Britain's new Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/committed-to-leaving-eu-on-october-31-whatever-the-circumstances-pm-boris-johnson-in-parliament-238407">Boris Johnson urged the EU </a>on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels.&nbsp;

In a pugnacious parliamentary debut as leader, the former London mayor warned that the terms of the agreement struck by his predecessor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">Theresa May were "unacceptable"</a> and would "sign away our economic independence".

"I hope that the EU... will rethink their current refusal to make any changes to the withdrawal agreement," Johnson told MPs.

"If they do not, we will of course have to leave the EU without an agreement," he added, vowing to "turbo-charge" preparations ahead of the latest deadline of October 31.

The former foreign secretary also threatened to withhold the £39 billion ($49 billion) divorce bill that Britain has previously said it owes the European Union and spend it instead on preparing for a no-deal outcome.

Just hours later, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned that Johnson's demands were "unacceptable", in an email to member state ambassadors seen by AFP that described his speech as "rather combative".

"PM Johnson has stated that if an agreement is to be reached it goes by way of eliminating the backstop," Barnier wrote, referring to a contentious element of the current deal to keep the Irish border open under all scenarios.&nbsp;

"This is, of course, unacceptable and not within the mandate of the European Council."

With Britain's position appearing to harden, Johnson will talk by telephone with the president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker later on Thursday.

A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on Barnier's comments, adding: "It's day one."

Johnson addressed a raucous session of parliament, in which he was repeatedly shouted down by opposition MPs, a day after initiating a radical overhaul of the cabinet.

Purging more than half the ministers in May's team, he installed what some have described as the most right-wing British government in decades.

The 55-year-old has assembled a team of social conservatives and Brexit hardliners who argue that leaving the EU after 46 years without an agreement will be less painful than economists warn.

The markets were relieved by the appointment of former Deutsche Bank Sajid Javid as finance chief.

The pound held steady against the dollar and euro as traders waited for Johnson's first policy moves.

Other appointments were more divisive.

Brexit hardliner Dominic Raab became foreign secretary and Jacob Rees-Mogg -- leader of a right-wing faction of Conservatives who helped bring about May's demise -- as the government's parliament representative.

New interior minister Priti Patel has previously expressed support for the death penalty and voted against same-sex marriage.

Johnson argues that his threat of a chaotic end to Britain's EU involvement will force Brussels to relent and give London better terms that would let it pursue trade deals with powers such as China and the United States.

Brexit backers in Parliament had accused May of ignoring voters' wishes by promising to keep the UK tied to the bloc's economic rules if necessary to preserve a free-flowing border between EU member Ireland and Britain's Northern Ireland.

Johnson's solution for the frontier revolves around proposals that have been rejected as either unworkable or insufficient by both EU and Irish leaders.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar -- his heavily trade-dependent nation standing to lose most from a messy EU-UK split -- reiterated Thursday his call for compromise.

"I hope that the new UK prime minister hasn't chosen no deal," he said.

Johnson will have the backing of his governing Conservative party but not the nation in his first days in office.

He beat the now-former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt by a two-to-one margin in a vote held by fewer than 160,000 paying members of the Conservatives.

But a YouGov survey found his approval rating in Britain as a whole at just 31 per cent.&nbsp;Johnson is also immediately confronted by issues beyond Brexit.

Iran's seizure last Friday of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf thrusts him into the middle of the Islamic republic's escalating standoff with US President Donald Trump.

Johnson boasts a friendship with Trump that his doubters criticise but supporters say could boost Britain's chances of clinching a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the EU on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels.

Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the EU on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels. In a pugnacious parliamentary debut as leader, the former London mayor warned that the terms of the agreement struck by his predecessor Theresa May were "unacceptable" and would "sign away our economic independence". "I hope that the EU... will rethink their current refusal to make any changes to the withdrawal agreement," Johnson told MPs. "If they do not, we will of course have to leave the EU without an agreement," he added, vowing to "turbo-charge" preparations ahead of the latest deadline of October 31. The former foreign secretary also threatened to withhold the £39 billion ($49 billion) divorce bill that Britain has previously said it owes the European Union and spend it instead on preparing for a no-deal outcome. Just hours later, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned that Johnson's demands were "unacceptable", in an email to member state ambassadors seen by AFP that described his speech as "rather combative". "PM Johnson has stated that if an agreement is to be reached it goes by way of eliminating the backstop," Barnier wrote, referring to a contentious element of the current deal to keep the Irish border open under all scenarios. "This is, of course, unacceptable and not within the mandate of the European Council." With Britain's position appearing to harden, Johnson will talk by telephone with the president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker later on Thursday. A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on Barnier's comments, adding: "It's day one." Johnson addressed a raucous session of parliament, in which he was repeatedly shouted down by opposition MPs, a day after initiating a radical overhaul of the cabinet. Purging more than half the ministers in May's team, he installed what some have described as the most right-wing British government in decades. The 55-year-old has assembled a team of social conservatives and Brexit hardliners who argue that leaving the EU after 46 years without an agreement will be less painful than economists warn. The markets were relieved by the appointment of former Deutsche Bank Sajid Javid as finance chief. The pound held steady against the dollar and euro as traders waited for Johnson's first policy moves. Other appointments were more divisive. Brexit hardliner Dominic Raab became foreign secretary and Jacob Rees-Mogg -- leader of a right-wing faction of Conservatives who helped bring about May's demise -- as the government's parliament representative. New interior minister Priti Patel has previously expressed support for the death penalty and voted against same-sex marriage. Johnson argues that his threat of a chaotic end to Britain's EU involvement will force Brussels to relent and give London better terms that would let it pursue trade deals with powers such as China and the United States. Brexit backers in Parliament had accused May of ignoring voters' wishes by promising to keep the UK tied to the bloc's economic rules if necessary to preserve a free-flowing border between EU member Ireland and Britain's Northern Ireland. Johnson's solution for the frontier revolves around proposals that have been rejected as either unworkable or insufficient by both EU and Irish leaders. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar -- his heavily trade-dependent nation standing to lose most from a messy EU-UK split -- reiterated Thursday his call for compromise. "I hope that the new UK prime minister hasn't chosen no deal," he said. Johnson will have the backing of his governing Conservative party but not the nation in his first days in office. He beat the now-former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt by a two-to-one margin in a vote held by fewer than 160,000 paying members of the Conservatives. But a YouGov survey found his approval rating in Britain as a whole at just 31 per cent. Johnson is also immediately confronted by issues beyond Brexit. Iran's seizure last Friday of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf thrusts him into the middle of the Islamic republic's escalating standoff with US President Donald Trump. Johnson boasts a friendship with Trump that his doubters criticise but supporters say could boost Britain's chances of clinching a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

PM Johnson's backstop elimination unacceptable: EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that he was looking forward to working with incoming prime minister Boris Johnson to agree Britain's orderly departure.

But Michel Barnier made it clear that Brussels has no plans to renegotiate the divorce deal it signed with Johnson's predecessor <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pleased-to-hand-over-charge-to-boris-johnson-says-theresa-may-in-british-parliament-238188&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy6pLQ0s3jAhUfTI8KHf_NDzkQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3LcJNVgJS908UB58BjSmTf">Theresa May</a> in November last year.

"It's a very important moment for the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy6pLQ0s3jAhUfTI8KHf_NDzkQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1nKzV0cGQqoP_TqmQkzmPM">Brexit</a>. We look forward to hearing what the new prime minister Boris Johnson wants. What are the choices of the UK? Is it an orderly Brexit?" Barnier told the BBC.

"The 'no deal' will never be the choice of the EU, but we are prepared... we will work all along the next few weeks or months with the new UK government in the best possible way, in a very constructive spirit to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement."

Asked what he thinks of Johnson, who has demanded the deal be reopened, Barnier said he had only met him once, at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, and added: "We will work with him. I think he is clever."&nbsp;

Earlier, Barnier had briefed the European Parliament's Brexit steering group, under former Belgian premier Guy Verhofstadt. The MEPs also stuck to Brussels' line that the withdrawal agreement will not be renegotiated.

"This is our position it is impossible to change our position," group member Antonio Tajani told reporters.

But the MEPS reiterated that they would support EU leaders if they decide to rewrite an accompanying non-binding political declaration to seek "a more ambitious future EU-UK partnership".

WATCH:&nbsp;What drove Boris Johnson to the top?

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A closer future relation could ensure "the Irish backstop would not be necessary", the group's statement said. Johnson insists the backstop must be removed from the withdrawal agreement, an idea rejected by EU capitals.

The group congratulated Johnson but warned that recent statements, not least those made during the Conservative Party leadership campaign, have greatly increased the risk of a disorderly exit of the UK.

And they warned that a disorderly or no-deal Brexit -&nbsp;which Johnson has said he will pursue if the deal is not rewritten before October 31 - would be "very damaging".

"Such an exit will not be mitigated by any form of arrangements or mini deals between the EU and the UK."

The Brexit Steering Group "recalls that there is no transition period without a withdrawal agreement," it said.

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that he was looking forward to working with incoming prime minister Boris Johnson to agree Britain's orderly departure.

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that he was looking forward to working with incoming prime minister Boris Johnson to agree Britain's orderly departure. But Michel Barnier made it clear that Brussels has no plans to renegotiate the divorce deal it signed with Johnson's predecessor Theresa May in November last year. "It's a very important moment for the Brexit. We look forward to hearing what the new prime minister Boris Johnson wants. What are the choices of the UK? Is it an orderly Brexit?" Barnier told the BBC. "The 'no deal' will never be the choice of the EU, but we are prepared... we will work all along the next few weeks or months with the new UK government in the best possible way, in a very constructive spirit to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement." Asked what he thinks of Johnson, who has demanded the deal be reopened, Barnier said he had only met him once, at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, and added: "We will work with him. I think he is clever." Earlier, Barnier had briefed the European Parliament's Brexit steering group, under former Belgian premier Guy Verhofstadt. The MEPs also stuck to Brussels' line that the withdrawal agreement will not be renegotiated. "This is our position it is impossible to change our position," group member Antonio Tajani told reporters. But the MEPS reiterated that they would support EU leaders if they decide to rewrite an accompanying non-binding political declaration to seek "a more ambitious future EU-UK partnership". WATCH: What drove Boris Johnson to the top? × A closer future relation could ensure "the Irish backstop would not be necessary", the group's statement said. Johnson insists the backstop must be removed from the withdrawal agreement, an idea rejected by EU capitals. The group congratulated Johnson but warned that recent statements, not least those made during the Conservative Party leadership campaign, have greatly increased the risk of a disorderly exit of the UK. And they warned that a disorderly or no-deal Brexit - which Johnson has said he will pursue if the deal is not rewritten before October 31 - would be "very damaging". "Such an exit will not be mitigated by any form of arrangements or mini deals between the EU and the UK." The Brexit Steering Group "recalls that there is no transition period without a withdrawal agreement," it said.

European Union will work with 'clever' Johnson: Barnier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-warning-to-pakistan-indian-army-says-loc-relatively-calm-201595">Further provocation by Pakistan along LoC will be met with dire consequences: Indian Army</a>

The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the Line of Control has been "relatively calm".&nbsp;

"In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense &amp; unprovoked firing with heavy calibre weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts &amp; civilian areas with Mortar bombs &amp; heavy Arty (artillery) Guns," the Indian Army said in a statement.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-government-what-it-did-after-it-says-rafale-documents-were-stolen-201562">Supreme Court asks </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-government-what-it-did-after-it-says-rafale-documents-were-stolen-201562">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-asks-government-what-it-did-after-it-says-rafale-documents-were-stolen-201562"> what it did after it says Rafale documents were stolen</a>

The Supreme Court asked the government Wednesday what it did after documents related to the Rafale deal were allegedly stolen from the defence ministry. The allegation was made by Attorney General KK Venugopal.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-solution-for-now-to-break-brexit-deadlock-201582">EU says 'no solution' for now to break Brexit deadlock</a>

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday "no solution" has been found so far to break the deadlock over Brexit, a spokesman reported after the latest negotiations in Brussels.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/school-attended-by-trump-says-it-concealed-his-grades-201574">School Trump went to says it concealed his grades</a>

A military academy that Donald Trump attended as a teenager concealed his academic records in 2011 in response to pressure from Trump allies, The Washington Post reported Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-send-envoy-sohail-mahmood-back-to-india-201537">Pakistan says it is sending High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood back to India</a>

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said Pakistan is sending its envoy back to India and is ready to engage with New Delhi to reduce tensions which are "de-escalating" due to diplomatic efforts by countries like the US, China and Russia.

Further provocation by Pakistan along LoC will be met with dire consequences: Indian Army The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the Line of Control has been "relatively calm".

Further provocation by Pakistan along LoC will be met with dire consequences: Indian Army The Indian Army said Wednesday that post its warning to the Pakistani Army “NOT to target civilian areas”, the Line of Control has been "relatively calm". "In the last 24 hours, the Pakistan Army resorted to intense & unprovoked firing with heavy calibre weapons in selected areas of Krishna Ghati and Sunderbani, targeting Indian posts & civilian areas with Mortar bombs & heavy Arty (artillery) Guns," the Indian Army said in a statement. Supreme Court asks government what it did after it says Rafale documents were stolen The Supreme Court asked the government Wednesday what it did after documents related to the Rafale deal were allegedly stolen from the defence ministry. The allegation was made by Attorney General KK Venugopal. EU says 'no solution' for now to break Brexit deadlock EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday "no solution" has been found so far to break the deadlock over Brexit, a spokesman reported after the latest negotiations in Brussels. School Trump went to says it concealed his grades A military academy that Donald Trump attended as a teenager concealed his academic records in 2011 in response to pressure from Trump allies, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. Pakistan says it is sending High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood back to India Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said Pakistan is sending its envoy back to India and is ready to engage with New Delhi to reduce tensions which are "de-escalating" due to diplomatic efforts by countries like the US, China and Russia.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Both Britain's minister for Brexit Stephen Barclay and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn will visit Brussels next week for talks with EU negotiator Michel Barnier.

"Mr Barnier's door is always open," an EU spokesman said, confirming that Barclay was expected to visit EU headquarters on Monday and Corbyn on Thursday.

Prime Minister Theresa May is also expected in Brussels next week, but the visit has not been confirmed.&nbsp;

Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, but Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to persuade parliament to back a divorce deal.

EU leaders fear severe economic disruption if London leaves the bloc without a follow on agreement providing for a transition period to negotiate a trade deal.

Corbyn has suggested Labour MPs would rescue the withdrawal plan if EU leaders promise to allow Britain to remain in the EU customs union.

May and many of her Conservative MPs reject that idea, but Barnier and EU Council President Donald Tusk have described it as "interesting".

Both Britain's minister for Brexit Stephen Barclay and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn will visit Brussels next week for talks with EU negotiator Michel Barnier.

Both Britain's minister for Brexit Stephen Barclay and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn will visit Brussels next week for talks with EU negotiator Michel Barnier. "Mr Barnier's door is always open," an EU spokesman said, confirming that Barclay was expected to visit EU headquarters on Monday and Corbyn on Thursday. Prime Minister Theresa May is also expected in Brussels next week, but the visit has not been confirmed. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, but Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to persuade parliament to back a divorce deal. EU leaders fear severe economic disruption if London leaves the bloc without a follow on agreement providing for a transition period to negotiate a trade deal. Corbyn has suggested Labour MPs would rescue the withdrawal plan if EU leaders promise to allow Britain to remain in the EU customs union. May and many of her Conservative MPs reject that idea, but Barnier and EU Council President Donald Tusk have described it as "interesting".

New Brexit talks in Brussels next week

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that it was necessary to keep trying to secure an orderly Brexit but she stressed that Germany was prepared if Britain did end up exiting the European Union in a disorderly fashion.

She said she regretted that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/risk-of-no-deal-has-never-seemed-so-high-says-eu-negotiator-after-may-loses-brexit-vote-in-parliament-190702">British parliament had rejected a Brexit deal</a> negotiated with the European Union and said British Prime Minister Theresa May needed to say how Britain would proceed.

"We think now it is up to the British side," Merkel said. "We want to keep damage to a minimum, and there will be damage with the departure of Britain."

"We will of course try to find an orderly solution but we are also prepared for the scenario that there may not be an orderly solution," Merkel added.

EU negotiator Michel Barnier warned on Wednesday that the British Parliament's overwhelming rejection of a negotiated Brexit deal increases the risk that Britain will crash out of the European Union without an agreement.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that it was necessary to keep trying to secure an orderly Brexit but she stressed that Germany was prepared if Britain did end up exiting the European Union in a disorderly fashion.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that it was necessary to keep trying to secure an orderly Brexit but she stressed that Germany was prepared if Britain did end up exiting the European Union in a disorderly fashion. She said she regretted that the British parliament had rejected a Brexit deal negotiated with the European Union and said British Prime Minister Theresa May needed to say how Britain would proceed. "We think now it is up to the British side," Merkel said. "We want to keep damage to a minimum, and there will be damage with the departure of Britain." "We will of course try to find an orderly solution but we are also prepared for the scenario that there may not be an orderly solution," Merkel added. EU negotiator Michel Barnier warned on Wednesday that the British Parliament's overwhelming rejection of a negotiated Brexit deal increases the risk that Britain will crash out of the European Union without an agreement.

We must still strive for orderly Brexit: Angela Merkel

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier denied Thursday a report claiming that London and Brussels had reached a preliminary agreement covering financial services and data.

The Times newspaper said a deal had been struck that would see UK financial services companies retain access to European Union markets after Britain leaves the bloc in March.

Such a deal would guarantee British companies access to EU markets as long as domestic regulations remained broadly aligned with those set by Brussels -- an arrangement called "equivalence".

Barnier called the report "misleading", while British Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman played it down as "speculation".

"Misleading press articles today on Brexit &amp; financial services," Barnier wrote on Twitter.

"Reminder: EU may grant and withdraw equivalence in some financial services autonomously. As with other 3rd countries, EU ready to have close regulatory dialogue with UK in full respect for autonomy of both parties."

British government officials were more positive.

May's spokesman called The Times report "speculation", but added: "While we continue to make good progress, agreeing new arrangements for financial services negotiations are ongoing."

The pound started to rally following the report's publication.

It extended those gains on a signal from the central bank that it stood ready to raise rates in response to early signs of the economy overheating.

The pound stood at a weekly high of about $1.2921 around 1230 GMT. The day's rise of 1.2 per cent was the highest since February, according to Bloomberg data.

British optimism

Financial services are a major part of Britain's economy and access to European markets has been a key concern in the Brexit negotiations.

Currently, the EU would be able to withdraw market access with a month's notice if it decides that a partner country no longer has equivalent financial services regulations.

The report in The Times suggested that neither London nor Brussels would be able to declare unilaterally that regulations had fallen out of equivalence and block access to their markets without first going through independent arbitration and a notice period "significantly longer" than one month.

Britain's Brexit minister Dominic Raab believes a divorce deal with the Brussels could be struck by November 21, it emerged Wednesday, prompting EU leaders to warn this would require a breakthrough within days.

In a letter to a parliamentary scrutiny panel, he wrote: "I would be happy to give evidence to the committee when a deal is finalised, and currently expect 21 November to be suitable."

But Raab's ministry later admitted there was "no set date for the negotiations to conclude".

Most of the divorce deal with Brussels is agreed but talks remain stuck on how to avoid new checks on Britain's land border with EU member Ireland after it leaves the bloc's single market and customs union.

Analysts said reaching a preliminary services agreement with the EU could ease May's job of convincing lawmakers to approve any Ireland border deal.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier denied Thursday a report claiming that London and Brussels had reached a preliminary agreement covering financial services and data.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier denied Thursday a report claiming that London and Brussels had reached a preliminary agreement covering financial services and data. The Times newspaper said a deal had been struck that would see UK financial services companies retain access to European Union markets after Britain leaves the bloc in March. Such a deal would guarantee British companies access to EU markets as long as domestic regulations remained broadly aligned with those set by Brussels -- an arrangement called "equivalence". Barnier called the report "misleading", while British Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman played it down as "speculation". "Misleading press articles today on Brexit & financial services," Barnier wrote on Twitter. "Reminder: EU may grant and withdraw equivalence in some financial services autonomously. As with other 3rd countries, EU ready to have close regulatory dialogue with UK in full respect for autonomy of both parties." British government officials were more positive. May's spokesman called The Times report "speculation", but added: "While we continue to make good progress, agreeing new arrangements for financial services negotiations are ongoing." The pound started to rally following the report's publication. It extended those gains on a signal from the central bank that it stood ready to raise rates in response to early signs of the economy overheating. The pound stood at a weekly high of about $1.2921 around 1230 GMT. The day's rise of 1.2 per cent was the highest since February, according to Bloomberg data. British optimism Financial services are a major part of Britain's economy and access to European markets has been a key concern in the Brexit negotiations. Currently, the EU would be able to withdraw market access with a month's notice if it decides that a partner country no longer has equivalent financial services regulations. The report in The Times suggested that neither London nor Brussels would be able to declare unilaterally that regulations had fallen out of equivalence and block access to their markets without first going through independent arbitration and a notice period "significantly longer" than one month. Britain's Brexit minister Dominic Raab believes a divorce deal with the Brussels could be struck by November 21, it emerged Wednesday, prompting EU leaders to warn this would require a breakthrough within days. In a letter to a parliamentary scrutiny panel, he wrote: "I would be happy to give evidence to the committee when a deal is finalised, and currently expect 21 November to be suitable." But Raab's ministry later admitted there was "no set date for the negotiations to conclude". Most of the divorce deal with Brussels is agreed but talks remain stuck on how to avoid new checks on Britain's land border with EU member Ireland after it leaves the bloc's single market and customs union. Analysts said reaching a preliminary services agreement with the EU could ease May's job of convincing lawmakers to approve any Ireland border deal.

Barnier denies Brexit deal reached on financial services

Britain and the European Union on Monday reached a landmark deal on a transition phase that will see London follow the bloc&#39;s rules for nearly two years after the Brexit divorce.

Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier and his British counterpart David Davis said the agreement, which European leaders will sign at a summit this week, was a &quot;decisive step&quot;.

The two sides also agreed on a &quot;backstop&quot; solution for the thorny issue of the future of the Irish border, just weeks after Prime Minister Theresa May said no British premier could ever accept such an idea.

The deal, secured after what Frenchman Barnier called an &quot;intensive&quot; weekend of talks in Brussels, paves the way for talks on a future trade deal to start next month and sent the pound surging.

&quot;We were able this morning to agree, after all those days and nights of hard work, on a large part of what will be an international agreement for the orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom,&quot; Barnier told a press conference with Davis.

The transition will begin on Brexit day -- March 29, 2019 -- and last until December 31, 2020. During that period, Britain &quot;will no longer participate in the European Union decision-making process,&quot; Barnier said.

&quot;Nevertheless, it will preserve the benefits, the advantages of the single market and the customs union... and will therefore be required to respect all the European rules just like all member states do.&quot;

&nbsp;&#39;Certainty&#39; for the future

Standing against a backdrop of British and EU flags, Davis told the news conference that the 21-month transition &quot;gives the certainty demanded by businesses and citizens across Britain and the European Union.&quot;

Firms across Europe that need to plan their business years in the future have been clamouring for both sides to reach a deal to avoid a cliff-edge departure, and Davis said it was &quot;near enough&quot; the full two years Britain had demanded.

Davis said Britain would be able to sign trade deals with other countries during the transition, despite EU rules saying it should not be while subject to the bloc&#39;s customs rules.

He added that Britain would now allow EU citizens moving to Britain during the transition phase to have the same rights to work and live in the country as those who arrived before, a policy London previously rejected.

May, who reached an outline deal on the divorce with the EU in December, said in a statement that the deal showed that &quot;we can get an arrangement for the future which will be in the interests&quot; of both sides.

Both sides wanted the transition deal in place so that it could be signed off by EU leaders at a Brussels summit on Friday, allowing the unlocking of talks on the future British-EU relationship in April.

&#39;Backstop&#39; solution&nbsp;

Britain meanwhile agreed to the EU&#39;s &quot;backstop&quot; plan for the status of the Irish border, under which British-ruled Northern Ireland would remain part of the EU&#39;s customs union if there is no better idea.

The thorny issue will, however, require further talks to be fully resolved, the two sides said.&nbsp;

The EU insists that any divorce deal must ensure there is no &quot;hard border&quot; between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, saying it could compromise the 1998 peace accord that ended decades of sectarian violence in the British province.

The move appeared to be a climbdown for May, who insisted in February that &quot;no UK prime minister could ever agree&quot; to the plan as it would threaten Britain&#39;s constitutional integrity.

The pro-British party in Northern Ireland that props up her government has previously deemed the backstop arrangement &quot;unacceptable&quot;.

Davis however denied that Britain had backed down, saying it was still pushing for a solution as part of a trade deal which would mean there was no need for the backstop.

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, who met Barnier in Brussels, said on Twitter on Monday that &quot;Brexit negotiations are moving forward.&quot;

Sterling climbed to $1.41 against the dollar and reached 87 pence against the euro on news of the deal.

London and Brussels had already drawn closer in recent days over the poisoning of a Russian ex-spy, with EU foreign ministers on Monday offering &quot;unqualified solidarity&quot; over the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal.&nbsp;

Britain and the European Union on Monday reached a landmark deal on a transition phase that will see London follow the bloc's rules for nearly two years after the Brexit divorce

Britain and the European Union on Monday reached a landmark deal on a transition phase that will see London follow the bloc's rules for nearly two years after the Brexit divorce. Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier and his British counterpart David Davis said the agreement, which European leaders will sign at a summit this week, was a "decisive step". The two sides also agreed on a "backstop" solution for the thorny issue of the future of the Irish border, just weeks after Prime Minister Theresa May said no British premier could ever accept such an idea. The deal, secured after what Frenchman Barnier called an "intensive" weekend of talks in Brussels, paves the way for talks on a future trade deal to start next month and sent the pound surging. "We were able this morning to agree, after all those days and nights of hard work, on a large part of what will be an international agreement for the orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom," Barnier told a press conference with Davis. The transition will begin on Brexit day -- March 29, 2019 -- and last until December 31, 2020. During that period, Britain "will no longer participate in the European Union decision-making process," Barnier said. "Nevertheless, it will preserve the benefits, the advantages of the single market and the customs union... and will therefore be required to respect all the European rules just like all member states do." 'Certainty' for the future Standing against a backdrop of British and EU flags, Davis told the news conference that the 21-month transition "gives the certainty demanded by businesses and citizens across Britain and the European Union." Firms across Europe that need to plan their business years in the future have been clamouring for both sides to reach a deal to avoid a cliff-edge departure, and Davis said it was "near enough" the full two years Britain had demanded. Davis said Britain would be able to sign trade deals with other countries during the transition, despite EU rules saying it should not be while subject to the bloc's customs rules. He added that Britain would now allow EU citizens moving to Britain during the transition phase to have the same rights to work and live in the country as those who arrived before, a policy London previously rejected. May, who reached an outline deal on the divorce with the EU in December, said in a statement that the deal showed that "we can get an arrangement for the future which will be in the interests" of both sides. Both sides wanted the transition deal in place so that it could be signed off by EU leaders at a Brussels summit on Friday, allowing the unlocking of talks on the future British-EU relationship in April. 'Backstop' solution Britain meanwhile agreed to the EU's "backstop" plan for the status of the Irish border, under which British-ruled Northern Ireland would remain part of the EU's customs union if there is no better idea. The thorny issue will, however, require further talks to be fully resolved, the two sides said. The EU insists that any divorce deal must ensure there is no "hard border" between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, saying it could compromise the 1998 peace accord that ended decades of sectarian violence in the British province. The move appeared to be a climbdown for May, who insisted in February that "no UK prime minister could ever agree" to the plan as it would threaten Britain's constitutional integrity. The pro-British party in Northern Ireland that props up her government has previously deemed the backstop arrangement "unacceptable". Davis however denied that Britain had backed down, saying it was still pushing for a solution as part of a trade deal which would mean there was no need for the backstop. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, who met Barnier in Brussels, said on Twitter on Monday that "Brexit negotiations are moving forward." Sterling climbed to $1.41 against the dollar and reached 87 pence against the euro on news of the deal. London and Brussels had already drawn closer in recent days over the poisoning of a Russian ex-spy, with EU foreign ministers on Monday offering "unqualified solidarity" over the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal.

Britain, EU agree Brexit transition deal

Britain has ruled out staying in any customs union with the European Union after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May`s spokesman said on Monday as the government prepares for a crunch week of Brexit talks.

The extent of any British post-Brexit involvement in the EU`s customs union - which binds members into a trade bloc with common external tariffs - has become a major issue of contention inside May`s divided government and Conservative Party.

Membership of the, or a, customs union after Brexit, would prevent London from striking trade deals with countries outside the EU in future.

&quot;The key point, as the prime minister has said on many many occasions, is that we need to have our own independent trade policy and be able to strike trade deals with the rest of the world,&quot; May`s spokesman told reporters.&nbsp;

&quot;We will be leaving the EU and the customs union and it is not government policy to be members of `the` customs union or `a` customs union.&quot;&nbsp;

He said the official negotiating stance had been set out in a document published in August giving: &quot;two possible options and they are: a highly streamlined customs arrangement, and a new customs partnership with the EU.&quot;

The spokesman said Britain was still looking at both options, and no deadline for a decision on which one to pursue had been set.

With just a year left before Britain`s March 2019 exit from the European Union, May`s party remains deeply divided over what sort of relationship should be built between the world`s biggest trading bloc and the world`s sixth-largest economy.

Such are the divisions within May`s government, that the debate over the extent of Britain`s post-Brexit participation in a EU customs union has taken place in public with key ministers offering a range of views.

Brexit Tariff?

While May has repeatedly said that Britain will leave the customs union, some ministers had hoped that Britain could remain in some sort of bespoke customs arrangement with the EU after Brexit.

But supporters of Brexit say one of the main benefits of leaving the bloc will be the ability to strike trade deals with other, faster-growing countries around the world.&nbsp;

The Confederation of British Industry has called for Britain to stay in a customs union and finance minister Philip Hammond last month also left open the possibility of Britain joining a new customs union.

A customs union means that its members apply the same tariff to goods imported into their territory from elsewhere and apply no tariffs to goods from other members. It also limits checks and other bureaucracies at borders between members.

Unless Britain negotiates a new trade deal with the EU, its exports would run into the union`s external tariffs, which average about 5 percent across all goods, including 10 percent for cars and over 200 percent on certain types of poultry.

But May is under pressure from eurosceptic members in her party to quit the trading arrangement because for them the key prize is chance to sign new trade deals with other nations such as the US, China and India.

Britain and the EU are due to hold their first formal discussions about what their future relationship will look like after Britain leaves the EU this week.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier will meet his opposite number, Brexit Secretary David Davis, in London on Monday for the first time since EU leaders told Barnier to negotiate a post-Brexit transition period to ease Britain`s departure.&nbsp;

May will hold two cabinet meetings on Wednesday and Thursday at which she will try to heal the deep divisions among her ministers over the best way to leave the EU.

If no deal is reached by October of this year, many businesses fear Britain could face a disorderly exit that would weaken the West, disrupt the peace in Northern Ireland, imperil Britain&rsquo;s $2.7 trillion economy and undermine

London&rsquo;s position as the only financial centre to rival New York.&nbsp;

A disorderly Brexit as a result of Britain misjudging the &quot;self-preservation&quot; instincts of the European Union could lead to a further downgrade of the UK`s sovereign credit rating, S&amp;P Global also said on Monday.

The extent of any British post-Brexit involvement in the EU`s customs union has become a major issue of contention inside May`s divided government and Conservative Party

Britain has ruled out staying in any customs union with the European Union after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May`s spokesman said on Monday as the government prepares for a crunch week of Brexit talks. The extent of any British post-Brexit involvement in the EU`s customs union - which binds members into a trade bloc with common external tariffs - has become a major issue of contention inside May`s divided government and Conservative Party. Membership of the, or a, customs union after Brexit, would prevent London from striking trade deals with countries outside the EU in future. "The key point, as the prime minister has said on many many occasions, is that we need to have our own independent trade policy and be able to strike trade deals with the rest of the world," May`s spokesman told reporters. "We will be leaving the EU and the customs union and it is not government policy to be members of `the` customs union or `a` customs union." He said the official negotiating stance had been set out in a document published in August giving: "two possible options and they are: a highly streamlined customs arrangement, and a new customs partnership with the EU." The spokesman said Britain was still looking at both options, and no deadline for a decision on which one to pursue had been set. With just a year left before Britain`s March 2019 exit from the European Union, May`s party remains deeply divided over what sort of relationship should be built between the world`s biggest trading bloc and the world`s sixth-largest economy. Such are the divisions within May`s government, that the debate over the extent of Britain`s post-Brexit participation in a EU customs union has taken place in public with key ministers offering a range of views. Brexit Tariff? While May has repeatedly said that Britain will leave the customs union, some ministers had hoped that Britain could remain in some sort of bespoke customs arrangement with the EU after Brexit. But supporters of Brexit say one of the main benefits of leaving the bloc will be the ability to strike trade deals with other, faster-growing countries around the world. The Confederation of British Industry has called for Britain to stay in a customs union and finance minister Philip Hammond last month also left open the possibility of Britain joining a new customs union. A customs union means that its members apply the same tariff to goods imported into their territory from elsewhere and apply no tariffs to goods from other members. It also limits checks and other bureaucracies at borders between members. Unless Britain negotiates a new trade deal with the EU, its exports would run into the union`s external tariffs, which average about 5 percent across all goods, including 10 percent for cars and over 200 percent on certain types of poultry. But May is under pressure from eurosceptic members in her party to quit the trading arrangement because for them the key prize is chance to sign new trade deals with other nations such as the US, China and India. Britain and the EU are due to hold their first formal discussions about what their future relationship will look like after Britain leaves the EU this week. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier will meet his opposite number, Brexit Secretary David Davis, in London on Monday for the first time since EU leaders told Barnier to negotiate a post-Brexit transition period to ease Britain`s departure. May will hold two cabinet meetings on Wednesday and Thursday at which she will try to heal the deep divisions among her ministers over the best way to leave the EU. If no deal is reached by October of this year, many businesses fear Britain could face a disorderly exit that would weaken the West, disrupt the peace in Northern Ireland, imperil Britain’s $2.7 trillion economy and undermine London’s position as the only financial centre to rival New York. A disorderly Brexit as a result of Britain misjudging the "self-preservation" instincts of the European Union could lead to a further downgrade of the UK`s sovereign credit rating, S&P Global also said on Monday.

UK rules out being in a customs union with the EU after Brexit

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