The pound held its gains Thursday after Britain and its EU partners agreed to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-gives-britain-six-month-delay-to-brexit-date-209399"> once again extend the deadline for Brexit</a>, days before the cut-off for avoiding an economically calamitous no-deal divorce.

After hours of late-night talks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-says-view-on-second-brexit-referendum-has-not-changed-209308">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> was given until the end of October to pass her deal for leaving the bloc through parliament, having failed three times already.

The extension allows for an earlier exit if May achieves it, with a review taking place on June 21.

News of the delay allowed traders to breathe a sigh of relief and the pound rose slightly soon after the deal but observers noted the reprieve was only brief with the agreement merely kicking the can down the road. In early trade London's FTSE index was down 0.5 percent.

"The problem for traders and investors is that the extension... does not bring us any closer to a resolution," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com.

"The cliff-edge has simply been pushed back. We are in a period of peak uncertainty for UK politics and that won't help investors pile back into UK assets."

And there remains much uncertainty, with the prime minister under intense pressure from hardline Brexit supporters in her Conservative party not to compromise in her talks with the opposition Labour party, while the discussions are moving slowly.

Pressure on May

Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said: "May will now have to return to the UK and make the case to her disgruntled Brexiter MPs later today that the UK will... be in the EU for another six months.

"This is not likely to go down well, which could well increase internal party manoeuvres to replace her."

Asian equity markets mostly fell, with few catalysts to drive buying and investors still on edge over a brewing trade battle between the United States and Europe.

White House threats this week to hammer $11 billion worth of EU goods with tariffs jolted markets, which have been rallying this year on optimism that China and the US were close to ending their own battle.

The warning revived concerns about Donald Trump's protectionist agenda that has taken aim at US trading partners.

Hong Kong shed 0.9 percent and Shanghai tumbled 1.6 percent despite a jump in Chinese inflation that indicated stabilisation in the world's number two economy. Sydney lost 0.4 percent and Taipei retreated 0.6 percent. There were also losses in Jakarta, Mumbai, Manila and Bangkok.

But Tokyo reversed an early loss to end 0.1 percent up, with Wellington also up. Seoul and Singapore were barely moved.

Paris and Frankfurt were slightly lower in the morning.

Regional investors were also unmoved by the latest central bank dovishness.

The Federal Reserve released minutes of its March meeting that reinforced expectations that it will not lift interest rates this year as it keeps an eye on the US economy and brewing risks abroad.

"I think this confirms the message that we got from the March meeting," James McCann, senior economist at Aberdeen Standard Investments, told Bloomberg News.

"This is a Fed that's pretty happy to just sit on its hands for the time being and stay on hold and see how some of these cross currents play out."

The pound held its gains Thursday after Britain and its EU partners agreed to once again extend the deadline for Brexit, days before the cut-off for avoiding an economically calamitous no-deal divorce.

The pound held its gains Thursday after Britain and its EU partners agreed to once again extend the deadline for Brexit, days before the cut-off for avoiding an economically calamitous no-deal divorce. After hours of late-night talks Prime Minister Theresa May was given until the end of October to pass her deal for leaving the bloc through parliament, having failed three times already. The extension allows for an earlier exit if May achieves it, with a review taking place on June 21. News of the delay allowed traders to breathe a sigh of relief and the pound rose slightly soon after the deal but observers noted the reprieve was only brief with the agreement merely kicking the can down the road. In early trade London's FTSE index was down 0.5 percent. "The problem for traders and investors is that the extension... does not bring us any closer to a resolution," said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com. "The cliff-edge has simply been pushed back. We are in a period of peak uncertainty for UK politics and that won't help investors pile back into UK assets." And there remains much uncertainty, with the prime minister under intense pressure from hardline Brexit supporters in her Conservative party not to compromise in her talks with the opposition Labour party, while the discussions are moving slowly. Pressure on May Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK, said: "May will now have to return to the UK and make the case to her disgruntled Brexiter MPs later today that the UK will... be in the EU for another six months. "This is not likely to go down well, which could well increase internal party manoeuvres to replace her." Asian equity markets mostly fell, with few catalysts to drive buying and investors still on edge over a brewing trade battle between the United States and Europe. White House threats this week to hammer $11 billion worth of EU goods with tariffs jolted markets, which have been rallying this year on optimism that China and the US were close to ending their own battle. The warning revived concerns about Donald Trump's protectionist agenda that has taken aim at US trading partners. Hong Kong shed 0.9 percent and Shanghai tumbled 1.6 percent despite a jump in Chinese inflation that indicated stabilisation in the world's number two economy. Sydney lost 0.4 percent and Taipei retreated 0.6 percent. There were also losses in Jakarta, Mumbai, Manila and Bangkok. But Tokyo reversed an early loss to end 0.1 percent up, with Wellington also up. Seoul and Singapore were barely moved. Paris and Frankfurt were slightly lower in the morning. Regional investors were also unmoved by the latest central bank dovishness. The Federal Reserve released minutes of its March meeting that reinforced expectations that it will not lift interest rates this year as it keeps an eye on the US economy and brewing risks abroad. "I think this confirms the message that we got from the March meeting," James McCann, senior economist at Aberdeen Standard Investments, told Bloomberg News. "This is a Fed that's pretty happy to just sit on its hands for the time being and stay on hold and see how some of these cross currents play out."

Pound holds ground after Brexit delay, most Asian markets fall

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

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

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

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

Brexit is going through yet another crunch week. It is unlikely to be the last as the European Union appears likely to grant the United Kingdom another extension at an emergency European Council summit on Wednesday evening.

Brexit: Theresa May to meet EU today, will she get another extension?

European leaders gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to decide how long a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-pass-law-to-block-no-deal-brexit-208897">Brexit delay</a> to grant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-theresa-may-releases-video-statement-about-brexit-208696">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> -- and under what conditions.

Without a postponement, Britain is due to crash out of the European Union at midnight on Friday under a "no-deal" Brexit that could trigger economic chaos. &nbsp;

May has embarked on a last-ditch battle to postpone Brexit from April 12 to June 30 to arrange an orderly departure -- but European leaders are expected to offer her a longer delay of up to a year.

"There are times when you need to give time," EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted, as he issued summit invitations.

Summit host Tusk said the evidence of recent months gave EU leaders "little reason to believe" that British lawmakers will ratify the Brexit withdrawal treaty before May's preferred June 30 departure.

"In reality, granting such an extension would increase the risk of a rolling series of short extensions and emergency summits, creating new cliff-edge dates," he said, reflecting concern in EU capitals.

"One possibility would be a flexible extension, which would last only as long as necessary and no longer than one year," he said.

According to a draft copy of the summit conclusions that EU leaders were to receive and debate later in the day, they will agree to an extension to allow May time to ratify the withdrawal agreement.

"Such an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than [XX.XX.XXXX]," the draft reads.

The other 27 EU leaders will thrash out what date to fill in the blanks on Wednesday.

"If the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft, seen by AFP says.

If Britain is still in the European Union when EU parliamentary elections begin on May 23, it must take part in the vote.

"If the United Kingdom fails to live up to this obligation, the withdrawal will take place on 1 June 2019," the draft warns.

If an extension is agreed, Brussels will portray it as a concession to Britain, with some members -- particularly France -- not keen to see the disruptive Brexit drama drag on much longer.

But May insists she still wants to quickly ratify the withdrawal she agreed with EU leaders last November, but which has been rejected by British lawmakers, and to leave before the EU polls. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, May flew to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, then on to Paris, where an aide to President Emmanuel Macron said France was open to solutions.&nbsp;

"We've never been closed to the idea of finding an alternative solution to 'no deal' within certain limits and not at any price," the Elysee source said.&nbsp;

Discussions in Brussels are to focus on the length of the delay -- the French source said a 12-month extension "seems too long" -- and arrangements to limit Britain's influence within the EU.

EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget.

Talks with Labour

Britain was originally due to leave the EU on March 29, but Brussels agreed an extension after the British parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated with May.

The British premier is hoping a new period of extra time, if granted, will enable her to finally get a divorce deal through the legislature.

British MPs have rejected her deal three times, but May is now in talks with the opposition Labour party to try break the deadlock.

These discussions are moving slowly, and EU negotiator Michel Barnier said May must explain what postponement would achieve.

"The length of the extension must be linked to the purpose -- what it's for -- and that depends on what Mrs May will say to European leaders tomorrow," he said, after meeting EU ministers in Luxembourg.

A "no deal" -- in which Britain crashes out of the EU -- is still a possibility.&nbsp;

The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday that Britain risks a serious shock if it leaves the EU without an agreement.

And US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned American lawmakers: "I think at this point we need to be prepared for a hard Brexit as a very realistic outcome."

European leaders gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to decide how long a Brexit delay to grant British Prime Minister Theresa May -- and under what conditions. Without a postponement, Britain is due to crash out of the European Union at midnight on Friday under a "no-deal" Brexit that could trigger economic chaos.

European leaders gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to decide how long a Brexit delay to grant British Prime Minister Theresa May -- and under what conditions. Without a postponement, Britain is due to crash out of the European Union at midnight on Friday under a "no-deal" Brexit that could trigger economic chaos. May has embarked on a last-ditch battle to postpone Brexit from April 12 to June 30 to arrange an orderly departure -- but European leaders are expected to offer her a longer delay of up to a year. "There are times when you need to give time," EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted, as he issued summit invitations. Summit host Tusk said the evidence of recent months gave EU leaders "little reason to believe" that British lawmakers will ratify the Brexit withdrawal treaty before May's preferred June 30 departure. "In reality, granting such an extension would increase the risk of a rolling series of short extensions and emergency summits, creating new cliff-edge dates," he said, reflecting concern in EU capitals. "One possibility would be a flexible extension, which would last only as long as necessary and no longer than one year," he said. According to a draft copy of the summit conclusions that EU leaders were to receive and debate later in the day, they will agree to an extension to allow May time to ratify the withdrawal agreement. "Such an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than [XX.XX.XXXX]," the draft reads. The other 27 EU leaders will thrash out what date to fill in the blanks on Wednesday. "If the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month," the draft, seen by AFP says. If Britain is still in the European Union when EU parliamentary elections begin on May 23, it must take part in the vote. "If the United Kingdom fails to live up to this obligation, the withdrawal will take place on 1 June 2019," the draft warns. If an extension is agreed, Brussels will portray it as a concession to Britain, with some members -- particularly France -- not keen to see the disruptive Brexit drama drag on much longer. But May insists she still wants to quickly ratify the withdrawal she agreed with EU leaders last November, but which has been rejected by British lawmakers, and to leave before the EU polls. On Tuesday, May flew to Berlin to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel, then on to Paris, where an aide to President Emmanuel Macron said France was open to solutions. "We've never been closed to the idea of finding an alternative solution to 'no deal' within certain limits and not at any price," the Elysee source said. Discussions in Brussels are to focus on the length of the delay -- the French source said a 12-month extension "seems too long" -- and arrangements to limit Britain's influence within the EU. EU members want to ensure that a semi-detached Britain does not seek leverage in Brexit talks by intervening in choosing the next head of the European Commission or the next multi-year EU budget. Talks with Labour Britain was originally due to leave the EU on March 29, but Brussels agreed an extension after the British parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement negotiated with May. The British premier is hoping a new period of extra time, if granted, will enable her to finally get a divorce deal through the legislature. British MPs have rejected her deal three times, but May is now in talks with the opposition Labour party to try break the deadlock. These discussions are moving slowly, and EU negotiator Michel Barnier said May must explain what postponement would achieve. "The length of the extension must be linked to the purpose -- what it's for -- and that depends on what Mrs May will say to European leaders tomorrow," he said, after meeting EU ministers in Luxembourg. A "no deal" -- in which Britain crashes out of the EU -- is still a possibility. The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday that Britain risks a serious shock if it leaves the EU without an agreement. And US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned American lawmakers: "I think at this point we need to be prepared for a hard Brexit as a very realistic outcome."

EU leaders meet to decide another Brexit delay

British MPs on Monday passed a new law aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit this week by obliging the government to ask EU leaders for a delay.

The law has been rushed through both chambers of parliament over the past week and was opposed by the government, which has said it could limit its room for negotiation with the European Union.

"This is a huge dog's dinner," Andrea Leadsom, who represents the government in parliament, told MPs.

"I fundamentally object to it on the grounds that it is totally unconventional," she said.

The law was passed on the initiative of MPs, subverting the normal order in which parliament debates and passes government-proposed legislation.

As a result of the law, the government now must put forward a motion in parliament on Tuesday setting out the delay that it will request at an EU summit on Wednesday.

MPs will be allowed to vote on this and make their own suggestions as to the length of the delay.

It allows the government to seek any extension from May 22 onwards. Prime Minister Theresa May has asked for a delay until June 30, but ultimately this is up to EU leaders and it could be longer.

The law does not actually prevent a no-deal Brexit when the deadline for Britain runs out on Friday, as that is the legal default if Britain and the EU cannot agree on an extension at the summit.

Britain could also choose to stop the entire Brexit process by revoking Article 50, the formal procedure for member states that want to leave.

British MPs on Monday passed a new law aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit this week by obliging the government to ask EU leaders for a delay. The law has been rushed through both chambers of parliament over the past week and was opposed by the government, which has said it could limit its room for negotiation with the European Union.

British MPs on Monday passed a new law aimed at preventing a no-deal Brexit this week by obliging the government to ask EU leaders for a delay. The law has been rushed through both chambers of parliament over the past week and was opposed by the government, which has said it could limit its room for negotiation with the European Union. "This is a huge dog's dinner," Andrea Leadsom, who represents the government in parliament, told MPs. "I fundamentally object to it on the grounds that it is totally unconventional," she said. The law was passed on the initiative of MPs, subverting the normal order in which parliament debates and passes government-proposed legislation. As a result of the law, the government now must put forward a motion in parliament on Tuesday setting out the delay that it will request at an EU summit on Wednesday. MPs will be allowed to vote on this and make their own suggestions as to the length of the delay. It allows the government to seek any extension from May 22 onwards. Prime Minister Theresa May has asked for a delay until June 30, but ultimately this is up to EU leaders and it could be longer. The law does not actually prevent a no-deal Brexit when the deadline for Britain runs out on Friday, as that is the legal default if Britain and the EU cannot agree on an extension at the summit. Britain could also choose to stop the entire Brexit process by revoking Article 50, the formal procedure for member states that want to leave.

British MPs pass law to block no-deal Brexit

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-unions-tusk-considering-flexible-brexit-extension-up-to-one-year-senior-official-208089">European Union</a> presented ethics guidelines Monday as it seeks to promote its own Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, which has fallen behind developments in China and the United States.

The European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, unveiled a framework aimed at boosting trust in AI by ensuring, for example, data about EU citizens are not used to harm them.

"Ethical AI is a win-win proposition that can become a competitive advantage for Europe: being a leader of human-centric AI that people can trust," Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip said.

The guidelines list seven key requirements for "trustworthy AI" established by independent experts consulted by the Commission.

Among them is one ensuring that data about citizens will not be used to harm them or to discriminate against them.

The measures also call for mechanisms to ensure accountability for AI systems and for AI algorithms to be secure and reliable enough to deal with errors or inconsistencies. &nbsp;

The Commission now aims to launch a pilot phase in which industry, research and public authorities test the list of key requirements.&nbsp;

It will also involve companies from other countries and international organisations.

The Commission aims to improve cooperation with "like-minded partners" such as Japan, Canada or Singapore and continue working with the G7 and G20 groups of leading economies.&nbsp;

The updated guidelines flow from the Commission's AI strategy unveiled in April last year, which aimed to bring public and private investment in the sector to at least 20 billion euros annually over the next decade.

Europe is trying to catch up with both the US and China.&nbsp;

A study published last month showed that China is poised to overtake the United States in artificial intelligence with a surge in academic research on the key technology.

A burgeoning sector, AI is already used to recognise people in photos, filter unwanted content from online platforms and enable cars to drive themselves.

The European Union presented ethics guidelines Monday as it seeks to promote its own Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, which has fallen behind developments in China and the United States.

The European Union presented ethics guidelines Monday as it seeks to promote its own Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector, which has fallen behind developments in China and the United States. The European Commission, the bloc's executive arm, unveiled a framework aimed at boosting trust in AI by ensuring, for example, data about EU citizens are not used to harm them. "Ethical AI is a win-win proposition that can become a competitive advantage for Europe: being a leader of human-centric AI that people can trust," Commission Vice President Andrus Ansip said. The guidelines list seven key requirements for "trustworthy AI" established by independent experts consulted by the Commission. Among them is one ensuring that data about citizens will not be used to harm them or to discriminate against them. The measures also call for mechanisms to ensure accountability for AI systems and for AI algorithms to be secure and reliable enough to deal with errors or inconsistencies. The Commission now aims to launch a pilot phase in which industry, research and public authorities test the list of key requirements. It will also involve companies from other countries and international organisations. The Commission aims to improve cooperation with "like-minded partners" such as Japan, Canada or Singapore and continue working with the G7 and G20 groups of leading economies. The updated guidelines flow from the Commission's AI strategy unveiled in April last year, which aimed to bring public and private investment in the sector to at least 20 billion euros annually over the next decade. Europe is trying to catch up with both the US and China. A study published last month showed that China is poised to overtake the United States in artificial intelligence with a surge in academic research on the key technology. A burgeoning sector, AI is already used to recognise people in photos, filter unwanted content from online platforms and enable cars to drive themselves.

European Union unveils ethics guidelines for Artificial Intelligence

Britain has begun issuing passports with the words "European Union" removed from the front cover -- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-proposes-brexit-extension-to-end-on-june-30th-pm-theresa-may-to-eu-208119">despite Brexit being delayed</a> and uncertainty over when the country will leave the bloc.

The interior ministry confirmed that some passports introduced from March 30, the day after Britain was originally due to depart, no longer include references to the EU following a 2017 decision.

However, it said some newly-issued travel documents would still bear the bloc's name -- which has sat atop British passport covers -- in a bid to save public money.

"In order to use leftover stock and achieve best value for the taxpayer, passports that include the words 'European Union’ will continue to be issued for a short period," a spokeswoman said.

"There will be no difference for British citizens whether they are using a passport that includes the words European Union, or a passport that does not," she added, noting both designs would be "equally valid for travel".

Britain was set to leave the EU on March 29 but has been forced to delay its exit amid political paralysis in Westminster over the terms of the divorce deal.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday was forced to ask the bloc for another extension, until June 30, to prevent the country crashing out next Friday without an accord.

But it is unclear whether the other 27 EU members, which must give unanimous backing, will grant the request or insist on an even longer delay.

British passports have become ensnared in the country's Brexit divisions after the government announced in 2017 it would return to traditional blue passports "to restore national identity".

The travel documents had dark blue covers from 1921, but Britain switched to burgundy from 1988, in common with other passports in what was then the European Community.

Brexit backers are thrilled by the highly symbolic change, while those who support remaining in the bloc have mocked their excitement.

Last year it emerged that Franco-Dutch company Gemalto had won the contract to make the new blue passports, prompting fury from Brexit campaigners and more ridicule from Remainers that a British company was not chosen.

The new production contract is to begin in October 2019, with the passports currently being issued without reference to the EU on them still in the burgundy colour.

Britain has begun issuing passports with the words "European Union" removed from the front cover -- despite Brexit being delayed and uncertainty over when the country will leave the bloc.

Britain has begun issuing passports with the words "European Union" removed from the front cover -- despite Brexit being delayed and uncertainty over when the country will leave the bloc. The interior ministry confirmed that some passports introduced from March 30, the day after Britain was originally due to depart, no longer include references to the EU following a 2017 decision. However, it said some newly-issued travel documents would still bear the bloc's name -- which has sat atop British passport covers -- in a bid to save public money. "In order to use leftover stock and achieve best value for the taxpayer, passports that include the words 'European Union’ will continue to be issued for a short period," a spokeswoman said. "There will be no difference for British citizens whether they are using a passport that includes the words European Union, or a passport that does not," she added, noting both designs would be "equally valid for travel". Britain was set to leave the EU on March 29 but has been forced to delay its exit amid political paralysis in Westminster over the terms of the divorce deal. Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday was forced to ask the bloc for another extension, until June 30, to prevent the country crashing out next Friday without an accord. But it is unclear whether the other 27 EU members, which must give unanimous backing, will grant the request or insist on an even longer delay. British passports have become ensnared in the country's Brexit divisions after the government announced in 2017 it would return to traditional blue passports "to restore national identity". The travel documents had dark blue covers from 1921, but Britain switched to burgundy from 1988, in common with other passports in what was then the European Community. Brexit backers are thrilled by the highly symbolic change, while those who support remaining in the bloc have mocked their excitement. Last year it emerged that Franco-Dutch company Gemalto had won the contract to make the new blue passports, prompting fury from Brexit campaigners and more ridicule from Remainers that a British company was not chosen. The new production contract is to begin in October 2019, with the passports currently being issued without reference to the EU on them still in the burgundy colour.

UK starts issuing passports without 'European Union' on cover

The chairman of European Union leaders Donald Tusk is likely to offer Britain a flexible extension of the date of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-deal-brexit-day-after-day-more-likely-european-unions-chief-negotiator-207400"> country's exit from the EU </a>of up to one year, with the possibility of leaving sooner, a senior EU official said.

The official said the option could be presented to British Prime Minister Theresa May at the EU summit on Brexit on April 10th in Brussels. If May accepted, Britain would have to hold elections to the European Parliament in May, the official said.

"The only reasonable way out would be a long but flexible extension. I would call it a 'flex tension'," the official said.

"We could give the UK a year-long extension, automatically terminated once the Withdrawal Agreement has been accepted and ratified by the House of Commons," the official said.

"And even if this were not possible, then the UK would still have enough time to rethink its Brexit strategy. A short extension if possible, and a long one if necessary. It seems to be a good scenario for both sides, as it gives the UK all the necessary flexibility while avoiding the need to meet every few weeks to further discuss Brexit extensions," he said.

The chairman of European Union leaders Donald Tusk is likely to offer Britain a flexible extension of the date of the country's exit from the EU of up to one year, with the possibility of leaving sooner, a senior EU official said.

The chairman of European Union leaders Donald Tusk is likely to offer Britain a flexible extension of the date of the country's exit from the EU of up to one year, with the possibility of leaving sooner, a senior EU official said. The official said the option could be presented to British Prime Minister Theresa May at the EU summit on Brexit on April 10th in Brussels. If May accepted, Britain would have to hold elections to the European Parliament in May, the official said. "The only reasonable way out would be a long but flexible extension. I would call it a 'flex tension'," the official said. "We could give the UK a year-long extension, automatically terminated once the Withdrawal Agreement has been accepted and ratified by the House of Commons," the official said. "And even if this were not possible, then the UK would still have enough time to rethink its Brexit strategy. A short extension if possible, and a long one if necessary. It seems to be a good scenario for both sides, as it gives the UK all the necessary flexibility while avoiding the need to meet every few weeks to further discuss Brexit extensions," he said.

European Union's Tusk considering 'flexible' Brexit extension up to one year: Senior official

A source in French presidency Friday said that it is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-proposes-brexit-extension-to-end-on-june-30th-pm-theresa-may-to-eu-208119">'premature' to discuss additional delay to Brexit</a>.

France said that London&nbsp;present "a clear plan" that would justify pushing Brexit back again.

France had "taken note" of Britain's formal request Friday for an extension to June 30, the source said, adding: "We are waiting for a credible plan between now and the (EU) summit on April 10, when we will study the request."

"A delay is a tool, but not a solution in itself," the source said.

Prime Minister Theresa May has asked the European Union to delay Britain's departure from the bloc until June 30, with the extension ending earlier if parliament approves her Brexit deal.

Earlier an EU official had said Donald Tusk will suggest to member states Friday that they offer Britain a flexible 12-month Brexit delay to allow it time to prepare an orderly withdrawal.

(With inputs from AFP)

A source in French presidency Friday said that it is 'premature' to discuss additional delay to Brexit. France said that London present "a clear plan" that would justify pushing Brexit back again.

A source in French presidency Friday said that it is 'premature' to discuss additional delay to Brexit. France said that London present "a clear plan" that would justify pushing Brexit back again. France had "taken note" of Britain's formal request Friday for an extension to June 30, the source said, adding: "We are waiting for a credible plan between now and the (EU) summit on April 10, when we will study the request." "A delay is a tool, but not a solution in itself," the source said. Prime Minister Theresa May has asked the European Union to delay Britain's departure from the bloc until June 30, with the extension ending earlier if parliament approves her Brexit deal. Earlier an EU official had said Donald Tusk will suggest to member states Friday that they offer Britain a flexible 12-month Brexit delay to allow it time to prepare an orderly withdrawal. (With inputs from AFP)

France says 'premature' to discuss further Brexit delay

Prime Minister Theresa May has asked the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-is-getting-so-stressful-uk-mps-are-being-offered-counselling-208022"> European Union to delay Britain's </a>departure from the bloc until June 30, with the extension ending earlier if parliament approves her Brexit deal.

"The United Kingdom proposes that (the extension) should end on June 30th, 2019. If the parties are able to ratify before this date, the government proposes that the period should be terminated earlier," May wrote in a letter to EU Council president Donald Tusk.

Earlier an EU official had said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brussels-increasingly-wary-of-long-brexit-delay-207574">Donald Tusk will suggest</a> to member states Friday that they offer Britain a flexible 12-month Brexit delay to allow it time to prepare an orderly withdrawal.

"This is Tusk's idea," a senior EU official told AFP, confirming news reports. "It will be presented to member states today."

As things stand, Britain is due to leave the European Union at midnight on April 12 next week. Under the suggested extension, Britain would be able to delay this.

If the House of Commons ratifies the withdrawal agreement that Prime Minister Theresa May has already signed with the EU members, London could leave before the year is up.

But if Britain is still a member when the bloc holds elections to the European Parliament on May 23, it will need to take part in the poll and send another batch of MEPs to Strasbourg.

Prime Minister Theresa May has asked the European Union to delay Britain's departure from the bloc until June 30, with the extension ending earlier if parliament approves her Brexit deal.

Prime Minister Theresa May has asked the European Union to delay Britain's departure from the bloc until June 30, with the extension ending earlier if parliament approves her Brexit deal. "The United Kingdom proposes that (the extension) should end on June 30th, 2019. If the parties are able to ratify before this date, the government proposes that the period should be terminated earlier," May wrote in a letter to EU Council president Donald Tusk. Earlier an EU official had said Donald Tusk will suggest to member states Friday that they offer Britain a flexible 12-month Brexit delay to allow it time to prepare an orderly withdrawal. "This is Tusk's idea," a senior EU official told AFP, confirming news reports. "It will be presented to member states today." As things stand, Britain is due to leave the European Union at midnight on April 12 next week. Under the suggested extension, Britain would be able to delay this. If the House of Commons ratifies the withdrawal agreement that Prime Minister Theresa May has already signed with the EU members, London could leave before the year is up. But if Britain is still a member when the bloc holds elections to the European Parliament on May 23, it will need to take part in the poll and send another batch of MEPs to Strasbourg.

UK proposes Brexit extension to end on June 30: PM Theresa May to EU

The prospect of Britain holding European elections would have been unthinkable just weeks ago but with the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-unions-tusk-considering-flexible-brexit-extension-up-to-one-year-senior-official-208089"> Brexit timetable now uncertain</a>, the country is reluctantly planning for a possible campaign.

Village halls and schools across the country are being booked as polling centres, and orders placed with specialist stationers for tens of millions of ballots in case the May 23 vote goes ahead.

The government has yet to give formal notice of the poll, with the deadline next Friday, but this week agreed to pay for initial preparations.

And after Prime Minister Theresa May&nbsp;admitted she would seek to again delay Brexit, amid continuing deadlock over her plan to leave, officials believe such notice is inevitable.

"If we were to still be a member of the EU, which is not our government's intention, but if we were, we would need to have European Parliament elections," Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay told MPs on Thursday.

Yet both the ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party are keeping quiet about any campaign plans, wary of how voters might respond.

Zombie election

May has previously said it would be "unacceptable" to ask Britons to take part in the elections three years after they voted to leave the European Union.

Her spokesman emphasised that once called, Britain could still cancel the polls up until May 22 if it has secured a deal to leave the EU by then.

This would cause anger in Brussels, not least because 27 of Britain's 73 MEPs have already been reallocated to other countries.

And it leaves Conservative candidates in the unenviable position of asking voters to back them in an election they themselves do not want, and still may not happen.

"That is not a conversation I relish having on the doorsteps of my constituency," said the party's leader in the European Parliament, Ashley Fox.

He said polls predicted voters would punish the Tories for betraying them on Brexit, with the best prediction suggesting it would lose half its 20 MEPs.

"It could be worse if our members decide they do not want to spend their evenings and weekends promoting a zombie election," he wrote on the ConservativeHome website.

Superhuman effort

Election officials, who would normally have begun planning for the European polls before Christmas, are now under intense pressure.

After pressing the government for weeks, ministers finally confirmed on Monday they would reimburse costs of preparations that were strictly necessary.

The process of booking venues and ordering stationery is now underway -- a mammoth task.

At the last European elections in 2014, they sent out 7.2 million postal votes, printed 46.5 million poll cards and had 39,000 polling stations.

Letters must also be sent out to more than three million EU citizens living in Britain to ask if they want to vote here or in their home country.

Laura Lock, deputy chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, told AFP her members would do what was necessary, but that it would require a "superhuman effort".

Return of Farage

The Conservative Party has so far refused to confirm what it is doing to select or field candidates for the elections, while Labour says only that it is "making contingency plans".

But smaller parties sense an opportunity.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) which wants to reverse the whole Brexit process, said it would contest any election "very vigorously".

The newly formed Independent Group, made up of pro-European former Conservative and Labour MPs, last week applied to the election authorities to be allowed to take part.

And Nigel Farage, a lead campaigner in the 2016 EU referendum, has said he would stand for his new Brexit party.

He condemned May's delay as the latest "Brexit betrayal" and said: "It is now clear we will have to fight our political classes again. I'm up for it."

European elections in Britain are typically marked by poor turnout, but Lock acknowledged Brexit could change this.&nbsp;

"People are planning for a higher turnout," she said.

The prospect of Britain holding European elections would have been unthinkable just weeks ago but with the Brexit timetable now uncertain, the country is reluctantly planning for a possible campaign.

The prospect of Britain holding European elections would have been unthinkable just weeks ago but with the Brexit timetable now uncertain, the country is reluctantly planning for a possible campaign. Village halls and schools across the country are being booked as polling centres, and orders placed with specialist stationers for tens of millions of ballots in case the May 23 vote goes ahead. The government has yet to give formal notice of the poll, with the deadline next Friday, but this week agreed to pay for initial preparations. And after Prime Minister Theresa May admitted she would seek to again delay Brexit, amid continuing deadlock over her plan to leave, officials believe such notice is inevitable. "If we were to still be a member of the EU, which is not our government's intention, but if we were, we would need to have European Parliament elections," Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay told MPs on Thursday. Yet both the ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party are keeping quiet about any campaign plans, wary of how voters might respond. Zombie election May has previously said it would be "unacceptable" to ask Britons to take part in the elections three years after they voted to leave the European Union. Her spokesman emphasised that once called, Britain could still cancel the polls up until May 22 if it has secured a deal to leave the EU by then. This would cause anger in Brussels, not least because 27 of Britain's 73 MEPs have already been reallocated to other countries. And it leaves Conservative candidates in the unenviable position of asking voters to back them in an election they themselves do not want, and still may not happen. "That is not a conversation I relish having on the doorsteps of my constituency," said the party's leader in the European Parliament, Ashley Fox. He said polls predicted voters would punish the Tories for betraying them on Brexit, with the best prediction suggesting it would lose half its 20 MEPs. "It could be worse if our members decide they do not want to spend their evenings and weekends promoting a zombie election," he wrote on the ConservativeHome website. Superhuman effort Election officials, who would normally have begun planning for the European polls before Christmas, are now under intense pressure. After pressing the government for weeks, ministers finally confirmed on Monday they would reimburse costs of preparations that were strictly necessary. The process of booking venues and ordering stationery is now underway -- a mammoth task. At the last European elections in 2014, they sent out 7.2 million postal votes, printed 46.5 million poll cards and had 39,000 polling stations. Letters must also be sent out to more than three million EU citizens living in Britain to ask if they want to vote here or in their home country. Laura Lock, deputy chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, told AFP her members would do what was necessary, but that it would require a "superhuman effort". Return of Farage The Conservative Party has so far refused to confirm what it is doing to select or field candidates for the elections, while Labour says only that it is "making contingency plans". But smaller parties sense an opportunity. The Scottish National Party (SNP) which wants to reverse the whole Brexit process, said it would contest any election "very vigorously". The newly formed Independent Group, made up of pro-European former Conservative and Labour MPs, last week applied to the election authorities to be allowed to take part. And Nigel Farage, a lead campaigner in the 2016 EU referendum, has said he would stand for his new Brexit party. He condemned May's delay as the latest "Brexit betrayal" and said: "It is now clear we will have to fight our political classes again. I'm up for it." European elections in Britain are typically marked by poor turnout, but Lock acknowledged Brexit could change this. "People are planning for a higher turnout," she said.

On the quiet, UK prepares for 'zombie' European polls

WION Gravitas: India-China should 'unite' like European Union, says Dalai Lama

The EU on Thursday condemned a decision to strip Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido of immunity from prosecution, calling it a "serious violation" of the constitution that undermined the chances of a peaceful solution to the country's crisis.

"The EU rejects the decision taken by the non-recognised National Constituent Assembly to lift Juan Guaido's parliamentary immunity," EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said, in a statement on behalf of all 28 members of the bloc.

Lawmakers in Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which is loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, authorised the high court to prosecute Guaido for proclaiming himself the country's ruler.

"This decision constitutes a serious violation of the Venezuelan Constitution, as well as of the rule of law and separation of powers, as the only body authorised to lift the immunity of members of the parliament is the National Assembly," Mogherini said.

"These acts undermine a political way out of the crisis and only lead to further polarisation and escalation of tensions in the country."

Guaido, the speaker of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim president in January as Venezuela's economic and political crisis plunged new depths -- a move recognised by more than 50 countries, including many from the EU.

Mogherini called for Guaido's "constitutionally mandated" immunity to be respected, saying he must not be detained or intimidated.

Critics of the controversial two-year-old Constituent Assembly say it was created to rubber-stamp Maduro's decisions and to sideline the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

Alongside the political tussle, Venezuela has been hit by a series of devastating blackouts that have left millions without water, prompting the government to replace the country's energy minister and institute power rationing.

The EU on Thursday condemned a decision to strip Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido of immunity from prosecution, calling it a "serious violation" of the constitution that undermined the chances of a peaceful solution to the country's crisis.

The EU on Thursday condemned a decision to strip Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido of immunity from prosecution, calling it a "serious violation" of the constitution that undermined the chances of a peaceful solution to the country's crisis. "The EU rejects the decision taken by the non-recognised National Constituent Assembly to lift Juan Guaido's parliamentary immunity," EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said, in a statement on behalf of all 28 members of the bloc. Lawmakers in Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which is loyal to President Nicolas Maduro, authorised the high court to prosecute Guaido for proclaiming himself the country's ruler. "This decision constitutes a serious violation of the Venezuelan Constitution, as well as of the rule of law and separation of powers, as the only body authorised to lift the immunity of members of the parliament is the National Assembly," Mogherini said. "These acts undermine a political way out of the crisis and only lead to further polarisation and escalation of tensions in the country." Guaido, the speaker of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, declared himself interim president in January as Venezuela's economic and political crisis plunged new depths -- a move recognised by more than 50 countries, including many from the EU. Mogherini called for Guaido's "constitutionally mandated" immunity to be respected, saying he must not be detained or intimidated. Critics of the controversial two-year-old Constituent Assembly say it was created to rubber-stamp Maduro's decisions and to sideline the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Alongside the political tussle, Venezuela has been hit by a series of devastating blackouts that have left millions without water, prompting the government to replace the country's energy minister and institute power rationing.

EU condemns stripping of immunity from Venezuela's Guaido

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-anti-submarine-helicopter-sale-to-india-207615">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-anti-submarine-helicopter-sale-to-india-207615"> approves 24 anti-submarine helicopter sale to India worth $2.6 billion</a>

The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean.

The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-seeks-new-brexit-delay-to-approve-deal-207606">British PM Theresa May seeks new Brexit delay to approve </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-seeks-new-brexit-delay-to-approve-deal-207606">deal</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May said Tuesday she would ask the EU to delay Brexit again to avoid Britain crashing out of the bloc next week, signalling she could accept a closer relationship with Europe to break months of political deadlock.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-stripped-of-immunity-can-face-prosecution-official-207607">Venezuela's Constituent Assembly strips Guaido of immunity, may face prosecution</a>

Venezuela's ruling Constituent Assembly stripped opposition leader Juan Guaido's immunity Tuesday and authorised the crisis-hit country's high court to criminally prosecute him for usurpation of functions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-woman-arrested-at-trumps-resort-with-malware-on-thumb-drive-207610">Chinese woman arrested at Trump's resort with malware on </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-woman-arrested-at-trumps-resort-with-malware-on-thumb-drive-207610">thumb</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-woman-arrested-at-trumps-resort-with-malware-on-thumb-drive-207610"> drive</a>

A Chinese woman carrying multiple cellphones and a thumb drive containing malware was arrested on Saturday at US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida while he was staying there, court documents revealed Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-premier-league-wolverhampton-wanderers-topple-manchester-united-207613">English Premier League: Wolverhampton Wanderers topple Manchester United</a>

Wolverhampton Wanderers repeated their FA Cup defeat of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United thanks to a Chris Smalling own goal that gave them a 2-1 comeback win in a pulsating Premier League game on Tuesday.

US approves 24 anti-submarine helicopter sale to India worth $2.6 billion The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean.

US approves 24 anti-submarine helicopter sale to India worth $2.6 billion The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean. The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean. British PM Theresa May seeks new Brexit delay to approve deal Prime Minister Theresa May said Tuesday she would ask the EU to delay Brexit again to avoid Britain crashing out of the bloc next week, signalling she could accept a closer relationship with Europe to break months of political deadlock. Venezuela's Constituent Assembly strips Guaido of immunity, may face prosecution Venezuela's ruling Constituent Assembly stripped opposition leader Juan Guaido's immunity Tuesday and authorised the crisis-hit country's high court to criminally prosecute him for usurpation of functions. Chinese woman arrested at Trump's resort with malware on thumb drive A Chinese woman carrying multiple cellphones and a thumb drive containing malware was arrested on Saturday at US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida while he was staying there, court documents revealed Tuesday. English Premier League: Wolverhampton Wanderers topple Manchester United Wolverhampton Wanderers repeated their FA Cup defeat of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United thanks to a Chris Smalling own goal that gave them a 2-1 comeback win in a pulsating Premier League game on Tuesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The European Union's chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned Tuesday it is "day after day more likely" that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-remains-divided-on-brexit-options-207308">Britain will crash out of the bloc</a> without an orderly withdrawal agreement next week.

Barnier was addressing a think tank in Brussels the day after British lawmakers again failed to unite behind any alternative to the Brexit withdrawal agreement Prime Minister Theresa May signed last year.

"No deal was never our desired nor intended scenario. No deal was never my intended scenario, but the EU 27 is now prepared. It becomes day after day more likely," Barnier told the audience.

"Let's not forget first that we have already an agreement, we have already a deal, and it was concluded by Theresa May and the British government and the European Council and European Parliament on November 25 last year, four months ago," he said.

"We tried to make sure that the UK could leave the EU on March 29, just as the UK had foreseen itself... If the UK still wants to leave the EU in an orderly manner, this agreement, this treaty is and will be the only one."

The European Union's chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned Tuesday it is "day after day more likely" that Britain will crash out of the bloc without an orderly withdrawal agreement next week.

The European Union's chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned Tuesday it is "day after day more likely" that Britain will crash out of the bloc without an orderly withdrawal agreement next week. Barnier was addressing a think tank in Brussels the day after British lawmakers again failed to unite behind any alternative to the Brexit withdrawal agreement Prime Minister Theresa May signed last year. "No deal was never our desired nor intended scenario. No deal was never my intended scenario, but the EU 27 is now prepared. It becomes day after day more likely," Barnier told the audience. "Let's not forget first that we have already an agreement, we have already a deal, and it was concluded by Theresa May and the British government and the European Council and European Parliament on November 25 last year, four months ago," he said. "We tried to make sure that the UK could leave the EU on March 29, just as the UK had foreseen itself... If the UK still wants to leave the EU in an orderly manner, this agreement, this treaty is and will be the only one."

No-deal Brexit 'day after day more likely': European Union's chief negotiator

All <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-to-vote-yet-again-tonight-on-various-brexit-options-207229">four alternative Brexit proposals</a> considered Monday by the UK House of Commons went down to defeat, albeit by narrower margins than in last week's initial vote.

Half of the eight motions submitted to a vote last Thursday were brought up again as the United Kingdom's political class continued its desperate search for a way to avoid leaving the European Union on April 12 without an agreement in place.

As was the case the first time around, the motion that came closest to passing was one calling for the UK to negotiate a permanent customs union with the EU, which was defeated by just three votes, 276-273, after losing by eight votes last week.

Garnering the largest number of votes - 280 - was a proposal to require the eventual Withdrawal Agreement to be subject to approval in a referendum, but 292 Commons member gave it a thumbs-down.

That motion lost 295-268 on the first reading last week.

An initiative from Conservative member Nick Boles for "Common Market 2.0," lost 282-261, an improvement from last week's 283-188, but not enough to stop him from resigning from his party in frustration.

The most radical of the motions, which would have allowed Parliament to revoke Brexit in the event of no-deal, was defeated 292-191.

Sandwiched between the first and second round of "indicative" (non-binding) votes on Brexit alternatives was last Friday's third "meaningful" vote on the withdrawal agreement Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May negotiated with EU leaders, rejected by lawmakers for the third time.

The outcome of Monday's session is likely to bolster May's determination to seek a fourth vote on her deal.

Her minister for Brexit, Stephen Barclay, said following the latest votes that the Commons can still prevent a no-deal withdrawal on April 12 by approving the prime minister's initiative this week.

May's deal, which lost by a record 230-vote margin on the first occasion, failed by a margin of 58 votes last Friday.

Noting that May has been allowed to bring her proposal before the House of Commons three times, the leader of the main opposition Labor Party, Jeremy Corbyn, argued Monday for another vote on the Brexit alternatives.

"If it is good enough for the prime minister to have three chances at her deal, then I suggest it's possible the House should have a chance to consider again the options we had before us ... so the House can succeed where the prime minister has failed - in presenting a credible economic relationship with Europe for the future that prevents us crashing out with no deal," he said.

May plans to meet with her Cabinet on Tuesday to consider the next steps.

Britons voted 52 per cent to 48 per cent in favour of Brexit in a June 2016 referendum. May and the-then Conservative majority in Parliament adopted legislation in 2017 setting a March 29, 2019, deadline to leave the EU.

But after the House of Commons rejected the withdrawal agreement for a second time, May asked the 27 EU governments to give London more time.

Brussels offered a delay to May 22 if Parliament finally accepted the withdrawal agreement. In the absence of parliamentary approval, the EU gave the UK until April 12 to "indicate a way forward."

Several leading Brexit hardliners in May's party, including former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, threw their support behind her deal after she pledged to resign and make way for a new prime minister.

But the Northern Ireland-based Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up the minority Conservative government, remains opposed, saying that it would prefer to delay Brexit for a year to accepting the withdrawal agreement.

The DUP, and many Conservatives oppose the provision of the Withdrawal Agreement known as the Irish backstop, aimed at averting the establishment of a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

Critics of the backstop say it could trap the UK in a permanent customs union with the EU.

All four alternative Brexit proposals considered Monday by the UK House of Commons went down to defeat, albeit by narrower margins than in last week's initial vote.

All four alternative Brexit proposals considered Monday by the UK House of Commons went down to defeat, albeit by narrower margins than in last week's initial vote. Half of the eight motions submitted to a vote last Thursday were brought up again as the United Kingdom's political class continued its desperate search for a way to avoid leaving the European Union on April 12 without an agreement in place. As was the case the first time around, the motion that came closest to passing was one calling for the UK to negotiate a permanent customs union with the EU, which was defeated by just three votes, 276-273, after losing by eight votes last week. Garnering the largest number of votes - 280 - was a proposal to require the eventual Withdrawal Agreement to be subject to approval in a referendum, but 292 Commons member gave it a thumbs-down. That motion lost 295-268 on the first reading last week. An initiative from Conservative member Nick Boles for "Common Market 2.0," lost 282-261, an improvement from last week's 283-188, but not enough to stop him from resigning from his party in frustration. The most radical of the motions, which would have allowed Parliament to revoke Brexit in the event of no-deal, was defeated 292-191. Sandwiched between the first and second round of "indicative" (non-binding) votes on Brexit alternatives was last Friday's third "meaningful" vote on the withdrawal agreement Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May negotiated with EU leaders, rejected by lawmakers for the third time. The outcome of Monday's session is likely to bolster May's determination to seek a fourth vote on her deal. Her minister for Brexit, Stephen Barclay, said following the latest votes that the Commons can still prevent a no-deal withdrawal on April 12 by approving the prime minister's initiative this week. May's deal, which lost by a record 230-vote margin on the first occasion, failed by a margin of 58 votes last Friday. Noting that May has been allowed to bring her proposal before the House of Commons three times, the leader of the main opposition Labor Party, Jeremy Corbyn, argued Monday for another vote on the Brexit alternatives. "If it is good enough for the prime minister to have three chances at her deal, then I suggest it's possible the House should have a chance to consider again the options we had before us ... so the House can succeed where the prime minister has failed - in presenting a credible economic relationship with Europe for the future that prevents us crashing out with no deal," he said. May plans to meet with her Cabinet on Tuesday to consider the next steps. Britons voted 52 per cent to 48 per cent in favour of Brexit in a June 2016 referendum. May and the-then Conservative majority in Parliament adopted legislation in 2017 setting a March 29, 2019, deadline to leave the EU. But after the House of Commons rejected the withdrawal agreement for a second time, May asked the 27 EU governments to give London more time. Brussels offered a delay to May 22 if Parliament finally accepted the withdrawal agreement. In the absence of parliamentary approval, the EU gave the UK until April 12 to "indicate a way forward." Several leading Brexit hardliners in May's party, including former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, threw their support behind her deal after she pledged to resign and make way for a new prime minister. But the Northern Ireland-based Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up the minority Conservative government, remains opposed, saying that it would prefer to delay Brexit for a year to accepting the withdrawal agreement. The DUP, and many Conservatives oppose the provision of the Withdrawal Agreement known as the Irish backstop, aimed at averting the establishment of a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Critics of the backstop say it could trap the UK in a permanent customs union with the EU.

British Parliament remains divided on Brexit options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">With Britain's parliament deadlocked over the way forward on Brexit</a>, speculation was growing on Sunday that Prime Minister Theresa May could call a snap election to try and break the impasse.

Last week, after her Brexit deal was rejected by parliament for a third time, May's comment that she feared "we are reaching the limits of this process in this House", was seen by many as a hint she could be moving towards an election.

The Sunday Times reported her media chief, Robbie Gibb, and her political aide Stephen Parkinson were pushing for an election.

But the deputy chair of her Conservatives, James Cleverly said on Sunday the party was not planning for an election, while justice minister David Gauke warned it would not solve the issue over the way forward on Brexit.

In 2017, May lost her party's majority in parliament in an election she did not need to call. It has since been reliant on the support of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which has voted against her Brexit deal all three times.

HOW CAN AN ELECTION BE CALLED?

Britain's next national election is not due to be held until 2022, but there are two ways an earlier vote can be called:

1) Two-thirds of parliament's 650 lawmakers would have to vote in favour of holding an election.

2) If a motion of no confidence in the government is passed by a simple majority of lawmakers and no party can succeed in winning the confidence of the House of Commons over the next 14-days, an election is triggered.

Many of May's Conservatives oppose the idea of an election. If she cannot persuade enough of her party to support an election, May could be forced to back a no-confidence vote in her own government in order to try to trigger one.

WHO WOULD LEAD THE CONSERVATIVES INTO AN ELECTION?

Last week, in a bid to win Conservative lawmakers over to her deal, May promised to step down before the next phase of Brexit negotiations if her deal was approved by parliament. She has previously said she would not contest the 2022 election.

May's deal was rejected for a third time on Friday. Even if she were to agree to go sooner, a Conservative leadership contest is likely to take weeks at a minimum.

On Sunday, Conservative deputy chairman James Cleverly told Sky News it was "the inevitable possibility" that May could have to lead the party in a snap election if one were held.

WHAT WOULD THE CONSERVATIVES' POSITION BE ON BREXIT?

One of the biggest difficulties about an election would be the question of what the Conservative Party's election manifesto would say on Brexit.

The party is deeply divided on the issue. Half of May's lawmakers voted in favour of a 'no deal' Brexit when parliament voted on alternative Brexit options last week, while 34 supported seeking a customs union with the EU and eight backed a confirmatory public vote on any deal.

Many lawmakers are likely to be unhappy standing on a manifesto which pledged to implement May's deal. More than 100 Conservative lawmakers opposed the deal when it was first voted on in January, 75 voted against it at the second try and 34 at the third attempt on Friday.

WHAT DO THE OPINION POLLS SAY?

A poll by Opinium published on Sunday put May's Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party level on 35 percentage points each.

A separate poll by Deltapoll in the Mail on Sunday gave Labour 41 percent, a lead of five percentage points over the Conservatives, who were on 36 percent.

HOW QUICKLY COULD AN ELECTION BE HELD?

Britain is due to leave the EU on April 12 unless it sets out an alternative way forward on Brexit. The government would need to seek a longer delay to the Article 50 negotiating period in order to hold a national election.

It is likely the EU would agree to this, although it is not guaranteed. May has said any longer delay would mean Britain taking place in European Parliament elections.

According to a possible timetable set out by the Institute for Government, an election could be held as soon as mid-late May. If is triggered by a no confidence vote, it would be slightly later due to the 14-day period.

With Britain's parliament deadlocked over the way forward on Brexit, speculation was growing on Sunday that Prime Minister Theresa May could call a snap election to try and break the impasse.

With Britain's parliament deadlocked over the way forward on Brexit, speculation was growing on Sunday that Prime Minister Theresa May could call a snap election to try and break the impasse. Last week, after her Brexit deal was rejected by parliament for a third time, May's comment that she feared "we are reaching the limits of this process in this House", was seen by many as a hint she could be moving towards an election. The Sunday Times reported her media chief, Robbie Gibb, and her political aide Stephen Parkinson were pushing for an election. But the deputy chair of her Conservatives, James Cleverly said on Sunday the party was not planning for an election, while justice minister David Gauke warned it would not solve the issue over the way forward on Brexit. In 2017, May lost her party's majority in parliament in an election she did not need to call. It has since been reliant on the support of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which has voted against her Brexit deal all three times. HOW CAN AN ELECTION BE CALLED? Britain's next national election is not due to be held until 2022, but there are two ways an earlier vote can be called: 1) Two-thirds of parliament's 650 lawmakers would have to vote in favour of holding an election. 2) If a motion of no confidence in the government is passed by a simple majority of lawmakers and no party can succeed in winning the confidence of the House of Commons over the next 14-days, an election is triggered. Many of May's Conservatives oppose the idea of an election. If she cannot persuade enough of her party to support an election, May could be forced to back a no-confidence vote in her own government in order to try to trigger one. WHO WOULD LEAD THE CONSERVATIVES INTO AN ELECTION? Last week, in a bid to win Conservative lawmakers over to her deal, May promised to step down before the next phase of Brexit negotiations if her deal was approved by parliament. She has previously said she would not contest the 2022 election. May's deal was rejected for a third time on Friday. Even if she were to agree to go sooner, a Conservative leadership contest is likely to take weeks at a minimum. On Sunday, Conservative deputy chairman James Cleverly told Sky News it was "the inevitable possibility" that May could have to lead the party in a snap election if one were held. WHAT WOULD THE CONSERVATIVES' POSITION BE ON BREXIT? One of the biggest difficulties about an election would be the question of what the Conservative Party's election manifesto would say on Brexit. The party is deeply divided on the issue. Half of May's lawmakers voted in favour of a 'no deal' Brexit when parliament voted on alternative Brexit options last week, while 34 supported seeking a customs union with the EU and eight backed a confirmatory public vote on any deal. Many lawmakers are likely to be unhappy standing on a manifesto which pledged to implement May's deal. More than 100 Conservative lawmakers opposed the deal when it was first voted on in January, 75 voted against it at the second try and 34 at the third attempt on Friday. WHAT DO THE OPINION POLLS SAY? A poll by Opinium published on Sunday put May's Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party level on 35 percentage points each. A separate poll by Deltapoll in the Mail on Sunday gave Labour 41 percent, a lead of five percentage points over the Conservatives, who were on 36 percent. HOW QUICKLY COULD AN ELECTION BE HELD? Britain is due to leave the EU on April 12 unless it sets out an alternative way forward on Brexit. The government would need to seek a longer delay to the Article 50 negotiating period in order to hold a national election. It is likely the EU would agree to this, although it is not guaranteed. May has said any longer delay would mean Britain taking place in European Parliament elections. According to a possible timetable set out by the Institute for Government, an election could be held as soon as mid-late May. If is triggered by a no confidence vote, it would be slightly later due to the 14-day period.

With Brexit deadlocked, speculation grows that Britain may be heading for general election

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

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

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

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

Brexit: MP's reject Theresa May's deal by 58 votes

Gravitas: May's Brexit deal junked for the third time by British parliament

The chairman of British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party said all options were on the table for how to get Britain out of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brexit-mps-reject-theresa-mays-deal-by-58-votes-206641">Brexit impasse</a> but that seeking a customs union with the European Union would be difficult.

"We've got to look at what we can do next and we have to do something different," Brandon Lewis told BBC radio on Saturday when asked if May might try to put her withdrawal agreement to a parliamentary vote yet again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-reject-brexit-deal-for-third-time-206565">Lawmakers rejected May's Brexit deal for a third time</a> on Friday, leaving Britain's withdrawal from the EU in turmoil on the day it was originally due to leave the bloc.

"Parliament will continue this process on Monday and we've got to look at all the options," Lewis said.

With parliament and the government deadlocked on May's deal, it remains unclear how, when or even whether Britain will leave the EU.

On Monday lawmakers will try to agree on an alternative Brexit plan that could command majority cross-party support. The options that have so far gathered most support involve closer ties to the EU and a second referendum.

Lewis said the option of a customs union would be difficult to pursue because it flew in the face of the Conservatives' pledges before the 2017 national election and did not respect the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum.

When asked if a way out of the impasse was to hold a fresh national election, Lewis said he did not think British voters wanted to return to the polls.

The BBC said government officials had not ruled out the possibility of a run-off vote in parliament between the most popular option proposed by lawmakers and May's deal.

Lewis backed May to continue as prime minister but said he was aware of a letter sent to her by Conservative lawmakers calling for her to resign.

The chairman of British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party said all options were on the table for how to get Britain out of its Brexit impasse but that seeking a customs union with the European Union would be difficult.

The chairman of British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party said all options were on the table for how to get Britain out of its Brexit impasse but that seeking a customs union with the European Union would be difficult. "We've got to look at what we can do next and we have to do something different," Brandon Lewis told BBC radio on Saturday when asked if May might try to put her withdrawal agreement to a parliamentary vote yet again. Lawmakers rejected May's Brexit deal for a third time on Friday, leaving Britain's withdrawal from the EU in turmoil on the day it was originally due to leave the bloc. "Parliament will continue this process on Monday and we've got to look at all the options," Lewis said. With parliament and the government deadlocked on May's deal, it remains unclear how, when or even whether Britain will leave the EU. On Monday lawmakers will try to agree on an alternative Brexit plan that could command majority cross-party support. The options that have so far gathered most support involve closer ties to the EU and a second referendum. Lewis said the option of a customs union would be difficult to pursue because it flew in the face of the Conservatives' pledges before the 2017 national election and did not respect the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum. When asked if a way out of the impasse was to hold a fresh national election, Lewis said he did not think British voters wanted to return to the polls. The BBC said government officials had not ruled out the possibility of a run-off vote in parliament between the most popular option proposed by lawmakers and May's deal. Lewis backed May to continue as prime minister but said he was aware of a letter sent to her by Conservative lawmakers calling for her to resign.

All Brexit options are on the table: UK Conservatives chair

Gravitas: Theresa May offers to resign in Parliament on Brexit

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

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

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

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

Brexit threatens endangered species breeding progamme, Belgian zoo says

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

By Sangeeta Khorana The European Union and India have been negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) since 2007. Despite growing trade between the EU and India, talks stalled in 2013 after 16 rounds, only resuming in 2018.

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

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

Donald Trump praises Theresa May as Brexit battle continous

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

British MP's vote on 8 alternatives, agree on none

Asian share markets were painted red on Thursday as recession concerns sent bond yields spiralling lower across the globe, overwhelming central bank efforts to calm frayed nerves.

Sterling was also hit by another bout of Brexit blues after a round of votes in the UK parliament failed to produce any new plan to manage its divorce from the European Union.

A Reuters report that the United States and China had made progress in all areas in trade talks had a little obvious impact since sticking points still remained and there was no definite timetable for a deal.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.3 per cent, with South Korea down 0.7 per cent and Shanghai blue chips slipping 0.3 per cent.

Japan's Nikkei fell 1.7 per cent. US stocks could not escape the malaise with E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 off 0.5 per cent.

Worries that the inversion of the US Treasury curve signalled a future recession only deepened as 10-year yields fell to a fresh 15-month low at 2.34 per cent.

"We think that the ongoing flattening, or outright inversion, of the curve is a bad sign for equities, as it usually has been in the past," said Oliver Jones, markets economist at Capital Economics.

"Arguments that the yield curve is no longer a reliable indicator seem to resurface every time it inverts, only to be subsequently proved wrong."

The latest lunge lower was led by German bunds where 10-year yields dived deeper into negative territory after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said a hike in interest rates could be further delayed.

Plans to mitigate the side-effects of negative interest rates could also be considered, suggesting the central bank was preparing for an extended period below zero.

That shift came hot on the heels of a dovish surprise on Wednesday from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which abandoned its neutral bias to say the next rate move would likely be down.

Yields in both New Zealand and neighbour Australia quickly sank to record lows in response.

The RBNZ explicitly cited all the easing moves by other central banks as a reason for its turnaround since they had put unwanted upward pressure on the local dollar.

Easing goes global

That is one reason markets are wagering the Reserve Bank of Australia will also be forced to cut rates, simply to stop its currency from appreciating. Policy easing then becomes a self-fulfilling cycle across the world.

"The continued dovish shift by G7 central banks, ongoing support by the Chinese authorities, and the move by the RBNZ will keep pressure on the RBA to also move in the same direction, however reluctantly," said Su-Lin Ong, head of Australian and New Zealand strategy at RBC Capital Markets.

"It is, essentially, a global policy cycle."

The RBNZ's action had the desired effect on its currency, which was pinned at $0.6786 after diving 1.6 per cent overnight. The Aussie was on the defensive at $0.7078.

Draghi's comments likewise tugged the euro back to $1.1245, and left the US dollar firmer against a basket of its competitors at 96.909.

Only the yen held its own thanks to its safe-haven status and firmed to 110.20 per dollar.

Sterling had its own troubles as an offer by British Prime Minister Theresa May to quit to get her European Union deal through parliament failed, leaving uncertainty hanging over the Brexit process.

That left the pound down at $1.3170, having been as high as $1.3269 at one point on Wednesday.

In commodity markets, palladium was the focus of attention after sliding 7 per cent on Wednesday as its meteoric rally finally ran into profit-taking. It was down 0.4 per cent on Thursday.

Gold was relatively sedated at $1,308.37 per ounce.

Oil prices nursed modest losses after data showed US crude inventories grew more than expected last week as a Texas chemical spill hampered exports.

US crude was last down 21 cents at $59.14 a barrel, while Brent crude futures lost 21 cents to $67.62.

Asian share markets were painted red on Thursday as recession concerns sent bond yields spiralling lower across the globe, overwhelming central bank efforts to calm frayed nerves.

Asian share markets were painted red on Thursday as recession concerns sent bond yields spiralling lower across the globe, overwhelming central bank efforts to calm frayed nerves. Sterling was also hit by another bout of Brexit blues after a round of votes in the UK parliament failed to produce any new plan to manage its divorce from the European Union. A Reuters report that the United States and China had made progress in all areas in trade talks had a little obvious impact since sticking points still remained and there was no definite timetable for a deal. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan slipped 0.3 per cent, with South Korea down 0.7 per cent and Shanghai blue chips slipping 0.3 per cent. Japan's Nikkei fell 1.7 per cent. US stocks could not escape the malaise with E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 off 0.5 per cent. Worries that the inversion of the US Treasury curve signalled a future recession only deepened as 10-year yields fell to a fresh 15-month low at 2.34 per cent. "We think that the ongoing flattening, or outright inversion, of the curve is a bad sign for equities, as it usually has been in the past," said Oliver Jones, markets economist at Capital Economics. "Arguments that the yield curve is no longer a reliable indicator seem to resurface every time it inverts, only to be subsequently proved wrong." The latest lunge lower was led by German bunds where 10-year yields dived deeper into negative territory after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said a hike in interest rates could be further delayed. Plans to mitigate the side-effects of negative interest rates could also be considered, suggesting the central bank was preparing for an extended period below zero. That shift came hot on the heels of a dovish surprise on Wednesday from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which abandoned its neutral bias to say the next rate move would likely be down. Yields in both New Zealand and neighbour Australia quickly sank to record lows in response. The RBNZ explicitly cited all the easing moves by other central banks as a reason for its turnaround since they had put unwanted upward pressure on the local dollar. Easing goes global That is one reason markets are wagering the Reserve Bank of Australia will also be forced to cut rates, simply to stop its currency from appreciating. Policy easing then becomes a self-fulfilling cycle across the world. "The continued dovish shift by G7 central banks, ongoing support by the Chinese authorities, and the move by the RBNZ will keep pressure on the RBA to also move in the same direction, however reluctantly," said Su-Lin Ong, head of Australian and New Zealand strategy at RBC Capital Markets. "It is, essentially, a global policy cycle." The RBNZ's action had the desired effect on its currency, which was pinned at $0.6786 after diving 1.6 per cent overnight. The Aussie was on the defensive at $0.7078. Draghi's comments likewise tugged the euro back to $1.1245, and left the US dollar firmer against a basket of its competitors at 96.909. Only the yen held its own thanks to its safe-haven status and firmed to 110.20 per dollar. Sterling had its own troubles as an offer by British Prime Minister Theresa May to quit to get her European Union deal through parliament failed, leaving uncertainty hanging over the Brexit process. That left the pound down at $1.3170, having been as high as $1.3269 at one point on Wednesday. In commodity markets, palladium was the focus of attention after sliding 7 per cent on Wednesday as its meteoric rally finally ran into profit-taking. It was down 0.4 per cent on Thursday. Gold was relatively sedated at $1,308.37 per ounce. Oil prices nursed modest losses after data showed US crude inventories grew more than expected last week as a Texas chemical spill hampered exports. US crude was last down 21 cents at $59.14 a barrel, while Brent crude futures lost 21 cents to $67.62.

Bond yields spiral lower, take stocks along for the ride

european-union

European Union, News on European Union, stories on European Union, articles on European Union, European Union stories at Wion, European Union news, European Union latest news

european union