The European Union's chief negotiator on Monday shut down hopes of a Brexit compromise with Brussels, saying it was up to Britain's government and parliament to find a way forward with less than three weeks to go before the scheduled departure date.

On the eve of a crucial vote in the House of Commons on Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal, Michel Barnier told AFP the British leader must negotiate with MPs rather than the EU.

"We held talks over the weekend and the negotiations now are between the government in London and the parliament in London," Barnier said in Brussels ahead of Brexit discussions with envoys from the other 27 member states.

May will update lawmakers later Monday on what changes, if any, she has secured to her EU divorce deal which was agreed with the bloc last year but overwhelmingly rejected by MPs in January.

Following that crushing defeat, she agreed to renegotiate certain unpopular aspects of the agreement and hold another vote this Tuesday.

But as parliament prepares to reassess the deal, the prime minister has little to show for her efforts, prompting warnings of another humiliating loss.

"Discussions are ongoing between ourselves and the EU," May's spokesman told reporters, insisting that Tuesday's vote would take place as planned.

Failure means Britain could end 46 years of ties with its closest trading partner on March 29 with no new arrangements in place, causing huge disruption on both sides of the Channel.

It would also raise the possibility of a delay to Brexit, with further votes on leaving without a deal and postponing Britain's departure date set for later in the week if May's deal falls.

While europhiles in May's Conservative Party would welcome a delay as a possible precursor to a second referendum on EU membership, eurosceptics strongly oppose it.

'The clock is truly run down'

May and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker spoke by phone on Sunday night and agreed to remain in touch Monday, but no further technical talks between officials were scheduled, according to a European source.

Influential Labour opposition MP Yvette Cooper urged May "to accept that her approach is not working" and that now was the time "to pivot not dig in".

"The clock is truly run down, the can kicked and squashed, the road has run out," she said Monday, warning that MPs were ready to try to wrestle control of the process.

Loyal ministers concede the deal is not perfect but say it is the best way to move forward -- and that rejecting it could put Brexit at risk.

In the face of a revolt within her split cabinet, May has promised that if MPs defeat her plan, they will be able to vote Wednesday on whether to leave the EU with no deal, or the following day on seeking a delay.

But any postponement would have to be approved by the leaders of the other 27 nations, who are next meeting at a Brussels summit on March 21-22 -- a week before Brexit day.

Backstop 'trap'

The agreement was struck over more than a year of tough negotiations and covers Britain's financial settlement, expatriate rights, the Irish border and plans for a transition period.

But MPs on all sides in London were swift to condemn it for a variety of reasons, and it was rejected in January by 432 votes to 202.

MPs then voted to ask May to seek changes to the most controversial element, the backstop arrangement intended to keep the Irish border open after Brexit.

This would keep Britain in the EU's customs union and parts of its single market until and unless another way -- such as a trade deal -- is found to avoid frontier checks.

Many MPs fear it is a "trap" to keep them tied to EU rules, but Brussels has rejected calls for a time limit or unilateral exit clause.

The European Union's chief negotiator on Monday shut down hopes of a Brexit compromise with Brussels, saying it was up to Britain's government and parliament to find a way forward with less than three weeks to go before the scheduled departure date.

The European Union's chief negotiator on Monday shut down hopes of a Brexit compromise with Brussels, saying it was up to Britain's government and parliament to find a way forward with less than three weeks to go before the scheduled departure date. On the eve of a crucial vote in the House of Commons on Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal, Michel Barnier told AFP the British leader must negotiate with MPs rather than the EU. "We held talks over the weekend and the negotiations now are between the government in London and the parliament in London," Barnier said in Brussels ahead of Brexit discussions with envoys from the other 27 member states. May will update lawmakers later Monday on what changes, if any, she has secured to her EU divorce deal which was agreed with the bloc last year but overwhelmingly rejected by MPs in January. Following that crushing defeat, she agreed to renegotiate certain unpopular aspects of the agreement and hold another vote this Tuesday. But as parliament prepares to reassess the deal, the prime minister has little to show for her efforts, prompting warnings of another humiliating loss. "Discussions are ongoing between ourselves and the EU," May's spokesman told reporters, insisting that Tuesday's vote would take place as planned. Failure means Britain could end 46 years of ties with its closest trading partner on March 29 with no new arrangements in place, causing huge disruption on both sides of the Channel. It would also raise the possibility of a delay to Brexit, with further votes on leaving without a deal and postponing Britain's departure date set for later in the week if May's deal falls. While europhiles in May's Conservative Party would welcome a delay as a possible precursor to a second referendum on EU membership, eurosceptics strongly oppose it. 'The clock is truly run down' May and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker spoke by phone on Sunday night and agreed to remain in touch Monday, but no further technical talks between officials were scheduled, according to a European source. Influential Labour opposition MP Yvette Cooper urged May "to accept that her approach is not working" and that now was the time "to pivot not dig in". "The clock is truly run down, the can kicked and squashed, the road has run out," she said Monday, warning that MPs were ready to try to wrestle control of the process. Loyal ministers concede the deal is not perfect but say it is the best way to move forward -- and that rejecting it could put Brexit at risk. In the face of a revolt within her split cabinet, May has promised that if MPs defeat her plan, they will be able to vote Wednesday on whether to leave the EU with no deal, or the following day on seeking a delay. But any postponement would have to be approved by the leaders of the other 27 nations, who are next meeting at a Brussels summit on March 21-22 -- a week before Brexit day. Backstop 'trap' The agreement was struck over more than a year of tough negotiations and covers Britain's financial settlement, expatriate rights, the Irish border and plans for a transition period. But MPs on all sides in London were swift to condemn it for a variety of reasons, and it was rejected in January by 432 votes to 202. MPs then voted to ask May to seek changes to the most controversial element, the backstop arrangement intended to keep the Irish border open after Brexit. This would keep Britain in the EU's customs union and parts of its single market until and unless another way -- such as a trade deal -- is found to avoid frontier checks. Many MPs fear it is a "trap" to keep them tied to EU rules, but Brussels has rejected calls for a time limit or unilateral exit clause.

As EU chief Michel Barnier shuts down hope for compromise, Britain braces for make-or-break Brexit vote

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is crucial to prevent Britain from crashing out of the European Union in a disorderly way without a deal, the head of the European Parliament told a German media outlet.

In an interview with the Funke group of newspapers, Antonio Tajani added the date of Brexit can be delayed past March 29 by only a few weeks at most.

British lawmakers are due to vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan for a second time on Tuesday. May has said that, if her plan is defeated, lawmakers will be able to vote on Wednesday and Thursday on whether they want to leave the bloc without a deal, or ask for a short delay to Brexit.

"It's a matter now of avoiding the biggest mistake of all - a chaotic Brexit without contractual arrangements in place," Tajani said in an interview due to be published on Saturday.

Such a disorderly no-deal Brexit would be a disaster for the British economy and would also hurt the EU, Tajani said, adding that he would be happy if Britain were to remain in the bloc.

Tajani said the political declaration on Brexit could perhaps be slightly more clearly formulated but he ruled out changing the withdrawal agreement, especially on the Northern Ireland issue.

"I'm convinced that the exit date can only be delayed by a maximum of several weeks - from the end of March to the start of July at most," he said.

Tajani said Britain would need to provide a reason for postponing its exit from the EU such as wanting to use the extra time to hold fresh elections or a new referendum.

"They've decided to leave - it's their problem, not ours," he added.

Tajani said Britain's departure from the EU would deter other countries from leaving the bloc, adding: "We need to change the European Union but we need to stick together."

It is crucial to prevent Britain from crashing out of the European Union in a disorderly way without a deal, the head of the European Parliament told a German media outlet.

It is crucial to prevent Britain from crashing out of the European Union in a disorderly way without a deal, the head of the European Parliament told a German media outlet. In an interview with the Funke group of newspapers, Antonio Tajani added the date of Brexit can be delayed past March 29 by only a few weeks at most. British lawmakers are due to vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan for a second time on Tuesday. May has said that, if her plan is defeated, lawmakers will be able to vote on Wednesday and Thursday on whether they want to leave the bloc without a deal, or ask for a short delay to Brexit. "It's a matter now of avoiding the biggest mistake of all - a chaotic Brexit without contractual arrangements in place," Tajani said in an interview due to be published on Saturday. Such a disorderly no-deal Brexit would be a disaster for the British economy and would also hurt the EU, Tajani said, adding that he would be happy if Britain were to remain in the bloc. Tajani said the political declaration on Brexit could perhaps be slightly more clearly formulated but he ruled out changing the withdrawal agreement, especially on the Northern Ireland issue. "I'm convinced that the exit date can only be delayed by a maximum of several weeks - from the end of March to the start of July at most," he said. Tajani said Britain would need to provide a reason for postponing its exit from the EU such as wanting to use the extra time to hold fresh elections or a new referendum. "They've decided to leave - it's their problem, not ours," he added. Tajani said Britain's departure from the EU would deter other countries from leaving the bloc, adding: "We need to change the European Union but we need to stick together."

European Union's Tajani says Brexit date can be delayed few weeks at most: Report

WION Fineprint: Theresa May speaks ahead of next week's vote on Brexit

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/agree-to-backstop-changes-or-risk-disorderly-brexit-theresa-may-to-eu-201993">Prime Minister Theresa May </a>on Friday called on the European Union for "one more push" to strike a Brexit compromise deal and told MPs that rejecting the agreement could mean Britain never leaves.

"It needs just one more push," May told an audience of workers in Grimsby, a North Sea fishing port, adding that a vote against a deal meant "we might never leave the EU at all".

British MPs will vote on Tuesday on whether to accept May's Brexit deal, which could include new elements following this weekend's frantic round of negotiations.

"Next week MPs in Westminster face a crucial choice: Whether to back the Brexit deal or to reject it," May said.

"Back it and the UK will leave the European Union. Reject it and no one knows what will happen," she said.

"We may not leave the EU for many months, we may leave without the protections that the deal provides. We may never leave at all."

She added: "Everyone now wants to get it done, move beyond the arguments, past the bitterness of the debate and out of the EU as a united country ready to make a success of the future." 
If MPs reject the deal, "nothing is certain", May said, adding that it would trigger "a moment of crisis".

If May loses Tuesday's vote, MPs will then vote on Wednesday on whether to leave the EU on March 29 without a deal.

If MPs reject that outcome, they would then vote on Thursday on whether to ask the EU for a postponement.

"MPs would immediately be faced with another choice," May explained.

"Either we leave the EU with no deal on March 29. I do not believe that would be the best outcome for the UK or the EU.

"Or we delay Brexit and carry on arguing about it, both amongst ourselves and with the EU. That's not in our interests either.

"More talking will not change the questions that need to be settled."

Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday called on the European Union for "one more push" to strike a Brexit compromise deal and told MPs that rejecting the agreement could mean Britain never leaves.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday called on the European Union for "one more push" to strike a Brexit compromise deal and told MPs that rejecting the agreement could mean Britain never leaves. "It needs just one more push," May told an audience of workers in Grimsby, a North Sea fishing port, adding that a vote against a deal meant "we might never leave the EU at all". British MPs will vote on Tuesday on whether to accept May's Brexit deal, which could include new elements following this weekend's frantic round of negotiations. "Next week MPs in Westminster face a crucial choice: Whether to back the Brexit deal or to reject it," May said. "Back it and the UK will leave the European Union. Reject it and no one knows what will happen," she said. "We may not leave the EU for many months, we may leave without the protections that the deal provides. We may never leave at all." She added: "Everyone now wants to get it done, move beyond the arguments, past the bitterness of the debate and out of the EU as a united country ready to make a success of the future." If MPs reject the deal, "nothing is certain", May said, adding that it would trigger "a moment of crisis". If May loses Tuesday's vote, MPs will then vote on Wednesday on whether to leave the EU on March 29 without a deal. If MPs reject that outcome, they would then vote on Thursday on whether to ask the EU for a postponement. "MPs would immediately be faced with another choice," May explained. "Either we leave the EU with no deal on March 29. I do not believe that would be the best outcome for the UK or the EU. "Or we delay Brexit and carry on arguing about it, both amongst ourselves and with the EU. That's not in our interests either. "More talking will not change the questions that need to be settled."

British PM calls on EU for 'one more push' on Brexit deal

British Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-mays-top-lawyer-struggles-for-brexit-deal-in-brussels-201431">Theresa May</a> put the onus on the European Union to make concessions over the thorny issue of the Irish backstop in Brexit talks, or risk Britain leaving the EU without a deal, which she said would be against EU interests.

The two sides are at an impasse over the so-called backstop aimed at ensuring that there is a frictionless border between Northern Ireland and Ireland - the only land frontier between the United Kingdom and the bloc.

May is seeking legally binding assurances that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-eyes-weekend-talks-to-break-brexit-deadlock-201827">Britain</a> will not be trapped permanently in the backstop in order to win support for her exit deal, which was defeated by a record margin in parliament in January.

Lawmakers will vote again on the deal next week, and May will say on Friday that the EU that should give ground in discussions over the backstop before then to help the deal go through.

"Just as MPs will face a big choice next week, the EU has to make a choice, too. We are both participants in this process. It is in the European interest for the UK to leave with a deal," May will say in a speech in Grimsby, northern England, according to pre-released extracts.

"We are working with them but the decisions that the European Union makes over the next few days will have a big impact on the outcome of the vote." 
May`s top lawyer returned empty handed from negotiations in Brussels this week.

The European Union has told Britain to rework its Irish backstop proposal by Friday, but a British source said on Thursday that the Brexit impasse was unlikely to be broken before the weekend because the EU was not moving.

But foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said he was hopeful that there would be success in negotiations at the weekend, in time for the parliamentary vote.

Keir Starmer, Brexit spokesman for the opposition Labour party, said it was "increasingly clear Theresa May will not be able to deliver the changes she promised to her failed Brexit deal."&nbsp;

"This speech looks set to be an admission of failure," he said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May put the onus on the European Union to make concessions over the thorny issue of the Irish backstop in Brexit talks, or risk Britain leaving the EU without a deal, which she said would be against EU interests.

British Prime Minister Theresa May put the onus on the European Union to make concessions over the thorny issue of the Irish backstop in Brexit talks, or risk Britain leaving the EU without a deal, which she said would be against EU interests. The two sides are at an impasse over the so-called backstop aimed at ensuring that there is a frictionless border between Northern Ireland and Ireland - the only land frontier between the United Kingdom and the bloc. May is seeking legally binding assurances that Britain will not be trapped permanently in the backstop in order to win support for her exit deal, which was defeated by a record margin in parliament in January. Lawmakers will vote again on the deal next week, and May will say on Friday that the EU that should give ground in discussions over the backstop before then to help the deal go through. "Just as MPs will face a big choice next week, the EU has to make a choice, too. We are both participants in this process. It is in the European interest for the UK to leave with a deal," May will say in a speech in Grimsby, northern England, according to pre-released extracts. "We are working with them but the decisions that the European Union makes over the next few days will have a big impact on the outcome of the vote." May`s top lawyer returned empty handed from negotiations in Brussels this week. The European Union has told Britain to rework its Irish backstop proposal by Friday, but a British source said on Thursday that the Brexit impasse was unlikely to be broken before the weekend because the EU was not moving. But foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said he was hopeful that there would be success in negotiations at the weekend, in time for the parliamentary vote. Keir Starmer, Brexit spokesman for the opposition Labour party, said it was "increasingly clear Theresa May will not be able to deliver the changes she promised to her failed Brexit deal." "This speech looks set to be an admission of failure," he said.

Agree to backstop changes or risk disorderly Brexit: Theresa May warns EU

The European Union said Thursday it hopes <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-expels-german-ambassador-for-backing-guaido-201632">Venezuela will reconsider its expulsion of the German ambassador</a> as the EU seeks to maintain communication lines with the feuding sides.

President Nicolas Maduro's government on Wednesday ordered Germany's ambassador Daniel Kriener to leave the country for "interference" in its internal affairs. He had greeted returning opposition leader Juan Guaido at Caracas airport.

"We regret the fact that the German ambassador to Venezuela is pressed to leave the country in spite of a tense and complex political context," said Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.&nbsp;

"The European Union has been keen to maintain lines of communication with all key parties in Venezuela including the government of Mr Maduro," she told a press conference in Brussels.

"And from that perspective, the European Union hopes that this decision can be reconsidered," Kocijancic said. "We remain strongly committed to a peaceful and democratic solution to the current crisis in Venezuela."

She recalled the EU's leading role in setting up the international contact group, where she said Germany plays an "active" role.

Guaido -- recognised as interim president by more than 50 countries -- said Kriener's expulsion will be seen "as a threat to the free world."

Kriener was among more than a dozen foreign representatives who welcomed the National Assembly leader, but so far the only one deemed "persona non grata".

Kriener had tried to help bring humanitarian aid to the country, Guaido said in a speech to opposition lawmakers, adding: "It seems that the Maduro regime does not forgive anyone who wants to help Venezuela."

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that kicking Kriener out only "aggravates the situation".

The European Union last month condemned Caracas for its use of armed supporters and violence to prevent the entry of humanitarian aid into Venezuela.&nbsp;

The European Union said Thursday it hopes Venezuela will reconsider its expulsion of the German ambassador as the EU seeks to maintain communication lines with the feuding sides.

The European Union said Thursday it hopes Venezuela will reconsider its expulsion of the German ambassador as the EU seeks to maintain communication lines with the feuding sides. President Nicolas Maduro's government on Wednesday ordered Germany's ambassador Daniel Kriener to leave the country for "interference" in its internal affairs. He had greeted returning opposition leader Juan Guaido at Caracas airport. "We regret the fact that the German ambassador to Venezuela is pressed to leave the country in spite of a tense and complex political context," said Maja Kocijancic, spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini. "The European Union has been keen to maintain lines of communication with all key parties in Venezuela including the government of Mr Maduro," she told a press conference in Brussels. "And from that perspective, the European Union hopes that this decision can be reconsidered," Kocijancic said. "We remain strongly committed to a peaceful and democratic solution to the current crisis in Venezuela." She recalled the EU's leading role in setting up the international contact group, where she said Germany plays an "active" role. Guaido -- recognised as interim president by more than 50 countries -- said Kriener's expulsion will be seen "as a threat to the free world." Kriener was among more than a dozen foreign representatives who welcomed the National Assembly leader, but so far the only one deemed "persona non grata". Kriener had tried to help bring humanitarian aid to the country, Guaido said in a speech to opposition lawmakers, adding: "It seems that the Maduro regime does not forgive anyone who wants to help Venezuela." German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that kicking Kriener out only "aggravates the situation". The European Union last month condemned Caracas for its use of armed supporters and violence to prevent the entry of humanitarian aid into Venezuela.

EU hopes Venezuela reconsiders expulsion of German ambassador

Britain would scrap 80-90 per cent of tariffs on imported goods if it leaves the European Union without a deal but would keep them for sensitive sectors such as cars and some agricultural products, broadcaster Sky News reported on Tuesday.

Sky News said the government intended to publish details on the tariff cuts if lawmakers reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in a vote due next week.

Britain's Department for International Trade said in response to the report that no final decision had been made on tariffs, but there had been discussion across government about the right level of tariffs following a no-deal Brexit.

Britain currently has tariff-free access to European Union markets and it benefits from EU trade deals with other countries. But its exports will automatically face tariffs if it leaves on March 29 without a transition deal.

The country will then have to decide if it wishes to impose reciprocal tariffs on imports from the EU.

Without tariffs, some British factories and farms would struggle to compete with imports, and Britain would lose leverage to persuade other countries to reduce tariffs on goods they import from Britain.

However, freedom to set an independent trade policy - including cutting tariffs - was a key reason for leaving the EU given by Brexit supporters, including trade minister Liam Fox.

Sky said May's cabinet of senior ministers had approved the tariff plan after the environment and farming minister Michael Gove argued to keep food tariffs and business minister Greg Clark insisted car imports should still face a 10 per cent tariff.

"According to government sources the 10-20 per cent of more sensitive items which will retain their protection includes cars, beef, lamb, dairy and some lines of textiles," it said.

Car parts, cereals and some finished food products would be among the areas where tariffs would be scrapped, it added.

The Department for International Trade said the government's priority remained to avoid a no-deal Brexit.

"If we leave the European Union without an agreement, our tariffs will need to strike a balance between protecting consumers and businesses from possible price rises and avoiding the exposure of sensitive industries to competition," a spokeswoman said.

Britain's government is due to hold a series of parliamentary votes next week asking lawmakers to approve a modified version of a Brexit plan they previously rejected, and if not, to vote on a no-deal or a delay to Brexit.

Britain would scrap 80-90 per cent of tariffs on imported goods if it leaves the European Union without a deal but would keep them for sensitive sectors such as cars and some agricultural products, broadcaster Sky News reported on Tuesday.

Britain would scrap 80-90 per cent of tariffs on imported goods if it leaves the European Union without a deal but would keep them for sensitive sectors such as cars and some agricultural products, broadcaster Sky News reported on Tuesday. Sky News said the government intended to publish details on the tariff cuts if lawmakers reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in a vote due next week. Britain's Department for International Trade said in response to the report that no final decision had been made on tariffs, but there had been discussion across government about the right level of tariffs following a no-deal Brexit. Britain currently has tariff-free access to European Union markets and it benefits from EU trade deals with other countries. But its exports will automatically face tariffs if it leaves on March 29 without a transition deal. The country will then have to decide if it wishes to impose reciprocal tariffs on imports from the EU. Without tariffs, some British factories and farms would struggle to compete with imports, and Britain would lose leverage to persuade other countries to reduce tariffs on goods they import from Britain. However, freedom to set an independent trade policy - including cutting tariffs - was a key reason for leaving the EU given by Brexit supporters, including trade minister Liam Fox. Sky said May's cabinet of senior ministers had approved the tariff plan after the environment and farming minister Michael Gove argued to keep food tariffs and business minister Greg Clark insisted car imports should still face a 10 per cent tariff. "According to government sources the 10-20 per cent of more sensitive items which will retain their protection includes cars, beef, lamb, dairy and some lines of textiles," it said. Car parts, cereals and some finished food products would be among the areas where tariffs would be scrapped, it added. The Department for International Trade said the government's priority remained to avoid a no-deal Brexit. "If we leave the European Union without an agreement, our tariffs will need to strike a balance between protecting consumers and businesses from possible price rises and avoiding the exposure of sensitive industries to competition," a spokeswoman said. Britain's government is due to hold a series of parliamentary votes next week asking lawmakers to approve a modified version of a Brexit plan they previously rejected, and if not, to vote on a no-deal or a delay to Brexit.

UK would scrap 80-90%  of tariffs after no-deal Brexit: Report

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

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

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

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

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday "no solution" has been found so far to break <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-near-standstill-as-brexit-approaches-survey-201345">the deadlock over Brexit</a>, a spokesman reported after the latest negotiations in Brussels.

Briefing the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, Barnier said the talks "have been difficult", spokesman Margaritis Schinas said following the four hours of negotiations on Tuesday.

Barnier informed the commissioners that "no solution has been identified at this point that is consistent with the withdrawal agreement," which the EU agreed with Prime Minister Theresa May in November.

Barnier said the discussions have nonetheless taken place in a "constructive atmosphere," speaking the day after he held the latest round of talks with UK attorney general Geoffrey Cox and Brexit minister Stephen Barclay.

Barnier confirmed the two sides were still stuck on the so-called "backstop," aimed at keeping open the border between EU member Ireland and British Northern Ireland.

The EU sees the provision in the withdrawal agreement as vital to preserving the peace process in Northern Ireland but London fears it will tie Britain indefinitely to an EU customs union.

The EU-British talks are aimed at helping May's government get the November divorce deal through parliament and avoiding Britain crashing out of the bloc on March 29 without a deal.

Cox said he had put forward some "very reasonable proposals" during his talks in Brussels.

"Both sides have exchanged robust strong views and we're now facing the real discussions. Talks will be resuming soon," Cox told Sky News television from Brussels.

"These are very sensitive discussions, we're into the meat of the matter now, we've put forward some proposals, very reasonable proposals," he said.

But he said he could not reveal the content of the discussions, saying they were "private and confidential".

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday "no solution" has been found so far to break the deadlock over Brexit, a spokesman reported after the latest negotiations in Brussels.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday "no solution" has been found so far to break the deadlock over Brexit, a spokesman reported after the latest negotiations in Brussels. Briefing the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, Barnier said the talks "have been difficult", spokesman Margaritis Schinas said following the four hours of negotiations on Tuesday. Barnier informed the commissioners that "no solution has been identified at this point that is consistent with the withdrawal agreement," which the EU agreed with Prime Minister Theresa May in November. Barnier said the discussions have nonetheless taken place in a "constructive atmosphere," speaking the day after he held the latest round of talks with UK attorney general Geoffrey Cox and Brexit minister Stephen Barclay. Barnier confirmed the two sides were still stuck on the so-called "backstop," aimed at keeping open the border between EU member Ireland and British Northern Ireland. The EU sees the provision in the withdrawal agreement as vital to preserving the peace process in Northern Ireland but London fears it will tie Britain indefinitely to an EU customs union. The EU-British talks are aimed at helping May's government get the November divorce deal through parliament and avoiding Britain crashing out of the bloc on March 29 without a deal. Cox said he had put forward some "very reasonable proposals" during his talks in Brussels. "Both sides have exchanged robust strong views and we're now facing the real discussions. Talks will be resuming soon," Cox told Sky News television from Brussels. "These are very sensitive discussions, we're into the meat of the matter now, we've put forward some proposals, very reasonable proposals," he said. But he said he could not reveal the content of the discussions, saying they were "private and confidential".

EU says 'no solution' for now to break Brexit deadlock

Facebook has banned political advertisements from outside Indonesia ahead of the country's presidential poll, just weeks after being heavily criticised by the European Union for not doing enough to counter election meddling.

The world's biggest social network said it was temporarily restricting any paid material from advertisers based outside the Southeast Asian nation that related to politicians, parties or attempts to encourage voter suppression.

"We want to make it harder to interfere with elections on the platform, and easier for people to make their voices legitimately heard in the political process," Facebook said in a statement, adding the new policy will be effective Tuesday.

EU officials blasted the company earlier this year for not doing enough to scrutinise advertising on its site in the run-up to European Union elections in May.

In response, the company unveiled new tools and rules that would require a wide range of political ads linked to the elections to be specifically authorised and tagged with a clear "paid for by" disclaimer.

The US firm first began looking into its influence on elections after revelations of Russian influence campaigns during the 2016 US election.

But the social media giant has been accused of being too slow to act by some leaders.

Facebook said it would use a combination of automated and human intervention to remove offending ads relating to Indonesia.

Indonesia is battling its own wave of online hate speech, as conservative groups exploit social media to spread lies and target minorities.

Authorities are worried inflammatory material posted online could crack open social and religious fault lines in the world's largest Muslim-majority country ahead of presidential elections in April.

Facebook said in February it removed hundreds of accounts and pages linked to Indonesian cyber group Saracen that has been accused of spreading hate speech and fake news.

Facebook has a fact-checking partnership with AFP in multiple countries.

Facebook has banned political advertisements from outside Indonesia ahead of the country's presidential poll, just weeks after being heavily criticised by the European Union for not doing enough to counter election meddling.

Facebook has banned political advertisements from outside Indonesia ahead of the country's presidential poll, just weeks after being heavily criticised by the European Union for not doing enough to counter election meddling. The world's biggest social network said it was temporarily restricting any paid material from advertisers based outside the Southeast Asian nation that related to politicians, parties or attempts to encourage voter suppression. "We want to make it harder to interfere with elections on the platform, and easier for people to make their voices legitimately heard in the political process," Facebook said in a statement, adding the new policy will be effective Tuesday. EU officials blasted the company earlier this year for not doing enough to scrutinise advertising on its site in the run-up to European Union elections in May. In response, the company unveiled new tools and rules that would require a wide range of political ads linked to the elections to be specifically authorised and tagged with a clear "paid for by" disclaimer. The US firm first began looking into its influence on elections after revelations of Russian influence campaigns during the 2016 US election. But the social media giant has been accused of being too slow to act by some leaders. Facebook said it would use a combination of automated and human intervention to remove offending ads relating to Indonesia. Indonesia is battling its own wave of online hate speech, as conservative groups exploit social media to spread lies and target minorities. Authorities are worried inflammatory material posted online could crack open social and religious fault lines in the world's largest Muslim-majority country ahead of presidential elections in April. Facebook said in February it removed hundreds of accounts and pages linked to Indonesian cyber group Saracen that has been accused of spreading hate speech and fake news. Facebook has a fact-checking partnership with AFP in multiple countries.

Facebook to restrict foreign political advertising ahead of Indonesia poll

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As Brexit looms, London and Berlin promote closer business ties

EU offering Brexit delay not possible: UK trade minister

The European Union's top trade officials will update their US counterparts this week on progress in obtaining a negotiating mandate for an EU-US trade deal on industrial goods and raise concern over existing and potential future US tariffs.

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom will meet US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on March 6 in Washington and the Secretary-General of the European Commission, Martin Selmayr, will meet the Director of the United States National Economic Council Larry Kudlow on March 7.

The European Union's executive arm, the European Commission, has the sole responsibility for negotiating trade deals for the whole 28-nation bloc of 513 million people and has been in close discussions with Washington over trade policy since last July to avert the threat of US tariffs on EU cars and car parts.

The European Commission has asked member countries to approve two negotiating mandates so that formal talks can begin. Germany is keen to start quickly, while France is reluctant.

"The discussions will focus on the next steps towards the implementation of the July 2018 Joint Statement and on the EU-US cooperation on World Trade Organisation reform and level playing field issues," Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said of this week's talks.

"The Commission will update the US side on the state of play of the adoption of the negotiating mandates for EU-US trade agreements on industrial goods and on conformity assessment," he said.

Rather than negotiating a comprehensive trade deal that could take a very long time, the EU is keen to reach a quicker agreement with the United States on trade in industrial goods alone, excluding agriculture that tends to be more controversial.

This could help resolve the issue of US tariffs on European steel and aluminium and avert the threat of US tariffs on EU-made cars and car parts.

"The Commission will also raise the EU's concerns on the tariffs imposed by the US on steel and aluminium products and on the possible consequences of the recently concluded investigation on whether automobile imports represent a threat to the US' national security," Schinas said.

Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said on Feb. 18 that US tariffs on imports of European cars could mean that Europe would buy fewer soybeans and liquid gas from the United States, imports of which have jumped since July.

The European Union's top trade officials will update their US counterparts this week on progress in obtaining a negotiating mandate for an EU-US trade deal on industrial goods and raise concern over existing and potential future US tariffs.

The European Union's top trade officials will update their US counterparts this week on progress in obtaining a negotiating mandate for an EU-US trade deal on industrial goods and raise concern over existing and potential future US tariffs. EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom will meet US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on March 6 in Washington and the Secretary-General of the European Commission, Martin Selmayr, will meet the Director of the United States National Economic Council Larry Kudlow on March 7. The European Union's executive arm, the European Commission, has the sole responsibility for negotiating trade deals for the whole 28-nation bloc of 513 million people and has been in close discussions with Washington over trade policy since last July to avert the threat of US tariffs on EU cars and car parts. The European Commission has asked member countries to approve two negotiating mandates so that formal talks can begin. Germany is keen to start quickly, while France is reluctant. "The discussions will focus on the next steps towards the implementation of the July 2018 Joint Statement and on the EU-US cooperation on World Trade Organisation reform and level playing field issues," Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said of this week's talks. "The Commission will update the US side on the state of play of the adoption of the negotiating mandates for EU-US trade agreements on industrial goods and on conformity assessment," he said. Rather than negotiating a comprehensive trade deal that could take a very long time, the EU is keen to reach a quicker agreement with the United States on trade in industrial goods alone, excluding agriculture that tends to be more controversial. This could help resolve the issue of US tariffs on European steel and aluminium and avert the threat of US tariffs on EU-made cars and car parts. "The Commission will also raise the EU's concerns on the tariffs imposed by the US on steel and aluminium products and on the possible consequences of the recently concluded investigation on whether automobile imports represent a threat to the US' national security," Schinas said. Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said on Feb. 18 that US tariffs on imports of European cars could mean that Europe would buy fewer soybeans and liquid gas from the United States, imports of which have jumped since July.

European Union set for trade talks with US on March 6 amid concern over tariffs

The United States said Monday it has restored the EU's mission in Washington to its former status, calling the bloc one of "its most valuable partners" as their troubled trade talks are set to resume.

The US State Department lowered the European Union mission's diplomatic status from member state to international organisation late last year, in what was seen as a further blow to transatlantic ties.&nbsp;

"The Department of State will again recognize the European Union’s representation in Washington as equivalent to that of a bilateral mission in the Diplomatic Corps Order of Precedence," according to a statement from Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the EU.

"The European Union is a uniquely important organisation, and one of America's most valuable partners in ensuring global security and prosperity," Sondland said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Europe’s security and success are inextricably linked to that of the United States, and this level of engagement and cooperation should be recognized appropriately in all settings."

The EU in January confirmed it was in talks with US officials about the mission's status after German broadcaster Deutsche Welle reported the downgrade.

DW said it only came to light when the EU ambassador in Washington did not receive an invitation to the funeral of former US president George H.W. Bush in December.

Under US President Donald Trump, Europe's once-solid ties with the US have deteriorated and last year Washington put tariffs on steel and aluminium from the EU and other partners.

EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom is to meet her US counterpart Robert Lighthizer on Wednesday in Washington as the two sides seek a trade deal limited to industrial goods and avert threatened US auto tariffs.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in December used a major policy speech in Brussels to take aim at the bloc, saying Britain's Brexit vote had raised valid questions about whether the EU was putting the interests of bureaucrats ahead of those of citizens.

The United States said Monday it has restored the EU's mission in Washington to its former status, calling the bloc one of "its most valuable partners" as their troubled trade talks are set to resume.

The United States said Monday it has restored the EU's mission in Washington to its former status, calling the bloc one of "its most valuable partners" as their troubled trade talks are set to resume. The US State Department lowered the European Union mission's diplomatic status from member state to international organisation late last year, in what was seen as a further blow to transatlantic ties. "The Department of State will again recognize the European Union’s representation in Washington as equivalent to that of a bilateral mission in the Diplomatic Corps Order of Precedence," according to a statement from Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the EU. "The European Union is a uniquely important organisation, and one of America's most valuable partners in ensuring global security and prosperity," Sondland said. "Europe’s security and success are inextricably linked to that of the United States, and this level of engagement and cooperation should be recognized appropriately in all settings." The EU in January confirmed it was in talks with US officials about the mission's status after German broadcaster Deutsche Welle reported the downgrade. DW said it only came to light when the EU ambassador in Washington did not receive an invitation to the funeral of former US president George H.W. Bush in December. Under US President Donald Trump, Europe's once-solid ties with the US have deteriorated and last year Washington put tariffs on steel and aluminium from the EU and other partners. EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom is to meet her US counterpart Robert Lighthizer on Wednesday in Washington as the two sides seek a trade deal limited to industrial goods and avert threatened US auto tariffs. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in December used a major policy speech in Brussels to take aim at the bloc, saying Britain's Brexit vote had raised valid questions about whether the EU was putting the interests of bureaucrats ahead of those of citizens.

US restores mission status of 'valuable partner' EU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Envoy slams UK 'smear campaign' against US agriculture

Britain's Brexit champion Boris Johnson on Saturday hit out at mounting calls for a second referendum on European Union membership predicting it would arouse widespread "anger".

The former foreign minister turned tormentor of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May also mocked the "bastards" who run the EU as he attacked the bloc.

Questioned at a conference in New Delhi about pressure for a repeat of the 2016 referendum in Britain, Johnson said "I don't think that's possible."

"I think that the anger in the population would be so intense and the tedium -- people would be driven absolutely round the bend by the idea of having to vote on this thing again."

"It was a very acrimonious, very divisive campaign" in 2016, he said, predicting any second vote would produce the same result.

Johnson quit as foreign minister in May's right-wing government last year in protest at her proposed departure deal with the EU -- which would keep Britain temporarily in the EU customs union as a "backstop" until problems with the Irish border are settled.

Parliament has since rejected the deal and May is battling political turmoil ahead of the scheduled March 29 departure date.

Brexit not 'xenophobic'

"We need to get this Brexit done properly and our prime minister now needs to punch a hole through that backstop and it has got to be a hole that is big enough to fit the entire United Kingdom," Johnson told the India Today media group conference.

"Once she does that we are free. We are at the races. I am hoping she will do it," he declared of the intense talks between the government and Brussels.

Johnson also told the Indian audience that Brexit was misunderstood by those who say it is an "xenophobic, nationalistic and reactionary phenomenon."

"My objection to the EU was not that it was run by foreigners. The problem is we don't really know who is running it," Johnson said, mocking the five presidents of the EU commission, council of ministers, parliament and other bodies.

"I couldn't tell you who they are, or what they do or how they came by their jobs or how they may be removed from office.

"I have no idea how to kick those particular bastards out -- I'm not saying they are bastards. But millions and millions of people in the UK have no idea how the system works. It's completely cut off to them."

Johnson said those who predict disaster for Britain outside the bloc are "chicken lickens" but said there were still "many in the upper reaches of the UK government."

"They are like the people who said that Columbus would sail off the edge of the world."

"There is a very big struggle going on over what Brexit really means," he said.

"The treasury and the whole system, they are really too nervous of taking the leap," he added. Without control of tariffs and regulation, "sincerely you might as well be in" the EU, he said.

"Unless you have the freedom then stay in. I don't think the UK is going to stay in or that the UK should stay in," he added however.

Britain's Brexit champion Boris Johnson on Saturday hit out at mounting calls for a second referendum on European Union membership predicting it would arouse widespread "anger".

Britain's Brexit champion Boris Johnson on Saturday hit out at mounting calls for a second referendum on European Union membership predicting it would arouse widespread "anger". The former foreign minister turned tormentor of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May also mocked the "bastards" who run the EU as he attacked the bloc. Questioned at a conference in New Delhi about pressure for a repeat of the 2016 referendum in Britain, Johnson said "I don't think that's possible." "I think that the anger in the population would be so intense and the tedium -- people would be driven absolutely round the bend by the idea of having to vote on this thing again." "It was a very acrimonious, very divisive campaign" in 2016, he said, predicting any second vote would produce the same result. Johnson quit as foreign minister in May's right-wing government last year in protest at her proposed departure deal with the EU -- which would keep Britain temporarily in the EU customs union as a "backstop" until problems with the Irish border are settled. Parliament has since rejected the deal and May is battling political turmoil ahead of the scheduled March 29 departure date. Brexit not 'xenophobic' "We need to get this Brexit done properly and our prime minister now needs to punch a hole through that backstop and it has got to be a hole that is big enough to fit the entire United Kingdom," Johnson told the India Today media group conference. "Once she does that we are free. We are at the races. I am hoping she will do it," he declared of the intense talks between the government and Brussels. Johnson also told the Indian audience that Brexit was misunderstood by those who say it is an "xenophobic, nationalistic and reactionary phenomenon." "My objection to the EU was not that it was run by foreigners. The problem is we don't really know who is running it," Johnson said, mocking the five presidents of the EU commission, council of ministers, parliament and other bodies. "I couldn't tell you who they are, or what they do or how they came by their jobs or how they may be removed from office. "I have no idea how to kick those particular bastards out -- I'm not saying they are bastards. But millions and millions of people in the UK have no idea how the system works. It's completely cut off to them." Johnson said those who predict disaster for Britain outside the bloc are "chicken lickens" but said there were still "many in the upper reaches of the UK government." "They are like the people who said that Columbus would sail off the edge of the world." "There is a very big struggle going on over what Brexit really means," he said. "The treasury and the whole system, they are really too nervous of taking the leap," he added. Without control of tariffs and regulation, "sincerely you might as well be in" the EU, he said. "Unless you have the freedom then stay in. I don't think the UK is going to stay in or that the UK should stay in," he added however.

Boris Johnson says new European Union vote would unleash British 'anger'

Britain's opposition Labour Party will support a new referendum on Brexit after parliament defeated its alternative plan for leaving the European Union, the party's leader Jeremy Corbyn said.

With 29 days left until the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union, the leaders of Britain's two main parties have been forced into making key turns on the divorce in recent days.

After months of saying that Britain must leave the EU on time on March 29, May opened up the possibility on Tuesday of a short limited extension to the exit date.

Corbyn, who voted against membership in 1975 and gave only reluctant backing to the 2016 campaign to stay, on Wednesday gave an ambiguous backing for another referendum saying he would push for one alongside a national election.

"After tonight's votes in parliament, we'll continue to push for a close economic relationship based on our credible alternative plan or a general election," Corbyn said.

"We'll also back a public vote in order to prevent a damaging Tory Brexit or disastrous no deal."

John McDonnell, the second most powerful man in the Labour Party, said the party would put down an amendment calling for a second referendum as soon as May brought a deal back to parliament.

After May's deal was rejected on Jan. 15 in the biggest parliamentary defeat in modern British history, she is hoping to bring back a tweaked divorce accord for a vote, which could come as early as next week but may not take place until March 12.

Brexit maze

If her deal is voted down, May has promised lawmakers will get a chance to vote on whether to leave with no deal the day after and then on March 14 to vote on asking the EU to delay the deadline.

Lawmakers on Wednesday voted 502-20 in support of an amendment proposed by opposition Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper that spelt out May's proposed timetable. The government backed the amendment.

"We continue to see the most likely outcome of the current impasse as eventual ratification of the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal, with a three-month extension of Article 50," Goldman Sachs said.

Goldman raised the probability of that outcome to 55 per cent from 50 per cent while cutting its view of no-deal Brexit to 10 per cent from 15. It kept the probability of no Brexit at 35 per cent.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that the EU would agree to extend the Brexit deadline beyond March 29 only if Britain justified such a request with a clear objective.

"If the British need more time, we would support an extension request if it was justified by new choices from the British," Macron told a joint briefing with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel in Paris. "But we would in no way accept an extension without a clear view on the objective pursued."

Britain's opposition Labour Party will support a new referendum on Brexit after parliament defeated its alternative plan for leaving the European Union, the party's leader Jeremy Corbyn said.

Britain's opposition Labour Party will support a new referendum on Brexit after parliament defeated its alternative plan for leaving the European Union, the party's leader Jeremy Corbyn said. With 29 days left until the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union, the leaders of Britain's two main parties have been forced into making key turns on the divorce in recent days. After months of saying that Britain must leave the EU on time on March 29, May opened up the possibility on Tuesday of a short limited extension to the exit date. Corbyn, who voted against membership in 1975 and gave only reluctant backing to the 2016 campaign to stay, on Wednesday gave an ambiguous backing for another referendum saying he would push for one alongside a national election. "After tonight's votes in parliament, we'll continue to push for a close economic relationship based on our credible alternative plan or a general election," Corbyn said. "We'll also back a public vote in order to prevent a damaging Tory Brexit or disastrous no deal." John McDonnell, the second most powerful man in the Labour Party, said the party would put down an amendment calling for a second referendum as soon as May brought a deal back to parliament. After May's deal was rejected on Jan. 15 in the biggest parliamentary defeat in modern British history, she is hoping to bring back a tweaked divorce accord for a vote, which could come as early as next week but may not take place until March 12. Brexit maze If her deal is voted down, May has promised lawmakers will get a chance to vote on whether to leave with no deal the day after and then on March 14 to vote on asking the EU to delay the deadline. Lawmakers on Wednesday voted 502-20 in support of an amendment proposed by opposition Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper that spelt out May's proposed timetable. The government backed the amendment. "We continue to see the most likely outcome of the current impasse as eventual ratification of the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal, with a three-month extension of Article 50," Goldman Sachs said. Goldman raised the probability of that outcome to 55 per cent from 50 per cent while cutting its view of no-deal Brexit to 10 per cent from 15. It kept the probability of no Brexit at 35 per cent. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that the EU would agree to extend the Brexit deadline beyond March 29 only if Britain justified such a request with a clear objective. "If the British need more time, we would support an extension request if it was justified by new choices from the British," Macron told a joint briefing with Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel in Paris. "But we would in no way accept an extension without a clear view on the objective pursued."

Britain's Labour Party backs new Brexit referendum

Asian markets were mostly up Wednesday with investors remaining positive about the prospects for a China-US trade deal while the pound held its gains as fears of a no-deal Brexit recede.

Wall Street provided a tepid lead as Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell gave little away to lawmakers on the central bank's plans for monetary policy.

With few catalysts to drive business, dealers are awaiting the latest developments in trade negotiations between the world's top two economies, which have helped fuel a rally across global markets this year.

And while there was a stumble Tuesday, the gains continued in Asia in early trade with Shanghai rising 0.6 per cent, Hong Kong up 0.4 per cent, Tokyo ending the morning 0.5 per cent higher and Seoul climbing 0.3 per cent.

Sydney added 0.4 per cent though Taipei and Wellington edged lower.

However, while equities are enjoying a broad-based advance, there are warnings against overconfidence.

"Investors will continue to trade from a positive standpoint, but anything that comes out that could possibly derail a China-US trade deal will probably lead to some strong profit-taking flows and a decent downside correction and increase in volatility," said Nick Twidale, chief operating officer at Rakuten Securities Australia.

'Perilous game'&nbsp; 
Hopes that Britain will not leave the European Union without a divorce pact in place has also provided some support to markets and the pound in particular.

Sterling held its own in Asia a day after surging more than one per cent on Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to let MPs vote on a three-month delay to the March 29 Brexit deadline if she is unable to ram through her own deal.

But Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, pointed out that risks remained.&nbsp;

Investors are "clearly second-guessing both the UK Parliament and the European Union, moving to a Brexit delay followed by a Brexit deal scenario", he said.

"This seems like a perilous game to play, but the momentum of this hope-versus-reality trade could push the pound to much higher levels yet. Be warned, though, that a disappointment in this glossy scenario could see just as ugly a move back down."

Traders will be keeping an eye on the second day of congressional testimony by Fed chief Powell after saying Tuesday that he saw inflation falling short of the bank's two per cent target despite rising employment and economic growth.

The comments follow recent Fed announcements that it will be "patient" before lifting or cutting interest rates and did not provide much news to investors.

Asian markets were mostly up Wednesday with investors remaining positive about the prospects for a China-US trade deal while the pound held its gains as fears of a no-deal Brexit recede.

Asian markets were mostly up Wednesday with investors remaining positive about the prospects for a China-US trade deal while the pound held its gains as fears of a no-deal Brexit recede. Wall Street provided a tepid lead as Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell gave little away to lawmakers on the central bank's plans for monetary policy. With few catalysts to drive business, dealers are awaiting the latest developments in trade negotiations between the world's top two economies, which have helped fuel a rally across global markets this year. And while there was a stumble Tuesday, the gains continued in Asia in early trade with Shanghai rising 0.6 per cent, Hong Kong up 0.4 per cent, Tokyo ending the morning 0.5 per cent higher and Seoul climbing 0.3 per cent. Sydney added 0.4 per cent though Taipei and Wellington edged lower. However, while equities are enjoying a broad-based advance, there are warnings against overconfidence. "Investors will continue to trade from a positive standpoint, but anything that comes out that could possibly derail a China-US trade deal will probably lead to some strong profit-taking flows and a decent downside correction and increase in volatility," said Nick Twidale, chief operating officer at Rakuten Securities Australia. 'Perilous game' Hopes that Britain will not leave the European Union without a divorce pact in place has also provided some support to markets and the pound in particular. Sterling held its own in Asia a day after surging more than one per cent on Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to let MPs vote on a three-month delay to the March 29 Brexit deadline if she is unable to ram through her own deal. But Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, pointed out that risks remained. Investors are "clearly second-guessing both the UK Parliament and the European Union, moving to a Brexit delay followed by a Brexit deal scenario", he said. "This seems like a perilous game to play, but the momentum of this hope-versus-reality trade could push the pound to much higher levels yet. Be warned, though, that a disappointment in this glossy scenario could see just as ugly a move back down." Traders will be keeping an eye on the second day of congressional testimony by Fed chief Powell after saying Tuesday that he saw inflation falling short of the bank's two per cent target despite rising employment and economic growth. The comments follow recent Fed announcements that it will be "patient" before lifting or cutting interest rates and did not provide much news to investors.

Asian markets up on lingering trade hopes, sterling holds gains

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that a delay of Britain's exit from the bloc is a possibility, but only if London explains in detail what it would do with the extra time.

Any delay would have to be approved by the 27 other EU nations, Michel Barnier told France Info radio.

"And the question they will immediately ask is, What for? That's what will determine the length of any extension," Barnier said.

Their goal would be to ensure that "we don't find ourselves at an impasse as we do today" at the end of any additional period," he said, reiterating that the Brexit date of March 29 "was Britain's choice."

"Speaking objectively, we don't need more time, we need a decision," Barnier said, adding that he remained determined to work towards securing an exit deal.

"It's not correct to say 'no deal' is the most likely scenario. It's possible, but not yet probable," he said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a vote in parliament Wednesday over her newly revised Brexit strategy, which allows for a possible request to delay Britain's EU departure if her divorce deal is not approved.

It was major reversal for May, who had long insisted there would be no delay to Brexit even if that meant crashing out without a withdrawal deal -- on citizens' rights, a divorce bill, and the status of the land border with Ireland.

European Council President Donald Tusk had already indicated Monday that European leaders were willing to consider a Brexit delay, calling it a "rational solution" given the political turmoil in Britain.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that a delay of Britain's exit from the bloc is a possibility, but only if London explains in detail what it would do with the extra time.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that a delay of Britain's exit from the bloc is a possibility, but only if London explains in detail what it would do with the extra time. Any delay would have to be approved by the 27 other EU nations, Michel Barnier told France Info radio. "And the question they will immediately ask is, What for? That's what will determine the length of any extension," Barnier said. Their goal would be to ensure that "we don't find ourselves at an impasse as we do today" at the end of any additional period," he said, reiterating that the Brexit date of March 29 "was Britain's choice." "Speaking objectively, we don't need more time, we need a decision," Barnier said, adding that he remained determined to work towards securing an exit deal. "It's not correct to say 'no deal' is the most likely scenario. It's possible, but not yet probable," he said. British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a vote in parliament Wednesday over her newly revised Brexit strategy, which allows for a possible request to delay Britain's EU departure if her divorce deal is not approved. It was major reversal for May, who had long insisted there would be no delay to Brexit even if that meant crashing out without a withdrawal deal -- on citizens' rights, a divorce bill, and the status of the land border with Ireland. European Council President Donald Tusk had already indicated Monday that European leaders were willing to consider a Brexit delay, calling it a "rational solution" given the political turmoil in Britain.

EU's Brexit negotiator says delay possible, but 'what for?'

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

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

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

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

Thousands of Romanians protested across the country on Sunday after the government passed an emergency decree that critics said chipped away at prosecutors' independence in one of the European Union's most corrupt states.

The decree, approved without public debate, is the latest in a slew of legislative and personnel changes by the ruling Social Democrats since they took power more than two years ago that have raised concerns over rule of law.

The European Commission, US State Department and thousands of magistrates have warned the changes to threaten judicial independence.

In an unprecedented protest, prosecutors have said they will only work on emergency cases from Monday for three to seven days. Many judges will follow suit.

Magistrates declined an invitation to meet Prime Minister Viorica Dancila on Monday to discuss the decree.

"The independence of the judiciary is non-negotiable," a statement signed by magistrates' associations said.

"Any dialogue regarding the approval of the ... decree should have been initiated before it was approved, not after. The only solution left now is to revoke the decree in its entirety."

In the capital Bucharest, an estimated 7,000 people protested outside government headquarters, blocking traffic and chanting "Justice, not corruption," "Magistrates, don't give up," and "Shame!" Thousands more rallied in cities across the country.

The decree changes the way chief prosecutors are appointed and removes most oversight of a prosecuting unit that investigates magistrates, something critics say was created to intimidate.

Thousands of Romanians protested across the country on Sunday after the government passed an emergency decree that critics said chipped away at prosecutors' independence in one of the European Union's most corrupt states.

Thousands of Romanians protested across the country on Sunday after the government passed an emergency decree that critics said chipped away at prosecutors' independence in one of the European Union's most corrupt states. The decree, approved without public debate, is the latest in a slew of legislative and personnel changes by the ruling Social Democrats since they took power more than two years ago that have raised concerns over rule of law. The European Commission, US State Department and thousands of magistrates have warned the changes to threaten judicial independence. In an unprecedented protest, prosecutors have said they will only work on emergency cases from Monday for three to seven days. Many judges will follow suit. Magistrates declined an invitation to meet Prime Minister Viorica Dancila on Monday to discuss the decree. "The independence of the judiciary is non-negotiable," a statement signed by magistrates' associations said. "Any dialogue regarding the approval of the ... decree should have been initiated before it was approved, not after. The only solution left now is to revoke the decree in its entirety." In the capital Bucharest, an estimated 7,000 people protested outside government headquarters, blocking traffic and chanting "Justice, not corruption," "Magistrates, don't give up," and "Shame!" Thousands more rallied in cities across the country. The decree changes the way chief prosecutors are appointed and removes most oversight of a prosecuting unit that investigates magistrates, something critics say was created to intimidate.

Thousands of Romanians protest against judicial changes

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Monday that delaying Brexit beyond the scheduled exit date of March 29 would be a "rational solution" as there was no majority in the British parliament to approve a divorce deal.

"I believe that in the situation we are in, an extension would be a rational decision, but Prime Minister May still believes she will be able to avoid this scenario," Tusk told a news conference in Egypt a day after seeing the British leader.

Tusk said May and he discussed "legal and political context of a potential extension" of Britain's two-year limit on Brexit negotiations that expires on March 29.

"For me, it's absolutely clear that there is no majority in the House of Commons to approve a deal. We will face an alternative, chaotic Brexit, or an extension," Tusk said.

"The less time there is until the 29th of March, the greater the likelihood of an extension. And this is an objective fact, not our plan or our objective, but an objective fact."

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Monday that delaying Brexit beyond the scheduled exit date of March 29 would be a "rational solution" as there was no majority in the British parliament to approve a divorce deal.

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Monday that delaying Brexit beyond the scheduled exit date of March 29 would be a "rational solution" as there was no majority in the British parliament to approve a divorce deal. "I believe that in the situation we are in, an extension would be a rational decision, but Prime Minister May still believes she will be able to avoid this scenario," Tusk told a news conference in Egypt a day after seeing the British leader. Tusk said May and he discussed "legal and political context of a potential extension" of Britain's two-year limit on Brexit negotiations that expires on March 29. "For me, it's absolutely clear that there is no majority in the House of Commons to approve a deal. We will face an alternative, chaotic Brexit, or an extension," Tusk said. "The less time there is until the 29th of March, the greater the likelihood of an extension. And this is an objective fact, not our plan or our objective, but an objective fact."

European Union's Tusk says Brexit delay would be 'rational'

The European Union (EU) has asked Pakistan to act on terror in a call made by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to EU's Mogherini to brief about the situation of heightened tension post-Pulwama attack. The attack on February 14 killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called Pakistan to not only act United Nations listed terrorist but also individuals.

She highlighted the "need to continue addressing terrorism including clear and sustained actions targeting not only all UN-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for such attacks."

In the release issued by EU "stressed the urgency to de-escalate the situation" arising between the two nuclear powers India and Pakistan.

But what is interesting to note is, the release issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on the same conversation makes no mention of terror.

Instead, it said that the Pakistani foreign minister has expressed his readiness to his EU counterpart to investigate the Pulwama terror attack if India shares "actionable intelligence" and goes on to rake Kashmir.

Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi post-Pulwama has been calling his counters part across the world but none of the releases by Pakistani foreign ministry mentions the issue of terror.

This is not for the for the first time issues have happened on releases from Pakistani foreign ministry.

In August 2018 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called newly elected Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan asking to act on terror among other things according to a readout by United States- State Department. The Pak Mofa was quick to point out publically in a tweet saying this is "a factually incorrect statement issued by US State Department" but the state department continued to stand by its read out.

The European Union (EU) has asked Pakistan to act on terror in a call made by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to EU's Mogherini to brief about the situation of heightened tension post-Pulwama attack.

The European Union (EU) has asked Pakistan to act on terror in a call made by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to EU's Mogherini to brief about the situation of heightened tension post-Pulwama attack. The attack on February 14 killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was claimed by Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini called Pakistan to not only act United Nations listed terrorist but also individuals. She highlighted the "need to continue addressing terrorism including clear and sustained actions targeting not only all UN-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for such attacks." In the release issued by EU "stressed the urgency to de-escalate the situation" arising between the two nuclear powers India and Pakistan. But what is interesting to note is, the release issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on the same conversation makes no mention of terror. Instead, it said that the Pakistani foreign minister has expressed his readiness to his EU counterpart to investigate the Pulwama terror attack if India shares "actionable intelligence" and goes on to rake Kashmir. Pakistani Foreign Minister SM Qureshi post-Pulwama has been calling his counters part across the world but none of the releases by Pakistani foreign ministry mentions the issue of terror. This is not for the for the first time issues have happened on releases from Pakistani foreign ministry. In August 2018 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had called newly elected Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan asking to act on terror among other things according to a readout by United States- State Department. The Pak Mofa was quick to point out publically in a tweet saying this is "a factually incorrect statement issued by US State Department" but the state department continued to stand by its read out.

EU asks Pakistan to act on terror in a call made by Pak FM to brief situation post-Pulwama; Pak MOFA release silent on terror

Venezuelan opposition leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-4-people-die-in-venezuela-border-clashes-juan-guaido-proposes-to-consider-all-options-to-oust-maduro-199344">Juan Guaido</a> is meeting with members of a multinational support group in Bogota Monday to hammer out a strategy to remove his rival Nicolas Maduro from office.

The trip comes after two people were killed and hundreds wounded as Guaido supporters clashed with Venezuelan security forces in a failed attempt to cross in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-aid-boat-reaches-curacao-after-reported-standoff-199458">truckloads of humanitarian aid from Colombia and Brazil</a>.

The European Union condemned Venezuela's use of violence and armed civilians to block the aid entry, while United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "shocked and saddened" by the civilian deaths.

Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly, declared himself acting president in January after the opposition-controlled legislature concluded that Maduro was fraudulently re-elected.

Some 50 countries recognise him as Venezuela's legitimate president.

Maduro's 'days numbered'

Guaido flew to the Colombian capital Sunday for the meeting with members of the Lima Group - 13 Latin American countries plus Canada that are seeking to resolve Venezuela's political impasse.

Vice President Mike Pence will represent Washington at the event.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was confident that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-confident-maduros-days-are-numbered-in-venezuela-199411">"Maduro's days are numbered,"</a> blaming the border violence on armed civilian loyalists known as "colectivos."

"We're aimed at a singular mission -- ensuring the Venezuelan people get the democracy they so richly deserve," Pompeo said on CNN's "State of the Union."

President Donald Trump has said the United States is not ruling out armed action.&nbsp;

Upon landing in Bogota Guaido called on the international community to consider "all measures to free" Venezuela.

This is the first time that the Lima Group, which first met in the Peruvian capital in 2017, will speak directly to Guaido.

Venezuela is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during a prolonged recession and hyperinflation.

Humanitarian aid, much of it from the United States, has been at the centre of the standoff between Maduro and Guaido.

Maduro claims the aid is a smokescreen for a US invasion and has ordered several crossings on Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil closed.

'Victory consolidated'

"Today we consolidated yesterday's victory, tomorrow we'll consolidate it even more," Maduro's right-hand man Diosdado Cabello said Sunday at a pro-government rally in the border town of Tachira.

"Not a single one of those trucks with aid got through," Cabello said.

Maduro seems to have won this round in the power struggle, even though 156 members of Venezuela's security forces deserted to Colombia or Brazil.

After Saturday's events it is "not very clear" that Guaido has "massive" support in Venezuela, analyst Rafael Pineros told AFP.

However, the events, which also led to increased repression by the Maduro regime, may instead result in a forceful foreign intervention in Venezuela, according to political scientist Laura Gil.

"In the Lima Group the consensus is that Maduro must be removed, but there is no consensus on how to do that," Gil told AFP.

Another winner is Washington, because the only way to justify a use of force, if they are willing to actually do that, "is by invitation," she said.

'No food' in the barracks

Colombian President Ivan Duque visited the two border crossing points where most of the violence took place on Saturday.

A 14-year-old boy was among those killed Saturday near the Brazilian border in clashes with Venezuelan security forces. More than 300 people were injured in a day of disturbances at crossings on the Colombian and Brazilian borders.

Sporadic clashes between hooded protesters and police, supported by terror-spreading armed civilian "colectivos," continued Sunday on the Venezuelan side of the border, but were not as intense as the day before.

Scores of Venezuelans who managed to slip across the border to get aid were trapped there as Venezuelan authorities had closed the border.

Nicolasa Gil, a frail 71-year-old who spent the night in Cucuta near one of the crossing points, said she was "scared to cross into my country.

"Here we're safer than over there," she told AFP.

The attempt to cross aid stockpiled in Colombia led Maduro to sever ties with Bogota - and on Sunday, a group of Colombian diplomats trickled across one of the border bridges on foot, luggage in tow.

Also Sunday three Bolivarian National Guard sergeants fled Venezuela and sought refuge in Brazil.

In the barracks "there is no food," said one of the defectors, identified as Carlos Eduardo Zapata.

"They don't even have mattresses. Us National Guard sergeants are sleeping on the ground."

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido is meeting with members of a multinational support group in Bogota Monday to hammer out a strategy to remove his rival Nicolas Maduro from office.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido is meeting with members of a multinational support group in Bogota Monday to hammer out a strategy to remove his rival Nicolas Maduro from office. The trip comes after two people were killed and hundreds wounded as Guaido supporters clashed with Venezuelan security forces in a failed attempt to cross in truckloads of humanitarian aid from Colombia and Brazil. The European Union condemned Venezuela's use of violence and armed civilians to block the aid entry, while United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "shocked and saddened" by the civilian deaths. Guaido, the 35-year-old leader of Venezuela's National Assembly, declared himself acting president in January after the opposition-controlled legislature concluded that Maduro was fraudulently re-elected. Some 50 countries recognise him as Venezuela's legitimate president. Maduro's 'days numbered' Guaido flew to the Colombian capital Sunday for the meeting with members of the Lima Group - 13 Latin American countries plus Canada that are seeking to resolve Venezuela's political impasse. Vice President Mike Pence will represent Washington at the event. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was confident that "Maduro's days are numbered," blaming the border violence on armed civilian loyalists known as "colectivos." "We're aimed at a singular mission -- ensuring the Venezuelan people get the democracy they so richly deserve," Pompeo said on CNN's "State of the Union." President Donald Trump has said the United States is not ruling out armed action. Upon landing in Bogota Guaido called on the international community to consider "all measures to free" Venezuela. This is the first time that the Lima Group, which first met in the Peruvian capital in 2017, will speak directly to Guaido. Venezuela is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis that has seen poverty soar during a prolonged recession and hyperinflation. Humanitarian aid, much of it from the United States, has been at the centre of the standoff between Maduro and Guaido. Maduro claims the aid is a smokescreen for a US invasion and has ordered several crossings on Venezuela's borders with Colombia and Brazil closed. 'Victory consolidated' "Today we consolidated yesterday's victory, tomorrow we'll consolidate it even more," Maduro's right-hand man Diosdado Cabello said Sunday at a pro-government rally in the border town of Tachira. "Not a single one of those trucks with aid got through," Cabello said. Maduro seems to have won this round in the power struggle, even though 156 members of Venezuela's security forces deserted to Colombia or Brazil. After Saturday's events it is "not very clear" that Guaido has "massive" support in Venezuela, analyst Rafael Pineros told AFP. However, the events, which also led to increased repression by the Maduro regime, may instead result in a forceful foreign intervention in Venezuela, according to political scientist Laura Gil. "In the Lima Group the consensus is that Maduro must be removed, but there is no consensus on how to do that," Gil told AFP. Another winner is Washington, because the only way to justify a use of force, if they are willing to actually do that, "is by invitation," she said. 'No food' in the barracks Colombian President Ivan Duque visited the two border crossing points where most of the violence took place on Saturday. A 14-year-old boy was among those killed Saturday near the Brazilian border in clashes with Venezuelan security forces. More than 300 people were injured in a day of disturbances at crossings on the Colombian and Brazilian borders. Sporadic clashes between hooded protesters and police, supported by terror-spreading armed civilian "colectivos," continued Sunday on the Venezuelan side of the border, but were not as intense as the day before. Scores of Venezuelans who managed to slip across the border to get aid were trapped there as Venezuelan authorities had closed the border. Nicolasa Gil, a frail 71-year-old who spent the night in Cucuta near one of the crossing points, said she was "scared to cross into my country. "Here we're safer than over there," she told AFP. The attempt to cross aid stockpiled in Colombia led Maduro to sever ties with Bogota - and on Sunday, a group of Colombian diplomats trickled across one of the border bridges on foot, luggage in tow. Also Sunday three Bolivarian National Guard sergeants fled Venezuela and sought refuge in Brazil. In the barracks "there is no food," said one of the defectors, identified as Carlos Eduardo Zapata. "They don't even have mattresses. Us National Guard sergeants are sleeping on the ground."

Venezuela's Guaido meets with foreign allies for anti-Maduro strategy

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised on Sunday to bring a vote on her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-labour-is-moving-closer-to-backing-second-brexit-referendum-senior-lawmakers-199375">Brexit deal </a>back to parliament by March 12, the latest delay in her attempts to win approval for a plan to ease Britain’s departure from the European Union.

With just 33 days until Britain is due to leave the bloc, May said there would be no so-called meaningful vote on the deal this week because her team had further meetings in Brussels to secure the kind of changes lawmakers say they need to pass it.

The latest delay after her agreement was resoundingly defeated last month by 230 lawmakers - the biggest parliamentary defeat in British history - underlines the difficulty May is having to try to find a way to get the agreement ratified.

At an EU-Arab League summit in Egypt, May will try to win the backing of the bloc's leaders to secure the changes and ease increasing frustration in Europe over the political impasse in Britain over a deal that was agreed with London in November.

On her way to Egypt where she hopes to get the approval of EU leaders for her approach, May said further meetings in Brussels on securing changes to the deal ruled out a so-called meaningful vote this week.

"We won’t bring a meaningful vote to parliament this week but we will ensure that that happens by the 12th of March," May told reporters onboard her plane.

"It is still within our grasp to leave the European Union with a deal on the 29th of March and that is what we are working to do."

May and her ministers have stepped up meetings in Brussels to secure changes to the so-called backstop - an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border, and potential focus for violence, between Britain's Northern Ireland and the EU's Ireland.

She wants the EU to reopen the divorce deal, or withdrawal agreement, to satisfy the demands of Brexit supporters and other lawmakers who fear the backstop could trap Britain in the bloc's customs union indefinitely.

So far, EU officials have shown little inclination to reopen the November agreement and have instead suggested a legal clarification of the temporary nature of the backstop to appease those who believe Brussels has constructed a trap for London.

"We have been having positive talks with the European Union ... As you know I was in Brussels last week, ministers were in Brussels last week, my team will be back in Brussels again this coming week. They will be returning to Brussels on Tuesday," she said.

"I think what's important that we are still in that process of working with the EU, looking at the ways in which we can resolve the challenge that parliament raised."

May will have to return to parliament this week regardless of whether her revised deal is voted on or not, and she said she would make a statement in parliament on Tuesday, followed by a vote on next steps the day after.

It is not yet clear what "motion" her government will put forward, but lawmakers are expected to try to influence May's strategy by voting for changes to it, including to rule out a no-deal Brexit or to press for an extension of Article 50, a measure that triggered two years of Brexit talks.

But she could face resignations from her own cabinet of top ministers if she fails to rule out leaving with no deal, something she declined to condemn or challenge.

"What we have seen around the cabinet table, in the party and in the country at large is strong views on the issue of Europe. That is not a surprise to anybody," May said.

"We have around the cabinet table, a collective not just responsibility but desire, to actually ensure that we leave the European Union with a deal."

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised on Sunday to bring a vote on her Brexit deal back to parliament by March 12, the latest delay in her attempts to win approval for a plan to ease Britain’s departure from the European Union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised on Sunday to bring a vote on her Brexit deal back to parliament by March 12, the latest delay in her attempts to win approval for a plan to ease Britain’s departure from the European Union. With just 33 days until Britain is due to leave the bloc, May said there would be no so-called meaningful vote on the deal this week because her team had further meetings in Brussels to secure the kind of changes lawmakers say they need to pass it. The latest delay after her agreement was resoundingly defeated last month by 230 lawmakers - the biggest parliamentary defeat in British history - underlines the difficulty May is having to try to find a way to get the agreement ratified. At an EU-Arab League summit in Egypt, May will try to win the backing of the bloc's leaders to secure the changes and ease increasing frustration in Europe over the political impasse in Britain over a deal that was agreed with London in November. On her way to Egypt where she hopes to get the approval of EU leaders for her approach, May said further meetings in Brussels on securing changes to the deal ruled out a so-called meaningful vote this week. "We won’t bring a meaningful vote to parliament this week but we will ensure that that happens by the 12th of March," May told reporters onboard her plane. "It is still within our grasp to leave the European Union with a deal on the 29th of March and that is what we are working to do." May and her ministers have stepped up meetings in Brussels to secure changes to the so-called backstop - an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border, and potential focus for violence, between Britain's Northern Ireland and the EU's Ireland. She wants the EU to reopen the divorce deal, or withdrawal agreement, to satisfy the demands of Brexit supporters and other lawmakers who fear the backstop could trap Britain in the bloc's customs union indefinitely. So far, EU officials have shown little inclination to reopen the November agreement and have instead suggested a legal clarification of the temporary nature of the backstop to appease those who believe Brussels has constructed a trap for London. "We have been having positive talks with the European Union ... As you know I was in Brussels last week, ministers were in Brussels last week, my team will be back in Brussels again this coming week. They will be returning to Brussels on Tuesday," she said. "I think what's important that we are still in that process of working with the EU, looking at the ways in which we can resolve the challenge that parliament raised." May will have to return to parliament this week regardless of whether her revised deal is voted on or not, and she said she would make a statement in parliament on Tuesday, followed by a vote on next steps the day after. It is not yet clear what "motion" her government will put forward, but lawmakers are expected to try to influence May's strategy by voting for changes to it, including to rule out a no-deal Brexit or to press for an extension of Article 50, a measure that triggered two years of Brexit talks. But she could face resignations from her own cabinet of top ministers if she fails to rule out leaving with no deal, something she declined to condemn or challenge. "What we have seen around the cabinet table, in the party and in the country at large is strong views on the issue of Europe. That is not a surprise to anybody," May said. "We have around the cabinet table, a collective not just responsibility but desire, to actually ensure that we leave the European Union with a deal."

Another delay: Britain's May promises Brexit vote in parliament by March 12

European and Arab leaders gather Sunday for their first summit aimed at stepping up cooperation on trade, security and migration while the EU-Brexit stalemate looms on the sidelines.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted last-minute preparatory meetings with the European Union before he opens the two-day summit at 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.&nbsp;

Europeans view the summit, EU sources told AFP, as a way to protect their traditional diplomatic, economic and security interests while China and Russia move to fill a vacuum left by the United States.

The summit in the southern Sinai desert is heavily guarded by Egyptian security forces who are fighting a bloody jihadist insurgency a short distance to the north.

Climate change, migration, trade and investment are on Sunday's agenda, EU sources said. Conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Libya are to be discussed on Monday.

Arab League hosts said the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will also be raised.

European leaders first mentioned the summit in Austria in September amid efforts to agree ways to curb the illegal migration that has sharply divided the 28-nation bloc.

But checking migration is just part of Europe's broader strategy to forge a new alliance with its southern neighbours.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini insists that the gathering in Egypt of around 40 heads of state and government is about much more than migration.

Donald Tusk, president of the European Council of EU member countries, met Sunday with Sisi to help set the agenda, EU sources said.

Most of the 24 European heads of state and government who have confirmed their attendance have already arrived in the Red Sea resort, they added.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was due to arrive later Sunday.

China, Russia

Apart from Sisi, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and King Salman of Saudi Arabia will attend from the 22-member Arab League, based in Cairo.

Most of the other Arab leaders are due to attend except Syria's Bashar al-Assad, whose country was suspended from the Arab League over the civil war, and Sudan's Omar al-Bashir.&nbsp;

A UN official warned that Europe's failure to bridge divisions on migration "risks blocking all the other discussions" at the summit.

The EU has struck aid-for-cooperation agreements with Turkey and Libya's UN-backed government in Tripoli, which has sharply cut the flow of migrants since a 2015 peak.

But the official said broader cooperation with the Arab League, which includes Libya, is limited without the EU being able to speak in one voice.&nbsp;

Marc Pierini, a former EU ambassador to Tunisia and Libya, said the Arabs are also grappling with divisions since the Arab Spring revolutions in the last decade.

An EU source said there will "be no deal in the desert" when asked if EU leaders would huddle together to explore ways to break the logjam over Britain's looming exit from the bloc on March 29.

Brussels has stood united against May's requests to reopen the November divorce agreement in order to help it pass the British parliament.

However, the issue is due to come up when Tusk holds a one-to-one meeting with May in Sharm el-Sheikh.

EU sources said the first EU-Arab summit is all the more important as the United States "disengages" from the region while Russia and China make inroads.

"We don't want to see this vacuum soaked up by Russia and China," one of the sources told AFP.

European and Arab leaders gather Sunday for their first summit aimed at stepping up cooperation on trade, security and migration while the EU-Brexit stalemate looms on the sidelines.

European and Arab leaders gather Sunday for their first summit aimed at stepping up cooperation on trade, security and migration while the EU-Brexit stalemate looms on the sidelines. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hosted last-minute preparatory meetings with the European Union before he opens the two-day summit at 5:00 pm (1500 GMT) in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Europeans view the summit, EU sources told AFP, as a way to protect their traditional diplomatic, economic and security interests while China and Russia move to fill a vacuum left by the United States. The summit in the southern Sinai desert is heavily guarded by Egyptian security forces who are fighting a bloody jihadist insurgency a short distance to the north. Climate change, migration, trade and investment are on Sunday's agenda, EU sources said. Conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Libya are to be discussed on Monday. Arab League hosts said the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will also be raised. European leaders first mentioned the summit in Austria in September amid efforts to agree ways to curb the illegal migration that has sharply divided the 28-nation bloc. But checking migration is just part of Europe's broader strategy to forge a new alliance with its southern neighbours. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini insists that the gathering in Egypt of around 40 heads of state and government is about much more than migration. Donald Tusk, president of the European Council of EU member countries, met Sunday with Sisi to help set the agenda, EU sources said. Most of the 24 European heads of state and government who have confirmed their attendance have already arrived in the Red Sea resort, they added. British Prime Minister Theresa May was due to arrive later Sunday. China, Russia Apart from Sisi, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and King Salman of Saudi Arabia will attend from the 22-member Arab League, based in Cairo. Most of the other Arab leaders are due to attend except Syria's Bashar al-Assad, whose country was suspended from the Arab League over the civil war, and Sudan's Omar al-Bashir. A UN official warned that Europe's failure to bridge divisions on migration "risks blocking all the other discussions" at the summit. The EU has struck aid-for-cooperation agreements with Turkey and Libya's UN-backed government in Tripoli, which has sharply cut the flow of migrants since a 2015 peak. But the official said broader cooperation with the Arab League, which includes Libya, is limited without the EU being able to speak in one voice. Marc Pierini, a former EU ambassador to Tunisia and Libya, said the Arabs are also grappling with divisions since the Arab Spring revolutions in the last decade. An EU source said there will "be no deal in the desert" when asked if EU leaders would huddle together to explore ways to break the logjam over Britain's looming exit from the bloc on March 29. Brussels has stood united against May's requests to reopen the November divorce agreement in order to help it pass the British parliament. However, the issue is due to come up when Tusk holds a one-to-one meeting with May in Sharm el-Sheikh. EU sources said the first EU-Arab summit is all the more important as the United States "disengages" from the region while Russia and China make inroads. "We don't want to see this vacuum soaked up by Russia and China," one of the sources told AFP.

European Union, Arabs tackle troubled Middle East at first summit

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

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

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

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

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