Google moved 19.9 billion euros ($22.7 billion) through a Dutch shell company to Bermuda in 2017, as part of an arrangement that allows it to reduce its foreign tax bill, according to documents filed at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

The amount channelled through Google Netherlands Holdings BV was around 4 billion euros more than in 2016, the documents, filed on December 21, showed.

"We pay all of the taxes due and comply with the tax laws in every country we operate in around the world," Google said in a statement.

"Google, like other multinational companies, pays the vast majority of its corporate income tax in its home country, and we have paid a global effective tax rate of 26 per cent over the last ten years."

For more than a decade the arrangement has allowed Google owner Alphabet&nbsp;to enjoy an effective tax rate in the single digits on its non-US profits, around a quarter the average tax rate in its overseas markets.

The subsidiary in the Netherlands is used to shift revenue from royalties earned outside the United States to Google Ireland Holdings, an affiliate based in Bermuda, where companies pay no income tax.

The tax strategy, known as the "Double Irish, Dutch Sandwich", is legal and allows Google to avoid triggering US income taxes or European withholding taxes on the funds, which represent the bulk of its overseas profits.

However, under pressure from the European Union and the United States, Ireland in 2014 decided to phase out the arrangement, ending Google's tax advantages in 2020.

Google Netherlands Holdings BV paid 3.4 million euros in taxes in the Netherlands in 2017, the documents showed, on a gross profit of 13.6 million euros.

The amount channelled through Google Netherlands Holdings BV was around 4 billion euros more than in 2016, the documents, filed on December 21, showed.

Google moved 19.9 billion euros ($22.7 billion) through a Dutch shell company to Bermuda in 2017, as part of an arrangement that allows it to reduce its foreign tax bill, according to documents filed at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. The amount channelled through Google Netherlands Holdings BV was around 4 billion euros more than in 2016, the documents, filed on December 21, showed. "We pay all of the taxes due and comply with the tax laws in every country we operate in around the world," Google said in a statement. "Google, like other multinational companies, pays the vast majority of its corporate income tax in its home country, and we have paid a global effective tax rate of 26 per cent over the last ten years." For more than a decade the arrangement has allowed Google owner Alphabet to enjoy an effective tax rate in the single digits on its non-US profits, around a quarter the average tax rate in its overseas markets. The subsidiary in the Netherlands is used to shift revenue from royalties earned outside the United States to Google Ireland Holdings, an affiliate based in Bermuda, where companies pay no income tax. The tax strategy, known as the "Double Irish, Dutch Sandwich", is legal and allows Google to avoid triggering US income taxes or European withholding taxes on the funds, which represent the bulk of its overseas profits. However, under pressure from the European Union and the United States, Ireland in 2014 decided to phase out the arrangement, ending Google's tax advantages in 2020. Google Netherlands Holdings BV paid 3.4 million euros in taxes in the Netherlands in 2017, the documents showed, on a gross profit of 13.6 million euros.

Google shifted $23 billion to tax haven Bermuda in 2017: Report

Britain is more likely to end up leaving the European Union without a deal if parliament rejects the agreement Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with Brussels, Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Thursday.

"No deal will be far more likely if MPs (Members of Parliament) reject the government's Brexit deal later this month," Barclay wrote in the Daily Express newspaper.&nbsp;

Britain is more likely to end up leaving the European Union without a deal if parliament rejects the agreement Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with Brussels, Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Thursday.

Britain is more likely to end up leaving the European Union without a deal if parliament rejects the agreement Prime Minister Theresa May has negotiated with Brussels, Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said on Thursday. "No deal will be far more likely if MPs (Members of Parliament) reject the government's Brexit deal later this month," Barclay wrote in the Daily Express newspaper.

UK Brexit minister: No-deal EU exit 'far more likely' if parliament rejects PM May's deal

Western powers on Tuesday condemned election day violence in Bangladesh and described a range of other irregularities that marred a vote in which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's alliance secured more than 90 per cent of parliamentary seats.

The strongly-worded assessments from the UK, European Union, and the United States could hit the image of Hasina, who won a third straight term to power following Sunday's election.

Hasina's opponents have rejected the election result, citing what they describe as widespread rigging and voter intimidation. She has denied impropriety, calling it a peaceful vote that saw enthusiastic participation from her supporters.

The capital Dhaka was quiet on Tuesday, but the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said its workers were being attacked in several areas elsewhere in the country by activists of the Awami League - charges the party denied.

"Violence has marred the election day, and significant obstacles to a level playing field remained in place throughout the process and have tainted the electoral campaign and the vote," the EU said in a statement, calling for "a proper examination of allegations of irregularities".

The United States, Bangladesh’s largest foreign investor, expressed concern about "credible reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence in the pre-election period that made it difficult for many opposition candidates and their supporters to meet, hold rallies, and campaign freely."

"We are also concerned that election-day irregularities prevented some people from voting, which undermined faith in the electoral process," it said.

The UK's Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field echoed the concerns, saying he was "aware of credible accounts of obstacles, including arrests, that constrained or prevented campaigning by opposition parties. "I urge a full, credible and transparent resolution of all complaints related to the conduct of the elections," he said.

Police say at least 17 people were killed in election day clashes between supporters and opponents of Hasina's Awami League. The two sides, which have competed for power often violently for decades, traded blame for the election day unrest.

Opposition BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam said he was collecting reports of rigging to submit to the Election Commission to demand a fresh vote. The commission already rejected that plea, but Islam said: “What is our alternative?”

Journalist arrested

One journalist was arrested and another was on the run after a local government official filed a case against them for publishing "false information" about election irregularities, under new law journalists say could be used to stifle dissent.

Hedayet Hussain Mollah and Rashidul Islam published reports saying more votes had been cast at one constituency in the southeastern Khulna region than the total number of registered voters there.

They were accused under the Digital Security Act enacted in September. Mollah was picked up by police on Tuesday afternoon while Islam was on the run, police said.

"This is false information that was made intentionally to make the election result look questionable and controversial," a police report said.

The deadly clashes on a voting day marked the end of a violent campaign. The opposition said its workers faced arbitrary arrests and candidates were attacked by ruling party activists. The ruling party denied being behind any violence.

“People have shared experiences of being physically assaulted and manhandled at polling stations,” said Saad Hammadi, Amnesty International's regional campaigner for South Asia, calling for an impartial probe into incidents of violence.

Hasina, whose father, state founder Mujibur Rahman, was assassinated in a coup in 1975, has alternated in and out of power for nearly three decades with her main rival, BNP leader Zia Khaleda. Khaleda was jailed in February for corruption.

The strongly-worded assessments from the UK, European Union, and the United States could hit the image of Hasina, who won a third straight term to power following Sunday's election.

Western powers on Tuesday condemned election day violence in Bangladesh and described a range of other irregularities that marred a vote in which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's alliance secured more than 90 per cent of parliamentary seats. The strongly-worded assessments from the UK, European Union, and the United States could hit the image of Hasina, who won a third straight term to power following Sunday's election. Hasina's opponents have rejected the election result, citing what they describe as widespread rigging and voter intimidation. She has denied impropriety, calling it a peaceful vote that saw enthusiastic participation from her supporters. The capital Dhaka was quiet on Tuesday, but the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) said its workers were being attacked in several areas elsewhere in the country by activists of the Awami League - charges the party denied. "Violence has marred the election day, and significant obstacles to a level playing field remained in place throughout the process and have tainted the electoral campaign and the vote," the EU said in a statement, calling for "a proper examination of allegations of irregularities". The United States, Bangladesh’s largest foreign investor, expressed concern about "credible reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence in the pre-election period that made it difficult for many opposition candidates and their supporters to meet, hold rallies, and campaign freely." "We are also concerned that election-day irregularities prevented some people from voting, which undermined faith in the electoral process," it said. The UK's Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific Mark Field echoed the concerns, saying he was "aware of credible accounts of obstacles, including arrests, that constrained or prevented campaigning by opposition parties. "I urge a full, credible and transparent resolution of all complaints related to the conduct of the elections," he said. Police say at least 17 people were killed in election day clashes between supporters and opponents of Hasina's Awami League. The two sides, which have competed for power often violently for decades, traded blame for the election day unrest. Opposition BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam said he was collecting reports of rigging to submit to the Election Commission to demand a fresh vote. The commission already rejected that plea, but Islam said: “What is our alternative?” Journalist arrested One journalist was arrested and another was on the run after a local government official filed a case against them for publishing "false information" about election irregularities, under new law journalists say could be used to stifle dissent. Hedayet Hussain Mollah and Rashidul Islam published reports saying more votes had been cast at one constituency in the southeastern Khulna region than the total number of registered voters there. They were accused under the Digital Security Act enacted in September. Mollah was picked up by police on Tuesday afternoon while Islam was on the run, police said. "This is false information that was made intentionally to make the election result look questionable and controversial," a police report said. The deadly clashes on a voting day marked the end of a violent campaign. The opposition said its workers faced arbitrary arrests and candidates were attacked by ruling party activists. The ruling party denied being behind any violence. “People have shared experiences of being physically assaulted and manhandled at polling stations,” said Saad Hammadi, Amnesty International's regional campaigner for South Asia, calling for an impartial probe into incidents of violence. Hasina, whose father, state founder Mujibur Rahman, was assassinated in a coup in 1975, has alternated in and out of power for nearly three decades with her main rival, BNP leader Zia Khaleda. Khaleda was jailed in February for corruption.

Western powers call for probe into Bangladesh election irregularities, violence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cambodian-pm-says-wont-allow-any-foreign-military-base-in-his-country-178121">Cambodia's strongman leader Hun Sen </a>lashed out at Western governments for pushing "democracy and human rights" on his country, capping off a tumultuous political year with a fiery speech on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cambodias-hun-sen-says-will-give-speech-to-un-after-flawed-election-157311?first_load=no">The 66-year-old prime minister </a>has ruled Cambodia for over three decades, with the Southeast Asian country<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-pledges-100-million-in-military-aid-to-cambodia-145562"> tilting towards China</a> in recent years thanks to loans for infrastructure and few complaints on human rights issues.

His administration was renewed for another five years in July following elections critics condemned as a sham, inciting threats from the European Union to revoke duty-free access to EU countries.&nbsp;

But Hun Sen remained defiant Saturday as he inaugurated a monument with carvings showcasing his government's achievements.&nbsp;

"Don't make war by using what is called democracy and human rights, in which democratic countries used to make the mistake of supporting Lon Nol's coup," he said in a speech to thousands of officials.&nbsp;

Lon Nol's US-backed regime was ousted by the ultra-Maoist Khmer Rouge in 1975, jumpstarting four years of horror as Cambodians were forced to live on farming communes, endure hard labour, and were tortured and murdered if they were suspected of plotting against leader Pol Pot.

Hun Sen was a former Khmer Rouge cadre who defected and had a role in toppling the genocidal regime in 1979, although the US later sought to keep the ousted Khmer Rouge at the table in the United Nations.

"You as a democratic country ... supported Pol Pot, who used to kill people with no regards for respecting human rights," Hun Sen said, without naming the US. "You supported them to keep a seat at the UN."

Cambodia's government dissolved the main opposition party and jailed its leader ahead of July elections in which it won every seat in parliament, transforming the nation into a one-party state.

Cambodia's strongman leader Hun Sen lashed out at Western governments for pushing "democracy and human rights" on his country, capping off a tumultuous political year with a fiery speech on Saturday.

Cambodia's strongman leader Hun Sen lashed out at Western governments for pushing "democracy and human rights" on his country, capping off a tumultuous political year with a fiery speech on Saturday. The 66-year-old prime minister has ruled Cambodia for over three decades, with the Southeast Asian country tilting towards China in recent years thanks to loans for infrastructure and few complaints on human rights issues. His administration was renewed for another five years in July following elections critics condemned as a sham, inciting threats from the European Union to revoke duty-free access to EU countries. But Hun Sen remained defiant Saturday as he inaugurated a monument with carvings showcasing his government's achievements. "Don't make war by using what is called democracy and human rights, in which democratic countries used to make the mistake of supporting Lon Nol's coup," he said in a speech to thousands of officials. Lon Nol's US-backed regime was ousted by the ultra-Maoist Khmer Rouge in 1975, jumpstarting four years of horror as Cambodians were forced to live on farming communes, endure hard labour, and were tortured and murdered if they were suspected of plotting against leader Pol Pot. Hun Sen was a former Khmer Rouge cadre who defected and had a role in toppling the genocidal regime in 1979, although the US later sought to keep the ousted Khmer Rouge at the table in the United Nations. "You as a democratic country ... supported Pol Pot, who used to kill people with no regards for respecting human rights," Hun Sen said, without naming the US. "You supported them to keep a seat at the UN." Cambodia's government dissolved the main opposition party and jailed its leader ahead of July elections in which it won every seat in parliament, transforming the nation into a one-party state.

Cambodia strongman Hun Sen derides 'democracy' in fiery speech

Germany's leading industry groups said on Wednesday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-brexit-muddles-along-trump-roots-for-a-full-break-184425">Britain's departure from the European Union</a> and trade disputes triggered by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies were posing the biggest risks to growth and prosperity.

The German economy, Europe's largest, is expected to post its weakest growth rate in many years in 2018 as exporters are facing headwinds from abroad. But vibrant domestic demand means many companies are still able to expand the business.

In a survey conducted by Reuters, the heads of Germany's leading industry associations said they did not see the economy entering a recession and that most forecasts were predicting a solid growth rate of around 1.5 per cent for 2019.

But the industry associations said the economic woes of company executives were increasing and the government should do more to help them, for example by lowering corporate taxes and investing more in digital infrastructure.

"The biggest risk in the short term is Brexit," said Dieter Kempf, president of the BDI industry association.

If Britain left the EU in March without any agreement on its future relations with the bloc, this would create massive uncertainties for trade and business, Kempf warned.

"The British economy would face the direct threat of a recession which would indirectly also affect Germany," Kempf said.

Holger Bingmann, head of the BGA trade group, said Brexit was the "most urgent problem for the German economy" while an escalation of international trade disputes sparked by the United States could potentially derail the economic upswing

DIHK President Eric Schweitzer said German companies are still worried about the US&nbsp;imposing higher import tariffs on European cars. "The threat of car tariffs is still on the table," Schweitzer warned.

It was vital that both sides increased their efforts to find a solution to the trade dispute through negotiations that ideally would lead to lower tariffs, Schweitzer said.

The German economy likely grew by around 1.5 per cent this year, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2017.

Germany's leading industry groups said on Wednesday that Britain's departure from the European Union and trade disputes triggered by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies were posing the biggest risks to growth and prosperity.

Germany's leading industry groups said on Wednesday that Britain's departure from the European Union and trade disputes triggered by US President Donald Trump's 'America First' policies were posing the biggest risks to growth and prosperity. The German economy, Europe's largest, is expected to post its weakest growth rate in many years in 2018 as exporters are facing headwinds from abroad. But vibrant domestic demand means many companies are still able to expand the business. In a survey conducted by Reuters, the heads of Germany's leading industry associations said they did not see the economy entering a recession and that most forecasts were predicting a solid growth rate of around 1.5 per cent for 2019. But the industry associations said the economic woes of company executives were increasing and the government should do more to help them, for example by lowering corporate taxes and investing more in digital infrastructure. "The biggest risk in the short term is Brexit," said Dieter Kempf, president of the BDI industry association. If Britain left the EU in March without any agreement on its future relations with the bloc, this would create massive uncertainties for trade and business, Kempf warned. "The British economy would face the direct threat of a recession which would indirectly also affect Germany," Kempf said. Holger Bingmann, head of the BGA trade group, said Brexit was the "most urgent problem for the German economy" while an escalation of international trade disputes sparked by the United States could potentially derail the economic upswing DIHK President Eric Schweitzer said German companies are still worried about the US imposing higher import tariffs on European cars. "The threat of car tariffs is still on the table," Schweitzer warned. It was vital that both sides increased their efforts to find a solution to the trade dispute through negotiations that ideally would lead to lower tariffs, Schweitzer said. The German economy likely grew by around 1.5 per cent this year, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2017.

German industry views Brexit, Trump as biggest risks to economy

Paddy Ashdown, the face of centrist politics in Britain for more than a decade and a one-time marine commando who sought to secure peace in the former Yugoslavia, died on Saturday after being treated for cancer. He was 77.

Ashdown led the Liberal Democrats for 11 years up to 1999, steering it to become a campaigning force in British politics against the Conservatives and the Labour Party.

The party said Ashdown died on Saturday evening after a short illness. He had recently been hospitalised with bladder cancer.

It said he would be remembered as someone who made an immeasurable contribution to furthering the cause of liberalism.

Tributes came in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-may-survives-confidence-vote-but-her-brexit-deal-is-still-in-deep-trouble-183608">Theresa May</a> said Ashdown served his country with distinction. "He dedicated his life to public service and he will be sorely missed," she said in a statement.&nbsp;

Calling Ashdown a "true patriot", former Conservative Prime Minister John Major said: "In Government, Paddy Ashdown was my opponent. In Life, he was a much-valued friend."&nbsp;

Jeremy John Ashdown was born in India on February 27, 1941, the eldest son of an Indian army colonel. When he was five, his father became a pig-farmer in Northern Ireland.

He was educated at an English private school where he earned the nickname Paddy because of his strong Irish accent.

He spent years in the Royal Marines and was on active service as a commando in the jungles of Borneo. He entered parliament in 1983 and was virtually unknown when he became the leader of the pro-European party five years later.&nbsp;

However, his craggy good looks he had short sandy hair&nbsp;and an earnest expression swiftly helped him to become one of his country`s most popular leaders and for a time the "Mr Clean" of British politics.

He also gained in stature during the 1991 Gulf War, which allowed him to display his military experience and diplomatic skills.

Ashdown`s image as a family man above the sniping of mainstream politics took a hit in February 1992 when he was forced to admit to a brief extra-marital affair with his secretary.

Having stood down in 1999, he went on to become the United Nations high representative and European Union special representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ashdown described himself as having few gifts other than strong willpower.

"People said I couldn`t learn Chinese, they said I couldn`t run 30 miles in six hours. This sounds extraordinarily arrogant but I can`t remember a thing upon which I`ve set my mind that I didn`t succeed in doing," he said in early 1992.

He was replaced as head of the party by Charles Kennedy who enjoyed further electoral success when he opposed Blair`s decision to invade Iraq, and the party under Nick Clegg entered power in a coalition David Cameron`s Conservatives in 2010.&nbsp;

It has since been decimated at the polls.&nbsp;

Ashdown, the author of several books, had two children with his wife, Jane.

He had in recent years campaigned alongside Cameron and other leaders for Britain to remain within the European Union. He warned that chaos could ensue if it voted to leave and described Brexit as "a sense of personal bereavement".

Paddy Ashdown, the face of centrist politics in Britain for more than a decade and a one-time marine commando who sought to secure peace in the former Yugoslavia, died on Saturday after being treated for cancer.

Paddy Ashdown, the face of centrist politics in Britain for more than a decade and a one-time marine commando who sought to secure peace in the former Yugoslavia, died on Saturday after being treated for cancer. He was 77. Ashdown led the Liberal Democrats for 11 years up to 1999, steering it to become a campaigning force in British politics against the Conservatives and the Labour Party. The party said Ashdown died on Saturday evening after a short illness. He had recently been hospitalised with bladder cancer. It said he would be remembered as someone who made an immeasurable contribution to furthering the cause of liberalism. Tributes came in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Theresa May said Ashdown served his country with distinction. "He dedicated his life to public service and he will be sorely missed," she said in a statement. Calling Ashdown a "true patriot", former Conservative Prime Minister John Major said: "In Government, Paddy Ashdown was my opponent. In Life, he was a much-valued friend." Jeremy John Ashdown was born in India on February 27, 1941, the eldest son of an Indian army colonel. When he was five, his father became a pig-farmer in Northern Ireland. He was educated at an English private school where he earned the nickname Paddy because of his strong Irish accent. He spent years in the Royal Marines and was on active service as a commando in the jungles of Borneo. He entered parliament in 1983 and was virtually unknown when he became the leader of the pro-European party five years later. However, his craggy good looks he had short sandy hair and an earnest expression swiftly helped him to become one of his country`s most popular leaders and for a time the "Mr Clean" of British politics. He also gained in stature during the 1991 Gulf War, which allowed him to display his military experience and diplomatic skills. Ashdown`s image as a family man above the sniping of mainstream politics took a hit in February 1992 when he was forced to admit to a brief extra-marital affair with his secretary. Having stood down in 1999, he went on to become the United Nations high representative and European Union special representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ashdown described himself as having few gifts other than strong willpower. "People said I couldn`t learn Chinese, they said I couldn`t run 30 miles in six hours. This sounds extraordinarily arrogant but I can`t remember a thing upon which I`ve set my mind that I didn`t succeed in doing," he said in early 1992. He was replaced as head of the party by Charles Kennedy who enjoyed further electoral success when he opposed Blair`s decision to invade Iraq, and the party under Nick Clegg entered power in a coalition David Cameron`s Conservatives in 2010. It has since been decimated at the polls. Ashdown, the author of several books, had two children with his wife, Jane. He had in recent years campaigned alongside Cameron and other leaders for Britain to remain within the European Union. He warned that chaos could ensue if it voted to leave and described Brexit as "a sense of personal bereavement".

UK: Former Liberal Democrats leader Paddy Ashdown dies

Ottawa and Washington on Friday stepped up pressure on Beijing, calling for the immediate release of two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/third-canadian-held-for-working-illegally-in-the-country-china-185479">Canadians detained</a> in apparent retaliation for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-should-free-canadians-held-after-huawei-arrest-uss-pompeo-says-184185">arrest in Vancouver of a top Chinese tech executive</a> on a US warrant.

The European Union also said it was backing Canada in the detentions dispute, in which Ottawa has been caught up in the rivalry between Beijing and Washington.

"We are deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention by Chinese authorities of two Canadians earlier this month and call for their immediate release," Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement.

US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino also called for the two to be freed, while European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini said through a spokesperson: "The EU supports the efforts of the Canadian government."

China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and China-based business consultant Michael Spavor on December 10, following Canada's arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou while she was changing planes in Vancouver on December 1.

Meng was later released on bail pending the outcome of an extradition hearing. The United States -- which is locked in a trade war with Beijing -- has accused her of violating sanctions on Iran.

She is now living under electronic surveillance in a luxury home in Vancouver, welcoming visitors daily and writing a blog, while Kovrig and Spavor have been held under more difficult conditions and denied access to lawyers.

"Canada will not compromise nor politicize the rule of law and due process," Freeland said.

"Canada is conducting a fair, unbiased and transparent legal proceeding with respect to Meng Wanzhou," she said, adding that Canada "respects its international legal commitments, including by honoring its extradition treaty with the United States."

EU High Representative Mogherini's spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said China's declared motive for the arrest and detention of the Canadians "raises concerns about legitimate research and business practices in China."

'Harm to national security'

Kocijancic said the denial of access to lawyers also "is contrary to the right of defense."

"The European Union calls on the Chinese authorities to answer these concerns," she said.

The Canadians were arrested for what China has said is suspicion of "harm to national security" -- a phrase often used by Beijing when alleging espionage.

Some analysts believe the arrests of Kovrig and Spavor -- who had arranged trips to North Korea, including for former NBA star Dennis Rodman -- were a means for Beijing to pressure Ottawa into releasing Meng.

"In China, there is no coincidence and it is clear that their arrest, especially that of Mr Kovrig, was to send a message to the Canadian government," Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada's former ambassador to China, told AFP.

"The whole thing is a process where they try to apply the maximum psychological pressure but without resorting to brutality," he explained.

Hugh Pope, a spokesman for Kovrig's employer, the International Crisis Group, a think tank that analyzes conflicts and geopolitical flashpoints, said Kovrig "must be tired and stressed."

"Others in similar situations have described their condition of detention after having been released. They speak of intensive questioning, that the lights in their room aren't ever switched off, and so on," he said.

"There is no reason to believe that it is otherwise for Michael. That is very worrying to us."

Canada's ambassador to China, John McCallum, was able to meet Kovrig last Friday, officials in Ottawa said.

A third Canadian citizen, identified as Sarah McIver, was arrested this week and accused of visa violations, the Chinese foreign ministry said.

But her case seems less serious than those of her compatriots, Chinese officials said, and she is being held by local rather than national security forces.

Ottawa and Washington on Friday stepped up pressure on Beijing, calling for the immediate release of two Canadians detained in apparent retaliation for the arrest in Vancouver of a top Chinese tech executive on a US warrant.

Ottawa and Washington on Friday stepped up pressure on Beijing, calling for the immediate release of two Canadians detained in apparent retaliation for the arrest in Vancouver of a top Chinese tech executive on a US warrant. The European Union also said it was backing Canada in the detentions dispute, in which Ottawa has been caught up in the rivalry between Beijing and Washington. "We are deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention by Chinese authorities of two Canadians earlier this month and call for their immediate release," Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement. US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino also called for the two to be freed, while European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini said through a spokesperson: "The EU supports the efforts of the Canadian government." China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and China-based business consultant Michael Spavor on December 10, following Canada's arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou while she was changing planes in Vancouver on December 1. Meng was later released on bail pending the outcome of an extradition hearing. The United States -- which is locked in a trade war with Beijing -- has accused her of violating sanctions on Iran. She is now living under electronic surveillance in a luxury home in Vancouver, welcoming visitors daily and writing a blog, while Kovrig and Spavor have been held under more difficult conditions and denied access to lawyers. "Canada will not compromise nor politicize the rule of law and due process," Freeland said. "Canada is conducting a fair, unbiased and transparent legal proceeding with respect to Meng Wanzhou," she said, adding that Canada "respects its international legal commitments, including by honoring its extradition treaty with the United States." EU High Representative Mogherini's spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said China's declared motive for the arrest and detention of the Canadians "raises concerns about legitimate research and business practices in China." 'Harm to national security' Kocijancic said the denial of access to lawyers also "is contrary to the right of defense." "The European Union calls on the Chinese authorities to answer these concerns," she said. The Canadians were arrested for what China has said is suspicion of "harm to national security" -- a phrase often used by Beijing when alleging espionage. Some analysts believe the arrests of Kovrig and Spavor -- who had arranged trips to North Korea, including for former NBA star Dennis Rodman -- were a means for Beijing to pressure Ottawa into releasing Meng. "In China, there is no coincidence and it is clear that their arrest, especially that of Mr Kovrig, was to send a message to the Canadian government," Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada's former ambassador to China, told AFP. "The whole thing is a process where they try to apply the maximum psychological pressure but without resorting to brutality," he explained. Hugh Pope, a spokesman for Kovrig's employer, the International Crisis Group, a think tank that analyzes conflicts and geopolitical flashpoints, said Kovrig "must be tired and stressed." "Others in similar situations have described their condition of detention after having been released. They speak of intensive questioning, that the lights in their room aren't ever switched off, and so on," he said. "There is no reason to believe that it is otherwise for Michael. That is very worrying to us." Canada's ambassador to China, John McCallum, was able to meet Kovrig last Friday, officials in Ottawa said. A third Canadian citizen, identified as Sarah McIver, was arrested this week and accused of visa violations, the Chinese foreign ministry said. But her case seems less serious than those of her compatriots, Chinese officials said, and she is being held by local rather than national security forces.

Canada, US call for 'immediate release' of two Canadians held by China

The UK government has released a White Paper on its post-Brexit visas and immigration strategy, which is expected to benefit Indian students and professionals as it focuses on skills rather than country of origin.

The UK's future skills-based immigration system, tabled in the House of Commons on Wednesday by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid, removes any cap on highly-skilled migrants from anywhere in the world and improves the post-study work offering for international students.

The proposals, set to be phased in from December 2021 after the proposed transition period for Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), claim to level the country's immigration playing field with the end of the free movement for people from within the 28-member economic bloc.

"As we leave the European Union, the free movement will end. This will be a system where it is workers' skills that matter, not which country they come from," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-business-will-be-able-to-bring-in-high-skilled-workers-post-brexit-pm-may-180653">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> said in her foreword to the strategy.

"We are taking a skills-based approach to ensure we can attract the brightest and best migrants to the UK," added Javid, who made a reference to his own Pakistani origins as the "son of immigrant parents".

Under the new proposals, an annual cap of 20,700 on the number of skilled work visas issued will be removed, likely to benefit doctors and IT professionals from India, among others. There will also be a new 12-month visa route for workers at any skill level for a temporary period to allow businesses to hire the staff they need on a time-bound basis.

"People arriving on this route will not be able to bring family members with them, won't accrue rights to settle in the UK and will have a 12-month cooling off period once their visa expires," the UK Home Office said.

The onerous requirement for labour market tests by employers wanting to sponsor an overseas skilled worker is also to be done away with.

The plans were broadly welcomed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which said the White Paper recognises the value offered by skilled workers from countries like India.

"Indian Industry has long called for a fair, transparent and skills-based immigration system, and today's proposals go some way to achieving these goals," said Jim Bligh, of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Chair of CII's UK India Business Forum.

"Tackling the UK's skills gaps, particularly in digital and technology, must remain a key focus for government and it is welcome that this paper recognises the value that skilled workers from overseas can bring to helping improve the UK's skills base,"&nbsp;he said.

Under changes proposed to attract international students to the UK, the government said it would "improve the current offer" to those who have completed a degree who want to stay on in the UK to work after they have completed their studies by offering six months' post-study leave to all Master's students and Bachelor's students studying at an institution with degree-awarding powers.

This is aimed at giving them more time to find permanent skilled work and to work temporarily during that period.

"We will also allow for students studying a Bachelor's level or above to be able to apply to switch into the skilled workers route up to three months before the end of their course in the UK, and from outside of the UK for two years after their graduation," the White Paper notes.

Universities UK International, the representative group for the country's higher education institutions which has been campaigning for a better post-study offer, said the proposals recognise the important contributions made by international students to the UK.

"Allowing graduates to stay on for longer to find work in the UK sends the message that international students are welcome here, and we value the skills they bring. These changes will have a real, positive impact on the students who come here to study and their opportunities after graduating," said Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International.

However, the group added that it will continue to campaign for a longer two-year post-study work visa.

As part of some of the more contentious aspects of the new immigration White Paper, the government will hold a consultation on a minimum salary requirement of 30,000 pounds for skilled migrants seeking five-year visas and low-skilled workers may be able to apply for short-term visas of up to a year.

The document forms the basis for the Immigration and Social Security Coordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, to be published on Thursday, which ends free movement for EU nationals and creates the legal framework for a future UK borders and immigration system after Brexit. It also creates parity in the way migrants can access the country's benefits system, which will apply equally to both EU and non-EU nationals.

The new system will be implemented in a phased approach from 2021, following an extensive 12-month programme of engagement with businesses, stakeholders and the public, the Home Office said.

While it does not make a specific reference to the ruling Conservative Party's manifesto pledge to bring immigration down to the tens of thousands annually, the government stressed that the target remains in place.&nbsp;

The UK government has released a White Paper on its post-Brexit visas and immigration strategy, which is expected to benefit Indian students and professionals as it focuses on skills rather than country of origin.

The UK government has released a White Paper on its post-Brexit visas and immigration strategy, which is expected to benefit Indian students and professionals as it focuses on skills rather than country of origin. The UK's future skills-based immigration system, tabled in the House of Commons on Wednesday by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid, removes any cap on highly-skilled migrants from anywhere in the world and improves the post-study work offering for international students. The proposals, set to be phased in from December 2021 after the proposed transition period for Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), claim to level the country's immigration playing field with the end of the free movement for people from within the 28-member economic bloc. "As we leave the European Union, the free movement will end. This will be a system where it is workers' skills that matter, not which country they come from," British Prime Minister Theresa May said in her foreword to the strategy. "We are taking a skills-based approach to ensure we can attract the brightest and best migrants to the UK," added Javid, who made a reference to his own Pakistani origins as the "son of immigrant parents". Under the new proposals, an annual cap of 20,700 on the number of skilled work visas issued will be removed, likely to benefit doctors and IT professionals from India, among others. There will also be a new 12-month visa route for workers at any skill level for a temporary period to allow businesses to hire the staff they need on a time-bound basis. "People arriving on this route will not be able to bring family members with them, won't accrue rights to settle in the UK and will have a 12-month cooling off period once their visa expires," the UK Home Office said. The onerous requirement for labour market tests by employers wanting to sponsor an overseas skilled worker is also to be done away with. The plans were broadly welcomed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), which said the White Paper recognises the value offered by skilled workers from countries like India. "Indian Industry has long called for a fair, transparent and skills-based immigration system, and today's proposals go some way to achieving these goals," said Jim Bligh, of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Chair of CII's UK India Business Forum. "Tackling the UK's skills gaps, particularly in digital and technology, must remain a key focus for government and it is welcome that this paper recognises the value that skilled workers from overseas can bring to helping improve the UK's skills base," he said. Under changes proposed to attract international students to the UK, the government said it would "improve the current offer" to those who have completed a degree who want to stay on in the UK to work after they have completed their studies by offering six months' post-study leave to all Master's students and Bachelor's students studying at an institution with degree-awarding powers. This is aimed at giving them more time to find permanent skilled work and to work temporarily during that period. "We will also allow for students studying a Bachelor's level or above to be able to apply to switch into the skilled workers route up to three months before the end of their course in the UK, and from outside of the UK for two years after their graduation," the White Paper notes. Universities UK International, the representative group for the country's higher education institutions which has been campaigning for a better post-study offer, said the proposals recognise the important contributions made by international students to the UK. "Allowing graduates to stay on for longer to find work in the UK sends the message that international students are welcome here, and we value the skills they bring. These changes will have a real, positive impact on the students who come here to study and their opportunities after graduating," said Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International. However, the group added that it will continue to campaign for a longer two-year post-study work visa. As part of some of the more contentious aspects of the new immigration White Paper, the government will hold a consultation on a minimum salary requirement of 30,000 pounds for skilled migrants seeking five-year visas and low-skilled workers may be able to apply for short-term visas of up to a year. The document forms the basis for the Immigration and Social Security Coordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, to be published on Thursday, which ends free movement for EU nationals and creates the legal framework for a future UK borders and immigration system after Brexit. It also creates parity in the way migrants can access the country's benefits system, which will apply equally to both EU and non-EU nationals. The new system will be implemented in a phased approach from 2021, following an extensive 12-month programme of engagement with businesses, stakeholders and the public, the Home Office said. While it does not make a specific reference to the ruling Conservative Party's manifesto pledge to bring immigration down to the tens of thousands annually, the government stressed that the target remains in place.

UK's post-Brexit visa strategy to benefit Indian students, professionals

The EU has announced an urgent investigation after suspected Chinese military <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-intelligence-behind-marriott-data-hack-us-183707">hackers</a> accessed thousands of sensitive diplomatic cables.

Area 1 Security, a US cybersecurity firm, said a unit of China's People's Liberation Army, acting on government orders, breached a secure communications network used by the EU to coordinate foreign policy.

The New York Times published some of the cables, which are from European Union diplomatic missions around the world and reveal anxiety about how to handle US President Donald Trump as well as concerns about the behaviour of China, Russia and Iran.

The breach recalls the publication by WikiLeaks of a vast haul of US State Department cables in 2010, though in the EU case the trove is much smaller and consists of less secret communications.

Area 1, which was able to see the documents, said the attack targeted the EU, the United Nations and the AFL-CIO labour union in the US.

EU officials said Wednesday they have begun a probe into the leak, which comes with Europe on high alert for malign online activity in the run-up to key parliamentary elections in May next year.

"The Council Secretariat is aware of allegations regarding a potential leak of sensitive information and is actively investigating the issue," the EU Council, which represents member states, said.

"The Council Secretariat does not comment on allegations nor on matters relating to operational security. The Council Secretariat takes the security of its facilities, including its IT systems, extremely seriously."

European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said the bloc took any report of hacking its systems "extremely seriously" but refused to comment on the detail of the leak.

"What is clear is that no institution or country is immune to these kinds of hacks all communications systems have vulnerabilities," he told reporters. 
"We're constantly dealing with this challenge, upgrading our communication systems to respond to the threats."

Entry via Cyprus

Area 1 said the hackers gained access to the diplomatic communications network after a simple "phishing" campaign targeting the foreign ministry in Cyprus with mails designed to trick them into downloading hacking tools. Diplomatic sources said Cyprus has begun its own investigation and asked other EU countries for technical help.

Once inside the EU system, the hackers extracted thousands of diplomatic cables, most of which have a low-security classification according to the New York Times, which was given 1,100 by Area 1 and published a selection.

Many of the cables are run-of-the-mill weekly reports from missions around the world, detailing conversations with leaders and officials, the NYT said.

But there is also analysis of trends in global politics and trade, particularly on China's changing role under President Xi Jinping and relations with Russia and the US, and tantalising glimpses into closed-door meetings.

In one cable, the EU's diplomatic mission in Moscow describes the controversial summit in Helsinki in July between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as "successful (at least for Putin)".

Another gives a detailed account of a meeting with President Xi in which he rails against Trump's trade tactics, saying the US was "behaving as if it was fighting in a no-rules freestyle boxing match" and vowing not to give in to "bullying".

In a somewhat ironic turn, the account describes Chinese Premier Li Keqiang assuring <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eus-tusk-said-no-more-brexit-negotiations-184119">EU President Donald Tusk</a> of Beijing's "steadfast opposition to cyber-attacks and hacking".

The EU has announced an urgent investigation after suspected Chinese military hackers accessed thousands of sensitive diplomatic cables. Area 1 Security, a US cybersecurity firm, said a unit of China's People's Liberation Army, acting on government orders, breached a secure communications network used by the EU to coordinate foreign policy.

The EU has announced an urgent investigation after suspected Chinese military hackers accessed thousands of sensitive diplomatic cables. Area 1 Security, a US cybersecurity firm, said a unit of China's People's Liberation Army, acting on government orders, breached a secure communications network used by the EU to coordinate foreign policy. The New York Times published some of the cables, which are from European Union diplomatic missions around the world and reveal anxiety about how to handle US President Donald Trump as well as concerns about the behaviour of China, Russia and Iran. The breach recalls the publication by WikiLeaks of a vast haul of US State Department cables in 2010, though in the EU case the trove is much smaller and consists of less secret communications. Area 1, which was able to see the documents, said the attack targeted the EU, the United Nations and the AFL-CIO labour union in the US. EU officials said Wednesday they have begun a probe into the leak, which comes with Europe on high alert for malign online activity in the run-up to key parliamentary elections in May next year. "The Council Secretariat is aware of allegations regarding a potential leak of sensitive information and is actively investigating the issue," the EU Council, which represents member states, said. "The Council Secretariat does not comment on allegations nor on matters relating to operational security. The Council Secretariat takes the security of its facilities, including its IT systems, extremely seriously." European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said the bloc took any report of hacking its systems "extremely seriously" but refused to comment on the detail of the leak. "What is clear is that no institution or country is immune to these kinds of hacks all communications systems have vulnerabilities," he told reporters. "We're constantly dealing with this challenge, upgrading our communication systems to respond to the threats." Entry via Cyprus Area 1 said the hackers gained access to the diplomatic communications network after a simple "phishing" campaign targeting the foreign ministry in Cyprus with mails designed to trick them into downloading hacking tools. Diplomatic sources said Cyprus has begun its own investigation and asked other EU countries for technical help. Once inside the EU system, the hackers extracted thousands of diplomatic cables, most of which have a low-security classification according to the New York Times, which was given 1,100 by Area 1 and published a selection. Many of the cables are run-of-the-mill weekly reports from missions around the world, detailing conversations with leaders and officials, the NYT said. But there is also analysis of trends in global politics and trade, particularly on China's changing role under President Xi Jinping and relations with Russia and the US, and tantalising glimpses into closed-door meetings. In one cable, the EU's diplomatic mission in Moscow describes the controversial summit in Helsinki in July between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as "successful (at least for Putin)". Another gives a detailed account of a meeting with President Xi in which he rails against Trump's trade tactics, saying the US was "behaving as if it was fighting in a no-rules freestyle boxing match" and vowing not to give in to "bullying". In a somewhat ironic turn, the account describes Chinese Premier Li Keqiang assuring EU President Donald Tusk of Beijing's "steadfast opposition to cyber-attacks and hacking".

EU orders probe into hacking of diplomatic cables; suspects China

British Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-may-survives-confidence-vote-but-her-brexit-deal-is-still-in-deep-trouble-183608">Theresa May</a> faces a dwindling number of options over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-next-for-brexit-as-may-faces-a-leadership-battle-183491">Brexit</a> after EU leaders at a summit last week rebuffed her attempts to tweak a Brexit deal she struck with them.

Here are the four main scenarios facing Britain while the clock ticks down to March 29, 2019,&nbsp;the day it is scheduled to depart the European project after 46 years:

Deal&nbsp;

This is the Brexit that the British government and EU leaders want&nbsp;and one which the British parliament refuses to accept.

The deal has been rejected from opposing wings of parliament for either keeping Britain tied too closely or remotely to the European Union.

May aborted a vote on the deal set for last week because of its certain defeat.

Brexit backers in her party then plotted an ultimately unsuccessful coup that saw more than a third back a motion to force May out.

May promised them she would wring concessions from Brussels but apparently failed to do so at a summit last week.

May's government intends to reintroduce the very same draft for a vote sometime between January 7 and January 21.

It will hope that fear of the chaos that a no-deal exit might bring will force lawmakers to put aside their reservations.

No-deal&nbsp;

This is billed as the doomsday scenario that threatens to trigger a recession in Britain and markedly slow the European Union's economic growth.

It is the default option if the British parliament votes against the deal and there are no other solutions.

May's agreement was meant to keep trade rules between the world's fifth-biggest economy and largest single market almost unchanged for a transition period running through the end of 2020.

A sudden shift to different standards would impact almost every economic sector&nbsp;and possibly see the costs of everyday products in Britain soar.

Both sides have been forced to ramp up their preparations for a disorderly Brexit over the past few weeks.

UK businesses are stockpiling goods while Brussels is trying to find a way to maintain free-flowing operations involving London's massive financial services hub.

Second referendum&nbsp;

EU supporters have been calling for another vote ever since the first one backed Leave by a 52-48 margin in June 2016.

There is no law keeping Britain from doing it all over again, but many questions whether this would be democratic and why a second attempt should take precedence over the first.

It also threatens to be just as divisive with opinion polls showing the country still split over the issue.

Calls for another vote have ramped up over the last few months, with former prime minister Tony Blair on Sunday saying "what seemed a few months ago unlikely is now I would say above a 50 per cent likelihood."

Proponents argue that the Brexit people were promised looks nothing like the deal on offer and that Britons never backed a no-deal scenario.

Some members of May's cabinet are reported to be pushing for a second vote, but the prime minister is against the move, warning it "would do irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics."

It is also unclear what options to give people in a second ballot and what happens if Brexit wins again.

Parliament votes on options&nbsp;

Another possibility that has come to the fore in recent days is for several non-binding votes to be held in parliament on different Brexit options to effectively determine the government's strategy.

The first would be on May's deal but others could include a no-deal Brexit, a second referendum or a "Norway deal" that would keep Britain much more closely anchored to the European single market and allow unfettered immigration.

Business secretary Greg Clark appeared to hint at this on Monday, telling BBC radio that parliament should be "invited to say what it would agree with" if it votes against the draft Brexit agreement on the table.

Other cabinet ministers including finance minister Philip Hammond are reportedly in favour of this solution as a democratic way to end the current limbo.

British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a dwindling number of options over Brexit after EU leaders at a summit last week rebuffed her attempts to tweak a Brexit deal she struck with them.

British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a dwindling number of options over Brexit after EU leaders at a summit last week rebuffed her attempts to tweak a Brexit deal she struck with them. Here are the four main scenarios facing Britain while the clock ticks down to March 29, 2019, the day it is scheduled to depart the European project after 46 years: Deal This is the Brexit that the British government and EU leaders want and one which the British parliament refuses to accept. The deal has been rejected from opposing wings of parliament for either keeping Britain tied too closely or remotely to the European Union. May aborted a vote on the deal set for last week because of its certain defeat. Brexit backers in her party then plotted an ultimately unsuccessful coup that saw more than a third back a motion to force May out. May promised them she would wring concessions from Brussels but apparently failed to do so at a summit last week. May's government intends to reintroduce the very same draft for a vote sometime between January 7 and January 21. It will hope that fear of the chaos that a no-deal exit might bring will force lawmakers to put aside their reservations. No-deal This is billed as the doomsday scenario that threatens to trigger a recession in Britain and markedly slow the European Union's economic growth. It is the default option if the British parliament votes against the deal and there are no other solutions. May's agreement was meant to keep trade rules between the world's fifth-biggest economy and largest single market almost unchanged for a transition period running through the end of 2020. A sudden shift to different standards would impact almost every economic sector and possibly see the costs of everyday products in Britain soar. Both sides have been forced to ramp up their preparations for a disorderly Brexit over the past few weeks. UK businesses are stockpiling goods while Brussels is trying to find a way to maintain free-flowing operations involving London's massive financial services hub. Second referendum EU supporters have been calling for another vote ever since the first one backed Leave by a 52-48 margin in June 2016. There is no law keeping Britain from doing it all over again, but many questions whether this would be democratic and why a second attempt should take precedence over the first. It also threatens to be just as divisive with opinion polls showing the country still split over the issue. Calls for another vote have ramped up over the last few months, with former prime minister Tony Blair on Sunday saying "what seemed a few months ago unlikely is now I would say above a 50 per cent likelihood." Proponents argue that the Brexit people were promised looks nothing like the deal on offer and that Britons never backed a no-deal scenario. Some members of May's cabinet are reported to be pushing for a second vote, but the prime minister is against the move, warning it "would do irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics." It is also unclear what options to give people in a second ballot and what happens if Brexit wins again. Parliament votes on options Another possibility that has come to the fore in recent days is for several non-binding votes to be held in parliament on different Brexit options to effectively determine the government's strategy. The first would be on May's deal but others could include a no-deal Brexit, a second referendum or a "Norway deal" that would keep Britain much more closely anchored to the European single market and allow unfettered immigration. Business secretary Greg Clark appeared to hint at this on Monday, telling BBC radio that parliament should be "invited to say what it would agree with" if it votes against the draft Brexit agreement on the table. Other cabinet ministers including finance minister Philip Hammond are reportedly in favour of this solution as a democratic way to end the current limbo.

What next for Brexit? Four main scenarios

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-to-withdraw-from-opec-as-of-jauary-2019-minister-181096">Qatar</a> said on Saturday it remained committed to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-hosts-gcc-summit-amid-qatar-tensions-khashoggi-crisis-182600">Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)</a> but the bloc needed to enforce its own rules better, signalling a reformed alliance could help end a row between Doha and some of its neighbours.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said Qatar was still counting on Kuwait and other regional powers to help solve the row that has seen Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and non-GCC member Egypt impose a political and economic boycott on Doha since June 2017.

"We believe that we are more relevant as a bloc" for the West than as separate and fragmented countries, he told the annual Doha Forum but said the GCC had "no teeth" and needed a dispute resolution mechanism.

"They have mechanisms in place and never trigger them (to hold people accountable) because some countries believe they are non-binding, so we need to make sure all the rules we are submitting to are binding to everyone in this region."

The four states accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism and cosying up to regional foe Iran. Doha denies the charges and says the boycott aims to curtail its sovereignty.

The dispute has eluded mediation efforts by Kuwait, which along with Oman is a part of the GCC, and the United States, which believes Gulf unity is essential to containing Iran.

In a sign the dispute still festered, Qatar's emir did not attend an annual Gulf summit on Sunday. Doha earlier announced it was quitting OPEC to focus on gas in a move seen as a shot at the oil exporter club's de facto ruler Saudi Arabia.

"In the Gulf crisis, our position remains unchanged - lifting the blockade and settling the differences via dialogue," Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani told the forum.

Possible EU help

The boycotting states say the dispute is not a priority and insist Qatar meet a list of demands submitted to it at the start of the crisis that includes closing Al Jazeera TV, reducing ties with Tehran and closing a Turkish military base in Qatar.

Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Muslim Iran are locked in several proxy wars in the Middle East, while Turkey's ties with the kingdom have been strained by the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Foreign ministers from Iran and Turkey, which both supported Qatar in the row, are attending the two-day forum.

Romania's foreign minister, Teodor-Viorel Meleşcanu, told the gathering that Romania, which takes the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU from January for the next six months, was working on organising a conference that could help solve the Gulf rift.

"We are thinking about a joint event for the EU and Arab countries and we would like to have a direct discussion with the GCC countries. We hope to hold it in April and in principle, it would take place in Bucharest," he later told Reuters.

It was not clear yet whether the EU would endorse the conference.

Bahrain's foreign minister said on Saturday there was no need for mediation as the solution lay in Doha's hands.

"It is not our crisis, it is Qatar's crisis. So there is no need for a mediator to solve it, what it needs is for a wise person from its (Qatar's) people," Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa tweeted.

Qatar said on Saturday it remained committed to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) but the bloc needed to enforce its own rules better, signalling a reformed alliance could help end a row between Doha and some of its neighbours.

Qatar said on Saturday it remained committed to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) but the bloc needed to enforce its own rules better, signalling a reformed alliance could help end a row between Doha and some of its neighbours. Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said Qatar was still counting on Kuwait and other regional powers to help solve the row that has seen Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and non-GCC member Egypt impose a political and economic boycott on Doha since June 2017. "We believe that we are more relevant as a bloc" for the West than as separate and fragmented countries, he told the annual Doha Forum but said the GCC had "no teeth" and needed a dispute resolution mechanism. "They have mechanisms in place and never trigger them (to hold people accountable) because some countries believe they are non-binding, so we need to make sure all the rules we are submitting to are binding to everyone in this region." The four states accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism and cosying up to regional foe Iran. Doha denies the charges and says the boycott aims to curtail its sovereignty. The dispute has eluded mediation efforts by Kuwait, which along with Oman is a part of the GCC, and the United States, which believes Gulf unity is essential to containing Iran. In a sign the dispute still festered, Qatar's emir did not attend an annual Gulf summit on Sunday. Doha earlier announced it was quitting OPEC to focus on gas in a move seen as a shot at the oil exporter club's de facto ruler Saudi Arabia. "In the Gulf crisis, our position remains unchanged - lifting the blockade and settling the differences via dialogue," Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani told the forum. Possible EU help The boycotting states say the dispute is not a priority and insist Qatar meet a list of demands submitted to it at the start of the crisis that includes closing Al Jazeera TV, reducing ties with Tehran and closing a Turkish military base in Qatar. Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Muslim Iran are locked in several proxy wars in the Middle East, while Turkey's ties with the kingdom have been strained by the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Foreign ministers from Iran and Turkey, which both supported Qatar in the row, are attending the two-day forum. Romania's foreign minister, Teodor-Viorel Meleşcanu, told the gathering that Romania, which takes the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU from January for the next six months, was working on organising a conference that could help solve the Gulf rift. "We are thinking about a joint event for the EU and Arab countries and we would like to have a direct discussion with the GCC countries. We hope to hold it in April and in principle, it would take place in Bucharest," he later told Reuters. It was not clear yet whether the EU would endorse the conference. Bahrain's foreign minister said on Saturday there was no need for mediation as the solution lay in Doha's hands. "It is not our crisis, it is Qatar's crisis. So there is no need for a mediator to solve it, what it needs is for a wise person from its (Qatar's) people," Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed al-Khalifa tweeted.

Qatar says Gulf Arab bloc needs reform to give it teeth

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britains-exit-agreement-will-not-be-changed-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-183534">German Chancellor Angela&nbsp;Merkel</a>&nbsp;said on Thursday the European Union is working for an orderly&nbsp;Brexit, but&nbsp;must&nbsp;also&nbsp;prepare&nbsp;for a no-deal&nbsp;scenario if the British parliament rejected the&nbsp;agreement&nbsp;presented by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-may-survives-confidence-vote-but-her-brexit-deal-is-still-in-deep-trouble-183608">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>.

May was met largely by readiness to help from European Union leaders but also by a warning: we will not reopen the divorce&nbsp;agreement&nbsp;struck last month, with&nbsp;Merkel&nbsp;saying the&nbsp;deal could not 'be opened again and renegotiated.'

May launched her pitch over dinner to leaders who have said that some kind of declaratory text aimed at easing British concerns could be delivered on Thursday, with possibly more to come next month before May puts her package to lawmakers.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said the EU leaders made clear that the so-called backstop for Northern Ireland will not be a permanent one.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday the European Union is working for an orderly Brexit, but must also prepare for a no-deal scenario if the British parliament rejected the agreement presented by Prime Minister Theresa May.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday the European Union is working for an orderly Brexit, but must also prepare for a no-deal scenario if the British parliament rejected the agreement presented by Prime Minister Theresa May. May was met largely by readiness to help from European Union leaders but also by a warning: we will not reopen the divorce agreement struck last month, with Merkel saying the deal could not 'be opened again and renegotiated.' May launched her pitch over dinner to leaders who have said that some kind of declaratory text aimed at easing British concerns could be delivered on Thursday, with possibly more to come next month before May puts her package to lawmakers. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said the EU leaders made clear that the so-called backstop for Northern Ireland will not be a permanent one.

Wishes for agreement, but must prepare for Brexit with no deal: Merkel

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Friday (December 14) he had no mandate to reopen Brexit negotiations with Britain, while the head of the bloc's executive, Jean-Claude Juncker, said the EU stood ready to start discussions on the future relationship as soon as the text is ratified.

Tusk and Juncker were speaking at a news conference after two days of talks at an EU summit that were dominated by the issue of Brexit and saw the other 27 national leaders of the bloc offer British prime Minister Theresa May only vague assurances over their tentative Brexit deal.

May, who on Wednesday survived a plot in her party to oust her, rejected EU criticism of "nebulous" demands from a divided British political system and asked EU leaders for political and legal assurances to help her win parliament around to her deal.

Commenting on British media reports describing the EU leaders' response to May's plea as a 'humiliation,' Tusk said EU leaders treated the prime minister with 'a much greater empathy and respect than some British MPs ,' while Juncker said they had 'the highest respect' for her.

European Union leaders on Friday also called for urgent action to combat fake news on the Internet, saying more needed to be done to safeguard next year's EU election against disinformation. Juncker said he had warned EU leaders around the table that some of them were spreading fake news themselves, naming Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as one of them.

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Friday (December 14) he had no mandate to reopen Brexit negotiations with Britain, while the head of the bloc's executive, Jean-Claude Juncker, said the EU stood ready to start discussions on the future relationship as soon as the text is ratified.

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Friday (December 14) he had no mandate to reopen Brexit negotiations with Britain, while the head of the bloc's executive, Jean-Claude Juncker, said the EU stood ready to start discussions on the future relationship as soon as the text is ratified. Tusk and Juncker were speaking at a news conference after two days of talks at an EU summit that were dominated by the issue of Brexit and saw the other 27 national leaders of the bloc offer British prime Minister Theresa May only vague assurances over their tentative Brexit deal. May, who on Wednesday survived a plot in her party to oust her, rejected EU criticism of "nebulous" demands from a divided British political system and asked EU leaders for political and legal assurances to help her win parliament around to her deal. Commenting on British media reports describing the EU leaders' response to May's plea as a 'humiliation,' Tusk said EU leaders treated the prime minister with 'a much greater empathy and respect than some British MPs ,' while Juncker said they had 'the highest respect' for her. European Union leaders on Friday also called for urgent action to combat fake news on the Internet, saying more needed to be done to safeguard next year's EU election against disinformation. Juncker said he had warned EU leaders around the table that some of them were spreading fake news themselves, naming Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as one of them.

EU's Tusk said no more Brexit negotiations

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday denied reports that&nbsp;bloc leaders refused her plea for reassurances on her&nbsp;Brexit plan and added that Britain and the European Union&nbsp;would hold more talks on Brexit in the coming days.

May said,&nbsp;"I note there has been reporting that the EU is not willing to consider any further clarification. The EU is clear -- as I am -- that if we are going to leave with a deal this is it".

"My discussions with colleagues today have shown that future clarification and discussion... is, in fact, possible. We will be holding talks in coming days".

May's&nbsp;confirmation has come after reports on Friday stated that EU leaders rebuffed her pleas for help to sell her Brexit plan back home. The reports also said that the&nbsp;leaders also warned of the growing threat of a "no deal."

She welcomed a statement issued by the other 27 EU leaders restating their position on arrangements for the Irish border, which has caused MPs in Britain to threaten to reject the deal.

"There is work still to do and we will be holding talks in coming days about how to obtain the further assurances that the UK parliament needs in order to be able to approve the deal."

The British prime minister came to a Brussels summit a day after seeing off a challenge to her leadership by her own Conservative MPs.

May on Wednesday survived a confidence vote by her own MPs. She, however,&nbsp;lost the support of one-third of her colleagues, signalling the battle she still faces to get her Brexit deal through parliament.

She won the backing of 200 Conservative lawmakers, 117 voted to oust her.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday denied reports that bloc leaders refused her plea for reassurances on her Brexit plan and added that Britain and the European Union would hold more talks on Brexit in the coming days.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday denied reports that bloc leaders refused her plea for reassurances on her Brexit plan and added that Britain and the European Union would hold more talks on Brexit in the coming days. May said, "I note there has been reporting that the EU is not willing to consider any further clarification. The EU is clear -- as I am -- that if we are going to leave with a deal this is it". "My discussions with colleagues today have shown that future clarification and discussion... is, in fact, possible. We will be holding talks in coming days". May's confirmation has come after reports on Friday stated that EU leaders rebuffed her pleas for help to sell her Brexit plan back home. The reports also said that the leaders also warned of the growing threat of a "no deal." She welcomed a statement issued by the other 27 EU leaders restating their position on arrangements for the Irish border, which has caused MPs in Britain to threaten to reject the deal. "There is work still to do and we will be holding talks in coming days about how to obtain the further assurances that the UK parliament needs in order to be able to approve the deal." The British prime minister came to a Brussels summit a day after seeing off a challenge to her leadership by her own Conservative MPs. May on Wednesday survived a confidence vote by her own MPs. She, however, lost the support of one-third of her colleagues, signalling the battle she still faces to get her Brexit deal through parliament. She won the backing of 200 Conservative lawmakers, 117 voted to oust her. (With inputs from agencies)

Theresa May says further Brexit talks with EU in coming days

The Irish parliament on Thursday passed legislation allowing abortions for the first time, following a landmark referendum earlier this year, a move hailed by Prime Minister Leo Varadkar as a "historic moment".

The new legislation permits terminations to be carried out up to 12 weeks of pregnancy -- or in conditions where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman.

It would also allow terminations in cases of foetal abnormality which could lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth.

"Historic moment for Irish women. Thanks to all who supported," said Varadkar, who supported the referendum in May in which 66 per cent voted to overturn a constitutional ban on abortions.

Some 170,000 Irish women have been forced to travel to neighbouring Britain for abortions since 1980.

Ireland is a predominantly Catholic country but the influence of the Church has waned in recent years.

The change means Malta is now the only European Union country to totally ban abortion.

"Just over 200 days ago, you, the people of Ireland, voted to repeal the 8th so we could care for women with compassion," Health Minister Simon Harris said on Twitter after the bill passed the upper house.

"Today we have passed the law to make this a reality. A vote to end lonely journeys, end the stigma and support women’s choices in our own country."

The Irish health service is now being primed to provide the first abortions to women in January.

The only step remaining in the legislative process is the ceremonial signing of the bill into law by President Michael D. Higgins.

The vote to repeal the abortion ban followed a vigorously mobilised pro-choice campaign.

"I want to thank the campaigners who fought for 35 years to change a nation, to change hearts and minds," Harris said in a statement.

"I want to thank the minority who fought the battle in here when it was convenient for the majority to ignore."

"We welcome the passage of this bill, and fully appreciate the importance of its enactment by year’s end so that abortion services can begin in January," said Colm O Gorman, head of Amnesty International Ireland.

"Women have waited 35 years for this, the daily violations of their human rights must come to an end."

However, he said some concerns remained over conditions outlined in the bill -- which has been the subject of sustained and emotional parliamentary debate in recent weeks.

The Irish parliament on Thursday passed legislation allowing abortions for the first time, following a landmark referendum earlier this year, a move hailed by Prime Minister Leo Varadkar as a "historic moment".

The Irish parliament on Thursday passed legislation allowing abortions for the first time, following a landmark referendum earlier this year, a move hailed by Prime Minister Leo Varadkar as a "historic moment". The new legislation permits terminations to be carried out up to 12 weeks of pregnancy -- or in conditions where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman. It would also allow terminations in cases of foetal abnormality which could lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth. "Historic moment for Irish women. Thanks to all who supported," said Varadkar, who supported the referendum in May in which 66 per cent voted to overturn a constitutional ban on abortions. Some 170,000 Irish women have been forced to travel to neighbouring Britain for abortions since 1980. Ireland is a predominantly Catholic country but the influence of the Church has waned in recent years. The change means Malta is now the only European Union country to totally ban abortion. "Just over 200 days ago, you, the people of Ireland, voted to repeal the 8th so we could care for women with compassion," Health Minister Simon Harris said on Twitter after the bill passed the upper house. "Today we have passed the law to make this a reality. A vote to end lonely journeys, end the stigma and support women’s choices in our own country." The Irish health service is now being primed to provide the first abortions to women in January. The only step remaining in the legislative process is the ceremonial signing of the bill into law by President Michael D. Higgins. The vote to repeal the abortion ban followed a vigorously mobilised pro-choice campaign. "I want to thank the campaigners who fought for 35 years to change a nation, to change hearts and minds," Harris said in a statement. "I want to thank the minority who fought the battle in here when it was convenient for the majority to ignore." "We welcome the passage of this bill, and fully appreciate the importance of its enactment by year’s end so that abortion services can begin in January," said Colm O Gorman, head of Amnesty International Ireland. "Women have waited 35 years for this, the daily violations of their human rights must come to an end." However, he said some concerns remained over conditions outlined in the bill -- which has been the subject of sustained and emotional parliamentary debate in recent weeks.

'Historic moment': Irish parliament votes to legalise abortion

EU leaders rejected a plea by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-in-dates-from-leave-shock-to-no-confidence-vote-183632">Theresa May</a> on Thursday to help her sell her <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-lawmakers-due-to-vote-on-brexit-bill-in-january-183760">Brexit deal to parliament</a>, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses.

The British prime minister came to a Brussels summit a day after seeing off a challenge to her leadership by her own Conservative MPs, but still facing huge opposition to the divorce deal with the EU.

She told the other 27 leaders the agreement could still pass the House of Commons next month if they helped her reassure lawmakers over a controversial "backstop" clause on Ireland, a British official said.

But European sources said the atmosphere in the room was tense, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders repeatedly interrupting May to ask exactly what she wanted.

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters afterwards: "Our UK friends need to say what they want instead of asking us what we want."

He added: "Theresa May has led a courageous fight, but unfortunately we are not seeing the results."

May floated the idea of setting a target date to agree a free trade deal with the EU if one had not been agreed by the end of a post-Brexit transition period, to avoid Britain falling into the backstop.

Many of her MPs fear the arrangement for Britain to enter a temporary customs union with the EU to avoid border checks with Ireland could become permanent.

But European leaders have said they will not accept a time limit, and after May left agreed a statement that the Brexit deal "is not open for renegotiation".

With May having promised to have something to offer MPs before they finally vote on the Brexit deal by January 21, Juncker said she would have to come up with proposals in the next few weeks if she wanted Europe's support.

However, he said he would publish further plans on Wednesday to protect European businesses and citizens in case the deal fails, and Britain exits on March 29 with no new arrangements place.

Deal 'a trap'

May told EU leaders they must help her "change the perception that the backstop could be a trap from which the UK cannot escape", adding: "Until we do, the deal -- our deal -- is at risk."

"With the right assurances, this deal can be passed. Indeed it is the only deal that is capable of getting through my parliament," she told them.

But while an early draft of the summit conclusions had said the EU "stands ready to examine whether any further assurances can be provided" on the backstop, this was removed from the final published version.

Juncker did offer one olive branch, promising that talks on the future trading relationship -- a deal on which would undermine the need for the backstop -- would start as soon as MPs and the European Parliament approved the Brexit deal.

The summit statement also confirmed the backstop would only "apply temporarily" and that EU members would work to "conclude expeditiously" the new trade deal.

But this is not the legally binding promise sought by Brexiteers and the Northern Irish party that props up May's government -- without which they have warned they will not support the deal.

Crushing defeat

May arrived in Brussels wounded by a confidence vote in her party on Wednesday night, which she won but in which more than one-third of her MPs voted against her.

The move was sparked by her decision to delay a parliamentary vote on the Brexit deal planned for Tuesday, amid fears of a crushing defeat. It has been delayed to next month.

But ahead of the confidence vote May was forced to confirm she would not fight the next general election planned for 2022.

Instead, she said her focus was on salvaging her plan for an orderly Brexit. Before the EU leaders savaged her plan, she had admitted she did not expect "an immediate breakthrough".

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who earlier met with May on the sidelines of the summit, stressed again the backstop must be part of the deal.

"As the EU we are very keen to offer explanations, assurances, clarifications, anything that may assist MPs to understand the agreement, and hopefully to support it. But the backstop is not on the table," he said.

EU leaders rejected a plea by Theresa May on Thursday to help her sell her Brexit deal to parliament, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses.

EU leaders rejected a plea by Theresa May on Thursday to help her sell her Brexit deal to parliament, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses. The British prime minister came to a Brussels summit a day after seeing off a challenge to her leadership by her own Conservative MPs, but still facing huge opposition to the divorce deal with the EU. She told the other 27 leaders the agreement could still pass the House of Commons next month if they helped her reassure lawmakers over a controversial "backstop" clause on Ireland, a British official said. But European sources said the atmosphere in the room was tense, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders repeatedly interrupting May to ask exactly what she wanted. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker told reporters afterwards: "Our UK friends need to say what they want instead of asking us what we want." He added: "Theresa May has led a courageous fight, but unfortunately we are not seeing the results." May floated the idea of setting a target date to agree a free trade deal with the EU if one had not been agreed by the end of a post-Brexit transition period, to avoid Britain falling into the backstop. Many of her MPs fear the arrangement for Britain to enter a temporary customs union with the EU to avoid border checks with Ireland could become permanent. But European leaders have said they will not accept a time limit, and after May left agreed a statement that the Brexit deal "is not open for renegotiation". With May having promised to have something to offer MPs before they finally vote on the Brexit deal by January 21, Juncker said she would have to come up with proposals in the next few weeks if she wanted Europe's support. However, he said he would publish further plans on Wednesday to protect European businesses and citizens in case the deal fails, and Britain exits on March 29 with no new arrangements place. Deal 'a trap' May told EU leaders they must help her "change the perception that the backstop could be a trap from which the UK cannot escape", adding: "Until we do, the deal -- our deal -- is at risk." "With the right assurances, this deal can be passed. Indeed it is the only deal that is capable of getting through my parliament," she told them. But while an early draft of the summit conclusions had said the EU "stands ready to examine whether any further assurances can be provided" on the backstop, this was removed from the final published version. Juncker did offer one olive branch, promising that talks on the future trading relationship -- a deal on which would undermine the need for the backstop -- would start as soon as MPs and the European Parliament approved the Brexit deal. The summit statement also confirmed the backstop would only "apply temporarily" and that EU members would work to "conclude expeditiously" the new trade deal. But this is not the legally binding promise sought by Brexiteers and the Northern Irish party that props up May's government -- without which they have warned they will not support the deal. Crushing defeat May arrived in Brussels wounded by a confidence vote in her party on Wednesday night, which she won but in which more than one-third of her MPs voted against her. The move was sparked by her decision to delay a parliamentary vote on the Brexit deal planned for Tuesday, amid fears of a crushing defeat. It has been delayed to next month. But ahead of the confidence vote May was forced to confirm she would not fight the next general election planned for 2022. Instead, she said her focus was on salvaging her plan for an orderly Brexit. Before the EU leaders savaged her plan, she had admitted she did not expect "an immediate breakthrough". Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who earlier met with May on the sidelines of the summit, stressed again the backstop must be part of the deal. "As the EU we are very keen to offer explanations, assurances, clarifications, anything that may assist MPs to understand the agreement, and hopefully to support it. But the backstop is not on the table," he said.

EU leaders reject PM Theresa May's plea over Brexit deal

European Union and Japanese plans to form the world’s largest free trade area cleared a significant hurdle on Monday when EU lawmakers specializing in trade backed a deal that could enter force next year.

The European Parliament’s international trade committee voted 25 in favour to 10 against to clear the deal for a final vote in the parliament’s full chamber set for December 13.

An agreement would bind two economies accounting for about a third of global gross domestic product and also signal their rejection of protectionism.

Both have faced trade tensions with Washington and remain subject to US tariffs imposed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-at-un-urges-tougher-action-on-iran-missiles-183573">President Donald Trump</a> on imports of steel and aluminum.

Japan had been part of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership that Trump rejected on his first day in office, turning Tokyo’s focus to other potential partners - such as the European Union.

The EU has also sought other partners after freezing TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) negotiations with the United States in 2016. It concluded an updated trade deal with Mexico earlier this year.

Both have since agreed to start trade talks with Washington.

The EU-Japan agreement will remove EU tariffs of 10 per cent on Japanese cars and 3 per cent for most car parts. It would also scrap Japanese duties of some 30 per cent on EU cheese and 15 per cent on wines and open access to public tenders in Japan.

It will also open up services markets, in particular, financial services, telecoms, e-commerce and transport.

The EU is mindful of protests against and criticism of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2016, which culminated in a region of Belgium threatening to destroy the deal. It finally entered force in 2017.

Critics say the EU-Japan agreement will give too much power to multinationals and could undermine environmental and labour standards, the latter because they say Japanese employees face tougher conditions and less adequate union representation.

Belgium’s regions have though given their backing.

Both Brussels and Tokyo want the agreement to enter force early in 2019 before Britain leaves the EU at the end of March.

If it does, it could apply automatically to Britain during a transition period until the end of 2020 and offer comfort to the many Japanese car makers serving the EU from British bases.

European Union and Japanese plans to form the world’s largest free trade area cleared a significant hurdle on Monday when EU lawmakers specializing in trade backed a deal that could enter force next year.

European Union and Japanese plans to form the world’s largest free trade area cleared a significant hurdle on Monday when EU lawmakers specializing in trade backed a deal that could enter force next year. The European Parliament’s international trade committee voted 25 in favour to 10 against to clear the deal for a final vote in the parliament’s full chamber set for December 13. An agreement would bind two economies accounting for about a third of global gross domestic product and also signal their rejection of protectionism. Both have faced trade tensions with Washington and remain subject to US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports of steel and aluminum. Japan had been part of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership that Trump rejected on his first day in office, turning Tokyo’s focus to other potential partners - such as the European Union. The EU has also sought other partners after freezing TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) negotiations with the United States in 2016. It concluded an updated trade deal with Mexico earlier this year. Both have since agreed to start trade talks with Washington. The EU-Japan agreement will remove EU tariffs of 10 per cent on Japanese cars and 3 per cent for most car parts. It would also scrap Japanese duties of some 30 per cent on EU cheese and 15 per cent on wines and open access to public tenders in Japan. It will also open up services markets, in particular, financial services, telecoms, e-commerce and transport. The EU is mindful of protests against and criticism of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2016, which culminated in a region of Belgium threatening to destroy the deal. It finally entered force in 2017. Critics say the EU-Japan agreement will give too much power to multinationals and could undermine environmental and labour standards, the latter because they say Japanese employees face tougher conditions and less adequate union representation. Belgium’s regions have though given their backing. Both Brussels and Tokyo want the agreement to enter force early in 2019 before Britain leaves the EU at the end of March. If it does, it could apply automatically to Britain during a transition period until the end of 2020 and offer comfort to the many Japanese car makers serving the EU from British bases.

EU, Japan to form world’s largest free trade area in 2019

British Prime Minister Theresa May warned she expects no "immediate breakthrough" on her Brexit deal at Thursday's EU summit and confirmed she would step down before the 2022 general election.

"I don't expect an immediate breakthrough but what I do hope is that we can start to work as quickly as possible on the assurances that are necessary," she said on arrival for talks with the 27 other EU leaders to try to find a way to make the controversial deal palatable to the British parliament.

May on Wednesday survived a confidence vote by her own MPs but lost the support of one-third of her colleagues, signalling the battle she still faces to get her Brexit deal through parliament.

Though she won the backing of 200 Conservative lawmakers, 117 voted to oust her.

Theresa May earlier faced series of resignations from her cabinet ministers over the Brexit deal.

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Theresa May warned she expects no "immediate breakthrough" on her Brexit deal at Thursday's EU summit and confirmed she would step down before the 2022 general election.

British Prime Minister Theresa May warned she expects no "immediate breakthrough" on her Brexit deal at Thursday's EU summit and confirmed she would step down before the 2022 general election. "I don't expect an immediate breakthrough but what I do hope is that we can start to work as quickly as possible on the assurances that are necessary," she said on arrival for talks with the 27 other EU leaders to try to find a way to make the controversial deal palatable to the British parliament. May on Wednesday survived a confidence vote by her own MPs but lost the support of one-third of her colleagues, signalling the battle she still faces to get her Brexit deal through parliament. Though she won the backing of 200 Conservative lawmakers, 117 voted to oust her. Theresa May earlier faced series of resignations from her cabinet ministers over the Brexit deal. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain's May sees no 'immediate breakthrough' at EU

British lawmakers will vote on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/theresa-may-suffers-parliament-defeats-181569">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s Brexit deal in January, according to a schedule published Thursday by the leader of the lower house of parliament Andrea Leadsom.

The coming week has been filled by other draft legislation, with parliament then breaking for the holidays until January 7.

May has promised to hold the vote by January 21.

The British leader will brief lawmakers on Monday about her latest visit to Brussels, where she is meeting the other 27 EU leaders in a bid to wrest more concessions on the deal.

EU leaders refuse to renegotiate the actual draft but seem willing to offer May non-binding assurances on the main dispute involving measures to prevent the return of a hard border with Ireland.

May pulled a vote on the draft scheduled for last Tuesday because of its certain defeat.

The decision sparked outrage among MPs across party lines, with her own Conservatives trying to oust her on Wednesday in a no-confidence vote.

May <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-theresa-may-wins-vote-of-confidence-with-majority-of-83-183571">won by a 200-117 margin</a>, underscoring the scale of the resistance from her own ranks to the Brexit draft.

Britain will leave the European Union on March 29 regardless of whether the two sides agree on divorce terms.

British lawmakers will vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in January, according to a schedule published Thursday by the leader of the lower house of parliament Andrea Leadsom.

British lawmakers will vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in January, according to a schedule published Thursday by the leader of the lower house of parliament Andrea Leadsom. The coming week has been filled by other draft legislation, with parliament then breaking for the holidays until January 7. May has promised to hold the vote by January 21. The British leader will brief lawmakers on Monday about her latest visit to Brussels, where she is meeting the other 27 EU leaders in a bid to wrest more concessions on the deal. EU leaders refuse to renegotiate the actual draft but seem willing to offer May non-binding assurances on the main dispute involving measures to prevent the return of a hard border with Ireland. May pulled a vote on the draft scheduled for last Tuesday because of its certain defeat. The decision sparked outrage among MPs across party lines, with her own Conservatives trying to oust her on Wednesday in a no-confidence vote. May won by a 200-117 margin, underscoring the scale of the resistance from her own ranks to the Brexit draft. Britain will leave the European Union on March 29 regardless of whether the two sides agree on divorce terms.

UK lawmakers due to vote on Brexit bill in January

Just days after British PM Theresa May postponed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-to-ramp-up-preparations-for-no-deal-brexit-minister-183246">voting on Brexit in Parliament</a>, Graham Brady, chairman of Britain's Conservative party's 1922 backbench committee said today that threshold of 48 letters were received by him from party members triggering a no-confidence vote against the prime minister.

PM May was due to hold the vote on Tuesday in Parliament on Brexit, but on Monday she announced that she had deferred it in order to seek extra reassurances from the European Union to make sure it goes through the British parliament.

The no-confidence vote is due to take place between 6pm or 8pm tonight.

European Union(EU) had said it won't renegotiate the terms of the Brexit deal. PM Thresa May is chasing a Brexit deal of March 29th next year to ensure the UK pulls out of the European on time.

The European Court of Justice had ruled earlier that Britain has the unilateral right to withdraw its plan to leave the European Union if it decides before Brexit day at the end of March.

Theresa May had warned earlier that Parliament's rejection of her Brexit deal could leave Britain in the European Union and bring the opposition Labour Party to power.

May had said Britain "would truly be in uncharted waters" if the Brexit deal did not go through in Parliament. May had rejected the idea of putting the brakes on Brexit and had ruled out a revote.

Britain had voted 52 per cent in favour of leaving the European Union in June, 2016 which is the world's largest single market.

Just days after British PM Theresa May postponed voting on Brexit in Parliament, Graham Brady, chairman of Britain's Conservative party's 1922 backbench committee said today that threshold of 48 letters were received by him from party members triggering a no-confidence vote against the prime minister.

Just days after British PM Theresa May postponed voting on Brexit in Parliament, Graham Brady, chairman of Britain's Conservative party's 1922 backbench committee said today that threshold of 48 letters were received by him from party members triggering a no-confidence vote against the prime minister. PM May was due to hold the vote on Tuesday in Parliament on Brexit, but on Monday she announced that she had deferred it in order to seek extra reassurances from the European Union to make sure it goes through the British parliament. The no-confidence vote is due to take place between 6pm or 8pm tonight. European Union(EU) had said it won't renegotiate the terms of the Brexit deal. PM Thresa May is chasing a Brexit deal of March 29th next year to ensure the UK pulls out of the European on time. The European Court of Justice had ruled earlier that Britain has the unilateral right to withdraw its plan to leave the European Union if it decides before Brexit day at the end of March. Theresa May had warned earlier that Parliament's rejection of her Brexit deal could leave Britain in the European Union and bring the opposition Labour Party to power. May had said Britain "would truly be in uncharted waters" if the Brexit deal did not go through in Parliament. May had rejected the idea of putting the brakes on Brexit and had ruled out a revote. Britain had voted 52 per cent in favour of leaving the European Union in June, 2016 which is the world's largest single market.

Brexit row: Britain's Conservative party lawmakers trigger no-confidence vote against PM Theresa May

Lawmakers in Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party triggered a vote of no confidence in her leadership on Wednesday as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-to-vote-on-brexit-deal-before-january-21-183259">Britain's planned divorce</a> from the European Union was plunged into chaos.

Graham Brady, chairman of the party's so-called 1922 committee, said the threshold for a vote had been exceeded.

A ballot will be held between 1800 and 2000 on Wednesday in the House of Commons and an announcement made as soon as possible afterwards, he said.

Lawmakers in Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party triggered a vote of no confidence in her leadership on Wednesday as Britain's planned divorce from the European Union was plunged into chaos.

Lawmakers in Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party triggered a vote of no confidence in her leadership on Wednesday as Britain's planned divorce from the European Union was plunged into chaos. Graham Brady, chairman of the party's so-called 1922 committee, said the threshold for a vote had been exceeded. A ballot will be held between 1800 and 2000 on Wednesday in the House of Commons and an announcement made as soon as possible afterwards, he said.

Conservative lawmakers trigger no confidence vote in UK PM Theresa May's leadership

US Secretary of State <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Mike+Pompeo">Mike Pompeo</a> on Monday promised strong ties with Britain if the longtime ally heads for a complete split with the European Union.

Speaking as Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Theresa+May">Theresa May</a> postponed a parliamentary vote she looked likely to lose on a softer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Brexit">Brexit</a> deal, Pompeo said the United States and Britain work "incredibly closer together across every front of our relationship," including trade.

"If there's a hard Brexit, I remain very confident the United States and the United Kingdom will continue to have a special relationship," Pompeo said in an interview with the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.

"It matters certainly to them, but it matters a great deal to us as well," he said.

President Donald Trump, who has vowed to fight for national sovereignty as part of his "America First" philosophy, has openly praised May's internal Conservative rivals who want a hard break with the European Union following Britain's 2016 referendum for Brexit.

Faced with no votes both from Conservative hardliners and the opposition, May told parliament that Britain was preparing for a greater likelihood of leaving the European Union without any deal.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday promised strong ties with Britain if the longtime ally heads for a complete split with the European Union. Speaking as Prime Minister Theresa May postponed a parliamentary vote she looked likely to lose on a softer Brexit deal, Pompeo said the United States and Britain work "incredibly closer together across every front of our relationship," including trade.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday promised strong ties with Britain if the longtime ally heads for a complete split with the European Union. Speaking as Prime Minister Theresa May postponed a parliamentary vote she looked likely to lose on a softer Brexit deal, Pompeo said the United States and Britain work "incredibly closer together across every front of our relationship," including trade. "If there's a hard Brexit, I remain very confident the United States and the United Kingdom will continue to have a special relationship," Pompeo said in an interview with the conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. "It matters certainly to them, but it matters a great deal to us as well," he said. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to fight for national sovereignty as part of his "America First" philosophy, has openly praised May's internal Conservative rivals who want a hard break with the European Union following Britain's 2016 referendum for Brexit. Faced with no votes both from Conservative hardliners and the opposition, May told parliament that Britain was preparing for a greater likelihood of leaving the European Union without any deal.

In case of hard Brexit, Mike Pompeo promises strong US-Britain ties

Britain's parliament will vote on whether to approve Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal before January 21, her spokesman said on Tuesday.

May had been due to hold the vote later on Tuesday, but on Monday announced she would defer it and seek extra reassurances from the European Union to make sure it got through parliament.

May is looking to resolve the impasse over her deal as quickly as possible, and intends to get the assurances she needs from European leaders before January 21, the spokesman told reporters.

The spokesman also said May had earlier held a productive meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the first stop on a tour of European capitals. The two agreed to work to find a way through the current situation, he said.

May will hold a meeting of her cabinet on Wednesday afternoon.

Britain's parliament will vote on whether to approve Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal before January 21, her spokesman said on Tuesday. May had been due to hold the vote later on Tuesday, but on Monday announced she would defer it and seek extra reassurances from the European Union to make sure it got through parliament.

Britain's parliament will vote on whether to approve Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal before January 21, her spokesman said on Tuesday. May had been due to hold the vote later on Tuesday, but on Monday announced she would defer it and seek extra reassurances from the European Union to make sure it got through parliament. May is looking to resolve the impasse over her deal as quickly as possible, and intends to get the assurances she needs from European leaders before January 21, the spokesman told reporters. The spokesman also said May had earlier held a productive meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the first stop on a tour of European capitals. The two agreed to work to find a way through the current situation, he said. May will hold a meeting of her cabinet on Wednesday afternoon.

British MPs to vote on Brexit deal 'before January 21'

The European Union is willing to give Britain further clarifications on its Brexit deal but will not renegotiate the treaty or its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-breakthrough-the-irish-issue-explained-177345">protocol on the Irish border</a>, EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker said on Tuesday (December 11).

Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the European Commission president said he was "surprised" at Prime Minister Theresa May's inability to get the package agreed with the EU last month through the British parliament.

Noting that he would meet May in Brussels on Tuesday evening ahead of an EU summit on Thursday and Friday, Juncker said that the deal the EU and the UK achieved was the best and only deal possible.

Juncker repeated that neither side wanted ever to use a "backstop" that would keep Britain in a customs union with the EU in the absence of a better way to avoid extensive border checks between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

May is on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-tours-europe-in-desperate-bid-to-save-brexit-deal-183199">tour of EU capitals</a> to seek last minute changes to the already agreed deal on Britain's withdrawal from the EU in order to push the agreement through British parliament. She was also expected to meet European Council President Donald Tusk later in the day in Brussels.

The European Union is willing to give Britain further clarifications on its Brexit deal but will not renegotiate the treaty or its protocol on the Irish border, EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker said on Tuesday (December 11).

The European Union is willing to give Britain further clarifications on its Brexit deal but will not renegotiate the treaty or its protocol on the Irish border, EU chief executive Jean-Claude Juncker said on Tuesday (December 11). Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the European Commission president said he was "surprised" at Prime Minister Theresa May's inability to get the package agreed with the EU last month through the British parliament. Noting that he would meet May in Brussels on Tuesday evening ahead of an EU summit on Thursday and Friday, Juncker said that the deal the EU and the UK achieved was the best and only deal possible. Juncker repeated that neither side wanted ever to use a "backstop" that would keep Britain in a customs union with the EU in the absence of a better way to avoid extensive border checks between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. May is on a tour of EU capitals to seek last minute changes to the already agreed deal on Britain's withdrawal from the EU in order to push the agreement through British parliament. She was also expected to meet European Council President Donald Tusk later in the day in Brussels.

European Union offers new Brexit deal clarity, won't renegotiate: EU chief executive Juncker

The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-through-london-in-support-of-brexit-ahead-of-crucial-vote-182758">Brexit</a> divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament.

"Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters.

British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with the president of the commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, on Sunday to give him "an update on the state of play" as she prepares to take the deal to parliament.

And earlier Monday, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-court-rules-britain-can-revoke-brexit-unilaterally-182854">European Court of Justice</a> ruled that Britain has the unilateral right to withdraw its plan to leave the European Union if it so decides before Brexit day at the end of March.

But Andreeva said the court decision does not alter the European negotiating position.

"We have an agreement on the table that was endorsed by the EU Council in Article 50 format on the 25th of November. As president Juncker said, this deal is the best and only deal possible. We will not renegotiate," she said.&nbsp;

The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament.

The EU has already offered Britain the "best and only possible" Brexit divorce deal and will not renegotiate it, the European Commission warned Monday on the eve of a vote in the British parliament. "Our position has not changed and as far as we're concerned the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union on the 29th of March 2019," spokeswoman Mina Andreeva told reporters. British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with the president of the commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, on Sunday to give him "an update on the state of play" as she prepares to take the deal to parliament. And earlier Monday, the European Court of Justice ruled that Britain has the unilateral right to withdraw its plan to leave the European Union if it so decides before Brexit day at the end of March. But Andreeva said the court decision does not alter the European negotiating position. "We have an agreement on the table that was endorsed by the EU Council in Article 50 format on the 25th of November. As president Juncker said, this deal is the best and only deal possible. We will not renegotiate," she said.

EU says it will not renegotiate Brexit deal

Ahead of a crucial vote on Britain's divorce deal with the European Union (EU), thousands of protesters marched through London in support of Brexit on Sunday amid tight security measures in place by Scotland Yard.

The pro-Brexit march through London, dubbed the "Brexit Betrayal" march, was met by a counter-protest at the same time but taking different routes.

The Metropolitan Police had earlier urged protesters to keep their demonstrations peaceful but indicated it is taking no chances against the backdrop of some violent clashes during the "Yellow Vests" street protests in the neighbouring French city of Paris over the weekend.

The march comes days before a crunch vote in the Parliament on the Withdrawal Agreement struck by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-says-brexit-deal-defeat-could-topple-uk-government-182705">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s government with the European Union on December 11.

May on Sunday warned that parliament's rejection of her Brexit deal could leave Britain in the EU and bring the opposition Labour Party to power.

Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29 next year under the Article 50 process set in motion after the referendum over two years ago.

Under the deal struck by the British prime minister with the EU, the UK would be able to negotiate trade deals with other countries, including India, during the transition period after Brexit day, but would not be able to implement them until the end of the planned 21-month transition period, which itself could be extended.

May is facing her biggest crisis since coming to power a month after Britain voted by a 52-48 margin in June 2016 to leave the EU after 46 years.

Commenting on Sunday's protests, Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said, "the right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption."

"Experience has shown us that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder, not just on the day itself but in the longer term,? he said, adding that the force would "adopt a robust arrest policy on anyone who attends and is intent on violence and disorder".

The Met Police has said it would keep the two rival sides apart by issuing two separate routes for them to follow through the West End. The conditions have been imposed under Section 12 and 14 of the UK's Public Order Act, 1986.

Far-right group English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson has joined the pro-Brexit march called by the anti-Europe UK Independence Party (UKIP), with the counter-protesters including groups like Unite Against Fascism and grassroots group Momentum rallying together against the "far-right extremists".

UKIP said its march against the "Brexit Betrayal" would be "the largest pro-Brexit event of the year".

Some of their banners refer to politicians committing "treason", also referring to the British prime minister, Theresa May, "Treason May".

"Be there to show you want to Dump the Deal and that Brexit means Exit," said UKIP leader Gerard Batten, who has angered members of his own party by appointing Robinson as an adviser.

UKIP's prominent former leader, Nigel Farage, had stepped down from the party recently expressing his anger at the party's swing towards extreme right-wing politics.

"This march isn't about Brexit, it's about far-right extremists dressing up in suits and pretending to be respectable," said Opposition Labour Party's shadow chancellor John McDonnell, as he called on people to take to the streets against the poison of the far-right.

Meanwhile, a rally is also taking place in London organised by pro-EU group Best for Britain and the People's Vote campaign for another referendum to revisit the June 2016 vote in favour of Brexit ahead of a crucial House of Commons vote on Prime Minister May's controversial Withdrawal Agreement struck with the European Union.

Ahead of a crucial vote on Britain's divorce deal with the European Union (EU), thousands of protesters marched through London in support of Brexit on Sunday amid tight security measures in place by Scotland Yard.

Ahead of a crucial vote on Britain's divorce deal with the European Union (EU), thousands of protesters marched through London in support of Brexit on Sunday amid tight security measures in place by Scotland Yard. The pro-Brexit march through London, dubbed the "Brexit Betrayal" march, was met by a counter-protest at the same time but taking different routes. The Metropolitan Police had earlier urged protesters to keep their demonstrations peaceful but indicated it is taking no chances against the backdrop of some violent clashes during the "Yellow Vests" street protests in the neighbouring French city of Paris over the weekend. The march comes days before a crunch vote in the Parliament on the Withdrawal Agreement struck by Prime Minister Theresa May's government with the European Union on December 11. May on Sunday warned that parliament's rejection of her Brexit deal could leave Britain in the EU and bring the opposition Labour Party to power. Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29 next year under the Article 50 process set in motion after the referendum over two years ago. Under the deal struck by the British prime minister with the EU, the UK would be able to negotiate trade deals with other countries, including India, during the transition period after Brexit day, but would not be able to implement them until the end of the planned 21-month transition period, which itself could be extended. May is facing her biggest crisis since coming to power a month after Britain voted by a 52-48 margin in June 2016 to leave the EU after 46 years. Commenting on Sunday's protests, Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said, "the right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption." "Experience has shown us that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder, not just on the day itself but in the longer term,? he said, adding that the force would "adopt a robust arrest policy on anyone who attends and is intent on violence and disorder". The Met Police has said it would keep the two rival sides apart by issuing two separate routes for them to follow through the West End. The conditions have been imposed under Section 12 and 14 of the UK's Public Order Act, 1986. Far-right group English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson has joined the pro-Brexit march called by the anti-Europe UK Independence Party (UKIP), with the counter-protesters including groups like Unite Against Fascism and grassroots group Momentum rallying together against the "far-right extremists". UKIP said its march against the "Brexit Betrayal" would be "the largest pro-Brexit event of the year". Some of their banners refer to politicians committing "treason", also referring to the British prime minister, Theresa May, "Treason May". "Be there to show you want to Dump the Deal and that Brexit means Exit," said UKIP leader Gerard Batten, who has angered members of his own party by appointing Robinson as an adviser. UKIP's prominent former leader, Nigel Farage, had stepped down from the party recently expressing his anger at the party's swing towards extreme right-wing politics. "This march isn't about Brexit, it's about far-right extremists dressing up in suits and pretending to be respectable," said Opposition Labour Party's shadow chancellor John McDonnell, as he called on people to take to the streets against the poison of the far-right. Meanwhile, a rally is also taking place in London organised by pro-EU group Best for Britain and the People's Vote campaign for another referendum to revisit the June 2016 vote in favour of Brexit ahead of a crucial House of Commons vote on Prime Minister May's controversial Withdrawal Agreement struck with the European Union.

Thousands protest through London in support of Brexit ahead of crucial vote

Brexit is imminent. Everybody knows that Brexit means Britain's exit from the European Union and the world is debating over its implications on immigration, trade etc. which will be affected after Theresa May's government and the British Parliament agrees to economically split from mainland Europe. 
&nbsp; 
The government-level talks are going on, while, the discussion is limited when it comes to Brexit and&nbsp;football.

Britain's top-flight football league and probably the best football league in the world - English Premier League (EPL) will be hit if 'Hard Brexit' is delivered by the government.

A 'hard' exit from the EU would see tighter regulations regarding the movement of goods and people. If restrictions are placed on the movement of players, then attendance of players like, French player N'golo Kante and Algerian Riyad Mahrez will be doubtful.&nbsp;

So far, the Premier League clubs have been able to sign players without work permits from within the European Economic Area (EEA) and players from outside the EEA must satisfy strict criteria to gain a work permit.

How Brexit will impact the Premier league?

To be exact, 53.4 per cent of England voted to leave EU but when we break it down to cities, it will give us a fair idea whether the clubs want Brexit or not.

The highest ranked football clubs are present in cities like Liverpool, City of London, Manchester etc, and they voted to remain in the EU.

EU referendum results:

City of London (Turnout: 73.5%): Leave 24.7% | Remain 75.3% 
Liverpool (Turnout: 65.0%): Leave 41.8% | Remain 58.2% 
Manchester (Turnout: 59.7%): Leave 39.6% | Remain 60.4% 
Leicester (Turnout: 65.0%): Leave 48.9% | Remain 51.1%

Burnley chairman Mike Garlick and his Stoke counterpart Peter Coates have claimed that Brexit could be "hugely damaging" to English football.

Like them, there were several people who have come forward to deny Brexit's impact because the owners earn a huge amount of money from transfers and marketing of big names.

There is no denying the fact that a huge number of talent arrives from Europe, as top football talent lies in the mainland and major European teams belong in the top flight.

But it will give an opportunity for other continents which are working to encourage football.

English clubs might be able to scout more proactively in South America or Asia, where clubs from Spain and Germany currently get good value for money.&nbsp;

It may also put more pressure on English clubs to develop and provide opportunities for academy talent, who come at a lower cost than recruited players, remember David Beckham belonged to the Manchester youth team, so did other England greats - Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen came from Liverpool FC Reserves and Academy, Wayne Rooney came from Everton Academy.

The fear of relegation and its financial consequences will always put pressure on Premier League clubs to spend, but extra options from the academy and new markets would help reduce the premium English clubs pay burden.&nbsp;

Brexit will definitely affect English clubs but at the very least it will ultimately be a push factor for change.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Brexit is imminent. Everybody knows that Brexit means Britain's exit from the European Union and the world is debating over its implications on immigration, trade etc.

Brexit is imminent. Everybody knows that Brexit means Britain's exit from the European Union and the world is debating over its implications on immigration, trade etc. which will be affected after Theresa May's government and the British Parliament agrees to economically split from mainland Europe. The government-level talks are going on, while, the discussion is limited when it comes to Brexit and football. Britain's top-flight football league and probably the best football league in the world - English Premier League (EPL) will be hit if 'Hard Brexit' is delivered by the government. A 'hard' exit from the EU would see tighter regulations regarding the movement of goods and people. If restrictions are placed on the movement of players, then attendance of players like, French player N'golo Kante and Algerian Riyad Mahrez will be doubtful. So far, the Premier League clubs have been able to sign players without work permits from within the European Economic Area (EEA) and players from outside the EEA must satisfy strict criteria to gain a work permit. How Brexit will impact the Premier league? To be exact, 53.4 per cent of England voted to leave EU but when we break it down to cities, it will give us a fair idea whether the clubs want Brexit or not. The highest ranked football clubs are present in cities like Liverpool, City of London, Manchester etc, and they voted to remain in the EU. EU referendum results: City of London (Turnout: 73.5%): Leave 24.7% | Remain 75.3% Liverpool (Turnout: 65.0%): Leave 41.8% | Remain 58.2% Manchester (Turnout: 59.7%): Leave 39.6% | Remain 60.4% Leicester (Turnout: 65.0%): Leave 48.9% | Remain 51.1% Burnley chairman Mike Garlick and his Stoke counterpart Peter Coates have claimed that Brexit could be "hugely damaging" to English football. Like them, there were several people who have come forward to deny Brexit's impact because the owners earn a huge amount of money from transfers and marketing of big names. There is no denying the fact that a huge number of talent arrives from Europe, as top football talent lies in the mainland and major European teams belong in the top flight. But it will give an opportunity for other continents which are working to encourage football. English clubs might be able to scout more proactively in South America or Asia, where clubs from Spain and Germany currently get good value for money. It may also put more pressure on English clubs to develop and provide opportunities for academy talent, who come at a lower cost than recruited players, remember David Beckham belonged to the Manchester youth team, so did other England greats - Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen came from Liverpool FC Reserves and Academy, Wayne Rooney came from Everton Academy. The fear of relegation and its financial consequences will always put pressure on Premier League clubs to spend, but extra options from the academy and new markets would help reduce the premium English clubs pay burden. Brexit will definitely affect English clubs but at the very least it will ultimately be a push factor for change. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Impact of Brexit on English Premier League

By Oliver Patel

Stopping Brexit is possible, but it’s complicated. I’m not arguing here that no Brexit is going to happen, only that it is legally and practically possible, and recent events render it slightly more likely.

The only way Brexit can be stopped is if the Article 50 notification, triggered in March 2017 to begin the UK’s departure from the EU, is revoked. Under EU law, once Article 50 is triggered, the departing state automatically leaves the EU after two years, unless Article 50 is extended.

Unfortunately, the short text of Article 50 doesn’t say whether the departing state can unilaterally revoke its notification to leave, or whether the consent of the remaining EU member states is required. A case, currently under consideration by the European Court of Justice (CJEU), will determine just that.

On December 4, the advocate general, Campos Sánchez-Bordona, issued his opinion to the court, arguing that Article 50 is unilaterally revocable. He argued that if the consent of the EU27 was required, this could lead to the departing state being forced to leave the EU against its will, which would be unacceptable.

If the CJEU upholds this opinion in its final judgement due on December 10 – which is not guaranteed – the UK would be able to revoke Article 50 unilaterally, provided it was acting in good faith.

Changes needed to UK law

A revocation of Article 50 would have to be initiated by the UK. It’s anticipated that parliamentary approval, via an act of parliament, would also be required to revoke Article 50, although some constitutional lawyers disagree. Even if parliamentary approval was not legally required, it’s difficult to imagine the government revoking Article 50 without parliament’s backing.

The June 2016 referendum imposed no legal obligation on the government to implement the result. However, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 sets the date of Brexit as March 29, 2019 in law. Crucially, it also repeals the European Communities Act 1972, which is the legislation that brought the UK into the EU. This means that a change in UK law is also required to stop Brexit.

So, to stop Brexit, Article 50 would need to be revoked, and, after that, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 must be repealed. Even if parliamentary approval is not required for the former, it is for the latter.

A new mandate from the public

In the UK’s democracy, parliament is sovereign and it would be entitled to try and stop Brexit if it wanted. Still, it’s implausible to imagine this parliament, or any future parliament, trying to stop Brexit without some form of electoral mandate.

A general election or second referendum could provide one. The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 means that a general election is unlikely, as it would require two-thirds of MPs to vote in favour of one. Alternatively, a majority of MPs would need to vote in favour of a no-confidence motion against the government. If no new government can then be formed within 14 days, a general election would be triggered.

A second referendum is perhaps more likely. It would require primary legislation, and therefore the support of a majority of MPs. A referendum could come about via an amendment to the “meaningful vote” on the withdrawal agreement on December 11 which makes approval of it, or approval of the subsequent implementing legislation, conditional on a referendum.

A referendum could also emerge if MPs reject Theresa May’s deal. To avoid the UK leaving the EU without a deal – and if no better deal can be negotiated and win the support of parliament – MPs might then seek to force a second referendum to break the impasse.

Dominic Grieve’s amendment, passed on December 4 in a significant defeat for the government, makes such a move easier. By law, the government is required to produce a written statement to MPs outlining its plan, within 21 days of the deal being rejected.

MPs then vote on a motion on the basis of that statement. Grieve’s amendment now enables MPs to table amendments to this motion, thereby giving them much more political control over what happens next if the deal is voted down. If at this stage, a majority of MPs support a second referendum, they could amend the motion to require one, and it could be politically impossible for the government to ignore their will.

A second referendum would require a minimum of 22 weeks to organise and hold. This means that Article 50 would need to be extended because there wouldn’t be enough time before the end of March 2019. It’s reasonable to assume that the EU would unanimously agree to an extension if it was for the purpose of a second referendum. The date of Brexit in UK law would also need to be amended, but this should not be a problem if a majority of MPs have voted for a second referendum.

High levels of uncertainty

The path to stopping Brexit is fraught with legal uncertainty and political controversy. Although it’s possible – and more likely now than a few days ago – it remains a highly uncertain prospect. May’s deal could pass, perhaps in a second vote if the first ends in defeat. No deal still remains the default outcome, and so cannot be ruled out. Crucially, the UK will automatically leave the EU on March 29, 2019, with or without a deal, unless Article 50 is extended or revoked.

Amid the uncertainty, what’s clear is that stopping Brexit requires a majority in parliament to change the law, force a second referendum or general election, and revoke Article 50. It also requires a cooperative and patient EU, to allow for an extension of Article 50 and potentially consent to its revocation. Finally, it requires a willing public, which is probably the biggest obstacle on the tumultuous path to stopping Brexit.

(Oliver Patel is Research Associate, UCL European Institute)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-is-it-possible-to-stop-it-107750">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

By Oliver Patel Stopping Brexit is possible, but it’s complicated. I’m not arguing here that no Brexit is going to happen, only that it is legally and practically possible, and recent events render it slightly more likely.

By Oliver Patel Stopping Brexit is possible, but it’s complicated. I’m not arguing here that no Brexit is going to happen, only that it is legally and practically possible, and recent events render it slightly more likely. The only way Brexit can be stopped is if the Article 50 notification, triggered in March 2017 to begin the UK’s departure from the EU, is revoked. Under EU law, once Article 50 is triggered, the departing state automatically leaves the EU after two years, unless Article 50 is extended. Unfortunately, the short text of Article 50 doesn’t say whether the departing state can unilaterally revoke its notification to leave, or whether the consent of the remaining EU member states is required. A case, currently under consideration by the European Court of Justice (CJEU), will determine just that. On December 4, the advocate general, Campos Sánchez-Bordona, issued his opinion to the court, arguing that Article 50 is unilaterally revocable. He argued that if the consent of the EU27 was required, this could lead to the departing state being forced to leave the EU against its will, which would be unacceptable. If the CJEU upholds this opinion in its final judgement due on December 10 – which is not guaranteed – the UK would be able to revoke Article 50 unilaterally, provided it was acting in good faith. Changes needed to UK law A revocation of Article 50 would have to be initiated by the UK. It’s anticipated that parliamentary approval, via an act of parliament, would also be required to revoke Article 50, although some constitutional lawyers disagree. Even if parliamentary approval was not legally required, it’s difficult to imagine the government revoking Article 50 without parliament’s backing. The June 2016 referendum imposed no legal obligation on the government to implement the result. However, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 sets the date of Brexit as March 29, 2019 in law. Crucially, it also repeals the European Communities Act 1972, which is the legislation that brought the UK into the EU. This means that a change in UK law is also required to stop Brexit. So, to stop Brexit, Article 50 would need to be revoked, and, after that, the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 must be repealed. Even if parliamentary approval is not required for the former, it is for the latter. A new mandate from the public In the UK’s democracy, parliament is sovereign and it would be entitled to try and stop Brexit if it wanted. Still, it’s implausible to imagine this parliament, or any future parliament, trying to stop Brexit without some form of electoral mandate. A general election or second referendum could provide one. The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 means that a general election is unlikely, as it would require two-thirds of MPs to vote in favour of one. Alternatively, a majority of MPs would need to vote in favour of a no-confidence motion against the government. If no new government can then be formed within 14 days, a general election would be triggered. A second referendum is perhaps more likely. It would require primary legislation, and therefore the support of a majority of MPs. A referendum could come about via an amendment to the “meaningful vote” on the withdrawal agreement on December 11 which makes approval of it, or approval of the subsequent implementing legislation, conditional on a referendum. A referendum could also emerge if MPs reject Theresa May’s deal. To avoid the UK leaving the EU without a deal – and if no better deal can be negotiated and win the support of parliament – MPs might then seek to force a second referendum to break the impasse. Dominic Grieve’s amendment, passed on December 4 in a significant defeat for the government, makes such a move easier. By law, the government is required to produce a written statement to MPs outlining its plan, within 21 days of the deal being rejected. MPs then vote on a motion on the basis of that statement. Grieve’s amendment now enables MPs to table amendments to this motion, thereby giving them much more political control over what happens next if the deal is voted down. If at this stage, a majority of MPs support a second referendum, they could amend the motion to require one, and it could be politically impossible for the government to ignore their will. A second referendum would require a minimum of 22 weeks to organise and hold. This means that Article 50 would need to be extended because there wouldn’t be enough time before the end of March 2019. It’s reasonable to assume that the EU would unanimously agree to an extension if it was for the purpose of a second referendum. The date of Brexit in UK law would also need to be amended, but this should not be a problem if a majority of MPs have voted for a second referendum. High levels of uncertainty The path to stopping Brexit is fraught with legal uncertainty and political controversy. Although it’s possible – and more likely now than a few days ago – it remains a highly uncertain prospect. May’s deal could pass, perhaps in a second vote if the first ends in defeat. No deal still remains the default outcome, and so cannot be ruled out. Crucially, the UK will automatically leave the EU on March 29, 2019, with or without a deal, unless Article 50 is extended or revoked. Amid the uncertainty, what’s clear is that stopping Brexit requires a majority in parliament to change the law, force a second referendum or general election, and revoke Article 50. It also requires a cooperative and patient EU, to allow for an extension of Article 50 and potentially consent to its revocation. Finally, it requires a willing public, which is probably the biggest obstacle on the tumultuous path to stopping Brexit. (Oliver Patel is Research Associate, UCL European Institute) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Brexit: Is it possible to stop it?

The European Court of Justice is expected to announce on Monday whether or not Britain can unilaterally halt its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-may-urges-lawmakers-to-back-her-brexit-deal-but-rebels-remain-unconvinced-181914">march towards Brexit</a>, a day before a make-or-break vote by MPs on the divorce deal.

Europe's top court has been asked to rule on whether, having activated the so-called "Article 50" countdown towards departure, London could simply stop the clock.

One of the Union's advocates general, a senior legal adviser, has already issued an opinion suggesting that Britain can indeed unilaterally suspend its departure.

But the court must first confirm it accepts jurisdiction in the case, which is based on a request lodged by a group of anti-Brexit Scottish politicians.

The court is due to say on Monday whether the 26 judges accept jurisdiction and issue a ruling.

The next day the British parliament votes on the draft divorce plan, with Prime Minister Theresa May currently struggling to sell the deal.

May insists she has no plans to reverse Brexit, despite parliamentary opposition to her withdrawal deal from both pro- and anti-Europe MPs. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The court could also decide Brexit can only be postponed or halted by unanimous agreement of all 27 other EU member states -- or otherwise go ahead on March 29.

The European Court of Justice is expected to announce on Monday whether or not Britain can unilaterally halt its march towards Brexit, a day before a make-or-break vote by MPs on the divorce deal.

The European Court of Justice is expected to announce on Monday whether or not Britain can unilaterally halt its march towards Brexit, a day before a make-or-break vote by MPs on the divorce deal. Europe's top court has been asked to rule on whether, having activated the so-called "Article 50" countdown towards departure, London could simply stop the clock. One of the Union's advocates general, a senior legal adviser, has already issued an opinion suggesting that Britain can indeed unilaterally suspend its departure. But the court must first confirm it accepts jurisdiction in the case, which is based on a request lodged by a group of anti-Brexit Scottish politicians. The court is due to say on Monday whether the 26 judges accept jurisdiction and issue a ruling. The next day the British parliament votes on the draft divorce plan, with Prime Minister Theresa May currently struggling to sell the deal. May insists she has no plans to reverse Brexit, despite parliamentary opposition to her withdrawal deal from both pro- and anti-Europe MPs. The court could also decide Brexit can only be postponed or halted by unanimous agreement of all 27 other EU member states -- or otherwise go ahead on March 29.

Can UK renounce Brexit? EU court to decide on Monday

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-risks-severe-damage-without-orderly-brexit-cbi-181812">British Prime Minister Theresa May </a>on Thursday urged lawmakers to back her agreement to leave the European Union but made little headway with a bid to coax rebellious members of her party into supporting her deal.

May has repeatedly warned that if lawmakers reject her deal with Brussels, which would see Britain exit the EU on March 29 with continued close ties, the only alternatives are leaving without a deal or reversing Brexit.

The British parliament is mid-way through a five-day debate on the Brexit deal, ahead of a crunch vote on Dec. 11 which will define Britain's departure from the EU and could determine May's own future as a leader. She currently looks set to lose that vote.

The day before the vote, on Dec. 10, the European Court of Justice of Justice will deliver a judgment on whether Britain can unilaterally reverse its move to leave.

"There are three options: one is to leave the European Union with a deal ... the other two are that we leave without a deal or that we have no Brexit at all," May told BBC radio.

May said she was speaking to lawmakers about giving parliament a bigger role in whether to trigger a so-called Northern Irish backstop arrangement or extend a transition period during which more EU membership terms would apply.

CHARM OFFENSIVE?

Concerns about the backstop are a key driver of opposition to the deal among both May's own Conservative lawmakers and the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up her minority government.

Supporters of a clean break with the EU say the backstop, intended to ensure no hard border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the EU-member Irish Republic, could leave Britain forced to accept EU regulations indefinitely, or Northern Ireland treated differently from the rest of Britain.

"There are questions about how decisions are taken as to whether we go into the backstop because that isn’t automatic," she said. "The question is: do we go into the backstop? Do we extend ... the implementation period?"

On Wednesday, May's top parliamentary enforcer, or chief whip, Julian Smith, spent an hour meeting with pro-Brexit Conservative and DUP lawmakers, listening to their concerns about the deal. But lawmakers who attended the meeting said he did not offer a solution to persuade them to back it.

"This was not about doing deals, it was about listening," said one leading pro-Brexit lawmaker. Another said it was: "Too little, too late."

May's minority government governs with a working majority of 13 thanks to its deal with the 10 DUP lawmakers.

The DUP says it will vote against the deal but would support May in a vote of confidence if the deal fails.

During the first two days of debate, 15 of May's own lawmakers have explicitly said they intend to vote against it. She will either need to win them back or win over a substantial number of opposition lawmakers, which appears unlikely.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday urged lawmakers to back her agreement to leave the European Union but made little headway with a bid to coax rebellious members of her party into supporting her deal.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday urged lawmakers to back her agreement to leave the European Union but made little headway with a bid to coax rebellious members of her party into supporting her deal. May has repeatedly warned that if lawmakers reject her deal with Brussels, which would see Britain exit the EU on March 29 with continued close ties, the only alternatives are leaving without a deal or reversing Brexit. The British parliament is mid-way through a five-day debate on the Brexit deal, ahead of a crunch vote on Dec. 11 which will define Britain's departure from the EU and could determine May's own future as a leader. She currently looks set to lose that vote. The day before the vote, on Dec. 10, the European Court of Justice of Justice will deliver a judgment on whether Britain can unilaterally reverse its move to leave. "There are three options: one is to leave the European Union with a deal ... the other two are that we leave without a deal or that we have no Brexit at all," May told BBC radio. May said she was speaking to lawmakers about giving parliament a bigger role in whether to trigger a so-called Northern Irish backstop arrangement or extend a transition period during which more EU membership terms would apply. CHARM OFFENSIVE? Concerns about the backstop are a key driver of opposition to the deal among both May's own Conservative lawmakers and the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up her minority government. Supporters of a clean break with the EU say the backstop, intended to ensure no hard border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the EU-member Irish Republic, could leave Britain forced to accept EU regulations indefinitely, or Northern Ireland treated differently from the rest of Britain. "There are questions about how decisions are taken as to whether we go into the backstop because that isn’t automatic," she said. "The question is: do we go into the backstop? Do we extend ... the implementation period?" On Wednesday, May's top parliamentary enforcer, or chief whip, Julian Smith, spent an hour meeting with pro-Brexit Conservative and DUP lawmakers, listening to their concerns about the deal. But lawmakers who attended the meeting said he did not offer a solution to persuade them to back it. "This was not about doing deals, it was about listening," said one leading pro-Brexit lawmaker. Another said it was: "Too little, too late." May's minority government governs with a working majority of 13 thanks to its deal with the 10 DUP lawmakers. The DUP says it will vote against the deal but would support May in a vote of confidence if the deal fails. During the first two days of debate, 15 of May's own lawmakers have explicitly said they intend to vote against it. She will either need to win them back or win over a substantial number of opposition lawmakers, which appears unlikely.

UK PM May urges lawmakers to back her Brexit deal but rebels remain unconvinced

Prime Minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-uk-government-found-in-contempt-of-parliament-181525"> Theresa May’s Brexit deal</a> came under fire from allies and opponents alike on Wednesday after the government was forced to publish legal advice showing the United Kingdom could be locked indefinitely in the European Union's orbit.

After a string of humiliating parliamentary defeats for May the day before cast new doubt over her ability to get a deal approved, US&nbsp;investment bank JP Morgan said the chances of Britain calling off Brexit altogether had increased.

As investors and allies tried to work out the ultimate destination for the world's fifth largest economy, the Northern Irish party which props up May's government said legal advice about the deal was "devastating".

May was forced by parliament to publish advice from the government's top lawyer about the fallback mechanism, or backstop, to prevent the return of border controls between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the EU-member Irish Republic.

"Despite statements in the Protocol that it is not intended to be permanent and the clear intention of the parties that it should be replaced by alternative, permanent arrangements, in international law the Protocol would endure indefinitely until a superseding agreement took its place," the advice said.

"In the absence of a right of termination, there is a legal risk that the United Kingdom might become subject to protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations."

Brexit, the United Kingdom's biggest economic and political shift since World War Two, has repeatedly plunged British politics into crisis since the shock 2016 vote to leave the EU.

Now May is trying to get her deal approved by a parliament which shows every sign of striking it down in a vote on December 11. It is unclear what happens if the deal is rejected as Britain is due to leave on March 29.

Nigel Dodds, the deputy leader of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, said the legal advice proved that Northern Ireland would be treated differently to the rest of the United Kingdom.

BREXIT REVERSED?

On Tuesday, just hours before the start of a five-day debate in the British parliament on May's Brexit deal, a top law official at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) said Britain could pull back its formal divorce notice.

"The UK now appears to have the option of revoking unilaterally and taking a period of time of its own choosing to decide what happens next," JP&nbsp;Morgan economist Malcolm Barr wrote in a note to clients.

He placed a 10 per cent probability on a no-deal Brexit, down from 20 per cent, and a 50 per cent probability on an orderly Brexit, down from 60 per cent. The chance of no Brexit at all doubled to 40 per cent from 20 per cent, in a sign of perhaps the biggest shift in perception since the 2016 vote to leave.

Britain's pro-Brexit trade minister Liam Fox said it was now possible that Brexit would not happen. There was a real danger that parliament would try to "steal" Brexit from the British people, Fox told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday.

Sterling, which has see-sawed on Brexit news since the referendum, traded well off the 17-month lows it hit on Tuesday, lifted by suggestions that Britain may opt not to leave the European Union after all.

In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 52 per cent, backed Brexit while 16.1 million, or 48 per cent, backed staying in the bloc.

If parliament rejects her deal, May has warned Britain could leave without a deal or that there could be no Brexit at all.

Supporters of Brexit have said that if Brexit is reversed, the United Kingdom will be thrust into a constitutional crisis as what they say the financial and political elite will have thwarted the democratic will of the people.

While May's Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party both say they respect the 2016 vote to leave, a growing number of backbench lawmakers say the only solution may be a new referendum giving voters an option to stay in the EU.

If the deal is voted down, some members of parliament from both main parties have said they would act to stop a Brexit with no agreement, which business chiefs and investors fear would weaken the West, spook financial markets and block trade.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal came under fire from allies and opponents alike on Wednesday after the government was forced to publish legal advice showing the United Kingdom could be locked indefinitely in the European Union's orbit.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal came under fire from allies and opponents alike on Wednesday after the government was forced to publish legal advice showing the United Kingdom could be locked indefinitely in the European Union's orbit. After a string of humiliating parliamentary defeats for May the day before cast new doubt over her ability to get a deal approved, US investment bank JP Morgan said the chances of Britain calling off Brexit altogether had increased. As investors and allies tried to work out the ultimate destination for the world's fifth largest economy, the Northern Irish party which props up May's government said legal advice about the deal was "devastating". May was forced by parliament to publish advice from the government's top lawyer about the fallback mechanism, or backstop, to prevent the return of border controls between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the EU-member Irish Republic. "Despite statements in the Protocol that it is not intended to be permanent and the clear intention of the parties that it should be replaced by alternative, permanent arrangements, in international law the Protocol would endure indefinitely until a superseding agreement took its place," the advice said. "In the absence of a right of termination, there is a legal risk that the United Kingdom might become subject to protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations." Brexit, the United Kingdom's biggest economic and political shift since World War Two, has repeatedly plunged British politics into crisis since the shock 2016 vote to leave the EU. Now May is trying to get her deal approved by a parliament which shows every sign of striking it down in a vote on December 11. It is unclear what happens if the deal is rejected as Britain is due to leave on March 29. Nigel Dodds, the deputy leader of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, said the legal advice proved that Northern Ireland would be treated differently to the rest of the United Kingdom. BREXIT REVERSED? On Tuesday, just hours before the start of a five-day debate in the British parliament on May's Brexit deal, a top law official at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) said Britain could pull back its formal divorce notice. "The UK now appears to have the option of revoking unilaterally and taking a period of time of its own choosing to decide what happens next," JP Morgan economist Malcolm Barr wrote in a note to clients. He placed a 10 per cent probability on a no-deal Brexit, down from 20 per cent, and a 50 per cent probability on an orderly Brexit, down from 60 per cent. The chance of no Brexit at all doubled to 40 per cent from 20 per cent, in a sign of perhaps the biggest shift in perception since the 2016 vote to leave. Britain's pro-Brexit trade minister Liam Fox said it was now possible that Brexit would not happen. There was a real danger that parliament would try to "steal" Brexit from the British people, Fox told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday. Sterling, which has see-sawed on Brexit news since the referendum, traded well off the 17-month lows it hit on Tuesday, lifted by suggestions that Britain may opt not to leave the European Union after all. In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 52 per cent, backed Brexit while 16.1 million, or 48 per cent, backed staying in the bloc. If parliament rejects her deal, May has warned Britain could leave without a deal or that there could be no Brexit at all. Supporters of Brexit have said that if Brexit is reversed, the United Kingdom will be thrust into a constitutional crisis as what they say the financial and political elite will have thwarted the democratic will of the people. While May's Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party both say they respect the 2016 vote to leave, a growing number of backbench lawmakers say the only solution may be a new referendum giving voters an option to stay in the EU. If the deal is voted down, some members of parliament from both main parties have said they would act to stop a Brexit with no agreement, which business chiefs and investors fear would weaken the West, spook financial markets and block trade.

May's Brexit deal under fire as legal advice stiffens opposition

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