficult and we're going to go down to the line."

Asked whether Johnson would meet the DUP again on Thursday, Jenrick said: "The prime minister and his team are in intensive negotiations with all parties, including with the DUP.

"We want to provide sufficient comfort for the DUP and unionists in Northern Ireland to feel that the arrangements we would put in place with this deal are sufficient to give them comfort to support it."

British politics expert Professor Tim Bale, deputy director of The UK in a Changing Europe think-tank, said the DUP would struggle with any deal that created new divisions between the province and the rest of the UK -- the antithesis of Northern Irish unionism.

"It would be seen by some on their side as representing a surrender," he said.

"They would have to explain what on Earth the last two years have been about if they were to fold."

Johnson's governing Conservatives relied on the DUP's support for a majority in parliament before a series of expulsions from the Conservative ranks last month left the government well short of a majority, even with the DUP's support.

Mairead McGuinness, first vice president of the European Parliament, from Ireland's governing Fine Gael party, told BBC radio: "Whatever optimism we had last night has been dampened a little.

"It would be quite concerning if one political party can delay everything or have a veto over everything. The numbers in the House of Commons are very tight.

"It is of concern that one party is holding this up."

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party announced Thursday it cannot support Boris Johnson's current Brexit plan, dealing a major blow to the British prime minister just hours before a crunch EU summit.

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party announced Thursday it cannot support Boris Johnson's current Brexit plan, dealing a major blow to the British prime minister just hours before a crunch EU summit. "As things stand, we could not support what is being suggested on customs and consent issues, and there is a lack of clarity on VAT (value-added tax)," the DUP, which backs Johnson's government, said in a brief statement on Twitter. "We will continue to work with the government to try and get a sensible deal that works for Northern Ireland and protects the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom." The statement was seen as a major setback for Johnson, who would most likely need the support of his DUP allies in parliament for any deal agreed in Brussels. It came as British and EU negotiators worked late into the night in the hopes of presenting a last-minute Brexit deal to leaders meeting for a European summit. Both sides said they were close to finding a basis for a treaty to ensure Britain heads for a managed withdrawal from the European bloc it has been part of for nearly half a century. But officials had to iron out details on how Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, would remain under the European scheme for sales tax. The pound fell 0.5 per cent against the dollar and the euro within minutes of the announcement. A pound was worth 1.2759 dollars and 1.1525 euros. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told BBC television: "We always knew these negotiations were going to be difficult and we're going to go down to the line." Asked whether Johnson would meet the DUP again on Thursday, Jenrick said: "The prime minister and his team are in intensive negotiations with all parties, including with the DUP. "We want to provide sufficient comfort for the DUP and unionists in Northern Ireland to feel that the arrangements we would put in place with this deal are sufficient to give them comfort to support it." British politics expert Professor Tim Bale, deputy director of The UK in a Changing Europe think-tank, said the DUP would struggle with any deal that created new divisions between the province and the rest of the UK -- the antithesis of Northern Irish unionism. "It would be seen by some on their side as representing a surrender," he said. "They would have to explain what on Earth the last two years have been about if they were to fold." Johnson's governing Conservatives relied on the DUP's support for a majority in parliament before a series of expulsions from the Conservative ranks last month left the government well short of a majority, even with the DUP's support. Mairead McGuinness, first vice president of the European Parliament, from Ireland's governing Fine Gael party, told BBC radio: "Whatever optimism we had last night has been dampened a little. "It would be quite concerning if one political party can delay everything or have a veto over everything. The numbers in the House of Commons are very tight. "It is of concern that one party is holding this up."

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party oppose United Kingdom government's Brexit plan

The European Parliament expects the new European Union Commission to start work with at least a month's delay after MEPs rejected three candidate-commissioners, the institution's spokesman said Wednesday.

"Parliament willing to vote on time to allow new Commission to start December 1," spokesman Jaume Duch tweeted. The new Commission had been due to take office on November 1.

Duch added a call for the "rapid appointment of the new three commissioners-designate".

The effective delay means that outgoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/european-union-orders-emergency-anti-trust-measures-against-chip-maker-broadcom-256260">EU president Jean-Claude Juncker's</a> commission will remain in power for at least a month longer than expected.

The postponement came as the new Commission's incoming president, Ursula von der Leyen, cast around for new candidates from France, Hungary and Romania to be put forward to join her 27-strong executive team.

MEPs displayed an unprecedented flexing of muscle during the confirmation hearings for the three original candidates from those countries this month. The MEPs said they were unsuitable to take up their portfolios due to various alleged financial irregularities and other issues.

That made a delay all but inevitable, given EU procedures and the time needed for von der Leyen to accept new candidates, have them grilled in the parliament, and for the new commission to step out as one.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eurozone-september-inflation-unexpectedly-revised-down-to-08-256241">A European Parliament vote</a> is required as part of the approval process.&nbsp;

But Ska Keller, the co-president of the Green group in the parliament, said: "There will be no vote on the Commission in October, because three commissioners are still missing."

Von der Leyen, formerly Germany's defence minister, has said she aims to lead a "geopolitical Commission" that will be ambitious on tackling climate change, stand up for its place in the world, and "protect the European way of life".

The European Parliament expects the new European Union Commission to start work with at least a month's delay after MEPs rejected three candidate-commissioners, the institution's spokesman said Wednesday.

The European Parliament expects the new European Union Commission to start work with at least a month's delay after MEPs rejected three candidate-commissioners, the institution's spokesman said Wednesday. "Parliament willing to vote on time to allow new Commission to start December 1," spokesman Jaume Duch tweeted. The new Commission had been due to take office on November 1. Duch added a call for the "rapid appointment of the new three commissioners-designate". The effective delay means that outgoing EU president Jean-Claude Juncker's commission will remain in power for at least a month longer than expected. The postponement came as the new Commission's incoming president, Ursula von der Leyen, cast around for new candidates from France, Hungary and Romania to be put forward to join her 27-strong executive team. MEPs displayed an unprecedented flexing of muscle during the confirmation hearings for the three original candidates from those countries this month. The MEPs said they were unsuitable to take up their portfolios due to various alleged financial irregularities and other issues. That made a delay all but inevitable, given EU procedures and the time needed for von der Leyen to accept new candidates, have them grilled in the parliament, and for the new commission to step out as one. A European Parliament vote is required as part of the approval process. But Ska Keller, the co-president of the Green group in the parliament, said: "There will be no vote on the Commission in October, because three commissioners are still missing." Von der Leyen, formerly Germany's defence minister, has said she aims to lead a "geopolitical Commission" that will be ambitious on tackling climate change, stand up for its place in the world, and "protect the European way of life".

New European Union Commission delayed by month

The European Union's powerful anti-trust authority on Wednesday ordered United States chipmaker Broadcom to immediately halt certain practices, in an unprecedented salvo against US big tech.

The European Commission took the extremely rare move of ordering the interim changes from one of Silicon Valley's pioneer companies while the EU's investigation was still underway, citing the "irreparable" threats to competition.

"Broadcom's behaviour is likely, in the absence of intervention, to create serious and irreversible harm to competition," the EU's Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

"We have strong indications that Broadcom, the world's leading supplier of chipsets used for TV set-top boxes and modems, is engaging in anticompetitive practices," she said.

With the order, Vestager significantly stepped up her scrutiny of US tech giants, where investigations usually dragged on for years before companies were fined or ordered into compliance.

The ongoing investigation centres on Broadcom's highly popular TV and modem chipsets, devices that offer television and internet access to customers at home or work.

The commission said it has obtained information that Broadcom may be requiring firms to buy only its components or granting them rebates and other advantages if they buy high quantities.

The commission said it had also heard Broadcom maybe bundling products or deliberately undermining the "interoperability" between Broadcom products and other products.

The commission in June sent a "statement of objections on interim measures" to Broadcom requiring it to swiftly stop such alleged practices.

The European Union's powerful anti-trust authority on Wednesday ordered United States chipmaker Broadcom to immediately halt certain practices, in an unprecedented salvo against US big tech.

The European Union's powerful anti-trust authority on Wednesday ordered United States chipmaker Broadcom to immediately halt certain practices, in an unprecedented salvo against US big tech. The European Commission took the extremely rare move of ordering the interim changes from one of Silicon Valley's pioneer companies while the EU's investigation was still underway, citing the "irreparable" threats to competition. "Broadcom's behaviour is likely, in the absence of intervention, to create serious and irreversible harm to competition," the EU's Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement. "We have strong indications that Broadcom, the world's leading supplier of chipsets used for TV set-top boxes and modems, is engaging in anticompetitive practices," she said. With the order, Vestager significantly stepped up her scrutiny of US tech giants, where investigations usually dragged on for years before companies were fined or ordered into compliance. The ongoing investigation centres on Broadcom's highly popular TV and modem chipsets, devices that offer television and internet access to customers at home or work. The commission said it has obtained information that Broadcom may be requiring firms to buy only its components or granting them rebates and other advantages if they buy high quantities. The commission said it had also heard Broadcom maybe bundling products or deliberately undermining the "interoperability" between Broadcom products and other products. The commission in June sent a "statement of objections on interim measures" to Broadcom requiring it to swiftly stop such alleged practices.

European Union orders emergency anti-trust measures against chip-maker Broadcom

There are still issues to be resolved in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/united-kingdom-hiring-falls-by-most-in-over-four-years-as-brexit-nears-256066">Brexit negotiations</a>, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday, as European Union sources said the eleventh-hour talks with London were at a standstill.

"There is a pathway to a possible deal but there are many issues that still need to be fully resolved," Varadkar said in a speech.

He said he had spoken to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier in the day.

"I do think we are making progress but there are issues yet to be resolved and hopefully that can be done today."

"But if it's not, there is still more time. October 31 is still a few weeks away and there is the possibility of an additional summit before that if we need one ... Although time is running short, I am confident that (Ireland's) objectives can be met."

Shortly before Varadkar spoke, EU sources said the talks had reached a "standstill" over a future trade deal between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-unions-brexit-minister-says-united-kingdoms-proposals-fall-short-need-agreement-by-end-of-day-256061">Britain and the bloc</a>, as well as the rejection by Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party of customs solutions tentatively agreed by negotiators.

Britain's Brexit minister Steve Barclay said he would not consider accepting a delay to Britain's EU exit beyond October&nbsp;31, even if it was only used to tie up the necessary legal requirements of an agreement.

"No, I think it is important that we leave on the&nbsp;October 31," Barclay told a British parliamentary committee.

Reports that the last-ditch talks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/london-retains-global-finance-throne-amid-brexit-chaos-256018">to seal a Brexit deal</a>, to be approved by a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday and Friday before Britain is due out on October 31, hit sterling and stocks in London.

There are still issues to be resolved in Brexit negotiations, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday, as European Union sources said the eleventh-hour talks with London were at a standstill.

There are still issues to be resolved in Brexit negotiations, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday, as European Union sources said the eleventh-hour talks with London were at a standstill. "There is a pathway to a possible deal but there are many issues that still need to be fully resolved," Varadkar said in a speech. He said he had spoken to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier in the day. "I do think we are making progress but there are issues yet to be resolved and hopefully that can be done today." "But if it's not, there is still more time. October 31 is still a few weeks away and there is the possibility of an additional summit before that if we need one ... Although time is running short, I am confident that (Ireland's) objectives can be met." Shortly before Varadkar spoke, EU sources said the talks had reached a "standstill" over a future trade deal between Britain and the bloc, as well as the rejection by Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party of customs solutions tentatively agreed by negotiators. Britain's Brexit minister Steve Barclay said he would not consider accepting a delay to Britain's EU exit beyond October 31, even if it was only used to tie up the necessary legal requirements of an agreement. "No, I think it is important that we leave on the October 31," Barclay told a British parliamentary committee. Reports that the last-ditch talks to seal a Brexit deal, to be approved by a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday and Friday before Britain is due out on October 31, hit sterling and stocks in London.

Irish Prime Minister says there are outstanding Brexit issues, may need more time

Eurozone inflation slowed in September by more than previously estimated to its slowest pace in nearly three years, the European Union statistics agency said on Wednesday, in a new warning on the state of the bloc's economy.

Eurostat said prices in the 19-country currency area grew by 0.8 per cent&nbsp;on the year, revising down its earlier estimate of a 0.9 per cent&nbsp;rate. That also defied the market consensus of a 0.9 per cent&nbsp;growth.

In a separate release, Eurostat said on Wednesday that the bloc's trade surplus with the rest of the world rose to $16.2 billion&nbsp;in August, from 11.9 billion the previous year, as euro zone's imports dropped more than its declining exports.

The revised inflation reading marked a more pronounced slowdown from the 1.0 per cent&nbsp;growth in August and was the lowest rate since November 2016 when prices grew by 0.6 per cent&nbsp;in the bloc.

The new drop is likely to raise new concerns on the state of the eurozone economy and could reignite the debate within the European Central Bank on how to pursue its goal of keeping inflation below, but close to 2 per cent&nbsp;over the medium term.

The revision was due to lower-than-expected inflation for industrial products, in a fresh worrying sign for the bloc's manufacturing sector which faces drops in output and a fall in confidence.

Prices for industrial goods, excluding energy, went up by a mere 0.2 per cent&nbsp;on the year in September, Eurostat said, revising its earlier estimate of a 0.3 per cent&nbsp;increase.

Energy prices were confirmed falling by 1.8 per cent, while inflation in the service sector, the largest in the bloc, rose by 1.5 per cent&nbsp;in line with previous estimates.

A narrower inflation indicator which strips out volatile energy and unprocessed food prices, and is monitored closely by the ECB for its policy decisions, rose to 1.2 per cent&nbsp;in September from 1.1 per cent&nbsp;in August, in line with Eurostat's earlier estimates released on October&nbsp;1.

Excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, inflation grew 1.0 per cent&nbsp;in September, Eurostat said, confirming its previous figures.

On the month, headline inflation grew 0.2 per cent&nbsp;in the bloc, also in line with earlier estimates.

Eurozone inflation slowed in September by more than previously estimated to its slowest pace in nearly three years, the European Union statistics agency said on Wednesday, in a new warning on the state of the bloc's economy.

Eurozone inflation slowed in September by more than previously estimated to its slowest pace in nearly three years, the European Union statistics agency said on Wednesday, in a new warning on the state of the bloc's economy. Eurostat said prices in the 19-country currency area grew by 0.8 per cent on the year, revising down its earlier estimate of a 0.9 per cent rate. That also defied the market consensus of a 0.9 per cent growth. In a separate release, Eurostat said on Wednesday that the bloc's trade surplus with the rest of the world rose to $16.2 billion in August, from 11.9 billion the previous year, as euro zone's imports dropped more than its declining exports. The revised inflation reading marked a more pronounced slowdown from the 1.0 per cent growth in August and was the lowest rate since November 2016 when prices grew by 0.6 per cent in the bloc. The new drop is likely to raise new concerns on the state of the eurozone economy and could reignite the debate within the European Central Bank on how to pursue its goal of keeping inflation below, but close to 2 per cent over the medium term. The revision was due to lower-than-expected inflation for industrial products, in a fresh worrying sign for the bloc's manufacturing sector which faces drops in output and a fall in confidence. Prices for industrial goods, excluding energy, went up by a mere 0.2 per cent on the year in September, Eurostat said, revising its earlier estimate of a 0.3 per cent increase. Energy prices were confirmed falling by 1.8 per cent, while inflation in the service sector, the largest in the bloc, rose by 1.5 per cent in line with previous estimates. A narrower inflation indicator which strips out volatile energy and unprocessed food prices, and is monitored closely by the ECB for its policy decisions, rose to 1.2 per cent in September from 1.1 per cent in August, in line with Eurostat's earlier estimates released on October 1. Excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, inflation grew 1.0 per cent in September, Eurostat said, confirming its previous figures. On the month, headline inflation grew 0.2 per cent in the bloc, also in line with earlier estimates.

Eurozone September inflation unexpectedly revised down to 0.8%

Reaching a divorce deal between Britain and the European Union is still possible this week, even if it more and more difficult, the EU's chief negotiator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-a-lot-of-work-to-be-done-before-brexit-deal-255708">Michel Barnier said</a> on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters before a meeting of Europe ministers of the EU, Barnier said it was high time for London to "turn good intentions into a legal text."

"Even if an agreement has been difficult, more and more difficult, it’s still possible this week," Barnier said.

"Reaching an agreement is still possible. Obviously, any agreement must work for all. The whole of the UK and the whole of the EU. Let me add also that it is high time to turn good intentions in a legal text," he said.

Earlier, Barnier warned diplomats that "a lot of work remains to be done" in withdrawal talks between London and Brussels.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-on-october-31-a-priority-for-british-government-queen-255851">Queen Elizabeth II</a> said that Britain is still aiming for Brexit at the end of the month.

The government wants a new partnership with the European Union, based on free trade, the Queen said.

If <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-johnson-plays-down-brexit-breakthrough-hopes-255701">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> is not able to come to an agreement with the other 27 EU leaders this month, Britain may crash out without a follow-on treaty.&nbsp;

Reaching a divorce deal between Britain and the European Union is still possible this week, even if it more and more difficult, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Tuesday.

Reaching a divorce deal between Britain and the European Union is still possible this week, even if it more and more difficult, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters before a meeting of Europe ministers of the EU, Barnier said it was high time for London to "turn good intentions into a legal text." "Even if an agreement has been difficult, more and more difficult, it’s still possible this week," Barnier said. "Reaching an agreement is still possible. Obviously, any agreement must work for all. The whole of the UK and the whole of the EU. Let me add also that it is high time to turn good intentions in a legal text," he said. Earlier, Barnier warned diplomats that "a lot of work remains to be done" in withdrawal talks between London and Brussels. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II said that Britain is still aiming for Brexit at the end of the month. The government wants a new partnership with the European Union, based on free trade, the Queen said. If Prime Minister Boris Johnson is not able to come to an agreement with the other 27 EU leaders this month, Britain may crash out without a follow-on treaty.

Brexit deal 'possible this week', says European Union chief negotiator Michel Barnier

France welcomed on Tuesday the "positive momentum" in talks aimed at securing a deal on the terms of Britain's exit from the European Union, an aide to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-vows-unrelenting-fight-against-islamist-terror-after-police-killings-254514">President Emmanuel Macron said</a>.

"There is a possibility of an accord, everyone recognises that. We're hoping for a deal but we don't know yet," the adviser said at a briefing for journalists ahead of a last-ditch EU summit in Brussels on Thursday.

"We're hoping for a clear assessment tonight so we can know if there will be a deal or not," the adviser added, requesting anonymity to discuss the negotiations underway in Luxembourg.

There are no plans to hold any "technical talks" at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-merkel-and-frances-macron-to-meet-ahead-of-crunch-brexit-summit-254798">European Council meeting in Brussels</a>, which will be "a political moment to take note of the situation," the aide said.

The EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said in Luxembourg earlier Tuesday that a deal with Britain could still be reached this week.

"This work has been intense all along the weekend and yesterday because even if the agreement will be difficult, more and more difficult to be frank, it's still possible this week," Barnier said before briefing the other 27 EU states on the state of the closed-door talks.

European diplomats said London has already given ground on customs rules for Northern Ireland, but must go further quickly if a deal is to be done this month, allowing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to fulfil his pledge to lead Britain out on October 31.

France welcomed on Tuesday the "positive momentum" in talks aimed at securing a deal on the terms of Britain's exit from the European Union, an aide to President Emmanuel Macron said.

France welcomed on Tuesday the "positive momentum" in talks aimed at securing a deal on the terms of Britain's exit from the European Union, an aide to President Emmanuel Macron said. "There is a possibility of an accord, everyone recognises that. We're hoping for a deal but we don't know yet," the adviser said at a briefing for journalists ahead of a last-ditch EU summit in Brussels on Thursday. "We're hoping for a clear assessment tonight so we can know if there will be a deal or not," the adviser added, requesting anonymity to discuss the negotiations underway in Luxembourg. There are no plans to hold any "technical talks" at the European Council meeting in Brussels, which will be "a political moment to take note of the situation," the aide said. The EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said in Luxembourg earlier Tuesday that a deal with Britain could still be reached this week. "This work has been intense all along the weekend and yesterday because even if the agreement will be difficult, more and more difficult to be frank, it's still possible this week," Barnier said before briefing the other 27 EU states on the state of the closed-door talks. European diplomats said London has already given ground on customs rules for Northern Ireland, but must go further quickly if a deal is to be done this month, allowing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to fulfil his pledge to lead Britain out on October 31.

France sees 'positive momentum' for Brexit deal: Presidential aide

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