Britain's trade minister said on Monday he would apologise to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-back-at-britains-ambassador-in-us-says-not-served-the-uk-well-233860"> US President Donald Trump's</a> daughter Ivanka for a leak of confidential memos in which the UK ambassador describes the US administration as "dysfunctional" and "inept".

The memos from Kim Darroch, the UK's ambassador to Washington, were leaked to a Sunday newspaper, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-top-envoy-in-us-says-trump-executive-inept-report-233737">annoying Trump</a> and triggering demands on the British side to find out who had disclosed them.

Trade minister Liam Fox, who is on a visit to Washington, told BBC radio he would apologise to the president's daughter Ivanka, who he is due to meet during his trip.

"I will be apologising for the fact that either our civil service or elements of our political class have not lived up to the expectations that either we have or the United States has about their behaviour, which in this particular case has lapsed in a most extraordinary and unacceptable way," he said.

"Malicious leaks of this nature are unprofessional, unethical and unpatriotic and can actually lead to a damage to that relationship which can therefore affect our wider security interest."

The revelations come at a time when Britain is hoping to strike a major trade deal with its closest ally after it leaves the European Union, an exit currently scheduled for October 31.

Trump told reporters, of Darroch: "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well, so I can understand and I can say things about him but I won't bother."

In memos to his government dating from 2017 to the present, Darroch said reports of in-fighting in the White House were "mostly true" and last month described confusion within the administration over Trump's decision to call off a military strike on Iran.

"We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch wrote in one memo, according to the Mail on Sunday.

Fox echoed a statement from Britain's Foreign Office that the views Darroch had expressed were not those of the British government itself. Former defence minister Michael Fallon said Darroch's term as ambassador was due to come to an end soon.

"All ambassadors are asked to report all the time honestly about the different strengths and weaknesses of the governments they are posted to," he told BBC radio. "It's obviously damaging to any relationship when this sort of stuff gets published."

Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's Brexit Party and long a thorn in the side of British governments, said figures such as Darroch would be "not be around" if ex-foreign minister Boris Johnson, one of two candidates seeking to replace Theresa May as prime minister, was chosen by Conservative Party members.

However, despite being close to Trump, Farage ruled himself out of becoming Britain's next ambassador in Washington.

"I don't think I'm the right man for that job," he told BBC radio.

Britain's trade minister said on Monday he would apologise to US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka for a leak of confidential memos in which the UK ambassador describes the US administration as "dysfunctional" and "inept".

Britain's trade minister said on Monday he would apologise to US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka for a leak of confidential memos in which the UK ambassador describes the US administration as "dysfunctional" and "inept". The memos from Kim Darroch, the UK's ambassador to Washington, were leaked to a Sunday newspaper, annoying Trump and triggering demands on the British side to find out who had disclosed them. Trade minister Liam Fox, who is on a visit to Washington, told BBC radio he would apologise to the president's daughter Ivanka, who he is due to meet during his trip. "I will be apologising for the fact that either our civil service or elements of our political class have not lived up to the expectations that either we have or the United States has about their behaviour, which in this particular case has lapsed in a most extraordinary and unacceptable way," he said. "Malicious leaks of this nature are unprofessional, unethical and unpatriotic and can actually lead to a damage to that relationship which can therefore affect our wider security interest." The revelations come at a time when Britain is hoping to strike a major trade deal with its closest ally after it leaves the European Union, an exit currently scheduled for October 31. Trump told reporters, of Darroch: "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well, so I can understand and I can say things about him but I won't bother." In memos to his government dating from 2017 to the present, Darroch said reports of in-fighting in the White House were "mostly true" and last month described confusion within the administration over Trump's decision to call off a military strike on Iran. "We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch wrote in one memo, according to the Mail on Sunday. Fox echoed a statement from Britain's Foreign Office that the views Darroch had expressed were not those of the British government itself. Former defence minister Michael Fallon said Darroch's term as ambassador was due to come to an end soon. "All ambassadors are asked to report all the time honestly about the different strengths and weaknesses of the governments they are posted to," he told BBC radio. "It's obviously damaging to any relationship when this sort of stuff gets published." Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's Brexit Party and long a thorn in the side of British governments, said figures such as Darroch would be "not be around" if ex-foreign minister Boris Johnson, one of two candidates seeking to replace Theresa May as prime minister, was chosen by Conservative Party members. However, despite being close to Trump, Farage ruled himself out of becoming Britain's next ambassador in Washington. "I don't think I'm the right man for that job," he told BBC radio.

'Dysfunctional' & 'inept': Britain's trade minister Liam Fox to apologise to Ivanka over leaked memo

EU offering Brexit delay not possible: UK trade minister

There are 46 days to go until the United Kingdom is set to exit the European Union and the secretary of state for international trade has on Monday signed the country's first bilateral trade deal for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/post-brexit-britain-ready-to-use-hard-power-defence-minister-196748">post-Brexit commercial relationship</a>.

Liam Fox penned the agreement on behalf of the UK with Swiss Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, in Bern, Switzerland, allowing for business to flow as usual and, due to the alpine country's existing treaties, the agreement also applies to Liechtenstein.

“Switzerland is one of the most valuable trading partners that we are seeking continuity for, accounting for more than 32 billion pounds worth of trade a year," Fox said. “This is of huge economic importance to UK businesses so I’m delighted to be here in Bern today, ensuring continuity for 15,000 British exporters," Fox added.

The deal, which is described as a trade continuity agreement, aims to guarantee trading terms between the two countries once the UK has left the EU.

Currently, the UK trades with Switzerland and Liechtenstein by relying on EU agreements.

The arrangement was designed to remove the threat of extra tariffs levied on trade between the countries and to avoid the likelihood of additional duties on a "vast majority" of goods, Fox said.

“Not only will this help to support jobs throughout the UK but it will also be a solid foundation for us to build an even stronger trading relationship with Switzerland as we leave the EU,” Fox said.

For Switzerland, the UK is the sixth-largest export market (10 billion euros in 2017) and the eighth-largest in the import market (5.2 billion euros), according to Swiss official figures.

The arrangement should avoid around 8 million pounds of tariffs being added to the price of cars exported from the UK to Switzerland, while UK purchasers should benefit from cheaper prices on Swiss goods, "such as clocks, watches and pharmaceutical products," Fox said.

Trading on such so-called "preferential terms" instead of falling back on those applicable through the World Trade Organization should "deliver significant savings and help to safeguard British jobs," the UK government has said.

According to Swiss official statistics, Switzerland is the EU’s fifth most important trading partner, only after the United States, China, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

There are 46 days to go until the United Kingdom is set to exit the European Union and the secretary of state for international trade has on Monday signed the country's first bilateral trade deal for a post-Brexit commercial relationship.

There are 46 days to go until the United Kingdom is set to exit the European Union and the secretary of state for international trade has on Monday signed the country's first bilateral trade deal for a post-Brexit commercial relationship. Liam Fox penned the agreement on behalf of the UK with Swiss Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, in Bern, Switzerland, allowing for business to flow as usual and, due to the alpine country's existing treaties, the agreement also applies to Liechtenstein. “Switzerland is one of the most valuable trading partners that we are seeking continuity for, accounting for more than 32 billion pounds worth of trade a year," Fox said. “This is of huge economic importance to UK businesses so I’m delighted to be here in Bern today, ensuring continuity for 15,000 British exporters," Fox added. The deal, which is described as a trade continuity agreement, aims to guarantee trading terms between the two countries once the UK has left the EU. Currently, the UK trades with Switzerland and Liechtenstein by relying on EU agreements. The arrangement was designed to remove the threat of extra tariffs levied on trade between the countries and to avoid the likelihood of additional duties on a "vast majority" of goods, Fox said. “Not only will this help to support jobs throughout the UK but it will also be a solid foundation for us to build an even stronger trading relationship with Switzerland as we leave the EU,” Fox said. For Switzerland, the UK is the sixth-largest export market (10 billion euros in 2017) and the eighth-largest in the import market (5.2 billion euros), according to Swiss official figures. The arrangement should avoid around 8 million pounds of tariffs being added to the price of cars exported from the UK to Switzerland, while UK purchasers should benefit from cheaper prices on Swiss goods, "such as clocks, watches and pharmaceutical products," Fox said. Trading on such so-called "preferential terms" instead of falling back on those applicable through the World Trade Organization should "deliver significant savings and help to safeguard British jobs," the UK government has said. According to Swiss official statistics, Switzerland is the EU’s fifth most important trading partner, only after the United States, China, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

UK secures first trade deal 963 days after Brexit vote with Switzerland

It would be irresponsible for the European Union to refuse to reopen negotiations over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-be-evacuated-in-case-of-brexit-unrest-report-194679">Britain's exit deal</a>, British trade minister Liam Fox said in an interview aired on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-says-she-will-seek-pragmatic-brexit-solution-in-brussels-194688">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a> has said she is seeking changes to the Withdrawal Agreement she agreed with Brussels last year in order to win the support of parliament. The EU has said the deal cannot be renegotiated.

"Are they really saying that they would rather not negotiate and end up in a 'no-deal' position?" Fox told Sky News in a pre-recorded interview. "It is in all our interests to get to that agreement and for the EU to say we are not going to even discuss it seems to me to be quite irresponsible."

With less than two months until Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29, the opposition Labour Party has said it is now inevitable that the government will have to request an extension to the Article 50 exit negotiation period.

Fox, who has previously spoken out strongly against delaying the exit date, said extending the negotiations without a deal in place would not solve anything, but it was "a very different argument" if Britain just needed more time to get the necessary legislation in place for a smooth exit.

He is the second senior minister to suggest such a delay may be needed, after Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Thursday Britain may need time to get legislation through.

"There is a big difference between if we had an agreement and we need some time to get the legalities done, that is one thing," Fox said. "I think to extend simply because we hadn’t reached an agreement would not provide any impetus for that agreement to be reached."

Fox said Britain would "be able to deal" with leaving the bloc without an agreement but it would not be in the country's interests.

It would be irresponsible for the European Union to refuse to reopen negotiations over Britain's exit deal, British trade minister Liam Fox said in an interview aired on Sunday.

It would be irresponsible for the European Union to refuse to reopen negotiations over Britain's exit deal, British trade minister Liam Fox said in an interview aired on Sunday. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she is seeking changes to the Withdrawal Agreement she agreed with Brussels last year in order to win the support of parliament. The EU has said the deal cannot be renegotiated. "Are they really saying that they would rather not negotiate and end up in a 'no-deal' position?" Fox told Sky News in a pre-recorded interview. "It is in all our interests to get to that agreement and for the EU to say we are not going to even discuss it seems to me to be quite irresponsible." With less than two months until Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29, the opposition Labour Party has said it is now inevitable that the government will have to request an extension to the Article 50 exit negotiation period. Fox, who has previously spoken out strongly against delaying the exit date, said extending the negotiations without a deal in place would not solve anything, but it was "a very different argument" if Britain just needed more time to get the necessary legislation in place for a smooth exit. He is the second senior minister to suggest such a delay may be needed, after Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Thursday Britain may need time to get legislation through. "There is a big difference between if we had an agreement and we need some time to get the legalities done, that is one thing," Fox said. "I think to extend simply because we hadn’t reached an agreement would not provide any impetus for that agreement to be reached." Fox said Britain would "be able to deal" with leaving the bloc without an agreement but it would not be in the country's interests.

UK trade minister says EU 'irresponsible' to refuse to reopen Brexit deal

Britain's parliament has no right to try to "hijack the Brexit process", Trade Minister Liam Fox said on Sunday, after several lawmakers indicated they were launching attempts to take more control over the departure from the European Union.

"Parliament has not got the right to hijack the Brexit process because parliament said to the people of this country: 'we make a contract with you, you will make the decision and we will honour it',"&nbsp;Fox told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show.

"What we are now getting are some of those who were always absolutely opposed to the result of the referendum trying to hijack Brexit and in effect steal the result from the people."

Local newspapers on Sunday reported that some lawmakers are&nbsp;seeking to rewrite the rules of the House of Commons in an attempt to take control of the business of the lower chamber in order to frustrate May's Brexit plans.

Groups of MPs are planning to table such amendments this week, reports said.

Reacting on this, British Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office said that such reports are&nbsp;"extremely concerning".

"Any attempt to remove the government's power to meet the legal conditions of an orderly exit at this moment of historic significance is extremely concerning.

"This news should serve as a reminder to those MPs who want to deliver Brexit that they need to vote for it -- otherwise there is a danger that parliament could stop Brexit."

May is due to spell out to lawmakers on Monday what her plans are now for Brexit following MPs' overwhelming rejection of the divorce deal agreed between London and Brussels.

Lawmakers are set to table a series of various Brexit amendments this week to test their support in the Commons.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's parliament has no right to try to "hijack the Brexit process", Trade Minister Liam Fox said on Sunday, after several lawmakers indicated they were launching attempts to take more control over the departure from the European Union.

Britain's parliament has no right to try to "hijack the Brexit process", Trade Minister Liam Fox said on Sunday, after several lawmakers indicated they were launching attempts to take more control over the departure from the European Union. "Parliament has not got the right to hijack the Brexit process because parliament said to the people of this country: 'we make a contract with you, you will make the decision and we will honour it'," Fox told the BBC's Andrew Marr Show. "What we are now getting are some of those who were always absolutely opposed to the result of the referendum trying to hijack Brexit and in effect steal the result from the people." Local newspapers on Sunday reported that some lawmakers are seeking to rewrite the rules of the House of Commons in an attempt to take control of the business of the lower chamber in order to frustrate May's Brexit plans. Groups of MPs are planning to table such amendments this week, reports said. Reacting on this, British Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office said that such reports are "extremely concerning". "Any attempt to remove the government's power to meet the legal conditions of an orderly exit at this moment of historic significance is extremely concerning. "This news should serve as a reminder to those MPs who want to deliver Brexit that they need to vote for it -- otherwise there is a danger that parliament could stop Brexit." May is due to spell out to lawmakers on Monday what her plans are now for Brexit following MPs' overwhelming rejection of the divorce deal agreed between London and Brussels. Lawmakers are set to table a series of various Brexit amendments this week to test their support in the Commons. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain's parliament has no right to try to 'hijack the Brexit process', says British minister Liam Fox

Britain's chances of leaving the European Union are only "50-50" if MPs reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, a senior minister warned Sunday.

Liam Fox, the international trade secretary and a vocal Brexit campaigner during the 2016 referendum, warned colleagues planning on voting against May that her plan was the only way to be "100 per cent certain" that Britain would leave.

"If we were not to vote for that, I'm not sure I would give it much more than 50-50," he told The Sunday Times.

May's government is trying to persuade a sceptical British parliament to endorse a broad withdrawal deal she struck with European leaders last month.

But the bill's passage is far from certain, with May having to pull an initial vote with a crushing defeat looking, rescheduling it for the week beginning January 14.

Pro-Brexit supporters are particularly concerned about the deal's so-called "backstop" provision, which could keep Britain locked in a customs union with the EU in order to avoid a "hard" border between British province Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

But Fox urged his colleagues to "put their own pride behind them" and take what was on offer.

"The worst possible outcome of this process would be no Brexit," he told the paper.

"For me, that would induce a sense that we had betrayed the people that voted in the referendum.

"What you can be sure of is that if we vote for the prime minister's deal then its 100 per cent certain that we will leave on March 29."

He also warned parliament against trying to thwart the process through a series of legislative procedures.

"Shattering that bond of trust between parliament and the people, I think, would be incendiary," he said.

Liam Fox warned colleagues planning on voting against May that her plan was the only way to be '100 per cent certain' that Britain would leave.

Britain's chances of leaving the European Union are only "50-50" if MPs reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, a senior minister warned Sunday. Liam Fox, the international trade secretary and a vocal Brexit campaigner during the 2016 referendum, warned colleagues planning on voting against May that her plan was the only way to be "100 per cent certain" that Britain would leave. "If we were not to vote for that, I'm not sure I would give it much more than 50-50," he told The Sunday Times. May's government is trying to persuade a sceptical British parliament to endorse a broad withdrawal deal she struck with European leaders last month. But the bill's passage is far from certain, with May having to pull an initial vote with a crushing defeat looking, rescheduling it for the week beginning January 14. Pro-Brexit supporters are particularly concerned about the deal's so-called "backstop" provision, which could keep Britain locked in a customs union with the EU in order to avoid a "hard" border between British province Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. But Fox urged his colleagues to "put their own pride behind them" and take what was on offer. "The worst possible outcome of this process would be no Brexit," he told the paper. "For me, that would induce a sense that we had betrayed the people that voted in the referendum. "What you can be sure of is that if we vote for the prime minister's deal then its 100 per cent certain that we will leave on March 29." He also warned parliament against trying to thwart the process through a series of legislative procedures. "Shattering that bond of trust between parliament and the people, I think, would be incendiary," he said.

Brexit '50-50' if May's deal voted down: Senior British minister

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-agrees-meet-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-35147">Trump says sanctions will remain as he agrees to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un</a>

US President Donald Trump has agreed to meet North Korea&#39;s Kim Jong-un by May in response to Kim&#39;s invitation to hold the first meeting between leaders of the United States and North Korea, a South Korean envoy said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/emmanuel-macron-to-arrive-in-delhi-on-friday-35156">French President Emmanuel Macron to arrive in Delhi today on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/emmanuel-macron-to-arrive-in-delhi-on-friday-35156">four-day</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/emmanuel-macron-to-arrive-in-delhi-on-friday-35156"> visit</a>

French President France Emmanuel Macron to arrive in New Delhi on Friday on a four-day state visit.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/biplab-deb-to-be-sworn-in-as-tripura-chief-minister-on-friday-35152">Biplab Deb to be sworn in as Tripura chief minister on Friday</a>

Biplab Kumar Deb will be sworn in as the chief minister of Tripura on Friday, officially ushering the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the Left bastion.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-sweeping-tariffs-canada-mexico-exempted-35148">Trump signs sweeping tariffs; Canada, Mexico exempted</a>

US President Donald Trump slapped steep trade tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum Thursday, drawing sharp protests from allies at home and abroad as the contentious move raised the specter of a global trade war.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-minister-says-us-tariffs-wrong-way-to-resolve-trade-issues-35151">UK minister says US tariffs &#39;wrong way&#39; to resolve trade issues</a>

Britain&#39;s trade minister Liam Fox on Thursday criticised US President Donald Trump&#39;s announcement of duties on steel and aluminium imports to America, saying it was the &quot;wrong way&quot; to resolve trade disputes.

Trump says sanctions will remain as he agrees to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un US President Donald Trump has agreed to meet North Korea's Kim Jong-un by May in response to Kim's invitation to hold the first meeting between leaders of the United States and North Korea, a South Korean envoy said. French President Emmanuel Macron to arrive in Delhi today on four-day visit French President France Emmanuel Macron to arrive in New Delhi on Friday on a four-day state visit. Biplab Deb to be sworn in as Tripura chief minister on Friday Biplab Kumar Deb will be sworn in as the chief minister of Tripura on Friday, officially ushering the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the Left bastion. Trump signs sweeping tariffs; Canada, Mexico exempted US President Donald Trump slapped steep trade tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum Thursday, drawing sharp protests from allies at home and abroad as the contentious move raised the specter of a global trade war. UK minister says US tariffs 'wrong way' to resolve trade issues Britain's trade minister Liam Fox on Thursday criticised US President Donald Trump's announcement of duties on steel and aluminium imports to America, saying it was the "wrong way" to resolve trade disputes.

WION Morning News Brief, March 9, 2018

Britain&#39;s trade minister Liam Fox on Thursday criticised US President Donald Trump&#39;s announcement of duties on steel and aluminium imports to America, saying it was the &quot;wrong way&quot; to resolve trade disputes.

&quot;We can deal multilaterally with the overproduction of steel but this is the wrong way to go about it,&quot; he told the live TV audience of a BBC current affairs show.

&quot;Protectionism, tariffs never really work,&quot; Fox added.

Trump imposed the tariffs -- 25 per cent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium -- despite calls for restraint from Britain and repeated warnings from the European Union and other allies that it could trigger a full-on trade war.

Announcing the move Trump leaned on a little-used and decades old national security clause in US trade law, but said Canada and Mexico would be excluded and other countries could negotiate exemptions.

Fox said he would travel to Washington next week for meetings with US officials about the tariffs and the possible exemptions for America&#39;s allies.

&quot;We&#39;ll have to wait to see what the announcements are,&quot; he added on the potential opt-outs.

&quot;We&#39;ll wait to see whether there&#39;s a time for negotiation -- that&#39;s why I&#39;m going to Washington next week.&quot;

Fox argued it was &quot;doubly absurd&quot; to target Britain with steel tariffs on national security grounds when it only provided the US with one percent of its imports and made steel for the American military.

The British steel industry could be badly hit by the tariffs, with trade body UK Steel saying the tariffs could have a &quot;profound and detrimental impact&quot;.

Britain is currently a member of the European Union and would be bound by US measures against the bloc and any retaliation it launches.

The EU, which says it should also be excluded from the duties, has already drawn up a hitlist of flagship American products to target for countermeasures.

'We can deal multilaterally with the overproduction of steel but this is the wrong way to go about it,' Liam Fox said

Britain's trade minister Liam Fox on Thursday criticised US President Donald Trump's announcement of duties on steel and aluminium imports to America, saying it was the "wrong way" to resolve trade disputes. "We can deal multilaterally with the overproduction of steel but this is the wrong way to go about it," he told the live TV audience of a BBC current affairs show. "Protectionism, tariffs never really work," Fox added. Trump imposed the tariffs -- 25 per cent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium -- despite calls for restraint from Britain and repeated warnings from the European Union and other allies that it could trigger a full-on trade war. Announcing the move Trump leaned on a little-used and decades old national security clause in US trade law, but said Canada and Mexico would be excluded and other countries could negotiate exemptions. Fox said he would travel to Washington next week for meetings with US officials about the tariffs and the possible exemptions for America's allies. "We'll have to wait to see what the announcements are," he added on the potential opt-outs. "We'll wait to see whether there's a time for negotiation -- that's why I'm going to Washington next week." Fox argued it was "doubly absurd" to target Britain with steel tariffs on national security grounds when it only provided the US with one percent of its imports and made steel for the American military. The British steel industry could be badly hit by the tariffs, with trade body UK Steel saying the tariffs could have a "profound and detrimental impact". Britain is currently a member of the European Union and would be bound by US measures against the bloc and any retaliation it launches. The EU, which says it should also be excluded from the duties, has already drawn up a hitlist of flagship American products to target for countermeasures.

UK minister says US tariffs 'wrong way' to resolve trade issues

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