British MPs vote down ''No-Deal'' Brexit

The British parliament was due to vote on Thursday on seeking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leader-donald-tusk-backs-long-delay-if-britain-rethinks-brexit-203291">a last-minute Brexit delay</a>, while Prime Minister Theresa May piled renewed pressure on reluctant lawmakers to back her EU divorce deal at the third time of asking.

Two weeks before Britain is due to leave the European Union, May is using the threat of a long extension to the Brexit deadline to push eurosceptic rebels in her Conservative Party to finally back her deal. That vote could come next week.

May's authority hit an all-time low this week after a series of parliamentary defeats and rebellions, but finance minister Philip Hammond said her plan was back on the agenda.

That plan, struck by May after two-and-a-half years of negotiations with the EU, was defeated heavily in parliament in January and again on Tuesday.

"Quite a number of colleagues changed their mind on this issue between the January vote and the vote earlier this week," Hammond told Sky News.

"It's clear that the House of Commons has to find a consensus around something, and if it isn't the prime minister's deal I think it is likely to be something which is much less to the taste of those on the hard Brexit wing of my party."

Britons voted by 52-48 percent in a 2016 referendum to leave the EU, a decision that has divided the main political parties and exposed deep rifts in British society.

Although parliament on Wednesday voted against the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, the default position if nothing else is agreed remains that Britain will exit without a transition arrangement on March 29, a scenario business leaders warn would bring chaos to markets and supply chains. Brexit supporters say in the longer term it would allow Britain to thrive and forge trade deals across the world.

May will put her deal to another vote if the circumstances are right, her spokesman said.

"If it was felt that it were worthwhile to bring back a new vote, then that's what we would do. But that's a decision we would have to judge on circumstances at the time," he said.

European Union leaders meeting next week will consider pressing Britain to delay Brexit by at least a year to find a way through its domestic deadlock, an EU official said.

"I will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its Brexit strategy and build consensus around it," European Council President Donald Tusk said, referring to EU leaders who will meet May next Thursday and must agree to any extension.

But there was no sign the prospect of a long delay - which could lead to Britain having closer ties to the EU than planned by May or even a second Brexit referendum - was causing a major shift in the views of pro-Brexit lawmakers who have so far thwarted May.

Andrew Bridgen, a eurosceptic from May's Conservative Party accused her of pursuing a "scorched earth" policy of destroying all other Brexit options to leave lawmakers with a choice between her deal and a delay of a year or more.

Another eurosceptic Conservative lawmaker said he would not vote for her deal, even if there was a risk of a long Brexit delay. "If it's a rancid deal, why vote for it?" Mark Francois told BBC television.

BREXIT DAY

May also needs to win over the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) that props up her minority government in parliament and which has so far refused to back her plan.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said the party was working with the government to try to find a way of leaving the EU with a deal.

On Wednesday, parliament rejected leaving the EU without a deal, paving the way for Thursday's vote that could delay Brexit until at least the end of June.

While the motion approved by parliament has no legal force - March 29 remains the day enshrined in law that Britain will leave the EU - and ultimately may not prevent a no-deal exit, it carries considerable political force.

Sterling surged, hitting nine-month highs against the U.S. dollar and a nearly two-year high against the euro, as investors saw less chance of Britain leaving the EU without a transition deal to smooth its exit. It lost some of those gains on Thursday.

Although May supported the idea of ruling out a no-deal Brexit in the short term, she suffered another humiliation when - in an evening of parliamentary mayhem on Wednesday - four of her ministers disobeyed her by abstaining from a vote on an amendment which ruled out a no-deal Brexit in any circumstances. The amendment was passed by parliament.

Italy said it would support a delay if Britain asked for one, a view also backed by an influential member of the European Parliament. But the EU would not change the deal it has agreed with London during any extension or negotiate future ties, said Danuta Hubner, who sits on a panel dealing with Brexit in the European Parliament.

Lawmakers will vote on up to four amendments to May's proposed Brexit delay on Thursday, one of which calls for a second referendum on leaving the EU.

Another, proposed by the opposition Labour Party, calls for May to use a Brexit delay to give parliament time "to find a majority for a different approach".

A third would allow lawmakers to force a discussion of alternative Brexit plans. The fourth opposes the government bringing May's deal back unchanged for a third time.

The British parliament was due to vote on Thursday on seeking a last-minute Brexit delay, while Prime Minister Theresa May piled renewed pressure on reluctant lawmakers to back her EU divorce deal at the third time of asking.

The British parliament was due to vote on Thursday on seeking a last-minute Brexit delay, while Prime Minister Theresa May piled renewed pressure on reluctant lawmakers to back her EU divorce deal at the third time of asking. Two weeks before Britain is due to leave the European Union, May is using the threat of a long extension to the Brexit deadline to push eurosceptic rebels in her Conservative Party to finally back her deal. That vote could come next week. May's authority hit an all-time low this week after a series of parliamentary defeats and rebellions, but finance minister Philip Hammond said her plan was back on the agenda. That plan, struck by May after two-and-a-half years of negotiations with the EU, was defeated heavily in parliament in January and again on Tuesday. "Quite a number of colleagues changed their mind on this issue between the January vote and the vote earlier this week," Hammond told Sky News. "It's clear that the House of Commons has to find a consensus around something, and if it isn't the prime minister's deal I think it is likely to be something which is much less to the taste of those on the hard Brexit wing of my party." Britons voted by 52-48 percent in a 2016 referendum to leave the EU, a decision that has divided the main political parties and exposed deep rifts in British society. Although parliament on Wednesday voted against the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, the default position if nothing else is agreed remains that Britain will exit without a transition arrangement on March 29, a scenario business leaders warn would bring chaos to markets and supply chains. Brexit supporters say in the longer term it would allow Britain to thrive and forge trade deals across the world. May will put her deal to another vote if the circumstances are right, her spokesman said. "If it was felt that it were worthwhile to bring back a new vote, then that's what we would do. But that's a decision we would have to judge on circumstances at the time," he said. European Union leaders meeting next week will consider pressing Britain to delay Brexit by at least a year to find a way through its domestic deadlock, an EU official said. "I will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its Brexit strategy and build consensus around it," European Council President Donald Tusk said, referring to EU leaders who will meet May next Thursday and must agree to any extension. But there was no sign the prospect of a long delay - which could lead to Britain having closer ties to the EU than planned by May or even a second Brexit referendum - was causing a major shift in the views of pro-Brexit lawmakers who have so far thwarted May. Andrew Bridgen, a eurosceptic from May's Conservative Party accused her of pursuing a "scorched earth" policy of destroying all other Brexit options to leave lawmakers with a choice between her deal and a delay of a year or more. Another eurosceptic Conservative lawmaker said he would not vote for her deal, even if there was a risk of a long Brexit delay. "If it's a rancid deal, why vote for it?" Mark Francois told BBC television. BREXIT DAY May also needs to win over the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) that props up her minority government in parliament and which has so far refused to back her plan. DUP leader Arlene Foster said the party was working with the government to try to find a way of leaving the EU with a deal. On Wednesday, parliament rejected leaving the EU without a deal, paving the way for Thursday's vote that could delay Brexit until at least the end of June. While the motion approved by parliament has no legal force - March 29 remains the day enshrined in law that Britain will leave the EU - and ultimately may not prevent a no-deal exit, it carries considerable political force. Sterling surged, hitting nine-month highs against the U.S. dollar and a nearly two-year high against the euro, as investors saw less chance of Britain leaving the EU without a transition deal to smooth its exit. It lost some of those gains on Thursday. Although May supported the idea of ruling out a no-deal Brexit in the short term, she suffered another humiliation when - in an evening of parliamentary mayhem on Wednesday - four of her ministers disobeyed her by abstaining from a vote on an amendment which ruled out a no-deal Brexit in any circumstances. The amendment was passed by parliament. Italy said it would support a delay if Britain asked for one, a view also backed by an influential member of the European Parliament. But the EU would not change the deal it has agreed with London during any extension or negotiate future ties, said Danuta Hubner, who sits on a panel dealing with Brexit in the European Parliament. Lawmakers will vote on up to four amendments to May's proposed Brexit delay on Thursday, one of which calls for a second referendum on leaving the EU. Another, proposed by the opposition Labour Party, calls for May to use a Brexit delay to give parliament time "to find a majority for a different approach". A third would allow lawmakers to force a discussion of alternative Brexit plans. The fourth opposes the government bringing May's deal back unchanged for a third time.

Third vote in 3rd day: UK parliament to vote today on delaying Brexit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-review-petition-security-of-state-supersedes-everything-government-tells-supreme-court-203317">Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court</a>

Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything". The court is hearing a review petition of its earlier judgement in the Rafale case which had said the deal did not need to be investigated for corruption.&nbsp;

The review petition has been filed by former union ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, and the lawyer Prashant Bhushan.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leader-donald-tusk-backs-long-delay-if-britain-rethinks-brexit-203291">EU's Donald Tusk backs 'long' delay if Britain 'rethinks' Brexit</a>

EU leader Donald Tusk said Thursday that European capitals could approve a long delay to Brexit, in a last-ditch push to persuade Prime Minister Theresa May to change her negotiating red lines. &nbsp;&nbsp;

During consultations ahead of next week's EU summit, Tusk said he "will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its Brexit strategy and build consensus around it."

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sp-bsp-will-have-joint-rallies-in-uttar-pradesh-says-akhilesh-203316">Lok Sabha polls: SP &amp; BSP will hold joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh, says Akhilesh</a>

In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday.&nbsp;

'We have planned joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh,' he told ANI in reply to a question about what transpired in his meeting with BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandans-debiefing-complete-he-will-now-go-on-sick-leave-iaf-sources-203327">Wing Commander Abhinandan's debriefing complete, he will now go on sick leave: IAF sources</a>

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-malaysian-schools-shut-after-toxic-waste-dump-203324">Over 100 Malaysian schools shut after </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-malaysian-schools-shut-after-toxic-waste-dump-203324">toxic</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-100-malaysian-schools-shut-after-toxic-waste-dump-203324"> waste dump</a>

Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said.

A lorry is believed to have dumped the waste in southern Johor state last week, sending hazardous fumes across a wide area and causing those affected to display symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting.

Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything".

Rafale review petition: 'Security of state supersedes everything,' government tells Supreme Court Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court Thursday that the "security of state supersedes everything". The court is hearing a review petition of its earlier judgement in the Rafale case which had said the deal did not need to be investigated for corruption. The review petition has been filed by former union ministers Arun Shourie and Yashwant Sinha, and the lawyer Prashant Bhushan. EU's Donald Tusk backs 'long' delay if Britain 'rethinks' Brexit EU leader Donald Tusk said Thursday that European capitals could approve a long delay to Brexit, in a last-ditch push to persuade Prime Minister Theresa May to change her negotiating red lines. During consultations ahead of next week's EU summit, Tusk said he "will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its Brexit strategy and build consensus around it." Lok Sabha polls: SP & BSP will hold joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh, says Akhilesh In Uttar Pradesh, the SP and BSP will hold joint election rallies during the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said here on Thursday. 'We have planned joint rallies in Uttar Pradesh,' he told ANI in reply to a question about what transpired in his meeting with BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday. Wing Commander Abhinandan's debriefing complete, he will now go on sick leave: IAF sources Wing Commander Abhinandan Varathaman's debriefing is now complete, Indian Air Force sources said on Thursday. The news agency ANI quoted the sources as saying Abhinandan will now go on sick leave for a few weeks on the advice of doctors at the army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi. Over 100 Malaysian schools shut after toxic waste dump Over 100 schools in Malaysia have been closed after the dumping of toxic waste into a river caused hundreds of people to fall ill, including many children, authorities said. A lorry is believed to have dumped the waste in southern Johor state last week, sending hazardous fumes across a wide area and causing those affected to display symptoms of poisoning such as nausea and vomiting.

News brief: Big stories of the day

British lawmakers on Wednesday rejected leaving the European Union without a deal in any scenario, paving the way for a vote to delay Brexit to seek a way out of the country's worst political crisis in generations.

Lawmakers voted by 321 to 278 in favour of a motion that ruled out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/orderly-brexit-in-everyones-interest-merkel-203142">a potentially disorderly 'no-deal' Brexit</a> under any circumstances.

It went further than the government's own planned motion, which noted that parliament did not want to leave without a deal on March 29, the leaving date set down in law, but stressed that the default legal position was to leave without a deal unless one was ratified by parliament.

While the approved motion has no legal force and ultimately may not prevent a no-deal exit after a possible delay, it carries considerable political force, especially as it demonstrated a substantial rebellion by members of May's own party.

After two-and-a-half years of negotiations and two failed attempts to pass a Brexit deal proposed by May, the vote against a no-deal exit still leaves undecided how, when and on what terms Britain will leave the club it joined in 1973.

After lawmakers crushed her deal for a second time on Tuesday, May said it was still the best option for leaving in an orderly fashion.

The pound spiked to the day's high and was headed for its biggest daily gain in 2019. [GBP/]

As the United Kingdom's three-year Brexit crisis spins towards its finale, diplomats and investors see four main options: a delay, May's deal passing at the last minute, an accidental no-deal exit or another referendum.

DELAY UNTIL WHEN?

If Britain does seek a delay, it will require the agreement of all the bloc's other 27 members.

The EU would prefer only a short extension, with the deadline of EU-wide parliamentary elections due May 24-26, although it is unclear that this would be long enough to solve the impasse in London.

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc would need to know why Britain wanted to extend talks and that it was up to London to find a way out of the deadlock. The EU said there could be no more negotiations on the divorce terms.

As Brexit uncertainty spills into financial markets across the world, investment banks such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan are offering different probabilities on the outcomes.

"We continue to see a 55 percent chance that a close variant of the prime minister’s Brexit deal is eventually ratified, after a three-month extension of Article 50," Goldman said. It gave a reversal of Brexit a 35 percent probability and a no-deal Brexit 10 percent.

Britons voted by 52-48 percent in 2016 to leave the bloc, a decision that has split the main political parties and exposed deep rifts in British society.

May's deal covers such things as citizens' rights, the status of the Irish border and Britain's divorce bill from the EU. It takes Britain out of the EU single market and customs union, common fisheries and farm policies and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. It also offers a status-quo transition period in which to negotiate trade arrangements.

Under a no-deal exit, there would be no transition period to soften the disruption to trade and regulations. Britain would quit the EU's 500 million-strong single market and customs union and fall back on World Trade Organisation rules, which could mean tariffs on many imports and exports.

British lawmakers on Wednesday rejected leaving the European Union without a deal in any scenario, paving the way for a vote to delay Brexit to seek a way out of the country's worst political crisis in generations.

British lawmakers on Wednesday rejected leaving the European Union without a deal in any scenario, paving the way for a vote to delay Brexit to seek a way out of the country's worst political crisis in generations. Lawmakers voted by 321 to 278 in favour of a motion that ruled out a potentially disorderly 'no-deal' Brexit under any circumstances. It went further than the government's own planned motion, which noted that parliament did not want to leave without a deal on March 29, the leaving date set down in law, but stressed that the default legal position was to leave without a deal unless one was ratified by parliament. While the approved motion has no legal force and ultimately may not prevent a no-deal exit after a possible delay, it carries considerable political force, especially as it demonstrated a substantial rebellion by members of May's own party. After two-and-a-half years of negotiations and two failed attempts to pass a Brexit deal proposed by May, the vote against a no-deal exit still leaves undecided how, when and on what terms Britain will leave the club it joined in 1973. After lawmakers crushed her deal for a second time on Tuesday, May said it was still the best option for leaving in an orderly fashion. The pound spiked to the day's high and was headed for its biggest daily gain in 2019. [GBP/] As the United Kingdom's three-year Brexit crisis spins towards its finale, diplomats and investors see four main options: a delay, May's deal passing at the last minute, an accidental no-deal exit or another referendum. DELAY UNTIL WHEN? If Britain does seek a delay, it will require the agreement of all the bloc's other 27 members. The EU would prefer only a short extension, with the deadline of EU-wide parliamentary elections due May 24-26, although it is unclear that this would be long enough to solve the impasse in London. EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc would need to know why Britain wanted to extend talks and that it was up to London to find a way out of the deadlock. The EU said there could be no more negotiations on the divorce terms. As Brexit uncertainty spills into financial markets across the world, investment banks such as Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan are offering different probabilities on the outcomes. "We continue to see a 55 percent chance that a close variant of the prime minister’s Brexit deal is eventually ratified, after a three-month extension of Article 50," Goldman said. It gave a reversal of Brexit a 35 percent probability and a no-deal Brexit 10 percent. Britons voted by 52-48 percent in 2016 to leave the bloc, a decision that has split the main political parties and exposed deep rifts in British society. May's deal covers such things as citizens' rights, the status of the Irish border and Britain's divorce bill from the EU. It takes Britain out of the EU single market and customs union, common fisheries and farm policies and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. It also offers a status-quo transition period in which to negotiate trade arrangements. Under a no-deal exit, there would be no transition period to soften the disruption to trade and regulations. Britain would quit the EU's 500 million-strong single market and customs union and fall back on World Trade Organisation rules, which could mean tariffs on many imports and exports.

British MPs vote against no-deal Brexit, next up is vote to delay leaving

Brexit chaos: Parliament rejects May's European Union deal again

Theresa May's Brexit Deal rejected

British lawmakers <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-rejects-prime-minister-theresa-mays-brexit-deal-by-149-votes-202966">crushed Prime Minister Theresa May's European Union divorce deal</a> on Tuesday, thrusting Britain deeper into crisis and forcing parliament to decide within days whether to back a no-deal Brexit or seek a last-minute delay.

Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-mays-brexit-deal-defeat-plunges-uk-into-complete-uncertainty-203013">Also Read:&nbsp;Theresa May's Brexit deal defeat plunges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-mays-brexit-deal-defeat-plunges-uk-into-complete-uncertainty-203013">UK</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/theresa-mays-brexit-deal-defeat-plunges-uk-into-complete-uncertainty-203013"> into complete uncertainty</a>

Remain supporters celebrated outside parliament on news that May's deal was rejected, but a leave supporter called the process of exiting the European Union a "farce".

The vote puts the world's fifth largest economy in uncharted territory with no obvious way forward; exiting the EU without a deal, delaying the March 29 divorce date, a snap election or even another referendum are all now possible.

In a tweet, the European Union's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the EU will not negotiate Brexit again.

"Listening to debate in @HouseofCommons : there seems to be a dangerous illusion that the UK can benefit from a transition in the absence of the WA (Withdrawal Agreement). Let me be clear: the only legal basis for a transition is the WA. No withdrawal agreement means no transition," Barnier wrote on his Twitter page.

In a separate tweet, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he regretted the outcome of the vote adding that the "EU continues to stand by the Withdrawal Agreement, including the backstop."

The bloc insists the divorce deal - already rejected by parliament in January - will not be revisited.

It expects Prime Minister Theresa May to ask for a delay to Brexit to avoid economic disruption should Britain leave with no plan in place.

British lawmakers crushed Prime Minister Theresa May's European Union divorce deal on Tuesday, thrusting Britain deeper into crisis and forcing parliament to decide within days whether to back a no-deal Brexit or seek a last-minute delay.

British lawmakers crushed Prime Minister Theresa May's European Union divorce deal on Tuesday, thrusting Britain deeper into crisis and forcing parliament to decide within days whether to back a no-deal Brexit or seek a last-minute delay. Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless. Also Read: Theresa May's Brexit deal defeat plunges UK into complete uncertainty Remain supporters celebrated outside parliament on news that May's deal was rejected, but a leave supporter called the process of exiting the European Union a "farce". The vote puts the world's fifth largest economy in uncharted territory with no obvious way forward; exiting the EU without a deal, delaying the March 29 divorce date, a snap election or even another referendum are all now possible. In a tweet, the European Union's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the EU will not negotiate Brexit again. "Listening to debate in @HouseofCommons : there seems to be a dangerous illusion that the UK can benefit from a transition in the absence of the WA (Withdrawal Agreement). Let me be clear: the only legal basis for a transition is the WA. No withdrawal agreement means no transition," Barnier wrote on his Twitter page. In a separate tweet, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he regretted the outcome of the vote adding that the "EU continues to stand by the Withdrawal Agreement, including the backstop." The bloc insists the divorce deal - already rejected by parliament in January - will not be revisited. It expects Prime Minister Theresa May to ask for a delay to Brexit to avoid economic disruption should Britain leave with no plan in place.

UK parliament rejection of May's deal deepens Brexit division

By Chris Stafford

With just over two weeks to go until Brexit, Theresa May has once again failed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, leaving complete uncertainty about where the nation goes next. May lost the vote on her deal 391 to 242, a slightly higher level of support than in January but still a resounding defeat for a prime minister who increasingly appears to have lost control.

Following the defeat, the Prime Minister confirmed that MPs will now be able to vote on whether to oppose a no-deal Brexit. But she warned that the government would press ahead with planning for a no deal and that MPs would have to acknowledge that their vote does not change EU or UK law. If they fail to make a decision on what to do, no deal remains the default on March 29.

May said this will be a free vote, meaning she will not whip her party into voting to support her. In announcing this, she noted that “just like the referendum there are strongly held and equally legitimate views on both sides”, suggesting that this is another attempt to keep her fragile party together and prevent any more resignations, at least in the short term.

There will then be a vote on March 14 on whether to extend the Brexit process beyond March 29. But in another warning, May said “this does not solve the problems we face”. If MPs vote to extend, she said, the EU will want to know what they intend to do with that time. Do they want to revoke Article 50 entirely? Do they want to hold a second referendum? At the latter question, a large number of MPs cheered – while others shouted “no!”.

May added that she also believes there is still a majority for a deal. No one can doubt her tenacity and staying power. While other ministers have been scrambling to save their own careers and distance themselves from the ongoing mess, the prime minister has been nothing but persistent. Once again, pressure has been mounting on her to resign and although it is doubtful that such an action would really solve anything after her Brexit deal was once again rejected by parliament, even May must be asking herself whether it is worth staying on.

Time to go? 
 
May’s run as prime minister cannot go into the history books as anything other than a failure. To be fair, her inheritance from David Cameron was pretty lousy – a divided party tasked with delivering a major political action that had barely been planned for at all. But the difficulty of this task was compounded by weak leadership, a lack of party discipline and numerous bad decisions. Her latest was to try to sell a minor concession from the EU as a last-minute victory to try and convince MPs to support her deal. Once again, they weren’t buying what she was selling.

Backbench MPs continue to stir up trouble from the sidelines, refusing to follow the party line and facing minimal repercussions for their disloyalty. May’s loss on this latest vote came after the European Research Group of backbenchers held a meeting in their so-called “star chamber”, agreeing to rebel en masse and further suggesting that May has lost control of her party.

The fact that May has managed to make her time as PM last nearly three years with all of this going on is pretty impressive. And there are no clear mechanisms to force her to step down if she decides not to. She has shown she can weather votes of no confidence and she is safe from another party leadership challenge until the end of the year. But following this latest rejection of her Brexit deal, it is hard to see what she can do next or why she would even want to go to all the effort.

Many suspect that May will simply get parliament to vote again, hoping that enough MPs will flinch at the last minute and vote for it to avoid a no deal Brexit. But while not as large as her first defeat, this loss was significant. And with her rivals once again sensing blood in the water, many people probably wouldn’t hold it against her if she just decided to abandon ship like so many before her and get a head start on the lucrative lecturing circuit that has served some of her predecessors so well.

Now what? 
 
We know that the majority of MPs don’t want a no deal, but in voting against May’s deal they have made that much more likely. A vote in parliament against a no deal Brexit has no direct effect on the EU and Jean-Claude Juncker has already warned that there will be no third negotiation. It would be foolish to assume that this is not sincere. That all just makes a no deal more, not less, likely.

Taking this into account, it, therefore, isn’t clear if extending Article 50 will achieve much more than delaying the inevitable. Despite constant assurances from prominent Leavers that the EU will see sense at the last minute and give Britain what it wants, the remarkable outward unity of the EU has not wavered in the nearly three years since the referendum.

The fact is that the EU isn’t prepared to give into unrealistic demands from the UK to the detriment of itself. Given that the EU hasn’t seen fit to amend the terms of the deal by now, it is hard to see that this will change. The EU will likely grant an extension because it won’t want to be seen as forcing a no deal situation, but the fact that an extension into May would likely see Britain having to participate in the next European Parliament elections raises issues for both sides.

Regardless of how well you think she has done in the job, there is little doubting that May has done more or less all she can as prime minister. Delivering Brexit was never going to be an easy task and it has proved all consuming. With other policies failing as a result and her party even more divided, it may now be time for her to her to retire from Number 10 and let her critics in the party make good on their claims that they could do it better.

 
&nbsp;(Chris Stafford is Doctoral Researcher, University of Nottingham)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/theresa-may-loses-another-brexit-vote-is-it-time-she-just-gave-up-113294">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 Chris Stafford With just over two weeks to go until Brexit, Theresa May has once again failed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, leaving complete uncertainty about where the nation goes next.

By Chris Stafford With just over two weeks to go until Brexit, Theresa May has once again failed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, leaving complete uncertainty about where the nation goes next. May lost the vote on her deal 391 to 242, a slightly higher level of support than in January but still a resounding defeat for a prime minister who increasingly appears to have lost control. Following the defeat, the Prime Minister confirmed that MPs will now be able to vote on whether to oppose a no-deal Brexit. But she warned that the government would press ahead with planning for a no deal and that MPs would have to acknowledge that their vote does not change EU or UK law. If they fail to make a decision on what to do, no deal remains the default on March 29. May said this will be a free vote, meaning she will not whip her party into voting to support her. In announcing this, she noted that “just like the referendum there are strongly held and equally legitimate views on both sides”, suggesting that this is another attempt to keep her fragile party together and prevent any more resignations, at least in the short term. There will then be a vote on March 14 on whether to extend the Brexit process beyond March 29. But in another warning, May said “this does not solve the problems we face”. If MPs vote to extend, she said, the EU will want to know what they intend to do with that time. Do they want to revoke Article 50 entirely? Do they want to hold a second referendum? At the latter question, a large number of MPs cheered – while others shouted “no!”. May added that she also believes there is still a majority for a deal. No one can doubt her tenacity and staying power. While other ministers have been scrambling to save their own careers and distance themselves from the ongoing mess, the prime minister has been nothing but persistent. Once again, pressure has been mounting on her to resign and although it is doubtful that such an action would really solve anything after her Brexit deal was once again rejected by parliament, even May must be asking herself whether it is worth staying on. Time to go? May’s run as prime minister cannot go into the history books as anything other than a failure. To be fair, her inheritance from David Cameron was pretty lousy – a divided party tasked with delivering a major political action that had barely been planned for at all. But the difficulty of this task was compounded by weak leadership, a lack of party discipline and numerous bad decisions. Her latest was to try to sell a minor concession from the EU as a last-minute victory to try and convince MPs to support her deal. Once again, they weren’t buying what she was selling. Backbench MPs continue to stir up trouble from the sidelines, refusing to follow the party line and facing minimal repercussions for their disloyalty. May’s loss on this latest vote came after the European Research Group of backbenchers held a meeting in their so-called “star chamber”, agreeing to rebel en masse and further suggesting that May has lost control of her party. The fact that May has managed to make her time as PM last nearly three years with all of this going on is pretty impressive. And there are no clear mechanisms to force her to step down if she decides not to. She has shown she can weather votes of no confidence and she is safe from another party leadership challenge until the end of the year. But following this latest rejection of her Brexit deal, it is hard to see what she can do next or why she would even want to go to all the effort. Many suspect that May will simply get parliament to vote again, hoping that enough MPs will flinch at the last minute and vote for it to avoid a no deal Brexit. But while not as large as her first defeat, this loss was significant. And with her rivals once again sensing blood in the water, many people probably wouldn’t hold it against her if she just decided to abandon ship like so many before her and get a head start on the lucrative lecturing circuit that has served some of her predecessors so well. Now what? We know that the majority of MPs don’t want a no deal, but in voting against May’s deal they have made that much more likely. A vote in parliament against a no deal Brexit has no direct effect on the EU and Jean-Claude Juncker has already warned that there will be no third negotiation. It would be foolish to assume that this is not sincere. That all just makes a no deal more, not less, likely. Taking this into account, it, therefore, isn’t clear if extending Article 50 will achieve much more than delaying the inevitable. Despite constant assurances from prominent Leavers that the EU will see sense at the last minute and give Britain what it wants, the remarkable outward unity of the EU has not wavered in the nearly three years since the referendum. The fact is that the EU isn’t prepared to give into unrealistic demands from the UK to the detriment of itself. Given that the EU hasn’t seen fit to amend the terms of the deal by now, it is hard to see that this will change. The EU will likely grant an extension because it won’t want to be seen as forcing a no deal situation, but the fact that an extension into May would likely see Britain having to participate in the next European Parliament elections raises issues for both sides. Regardless of how well you think she has done in the job, there is little doubting that May has done more or less all she can as prime minister. Delivering Brexit was never going to be an easy task and it has proved all consuming. With other policies failing as a result and her party even more divided, it may now be time for her to her to retire from Number 10 and let her critics in the party make good on their claims that they could do it better. (Chris Stafford is Doctoral Researcher, University of Nottingham) (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.)

Theresa May's Brexit deal defeat plunges UK into complete uncertainty

UK Parliament rejects Theresa May's Brexit deal for second time

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991">China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991">goal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-failure-to-designate-masood-azhar-would-run-counter-to-goal-of-regional-stability-us-202991"> of regional stability: US</a>

China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-rejects-prime-minister-theresa-mays-brexit-deal-by-149-votes-202966">Britain in Brexit chaos: Parliament rejects Theresa May's European Union deal again</a>

Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-test-fires-smart-weapon-for-pafs-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jet-202980">Pakistan test-fires 'smart weapon' for PAF's JF-17 Thunder fighter jet</a>

Amid tensions with India, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that it has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed extended range&nbsp;"smart weapon" from JF-17 Thunder fighter&nbsp;jet to provide it a very potent day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-not-to-suspend-boeing-737-max-plane-federal-aviation-administration-202979">US not to suspend Boeing 737 MAX plane: Federal Aviation Administration</a>

The US aviation regulator said on Tuesday it would not ground&nbsp;Boeing Co 737 MAX planes&nbsp;after a crash in Ethiopia that killed 157 people, bucking a trend of countries around the world that have&nbsp;suspended the aircraft's operations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-talks-end-for-now-with-no-afghan-peace-deal-202982">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-taliban-talks-end-for-now-with-no-afghan-peace-deal-202982">, Taliban talks end for now with no Afghan peace deal</a>

US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their longest round of peace talks on Tuesday with progress made but no agreement on when foreign troops might withdraw, officials from both sides said.

China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to goal of regional stability: US China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee.

China's failure to designate Masood Azhar would run counter to goal of regional stability: US China has been reluctant in declaring Azhar as an international terrorist and has blocked his listing at United Nation's Security Council's 1267 committee. Britain in Brexit chaos: Parliament rejects Theresa May's European Union deal again Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless. Pakistan test-fires 'smart weapon' for PAF's JF-17 Thunder fighter jet Amid tensions with India, Pakistan on Tuesday announced that it has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed extended range "smart weapon" from JF-17 Thunder fighter jet to provide it a very potent day and night capability to engage variety of targets with pinpoint accuracy. US not to suspend Boeing 737 MAX plane: Federal Aviation Administration The US aviation regulator said on Tuesday it would not ground Boeing Co 737 MAX planes after a crash in Ethiopia that killed 157 people, bucking a trend of countries around the world that have suspended the aircraft's operations. US, Taliban talks end for now with no Afghan peace deal US and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their longest round of peace talks on Tuesday with progress made but no agreement on when foreign troops might withdraw, officials from both sides said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-terrorists-shoot-dead-gardener-who-used-to-work-with-the-army-in-pulwama-203102">J&amp;K: Suspected terrorists shoot </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-terrorists-shoot-dead-gardener-who-used-to-work-with-the-army-in-pulwama-203102">dead</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-terrorists-shoot-dead-gardener-who-used-to-work-with-the-army-in-pulwama-203102"> man who had enrolled with the army</a>

Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad.&nbsp;

Ashiq was shot and critically wounded in Pulwama's Pingleena village. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.&nbsp;

Initial reports had suggested Ashiq used to work as a gardener with the Indian Army but that he resigned his job a few months ago.&nbsp;

The army however said Ashiq had enrolled with them on January 15, 2018 but that he deserted eight months later.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-case-government-tells-sc-accessing-of-internal-secret-deliberations-jeopardised-national-security-203114">Rafale case: Petitioners' documents jeopardised national security, </a><a class="gr-progress" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-case-government-tells-sc-accessing-of-internal-secret-deliberations-jeopardised-national-security-203114">government</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-case-government-tells-sc-accessing-of-internal-secret-deliberations-jeopardised-national-security-203114"> tells Supreme Court</a>

The government on Wednesday filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court in the Rafale case, saying that “unauthorisedly-accessed” documents related to “internal secret deliberations” had been presented in a “selective” manner to mislead the top court and amounted to jeopardising national security.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-all-boeing-737-max-planes-now-grounded-government-warns-tomorrow-will-be-real-challenging-day-203110">India: All Boeing 737 Max planes now grounded, government warns tomorrow will be 'real challenging day'</a>

All Boeing 737 Max planes flying in the country have now been grounded. The ban came into effect at 4 pm on Wednesday after two recent crashes of the aircraft, one in Ethiopia this Sunday and one in October last year in Indonesia.&nbsp;

"As of now, all flights of Boeing 737 Max have been grounded," Pradeep Singh Kharola, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said on Wednesday. &nbsp;

Kharola added that the flights were grounded "before the deadline of 4 pm", but he also warned that tomorrow will be "a real challenging day".&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-to-vote-today-on-whether-they-want-no-deal-brexit-203112">British MPs to vote today on whether they want no-deal Brexit</a>

British MPs will vote Wednesday on whether they want to avert a potentially chaotic "no-deal" exit from the EU, as business leaders warned the country was "staring down the precipice" after parliament rejected a divorce agreement.

Parliament is expected to vote against leaving the bloc without a deal — although it remains the default option unless an alternative can be secured by the fast-approaching March 29 Brexit date.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-talks-india-hopes-for-meaningful-talks-may-raise-khalistani-propaganda-with-pakistan-203092">Kartarpur corridor: India hopes for 'meaningful' talks with Pakistan, may raise Khalistan propaganda</a>

India and Pakistan will hold talks on Thursday to decide the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor. The corridor was agreed upon by both countries in November 2018.&nbsp;

The talks will be held on March 14 on the Indian side of the Wagah-Attari border.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

J&K: Suspected terrorists shoot dead man who had enrolled with the army Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad.

J&K: Suspected terrorists shoot dead man who had enrolled with the army Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad. Ashiq was shot and critically wounded in Pulwama's Pingleena village. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Initial reports had suggested Ashiq used to work as a gardener with the Indian Army but that he resigned his job a few months ago. The army however said Ashiq had enrolled with them on January 15, 2018 but that he deserted eight months later. Rafale case: Petitioners' documents jeopardised national security, government tells Supreme Court The government on Wednesday filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court in the Rafale case, saying that “unauthorisedly-accessed” documents related to “internal secret deliberations” had been presented in a “selective” manner to mislead the top court and amounted to jeopardising national security. India: All Boeing 737 Max planes now grounded, government warns tomorrow will be 'real challenging day' All Boeing 737 Max planes flying in the country have now been grounded. The ban came into effect at 4 pm on Wednesday after two recent crashes of the aircraft, one in Ethiopia this Sunday and one in October last year in Indonesia. "As of now, all flights of Boeing 737 Max have been grounded," Pradeep Singh Kharola, secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said on Wednesday. Kharola added that the flights were grounded "before the deadline of 4 pm", but he also warned that tomorrow will be "a real challenging day". British MPs to vote today on whether they want no-deal Brexit British MPs will vote Wednesday on whether they want to avert a potentially chaotic "no-deal" exit from the EU, as business leaders warned the country was "staring down the precipice" after parliament rejected a divorce agreement. Parliament is expected to vote against leaving the bloc without a deal — although it remains the default option unless an alternative can be secured by the fast-approaching March 29 Brexit date. Kartarpur corridor: India hopes for 'meaningful' talks with Pakistan, may raise Khalistan propaganda India and Pakistan will hold talks on Thursday to decide the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor. The corridor was agreed upon by both countries in November 2018. The talks will be held on March 14 on the Indian side of the Wagah-Attari border.

British lawmakers crushingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's deal to quit the European Union on Tuesday, thrusting Brexit into turmoil just 17 days before the planned departure date.

Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless.

The vote puts the world's fifth largest economy in uncharted territory with no obvious way forward; exiting the EU without a deal, delaying the March 29 divorce date, a snap election or even another referendum are all now possible.

May might even try a third time to get parliamentary support in the hope that hardline eurosceptic lawmakers in her Conservative Party, the most vocal critics of her withdrawal treaty, might change their minds if it becomes more likely that Britain might stay in the EU after all.

While she lost, the margin of defeat was smaller than the record 230-vote loss her deal suffered in January.

Lawmakers will now vote on Wednesday on whether Britain should quit the world's biggest trading bloc without a deal, a scenario that business leaders warn would bring chaos to markets and supply chains, and other critics say could cause shortages of food and medicines.

May said the government would not instruct her own party's lawmakers how to vote. An opposition Labour Party spokesman said this meant she had "given up any pretence of leading the country".

Impasse

The prime minister, hoarse after Monday's late-night talks, told lawmakers: "Let me be clear. Voting against leaving without a deal and for an extension does not solve the problems we face."

She said parliament was now at an impasse: "Does it wish to revoke Article 50 (announcing an intention to leave the EU)? Does it want to hold a second referendum? Or does it want to leave with a deal, but not this deal?"

Sterling, which had earlier in the day fallen by 2 per cent to $1.3005, was trading at around $1.3086 shortly after the vote. [GBP/]

Supporters of Brexit argue that, while a "no-deal" divorce might bring some short-term instability, in the longer term it would allow the United Kingdom to thrive and forge beneficial trade deals across the world.

However, parliament is expected firmly to reject a "no-deal" Brexit as well, so lawmakers would then vote again on Thursday - on whether the government should request a delay to the leaving date to allow further talks.

Both May and the EU have already ruled out any other changes to the deal, struck after two-and-a-half years of tortuous negotiations.

'No third chance'

"There will be no third chance," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Monday. "There will be no further interpretations of the interpretations, no further assurances of the reassurances if the 'meaningful vote' tomorrow fails."

A spokesman for European Council President Donald Tusk said he regretted the outcome of the vote, which had "significantly increased the likelihood of a 'no-deal' Brexit".

He said the EU would expect a credible justification for any request to delay Brexit.

Britons voted by 52-48 per cent in 2016 to leave the EU but the decision has not only divided the main parties but also exposed deep rifts in British society, bringing concerns about immigration and globalisation to the fore.

Many fear that Brexit will divide the West as it grapples with both the unconventional U.S. presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China, leaving Britain economically weaker and with its security capabilities depleted.

Supporters say it allows Britain to control immigration and take advantage of global opportunities, striking new trade deals with the United States and others while still keeping close links to the EU, which, even without Britain, would be a single market of 440 million people.

British lawmakers crushingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's deal to quit the European Union on Tuesday, thrusting Brexit into turmoil just 17 days before the planned departure date.

British lawmakers crushingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's deal to quit the European Union on Tuesday, thrusting Brexit into turmoil just 17 days before the planned departure date. Lawmakers voted against May's amended Brexit deal by 391 to 242 as her last-minute talks with EU chiefs on Monday to assuage her critics' concerns ultimately proved fruitless. The vote puts the world's fifth largest economy in uncharted territory with no obvious way forward; exiting the EU without a deal, delaying the March 29 divorce date, a snap election or even another referendum are all now possible. May might even try a third time to get parliamentary support in the hope that hardline eurosceptic lawmakers in her Conservative Party, the most vocal critics of her withdrawal treaty, might change their minds if it becomes more likely that Britain might stay in the EU after all. While she lost, the margin of defeat was smaller than the record 230-vote loss her deal suffered in January. Lawmakers will now vote on Wednesday on whether Britain should quit the world's biggest trading bloc without a deal, a scenario that business leaders warn would bring chaos to markets and supply chains, and other critics say could cause shortages of food and medicines. May said the government would not instruct her own party's lawmakers how to vote. An opposition Labour Party spokesman said this meant she had "given up any pretence of leading the country". Impasse The prime minister, hoarse after Monday's late-night talks, told lawmakers: "Let me be clear. Voting against leaving without a deal and for an extension does not solve the problems we face." She said parliament was now at an impasse: "Does it wish to revoke Article 50 (announcing an intention to leave the EU)? Does it want to hold a second referendum? Or does it want to leave with a deal, but not this deal?" Sterling, which had earlier in the day fallen by 2 per cent to $1.3005, was trading at around $1.3086 shortly after the vote. [GBP/] Supporters of Brexit argue that, while a "no-deal" divorce might bring some short-term instability, in the longer term it would allow the United Kingdom to thrive and forge beneficial trade deals across the world. However, parliament is expected firmly to reject a "no-deal" Brexit as well, so lawmakers would then vote again on Thursday - on whether the government should request a delay to the leaving date to allow further talks. Both May and the EU have already ruled out any other changes to the deal, struck after two-and-a-half years of tortuous negotiations. 'No third chance' "There will be no third chance," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Monday. "There will be no further interpretations of the interpretations, no further assurances of the reassurances if the 'meaningful vote' tomorrow fails." A spokesman for European Council President Donald Tusk said he regretted the outcome of the vote, which had "significantly increased the likelihood of a 'no-deal' Brexit". He said the EU would expect a credible justification for any request to delay Brexit. Britons voted by 52-48 per cent in 2016 to leave the EU but the decision has not only divided the main parties but also exposed deep rifts in British society, bringing concerns about immigration and globalisation to the fore. Many fear that Brexit will divide the West as it grapples with both the unconventional U.S. presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China, leaving Britain economically weaker and with its security capabilities depleted. Supporters say it allows Britain to control immigration and take advantage of global opportunities, striking new trade deals with the United States and others while still keeping close links to the EU, which, even without Britain, would be a single market of 440 million people.

Britain in Brexit chaos: Parliament rejects Theresa May's European Union deal again

The pound tumbled Tuesday after the UK government's top legal advisor cast doubt on Prime Minister Theresa May's last-gasp changes to her Brexit deal hours before a vital vote that few think May can win.

Sterling, which had been rising after May secured revisions to the Brexit withdrawal agreement, hit reverse after legal advice from Attorney General Geoffrey Cox.

"It looks like any hopes of an unlikely victory for the PM's deal later have just been extinguished," said XTB analyst David Cheetham.

Cox said last-minute new agreements "reduce the risk" of Britain being "indefinitely and involuntarily" held in the so-called Irish border backstop.

However, he also warned that "the legal risk remains unchanged" that Britain would have no legal means of ending the controversial backstop without the European Union's agreement.

In reaction, the pound slid to as low as $1.3005 from $1.3143 just before Cox published his advice. The euro jumped to 86.55 pence from 85.75 pence.&nbsp;

Overnight, following news of May's hard-won EU concessions, sterling had struck a three-week peak at $1.3289 and to 84.76 pence per euro -- a level last seen in May 2017.

Nose dive

"Sterling took a nose dive on the back of the Cox statement," said ThinkMarkets analyst Naeem Aslam.

"It was his opinion which matters the most; now that he has made it clear that the recent deal has no weight, the door is wide open for sterling to move lower."

Rabobank analyst Jane Foley said the despite the volatility, the pound remains the best performing G10 currency so far this year.

"Even if May’s deal is not passed today, the market consensus remains of the view that a hard Brexit will be avoided and this view continues to provide underlying support for the pound."

If the deal is voted down, MPs will Wednesday vote on whether Britain should simply leave on March 29 without any deal at all.

London's stock market, meanwhile, did well on Tuesday, as is often the case when sterling is weak.

Frankfurt closed lower and Paris slightly up.

On Wall Street the DJIA index was lower in the early New York afternoon, but the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq both rose.

Boeing shares lost more than six per cent on the second day of a rout for the airline's stock as several governments closed their countries' airspace to 737 MAX planes and airlines grounded the aircraft following a crash in Ethiopia.

The pound tumbled Tuesday after the UK government's top legal advisor cast doubt on Prime Minister Theresa May's last-gasp changes to her Brexit deal hours before a vital vote that few think May can win.

The pound tumbled Tuesday after the UK government's top legal advisor cast doubt on Prime Minister Theresa May's last-gasp changes to her Brexit deal hours before a vital vote that few think May can win. Sterling, which had been rising after May secured revisions to the Brexit withdrawal agreement, hit reverse after legal advice from Attorney General Geoffrey Cox. "It looks like any hopes of an unlikely victory for the PM's deal later have just been extinguished," said XTB analyst David Cheetham. Cox said last-minute new agreements "reduce the risk" of Britain being "indefinitely and involuntarily" held in the so-called Irish border backstop. However, he also warned that "the legal risk remains unchanged" that Britain would have no legal means of ending the controversial backstop without the European Union's agreement. In reaction, the pound slid to as low as $1.3005 from $1.3143 just before Cox published his advice. The euro jumped to 86.55 pence from 85.75 pence. Overnight, following news of May's hard-won EU concessions, sterling had struck a three-week peak at $1.3289 and to 84.76 pence per euro -- a level last seen in May 2017. Nose dive "Sterling took a nose dive on the back of the Cox statement," said ThinkMarkets analyst Naeem Aslam. "It was his opinion which matters the most; now that he has made it clear that the recent deal has no weight, the door is wide open for sterling to move lower." Rabobank analyst Jane Foley said the despite the volatility, the pound remains the best performing G10 currency so far this year. "Even if May’s deal is not passed today, the market consensus remains of the view that a hard Brexit will be avoided and this view continues to provide underlying support for the pound." If the deal is voted down, MPs will Wednesday vote on whether Britain should simply leave on March 29 without any deal at all. London's stock market, meanwhile, did well on Tuesday, as is often the case when sterling is weak. Frankfurt closed lower and Paris slightly up. On Wall Street the DJIA index was lower in the early New York afternoon, but the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both rose. Boeing shares lost more than six per cent on the second day of a rout for the airline's stock as several governments closed their countries' airspace to 737 MAX planes and airlines grounded the aircraft following a crash in Ethiopia.

Brexit tension sends pound tumbling

British Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-may-warns-mps-brexit-could-be-lost-if-they-vote-down-deal-202926">Theresa May's Brexit deal</a> was headed for defeat in a historic vote in parliament Tuesday, pitching Britain into the unknown just 17 days before it is scheduled to leave the European Union.

Parliament's failure to back the divorce terms could unleash economic chaos — it raises the risk of Britain severing ties with its biggest trade partner on March 29 without a deal after 46 years of EU membership.

May had dashed off to Strasbourg on Monday to wrest concessions from EU leaders in a last-gasp bid to win parliament's blessing in one of its most consequential votes in generations.

The British leader announced that she had secured the "legally binding changes" to the vexing issue of the Irish border that lawmakers had long sought.

But Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, who provides the government with independent legal advice, said the risk in the most contentious points of the 585-page withdrawal deal agreed with the EU "remains unchanged".

May's initial deal with Brussels on unwinding Britain's EU membership suffered an overwhelming defeat at the hands of MPs in January, with anti-Brexit MPs and hardliners forming an unlikely alliance.

The European Research Group of Brexit hardliners in May's Conservative Party and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which gives May her working majority in parliament, both came out against the deal on Tuesday.

The main opposition Labour Party also opposes it.

The pound reversed the gains it had made after May's announcement on Monday and tumbled after Cox's advice was released.

'Nothing has really changed' 
The so-called "backstop" solution for the Irish border — designed to avert sectarian violence from returning to Britain's Northern Ireland — is opposed by more ardent Brexit supporters.

They pressed May to secure the right for Britain to pull out of the arrangement or to make it time limited.&nbsp;

But Brussels has called it essential for preserving the bloc's external border after Brexit.

The DUP said in a statement that "sufficient progress has not been achieved at this time" and called for a "sensible deal".

The DUP's consent was seen as vital for swaying members of May's own party to soften their opposition and either back the deal or abstain in the vote.

But there was scant evidence of support for May's compromise in Conservative ranks.

"Nothing has really changed, and it is still a bad deal so unable to vote for this," Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns tweeted.

'Brexit could be lost' 
May warned lawmakers in a desperate last attempt to sway them that "Brexit could be lost" if they voted against her Tuesday.

"I think everybody needs to recognise, for those who genuinely want to deliver Brexit, that actually if this deal does not go through tonight, then this house risks no Brexit at all," May said.

Leaders across Europe also united behind a message that this was the best and final offer Britain could expect.

"There will be no third chance," European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said after his talks on Monday with May.

And German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that the EU was making "far-reaching proposals that take into account the concerns of Great Britain and to find answers for them".

No-deal and delay 
Another defeat would tee up additional votes on the way ahead that May has promised in a bid to preserve unity inside her fractured government.

One on Wednesday would decide whether Britain should simply leave on March 29 without any deal at all.

That option is fraught with economic dangers and is backed only by hardcore proponents of the divorce.

The "no-deal" scenario's likely defeat would lead to a vote on Thursday on requesting a delay to Brexit from the EU.

The other 27 nations would need to back the extension unanimously and decide how long it should be. Their leaders will meet in Brussels for a summit on March 21-22.

But any postponement may have to be short-lived.

Juncker on Monday said a delay beyond European Parliament elections at the end of May would mean Britain would have to take part in the polls.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was headed for defeat in a historic vote in parliament Tuesday, pitching Britain into the unknown just 17 days before it is scheduled to leave the European Union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was headed for defeat in a historic vote in parliament Tuesday, pitching Britain into the unknown just 17 days before it is scheduled to leave the European Union. Parliament's failure to back the divorce terms could unleash economic chaos — it raises the risk of Britain severing ties with its biggest trade partner on March 29 without a deal after 46 years of EU membership. May had dashed off to Strasbourg on Monday to wrest concessions from EU leaders in a last-gasp bid to win parliament's blessing in one of its most consequential votes in generations. The British leader announced that she had secured the "legally binding changes" to the vexing issue of the Irish border that lawmakers had long sought. But Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, who provides the government with independent legal advice, said the risk in the most contentious points of the 585-page withdrawal deal agreed with the EU "remains unchanged". May's initial deal with Brussels on unwinding Britain's EU membership suffered an overwhelming defeat at the hands of MPs in January, with anti-Brexit MPs and hardliners forming an unlikely alliance. The European Research Group of Brexit hardliners in May's Conservative Party and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which gives May her working majority in parliament, both came out against the deal on Tuesday. The main opposition Labour Party also opposes it. The pound reversed the gains it had made after May's announcement on Monday and tumbled after Cox's advice was released. 'Nothing has really changed' The so-called "backstop" solution for the Irish border — designed to avert sectarian violence from returning to Britain's Northern Ireland — is opposed by more ardent Brexit supporters. They pressed May to secure the right for Britain to pull out of the arrangement or to make it time limited. But Brussels has called it essential for preserving the bloc's external border after Brexit. The DUP said in a statement that "sufficient progress has not been achieved at this time" and called for a "sensible deal". The DUP's consent was seen as vital for swaying members of May's own party to soften their opposition and either back the deal or abstain in the vote. But there was scant evidence of support for May's compromise in Conservative ranks. "Nothing has really changed, and it is still a bad deal so unable to vote for this," Conservative MP Andrea Jenkyns tweeted. 'Brexit could be lost' May warned lawmakers in a desperate last attempt to sway them that "Brexit could be lost" if they voted against her Tuesday. "I think everybody needs to recognise, for those who genuinely want to deliver Brexit, that actually if this deal does not go through tonight, then this house risks no Brexit at all," May said. Leaders across Europe also united behind a message that this was the best and final offer Britain could expect. "There will be no third chance," European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said after his talks on Monday with May. And German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday that the EU was making "far-reaching proposals that take into account the concerns of Great Britain and to find answers for them". No-deal and delay Another defeat would tee up additional votes on the way ahead that May has promised in a bid to preserve unity inside her fractured government. One on Wednesday would decide whether Britain should simply leave on March 29 without any deal at all. That option is fraught with economic dangers and is backed only by hardcore proponents of the divorce. The "no-deal" scenario's likely defeat would lead to a vote on Thursday on requesting a delay to Brexit from the EU. The other 27 nations would need to back the extension unanimously and decide how long it should be. Their leaders will meet in Brussels for a summit on March 21-22. But any postponement may have to be short-lived. Juncker on Monday said a delay beyond European Parliament elections at the end of May would mean Britain would have to take part in the polls.

UK parliament poised to vote down Theresa May's Brexit deal

Prime Minister Theresa May warned MPs that Britain may end up not leaving the European Union if they vote against the deal she has agreed with Brussels later on Tuesday.

"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-to-vote-tonight-on-prime-minister-mays-tweaked-brexit-deal-202873">If this vote is not passed tonight</a>, if this deal is not passed, then Brexit could be lost," she told parliament, sounding extremely hoarse.

Prime Minister Theresa May warned MPs that Britain may end up not leaving the European Union if they vote against the deal she has agreed with Brussels later on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Theresa May warned MPs that Britain may end up not leaving the European Union if they vote against the deal she has agreed with Brussels later on Tuesday. "If this vote is not passed tonight, if this deal is not passed, then Brexit could be lost," she told parliament, sounding extremely hoarse.

British PM May warns MPs 'Brexit could be lost' if they vote down deal

The United Kingdom's attorney general has said the government's last-ditch legal changes to the Brexit agreement reduced but did not rule out the risk that the country could be indefinitely bound to the Irish backstop clause, jeopardizing the prime minister's ambitions to assuage rebellious party members as she puts the agreement to a parliamentary vote on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Geoffrey Cox, whose job it is to present the House of Commons with independent legal advice on the UK's withdrawal from the European Union before the so-called meaningful vote on Theresa May's deal, said in a statement, his opinion had not changed since he first brought it to the lower chamber of lawmaking last year.&nbsp;

"In my letter of 13 November 2018, I advised that the protocol [ie, the backstop] would endure indefinitely in international law and could not be brought to an end in the absence of a subsequent agreement," he said.

"This would remain the case even if parties were still negotiating many years later, and even if the parties believed that talks have clearly broken down and there was no prospect of a future relationship agreement."&nbsp;

The backstop, which looks to safeguard the soft border on the island of Ireland should Brexit talks collapse, proved hugely unpopular with pro-Brexit MPs in May's Conservative Party, who thought its potentially indefinite nature and the UK's inability to withdraw from it unilaterally, as per Cox's previous legal statement, eroded the UK's sovereignty and did not deliver a true withdrawal from the EU.&nbsp;

The Democratic Unionist Party, a right-wing outfit from Northern Ireland, also protested the backstop, saying it could keep the UK territory in Ireland bound to EU customs regulations to preserve the free-flowing border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state.&nbsp;

In a previous meaningful vote on Jan. 15, hardline Tories including Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the hardline pro-Brexit European Research Group, spearheaded a rebellion against May's deal and helped shoot it down by a House majority of 230; this historic defeat for a sitting UK PM was bellowed by a large number of MPs voting against Brexit altogether.&nbsp;

Soon after the defeat, the Commons passed an amendment requiring May to return to Brussels in search of legally-binding changes to the withdrawal agreement.&nbsp;

Speaking in Strasbourg following a meeting with EU leaders, May assured reporters she had secured the necessary legally-binding tweaks to ensure the UK would not be indefinitely tied to the backstop protocol, adding the government would also set out a mechanism which would "ultimately" allow the UK to unliterary "dis-apply" the measure should it see fit.&nbsp;

May was unable to reopen the withdrawal agreement itself, but revealed the changes as part of a "joint instrument with comparable legal weight."&nbsp;

In his statement, Cox said the legal add-ons could reduce the possibility the UK was indefinitely bound to the backstop.

The European Research Group, an affiliation of Tories who campaign for a harder Brexit, demanded the PM secure an ability to unilaterally abandon the backstop as part of her haul of legal alterations to the text.&nbsp;

But Cox contradicted that, too.&nbsp;

He said that, while in his political judgment that the EU and the UK would draw up a comprehensive plan to replace the backstop, the UK would nonetheless be unable to abandon the accord unilaterally.&nbsp;

"However, the legal risk remains unchanged that if through no such demonstrable failure of either party, but simply because of intractable differences, that situation does arise, the United Kingdom would have, at least while the fundamental circumstances remained the same, no internationally lawful means of exiting the Protocol’s arrangements, save by agreement," he said.&nbsp;

Cox delivered his legal advice to a full house at the Commons.&nbsp;

He earlier dismissed rumours that he had refused to change his legal advice following May's meetings with EU heads.&nbsp;

Responding to a suggestion to that end from prominent UK journalist Jon Snow, Cox replied on Twitter with a simple and quintessentially British message: "Bollocks."

His legal advice will likely dictate how the ERG decides to vote following Tuesday's debate.&nbsp;

If May loses once again, the Commons is scheduled to vote on two further motions: one on whether to embrace a no-deal Brexit and another on whether to extend the negotiations period, which had been set at two years, ending on Mar. 31.&nbsp;

Some 52 per cent of voters chose to leave the bloc in a referendum in June 2016.

The United Kingdom's attorney general has said the government's last-ditch legal changes to the Brexit agreement reduced but did not rule out the risk that the country could be indefinitely bound to the Irish backstop clause, jeopardizing the prime minister's ambitions to assuage rebellious party members as she puts the agreement to a parliamentary vote on Tuesday.

The United Kingdom's attorney general has said the government's last-ditch legal changes to the Brexit agreement reduced but did not rule out the risk that the country could be indefinitely bound to the Irish backstop clause, jeopardizing the prime minister's ambitions to assuage rebellious party members as she puts the agreement to a parliamentary vote on Tuesday. Geoffrey Cox, whose job it is to present the House of Commons with independent legal advice on the UK's withdrawal from the European Union before the so-called meaningful vote on Theresa May's deal, said in a statement, his opinion had not changed since he first brought it to the lower chamber of lawmaking last year. "In my letter of 13 November 2018, I advised that the protocol [ie, the backstop] would endure indefinitely in international law and could not be brought to an end in the absence of a subsequent agreement," he said. "This would remain the case even if parties were still negotiating many years later, and even if the parties believed that talks have clearly broken down and there was no prospect of a future relationship agreement." The backstop, which looks to safeguard the soft border on the island of Ireland should Brexit talks collapse, proved hugely unpopular with pro-Brexit MPs in May's Conservative Party, who thought its potentially indefinite nature and the UK's inability to withdraw from it unilaterally, as per Cox's previous legal statement, eroded the UK's sovereignty and did not deliver a true withdrawal from the EU. The Democratic Unionist Party, a right-wing outfit from Northern Ireland, also protested the backstop, saying it could keep the UK territory in Ireland bound to EU customs regulations to preserve the free-flowing border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state. In a previous meaningful vote on Jan. 15, hardline Tories including Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the hardline pro-Brexit European Research Group, spearheaded a rebellion against May's deal and helped shoot it down by a House majority of 230; this historic defeat for a sitting UK PM was bellowed by a large number of MPs voting against Brexit altogether. Soon after the defeat, the Commons passed an amendment requiring May to return to Brussels in search of legally-binding changes to the withdrawal agreement. Speaking in Strasbourg following a meeting with EU leaders, May assured reporters she had secured the necessary legally-binding tweaks to ensure the UK would not be indefinitely tied to the backstop protocol, adding the government would also set out a mechanism which would "ultimately" allow the UK to unliterary "dis-apply" the measure should it see fit. May was unable to reopen the withdrawal agreement itself, but revealed the changes as part of a "joint instrument with comparable legal weight." In his statement, Cox said the legal add-ons could reduce the possibility the UK was indefinitely bound to the backstop. The European Research Group, an affiliation of Tories who campaign for a harder Brexit, demanded the PM secure an ability to unilaterally abandon the backstop as part of her haul of legal alterations to the text. But Cox contradicted that, too. He said that, while in his political judgment that the EU and the UK would draw up a comprehensive plan to replace the backstop, the UK would nonetheless be unable to abandon the accord unilaterally. "However, the legal risk remains unchanged that if through no such demonstrable failure of either party, but simply because of intractable differences, that situation does arise, the United Kingdom would have, at least while the fundamental circumstances remained the same, no internationally lawful means of exiting the Protocol’s arrangements, save by agreement," he said. Cox delivered his legal advice to a full house at the Commons. He earlier dismissed rumours that he had refused to change his legal advice following May's meetings with EU heads. Responding to a suggestion to that end from prominent UK journalist Jon Snow, Cox replied on Twitter with a simple and quintessentially British message: "Bollocks." His legal advice will likely dictate how the ERG decides to vote following Tuesday's debate. If May loses once again, the Commons is scheduled to vote on two further motions: one on whether to embrace a no-deal Brexit and another on whether to extend the negotiations period, which had been set at two years, ending on Mar. 31. Some 52 per cent of voters chose to leave the bloc in a referendum in June 2016.

May's legal changes do not rule out indefinite backstop: UK Attorney General

British MPs will vote on May's deal this evening

The future of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-in-peril-as-pm-may-faces-heavy-defeat-202425">Britain's exit from the European Union</a> hung in the balance on Tuesday as lawmakers prepared to vote on a divorce deal after Prime Minister Theresa May won last-minute assurances from the European Union.

Scrambling to plot an orderly path out of the Brexit maze just days before the United Kingdom is due to leave, May rushed to Strasbourg on Monday to agree 'legally binding' assurances with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

British lawmakers, who on January 15 voted 432-202 against her deal, were on Tuesday studying the assurances with lawyers. The government's top lawyer, Geoffrey Cox, is due to give his opinion on Tuesday ahead of the vote due around 1900 GMT.

"We have secured legal changes," May said in a late night news conference in Strasbourg beside Juncker, 17 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29.

May said the assurances created an arbitration channel for any disputes on the backstop, "entrenches in legally-binding form" existing commitments that it will be temporary and binds the UK and EU to starting work on replacing the backstop with other arrangements by December 2020.

After two-and-a-half years of haggling since the 2016 Brexit referendum, Juncker cautioned this was the last chance for Britain. "It is this deal or Brexit might not happen at all," he said.

Sterling rose 1.5 percent against the dollar and to a near two-year high against the euro.

If lawmakers vote down May's deal, she has promised a vote on Wednesday on whether to leave without a deal and, if they reject that, then a vote on whether to ask for a limited delay to Brexit.

The United Kingdom's labyrinthine crisis over EU membership is approaching its finale with an array of possible outcomes, including a delay, a last-minute deal, a no-deal Brexit, a snap election or even another referendum.

Brexit will pitch the world's fifth largest economy into the unknown and many fear it will divide the West as it grapples with both the unconventional U.S. presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China.

BREXIT VOTE

Supporters of Brexit say while the divorce might bring some short-term instability, in the longer term it will allow the United Kingdom to thrive and also enable deeper EU integration without such a powerful reluctant member.

Brexit-supporting lawmakers in May's party had accused her of botching the negotiations with Brussels. Many Brexiteers fear the backstop, aimed at avoiding controls on the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland, could trap the United Kingdom in the EU's orbit indefinitely.

May announced three documents - a joint instrument, a joint statement and a unilateral declaration - which she said were aimed at addressing the Irish backstop, the most contentious part of the divorce deal she agreed with the EU in November.

Former Brexit Secretary David Davis welcomed the requirement to make alternative arrangements for the backstop, the date and the international arbitration.

"All those things together, make this just about, just about acceptable to me but it depends very, very heavily on a robust, clear response from (Attorney General Geoffrey) Cox," Davis told Talk Radio. "If Geoffrey Cox is at all equivocal about it then I think it will fall again."

The immediate reaction was cautious from Brexit-supporting lawmakers and from the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May's minority government.

"We will be taking appropriate advice, scrutinising the text line by line and forming our own judgement," a DUP spokesman said.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of a faction in May’s Conservative Party demanding a clean break from the EU, also said he was waiting for legal advice. "This has been desperately rushed," he told the BBC. "I think it would be better to have the vote tomorrow when people had more mature consideration."

The motion put forward by the government said the joint instrument "reduces the risk" that the United Kingdom would be trapped in the backstop.

If the backstop comes into force and talks on the future relationship break down, May said the unilateral declaration she announced would make clear there was nothing to stop London from moving to leave the backstop.

Former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, an opponent of Brexit, said the changes to May's deal did not make a material difference.

The future of Britain's exit from the European Union hung in the balance on Tuesday as lawmakers prepared to vote on a divorce deal after Prime Minister Theresa May won last-minute assurances from the European Union.

The future of Britain's exit from the European Union hung in the balance on Tuesday as lawmakers prepared to vote on a divorce deal after Prime Minister Theresa May won last-minute assurances from the European Union. Scrambling to plot an orderly path out of the Brexit maze just days before the United Kingdom is due to leave, May rushed to Strasbourg on Monday to agree 'legally binding' assurances with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. British lawmakers, who on January 15 voted 432-202 against her deal, were on Tuesday studying the assurances with lawyers. The government's top lawyer, Geoffrey Cox, is due to give his opinion on Tuesday ahead of the vote due around 1900 GMT. "We have secured legal changes," May said in a late night news conference in Strasbourg beside Juncker, 17 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29. May said the assurances created an arbitration channel for any disputes on the backstop, "entrenches in legally-binding form" existing commitments that it will be temporary and binds the UK and EU to starting work on replacing the backstop with other arrangements by December 2020. After two-and-a-half years of haggling since the 2016 Brexit referendum, Juncker cautioned this was the last chance for Britain. "It is this deal or Brexit might not happen at all," he said. Sterling rose 1.5 percent against the dollar and to a near two-year high against the euro. If lawmakers vote down May's deal, she has promised a vote on Wednesday on whether to leave without a deal and, if they reject that, then a vote on whether to ask for a limited delay to Brexit. The United Kingdom's labyrinthine crisis over EU membership is approaching its finale with an array of possible outcomes, including a delay, a last-minute deal, a no-deal Brexit, a snap election or even another referendum. Brexit will pitch the world's fifth largest economy into the unknown and many fear it will divide the West as it grapples with both the unconventional U.S. presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China. BREXIT VOTE Supporters of Brexit say while the divorce might bring some short-term instability, in the longer term it will allow the United Kingdom to thrive and also enable deeper EU integration without such a powerful reluctant member. Brexit-supporting lawmakers in May's party had accused her of botching the negotiations with Brussels. Many Brexiteers fear the backstop, aimed at avoiding controls on the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland, could trap the United Kingdom in the EU's orbit indefinitely. May announced three documents - a joint instrument, a joint statement and a unilateral declaration - which she said were aimed at addressing the Irish backstop, the most contentious part of the divorce deal she agreed with the EU in November. Former Brexit Secretary David Davis welcomed the requirement to make alternative arrangements for the backstop, the date and the international arbitration. "All those things together, make this just about, just about acceptable to me but it depends very, very heavily on a robust, clear response from (Attorney General Geoffrey) Cox," Davis told Talk Radio. "If Geoffrey Cox is at all equivocal about it then I think it will fall again." The immediate reaction was cautious from Brexit-supporting lawmakers and from the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May's minority government. "We will be taking appropriate advice, scrutinising the text line by line and forming our own judgement," a DUP spokesman said. Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of a faction in May’s Conservative Party demanding a clean break from the EU, also said he was waiting for legal advice. "This has been desperately rushed," he told the BBC. "I think it would be better to have the vote tomorrow when people had more mature consideration." The motion put forward by the government said the joint instrument "reduces the risk" that the United Kingdom would be trapped in the backstop. If the backstop comes into force and talks on the future relationship break down, May said the unilateral declaration she announced would make clear there was nothing to stop London from moving to leave the backstop. Former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, an opponent of Brexit, said the changes to May's deal did not make a material difference.

UK parliament to vote tonight on Prime Minister May's tweaked Brexit deal

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/world/theresa-may-faces-heavy-defeat-in-parliament-as-brexit-crisis-grips-britain-202344">Brexit could be reversed</a> if lawmakers reject the government's exit deal, British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Sunday after two major eurosceptic factions in parliament warned that Prime Minister Theresa May was facing a heavy defeat.

Just 19 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29, May is scrambling — so far unsuccessfully — to secure last-minute changes to an EU exit treaty before parliament votes on Tuesday on whether to approve the deal.

If she fails, lawmakers are expected to force May to seek a delay to Brexit which some say could see the 2016 decision to leave the bloc reversed. Others argue that, without a delay, Britain faces an economic shock if it leaves without a deal.

"We have an opportunity now to leave on March 29 or shortly thereafter and it's important we grasp that opportunity because there is wind in the sails of people trying to stop Brexit," Hunt told the BBC. "We are in very perilous waters."

The United Kingdom’s labyrinthine crisis over EU membership is approaching its finale with an extraordinary array of options including a delay, a last-minute deal, no-deal Brexit, a snap election or even another referendum.

The ultimate outcome remains unclear, though most diplomats and investors say Brexit will define the United Kingdom's prosperity for generations to come.

The government has previously tried to use the risk of Brexit being reversed as a way to convince eurosceptics to back May's deal despite their deep reservations about it.

"If you want to stop Brexit you only need to do three things: kill this deal, get an extension, and then have a second referendum. Within three weeks, those people could have two of those three things ... and quite possibly the third one could be on the way."

Nigel Dodds, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May's minority government, and Steve Baker, a leading figure in the large eurosceptic faction of her Conservative party, warned, "the political situation is grim".

"An unchanged withdrawal agreement will be defeated firmly by a sizeable proportion of Conservatives and the DUP if it is again presented to the Commons," they wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.

The opposition Labour Party's Brexit spokesman, Keir Starmer, said his party should support staying in the EU if there was a second referendum.

However, he said the party would not be seeking to secure support in parliament for a second referendum on Tuesday.

The Sunday Times said May was battling to save her job as aides were considering persuading her to offer to resign in a bid to get the deal approved. The newspaper also said cabinet ministers had spoken about whether to insist she goes as early as this week.

Total uncertainty

Parliament rejected May's deal by 230 votes on January 15, prompting her to return to Brussels in search of changes to address the so-called Irish backstop - an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Many British lawmakers object to the policy on the grounds that it could leave Britain subject to EU rules indefinitely and cleave Northern Ireland away from the rest of the country.

But May's attempts to get the clause rewritten have so far failed to yield any result.

Hunt said Tuesday's vote would definitely go ahead, and that it was too soon to say that negotiations with the EU had "run into the sands". He said realism and a lot of work was needed from both Britain and the EU to get a deal.

If lawmakers reject May's deal on Tuesday, she has promised to let them vote the next day on whether to leave without a deal on March 29. If they reject that, then on Thursday they are due to vote on a "limited" delay.

France's EU affairs minister Nathalie Loiseau told France Inter radio that she did not see any value in extending the window for talks.

"More time, to do what? We've had two years ... If there's nothing new, more time will not do anything other than usher in more uncertainty, and uncertainty just creates anxiety," Loiseau said. "It's not time that we need, but a decision."

Amid the political chaos, many company chiefs are aghast at London’s handling of Brexit and say it has already damaged Britain’s reputation as Europe’s pre-eminent destination for foreign investment.

"Business is holding its breath ahead of the votes in parliament this week, knowing that if Brexit has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected," said James Stewart, head of Brexit at KPMG UK.

"Companies are now split on whether an extension to the Brexit timeline is a good thing. Some of those who prepared early are locked into March specific contingency plans. Those carrying additional inventory know an extension will squeeze their cash flow for longer."

Brexit could be reversed if lawmakers reject the government's exit deal, British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Sunday after two major eurosceptic factions in parliament warned that Prime Minister Theresa May was facing a heavy defeat.

Brexit could be reversed if lawmakers reject the government's exit deal, British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Sunday after two major eurosceptic factions in parliament warned that Prime Minister Theresa May was facing a heavy defeat. Just 19 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29, May is scrambling — so far unsuccessfully — to secure last-minute changes to an EU exit treaty before parliament votes on Tuesday on whether to approve the deal. If she fails, lawmakers are expected to force May to seek a delay to Brexit which some say could see the 2016 decision to leave the bloc reversed. Others argue that, without a delay, Britain faces an economic shock if it leaves without a deal. "We have an opportunity now to leave on March 29 or shortly thereafter and it's important we grasp that opportunity because there is wind in the sails of people trying to stop Brexit," Hunt told the BBC. "We are in very perilous waters." The United Kingdom’s labyrinthine crisis over EU membership is approaching its finale with an extraordinary array of options including a delay, a last-minute deal, no-deal Brexit, a snap election or even another referendum. The ultimate outcome remains unclear, though most diplomats and investors say Brexit will define the United Kingdom's prosperity for generations to come. The government has previously tried to use the risk of Brexit being reversed as a way to convince eurosceptics to back May's deal despite their deep reservations about it. "If you want to stop Brexit you only need to do three things: kill this deal, get an extension, and then have a second referendum. Within three weeks, those people could have two of those three things ... and quite possibly the third one could be on the way." Nigel Dodds, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May's minority government, and Steve Baker, a leading figure in the large eurosceptic faction of her Conservative party, warned, "the political situation is grim". "An unchanged withdrawal agreement will be defeated firmly by a sizeable proportion of Conservatives and the DUP if it is again presented to the Commons," they wrote in the Sunday Telegraph. The opposition Labour Party's Brexit spokesman, Keir Starmer, said his party should support staying in the EU if there was a second referendum. However, he said the party would not be seeking to secure support in parliament for a second referendum on Tuesday. The Sunday Times said May was battling to save her job as aides were considering persuading her to offer to resign in a bid to get the deal approved. The newspaper also said cabinet ministers had spoken about whether to insist she goes as early as this week. Total uncertainty Parliament rejected May's deal by 230 votes on January 15, prompting her to return to Brussels in search of changes to address the so-called Irish backstop - an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Many British lawmakers object to the policy on the grounds that it could leave Britain subject to EU rules indefinitely and cleave Northern Ireland away from the rest of the country. But May's attempts to get the clause rewritten have so far failed to yield any result. Hunt said Tuesday's vote would definitely go ahead, and that it was too soon to say that negotiations with the EU had "run into the sands". He said realism and a lot of work was needed from both Britain and the EU to get a deal. If lawmakers reject May's deal on Tuesday, she has promised to let them vote the next day on whether to leave without a deal on March 29. If they reject that, then on Thursday they are due to vote on a "limited" delay. France's EU affairs minister Nathalie Loiseau told France Inter radio that she did not see any value in extending the window for talks. "More time, to do what? We've had two years ... If there's nothing new, more time will not do anything other than usher in more uncertainty, and uncertainty just creates anxiety," Loiseau said. "It's not time that we need, but a decision." Amid the political chaos, many company chiefs are aghast at London’s handling of Brexit and say it has already damaged Britain’s reputation as Europe’s pre-eminent destination for foreign investment. "Business is holding its breath ahead of the votes in parliament this week, knowing that if Brexit has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected," said James Stewart, head of Brexit at KPMG UK. "Companies are now split on whether an extension to the Brexit timeline is a good thing. Some of those who prepared early are locked into March specific contingency plans. Those carrying additional inventory know an extension will squeeze their cash flow for longer."

Brexit may be reversed if MPs reject deal: UK foreign minister

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

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

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

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

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal faces a heavy defeat in parliament on Tuesday because she has so far secured no major changes from the European Union, the leaders of two major eurosceptic factions in parliament said on Sunday.

Just 19 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29, May is scrambling - so far unsuccessfully - to secure last-minute changes to an EU exit treaty before parliament votes on Tuesday on whether to approve the deal.

If she fails, lawmakers are expected to force May to seek a delay to Brexit which some fear could see the 2016 decision to leave the bloc reversed. Others argue that without a delay Britain faces an economic shock if it leaves without a deal.

Nigel Dodds, the deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May's minority government, and Steve Baker, a leading figure in the large eurosceptic faction of her Conservative party, warned, "the political situation is grim".

"An unchanged withdrawal agreement will be defeated firmly by a sizeable proportion of Conservatives and the DUP if it is again presented to the Commons," they wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.

The Sunday Times said May was battling to save her job as aides were considering persuading her to offer to resign in a bid to get the deal approved. The newspaper also said cabinet ministers have spoken about whether to insist she goes as early as this week.

The United Kingdom’s labyrinthine crisis over EU membership is approaching its finale with an extraordinary array of options including a delay, a last-minute deal, no-deal Brexit, a snap election or even another referendum.

The ultimate outcome remains unclear, though most diplomats and investors say Brexit will define the United Kingdom's prosperity for generations to come.

Total uncertainty

Parliament rejected May's deal by 230 votes on January 15, prompting the British leader to return to Brussels in search of changes to address the so-called Irish backstop - an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Many British lawmakers object to the policy on the grounds that it could leave Britain subject to EU rules indefinitely and cleave Northern Ireland away from the rest of the country.

But, May's attempts to get the clause rewritten have so far failed to yield any result, with EU negotiators unwilling to meet her demands, and Britain rejecting a compromise offer.

If lawmakers reject May's deal on Tuesday, she has promised to let them vote the next day on whether to leave without a deal on March 29. If they reject that, then on Thursday they are due to vote on a "limited" delay.

"In the event of this vote on Tuesday not going through, nobody knows what would happen. In everything that followed there would be total uncertainty - that would be the only certainty," health minister Matt Hancock told Sky News.

Britain's opposition Labour Party should support staying in the EU if there is a second referendum, the party's Brexit spokesman, Keir Starmer, said on Sunday.

However, Starmer said the party would not be seeking to secure support in parliament for a second referendum on Tuesday.

Amid the political chaos, many company chiefs are aghast at London’s handling of Brexit and say it has already damaged Britain’s reputation as Europe’s pre-eminent destination for foreign investment.

"Business is holding its breath ahead of the votes in parliament this week, knowing that if Brexit has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected," said James Stewart, head of Brexit at KPMG UK.

"Companies are now split on whether an extension to the Brexit timeline is a good thing. Some of those who prepared early are locked into March specific contingency plans. Those carrying additional inventory know an extension will squeeze their cash flow for longer."

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal faces a heavy defeat in parliament on Tuesday because she has so far secured no major changes from the European Union, the leaders of two major eurosceptic factions in parliament said on Sunday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal faces a heavy defeat in parliament on Tuesday because she has so far secured no major changes from the European Union, the leaders of two major eurosceptic factions in parliament said on Sunday. Just 19 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on March 29, May is scrambling - so far unsuccessfully - to secure last-minute changes to an EU exit treaty before parliament votes on Tuesday on whether to approve the deal. If she fails, lawmakers are expected to force May to seek a delay to Brexit which some fear could see the 2016 decision to leave the bloc reversed. Others argue that without a delay Britain faces an economic shock if it leaves without a deal. Nigel Dodds, the deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May's minority government, and Steve Baker, a leading figure in the large eurosceptic faction of her Conservative party, warned, "the political situation is grim". "An unchanged withdrawal agreement will be defeated firmly by a sizeable proportion of Conservatives and the DUP if it is again presented to the Commons," they wrote in the Sunday Telegraph. The Sunday Times said May was battling to save her job as aides were considering persuading her to offer to resign in a bid to get the deal approved. The newspaper also said cabinet ministers have spoken about whether to insist she goes as early as this week. The United Kingdom’s labyrinthine crisis over EU membership is approaching its finale with an extraordinary array of options including a delay, a last-minute deal, no-deal Brexit, a snap election or even another referendum. The ultimate outcome remains unclear, though most diplomats and investors say Brexit will define the United Kingdom's prosperity for generations to come. Total uncertainty Parliament rejected May's deal by 230 votes on January 15, prompting the British leader to return to Brussels in search of changes to address the so-called Irish backstop - an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Many British lawmakers object to the policy on the grounds that it could leave Britain subject to EU rules indefinitely and cleave Northern Ireland away from the rest of the country. But, May's attempts to get the clause rewritten have so far failed to yield any result, with EU negotiators unwilling to meet her demands, and Britain rejecting a compromise offer. If lawmakers reject May's deal on Tuesday, she has promised to let them vote the next day on whether to leave without a deal on March 29. If they reject that, then on Thursday they are due to vote on a "limited" delay. "In the event of this vote on Tuesday not going through, nobody knows what would happen. In everything that followed there would be total uncertainty - that would be the only certainty," health minister Matt Hancock told Sky News. Britain's opposition Labour Party should support staying in the EU if there is a second referendum, the party's Brexit spokesman, Keir Starmer, said on Sunday. However, Starmer said the party would not be seeking to secure support in parliament for a second referendum on Tuesday. Amid the political chaos, many company chiefs are aghast at London’s handling of Brexit and say it has already damaged Britain’s reputation as Europe’s pre-eminent destination for foreign investment. "Business is holding its breath ahead of the votes in parliament this week, knowing that if Brexit has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected," said James Stewart, head of Brexit at KPMG UK. "Companies are now split on whether an extension to the Brexit timeline is a good thing. Some of those who prepared early are locked into March specific contingency plans. Those carrying additional inventory know an extension will squeeze their cash flow for longer."

Theresa May faces heavy defeat in parliament as Brexit crisis grips Britain

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

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

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

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

Britain cannot accept an EU proposal to break <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-near-standstill-as-brexit-approaches-survey-201345">the deadlock in the Brexit talks</a> because it would threaten the unity of the United Kingdom by treating Northern Ireland differently, the chairman of the ruling Conservative Party said.

The issue of how to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland is at the heart of the dispute between London and Brussels after British lawmakers objected to the so-called backstop insurance policy which they believe would keep the whole of the UK trapped in an EU customs union.

Less than three weeks before Britain leaves the European Union, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Friday Britain could have the unilateral right to leave their customs union after Brexit.

However, Northern Ireland would have to remain in the EU's trade orbit to prevent the need for any customs checks on the border with EU-member Ireland.

"We are not going to have an agreement that compromises the unity of the United Kingdom," Brandon Lewis told BBC radio. "The proposal that Michel Barnier put out yesterday would compromise the strength of the union."

Lawmakers will vote again on Tuesday on whether to accept the deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May. The government has so far failed to secure changes to the divorce deal that could gain the backing of lawmakers, after they roundly rejected it in January.

Lewis said talks would continue over the weekend.

Britain cannot accept an EU proposal to break the deadlock in the Brexit talks because it would threaten the unity of the United Kingdom by treating Northern Ireland differently, the chairman of the ruling Conservative Party said.

Britain cannot accept an EU proposal to break the deadlock in the Brexit talks because it would threaten the unity of the United Kingdom by treating Northern Ireland differently, the chairman of the ruling Conservative Party said. The issue of how to maintain an open border on the island of Ireland is at the heart of the dispute between London and Brussels after British lawmakers objected to the so-called backstop insurance policy which they believe would keep the whole of the UK trapped in an EU customs union. Less than three weeks before Britain leaves the European Union, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Friday Britain could have the unilateral right to leave their customs union after Brexit. However, Northern Ireland would have to remain in the EU's trade orbit to prevent the need for any customs checks on the border with EU-member Ireland. "We are not going to have an agreement that compromises the unity of the United Kingdom," Brandon Lewis told BBC radio. "The proposal that Michel Barnier put out yesterday would compromise the strength of the union." Lawmakers will vote again on Tuesday on whether to accept the deal struck by Prime Minister Theresa May. The government has so far failed to secure changes to the divorce deal that could gain the backing of lawmakers, after they roundly rejected it in January. Lewis said talks would continue over the weekend.

UK will not accept Brexit deal that puts union at risk: Conservative Party chairman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talks between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-says-no-solution-for-now-to-break-brexit-deadlock-201582">British and EU officials</a> to break the Brexit deadlock will "almost certainly" last into the weekend, Britain's attorney general said on Thursday, ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote in London next week.

With just three weeks to go until the scheduled departure date of March 29, the concern is growing about the possibility of Britain crashing out of the bloc after 46 years of membership with no deal in place.

Ahead of Tuesday's vote, the British government of Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking legally-binding changes to the agreement it struck with the EU in November but which was resoundingly rejected by parliament in January.

"These discussions are running, they're going to be resuming very shortly, they're going to be continuing almost certainly throughout the weekend," Geoffrey Cox, who is leading the talks, told British MPs.

Talks have focused on the current deal's so-called "backstop" solution, designed to keep the Irish border open but which critics say could lock Britain into a customs union with the EU indefinitely.

'Still waiting for proposal'

On a visit to Britain, France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau urged British politicians to "live up to the moment" as they prepared for the vote.

"So far, we are still waiting for a proposal from London, it's really a British initiative which has to come," she said.

But she later insisted on BBC radio the EU "cannot reopen" the withdrawal agreement "because it is balanced."

"The solution is on the table. The withdrawal agreement is the best possible solution."

Cox rejected criticism that Britain had not presented viable plans to the EU, telling MPs the proposals were "detailed, coherent, careful" and "as clear as day".

No-deal risks 'bitterness'&nbsp;

European Commission secretary general Martin Selmayr said progress was still possible, despite the failure of talks in Brussels so far.

"These things often happen at the very last minute," he told a Brookings Institution event in Washington.

"We have to wait for the next couple of days and weeks. We have to be very patient."

Loiseau said the EU did not want to activate the backstop either but rejected Britain's calls for an escape mechanism to be built into it, saying "what is not possible is that one of the parties decide unilaterally to leave".

If May loses Tuesday's vote, MPs will then vote on Wednesday on whether to proceed without a deal.

If MPs reject that outcome, they would then vote on Thursday on whether to ask the EU for a delay.

The request for a delay would have to be accepted unanimously by all member states and Britain would have to leave the EU on March 29 if it is rejected.

Loiseau said France had been "preparing for all scenarios" and that no deal "will not be a disaster for France or the European Union", although was concerned it could trigger cross-Channel animosity.

"I'm worried that... there would be bitterness between nations and there would be British-bashing in France and French-bashing or European-bashing in London," she told the Guardian newspaper.

"Why would be there be an extension without a reason?" Loiseau said.

"We have been in discussions for quite a long time now. There needs to be something specific to justify an extension," she added, pointing out that was the position of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Talks between British and EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock will "almost certainly" last into the weekend, Britain's attorney general said on Thursday, ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote in London next week.

Talks between British and EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock will "almost certainly" last into the weekend, Britain's attorney general said on Thursday, ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote in London next week. With just three weeks to go until the scheduled departure date of March 29, the concern is growing about the possibility of Britain crashing out of the bloc after 46 years of membership with no deal in place. Ahead of Tuesday's vote, the British government of Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking legally-binding changes to the agreement it struck with the EU in November but which was resoundingly rejected by parliament in January. "These discussions are running, they're going to be resuming very shortly, they're going to be continuing almost certainly throughout the weekend," Geoffrey Cox, who is leading the talks, told British MPs. Talks have focused on the current deal's so-called "backstop" solution, designed to keep the Irish border open but which critics say could lock Britain into a customs union with the EU indefinitely. 'Still waiting for proposal' On a visit to Britain, France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau urged British politicians to "live up to the moment" as they prepared for the vote. "So far, we are still waiting for a proposal from London, it's really a British initiative which has to come," she said. But she later insisted on BBC radio the EU "cannot reopen" the withdrawal agreement "because it is balanced." "The solution is on the table. The withdrawal agreement is the best possible solution." Cox rejected criticism that Britain had not presented viable plans to the EU, telling MPs the proposals were "detailed, coherent, careful" and "as clear as day". No-deal risks 'bitterness' European Commission secretary general Martin Selmayr said progress was still possible, despite the failure of talks in Brussels so far. "These things often happen at the very last minute," he told a Brookings Institution event in Washington. "We have to wait for the next couple of days and weeks. We have to be very patient." Loiseau said the EU did not want to activate the backstop either but rejected Britain's calls for an escape mechanism to be built into it, saying "what is not possible is that one of the parties decide unilaterally to leave". If May loses Tuesday's vote, MPs will then vote on Wednesday on whether to proceed without a deal. If MPs reject that outcome, they would then vote on Thursday on whether to ask the EU for a delay. The request for a delay would have to be accepted unanimously by all member states and Britain would have to leave the EU on March 29 if it is rejected. Loiseau said France had been "preparing for all scenarios" and that no deal "will not be a disaster for France or the European Union", although was concerned it could trigger cross-Channel animosity. "I'm worried that... there would be bitterness between nations and there would be British-bashing in France and French-bashing or European-bashing in London," she told the Guardian newspaper. "Why would be there be an extension without a reason?" Loiseau said. "We have been in discussions for quite a long time now. There needs to be something specific to justify an extension," she added, pointing out that was the position of French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

UK eyes weekend talks to break Brexit deadlock

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

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

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

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

Theresa May's lawyer struggles for Brexit deal

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

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

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

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

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