The EU on Thursday urged London to provide a way forward on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Brexit</a>, taking note that the British Parliament had failed to agree a fresh solution to the UK's divorce from the bloc.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heres-how-brexit-endgame-could-play-out-205678"> What in the world is going on with Brexit?</a>

"The European Commission takes note of the indicative votes in the House of Commons last night. This is part of an ongoing political process in the UK, which we fully respect," EU spokesman Margaritis Schinas said.

"We counted eight 'no's last night, now we need a 'yes' on the way forward," he added.

Schinas was referring to the parliament's unprecedented step on Tuesday of voting a choice of alternate solutions to the near-dead divorce deal May reached with Brussels after 17 months of talks.

But none of the eight options secured a majority and another vote has been set for Monday on some of the proposals.

A proposal to hold a second referendum -- a popular idea with EU supporters -- came second while those promoting a cleaner break finished near the bottom.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel told journalists in Brussels that without a solution from Britain, EU leaders would meet again on April 10 or 11 to discuss next steps.

EU leaders last week offered Britain a Brexit extension until May 22, but only on condition that parliament votes through the deal by Friday, the day Britain was originally scheduled to leave the European Union.

The May government said Wednesday it wanted a third vote on the EU deal on Friday, but the outcome remained uncertain.

If the vote fails a third time, May will have to spell out to EU leaders what steps Britain will take by a deadline of April 12, or risk crashing out of the bloc without any arrangements in place.

The EU on Thursday urged London to provide a way forward on Brexit, taking note that the British Parliament had failed to agree a fresh solution to the UK's divorce from the bloc.

The EU on Thursday urged London to provide a way forward on Brexit, taking note that the British Parliament had failed to agree a fresh solution to the UK's divorce from the bloc. Also read: What in the world is going on with Brexit? "The European Commission takes note of the indicative votes in the House of Commons last night. This is part of an ongoing political process in the UK, which we fully respect," EU spokesman Margaritis Schinas said. "We counted eight 'no's last night, now we need a 'yes' on the way forward," he added. Schinas was referring to the parliament's unprecedented step on Tuesday of voting a choice of alternate solutions to the near-dead divorce deal May reached with Brussels after 17 months of talks. But none of the eight options secured a majority and another vote has been set for Monday on some of the proposals. A proposal to hold a second referendum -- a popular idea with EU supporters -- came second while those promoting a cleaner break finished near the bottom. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel told journalists in Brussels that without a solution from Britain, EU leaders would meet again on April 10 or 11 to discuss next steps. EU leaders last week offered Britain a Brexit extension until May 22, but only on condition that parliament votes through the deal by Friday, the day Britain was originally scheduled to leave the European Union. The May government said Wednesday it wanted a third vote on the EU deal on Friday, but the outcome remained uncertain. If the vote fails a third time, May will have to spell out to EU leaders what steps Britain will take by a deadline of April 12, or risk crashing out of the bloc without any arrangements in place.

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British MPs are set to hold a series of votes Wednesday on different Brexit options in a bid to break paralysis in parliament on the issue.

Three years after Britain decided to leave the European Union, lawmakers have become deadlocked on how -- or even whether -- the country should proceed with its departure from the bloc.

More than a dozen amendments covering an array of scenarios have been put forward, with parliamentary speaker John Bercow first set to choose which will be voted on. &nbsp;

Some build on Prime Minister Theresa May's twice-rejected divorce deal while others offer stark alternatives -- including leaving without a deal and stopping Brexit altogether.&nbsp;

Here are the main options being considered:

Customs union

Several of the proposals advocate Britain remaining in the EU customs union -- likely after adopting May's withdrawal plan and its implementation period to the end of 2020.&nbsp;

Committing fully to the customs union would end the dispute over her deal's provisions for the Irish border, ensuring it remains open after Brexit.

This option is favoured by the main opposition Labour Party -- alongside close alignment to the EU single market -- as well as cross-party groups of MPs.

But opponents argue it would hinder Britain's ability to strike trade deals with countries around the world, and the Conservative Party manifesto vowed Britain would leave the customs union.

Norwegian model

Although outside the EU, energy-rich Norway is in the European Economic Area (EEA) -- alongside Iceland and Liechtenstein -- meaning they benefit from membership of the single market but do not have a say in the making of its rules.

They must also allow the free movement of goods, capital, services and people -- the EU's four freedoms -- with member states.

However, they are not in the customs union.

Some British lawmakers pushing this approach have also proposed that London adds comprehensive customs arrangements with the EU, in a plan dubbed "Common Market 2.0".

Its advantages are Britain's large services sector -- including the financial hub in the capital -- would be undisturbed, while goods trade, including across the contentious Irish border, could continue unimpeded.

But critics say it would leave Britain hostage to EU rules, and also fall foul of the promise of the Brexit campaign to limit immigration.

Second Brexit referendum

Many Remain-backing MPs see a second referendum as the most viable path towards preventing Brexit, while others believe it could simply break the stalemate.

However, there has never been clarity over what the referendum would ask, other than the cross-party People's Vote campaign insisting that staying in the EU must be one of the choices.

A compromise put forward by some Labour MPs calls only for "a confirmatory public vote" on any government deal reached with the EU -- including the prime minister's current plan.

That could garner more support than a vote earlier this month when a majority of MPs rejected postponing the Brexit date in order to hold another referendum.

Cancel Brexit

The most dramatic option would be to cancel Brexit altogether by revoking Article 50, the departure mechanism that set a two-year clock ticking down to March 29, Britain's original exit day.

With two of the amendments urging this measure to avoid a no-deal departure, Bercow may give MPs the chance to vote on the option.

No-deal

If no alternative course can be agreed, Britain will default to "third country" status with the EU as early as April 12, with trade relations run on World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.

This involves tariffs and increased barriers that could disrupt the seamless supply chains that connect Britain and the EU.

Lawmakers have already voted overwhelmingly to reject this option, meaning the speaker is doubtful to pick a new amendment Wednesday again calling for it. 
&nbsp;

British MPs are set to hold a series of votes Wednesday on different Brexit options in a bid to break paralysis in parliament on the issue. Three years after Britain decided to leave the European Union, lawmakers have become deadlocked on how -- or even whether -- the country should proceed with its departure from the bloc.

British MPs are set to hold a series of votes Wednesday on different Brexit options in a bid to break paralysis in parliament on the issue. Three years after Britain decided to leave the European Union, lawmakers have become deadlocked on how -- or even whether -- the country should proceed with its departure from the bloc. More than a dozen amendments covering an array of scenarios have been put forward, with parliamentary speaker John Bercow first set to choose which will be voted on. Some build on Prime Minister Theresa May's twice-rejected divorce deal while others offer stark alternatives -- including leaving without a deal and stopping Brexit altogether. Here are the main options being considered: Customs union Several of the proposals advocate Britain remaining in the EU customs union -- likely after adopting May's withdrawal plan and its implementation period to the end of 2020. Committing fully to the customs union would end the dispute over her deal's provisions for the Irish border, ensuring it remains open after Brexit. This option is favoured by the main opposition Labour Party -- alongside close alignment to the EU single market -- as well as cross-party groups of MPs. But opponents argue it would hinder Britain's ability to strike trade deals with countries around the world, and the Conservative Party manifesto vowed Britain would leave the customs union. Norwegian model Although outside the EU, energy-rich Norway is in the European Economic Area (EEA) -- alongside Iceland and Liechtenstein -- meaning they benefit from membership of the single market but do not have a say in the making of its rules. They must also allow the free movement of goods, capital, services and people -- the EU's four freedoms -- with member states. However, they are not in the customs union. Some British lawmakers pushing this approach have also proposed that London adds comprehensive customs arrangements with the EU, in a plan dubbed "Common Market 2.0". Its advantages are Britain's large services sector -- including the financial hub in the capital -- would be undisturbed, while goods trade, including across the contentious Irish border, could continue unimpeded. But critics say it would leave Britain hostage to EU rules, and also fall foul of the promise of the Brexit campaign to limit immigration. Second Brexit referendum Many Remain-backing MPs see a second referendum as the most viable path towards preventing Brexit, while others believe it could simply break the stalemate. However, there has never been clarity over what the referendum would ask, other than the cross-party People's Vote campaign insisting that staying in the EU must be one of the choices. A compromise put forward by some Labour MPs calls only for "a confirmatory public vote" on any government deal reached with the EU -- including the prime minister's current plan. That could garner more support than a vote earlier this month when a majority of MPs rejected postponing the Brexit date in order to hold another referendum. Cancel Brexit The most dramatic option would be to cancel Brexit altogether by revoking Article 50, the departure mechanism that set a two-year clock ticking down to March 29, Britain's original exit day. With two of the amendments urging this measure to avoid a no-deal departure, Bercow may give MPs the chance to vote on the option. No-deal If no alternative course can be agreed, Britain will default to "third country" status with the EU as early as April 12, with trade relations run on World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. This involves tariffs and increased barriers that could disrupt the seamless supply chains that connect Britain and the EU. Lawmakers have already voted overwhelmingly to reject this option, meaning the speaker is doubtful to pick a new amendment Wednesday again calling for it.

The alternative Brexit options

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-seize-control-of-brexit-for-a-day-205630">British MPs</a> will on Wednesday hold votes on various <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heres-how-brexit-endgame-could-play-out-205678">Brexit </a>options even as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-might-not-announce-resignation-until-lawmakers-back-brexit-deal-report-206004">Prime Minister Theresa May </a>comes under pressure to announce a departure plan to get support for her unpopular divorce deal.

Three years after a referendum in which Britain voted to leave the European Union, the country is gripped by painful uncertainty over how -- or even whether -- it should put an end to its 46-year membership.

May's deal negotiated with Brussels has already been voted down overwhelmingly by parliament twice but the government is widely expected to present it for a third time on Thursday to ensure an orderly<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/can-the-revoke-article-50-petition-change-the-course-of-brexit-205739"> Brexit</a>.

EU leaders said Britain could leave the EU on May 22 if the deal is adopted this week, or face a potential no-deal Brexit as early as April 12.

In a bid to find Brexit alternatives, lawmakers took the unprecedented step on Monday of seizing control of Wednesday's parliamentary business.

MPs will hold a series of "indicative votes" -- indicating their preferences on a piece of paper -- for different Brexit outcomes, although May is not legally-bound to follow their instructions.

The proposals put forward so include a customs union with the EU, remaining in the single market, holding a second referendum or stopping Brexit by revoking Article 50 -- the formal notification for departure.

The alternatives that will actually be voted on will be selected by speaker John Bercow on Wednesday and voting will take place at around 1900 GMT with the results expected at around 2100 GMT.

Time has been set aside next Monday to try and whittle down the most popular options to a final plan.

'Get it over the line'

Parliament's unprecedented power-grab was spearheaded by arch-EU MPs, who want to either reverse Brexit or preserve much closer economic ties with the remaining 27 states.

Three members of May's government quit in order to vote for the move, further piling pressure on their leader.

However, she received a boost on Tuesday when influential Brexiteer Jacob Rees Mogg suggested he could back her deal in order to make sure the whole process was not stopped.

Prominent Brexit supporter Boris Johnson has already indicated that he could back the deal, but only if May agrees to go, raising suggestions that she could announce plans for her departure at a meeting with Conservative MPs at 1700 GMT on Wednesday.

"If the Prime Minister announces a timetable of departure, I think that's going to swing a lot of people behind her deal, we could get it over the line," said Conservative MP Nigel Evans.

'Toxic Brexit'

But the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the hardline Northern Irish power brokers who prop up the government, have poured cold water on the deal.

The group's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson said the party would rather see a one-year Brexit delay.

"Even if we are forced into a one-year extension, we at least would have a say on the things which affect us during that time and would have the right to unilaterally decide to leave at the end of that one-year," he wrote in the Daily Telegraph.

"We won't let the PM or the Remainer horde in parliament bully us into backing a toxic Brexit," he said.

Britain was originally due to exit from the EU on March 29, and MPs will vote on Wednesday to formalise the extension into law.

It has already been written into international law and is expected to pass easily, with May's office saying that "there would be uncertainty for citizens and businesses" if MPs were to reject it.

A group of Brexit-supporting MPs, however, has said that holding the vote after the delay had already entered international law "created serious legal doubts about the legal situation surrounding the extension".

British MPs will on Wednesday hold votes on various Brexit options even as Prime Minister Theresa May comes under pressure to announce a departure plan to get support for her unpopular divorce deal.

British MPs will on Wednesday hold votes on various Brexit options even as Prime Minister Theresa May comes under pressure to announce a departure plan to get support for her unpopular divorce deal. Three years after a referendum in which Britain voted to leave the European Union, the country is gripped by painful uncertainty over how -- or even whether -- it should put an end to its 46-year membership. May's deal negotiated with Brussels has already been voted down overwhelmingly by parliament twice but the government is widely expected to present it for a third time on Thursday to ensure an orderly Brexit. EU leaders said Britain could leave the EU on May 22 if the deal is adopted this week, or face a potential no-deal Brexit as early as April 12. In a bid to find Brexit alternatives, lawmakers took the unprecedented step on Monday of seizing control of Wednesday's parliamentary business. MPs will hold a series of "indicative votes" -- indicating their preferences on a piece of paper -- for different Brexit outcomes, although May is not legally-bound to follow their instructions. The proposals put forward so include a customs union with the EU, remaining in the single market, holding a second referendum or stopping Brexit by revoking Article 50 -- the formal notification for departure. The alternatives that will actually be voted on will be selected by speaker John Bercow on Wednesday and voting will take place at around 1900 GMT with the results expected at around 2100 GMT. Time has been set aside next Monday to try and whittle down the most popular options to a final plan. 'Get it over the line' Parliament's unprecedented power-grab was spearheaded by arch-EU MPs, who want to either reverse Brexit or preserve much closer economic ties with the remaining 27 states. Three members of May's government quit in order to vote for the move, further piling pressure on their leader. However, she received a boost on Tuesday when influential Brexiteer Jacob Rees Mogg suggested he could back her deal in order to make sure the whole process was not stopped. Prominent Brexit supporter Boris Johnson has already indicated that he could back the deal, but only if May agrees to go, raising suggestions that she could announce plans for her departure at a meeting with Conservative MPs at 1700 GMT on Wednesday. "If the Prime Minister announces a timetable of departure, I think that's going to swing a lot of people behind her deal, we could get it over the line," said Conservative MP Nigel Evans. 'Toxic Brexit' But the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the hardline Northern Irish power brokers who prop up the government, have poured cold water on the deal. The group's Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson said the party would rather see a one-year Brexit delay. "Even if we are forced into a one-year extension, we at least would have a say on the things which affect us during that time and would have the right to unilaterally decide to leave at the end of that one-year," he wrote in the Daily Telegraph. "We won't let the PM or the Remainer horde in parliament bully us into backing a toxic Brexit," he said. Britain was originally due to exit from the EU on March 29, and MPs will vote on Wednesday to formalise the extension into law. It has already been written into international law and is expected to pass easily, with May's office saying that "there would be uncertainty for citizens and businesses" if MPs were to reject it. A group of Brexit-supporting MPs, however, has said that holding the vote after the delay had already entered international law "created serious legal doubts about the legal situation surrounding the extension".

British MPs to vote on Brexit options

Germany is hopeful that all European Union member states will back the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/european-union-begins-discussions-on-declaring-masood-azhar-a-terrorist-204354">listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist</a> under in its territory.&nbsp;

A text has been circulated among the member states of the EU on the listing of the chief of Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Speaking to WION, the spokesperson of the German embassy Hans Christian Winkler said, "Important thing is that all 27 (28 with UK) members countries have to accept the text. European security and foreign policy working on unanimity. This can take a certain time. Germany is on board, we have to bring everyone too and we are hopeful on that."

Germany is one of the countries that has circulated the text on designating Masood Azhar as a terrorist by Brussels.

In early March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with EU. 
&nbsp; 
A joint release by French Foreign, Interior and Finance ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

The development comes after China blocked the listing of Azhar as a terrorist under the United Nations. In the past, China has blocked the listing of Azhar three times--2009, 2016 and 2017.

JeM is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack on March 14 that killed more than 40 CRPF Personnel.

Germany is hopeful that all European Union member states will back the listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist under in its territory. A text has been circulated among the member states of the EU on the listing of the chief of Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Germany is hopeful that all European Union member states will back the listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist under in its territory. A text has been circulated among the member states of the EU on the listing of the chief of Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Speaking to WION, the spokesperson of the German embassy Hans Christian Winkler said, "Important thing is that all 27 (28 with UK) members countries have to accept the text. European security and foreign policy working on unanimity. This can take a certain time. Germany is on board, we have to bring everyone too and we are hopeful on that." Germany is one of the countries that has circulated the text on designating Masood Azhar as a terrorist by Brussels. In early March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with EU. A joint release by French Foreign, Interior and Finance ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." The development comes after China blocked the listing of Azhar as a terrorist under the United Nations. In the past, China has blocked the listing of Azhar three times--2009, 2016 and 2017. JeM is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack on March 14 that killed more than 40 CRPF Personnel.

Hopeful that all EU member states will back listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as terrorist: Germany

What in the world is going on with Brexit?

British lawmakers wrested control of the parliamentary agenda from the government for a day in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pms-office-says-reports-of-parliament-seizing-control-from-govt-over-brexit-extremely-concerning-191516">a highly unusual bid</a> to find a way through the Brexit impasse after Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal was rejected again.

Lawmakers will now vote on a range of Brexit options on Wednesday, giving parliament a chance to indicate whether it can agree on a deal with closer ties to Brussels — and then try to push the government in that direction.

Nearly three years after the 2016 EU membership referendum, and four days before Britain was supposed to leave the bloc, it remains still unclear how, when or even if Brexit will take place, with parliament and the nation still bitterly divided.

The vote underlined the extent to which May has lost authority over her own lawmakers and ministers, though she said the government would not be bound by the results of the so-called indicative votes.

"The government will continue to call for realism — any options considered must be deliverable in negotiations with the EU," said a spokesman for the Department for Exiting the European Union.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay had said on Sunday that if parliament took control of the Brexit process, a snap election — which the main opposition Labour party would be likely to back — could be the consequence.

May too has made clear that she would not implement a proposal that ran counter to her election manifesto, which promised a clean break with the EU.

THIRD VOTE ON MAY'S DEAL?

But while lawmakers may struggle to turn Wednesday's indicative votes into law, if they do reach some kind of a consensus, it would pile pressure on a prime minister who has accused parliament of having no more viable solution than her deal.

Monday's vote was put forward by Oliver Letwin, a lawmaker in May's Conservative Party. The prime minister had earlier admitted that the deal she had agreed with the EU after two years of talks still did not have enough support to pass.

May has not ruled out bringing back her deal for a third time this week. Thursday would be the most likely day.

The Sun newspaper reported that she had suggested on Sunday that she could resign if that persuaded enough doubters in her party to back her deal.

Some of her lawmakers have already publicly urged her to go.

Parliament backed Letwin's proposal more clearly than had been expected, by 329 votes to 302, helped by three junior ministers who resigned in order to defy the government line.

"The amendment ... upends the balance between our democratic institutions and sets a dangerous, unpredictable precedent for the future," the Brexit department spokesman said.

Sterling rose slightly after the votes but the gains were muted with traders little wiser about when, how and even if Britain will exit the European Union.

"No government could give a blank cheque to commit to an outcome without knowing what it is," May said before the vote. "So I cannot commit the government to delivering the outcome of any votes held by this house."

SNAP ELECTION?

Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn raised the prospect of putting any proposal supported by lawmakers back to the people.

"This House must also consider whether any deal should be put to the people for a confirmatory vote," he told parliament after the votes.

Last week, the EU agreed to delay Britain's original March 29 departure date because of the deadlock. Now, it will leave the EU on May 22 if May's deal is approved this week. If not, it will have until April 12 to outline its plans.

European Council President Donald Tusk said last week that all Brexit options were still open for Britain until April 12, including a deal, a departure with no deal, a long extension - or even revoking Article 50 and remaining in the EU.

May's deal was defeated in parliament by 149 votes on March 12 and by 230 votes on Jan. 15.

To get her deal passed, May must win over at least 75 MPs who voted against her on March 12 - dozens of rebels in her Conservative Party, some opposition Labour Party MPs and the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up her minority government but has rejected her deal so far.

Earlier, May's divided cabinet of senior ministers had met to discuss a way forward. Some reports said ministers had "war-gamed" a national election.

"I think we're going to end up with a general election before the end of this year, probably in the summer," Conservative lawmaker Andrew Bridgen, who supports Brexit, told Sky News.

British lawmakers wrested control of the parliamentary agenda from the government for a day in a highly unusual bid to find a way through the Brexit impasse after Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal was rejected again.

British lawmakers wrested control of the parliamentary agenda from the government for a day in a highly unusual bid to find a way through the Brexit impasse after Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal was rejected again. Lawmakers will now vote on a range of Brexit options on Wednesday, giving parliament a chance to indicate whether it can agree on a deal with closer ties to Brussels — and then try to push the government in that direction. Nearly three years after the 2016 EU membership referendum, and four days before Britain was supposed to leave the bloc, it remains still unclear how, when or even if Brexit will take place, with parliament and the nation still bitterly divided. The vote underlined the extent to which May has lost authority over her own lawmakers and ministers, though she said the government would not be bound by the results of the so-called indicative votes. "The government will continue to call for realism — any options considered must be deliverable in negotiations with the EU," said a spokesman for the Department for Exiting the European Union. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay had said on Sunday that if parliament took control of the Brexit process, a snap election — which the main opposition Labour party would be likely to back — could be the consequence. May too has made clear that she would not implement a proposal that ran counter to her election manifesto, which promised a clean break with the EU. THIRD VOTE ON MAY'S DEAL? But while lawmakers may struggle to turn Wednesday's indicative votes into law, if they do reach some kind of a consensus, it would pile pressure on a prime minister who has accused parliament of having no more viable solution than her deal. Monday's vote was put forward by Oliver Letwin, a lawmaker in May's Conservative Party. The prime minister had earlier admitted that the deal she had agreed with the EU after two years of talks still did not have enough support to pass. May has not ruled out bringing back her deal for a third time this week. Thursday would be the most likely day. The Sun newspaper reported that she had suggested on Sunday that she could resign if that persuaded enough doubters in her party to back her deal. Some of her lawmakers have already publicly urged her to go. Parliament backed Letwin's proposal more clearly than had been expected, by 329 votes to 302, helped by three junior ministers who resigned in order to defy the government line. "The amendment ... upends the balance between our democratic institutions and sets a dangerous, unpredictable precedent for the future," the Brexit department spokesman said. Sterling rose slightly after the votes but the gains were muted with traders little wiser about when, how and even if Britain will exit the European Union. "No government could give a blank cheque to commit to an outcome without knowing what it is," May said before the vote. "So I cannot commit the government to delivering the outcome of any votes held by this house." SNAP ELECTION? Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn raised the prospect of putting any proposal supported by lawmakers back to the people. "This House must also consider whether any deal should be put to the people for a confirmatory vote," he told parliament after the votes. Last week, the EU agreed to delay Britain's original March 29 departure date because of the deadlock. Now, it will leave the EU on May 22 if May's deal is approved this week. If not, it will have until April 12 to outline its plans. European Council President Donald Tusk said last week that all Brexit options were still open for Britain until April 12, including a deal, a departure with no deal, a long extension - or even revoking Article 50 and remaining in the EU. May's deal was defeated in parliament by 149 votes on March 12 and by 230 votes on Jan. 15. To get her deal passed, May must win over at least 75 MPs who voted against her on March 12 - dozens of rebels in her Conservative Party, some opposition Labour Party MPs and the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up her minority government but has rejected her deal so far. Earlier, May's divided cabinet of senior ministers had met to discuss a way forward. Some reports said ministers had "war-gamed" a national election. "I think we're going to end up with a general election before the end of this year, probably in the summer," Conservative lawmaker Andrew Bridgen, who supports Brexit, told Sky News.

British MPs vote to seize control of Brexit for a day

The Premier League is taking Europe by storm this season but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-seize-control-of-brexit-for-a-day-205630">the dark clouds of Brexit</a> threaten the English top-flight's long-held position as the richest league in world football.

No deal has yet been agreed on the terms under which the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, leading to uncertainty among British businesses.

Despite its international profile, the Premier League is no different, particularly with so much of its success across the globe based on its cosmopolitan collection of players, coaches and owners.

So what could Brexit mean for the Premier League?

Weak pound&nbsp; 
The value of the British pound has plunged since the referendum result in 2016, making transfer fees paid to European competitors much more expensive.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino referred to the weak pound as one of the reasons his side failed to sign any players in pre-season and compared the impacts of Brexit to a car crash.

Football finance experts Deloitte also signalled the weakening of the pound as a contributory factor in Manchester United surrendering top spot in its Football Money League and falling behind Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Restrictions on foreign talent 
In backing the Remain campaign in 2016, the Premier League's former executive chairman Richard Scudamore described leaving the EU as "incongruous" to the league's commitment to openness.&nbsp;

The global appeal of the competition depends on recruiting the best players, no matter where they are from, and an end to free movement for European players make that a more onerous task.

"The Premier League is essentially the hub for a constellation of star brands," Simon Chadwick, professor of sports enterprise at Salford University, told AFP.

"Therefore, any measures that are adapted to restrict the inward flow of overseas talent could ultimately diminish the Premier League's market positioning, thereby undermining its competitive advantage."

EU national players, including many who represent South American and African nations at the international level but hold EU passports, will have to satisfy much stricter requirements to be handed a work permit.

The current system for non-EU players takes into account international appearances, the transfer fee, proposed wages and recent playing history to determine whether they receive a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from the Football Association.

Were these restrictions applied across the board, marquee signings would not be stopped. However, in the ever more competitive transfer market, British clubs could be robbed of the opportunity to find hidden gems at the lower end of the market.

Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Manchester City's record signing Riyad Mahrez, who were both plucked from relative obscurity in France before winning the Premier League for Leicester City, have been cited as players who would be unlikely to receive a work permit.

In 2016, the BBC calculated that 332 players in the top two tiers of English football and the Scottish Premiership would not meet the criteria if the standards set for non-EU players were applied across the board.

Premier League clubs will also lose out on the chance to sign European players before their 18th birthdays, unless, as seems unlikely, the UK remains within the European Economic Area (EEA).

FIFA bans all overseas transfers for under-18s but makes an exception for movement within the EEA, which has allowed players such as Cesc Fabregas and Paul Pogba to move to England as 16-year-olds.

Economic hit 
Despite lucrative overseas TV deals, the success of the Premier League is linked closely to the performance of the British economy.

There are already fears that domestic TV rights deals have peaked, with broadcasters paying less for matches in 2019-2022 than for the previous three-year period.

Guessing the future trajectory of the economy is tricky but if fans are hit in the pocket, clubs will lose out on ticket sales and merchandising revenue.

Boost for homegrown players? 
One potential benefit from Brexit for the English national team is that more restrictions on foreign players will mean more opportunities for homegrown talent.

Currently, England-qualified players account for around 30 per cent of starts in the Premier League.

However, the Premier League argue such restrictions would not help the England team and instead dilute the standard at which English internationals are competing every week.

"There is no evidence that stronger quotas that exist now would have a positive impact on national teams," the league said in a statement in November.

The Premier League is taking Europe by storm this season but the dark clouds of Brexit threaten the English top-flight's long-held position as the richest league in world football.

The Premier League is taking Europe by storm this season but the dark clouds of Brexit threaten the English top-flight's long-held position as the richest league in world football. No deal has yet been agreed on the terms under which the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, leading to uncertainty among British businesses. Despite its international profile, the Premier League is no different, particularly with so much of its success across the globe based on its cosmopolitan collection of players, coaches and owners. So what could Brexit mean for the Premier League? Weak pound The value of the British pound has plunged since the referendum result in 2016, making transfer fees paid to European competitors much more expensive. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino referred to the weak pound as one of the reasons his side failed to sign any players in pre-season and compared the impacts of Brexit to a car crash. Football finance experts Deloitte also signalled the weakening of the pound as a contributory factor in Manchester United surrendering top spot in its Football Money League and falling behind Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. Restrictions on foreign talent In backing the Remain campaign in 2016, the Premier League's former executive chairman Richard Scudamore described leaving the EU as "incongruous" to the league's commitment to openness. The global appeal of the competition depends on recruiting the best players, no matter where they are from, and an end to free movement for European players make that a more onerous task. "The Premier League is essentially the hub for a constellation of star brands," Simon Chadwick, professor of sports enterprise at Salford University, told AFP. "Therefore, any measures that are adapted to restrict the inward flow of overseas talent could ultimately diminish the Premier League's market positioning, thereby undermining its competitive advantage." EU national players, including many who represent South American and African nations at the international level but hold EU passports, will have to satisfy much stricter requirements to be handed a work permit. The current system for non-EU players takes into account international appearances, the transfer fee, proposed wages and recent playing history to determine whether they receive a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) from the Football Association. Were these restrictions applied across the board, marquee signings would not be stopped. However, in the ever more competitive transfer market, British clubs could be robbed of the opportunity to find hidden gems at the lower end of the market. Chelsea's N'Golo Kante and Manchester City's record signing Riyad Mahrez, who were both plucked from relative obscurity in France before winning the Premier League for Leicester City, have been cited as players who would be unlikely to receive a work permit. In 2016, the BBC calculated that 332 players in the top two tiers of English football and the Scottish Premiership would not meet the criteria if the standards set for non-EU players were applied across the board. Premier League clubs will also lose out on the chance to sign European players before their 18th birthdays, unless, as seems unlikely, the UK remains within the European Economic Area (EEA). FIFA bans all overseas transfers for under-18s but makes an exception for movement within the EEA, which has allowed players such as Cesc Fabregas and Paul Pogba to move to England as 16-year-olds. Economic hit Despite lucrative overseas TV deals, the success of the Premier League is linked closely to the performance of the British economy. There are already fears that domestic TV rights deals have peaked, with broadcasters paying less for matches in 2019-2022 than for the previous three-year period. Guessing the future trajectory of the economy is tricky but if fans are hit in the pocket, clubs will lose out on ticket sales and merchandising revenue. Boost for homegrown players? One potential benefit from Brexit for the English national team is that more restrictions on foreign players will mean more opportunities for homegrown talent. Currently, England-qualified players account for around 30 per cent of starts in the Premier League. However, the Premier League argue such restrictions would not help the England team and instead dilute the standard at which English internationals are competing every week. "There is no evidence that stronger quotas that exist now would have a positive impact on national teams," the league said in a statement in November.

Will Brexit hurt the Premier League?

UK lawmakers voted to take control of Brexit process

By Ron Johnston, Charles Pattie and David Manley*

Not surprisingly, much public attention has been given to the online petition asking parliament to revoke Article 50 so that the UK will remain within the European Union. It attracted more than 5m signatures within a week of being launched, making it the most signed petition since the government’s e-petition site began. It crashed the system multiple times over the course of the first few days.&nbsp;

Critics of the petition, largely drawn from those who promoted and continue to support Brexit, claim that it is yet another attempt by those who opposed Leave to subvert the democratic decision reached by a clear majority in the June 2016 referendum. They claim that many of those opposed to leaving the EU cannot accept that decision and are using whatever methods they can to overturn it.&nbsp;

Are they right? The numbers signing the e-petition are remarkable. But even if we assume (as seems reasonable) that almost all signatories were Remain voters, most Remainers have not (yet) signed. As of the time of writing, two-thirds had not done so.

This does not mean, of course, that those who have not signed are therefore opposed to the petition (we cannot know – and there may well be people who have not signed because they never sign petitions at all, even when they support a petition’s cause).

But we can assess whether support for revoking Article 50 is related to support for Remain by comparing their respective geographies. Data are available on the number of signatories to the petition in each of the UK’s 650 parliamentary constituencies (signatories were asked to give a postcode, and this can be matched to the relevant constituency).&nbsp;

As of March 25, the spread varied considerably. Only 2.6 per cent of the people registered to vote in Walsall North in 2018 (1,722), for example, had signed the 2019 petition. Meanwhile, over in Bristol West, 39.9 per cent of the electorate had signed.

By comparison, estimates suggested that 74.2 per cent of Walsall North’s voters supported Brexit in 2016, compared to just 20.7 per cent in Bristol West. These extremes are at the ends of a clear continuum for all 650 UK constituencies: the larger the vote for Brexit in 2016 the smaller the percentage who have signed the petition.&nbsp;

<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=604&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=604&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=604&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=759&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=759&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/265680/original/file-20190325-36283-r8mn38.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=759&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" />

Regional surprises

<figcaption>
There are some variations around this general trend, however. For instance, far fewer voters in Wales, Scotland and, especially, Northern Ireland have supported the petition than in England. This is particularly surprising given that both Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain in 2016.&nbsp;A statistical model describing the general trend allows us to predict what the typical percentage signing the petition would be in constituencies with different Brexit votes in 2016. Based on such a model, we calculate that in English constituencies where 50 per cent supported Leave in the referendum, on average about 13 per cent signed the petition. In similar Scottish constituencies, it was only 6.1 per cent and in Northern Ireland only 5.4 per cent. Wales, of course, voted Leave, but in constituencies, there were around 50 per cent voted to leave, support for the petition now was about 10.4 per cent.

For some reason, support for revoking Article 50 (as measured by this petition at least) has been smaller in the UK’s Celtic fringe.

The critics – not surprisingly – are right, at least in the sense that the petition appeals most to Remain supporters. The geography of support for revoking Article 50 and the UK remaining in the EU is very largely the same as the geography of support for Remain three years ago: on average there has been no change – although we have to wonder why the Scots and Northern Irish have been relatively silent this time.&nbsp;

*(Ron Johnston is Professor of Geography, University of Bristol, Charles Pattie is a Professor of Electoral Geography, University of Sheffield and David Manley is a Professor of Human Geography, University of Bristol. )

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/revoke-article-50-petition-largely-remainers-signing-but-theres-a-surprising-regional-twist-114258">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;
</figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

By Ron Johnston, Charles Pattie and David Manley* Not surprisingly, much public attention has been given to the online petition asking parliament to revoke Article 50 so that the UK will remain within the European Union.

By Ron Johnston, Charles Pattie and David Manley* Not surprisingly, much public attention has been given to the online petition asking parliament to revoke Article 50 so that the UK will remain within the European Union. It attracted more than 5m signatures within a week of being launched, making it the most signed petition since the government’s e-petition site began. It crashed the system multiple times over the course of the first few days. Critics of the petition, largely drawn from those who promoted and continue to support Brexit, claim that it is yet another attempt by those who opposed Leave to subvert the democratic decision reached by a clear majority in the June 2016 referendum. They claim that many of those opposed to leaving the EU cannot accept that decision and are using whatever methods they can to overturn it. Are they right? The numbers signing the e-petition are remarkable. But even if we assume (as seems reasonable) that almost all signatories were Remain voters, most Remainers have not (yet) signed. As of the time of writing, two-thirds had not done so. This does not mean, of course, that those who have not signed are therefore opposed to the petition (we cannot know – and there may well be people who have not signed because they never sign petitions at all, even when they support a petition’s cause). But we can assess whether support for revoking Article 50 is related to support for Remain by comparing their respective geographies. Data are available on the number of signatories to the petition in each of the UK’s 650 parliamentary constituencies (signatories were asked to give a postcode, and this can be matched to the relevant constituency). As of March 25, the spread varied considerably. Only 2.6 per cent of the people registered to vote in Walsall North in 2018 (1,722), for example, had signed the 2019 petition. Meanwhile, over in Bristol West, 39.9 per cent of the electorate had signed. By comparison, estimates suggested that 74.2 per cent of Walsall North’s voters supported Brexit in 2016, compared to just 20.7 per cent in Bristol West. These extremes are at the ends of a clear continuum for all 650 UK constituencies: the larger the vote for Brexit in 2016 the smaller the percentage who have signed the petition. Regional surprises There are some variations around this general trend, however. For instance, far fewer voters in Wales, Scotland and, especially, Northern Ireland have supported the petition than in England. This is particularly surprising given that both Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to remain in 2016. A statistical model describing the general trend allows us to predict what the typical percentage signing the petition would be in constituencies with different Brexit votes in 2016. Based on such a model, we calculate that in English constituencies where 50 per cent supported Leave in the referendum, on average about 13 per cent signed the petition. In similar Scottish constituencies, it was only 6.1 per cent and in Northern Ireland only 5.4 per cent. Wales, of course, voted Leave, but in constituencies, there were around 50 per cent voted to leave, support for the petition now was about 10.4 per cent. For some reason, support for revoking Article 50 (as measured by this petition at least) has been smaller in the UK’s Celtic fringe. The critics – not surprisingly – are right, at least in the sense that the petition appeals most to Remain supporters. The geography of support for revoking Article 50 and the UK remaining in the EU is very largely the same as the geography of support for Remain three years ago: on average there has been no change – although we have to wonder why the Scots and Northern Irish have been relatively silent this time. *(Ron Johnston is Professor of Geography, University of Bristol, Charles Pattie is a Professor of Electoral Geography, University of Sheffield and David Manley is a Professor of Human Geography, University of Bristol. ) (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.)

Can the Revoke Article 50 petition change the course of Brexit?

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-presiden-macron-hails-islamic-state-defeat-as-ending-a-major-danger-for-france-205080">French counterpart Emmanuel Macron</a> met for dinner in the south of France Sunday ahead of official talks with the host leader seeking to forge a united European front to contend with Beijing's advances.

"Very happy to welcome President Xi Jinping and his wife to France," Macron wrote in a tweet. "This visit will strengthen our strategic partnership and affirm the role of France, Europe and China towards a strong multilateralism."

Xi earlier arrived at the resort city of Nice accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan to be welcomed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and an honour guard.

Prior to meeting with Macron, Xi went to the nearby principality of Monaco, where he was received by Prince Albert II and where a government spokesman said talks would "address economic and environmental issues".

Xi, who has made a priority of establishing China as a global player, travelled from Italy, whose government became the first G7 state to sign up to his landmark new "Silk Road" infrastructure project, a massive undertaking to join Asia to Europe.

Washington and some EU states fear the huge project will give China too much sway. But Xi says it would be a two-way street of investment and trade.

Germany criticised Rome over its participation in the new Silk Road project.

"In a world with giants like China, Russia or our partners in the United States, we can only survive if we are united as the EU," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

"And if some countries believe that they can do clever business with the Chinese, then they will be surprised when they wake up and find themselves dependent."&nbsp;

The EU's German budget commissioner, Gunther Oettinger, told the Funke newspaper group that Europe should ensure it retains its autonomy and sovereignty when dealing with China.

He expressed concern that already "infrastructure of strategic importance... is no longer in European but in Chinese hands.

Le Drian had remarked Friday that Silk Road cooperation must go "in both directions".

Amid tight security, the Chinese and French first couples enjoyed a private dinner at Beaulieu-sur-Mer, near Nice, overlooking the Mediterranean.

They were due to have what a Chinese official termed "deep exchange of views on Sino-French, Sino-European relations and international and issues of mutual interest".

Xi's official visit to Paris on Monday will mark 55 years since Charles de Gaulle established diplomatic relations with Beijing.

A series of cooperation deals on nuclear power, aerospace and clean energy initiatives, some involving lucrative contracts, are expected to be signed.

On Tuesday, Macron and Xi will be joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker to explore "points of convergence" ahead of an EU-China summit in Brussels next month.

As well as addressing commercial cooperation and strategic issues with Xi, Macron has also been urged to deal with the case of Chinese former Interpol head Meng Hongwei.

Meng's wife has had no news of her husband since his arrest in China nearly six months ago and it emerged Sunday she has written to Macron asking him to bring up his disappearance with Xi.

He is believed to be facing corruption charges.

China as EU 'rival'&nbsp;

But Xi's visit poses a particular challenge for Macron, who wants to deepen EU ties with China while also pushing back against Beijing's growing global clout.

Europe's distrust of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which is poised to become the dominant player in next-generation 5G mobile technology worldwide, is emblematic of the increasingly rocky relationship.

Monaco, which notably is eyeing a share of Chinese luxury tourism and has its own foreign policy, only last year signed an accord with Huawei to make the principality the first country entirely covered by the company's 5G mobile network by year-end.

Macron has lauded the EU's "awakening" to the challenges posed by China, which the bloc now labels a "rival" despite being Europe's biggest trading partner.

"The reality is that the world has changed significantly -- China is not the country it once was, and we are dealing with a very major partner," a Macron aide said ahead of Xi's visit.

The US is pressuring European allies to not use the Huawei technology, saying it creates a security risk by potentially letting Beijing snoop on sensitive communications.

But France has not ruled out using Huawei gear.

Beijing has accused Washington of trying to escalate President Donald Trump's trade battle with China.

'Reality very different'&nbsp;

Despite the many sources of friction, France wants to engage China as a closer partner as Washington makes a pointed withdrawal from global affairs under Trump's "America First" policy.&nbsp;

For example, Macron may seek more Chinese support of the French-backed G5 Sahel force fighting Islamist extremists in Western Africa.

China has been investing heavily in a diplomatic offensive across Africa, promising to help build infrastructure projects as part of the new Silk Road initiative.

Aides say Macron will press Xi to ensure such projects are fair and explore the participation of French companies amid allegations the deals could load African countries with unsustainable debt.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron met for dinner in the south of France Sunday ahead of official talks with the host leader seeking to forge a united European front to contend with Beijing's advances.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron met for dinner in the south of France Sunday ahead of official talks with the host leader seeking to forge a united European front to contend with Beijing's advances. "Very happy to welcome President Xi Jinping and his wife to France," Macron wrote in a tweet. "This visit will strengthen our strategic partnership and affirm the role of France, Europe and China towards a strong multilateralism." Xi earlier arrived at the resort city of Nice accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan to be welcomed by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and an honour guard. Prior to meeting with Macron, Xi went to the nearby principality of Monaco, where he was received by Prince Albert II and where a government spokesman said talks would "address economic and environmental issues". Xi, who has made a priority of establishing China as a global player, travelled from Italy, whose government became the first G7 state to sign up to his landmark new "Silk Road" infrastructure project, a massive undertaking to join Asia to Europe. Washington and some EU states fear the huge project will give China too much sway. But Xi says it would be a two-way street of investment and trade. Germany criticised Rome over its participation in the new Silk Road project. "In a world with giants like China, Russia or our partners in the United States, we can only survive if we are united as the EU," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told Welt am Sonntag newspaper. "And if some countries believe that they can do clever business with the Chinese, then they will be surprised when they wake up and find themselves dependent." The EU's German budget commissioner, Gunther Oettinger, told the Funke newspaper group that Europe should ensure it retains its autonomy and sovereignty when dealing with China. He expressed concern that already "infrastructure of strategic importance... is no longer in European but in Chinese hands. Le Drian had remarked Friday that Silk Road cooperation must go "in both directions". Amid tight security, the Chinese and French first couples enjoyed a private dinner at Beaulieu-sur-Mer, near Nice, overlooking the Mediterranean. They were due to have what a Chinese official termed "deep exchange of views on Sino-French, Sino-European relations and international and issues of mutual interest". Xi's official visit to Paris on Monday will mark 55 years since Charles de Gaulle established diplomatic relations with Beijing. A series of cooperation deals on nuclear power, aerospace and clean energy initiatives, some involving lucrative contracts, are expected to be signed. On Tuesday, Macron and Xi will be joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker to explore "points of convergence" ahead of an EU-China summit in Brussels next month. As well as addressing commercial cooperation and strategic issues with Xi, Macron has also been urged to deal with the case of Chinese former Interpol head Meng Hongwei. Meng's wife has had no news of her husband since his arrest in China nearly six months ago and it emerged Sunday she has written to Macron asking him to bring up his disappearance with Xi. He is believed to be facing corruption charges. China as EU 'rival' But Xi's visit poses a particular challenge for Macron, who wants to deepen EU ties with China while also pushing back against Beijing's growing global clout. Europe's distrust of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which is poised to become the dominant player in next-generation 5G mobile technology worldwide, is emblematic of the increasingly rocky relationship. Monaco, which notably is eyeing a share of Chinese luxury tourism and has its own foreign policy, only last year signed an accord with Huawei to make the principality the first country entirely covered by the company's 5G mobile network by year-end. Macron has lauded the EU's "awakening" to the challenges posed by China, which the bloc now labels a "rival" despite being Europe's biggest trading partner. "The reality is that the world has changed significantly -- China is not the country it once was, and we are dealing with a very major partner," a Macron aide said ahead of Xi's visit. The US is pressuring European allies to not use the Huawei technology, saying it creates a security risk by potentially letting Beijing snoop on sensitive communications. But France has not ruled out using Huawei gear. Beijing has accused Washington of trying to escalate President Donald Trump's trade battle with China. 'Reality very different' Despite the many sources of friction, France wants to engage China as a closer partner as Washington makes a pointed withdrawal from global affairs under Trump's "America First" policy. For example, Macron may seek more Chinese support of the French-backed G5 Sahel force fighting Islamist extremists in Western Africa. China has been investing heavily in a diplomatic offensive across Africa, promising to help build infrastructure projects as part of the new Silk Road initiative. Aides say Macron will press Xi to ensure such projects are fair and explore the participation of French companies amid allegations the deals could load African countries with unsustainable debt.

Xi Jinping meets Macron as French president seeks united EU front on China

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/call-for-european-union-veto-as-germany-eyes-italys-china-deal-warily-205388">Emmanuel Macron were to hold talks in Paris</a> on Monday with the host leader seeking to forge a united European front in the face of Beijing's inroads on the continent.

Xi's visit marks 55 years since French leader Charles de Gaulle established diplomatic relations with Beijing.

A series of cooperation deals on nuclear power, aerospace and clean energy initiatives, some involving lucrative contracts, are expected to be signed.

On Tuesday, Macron and Xi will be joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker to explore "points of convergence" ahead of an EU-China summit in Brussels next month.

In an interview with the Nice-Matin newspaper after hosting Xi at a dinner on the French Riveria, Macron said the joint talks "would allow us to establish a common definition for a new international order."

Security was tight as Macron and his wife Brigitte hosted Xi and his singer wife Peng Liyuan for a private dinner at the resort village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer near Nice.

Macron offered Xi a French translation of Confucius dating from the 17th century, while Xi gave his host a precious vase depicting images of the two countries including a panda and a rooster.

Before the dinner Xi travelled to the nearby principality of Monaco, where he was received by Prince Albert II.

Xi had arrived from Italy, whose government became the first G7 state to sign up to his landmark new "Silk Road" infrastructure project, a massive undertaking to join Asia to Europe.

Italy's move came despite misgivings over the huge venture by other European nations wary of China's growing influence. Xi insisted it will be a two-way street of investment and trade.

EU Budget Commissioner Gunther Oettinger in a newspaper interview Sunday expressed "concern that in Italy and other European countries, infrastructure of strategic importance like power networks, rapid rail lines or harbours are no longer in European but in Chinese hands."&nbsp;

Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also voiced concern in an interview with the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

"In a world with giants like China, Russia or our partners in the United States, we can only survive if we are united as the EU," he said.

"And if some countries believe that they can do clever business with the Chinese, then they will be surprised when they wake up and find themselves dependent."

Walking a tightrope

Macron will treat Xi to a military honour guard at the Arc de Triomphe war monument in Paris on Monday, before further talks at the Elysee Palace and a state dinner.

Xi's visit poses a particular challenge for Macron, who wants to deepen EU ties with China while also pushing back against Beijing's growing global clout.

Europe's distrust of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which is poised to become the dominant player in next-generation 5G mobile technology worldwide, is emblematic of the increasingly rocky relationship.

Monaco, which is notably eyeing a share of Chinese luxury tourism and has its own foreign policy, last year signed an accord with Huawei to make the principality the first country entirely covered by the company's 5G mobile network by year-end.

The US, however, is pressuring European allies not to use the Huawei technology, saying it creates a security risk by potentially letting Beijing snoop on sensitive communications.

France has not ruled out using Huawei technology.

Beijing has accused Washington of trying to escalate President Donald Trump's trade battle with China.

As well as addressing commercial cooperation and strategic issues with Xi, Macron has also been urged to deal with the case of Meng Hongwei, Chinese former head of the France-based agency Interpol.

Meng's wife has had no news of her husband since his arrest in China nearly six months ago. It emerged Sunday she has written to Macron asking him to bring up his disappearance with Xi.

Meng is believed to be facing corruption charges.

Despite the many sources of friction, France wants to engage China as a closer partner as Washington makes a pointed withdrawal from global affairs under Trump's "America First" policy.&nbsp;

For example, Macron may seek more Chinese support for the French-backed G5 Sahel force fighting Islamist extremists in Western Africa, French presidential aides said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron were to hold talks in Paris on Monday with the host leader seeking to forge a united European front in the face of Beijing's inroads on the continent.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron were to hold talks in Paris on Monday with the host leader seeking to forge a united European front in the face of Beijing's inroads on the continent. Xi's visit marks 55 years since French leader Charles de Gaulle established diplomatic relations with Beijing. A series of cooperation deals on nuclear power, aerospace and clean energy initiatives, some involving lucrative contracts, are expected to be signed. On Tuesday, Macron and Xi will be joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker to explore "points of convergence" ahead of an EU-China summit in Brussels next month. In an interview with the Nice-Matin newspaper after hosting Xi at a dinner on the French Riveria, Macron said the joint talks "would allow us to establish a common definition for a new international order." Security was tight as Macron and his wife Brigitte hosted Xi and his singer wife Peng Liyuan for a private dinner at the resort village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer near Nice. Macron offered Xi a French translation of Confucius dating from the 17th century, while Xi gave his host a precious vase depicting images of the two countries including a panda and a rooster. Before the dinner Xi travelled to the nearby principality of Monaco, where he was received by Prince Albert II. Xi had arrived from Italy, whose government became the first G7 state to sign up to his landmark new "Silk Road" infrastructure project, a massive undertaking to join Asia to Europe. Italy's move came despite misgivings over the huge venture by other European nations wary of China's growing influence. Xi insisted it will be a two-way street of investment and trade. EU Budget Commissioner Gunther Oettinger in a newspaper interview Sunday expressed "concern that in Italy and other European countries, infrastructure of strategic importance like power networks, rapid rail lines or harbours are no longer in European but in Chinese hands." Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas also voiced concern in an interview with the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. "In a world with giants like China, Russia or our partners in the United States, we can only survive if we are united as the EU," he said. "And if some countries believe that they can do clever business with the Chinese, then they will be surprised when they wake up and find themselves dependent." Walking a tightrope Macron will treat Xi to a military honour guard at the Arc de Triomphe war monument in Paris on Monday, before further talks at the Elysee Palace and a state dinner. Xi's visit poses a particular challenge for Macron, who wants to deepen EU ties with China while also pushing back against Beijing's growing global clout. Europe's distrust of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which is poised to become the dominant player in next-generation 5G mobile technology worldwide, is emblematic of the increasingly rocky relationship. Monaco, which is notably eyeing a share of Chinese luxury tourism and has its own foreign policy, last year signed an accord with Huawei to make the principality the first country entirely covered by the company's 5G mobile network by year-end. The US, however, is pressuring European allies not to use the Huawei technology, saying it creates a security risk by potentially letting Beijing snoop on sensitive communications. France has not ruled out using Huawei technology. Beijing has accused Washington of trying to escalate President Donald Trump's trade battle with China. As well as addressing commercial cooperation and strategic issues with Xi, Macron has also been urged to deal with the case of Meng Hongwei, Chinese former head of the France-based agency Interpol. Meng's wife has had no news of her husband since his arrest in China nearly six months ago. It emerged Sunday she has written to Macron asking him to bring up his disappearance with Xi. Meng is believed to be facing corruption charges. Despite the many sources of friction, France wants to engage China as a closer partner as Washington makes a pointed withdrawal from global affairs under Trump's "America First" policy. For example, Macron may seek more Chinese support for the French-backed G5 Sahel force fighting Islamist extremists in Western Africa, French presidential aides said.

Xi, Macron hold talks as France seeks European Union unity on China

Hundreds gathered to pay their final respects in Karachi on Monday as the remains of one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-attend-new-zealand-vigil-rally-to-fight-racism-remember-christchurch-victims-205316">Pakistani victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks</a> were laid to rest back home.

Syed Areeb Ahmad was one of nine Pakistani nationals murdered in the New Zealand city earlier the month, when an accused white supremacist gunman killed 50 Muslim worshippers in two mosques.

Ahmad's body was flown into the southern port city of Karachi and transported to a relative's house where family and friends gathered before heading to the cemetery for the burial. &nbsp;

"It was very painful for the parents and all of us to wait. His funeral is taking place now that is a bit of relief for us," said Ahmad's uncle Aleemullah Khan.

"But his father is in so much agony as Areeb was his only son and the provider for the family," he added.

The other eight Pakistani victims were buried in New Zealand, according to the Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman. &nbsp;

Islamic custom dictates that the dead should be buried within 24 hours, but strained authorities were forced to move carefully with their investigation, delaying funerals by several days in some cases.

Ahmad's burial comes days after Pakistani officials posthumously awarded Naeem Rashid -- who tried to tackle the gunman before being shot dead -- with the order of bravery during Pakistan Day celebrations over the weekend.

During a visit to Islamabad Monday, the EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini offered her condolences to the victim's families, while warning against the growing threat of Islamophobia.

"It's a threat not only for Muslims but also for our societies because the strength of our societies lies in their diversity and whoever attacks the diversity of our societies, attacks the entire society, not just one segment of it," Mogherini told a press conference.

Hundreds gathered to pay their final respects in Karachi on Monday as the remains of one of the Pakistani victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks were laid to rest back home.

Hundreds gathered to pay their final respects in Karachi on Monday as the remains of one of the Pakistani victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks were laid to rest back home. Syed Areeb Ahmad was one of nine Pakistani nationals murdered in the New Zealand city earlier the month, when an accused white supremacist gunman killed 50 Muslim worshippers in two mosques. Ahmad's body was flown into the southern port city of Karachi and transported to a relative's house where family and friends gathered before heading to the cemetery for the burial. "It was very painful for the parents and all of us to wait. His funeral is taking place now that is a bit of relief for us," said Ahmad's uncle Aleemullah Khan. "But his father is in so much agony as Areeb was his only son and the provider for the family," he added. The other eight Pakistani victims were buried in New Zealand, according to the Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman. Islamic custom dictates that the dead should be buried within 24 hours, but strained authorities were forced to move carefully with their investigation, delaying funerals by several days in some cases. Ahmad's burial comes days after Pakistani officials posthumously awarded Naeem Rashid -- who tried to tackle the gunman before being shot dead -- with the order of bravery during Pakistan Day celebrations over the weekend. During a visit to Islamabad Monday, the EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini offered her condolences to the victim's families, while warning against the growing threat of Islamophobia. "It's a threat not only for Muslims but also for our societies because the strength of our societies lies in their diversity and whoever attacks the diversity of our societies, attacks the entire society, not just one segment of it," Mogherini told a press conference.

Pakistani victim of Christchurch mosque attacks buried in Karachi

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

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

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

European Union completes no-deal Brexit preparations

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

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

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

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

Over an agonising two-hour grilling, British Prime Minister Theresa May failed to convince exasperated European leaders she has any plan to deliver an orderly Brexit if MPs vote her withdrawal deal down.

Tightlipped and evasive, she parried questions until EU chiefs asked her to leave Thursday's summit meeting and embarked on a negotiation among themselves to draw up a new Brexit timetable.

"British politicians are today incapable of implementing what the people asked for," France's President Emmanuel Macron declared.&nbsp;

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was "at the end of his tether", one diplomatic source told AFP.&nbsp;

May's government is in crisis and she has proved unable to muster a majority to approve the Brexit withdrawal deal struck at a previous Brussels get-together in November.

With a potentially catastrophic "no deal" departure looming on March 29, the other 27 EU leaders were determined to take charge and came to Brussels armed with the clear plan.&nbsp;

As set out by host EU Council president Donald Tusk and in draft conclusions leaked to the media, they offered to postpone Brexit to May 22 if British MPs backed the prime minister's withdrawal agreement.

But the leaders wanted to know what she would do if the deal fails again -- as most observers believe is likely.

"She replied that she has no plan B, but was sticking to plan A," one source said.

"She didn't have answers to all the questions," Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel told reporters on Friday morning.

May waits outside

Once May had left the room, Macron told the meeting that he had arrived believing there was a 10 per cent chance that May would succeed, according to several European sources.

But, after hearing from her, he said: "I think there is a five per cent chance". To which Tusk retorted, "You are very optimistic."

While May lurked in her delegation's office space, and the leaders argued over dinner, a new conclusions document was drawn up. &nbsp;

After six hours, they eventually agreed to add to their original offer an unconditional proposal to delay Brexit to April 12.

They were forced to postpone a planned discussion on relations with China -- for which May had been due to rejoin them, over dinner -- as different leaders set out different options.

"It was very intense," said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a reflection echoed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

At a press conference afterwards, Tusk insisted there was no rancour. "It was first and foremost a discussion about all possible scenarios. What if, what if -- nobody knows," an EU source said.&nbsp;

May stayed in the building, and was briefed three times by Tusk -- once before the talks, once during a break and again after they finally reached an agreement at 11.20pm.

Some of her team followed developments as they leaked out onto Twitter, with one official admitting afterwards that some of the options considered "would have been quite challenging".

EU hopes for 'rational choice'

In the end, Britain accepted the offer, even if it fell short of May's proposal for a delay until June 30, and several European leaders expressed satisfaction at the result.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said the EU "hoped for a rational choice" from Britain, but there remains intense frustration at the deadlock in parliament.

The EU had previously floated the idea of an emergency summit next week if MPs reject May's deal, but Macron warned this would put the responsibility to decide onto the leaders.

"The EU doesn't have all the cards, because everything depends on the British vote," Macron told a late-night press conference.

And Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said: "We're a little bit careful given the history of votes."

The discussion over the extension threatened to undermine the unity of the 27, which has held remarkably well since Britain's 2016 referendum.

But diplomats said that leaders are determined that Brexit wranglings will not disrupt preparations for European Parliament elections in May.

"Now Brexit touches really the core of the functioning of the European Union," one said.

Over an agonising two-hour grilling, British Prime Minister Theresa May failed to convince exasperated European leaders she has any plan to deliver an orderly Brexit if MPs vote her withdrawal deal down.

Over an agonising two-hour grilling, British Prime Minister Theresa May failed to convince exasperated European leaders she has any plan to deliver an orderly Brexit if MPs vote her withdrawal deal down. Tightlipped and evasive, she parried questions until EU chiefs asked her to leave Thursday's summit meeting and embarked on a negotiation among themselves to draw up a new Brexit timetable. "British politicians are today incapable of implementing what the people asked for," France's President Emmanuel Macron declared. EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was "at the end of his tether", one diplomatic source told AFP. May's government is in crisis and she has proved unable to muster a majority to approve the Brexit withdrawal deal struck at a previous Brussels get-together in November. With a potentially catastrophic "no deal" departure looming on March 29, the other 27 EU leaders were determined to take charge and came to Brussels armed with the clear plan. As set out by host EU Council president Donald Tusk and in draft conclusions leaked to the media, they offered to postpone Brexit to May 22 if British MPs backed the prime minister's withdrawal agreement. But the leaders wanted to know what she would do if the deal fails again -- as most observers believe is likely. "She replied that she has no plan B, but was sticking to plan A," one source said. "She didn't have answers to all the questions," Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel told reporters on Friday morning. May waits outside Once May had left the room, Macron told the meeting that he had arrived believing there was a 10 per cent chance that May would succeed, according to several European sources. But, after hearing from her, he said: "I think there is a five per cent chance". To which Tusk retorted, "You are very optimistic." While May lurked in her delegation's office space, and the leaders argued over dinner, a new conclusions document was drawn up. After six hours, they eventually agreed to add to their original offer an unconditional proposal to delay Brexit to April 12. They were forced to postpone a planned discussion on relations with China -- for which May had been due to rejoin them, over dinner -- as different leaders set out different options. "It was very intense," said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a reflection echoed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. At a press conference afterwards, Tusk insisted there was no rancour. "It was first and foremost a discussion about all possible scenarios. What if, what if -- nobody knows," an EU source said. May stayed in the building, and was briefed three times by Tusk -- once before the talks, once during a break and again after they finally reached an agreement at 11.20pm. Some of her team followed developments as they leaked out onto Twitter, with one official admitting afterwards that some of the options considered "would have been quite challenging". EU hopes for 'rational choice' In the end, Britain accepted the offer, even if it fell short of May's proposal for a delay until June 30, and several European leaders expressed satisfaction at the result. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said the EU "hoped for a rational choice" from Britain, but there remains intense frustration at the deadlock in parliament. The EU had previously floated the idea of an emergency summit next week if MPs reject May's deal, but Macron warned this would put the responsibility to decide onto the leaders. "The EU doesn't have all the cards, because everything depends on the British vote," Macron told a late-night press conference. And Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said: "We're a little bit careful given the history of votes." The discussion over the extension threatened to undermine the unity of the 27, which has held remarkably well since Britain's 2016 referendum. But diplomats said that leaders are determined that Brexit wranglings will not disrupt preparations for European Parliament elections in May. "Now Brexit touches really the core of the functioning of the European Union," one said.

May leaves Brexit summit with more time, less respect

Italy's participation in China's giant "Silk Road" infrastructure project sparked an outcry in Germany on Sunday, including a call for the European Union to block such deals with a veto.

"The expansion of transport links between Europe and Asia is in itself a good thing -- as long as the autonomy and sovereignty of Europe is not endangered," the EU's budget commissioner, Gunther Oettinger, told the Funke newspaper group.

But the German commissioner said he viewed "with concern that in Italy and other European countries, the infrastructure of strategic importance like power networks, rapid rail lines or harbours are no longer in European but in Chinese hands."

"Europe urgently needs a China strategy, that lives up to its name," he added.

Noting that EU member states were sometimes not adequately taking into account national and European interests, Oettinger suggested that " European veto right, or a requirement of European consent -- exercised by the Commission -- could be worth considering."

Oettinger's call came after German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas had sharp words for Rome over its deal with Beijing.

"In a world with giants like China, Russia or our partners in the United States, we can only survive if we are united as the EU," Maas told Welt is Sonntag newspaper.

"And if some countries believe that they can do clever business with the Chinese, then they will be surprised when they wake up and find themselves dependent.

"China is not a liberal democracy," he stressed.

Europe has been struggling to find a coherent strategy to deal with China. While the continent desperately needs to keep China on its side as a trade ally, it is also wary of the Chinese state's ambitions and growing global clout.

Italy on Saturday became the first G7 country to sign up for Beijing's new "Silk Road" project of a road, rail and sea transport and trade links stretching from Asia to Europe.

The project has raised eyebrows in Washington and in some EU capitals where critics say it will give China too much sway.&nbsp;

China's President Xi Jinping has said it would be a two-way street of investment and trade.

Following his visit to Italy, Xi stopped in Monaco on the French Riviera Sunday before meeting later in the evening with France's Emmanuel Macron.

Italy's participation in China's giant "Silk Road" infrastructure project sparked an outcry in Germany on Sunday, including a call for the European Union to block such deals with a veto.

Italy's participation in China's giant "Silk Road" infrastructure project sparked an outcry in Germany on Sunday, including a call for the European Union to block such deals with a veto. "The expansion of transport links between Europe and Asia is in itself a good thing -- as long as the autonomy and sovereignty of Europe is not endangered," the EU's budget commissioner, Gunther Oettinger, told the Funke newspaper group. But the German commissioner said he viewed "with concern that in Italy and other European countries, the infrastructure of strategic importance like power networks, rapid rail lines or harbours are no longer in European but in Chinese hands." "Europe urgently needs a China strategy, that lives up to its name," he added. Noting that EU member states were sometimes not adequately taking into account national and European interests, Oettinger suggested that " European veto right, or a requirement of European consent -- exercised by the Commission -- could be worth considering." Oettinger's call came after German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas had sharp words for Rome over its deal with Beijing. "In a world with giants like China, Russia or our partners in the United States, we can only survive if we are united as the EU," Maas told Welt is Sonntag newspaper. "And if some countries believe that they can do clever business with the Chinese, then they will be surprised when they wake up and find themselves dependent. "China is not a liberal democracy," he stressed. Europe has been struggling to find a coherent strategy to deal with China. While the continent desperately needs to keep China on its side as a trade ally, it is also wary of the Chinese state's ambitions and growing global clout. Italy on Saturday became the first G7 country to sign up for Beijing's new "Silk Road" project of a road, rail and sea transport and trade links stretching from Asia to Europe. The project has raised eyebrows in Washington and in some EU capitals where critics say it will give China too much sway. China's President Xi Jinping has said it would be a two-way street of investment and trade. Following his visit to Italy, Xi stopped in Monaco on the French Riviera Sunday before meeting later in the evening with France's Emmanuel Macron.

Call for European Union veto as Germany eyes Italy's China deal warily

Hundreds of thousands of protesters swamped London on Saturday demanding another referendum on EU membership amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-pushes-for-brexit-deal-with-new-timetable-204984">political paralysis over Brexit</a>, in one of the country's biggest protests in decades.

Organisers said about a million people opposed to Britain leaving the European Union joined what they called the "Put it to the People" march, descending on the capital by road and rail from across the country.

Wielding an array of anti-Brexit signs and EU flags, they first gathered at Hyde Park before walking the approximately two-mile route to Westminster -- whistling, cheering and chanting.

"It's terrible," protester Emma Sword told AFP of the current political gridlock.&nbsp;

"We need to revoke Article 50 and if we can't do that, then we need the people's vote," she said, referring to the EU legal mechanism Britain invoked for Brexit.

At the endpoint of the march outside parliament, speakers including Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and opposition Labour deputy leader Tom Watson rallied the crowds through the afternoon.&nbsp;

"We've seen how the government has ignored our warnings time and time again," said Khan.&nbsp;

"It's time to say loud and clear: enough is enough."

A host of other political figures also joined the demonstration, including Independent Group MPs who quit Britain's two mainstream parties -- the Conservatives and Labour -- earlier this year in protest at their Brexit policies.

"This cause is actually bigger than any political party, it is bigger than any tribalism, and it is what unites us," said Anna Soubry, one of the breakaway lawmakers.

'The message is clear'

A majority of MPs voted against holding another referendum on the issue earlier this month, and it remains a longshot bid by Remainers.

But with the protest coming just days after EU leaders granted a delay to Brexit, people are increasingly hopeful they could still force a public vote.

"The message is clear: stop Brexit," said the leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable, who led the march as it set off at lunchtime.

"We are now a Remain country. Nearly 90 per cent of young voters who weren't allowed to vote in 2016 would vote to remain," he added.

Science student Calypso Latham, 19, echoed the point.

"I was too young to vote in the last referendum," she told the BBC.

"It's going to affect my career with research grants so I definitely wanted to come and protest."

This week's agreed delay to Brexit, which was set for March 29, has prompted Prime Minister Theresa May to make a renewed bid to win MPs' backing for her divorce deal.

If she succeeds, Britain will depart on May 22 under the terms of the withdrawal agreement the prime minister struck with Brussels last year.

But if lawmakers defeat the accord again, as expected, London must outline a new plan or face a no-deal Brexit as early as April 12 -- unless it decides to request another extension and hold European Parliament elections in May.

'Final say'

Called by the People's Vote pressure group, Saturday's protest follows a similar demonstration in October that drew an estimated half a million people.

Organisers arranged hundreds of coaches and even chartered a train to bring protesters from all corners of the country to the capital.

Stephen Goodall, a 96-year-old World War II veteran, travelled 200 miles (300 kilometres) by train from southwest England alongside four generations of his family including his great-granddaughter.

"I am an old man and the outcome won't affect me -- but it will affect my family and many people that I know for years to come," he said.

May has repeatedly ruled out holding another poll on the issue, claiming it would renege on promises to honour the 2016 referendum result.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the main opposition Labour Party appears divided on the issue, with some MPs in favour while others representing Leave-supporting areas in central and northern England are bitterly opposed.

Watson, the deputy leader, said he had now decided to campaign for a referendum "reluctantly" and would only back May's deal if it was also put to the people.

"It can only begin to bring the country back together again if we all have a final say -- and then live with the result," he said.

"I trust the people I represent. And only they can sort this mess out."

Hundreds of thousands of protesters swamped London on Saturday demanding another referendum on EU membership amid political paralysis over Brexit, in one of the country's biggest protests in decades.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters swamped London on Saturday demanding another referendum on EU membership amid political paralysis over Brexit, in one of the country's biggest protests in decades. Organisers said about a million people opposed to Britain leaving the European Union joined what they called the "Put it to the People" march, descending on the capital by road and rail from across the country. Wielding an array of anti-Brexit signs and EU flags, they first gathered at Hyde Park before walking the approximately two-mile route to Westminster -- whistling, cheering and chanting. "It's terrible," protester Emma Sword told AFP of the current political gridlock. "We need to revoke Article 50 and if we can't do that, then we need the people's vote," she said, referring to the EU legal mechanism Britain invoked for Brexit. At the endpoint of the march outside parliament, speakers including Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and opposition Labour deputy leader Tom Watson rallied the crowds through the afternoon. "We've seen how the government has ignored our warnings time and time again," said Khan. "It's time to say loud and clear: enough is enough." A host of other political figures also joined the demonstration, including Independent Group MPs who quit Britain's two mainstream parties -- the Conservatives and Labour -- earlier this year in protest at their Brexit policies. "This cause is actually bigger than any political party, it is bigger than any tribalism, and it is what unites us," said Anna Soubry, one of the breakaway lawmakers. 'The message is clear' A majority of MPs voted against holding another referendum on the issue earlier this month, and it remains a longshot bid by Remainers. But with the protest coming just days after EU leaders granted a delay to Brexit, people are increasingly hopeful they could still force a public vote. "The message is clear: stop Brexit," said the leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable, who led the march as it set off at lunchtime. "We are now a Remain country. Nearly 90 per cent of young voters who weren't allowed to vote in 2016 would vote to remain," he added. Science student Calypso Latham, 19, echoed the point. "I was too young to vote in the last referendum," she told the BBC. "It's going to affect my career with research grants so I definitely wanted to come and protest." This week's agreed delay to Brexit, which was set for March 29, has prompted Prime Minister Theresa May to make a renewed bid to win MPs' backing for her divorce deal. If she succeeds, Britain will depart on May 22 under the terms of the withdrawal agreement the prime minister struck with Brussels last year. But if lawmakers defeat the accord again, as expected, London must outline a new plan or face a no-deal Brexit as early as April 12 -- unless it decides to request another extension and hold European Parliament elections in May. 'Final say' Called by the People's Vote pressure group, Saturday's protest follows a similar demonstration in October that drew an estimated half a million people. Organisers arranged hundreds of coaches and even chartered a train to bring protesters from all corners of the country to the capital. Stephen Goodall, a 96-year-old World War II veteran, travelled 200 miles (300 kilometres) by train from southwest England alongside four generations of his family including his great-granddaughter. "I am an old man and the outcome won't affect me -- but it will affect my family and many people that I know for years to come," he said. May has repeatedly ruled out holding another poll on the issue, claiming it would renege on promises to honour the 2016 referendum result. Meanwhile, the main opposition Labour Party appears divided on the issue, with some MPs in favour while others representing Leave-supporting areas in central and northern England are bitterly opposed. Watson, the deputy leader, said he had now decided to campaign for a referendum "reluctantly" and would only back May's deal if it was also put to the people. "It can only begin to bring the country back together again if we all have a final say -- and then live with the result," he said. "I trust the people I represent. And only they can sort this mess out."

Anti-Brexit protesters stage mass rally in London

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

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

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

Under threat UK prime minister Theresa  May holds Brexit crisis talks

The European Parliament will vote Tuesday on controversial copyright reforms championed by news publishers and the music business but criticised by big tech and internet freedom activists.

The run-up to the vote has seen furious lobbying and protests by both supporters and opponents of the law, which is designed to update European copyright legislation that is now nearly two decades old.&nbsp;

The reform, two years in the making, is loudly backed by media companies and artists, who want to obtain a better return from web platforms -- such as YouTube or Facebook -- that use their content.&nbsp;

It is strongly opposed by some of those same internet giants such as YouTube-owner Google, which make huge profits from the advertising generated on content they host, and also by supporters of a free internet, who fear it will result in unprecedented restrictions to web freedom.

Tens of thousands of protesters rallied in cities around Germany on Saturday under the slogan "Save the Internet".

Save the Internet is a collective which has been mobilised for months to defend a free exchange of opinions on the web.

There were similar protests in Austria, Poland and Portugal on Saturday.

Germany is at the heart of the anti-refrom movement, led by Julia Reda, a 32-year-old Pirate Party MEP, who has led a campaign against two of the law's provisions that have become flashpoints in the debate.

First is Article 13, which aims to strengthen the bargaining power of rights holders with platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Soundcloud, which use their content.&nbsp;

In the reform, for the first time European law would hold platforms legally responsible for enforcing copyright, requiring them to check everything that their users post to prevent infringement.

'Neighbouring rights'

Reda and her supporters insist that Article 13 would require platforms to install expensive content filters that would automatically and often erroneously delete content from the web.

Backers of the law, led by its rapporteur MEP Axel Voss, answer that filters are not a requirement but they do not explain how companies can comply with Article 13 without them.

The second article advocates the creation of a "neighbouring right" to copyright for news media.

It should enable news companies to be better paid when their output is used by information aggregators, such as Google News, or social networks, such as Facebook.&nbsp;

Major publishers, including AFP, have pushed for the reform, seeing it as an urgent remedy to safeguard quality journalism and the plummeting earnings of traditional media companies.

But opponents have called it a "link tax" that will stifle discourse on the Internet and pay only big media companies, with no real benefits for journalists or news gatherers.

The reform is staunchly backed by France and other member states and the vote in the European Parliament was expected to be a formality.

But the opposition of influential firms such as Google as well as the grassroots movement led by Reda have put that outcome in doubt.

The European Parliament will vote Tuesday on controversial copyright reforms championed by news publishers and the music business but criticised by big tech and internet freedom activists.

The European Parliament will vote Tuesday on controversial copyright reforms championed by news publishers and the music business but criticised by big tech and internet freedom activists. The run-up to the vote has seen furious lobbying and protests by both supporters and opponents of the law, which is designed to update European copyright legislation that is now nearly two decades old. The reform, two years in the making, is loudly backed by media companies and artists, who want to obtain a better return from web platforms -- such as YouTube or Facebook -- that use their content. It is strongly opposed by some of those same internet giants such as YouTube-owner Google, which make huge profits from the advertising generated on content they host, and also by supporters of a free internet, who fear it will result in unprecedented restrictions to web freedom. Tens of thousands of protesters rallied in cities around Germany on Saturday under the slogan "Save the Internet". Save the Internet is a collective which has been mobilised for months to defend a free exchange of opinions on the web. There were similar protests in Austria, Poland and Portugal on Saturday. Germany is at the heart of the anti-refrom movement, led by Julia Reda, a 32-year-old Pirate Party MEP, who has led a campaign against two of the law's provisions that have become flashpoints in the debate. First is Article 13, which aims to strengthen the bargaining power of rights holders with platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Soundcloud, which use their content. In the reform, for the first time European law would hold platforms legally responsible for enforcing copyright, requiring them to check everything that their users post to prevent infringement. 'Neighbouring rights' Reda and her supporters insist that Article 13 would require platforms to install expensive content filters that would automatically and often erroneously delete content from the web. Backers of the law, led by its rapporteur MEP Axel Voss, answer that filters are not a requirement but they do not explain how companies can comply with Article 13 without them. The second article advocates the creation of a "neighbouring right" to copyright for news media. It should enable news companies to be better paid when their output is used by information aggregators, such as Google News, or social networks, such as Facebook. Major publishers, including AFP, have pushed for the reform, seeing it as an urgent remedy to safeguard quality journalism and the plummeting earnings of traditional media companies. But opponents have called it a "link tax" that will stifle discourse on the Internet and pay only big media companies, with no real benefits for journalists or news gatherers. The reform is staunchly backed by France and other member states and the vote in the European Parliament was expected to be a formality. But the opposition of influential firms such as Google as well as the grassroots movement led by Reda have put that outcome in doubt.

Last hurdle for European Union copyright reform in European Parliament

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314">Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314">abduction</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314"> of Hindu girls in Sindh</a>

A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-chancellor-denies-plot-to-oust-pm-may-but-admits-deal-may-not-pass-205292">UK finance minister Hammond denies plot to oust PM May but admits deal may not pass &nbsp;</a>

Britain must find a way to leave the European Union in an ''orderly'' fashion rather than trying to oust Prime Minister Theresa May, finance minister Philip Hammond was quoted as saying on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exit-poll-has-thai-opposition-winning-most-seats-but-not-enough-for-government-205300">Exit poll has Thai opposition winning most seats but not enough for government</a>

Thai voters flocked to the polls on Sunday for the first election since a 2014 coup, and an exit poll indicated the populist party linked to exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra would win the most seats, but not enough to form a government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/air-strikes-kill-dozen-afghans-battle-intensifies-in-taliban-strongholds-205323">Air strikes kill dozen Afghans, battle intensifies in Taliban strongholds</a>

Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/royal-adviser-fired-over-khashoggi-murder-absent-from-saudi-trial-report-205319">Royal adviser fired over Khashoggi murder absent from Saudi trial: Report</a>

A Saudi royal adviser fired over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is not among the 11 suspects on trial at secretive hearings in Riyadh despite Saudi pledges to bring those responsible to justice, sources familiar with the matter said.

&nbsp;

Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over abduction of Hindu girls in Sindh A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province.

Twitter war of words erupts between Sushma Swaraj, Pakistan minister over abduction of Hindu girls in Sindh A war of words erupted on Sunday between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary over reports of abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls and their forcible conversion to Islam on the eve of Holi in the Sindh province. UK finance minister Hammond denies plot to oust PM May but admits deal may not pass Britain must find a way to leave the European Union in an ''orderly'' fashion rather than trying to oust Prime Minister Theresa May, finance minister Philip Hammond was quoted as saying on Sunday. Exit poll has Thai opposition winning most seats but not enough for government Thai voters flocked to the polls on Sunday for the first election since a 2014 coup, and an exit poll indicated the populist party linked to exiled former leader Thaksin Shinawatra would win the most seats, but not enough to form a government. Air strikes kill dozen Afghans, battle intensifies in Taliban strongholds Air strikes in the northern Afghan province of Kunduz killed about a dozen civilians on Saturday, local officials said, as battle intensified there and in southern Helmand province. Royal adviser fired over Khashoggi murder absent from Saudi trial: Report A Saudi royal adviser fired over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is not among the 11 suspects on trial at secretive hearings in Riyadh despite Saudi pledges to bring those responsible to justice, sources familiar with the matter said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

British Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip were seen visiting a church in Aylesbury on Sunday morning as her top ministers are said to be moving to oust her within days, The Sunday Times reported.

May's Brexit strategy is in tatters just weeks before the United Kingdom was due to leave the European Union.

The Brexit divorce deal she struck with the EU in November has been overwhelmingly rejected twice by British lawmakers.

The Sunday Times cited 11 unidentified senior ministers and said they had agreed that the prime minister should stand down, warning that she has become a toxic and erratic figure whose judgement has "gone haywire".

If May is toppled, Brexit would be thrust into doubt. It is unclear how, when and even if the United Kingdom will leave the EU.

Meanwhile, a huge rally of people from all over UK flooded London's main streets and marched towards the parliament building on Saturday to demand a second referendum on Brexit, with organizers saying the mass rally gathered over one million protesters to the capital.

Since the referendum on Britain's EU membership took place in June 2016, protests occur almost daily in front of the parliament or in downtown areas, but never on such a magnitude.

Some prominent political figures including Tom Watson, the deputy leader of the opposition Labor Party, the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan all delivered speeches at the rally, with many calling for the issue to be "put to the people".

British Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip were seen visiting a church in Aylesbury on Sunday morning as her top ministers are said to be moving to oust her within days, The Sunday Times reported.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and her husband Philip were seen visiting a church in Aylesbury on Sunday morning as her top ministers are said to be moving to oust her within days, The Sunday Times reported. May's Brexit strategy is in tatters just weeks before the United Kingdom was due to leave the European Union. The Brexit divorce deal she struck with the EU in November has been overwhelmingly rejected twice by British lawmakers. The Sunday Times cited 11 unidentified senior ministers and said they had agreed that the prime minister should stand down, warning that she has become a toxic and erratic figure whose judgement has "gone haywire". If May is toppled, Brexit would be thrust into doubt. It is unclear how, when and even if the United Kingdom will leave the EU. Meanwhile, a huge rally of people from all over UK flooded London's main streets and marched towards the parliament building on Saturday to demand a second referendum on Brexit, with organizers saying the mass rally gathered over one million protesters to the capital. Since the referendum on Britain's EU membership took place in June 2016, protests occur almost daily in front of the parliament or in downtown areas, but never on such a magnitude. Some prominent political figures including Tom Watson, the deputy leader of the opposition Labor Party, the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan all delivered speeches at the rally, with many calling for the issue to be "put to the people".

British PM Theresa May facing plot from ministers to oust her as over 1 million rally demanding second referendum

Hundreds of thousands of people opposed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-brexit-crisis-deepens-thousands-due-to-march-through-london-for-a-new-referendum-205053">Britain's withdrawal from the European Union</a> marched through central London on Saturday to demand a new referendum as the deepening Brexit crisis risked sinking Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership.

Marchers set off in central London with banners proclaiming "the best deal is no Brexit" and "we demand a People's Vote" in what organisers said could be the biggest anti-Brexit protest yet.

After three years of tortuous debate, it is still uncertain how, when or even if Brexit will happen as May tries to plot a way out of the gravest political crisis in at least a generation.

May hinted on Friday that she might not bring her twice-defeated EU divorce deal back to parliament next week, leaving her Brexit strategy in meltdown. The Times and The Daily Telegraph reported that pressure was growing on May to resign.

"I would feel differently if this was a well-managed process and the government was taking sensible decisions. But it is complete chaos," Gareth Rae, 59, who travelled from Bristol to attend the demonstration, told Reuters.

"The country will be divided whatever happens and it is worse to be divided on a lie."

While the country and its politicians are divided over Brexit, most agree it is the most important strategic decision the United Kingdom has faced since World War Two.

Pro-EU protesters gathered for a "Put it to the people march" at Marble Arch on the edge of Hyde Park around midday, before marching past the prime minister's office in Downing Street and finish outside parliament.

While there was no official estimate of the numbers, campaign organisers said hundreds of thousands of people were in the crowd as it began to march.

Organisers were confident that the size of the crowd would exceed a similar rally held in October when supporters said about 700,000 people turned up.

'Never gonna give EU up'

Phoebe Poole, 18, who was holding a placard saying "never gonna give EU up" in reference to a song by 1980s pop star Rick Astley, wasn’t old enough to vote in the 2016 referendum.

"We have come here today because we feel like our future has been stolen from us. It is our generation that is going to have to live with the consequences of this disaster," she told Reuters.

"It is going to make it harder to get a job. You are already seeing a lot of large companies leaving. I am worried about the future."

Two hundred coaches from around Britain were booked to take people to London for the march. One coach left the Scottish Highlands on Friday evening, and another left from Cornwall on England's western tip early on Saturday morning.

A petition to cancel Brexit altogether gained 4 million signatures in just 3 days after May told the public "I am on your side" over Brexit and urged lawmakers to get behind her deal.

In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 52 per cent, backed Brexit while 16.1 million, or 48 per cent, backed staying in the bloc.

But ever since, opponents of Brexit have been exploring ways to hold another referendum.

May has repeatedly ruled out holding another Brexit referendum, saying it would deepen divisions and undermine support for democracy. Brexit supporters say a second referendum would trigger a major constitutional crisis.

We already put it to the people. And the people roared," pro-leave group Change Britain said in a tweet.

Supporters of Brexit say that while the divorce might bring some short-term instability, in the longer term Britain would thrive if cut free from what they cast as a doomed experiment in German-dominated unity that is falling far behind other major powers.

Some opinion polls have shown a slight shift in favour of remaining in the European Union, but there has yet to be a decisive change in attitudes.

Many voters in Britain say they have become increasingly bored by Brexit and May said on Wednesday that they want this stage of the Brexit process to be "over and done with."

But protesters disagreed with May's claim that she is on the side of the British public, with one placard reading: "You do not speak for us Theresa."

Hundreds of thousands of people opposed to Britain's withdrawal from the European Union marched through central London on Saturday to demand a new referendum as the deepening Brexit crisis risked sinking Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership.

Hundreds of thousands of people opposed to Britain's withdrawal from the European Union marched through central London on Saturday to demand a new referendum as the deepening Brexit crisis risked sinking Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership. Marchers set off in central London with banners proclaiming "the best deal is no Brexit" and "we demand a People's Vote" in what organisers said could be the biggest anti-Brexit protest yet. After three years of tortuous debate, it is still uncertain how, when or even if Brexit will happen as May tries to plot a way out of the gravest political crisis in at least a generation. May hinted on Friday that she might not bring her twice-defeated EU divorce deal back to parliament next week, leaving her Brexit strategy in meltdown. The Times and The Daily Telegraph reported that pressure was growing on May to resign. "I would feel differently if this was a well-managed process and the government was taking sensible decisions. But it is complete chaos," Gareth Rae, 59, who travelled from Bristol to attend the demonstration, told Reuters. "The country will be divided whatever happens and it is worse to be divided on a lie." While the country and its politicians are divided over Brexit, most agree it is the most important strategic decision the United Kingdom has faced since World War Two. Pro-EU protesters gathered for a "Put it to the people march" at Marble Arch on the edge of Hyde Park around midday, before marching past the prime minister's office in Downing Street and finish outside parliament. While there was no official estimate of the numbers, campaign organisers said hundreds of thousands of people were in the crowd as it began to march. Organisers were confident that the size of the crowd would exceed a similar rally held in October when supporters said about 700,000 people turned up. 'Never gonna give EU up' Phoebe Poole, 18, who was holding a placard saying "never gonna give EU up" in reference to a song by 1980s pop star Rick Astley, wasn’t old enough to vote in the 2016 referendum. "We have come here today because we feel like our future has been stolen from us. It is our generation that is going to have to live with the consequences of this disaster," she told Reuters. "It is going to make it harder to get a job. You are already seeing a lot of large companies leaving. I am worried about the future." Two hundred coaches from around Britain were booked to take people to London for the march. One coach left the Scottish Highlands on Friday evening, and another left from Cornwall on England's western tip early on Saturday morning. A petition to cancel Brexit altogether gained 4 million signatures in just 3 days after May told the public "I am on your side" over Brexit and urged lawmakers to get behind her deal. In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 52 per cent, backed Brexit while 16.1 million, or 48 per cent, backed staying in the bloc. But ever since, opponents of Brexit have been exploring ways to hold another referendum. May has repeatedly ruled out holding another Brexit referendum, saying it would deepen divisions and undermine support for democracy. Brexit supporters say a second referendum would trigger a major constitutional crisis. We already put it to the people. And the people roared," pro-leave group Change Britain said in a tweet. Supporters of Brexit say that while the divorce might bring some short-term instability, in the longer term Britain would thrive if cut free from what they cast as a doomed experiment in German-dominated unity that is falling far behind other major powers. Some opinion polls have shown a slight shift in favour of remaining in the European Union, but there has yet to be a decisive change in attitudes. Many voters in Britain say they have become increasingly bored by Brexit and May said on Wednesday that they want this stage of the Brexit process to be "over and done with." But protesters disagreed with May's claim that she is on the side of the British public, with one placard reading: "You do not speak for us Theresa."

Thousands take to street in London to demand new Brexit referendum

Prime Minister Theresa May was under pressure on Saturday to set out plans for her departure, leading British newspapers reported, as her B<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-welcomes-brexit-delay-204744">rexit strategy lay in tatters</a> just weeks before the United Kingdom was due to leave the European Union.

May's Brexit deal has been defeated twice by lawmakers, and while she has secured a delay to Brexit until at least April 12, she hinted on Friday that she would not bring back the plan for another vote next week if she was not confident it would pass.

May's office declined to comment on a report in The Times newspaper that discussions on a timetable for the prime minister to stand down were now underway.

But a Downing Street source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the report was incorrect.

"News to me," the source said. "No, it's not correct."

The Times quoted an unidentified Downing Street source saying that even her closest allies believed it was inevitable she would have to resign.

The Daily Telegraph said that senior ministers had urged May to quit, and Buzzfeed reported that one lawmaker, a "whip" responsible for party discipline, had told her to set out plans to quit in the Sunday newspapers.

"She needs to set out a timetable for her departure and try to get her meaningful vote through. That's the best way forward," the Telegraph quoted an unnamed cabinet minister as saying.

Betting odds indicate there is now a 20 per cent chance that May will be out of her job by the end of this month, Ladbrokes said on Saturday.

Brexit had been due to happen on March 29 before May secured a delay in talks with the European Union on Thursday.

Now a May 22 departure date will apply if parliament rallies behind the British prime minister next week. If it does not, Britain will have until April 12 to offer a new plan or decide to leave the European Union without a treaty.

Prime Minister Theresa May was under pressure on Saturday to set out plans for her departure, leading British newspapers reported, as her Brexit strategy lay in tatters just weeks before the United Kingdom was due to leave the European Union.

Prime Minister Theresa May was under pressure on Saturday to set out plans for her departure, leading British newspapers reported, as her Brexit strategy lay in tatters just weeks before the United Kingdom was due to leave the European Union. May's Brexit deal has been defeated twice by lawmakers, and while she has secured a delay to Brexit until at least April 12, she hinted on Friday that she would not bring back the plan for another vote next week if she was not confident it would pass. May's office declined to comment on a report in The Times newspaper that discussions on a timetable for the prime minister to stand down were now underway. But a Downing Street source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the report was incorrect. "News to me," the source said. "No, it's not correct." The Times quoted an unidentified Downing Street source saying that even her closest allies believed it was inevitable she would have to resign. The Daily Telegraph said that senior ministers had urged May to quit, and Buzzfeed reported that one lawmaker, a "whip" responsible for party discipline, had told her to set out plans to quit in the Sunday newspapers. "She needs to set out a timetable for her departure and try to get her meaningful vote through. That's the best way forward," the Telegraph quoted an unnamed cabinet minister as saying. Betting odds indicate there is now a 20 per cent chance that May will be out of her job by the end of this month, Ladbrokes said on Saturday. Brexit had been due to happen on March 29 before May secured a delay in talks with the European Union on Thursday. Now a May 22 departure date will apply if parliament rallies behind the British prime minister next week. If it does not, Britain will have until April 12 to offer a new plan or decide to leave the European Union without a treaty.

Mayday? Pressure builds on UK PM Theresa May to announce plans to quit

European Union leaders have given Prime Minister Theresa May a two-week reprieve before Britain could leave the bloc without an exit deal if she fails to win parliament's backing for her agreement with Brussels.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/if-brexit-happens-it-will-constitute-a-real-test-of-eus-longevity-204853">If Brexit happens, it will constitute a real test of EU’s longevity</a>

Below is what is due to happen next:

Brexit debate: Monday 25 March

Lawmakers are due to debate a government motion saying that parliament has considered a statement made by May on March 15 which set out the government's next steps on Brexit, including its plan to seek a delay.

They will put forward proposed changes, known as amendments, to this motion setting out alternative ways forward on Brexit.

While amendments are not legally binding - although they exert political pressure on May to change course - a cross-party group of lawmakers hopes to use one to change the rules of parliament to wrest control of the Brexit process from the government.

The group, including lawmakers from May's Conservatives, have put forward a proposal which would set aside March 27 to debate and vote on alternative ways forward on Brexit to try to find a majority that would break the parliamentary deadlock.

A similar amendment voted on last week lost by just two votes so this is expected to have a good chance of passing.

Third vote on May's deal: Tuesday 26 March?

EU leaders have agreed to delay Brexit to May 22, from March 29, on the condition the Withdrawal Agreement is approved by parliament next week.

The government has yet to schedule a day for a vote but it will have to notify parliament the day before it plans to hold one. Tuesday had been the day most widely expected but with the threat of a no-deal exit on Friday now removed, some believe it could be later in the week.

Commons Speaker John Bercow has ruled that the government cannot bring forward proposals for a vote that are substantially the same as those already defeated twice before, but this is not ultimately expected to prevent the third vote if lawmakers want one to happen.

May's team says that the approval at an EU summit of the so-called Strasbourg agreement - extra assurances on the Northern Irish backstop arrangement - and other measures now change the deal's shape from the last time it was voted on.

May needs to win over at least 75 lawmakers to get her deal approved, at the moment this looks like an uphill struggle.

Indicative votes: Wednesday 27&nbsp;March?

Last week, May's de facto deputy, David Lidington, promised that if the government's deal was not approved and Britain was facing a long delay to Brexit, the government would give parliament time to consider the way forward.

"In such a scenario the government ... would facilitate a process in the two weeks after the March European Council to allow ​the House to seek a majority on the way forward," he said.

This has been interpreted as so-called indicative votes, which would allow lawmakers to vote on a variety of possible Brexit outcomes to see if there is a majority for any option.

On Thursday, May said she would honour the commitments made to parliament by her government.

Such votes could be forced on the government on Wednesday if the proposal to take control of the business in parliament, put forward by the cross-party group of lawmakers, passes on Monday.

Legislation to change exit date

Parliament must pass the legislation required to change the exit date in law before March 29.

This can be done via secondary legislation, known as a Statutory Instrument, or SI, and would need the approval of both parliament's lower chamber, the House of Commons, and upper chamber, the House of Lords. May's spokesman has said the government expects this could be done in one or two days.

No deal exit: April 12

If parliament does not support May's deal next week, the EU has agreed to delay Brexit until April 12 - the day on which Britain would have to give legal notice that it was taking part in EU elections on May 23.

"At this point we would either leave with no deal, or put forward an alternative plan," May said in Brussels on Thursday.

Exit with a deal: May 22

If May's deal is approved next week, Britain's exit will be delayed until May 22 in order to give parliament time to pass the legislation necessary to ratify the deal.

European Union leaders have given Prime Minister Theresa May a two-week reprieve before Britain could leave the bloc without an exit deal if she fails to win parliament's backing for her agreement with Brussels.

European Union leaders have given Prime Minister Theresa May a two-week reprieve before Britain could leave the bloc without an exit deal if she fails to win parliament's backing for her agreement with Brussels. Also read: If Brexit happens, it will constitute a real test of EU’s longevity Below is what is due to happen next: Brexit debate: Monday 25 March Lawmakers are due to debate a government motion saying that parliament has considered a statement made by May on March 15 which set out the government's next steps on Brexit, including its plan to seek a delay. They will put forward proposed changes, known as amendments, to this motion setting out alternative ways forward on Brexit. While amendments are not legally binding - although they exert political pressure on May to change course - a cross-party group of lawmakers hopes to use one to change the rules of parliament to wrest control of the Brexit process from the government. The group, including lawmakers from May's Conservatives, have put forward a proposal which would set aside March 27 to debate and vote on alternative ways forward on Brexit to try to find a majority that would break the parliamentary deadlock. A similar amendment voted on last week lost by just two votes so this is expected to have a good chance of passing. Third vote on May's deal: Tuesday 26 March? EU leaders have agreed to delay Brexit to May 22, from March 29, on the condition the Withdrawal Agreement is approved by parliament next week. The government has yet to schedule a day for a vote but it will have to notify parliament the day before it plans to hold one. Tuesday had been the day most widely expected but with the threat of a no-deal exit on Friday now removed, some believe it could be later in the week. Commons Speaker John Bercow has ruled that the government cannot bring forward proposals for a vote that are substantially the same as those already defeated twice before, but this is not ultimately expected to prevent the third vote if lawmakers want one to happen. May's team says that the approval at an EU summit of the so-called Strasbourg agreement - extra assurances on the Northern Irish backstop arrangement - and other measures now change the deal's shape from the last time it was voted on. May needs to win over at least 75 lawmakers to get her deal approved, at the moment this looks like an uphill struggle. Indicative votes: Wednesday 27 March? Last week, May's de facto deputy, David Lidington, promised that if the government's deal was not approved and Britain was facing a long delay to Brexit, the government would give parliament time to consider the way forward. "In such a scenario the government ... would facilitate a process in the two weeks after the March European Council to allow the House to seek a majority on the way forward," he said. This has been interpreted as so-called indicative votes, which would allow lawmakers to vote on a variety of possible Brexit outcomes to see if there is a majority for any option. On Thursday, May said she would honour the commitments made to parliament by her government. Such votes could be forced on the government on Wednesday if the proposal to take control of the business in parliament, put forward by the cross-party group of lawmakers, passes on Monday. Legislation to change exit date Parliament must pass the legislation required to change the exit date in law before March 29. This can be done via secondary legislation, known as a Statutory Instrument, or SI, and would need the approval of both parliament's lower chamber, the House of Commons, and upper chamber, the House of Lords. May's spokesman has said the government expects this could be done in one or two days. No deal exit: April 12 If parliament does not support May's deal next week, the EU has agreed to delay Brexit until April 12 - the day on which Britain would have to give legal notice that it was taking part in EU elections on May 23. "At this point we would either leave with no deal, or put forward an alternative plan," May said in Brussels on Thursday. Exit with a deal: May 22 If May's deal is approved next week, Britain's exit will be delayed until May 22 in order to give parliament time to pass the legislation necessary to ratify the deal.

Here is what is due to happen next in Brexit

Amid the respite accorded to the United Kingdom for an “orderly Brexit”, Italy’s signing into China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and other assorted and allied developments, it appears that the future of the European Union (EU) is at stake. The “supranational” body or union, conceived after the end of the Second World war and reified soon after, was in the nature of a lofty and noble attempt to bring an end to Europe’s fratricidal wars, a corrective to balance of power politics and perhaps above all, an attempt to tame if not transcend nationalism.&nbsp;

But, now after many decades since the inception of the EU construct, it appears to be floundering. If and when Brexit happens, it will constitute a real test of the EU’s longevity.

There are many reasons for the frailty and fragility of the EU. The salient among these is the quest for the return of nationalism and sovereignty that, among other things, accord certainty to people. Yes, there are economic reasons of political economy that account for the structural weakness of the entity, but the longing for certainty could be held to be the most significant one. &nbsp;

Inhering in the EU, like the coeval mega-historical phenomenon of globalisation, was a structural dissipation and amelioration of sovereignty and its concomitant, nationalism. Both, in quasi-retreat now, implied loss of certainty and even control by denizens of places that were impacted by these the most. Be it the massive churn and movement of peoples from across the world largely to the West, or massive capital flows (hot capital) that crisscrossed the world, free trade and so on, the traditional, “neat” container, the nation-state, wherein since its inception, the state corresponded to the nation, generally, was under assault or in retreat.

The politico-economic and cultural shifts and societal changes that this entailed, especially in many Western countries meant certain disorientation among people. Overlaid by a putative or, more accurately suspended between the 'Third Industrial Revolution' and a putative Fourth one, the confluence of these trends impacted negatively and disproportionately, the “working classes” of the affected countries. So powerful and such was the magnitude of the trends and developments in contention that these outpaced politics and extant political paradigms. In fact, politics in the West became ossified and stunted which, among other things, caused many people, especially the working classes to feel, or even actually be, at the mercy of these forces and structural trends. It is here that the trajectory of “identity politics” was born and begotten.

Identity politics sought refuge and reassurance in an “organic” and “pure” identity. In other words, identity was essentialised wherein people desired or even craved a return to the “good old days of the past”, so to speak. This axiomatically entailed a robust demand for nationalism and sovereignty with Brexit symbolising and reflecting it, in all its eloquence. &nbsp;

That there is nothing “organic” or “pure” about identity is well known but the wellspring of either is emotion(s) and these are hard, if not impossible to contain, especially through reason and rationality (of which the state is an expression of). Given the “irrationality” of identity politics and the powerful emotive forces that underlie it, the tour de force of this kind of politics is perhaps only set to grow. The more it becomes the dominant paradigm of politics and political life, the more tenuous and fragile the European Union will become, leading ultimately to its collapse, an outcome that will give short shrift to the so-called “post-national” age and will again strengthen the foundations of the nation-state, an end that is not entirely salubrious, to say the least.

But, all said and done, there is a putative silver lining on the horizon. This lies in politics. If it was politics of a certain type that begat identity politics and its many discontents, it is in politics that redemption might lie for the EU. But, for this to happen and fructify, there has to be a paradigm shift if not a veritable revolution in the way politics is conceived and practised. The “new” politics must be of nature which breaks from past shibboleths and takes on identity politics in an idiom that smells of roses. The world we inhabit, in many senses, is a new world and the new politics must speak to it and seize the initiative not merely for a salvage job but also by way of “ creative destruction”.

In the final analysis, the European Union is a bold and a beautiful experiment in transcending narrow and parochial identities, the traditional nation state-centrism and sovereignty and nationalism. It must neither crack nor break. For the entity to survive coherently and as a robust and significant player on the world stage, the new politics referred to here has to reified and catapulted into action now. Tomorrow may be too late!

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

Amid the respite accorded to the United Kingdom for an “orderly Brexit”, Italy’s signing into China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and other assorted and allied developments, it appears that the future of the European Union (EU) is at stake.

Amid the respite accorded to the United Kingdom for an “orderly Brexit”, Italy’s signing into China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and other assorted and allied developments, it appears that the future of the European Union (EU) is at stake. The “supranational” body or union, conceived after the end of the Second World war and reified soon after, was in the nature of a lofty and noble attempt to bring an end to Europe’s fratricidal wars, a corrective to balance of power politics and perhaps above all, an attempt to tame if not transcend nationalism. But, now after many decades since the inception of the EU construct, it appears to be floundering. If and when Brexit happens, it will constitute a real test of the EU’s longevity. There are many reasons for the frailty and fragility of the EU. The salient among these is the quest for the return of nationalism and sovereignty that, among other things, accord certainty to people. Yes, there are economic reasons of political economy that account for the structural weakness of the entity, but the longing for certainty could be held to be the most significant one. Inhering in the EU, like the coeval mega-historical phenomenon of globalisation, was a structural dissipation and amelioration of sovereignty and its concomitant, nationalism. Both, in quasi-retreat now, implied loss of certainty and even control by denizens of places that were impacted by these the most. Be it the massive churn and movement of peoples from across the world largely to the West, or massive capital flows (hot capital) that crisscrossed the world, free trade and so on, the traditional, “neat” container, the nation-state, wherein since its inception, the state corresponded to the nation, generally, was under assault or in retreat. The politico-economic and cultural shifts and societal changes that this entailed, especially in many Western countries meant certain disorientation among people. Overlaid by a putative or, more accurately suspended between the 'Third Industrial Revolution' and a putative Fourth one, the confluence of these trends impacted negatively and disproportionately, the “working classes” of the affected countries. So powerful and such was the magnitude of the trends and developments in contention that these outpaced politics and extant political paradigms. In fact, politics in the West became ossified and stunted which, among other things, caused many people, especially the working classes to feel, or even actually be, at the mercy of these forces and structural trends. It is here that the trajectory of “identity politics” was born and begotten. Identity politics sought refuge and reassurance in an “organic” and “pure” identity. In other words, identity was essentialised wherein people desired or even craved a return to the “good old days of the past”, so to speak. This axiomatically entailed a robust demand for nationalism and sovereignty with Brexit symbolising and reflecting it, in all its eloquence. That there is nothing “organic” or “pure” about identity is well known but the wellspring of either is emotion(s) and these are hard, if not impossible to contain, especially through reason and rationality (of which the state is an expression of). Given the “irrationality” of identity politics and the powerful emotive forces that underlie it, the tour de force of this kind of politics is perhaps only set to grow. The more it becomes the dominant paradigm of politics and political life, the more tenuous and fragile the European Union will become, leading ultimately to its collapse, an outcome that will give short shrift to the so-called “post-national” age and will again strengthen the foundations of the nation-state, an end that is not entirely salubrious, to say the least. But, all said and done, there is a putative silver lining on the horizon. This lies in politics. If it was politics of a certain type that begat identity politics and its many discontents, it is in politics that redemption might lie for the EU. But, for this to happen and fructify, there has to be a paradigm shift if not a veritable revolution in the way politics is conceived and practised. The “new” politics must be of nature which breaks from past shibboleths and takes on identity politics in an idiom that smells of roses. The world we inhabit, in many senses, is a new world and the new politics must speak to it and seize the initiative not merely for a salvage job but also by way of “ creative destruction”. In the final analysis, the European Union is a bold and a beautiful experiment in transcending narrow and parochial identities, the traditional nation state-centrism and sovereignty and nationalism. It must neither crack nor break. For the entity to survive coherently and as a robust and significant player on the world stage, the new politics referred to here has to reified and catapulted into action now. Tomorrow may be too late! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

If Brexit happens, it will constitute a real test of EU’s longevity

More than 700,000 people have rushed to sign a petition on the British parliament's website calling for the government to revoke its divorce notice to the European Union and remain in the bloc.

Attracting thousands of signatures every few minutes, the petition took off in the hours after Prime Minister Theresa May made a televised address to the country late on Wednesday, criticising squabbling lawmakers for failing to agree an exit strategy and telling parliament to make a final choice.

"It is high time we made a decision," May said, telling Britons: "I am on your side."

EU leaders will tell May on Thursday she can have two months to organise an orderly Brexit but Britain could face a disruptive ejection from the bloc next Friday if she fails to win backing from parliament.

More than 17 million Britons voted in favour of leaving the EU in a 2016 referendum while 16 million voted to remain, with May serving notice of the UK’s intent to leave under Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty the following year.

The "Revoke Article 50 and remain in the EU" petition on the parliament website had attracted 706,096 signatures by 1048 GMT, backed by support on social media, although the site appeared to be regularly crashing due to the large numbers trying to sign.

"The government repeatedly claims exiting the EU is 'the will of the people'. We need to put a stop to this claim by proving the strength of public support now, for remaining in the EU," the petition said.

Parliament must consider holding a debate on all petitions that gain more than 100,000 signatures.

Supporters wrote on Twitter that the petition showed the strength of feeling against May's strategy while backers of Brexit said it needed to attract more signatures than the 17.4 million people who voted to leave the EU three years ago before anyone should take any notice.

More than 1.8 million people signed a petition calling for U.S. President Donald Trump to be prevented from making a state visit to Britain, leading to a debate in parliament in 2017.

More than 4 million people signed another petition in 2016 which called for another EU referendum in the event that neither the remain or leave camps achieved 60 percent of the vote.

More than 700,000 people have rushed to sign a petition on the British parliament's website calling for the government to revoke its divorce notice to the European Union and remain in the bloc.

More than 700,000 people have rushed to sign a petition on the British parliament's website calling for the government to revoke its divorce notice to the European Union and remain in the bloc. Attracting thousands of signatures every few minutes, the petition took off in the hours after Prime Minister Theresa May made a televised address to the country late on Wednesday, criticising squabbling lawmakers for failing to agree an exit strategy and telling parliament to make a final choice. "It is high time we made a decision," May said, telling Britons: "I am on your side." EU leaders will tell May on Thursday she can have two months to organise an orderly Brexit but Britain could face a disruptive ejection from the bloc next Friday if she fails to win backing from parliament. More than 17 million Britons voted in favour of leaving the EU in a 2016 referendum while 16 million voted to remain, with May serving notice of the UK’s intent to leave under Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty the following year. The "Revoke Article 50 and remain in the EU" petition on the parliament website had attracted 706,096 signatures by 1048 GMT, backed by support on social media, although the site appeared to be regularly crashing due to the large numbers trying to sign. "The government repeatedly claims exiting the EU is 'the will of the people'. We need to put a stop to this claim by proving the strength of public support now, for remaining in the EU," the petition said. Parliament must consider holding a debate on all petitions that gain more than 100,000 signatures. Supporters wrote on Twitter that the petition showed the strength of feeling against May's strategy while backers of Brexit said it needed to attract more signatures than the 17.4 million people who voted to leave the EU three years ago before anyone should take any notice. More than 1.8 million people signed a petition calling for U.S. President Donald Trump to be prevented from making a state visit to Britain, leading to a debate in parliament in 2017. More than 4 million people signed another petition in 2016 which called for another EU referendum in the event that neither the remain or leave camps achieved 60 percent of the vote.

Stop Brexit: 700,000 sign UK petition to stay in European Union

Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday faced a backlash after blaming lawmakers for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/short-extension-possible-on-brexit-if-british-lawmakers-approve-withdrawal-deal-european-council-president-tusk-204602">Brexit chaos gripping Britain </a>-- the very people she hopes will finally approve her withdrawal deal.

May made a rare address to the public on Wednesday, putting the onus on MPs to break the deadlock with just eight days to go until Britain is officially due to leave the European Union.

"You the public have had enough. You're tired of the infighting. You're tired of the political games and the arcane procedural rows," she said.

"Tired of MPs talking about nothing else but Brexit. You want this stage of the Brexit process to be over and done with. I agree. I am on your side. It is now time for MPs to decide," she added.

May is in Brussels on Thursday to ask for a short extension to the March 29 deadline, with a third vote on her unpopular deal expected in parliament next week.

She lost the two previous votes by majorities of 230 and 149, but did little to win over MPs by portraying them as being against the public.

"Her speech was incendiary and irresponsible," said Labour MP Wes Streeting.

"If any harm comes to any of us, she will have to accept her share of responsibility."

Labour colleague Lisa Nandy, a Brexit supporter who has previously suggested she was open to May's deal, called the comments "dangerous and reckless".

'I could have wept'

Pro-EU backbencher Dominic Grieve led the Conservative backlash, criticising a similar speech made by May in the House of Commons earlier in the day.

The former attorney general is one of those the premier is trying to win over to vote for her deal, but said he had "never felt more ashamed to be a member of the Conservative party, or to lend her my support."

"When the prime minister came to despatch box today... I confessed I think it was the worst moment I have experienced since I came into the House of Commons," he said.

"She spent most of her time castigating the House for its misconduct and at no stage did she pause to consider whether it is in fact the way she is leading this government which might be contributing to this situation.

"I have to say I could have wept."

Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King's College London, told BBC Radio London that it was "strange" for May to court MPs by "abusing them".

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt defended his leader, telling BBC Radio 4 on Thursday that "no prime minister in recent years has been tested in the way that she has."

"Let's not forget the extraordinary pressure she is personally under," he said.

'Brexit paralysis'

May has not ruled out any outcome, including leaving with no deal and also cancelling Brexit altogether, apparently in the hope that hardliners on both sides will drop their opposition in order to prevent their worst-case-scenarios from being realised.

But MPs and cabinet members have instead capitalised on May's weakness, with government ministers on both sides threatening mass resignations.

Some pro-EU ministers have said they would quit if she proceeded with plans to leave without a deal, forcing May to hold a symbolic parliamentary vote on ruling it out.

Brexit-backing ministers this week threatened to walk out if she asked the EU for a long delay to the Brexit deadline, forcing her to limit her request to Brussels for an extension until June 30.

Conservative MP Nigel Evans said that if May couldn't deliver Brexit on time "she has to go", suggesting that MPs were hardening against May ahead of the possible vote.

But ministers loyal to the prime minister remained confident that May could still win the day, despite her personal unpopularity.

"Right now the choice is, do&nbsp;we resolve this or do we have Brexit paralysis?" Foreign Secretary Hunt told the BBC.&nbsp;

"I think it's entirely possible when people look at the choices... people will say actually what the country wants is to get on with it."

Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday faced a backlash after blaming lawmakers for the Brexit chaos gripping Britain -- the very people she hopes will finally approve her withdrawal deal.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday faced a backlash after blaming lawmakers for the Brexit chaos gripping Britain -- the very people she hopes will finally approve her withdrawal deal. May made a rare address to the public on Wednesday, putting the onus on MPs to break the deadlock with just eight days to go until Britain is officially due to leave the European Union. "You the public have had enough. You're tired of the infighting. You're tired of the political games and the arcane procedural rows," she said. "Tired of MPs talking about nothing else but Brexit. You want this stage of the Brexit process to be over and done with. I agree. I am on your side. It is now time for MPs to decide," she added. May is in Brussels on Thursday to ask for a short extension to the March 29 deadline, with a third vote on her unpopular deal expected in parliament next week. She lost the two previous votes by majorities of 230 and 149, but did little to win over MPs by portraying them as being against the public. "Her speech was incendiary and irresponsible," said Labour MP Wes Streeting. "If any harm comes to any of us, she will have to accept her share of responsibility." Labour colleague Lisa Nandy, a Brexit supporter who has previously suggested she was open to May's deal, called the comments "dangerous and reckless". 'I could have wept' Pro-EU backbencher Dominic Grieve led the Conservative backlash, criticising a similar speech made by May in the House of Commons earlier in the day. The former attorney general is one of those the premier is trying to win over to vote for her deal, but said he had "never felt more ashamed to be a member of the Conservative party, or to lend her my support." "When the prime minister came to despatch box today... I confessed I think it was the worst moment I have experienced since I came into the House of Commons," he said. "She spent most of her time castigating the House for its misconduct and at no stage did she pause to consider whether it is in fact the way she is leading this government which might be contributing to this situation. "I have to say I could have wept." Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King's College London, told BBC Radio London that it was "strange" for May to court MPs by "abusing them". Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt defended his leader, telling BBC Radio 4 on Thursday that "no prime minister in recent years has been tested in the way that she has." "Let's not forget the extraordinary pressure she is personally under," he said. 'Brexit paralysis' May has not ruled out any outcome, including leaving with no deal and also cancelling Brexit altogether, apparently in the hope that hardliners on both sides will drop their opposition in order to prevent their worst-case-scenarios from being realised. But MPs and cabinet members have instead capitalised on May's weakness, with government ministers on both sides threatening mass resignations. Some pro-EU ministers have said they would quit if she proceeded with plans to leave without a deal, forcing May to hold a symbolic parliamentary vote on ruling it out. Brexit-backing ministers this week threatened to walk out if she asked the EU for a long delay to the Brexit deadline, forcing her to limit her request to Brussels for an extension until June 30. Conservative MP Nigel Evans said that if May couldn't deliver Brexit on time "she has to go", suggesting that MPs were hardening against May ahead of the possible vote. But ministers loyal to the prime minister remained confident that May could still win the day, despite her personal unpopularity. "Right now the choice is, do we resolve this or do we have Brexit paralysis?" Foreign Secretary Hunt told the BBC. "I think it's entirely possible when people look at the choices... people will say actually what the country wants is to get on with it."

Desperate for votes, Theresa May angers MPs in Brexit blame-game

As part of his efforts to garner international support for ongoing peace talks with the Taliban, US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will hold talks with counterparts from Russia, China and the European Union on Thursday and Friday.

"Discussion topics include: international support for the Afghan peace process, the role each party can play in bringing an end to the war, and progress to date in peace talks," the US State Department said in a statement.&nbsp;

Khalilzad will host his counterparts Presidential Special Representative Ambassador Zamir Kabulov of Russia, Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun of China and Special Envoy Ambassador Roland Kobia of the European Union at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department on Thursday and Friday.

As part of his efforts to garner international support for ongoing peace talks with the Taliban, US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will hold talks with counterparts from Russia, China and the European Union on Thursday and Friday.

As part of his efforts to garner international support for ongoing peace talks with the Taliban, US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will hold talks with counterparts from Russia, China and the European Union on Thursday and Friday. "Discussion topics include: international support for the Afghan peace process, the role each party can play in bringing an end to the war, and progress to date in peace talks," the US State Department said in a statement. Khalilzad will host his counterparts Presidential Special Representative Ambassador Zamir Kabulov of Russia, Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun of China and Special Envoy Ambassador Roland Kobia of the European Union at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department on Thursday and Friday.

US envoy Khalilzad to hold talks with Russia, China and EU on Afghanistan

=German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday she would struggle until the last possible moment to achieve an orderly Brexit, saying the interests of Germany, Britain and the EU were at stake.

"I will fight to the last hour of the deadline on March 29 for an orderly exit (of Britain from the European Union)," she told a conference in Berlin.

"We don't have a lot of time for it but still have a few days."

Merkel admitted she had been surprised by the bombshell announcement on Monday by House of Commons speaker John Bercow that he could not put Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan to another vote in its current form.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-warns-it-could-vote-against-brexit-extension-204598"> France warns it could vote against Brexit extension</a>

"I must confess that I was not familiar with the rules of order of the British parliament from the 17th century," she said with a wry smile.

And she stressed ahead of a crunch EU summit in Brussels Thursday and Friday at which Brexit is to take centre stage that the ball remained in London's court to plot the way forward.

"I am as of now unable to say what my position will be on Thursday because it depends on what Theresa May presents, what the situation looks like, (and) what may still happen in parliament," she said.

Merkel stressed that avoiding Britain crashing out of the EU without an exit deal was in the fundamental interest of all sides.

"We, together as the other 27 (EU member states), will react in an adequate manner and the less people play guessing games, the easier it will be," she said.

May is still hoping she can get the divorce agreement she struck with the European Union through parliament before March 29, despite MPs having rejected it twice.

But weeks of chaotic political deadlock in parliament have already forced May to concede that Brexit must be delayed, amid fears of an economic shock if Britain ends its 46-year membership of the EU with no new arrangements in place.

She had been hoping to ask EU leaders for only a short delay when they meet at the Brussels summit, warning that without a deal, any extension would be lengthy.

=German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday she would struggle until the last possible moment to achieve an orderly Brexit, saying the interests of Germany, Britain and the EU were at stake.

=German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday she would struggle until the last possible moment to achieve an orderly Brexit, saying the interests of Germany, Britain and the EU were at stake. "I will fight to the last hour of the deadline on March 29 for an orderly exit (of Britain from the European Union)," she told a conference in Berlin. "We don't have a lot of time for it but still have a few days." Merkel admitted she had been surprised by the bombshell announcement on Monday by House of Commons speaker John Bercow that he could not put Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan to another vote in its current form. Also read: France warns it could vote against Brexit extension "I must confess that I was not familiar with the rules of order of the British parliament from the 17th century," she said with a wry smile. And she stressed ahead of a crunch EU summit in Brussels Thursday and Friday at which Brexit is to take centre stage that the ball remained in London's court to plot the way forward. "I am as of now unable to say what my position will be on Thursday because it depends on what Theresa May presents, what the situation looks like, (and) what may still happen in parliament," she said. Merkel stressed that avoiding Britain crashing out of the EU without an exit deal was in the fundamental interest of all sides. "We, together as the other 27 (EU member states), will react in an adequate manner and the less people play guessing games, the easier it will be," she said. May is still hoping she can get the divorce agreement she struck with the European Union through parliament before March 29, despite MPs having rejected it twice. But weeks of chaotic political deadlock in parliament have already forced May to concede that Brexit must be delayed, amid fears of an economic shock if Britain ends its 46-year membership of the EU with no new arrangements in place. She had been hoping to ask EU leaders for only a short delay when they meet at the Brussels summit, warning that without a deal, any extension would be lengthy.

Angela Merkel says will 'fight to last hour' for orderly Brexit

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