Prime Minister Theresa May has suffered 16 resignations from her government since last November, eight of which have been related to her approach to Brexit. Here is the list:

1) Michael Fallon&nbsp; 
Resigned as defence minister in November 2017 after a journalist accused him of sexual harassment.

2) Priti Patel&nbsp; 
The aid minister also resigned in November 2017 over undisclosed meetings with Israeli officials.

3) Damian Green&nbsp; 
Quit in December 2017 from his role as May`s effective deputy after an internal investigation found he had made misleading comments about pornography on computers in his parliamentary office.

4) Justine Greening&nbsp; 
She resigned in January after refusing to take a new job in a cabinet reshuffle.

5) Amber Rudd&nbsp; 
Stepped down as Home Secretary (interior minister) in April over the government`s treatment of some long-term Caribbean residents who were wrongly labelled illegal immigrants.&nbsp;

6) Greg Hands 
The junior trade minister resigned from the government in June to oppose its plans to build a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport

7) Phillip Lee&nbsp; 
A junior justice minister, Lee resigned over the government`s handling of Brexit in June.

8) David Davis 
He quit as Brexit Secretary in July in protest at May`s "Chequers" plan to keep close trade ties with the EU after Brexit.

9) Steve Baker 
He resigned as a junior Brexit minister in July, also over the Chequers plan.

10) Boris Johnson 
Resigned as foreign secretary in July over the Chequers plan.

11) Andrew Griffiths 
The minister for small businesses resigned over allegations around a sex-text scandal in July.

12) Guto Bebb 
A junior defence minister, he resigned in July after voting against a government-backed Brexit amendment.

13) Tracey Crouch 
She resigned as sports minister earlier this month, accusing the government of delaying a proposed reform of gambling regulations. The government later changed its mind.

&nbsp;14) Jo Johnson 
The junior transport minister, younger brother of Boris, resigned last week, calling for another referendum to avoid the vassalage or chaos that he said May`s Brexit plan would unleash. Unlike his brother, Jo Johnson campaigned for Britain to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum.

15) Shailesh Vara 
The junior Northern Ireland minister resigned from the government on Thursday after the cabinet approved a draft divorce deal, saying this will leave the UK "in a half-way house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation."&nbsp;

16) Dominic Raab Britain`s Brexit minister resigned on Thursday in protest at the government`s plans for leaving the European Union, saying that the Irish "backstop" arrangement was now the starting point for discussions on future ties, which could severely prejudice the second phase of negotiations.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Theresa May has suffered 16 resignations from her government since last November, eight of which have been related to her approach to Brexit. Here is the list: 1) Michael Fallon Resigned as defence minister in November 2017 after a journalist accused him of sexual harassment.

Prime Minister Theresa May has suffered 16 resignations from her government since last November, eight of which have been related to her approach to Brexit. Here is the list: 1) Michael Fallon Resigned as defence minister in November 2017 after a journalist accused him of sexual harassment. 2) Priti Patel The aid minister also resigned in November 2017 over undisclosed meetings with Israeli officials. 3) Damian Green Quit in December 2017 from his role as May`s effective deputy after an internal investigation found he had made misleading comments about pornography on computers in his parliamentary office. 4) Justine Greening She resigned in January after refusing to take a new job in a cabinet reshuffle. 5) Amber Rudd Stepped down as Home Secretary (interior minister) in April over the government`s treatment of some long-term Caribbean residents who were wrongly labelled illegal immigrants. 6) Greg Hands The junior trade minister resigned from the government in June to oppose its plans to build a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport 7) Phillip Lee A junior justice minister, Lee resigned over the government`s handling of Brexit in June. 8) David Davis He quit as Brexit Secretary in July in protest at May`s "Chequers" plan to keep close trade ties with the EU after Brexit. 9) Steve Baker He resigned as a junior Brexit minister in July, also over the Chequers plan. 10) Boris Johnson Resigned as foreign secretary in July over the Chequers plan. 11) Andrew Griffiths The minister for small businesses resigned over allegations around a sex-text scandal in July. 12) Guto Bebb A junior defence minister, he resigned in July after voting against a government-backed Brexit amendment. 13) Tracey Crouch She resigned as sports minister earlier this month, accusing the government of delaying a proposed reform of gambling regulations. The government later changed its mind. 14) Jo Johnson The junior transport minister, younger brother of Boris, resigned last week, calling for another referendum to avoid the vassalage or chaos that he said May`s Brexit plan would unleash. Unlike his brother, Jo Johnson campaigned for Britain to stay in the EU in the 2016 referendum. 15) Shailesh Vara The junior Northern Ireland minister resigned from the government on Thursday after the cabinet approved a draft divorce deal, saying this will leave the UK "in a half-way house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation." 16) Dominic Raab Britain`s Brexit minister resigned on Thursday in protest at the government`s plans for leaving the European Union, saying that the Irish "backstop" arrangement was now the starting point for discussions on future ties, which could severely prejudice the second phase of negotiations.

Factbox: A year of resignations from UK PM May's government

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asia-stocks-shaken-by-plunge-in-crude-oil-growth-worries-177178">Asian stocks</a> edged up on Thursday as a steep slide in crude oil prices which had chilled investor sentiment slowed, while the pound and euro were supported after British Prime Minister Theresa May gained cabinet support for a Brexit deal.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.15 per cent. The index had declined 0.4 per cent the previous day as plunging oil prices heightened anxiety about the outlook for broad demand and global growth.

Australian stocks rose 0.15 per cent while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.5 per cent.

All the same, stock market gains in Asia were limited after Wall Street extended their recent decline.

The S&amp;P 500 fell for a fifth straight day overnight as financial stocks were hit by fears that banking industry regulations would tighten once the Democratic Party takes control of the House of Representatives.

US equities were also pressured by lingering concerns that earnings growth might be peaking, intensifying trade tensions and a slowing global economy - factors that had triggered a rout in riskier assets in October.

"If US stocks are to bounce back, economic indicators will be key," said Junichi Ishikawa, senior forex strategist at IG Securities in Tokyo.

"Immediate focus will be on today's US retail sales data, which will provide a view of how private consumption -the main component of economic growth- is faring."

US retail sales for October will be released at 1330 GMT.

In currencies, the pound and euro kept gains made after British Prime Minister May's cabinet gave backing on her Brexit deal. May now has to gain the support of parliament, though it is unclear whether she has enough votes to clinch approval.

The pound was a shade higher at $1.12987 after peaking at $1.3072 on Wednesday, when it tacked on 0.1 per cent.

The euro was little changed at $1.1311 having advanced 0.2 per cent overnight.

The single currency's upside was limited by uncertainty on how European Union officials would react to Italy's latest fiscal proposal after they rejected a version of it last month for violation of certain EU rules.

Italy on Wednesday re-submitted its draft 2019 budget to the European Commission with the same growth and deficit assumptions as a draft rejected for breaking European Union rules, stepping up its showdown with the EU over its fiscal policy.

The dollar index against a basket of six major currencies was 0.1 per cent lower at 97.213, nudged down by the firmer pound and euro.

US crude was a shade lower at $55.92 per barrel after gaining 1 per cent overnight, snapping a 12 day losing run on growing prospects that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers would cut output.&nbsp;

With global demand concerns also causing the steepest one-day loss for oil in more than three years on Tuesday, the market reversed course after Reuters reported that OPEC and its partners were discussing a proposal to cut output by up to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), more than officials had mentioned previously.

Asian stocks edged up on Thursday as a steep slide in crude oil prices which had chilled investor sentiment slowed, while the pound and euro were supported after British Prime Minister Theresa May gained cabinet support for a Brexit deal.

Asian stocks edged up on Thursday as a steep slide in crude oil prices which had chilled investor sentiment slowed, while the pound and euro were supported after British Prime Minister Theresa May gained cabinet support for a Brexit deal. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.15 per cent. The index had declined 0.4 per cent the previous day as plunging oil prices heightened anxiety about the outlook for broad demand and global growth. Australian stocks rose 0.15 per cent while Japan's Nikkei shed 0.5 per cent. All the same, stock market gains in Asia were limited after Wall Street extended their recent decline. The S&P 500 fell for a fifth straight day overnight as financial stocks were hit by fears that banking industry regulations would tighten once the Democratic Party takes control of the House of Representatives. US equities were also pressured by lingering concerns that earnings growth might be peaking, intensifying trade tensions and a slowing global economy - factors that had triggered a rout in riskier assets in October. "If US stocks are to bounce back, economic indicators will be key," said Junichi Ishikawa, senior forex strategist at IG Securities in Tokyo. "Immediate focus will be on today's US retail sales data, which will provide a view of how private consumption -the main component of economic growth- is faring." US retail sales for October will be released at 1330 GMT. In currencies, the pound and euro kept gains made after British Prime Minister May's cabinet gave backing on her Brexit deal. May now has to gain the support of parliament, though it is unclear whether she has enough votes to clinch approval. The pound was a shade higher at $1.12987 after peaking at $1.3072 on Wednesday, when it tacked on 0.1 per cent. The euro was little changed at $1.1311 having advanced 0.2 per cent overnight. The single currency's upside was limited by uncertainty on how European Union officials would react to Italy's latest fiscal proposal after they rejected a version of it last month for violation of certain EU rules. Italy on Wednesday re-submitted its draft 2019 budget to the European Commission with the same growth and deficit assumptions as a draft rejected for breaking European Union rules, stepping up its showdown with the EU over its fiscal policy. The dollar index against a basket of six major currencies was 0.1 per cent lower at 97.213, nudged down by the firmer pound and euro. US crude was a shade lower at $55.92 per barrel after gaining 1 per cent overnight, snapping a 12 day losing run on growing prospects that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers would cut output. With global demand concerns also causing the steepest one-day loss for oil in more than three years on Tuesday, the market reversed course after Reuters reported that OPEC and its partners were discussing a proposal to cut output by up to 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd), more than officials had mentioned previously.

Asia edges up as oil slide slows; pound, euro firm on Brexit optimism

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/theresa-may-says-no-brexit-is-an-alternative-to-draft-deal-177526">UK PM May says 'no Brexit' is alternative to draft deal after 4 ministers quit</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May told British MPs Thursday that they faced the possibility of Britain exiting the EU with no deal or no Brexit at all if they failed to back her draft agreement with Brussels.

"We can choose to leave with no deal, we can risk no Brexit at all or we can choose to unite and support the best deal that can be negotiated," May told parliament, to cheers from some lawmakers when she mentioned the possibility of no Brexit.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-killing-saudi-arabia-says-crown-prince-salman-was-not-involved-5-others-face-death-penalty-for-the-murder-177533">Khashoggi killing: Saudi Arabia says Crown Prince Salman was not involved, 5 others face </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-killing-saudi-arabia-says-crown-prince-salman-was-not-involved-5-others-face-death-penalty-for-the-murder-177533">death</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-killing-saudi-arabia-says-crown-prince-salman-was-not-involved-5-others-face-death-penalty-for-the-murder-177533"> penalty</a>

Five Saudi officials face the death penalty for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi who was dismembered inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate, but Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was not involved, the prosecutor said Thursday.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-double-murder-after-killing-3-accused-went-to-police-station-confessed-177525">Delhi double murder: After killing, 3 accused went to </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-double-murder-after-killing-3-accused-went-to-police-station-confessed-177525">police</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-double-murder-after-killing-3-accused-went-to-police-station-confessed-177525"> station &amp; confessed</a>

Fashion designer Mala Lakhani and her domestic help Bahadhur were murdered late Wednesday night in Delhi's Vasant Kunj.&nbsp;

Three men have been arrested for the murder. Police said the men murdered Lakhani and Bahadur and robbed valuables from her home.&nbsp;

"Lakhani had set up a workshop in her house for cutting and tailoring. Accused Rahul was working as a tailor master there. He along with his associates Rahmat and Wasim made a plan to murder. They stole valuables from the house," Delhi Police told ANI.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-agree-on-importance-of-maintaining-peace-along-border-177542">India, China agree on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-agree-on-importance-of-maintaining-peace-along-border-177542">importance</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-agree-on-importance-of-maintaining-peace-along-border-177542"> of maintaining peace along </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-agree-on-importance-of-maintaining-peace-along-border-177542">border</a>

A year after the Doklam standoff, top defence officials of India and China have agreed on the importance of maintaining peace in the border areas while implementing the consensus reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/france-is-us-ally-not-vassal-state-macron-hits-back-at-trump-177519">France is US ally, not vassal state: Macron hits back at Trump</a>

President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday told Donald Trump that France was the United States' ally and not a vassal state after the US president attacked him in a series of tweets that demonstrated how much their relationship had soured.

UK PM May says 'no Brexit' is alternative to draft deal after 4 ministers quit Prime Minister Theresa May told British MPs Thursday that they faced the possibility of Britain exiting the EU with no deal or no Brexit at all if they failed to back her draft agreement with Brussels.

UK PM May says 'no Brexit' is alternative to draft deal after 4 ministers quit Prime Minister Theresa May told British MPs Thursday that they faced the possibility of Britain exiting the EU with no deal or no Brexit at all if they failed to back her draft agreement with Brussels. "We can choose to leave with no deal, we can risk no Brexit at all or we can choose to unite and support the best deal that can be negotiated," May told parliament, to cheers from some lawmakers when she mentioned the possibility of no Brexit. Khashoggi killing: Saudi Arabia says Crown Prince Salman was not involved, 5 others face death penalty Five Saudi officials face the death penalty for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi who was dismembered inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate, but Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was not involved, the prosecutor said Thursday. Delhi double murder: After killing, 3 accused went to police station & confessed Fashion designer Mala Lakhani and her domestic help Bahadhur were murdered late Wednesday night in Delhi's Vasant Kunj. Three men have been arrested for the murder. Police said the men murdered Lakhani and Bahadur and robbed valuables from her home. "Lakhani had set up a workshop in her house for cutting and tailoring. Accused Rahul was working as a tailor master there. He along with his associates Rahmat and Wasim made a plan to murder. They stole valuables from the house," Delhi Police told ANI. India, China agree on importance of maintaining peace along border A year after the Doklam standoff, top defence officials of India and China have agreed on the importance of maintaining peace in the border areas while implementing the consensus reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan. France is US ally, not vassal state: Macron hits back at Trump President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday told Donald Trump that France was the United States' ally and not a vassal state after the US president attacked him in a series of tweets that demonstrated how much their relationship had soured.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Theresa May told British MPs Thursday that they faced the possibility of Britain exiting the EU with no deal or no Brexit at all if they failed to back her draft agreement with Brussels.

"We can choose to leave with no deal, we can risk no Brexit at all or we can choose to unite and support the best deal that can be negotiated," May told parliament, to cheers from some lawmakers when she mentioned the possibility of no Brexit.

A day earlier, May had said&nbsp;after a gruelling five-hour meeting that she had the "collective" backing of her cabinet to move Britain out of the European Union.&nbsp;

The summit to formalise the Brexit deal will be held on November 25,&nbsp;European Council president Donald Tusk said on Thursday.

As the announcement was made by Tusk, junior Northern Ireland minister&nbsp;Shailesh Vara quit the British government over the Brexit deal.

Three other ministers including&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-secretary-raab-resigns-thrusting-mays-government-into-turmoil-177508">British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab</a>,&nbsp;Britain's Work and Pensions Minister Esther McVey and Junior Brexit Minister Suella Braverman resigned in protest.

Britain has been part of the European Union for the past 46 years but British citizen had decided to pull the country out of the European Union two years in an open referendum.

Last week, The European Union and the British government had jointly published a 585-page detailed draft agreement of their Brexit deal that needed the approval of EU leaders and the British parliament.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Theresa May told British MPs Thursday that they faced the possibility of Britain exiting the EU with no deal or no Brexit at all if they failed to back her draft agreement with Brussels.

Prime Minister Theresa May told British MPs Thursday that they faced the possibility of Britain exiting the EU with no deal or no Brexit at all if they failed to back her draft agreement with Brussels. "We can choose to leave with no deal, we can risk no Brexit at all or we can choose to unite and support the best deal that can be negotiated," May told parliament, to cheers from some lawmakers when she mentioned the possibility of no Brexit. A day earlier, May had said after a gruelling five-hour meeting that she had the "collective" backing of her cabinet to move Britain out of the European Union. The summit to formalise the Brexit deal will be held on November 25, European Council president Donald Tusk said on Thursday. As the announcement was made by Tusk, junior Northern Ireland minister Shailesh Vara quit the British government over the Brexit deal. Three other ministers including British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab, Britain's Work and Pensions Minister Esther McVey and Junior Brexit Minister Suella Braverman resigned in protest. Britain has been part of the European Union for the past 46 years but British citizen had decided to pull the country out of the European Union two years in an open referendum. Last week, The European Union and the British government had jointly published a 585-page detailed draft agreement of their Brexit deal that needed the approval of EU leaders and the British parliament. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM May says 'no Brexit' is alternative to draft deal after 4 ministers quit

A day after British <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-may-hails-brexit-deal-but-her-mps-says-it-threatens-uks-unity-177389">Prime Minister Theresa May declared she</a> had won the support of her cabinet on Brexit, European Council president Donald Tusk said today that the summit will formalise the Brexit deal on November 25th.

"If nothing extraordinary happens, we will hold a European Council meeting in order to finalise and formalise the Brexit agreement. It will take place on Sunday, the 25th of November at 9:30 am," Tusk announced.

As the announcement was made by Tusk, junior Northern Ireland minister&nbsp;Shailesh Vara quit the British government over the Brexit deal.

"With respect, prime minister, this agreement does not provide for the United Kingdom being a sovereign, independent country leaving the shackles of the EU, however, it is worded," he wrote.

"We are a proud nation and it is a sad day when we are reduced to obeying rules made by other countries who have shown that they do not have our best interests at heart," he said.

"We can and must do better than this. The people of the UK deserve better," he added.

European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had said earlier that “decisive progress” has been made in Brexit talks with Britain. Barnier's statement was taken up by the president of the European Council Tusk who called for an extraordinary summit.

Theresa May had said yesterday that she had the "collective" backing of her cabinet to move Britain out of the Europen Union after a gruelling five-hour meeting. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar had said he expected the 28 leaders to meet on November 25.

"The collective decision of cabinet was that the government should agree the draft withdrawal agreement and the outline political declaration," May had said. The draft, however, needs to be passed by the Parliament.

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had tweeted that he had sent Tusk a letter recommending that he "find that decisive progress has been made in the negotiations on the orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union."

However, there are still several points of contention including the status of Northern Ireland which is likely to have "special status" aligning it to the &nbsp;European single market which was resisted by Scotland politicians who have questioned the deal.

Nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon had asked why Northern Ireland should have a special status that would keep it in the European single market while Scotland is forced out along with the entire country.

Britain has been part of the European Union for the past 46 years but British citizen had decided to pull the country out of the European Union two years in an open referendum.

Last week, The European Union and the British government had jointly published a 585-page detailed draft agreement of their Brexit deal that needed the approval of EU leaders and the British parliament.

A day after British Prime Minister Theresa May declared she had won the support of her cabinet on Brexit, European Council president Donald Tusk said today that the summit will formalise the Brexit deal on November 25th.

A day after British Prime Minister Theresa May declared she had won the support of her cabinet on Brexit, European Council president Donald Tusk said today that the summit will formalise the Brexit deal on November 25th. "If nothing extraordinary happens, we will hold a European Council meeting in order to finalise and formalise the Brexit agreement. It will take place on Sunday, the 25th of November at 9:30 am," Tusk announced. As the announcement was made by Tusk, junior Northern Ireland minister Shailesh Vara quit the British government over the Brexit deal. "With respect, prime minister, this agreement does not provide for the United Kingdom being a sovereign, independent country leaving the shackles of the EU, however, it is worded," he wrote. "We are a proud nation and it is a sad day when we are reduced to obeying rules made by other countries who have shown that they do not have our best interests at heart," he said. "We can and must do better than this. The people of the UK deserve better," he added. European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had said earlier that “decisive progress” has been made in Brexit talks with Britain. Barnier's statement was taken up by the president of the European Council Tusk who called for an extraordinary summit. Theresa May had said yesterday that she had the "collective" backing of her cabinet to move Britain out of the Europen Union after a gruelling five-hour meeting. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar had said he expected the 28 leaders to meet on November 25. "The collective decision of cabinet was that the government should agree the draft withdrawal agreement and the outline political declaration," May had said. The draft, however, needs to be passed by the Parliament. EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had tweeted that he had sent Tusk a letter recommending that he "find that decisive progress has been made in the negotiations on the orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union." However, there are still several points of contention including the status of Northern Ireland which is likely to have "special status" aligning it to the European single market which was resisted by Scotland politicians who have questioned the deal. Nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon had asked why Northern Ireland should have a special status that would keep it in the European single market while Scotland is forced out along with the entire country. Britain has been part of the European Union for the past 46 years but British citizen had decided to pull the country out of the European Union two years in an open referendum. Last week, The European Union and the British government had jointly published a 585-page detailed draft agreement of their Brexit deal that needed the approval of EU leaders and the British parliament.

European Council to meet on November 25th to formalise Brexit; Northern Ireland minister quits PM May's cabinet

British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigned on Thursday thrusting <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-may-hails-brexit-deal-but-her-mps-says-it-threatens-uks-unity-177389">Prime Minister Theresa May</a>'s government into turmoil just two days after she clinched an EU divorce deal that was mauled by opponents, allies and mutinous members of her party.

"Above all, I cannot reconcile the terms of the proposed deal with the promises we made to the country in our manifesto at the last election," Raab said.

"This is, at its heart, a matter of public trust," Raab said. "I cannot support the proposed deal."

The resignation of such a senior minister thrusts the United Kingdom into a political crisis just as May was attempting to garner support for a Brexit deal which her opponents have warned could sink her premiership.

It also throws the future course of Brexit into uncertainty: scenarios range from a calm divorce to rejection of May's deal, potentially ending her premiership and leaving the bloc with no agreement, or another referendum.

Raab said May's plan threatened the integrity of the United Kingdom and he could not support an indefinite backstop arrangement where the EU held a veto over Britain's ability to exit.

"No democratic nation has ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime, imposed externally without any democratic control over the laws to be applied, nor the ability to decide to exit the arrangement," Raab said in his resignation letter.

The 44-year-old was appointed to the role of Brexit minister in July this year following the resignation of his predecessor David Davis, who also quit in protest at May's Brexit strategy.

European Union leaders will meet on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/europe/european-council-to-meet-on-november-25th-to-formalise-brexit-agreement-northern-ireland-minister-resigns-from-mays-cabinet-177484">November 25 </a>to endorse the divorce deal.

British journalists said anger among Brexit-supporting Conservative lawmakers was so high that they might call for a vote of no confidence in May's leadership. There was no confirmation.

ITV reporter Robert Peston said enough demands for a no confidence vote could be lodged by lunchtime on Thursday.

British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigned on Thursday thrusting Prime Minister Theresa May's government into turmoil just two days after she clinched an EU divorce deal that was mauled by opponents, allies and mutinous members of her party.

British Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigned on Thursday thrusting Prime Minister Theresa May's government into turmoil just two days after she clinched an EU divorce deal that was mauled by opponents, allies and mutinous members of her party. "Above all, I cannot reconcile the terms of the proposed deal with the promises we made to the country in our manifesto at the last election," Raab said. "This is, at its heart, a matter of public trust," Raab said. "I cannot support the proposed deal." The resignation of such a senior minister thrusts the United Kingdom into a political crisis just as May was attempting to garner support for a Brexit deal which her opponents have warned could sink her premiership. It also throws the future course of Brexit into uncertainty: scenarios range from a calm divorce to rejection of May's deal, potentially ending her premiership and leaving the bloc with no agreement, or another referendum. Raab said May's plan threatened the integrity of the United Kingdom and he could not support an indefinite backstop arrangement where the EU held a veto over Britain's ability to exit. "No democratic nation has ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime, imposed externally without any democratic control over the laws to be applied, nor the ability to decide to exit the arrangement," Raab said in his resignation letter. The 44-year-old was appointed to the role of Brexit minister in July this year following the resignation of his predecessor David Davis, who also quit in protest at May's Brexit strategy. European Union leaders will meet on November 25 to endorse the divorce deal. British journalists said anger among Brexit-supporting Conservative lawmakers was so high that they might call for a vote of no confidence in May's leadership. There was no confirmation. ITV reporter Robert Peston said enough demands for a no confidence vote could be lodged by lunchtime on Thursday.

Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigns leaving UK PM Theresa May's government in turmoil

British Prime Minister Theresa May will seek her cabinet's approval Wednesday for a long-awaited divorce deal with the EU, but hardline Brexiteer MPs warned they will seek to block it in parliament.

After months of talks, May announced late Tuesday that negotiators had finally struck a draft agreement on the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union next March.

The pound surged on currency markets following the news, which came as Brussels stepped up preparations for a potentially catastrophic "no deal" exit.

But diplomats and officials warned the technical agreement, which runs to hundreds of pages, still needs political approval.

Ambassadors from the other 27 EU member states will meet later in Brussels, while May's cabinet convenes at 1400 GMT.

If they approve the text, London is hoping for a special summit of EU leaders later this month to seal the deal.

But May has faced constant criticism from her Conservative MPs over her approach, and the deal had barely been announced, when they took to the airwaves to denounce it.

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who quit the cabinet over Brexit in July, said the deal would leave Britain a "vassal state" and urged his former colleagues to "chuck it out".

Former Brexit minister David Davis, who quit at the same time, said: "Cabinet and all Conservative MPs should stand up, be counted and say no to this capitulation."

Most ominously for May, the Northern Irish party which props up her government threatened to break their alliance over reports of a special arrangement for the British province.

"If this is the shape of the deal, we are probably ending up with no agreement," Sammy Wilson of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) told Sky News television.

All eyes were on whether eurosceptic ministers including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab may join the chorus of disapproval and resign.

"We are clearly not out of the woods yet," the London-based Capital Economics research group said in a note to clients.

Irish backstop&nbsp;

British and EU negotiators had stepped up their talks ahead of a deadline on Wednesday to get a deal in time to call the special summit for later this month.

Failure would delay the final settlement until a formal Brussels summit in mid-December, leaving little time for May to get the deal and associated legislation through parliament.

The talks were stuck for months on how to avoid border checks between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, if and until London strikes a new trade deal with Brussels.

Ireland's RTE broadcaster reported that the final deal includes a so-called "backstop" arrangement in which the whole United Kingdom remained in a customs arrangement with the EU.

It provides for additional "deeper" provisions for Northern Ireland on customs and regulations, risking anger from the DUP.

But it also reportedly allows for a review mechanism that Britain could use to try to leave the backstop arrangement -- a key demand of Conservative eurosceptics.

Pro-Brexit MPs like Johnson fear Britain could end up being tied to the EU indefinitely.

May's deputy David Lidington had earlier promised the government would publish legal analysis on the deal following pressure from Tories and the main opposition Labour party.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would wait for details, but suggested the agreement was "unlikely to be a good deal for the country".

Other elements of the divorce already agreed include Britain's exit bill of around £39 billion (45 billion euros, $50 billion) as well as a guarantee on EU citizens' rights.

It also provides for a 21-month transition after Brexit during which London would follow EU rules, for both sides to negotiate a new trade relationship.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will seek her cabinet's approval Wednesday for a long-awaited divorce deal with the EU, but hardline Brexiteer MPs warned they will seek to block it in parliament.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will seek her cabinet's approval Wednesday for a long-awaited divorce deal with the EU, but hardline Brexiteer MPs warned they will seek to block it in parliament. After months of talks, May announced late Tuesday that negotiators had finally struck a draft agreement on the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union next March. The pound surged on currency markets following the news, which came as Brussels stepped up preparations for a potentially catastrophic "no deal" exit. But diplomats and officials warned the technical agreement, which runs to hundreds of pages, still needs political approval. Ambassadors from the other 27 EU member states will meet later in Brussels, while May's cabinet convenes at 1400 GMT. If they approve the text, London is hoping for a special summit of EU leaders later this month to seal the deal. But May has faced constant criticism from her Conservative MPs over her approach, and the deal had barely been announced, when they took to the airwaves to denounce it. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who quit the cabinet over Brexit in July, said the deal would leave Britain a "vassal state" and urged his former colleagues to "chuck it out". Former Brexit minister David Davis, who quit at the same time, said: "Cabinet and all Conservative MPs should stand up, be counted and say no to this capitulation." Most ominously for May, the Northern Irish party which props up her government threatened to break their alliance over reports of a special arrangement for the British province. "If this is the shape of the deal, we are probably ending up with no agreement," Sammy Wilson of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) told Sky News television. All eyes were on whether eurosceptic ministers including Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab may join the chorus of disapproval and resign. "We are clearly not out of the woods yet," the London-based Capital Economics research group said in a note to clients. Irish backstop British and EU negotiators had stepped up their talks ahead of a deadline on Wednesday to get a deal in time to call the special summit for later this month. Failure would delay the final settlement until a formal Brussels summit in mid-December, leaving little time for May to get the deal and associated legislation through parliament. The talks were stuck for months on how to avoid border checks between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland, if and until London strikes a new trade deal with Brussels. Ireland's RTE broadcaster reported that the final deal includes a so-called "backstop" arrangement in which the whole United Kingdom remained in a customs arrangement with the EU. It provides for additional "deeper" provisions for Northern Ireland on customs and regulations, risking anger from the DUP. But it also reportedly allows for a review mechanism that Britain could use to try to leave the backstop arrangement -- a key demand of Conservative eurosceptics. Pro-Brexit MPs like Johnson fear Britain could end up being tied to the EU indefinitely. May's deputy David Lidington had earlier promised the government would publish legal analysis on the deal following pressure from Tories and the main opposition Labour party. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would wait for details, but suggested the agreement was "unlikely to be a good deal for the country". Other elements of the divorce already agreed include Britain's exit bill of around £39 billion (45 billion euros, $50 billion) as well as a guarantee on EU citizens' rights. It also provides for a 21-month transition after Brexit during which London would follow EU rules, for both sides to negotiate a new trade relationship.

UK PM May takes Brexit deal to cabinet as MPs revolt

British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed her draft European Union divorce deal on Wednesday but must convince ministers to back her plan amid open hostility from some of her own members of parliament who say it threatens the United Kingdom's unity.

Her minority government means May is the weakest British leader in a generation, yet she must try to get her Brexit deal, struck after more than a year of talks with the EU, approved by parliament before leaving the bloc on March 29, 2019.

"I'm confident that this takes us significantly closer to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-addresses-parliament-on-brexit-says-deal-delivers-on-vote-of-british-people-177347">delivering on what the British people voted for</a> in the referendum," May told parliament. Britons voted 52-48 percent in favour of leaving the EU in 2016.

The British cabinet began meeting at 1400 GMT to discuss the accord. The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported two ministers who strongly supported Brexit would quit.

May's plan is an attempt to forge a balance between those who want Britain to maintain close links to the world's biggest trading bloc while having full control over issues such as immigration and judicial oversight.

"We will take back control of our borders, our laws and our money, leave the Common Fisheries Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, while protecting jobs, security and the integrity of the United Kingdom," May said of the deal.

But Brexit campaigners in May's Conservative Party, which for three decades has been divided over Europe, said it was a surrender to the EU and they would vote it down.

The Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May's government, said it would not back any deal that treated the British province differently from the rest of the United Kingdom. Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called it a "botched deal".

At the heart of May's difficulties has been the so-called Northern Irish backstop, an insurance policy to avoid a return to controls between the British province and EU-member Ireland which could threaten the 1998 peace accord which ended 30 years of violence.

EU sources said the draft accord envisaged a July 2020 decision on what would have to be done to safeguard an open Irish border after the post-Brexit transition runs its course if a new trade deal is not in place.

If not, Britain would have to extend the transition period once beyond December 2020, possibly until the end of 2021, or go into a customs arrangement that would cover all of the United Kingdom but in which Northern Ireland would be aligned more closely with the EU's customs rules and production standards.

Treating Northern Ireland differently risks alienating the DUP who warn it could risk the integrity of the United Kingdom, while Brexit-supporting members of parliament argue it could leave Britain subject to EU rules indefinitely.

NOT WHAT PEOPLE VOTED FOR

"If the media reports about the EU agreement are in any way accurate, you are not delivering the Brexit people voted for, and today you will lose the support of many Conservative MPs and millions of voters across the country," Conservative lawmaker Peter Bone said.

Sterling, which has seesawed since reaching $1.50 just before the 2016 referendum, fell to 1.2944 on news of possible ministerial resignations after briefly jumping more than 1 percent after the deal was announced.

For the EU, reeling from successive crises over debt and immigration, the loss of Britain is the biggest blow yet to 60 years of efforts to forge European unity in the wake of two world wars.

EU leaders could meet on Nov. 25 for a summit to seal the Brexit deal if May's cabinet approves the text, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said.

The ultimate outcome for the United Kingdom remains uncertain: scenarios range from a calm divorce to rejection of May's deal, potentially sinking her premiership and leaving the bloc with no agreement, or another referendum.

May, an initial opponent of Brexit who won the top job in the turmoil following the referendum, has staked her future on a deal which she hopes will solve the Brexit riddle: leaving the EU while preserving the closest possible ties.

EU supporters say the deal leaves Britain worse off and subject to the bloc's rules without any say in them. Scottish nationalists have demanded that Scotland, where voters backed staying in the EU, get the same special treatment as Northern Ireland.

Conservative lawmakers have to factor in the implications of defeating the deal which could topple May, delay Brexit, pave the way for a national election or lead to a new referendum.

The government has yet to give details of the Brexit deal, which runs to hundreds of pages, although a statement to parliament was likely on Thursday.

Brexit will pitch the world's fifth largest economy into the unknown and many fear it will divide the West as it grapples with the unconventional U.S. presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China.

Supporters argue that in the longer term Brexit will allow the United Kingdom to thrive and strike global trade deals.

Some business chiefs were positive about May's deal.

"My gut feeling is we need to get behind it and we need to make this deal work. What we need is certainty," said Juergen Maier, the UK CEO of German engineering giant Siemens.

But James Stewart, head of Brexit at accounting firm KPMG said: "Until there is broader political alignment and fewer risks, business leaders have little option but to continue to assume that the quest for a deal could yet be derailed."

British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed her draft European Union divorce deal on Wednesday but must convince ministers to back her plan amid open hostility from some of her own members of parliament who say it threatens the United Kingdom's unity.

British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed her draft European Union divorce deal on Wednesday but must convince ministers to back her plan amid open hostility from some of her own members of parliament who say it threatens the United Kingdom's unity. Her minority government means May is the weakest British leader in a generation, yet she must try to get her Brexit deal, struck after more than a year of talks with the EU, approved by parliament before leaving the bloc on March 29, 2019. "I'm confident that this takes us significantly closer to delivering on what the British people voted for in the referendum," May told parliament. Britons voted 52-48 percent in favour of leaving the EU in 2016. The British cabinet began meeting at 1400 GMT to discuss the accord. The Daily Telegraph newspaper reported two ministers who strongly supported Brexit would quit. May's plan is an attempt to forge a balance between those who want Britain to maintain close links to the world's biggest trading bloc while having full control over issues such as immigration and judicial oversight. "We will take back control of our borders, our laws and our money, leave the Common Fisheries Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy, while protecting jobs, security and the integrity of the United Kingdom," May said of the deal. But Brexit campaigners in May's Conservative Party, which for three decades has been divided over Europe, said it was a surrender to the EU and they would vote it down. The Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which props up May's government, said it would not back any deal that treated the British province differently from the rest of the United Kingdom. Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called it a "botched deal". At the heart of May's difficulties has been the so-called Northern Irish backstop, an insurance policy to avoid a return to controls between the British province and EU-member Ireland which could threaten the 1998 peace accord which ended 30 years of violence. EU sources said the draft accord envisaged a July 2020 decision on what would have to be done to safeguard an open Irish border after the post-Brexit transition runs its course if a new trade deal is not in place. If not, Britain would have to extend the transition period once beyond December 2020, possibly until the end of 2021, or go into a customs arrangement that would cover all of the United Kingdom but in which Northern Ireland would be aligned more closely with the EU's customs rules and production standards. Treating Northern Ireland differently risks alienating the DUP who warn it could risk the integrity of the United Kingdom, while Brexit-supporting members of parliament argue it could leave Britain subject to EU rules indefinitely. NOT WHAT PEOPLE VOTED FOR "If the media reports about the EU agreement are in any way accurate, you are not delivering the Brexit people voted for, and today you will lose the support of many Conservative MPs and millions of voters across the country," Conservative lawmaker Peter Bone said. Sterling, which has seesawed since reaching $1.50 just before the 2016 referendum, fell to 1.2944 on news of possible ministerial resignations after briefly jumping more than 1 percent after the deal was announced. For the EU, reeling from successive crises over debt and immigration, the loss of Britain is the biggest blow yet to 60 years of efforts to forge European unity in the wake of two world wars. EU leaders could meet on Nov. 25 for a summit to seal the Brexit deal if May's cabinet approves the text, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said. The ultimate outcome for the United Kingdom remains uncertain: scenarios range from a calm divorce to rejection of May's deal, potentially sinking her premiership and leaving the bloc with no agreement, or another referendum. May, an initial opponent of Brexit who won the top job in the turmoil following the referendum, has staked her future on a deal which she hopes will solve the Brexit riddle: leaving the EU while preserving the closest possible ties. EU supporters say the deal leaves Britain worse off and subject to the bloc's rules without any say in them. Scottish nationalists have demanded that Scotland, where voters backed staying in the EU, get the same special treatment as Northern Ireland. Conservative lawmakers have to factor in the implications of defeating the deal which could topple May, delay Brexit, pave the way for a national election or lead to a new referendum. The government has yet to give details of the Brexit deal, which runs to hundreds of pages, although a statement to parliament was likely on Thursday. Brexit will pitch the world's fifth largest economy into the unknown and many fear it will divide the West as it grapples with the unconventional U.S. presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China. Supporters argue that in the longer term Brexit will allow the United Kingdom to thrive and strike global trade deals. Some business chiefs were positive about May's deal. "My gut feeling is we need to get behind it and we need to make this deal work. What we need is certainty," said Juergen Maier, the UK CEO of German engineering giant Siemens. But James Stewart, head of Brexit at accounting firm KPMG said: "Until there is broader political alignment and fewer risks, business leaders have little option but to continue to assume that the quest for a deal could yet be derailed."

British PM Theresa May hails Brexit deal but her MPs say it threatens UK's unity

Brexit supporters and opponents rallied near Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office on Wednesday as her cabinet debated the draft divorce deal inside.

Pro-Brexit campaigners urged her to scrap the tentative agreement and make a clean break with European Union without paying a penny more into the EU budget.

"It sells out the country completely. We will be a vassal state of the EU," said Lucy Harris, founder the Leavers of London pro-Brexit group.

Around 100 demonstrators gathered opposite the Downing Street entrance gates, chanting "Theresa May, don't betray!" and "What do we want? Brexit. When do we want it? Now!".

They held painted placards reading "Ditch May's deal", "Let's take back control" and "Save Brexit".

"We're in a serious situation. It's a fork in the road. If this passes then we're in big trouble as an independent country," said Harris.

Niall McCrae, a lecturer in mental health at King's College London university, said the purported deal was a "stitch-up".

"How can they ask for our votes in future when they have told us our vote doesn't count?

"These votes have been annulled by our selfish political class."

'Nobody voted for that'

Britain voted by 52 per cent in favour of leaving the EU in a referendum in 2016 that exposed deep divisions in British society.

At another small rally near Downing Street, pro-EU demonstrators chanted "People's Vote", calling for a second Brexit referendum.

They accepted they had some common ground with the Brexiteers across the street: neither is happy with the way things are going.

"Brexit is a losing proposition all round. I think it's all madness. I'd say we're even more unhappy," said Nicky Gardner, 32, a student from London with two EU flags on a giant pole.

"Brexit has been failing all along and it's a matter of time before it hits the rocks."

Helen Campbell, 45, brought a toy unicorn with her to symbolise Brexit.

"It doesn't exist, it's a complete fantasy and can never be delivered," the freelance writer said.

"There is a lot of concern about what it actually means overall, and that we will be taking instructions from Brussels on a lot of our laws without any say in them, and nobody voted for that at all."

Brexit supporters and opponents rallied near Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office on Wednesday as her cabinet debated the draft divorce deal inside.

Brexit supporters and opponents rallied near Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office on Wednesday as her cabinet debated the draft divorce deal inside. Pro-Brexit campaigners urged her to scrap the tentative agreement and make a clean break with European Union without paying a penny more into the EU budget. "It sells out the country completely. We will be a vassal state of the EU," said Lucy Harris, founder the Leavers of London pro-Brexit group. Around 100 demonstrators gathered opposite the Downing Street entrance gates, chanting "Theresa May, don't betray!" and "What do we want? Brexit. When do we want it? Now!". They held painted placards reading "Ditch May's deal", "Let's take back control" and "Save Brexit". "We're in a serious situation. It's a fork in the road. If this passes then we're in big trouble as an independent country," said Harris. Niall McCrae, a lecturer in mental health at King's College London university, said the purported deal was a "stitch-up". "How can they ask for our votes in future when they have told us our vote doesn't count? "These votes have been annulled by our selfish political class." 'Nobody voted for that' Britain voted by 52 per cent in favour of leaving the EU in a referendum in 2016 that exposed deep divisions in British society. At another small rally near Downing Street, pro-EU demonstrators chanted "People's Vote", calling for a second Brexit referendum. They accepted they had some common ground with the Brexiteers across the street: neither is happy with the way things are going. "Brexit is a losing proposition all round. I think it's all madness. I'd say we're even more unhappy," said Nicky Gardner, 32, a student from London with two EU flags on a giant pole. "Brexit has been failing all along and it's a matter of time before it hits the rocks." Helen Campbell, 45, brought a toy unicorn with her to symbolise Brexit. "It doesn't exist, it's a complete fantasy and can never be delivered," the freelance writer said. "There is a lot of concern about what it actually means overall, and that we will be taking instructions from Brussels on a lot of our laws without any say in them, and nobody voted for that at all."

Brexit protests outside Downing Street as UK ministers debate deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday briefed her cabinet over the Brexit deal stating that deal delivers on vote of British people, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

May added that talks have been started with other countries on trade and that "a good deal for the British people" is being negotiated, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Theresa May will be trying her luck to convince senior ministers on Wednesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-takes-brexit-deal-to-cabinet-as-mps-revolt-177230">to accept a draft European Union divorce deal</a> that opponents say threatens both her government and the unity of the United Kingdom.

May has to try to get the deal approved by parliament before exiting the bloc on March 29, 2019.

The British Prime Minister has been accused by Brexit campaigners in her Conservative Party of surrendering to the EU. The Conservative Brexit campaigners have said they would vote down the deal.&nbsp;

In the wake of May managing to get her cabinet's nod on the draft European Union divorce deal today, EU leaders could meet on November 25 for a summit to seal the Brexit deal.

(With inputs from Reuters)

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday briefed her cabinet over the Brexit deal stating that deal delivers on vote of British people, news agency AFP reported.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday briefed her cabinet over the Brexit deal stating that deal delivers on vote of British people, news agency AFP reported. May added that talks have been started with other countries on trade and that "a good deal for the British people" is being negotiated, news agency Reuters reported. Prime Minister Theresa May will be trying her luck to convince senior ministers on Wednesday to accept a draft European Union divorce deal that opponents say threatens both her government and the unity of the United Kingdom. May has to try to get the deal approved by parliament before exiting the bloc on March 29, 2019. The British Prime Minister has been accused by Brexit campaigners in her Conservative Party of surrendering to the EU. The Conservative Brexit campaigners have said they would vote down the deal. In the wake of May managing to get her cabinet's nod on the draft European Union divorce deal today, EU leaders could meet on November 25 for a summit to seal the Brexit deal. (With inputs from Reuters)

British PM Theresa May addresses parliament on Brexit, says 'deal delivers on vote of British people'

The draft Brexit deal between Britain and the European Union was made possible by a breakthrough over the Irish border, but it could still prove the issue that unravels the agreement.

Both sides agreed last year to keep open Britain's land border with EU member Ireland no matter what happens but were stuck for months on how this could be achieved.

The end goal is to agree to a wide-ranging trade deal that removes the need for frontier checks on goods crossing between British Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

London hopes to secure this during a transition period planned to run from Brexit day on March 29, 2019, to December 31, 2020, in which Britain's relationship with the EU remains mostly the same.

But it has agreed that after then, a "backstop" arrangement would come into effect that keeps the border open unless and until the trade deal is struck.

Many commentators believe the backstop could become the basis of future EU-UK ties, which is why it has been subject to such intense scrutiny.

Why is this an issue?

After Britain leaves the European Union, the Irish border will become an external EU frontier.

Britain wants to leave the bloc's customs union and the single market, meaning checks would be required on people and products crossing from one territory to the other.

But both London and Brussels have pledged to avoid any physical infrastructure, or "hard border".

Many fear it could upset the delicate peace process that ended decades of violence between Protestant supporters of British rule over the province, and Irish Catholics nationalists, who believe in a united Ireland.

Residents and businesses on both sides of the now largely invisible 300-mile (500-kilometre) frontier also emphasise the importance of maintaining the free flow of trade and passenger traffic.

Is there a security risk?

British and Irish army checkpoints along the border were removed after the 1998 Good Friday peace accords, which largely ended three decades of conflict in Northern Ireland in which around 3,500 people were killed.

During "The Troubles" the border was a flashpoint for attacks and a lucrative smuggling route that helped fund paramilitaries.

Police have warned that any new infrastructure along the border could become a target for paramilitary activity by dissident militants who have not signed up to the peace deal.

What did the two sides propose?

The EU's proposed backstop envisaged keeping Northern Ireland in elements of the bloc's single market and customs union, meaning it would have to accept EU rules on quality standards and apply EU tariffs.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and the Northern Irish party that supports her government, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), said this was unacceptable.

They argued it would effectively carve off Northern Ireland from the rest of the country and create a border in the Irish Sea.

The British mainland accounts for 58 per cent of Northern Ireland's sales outside the province, nearly four times the value of exports to Ireland in 2016.

May proposed instead a temporary customs arrangement between the EU and the whole of Britain, including Northern Ireland.

What have they agreed?

The text has not yet been published but reports suggest both London and Brussels have given ground.

The EU has reportedly accepted the UK-wide customs backstop, but the deal includes provisions for Northern Ireland to stay more closely aligned with the bloc.

This could mean that some checks will be needed on goods transiting between Northern Ireland and the rest of Britain.

In return, Britain has agreed to a "level playing field" with the EU on state aid, competition, environmental and workers' rights, to ensure its businesses do not undercut those from the rest of the bloc.

The deal also includes some kind of review mechanism, although it reportedly falls short of Britain's early demands for either a time-limit on the arrangement or a unilateral right to leave it.

What has been the reaction?

European states will be scrutinising the draft text carefully for any signs that the backstop undermines the bloc's cherished single market.

In London, the DUP has warned it will not accept a situation where Northern Ireland follows trade rules set by the EU, nor one that places new barriers to mainland Britain.

Eurosceptic members of May's Conservative party also fear they will be trapped in a customs union with the EU for years after Brexit, unable to make their own trade rules.

&nbsp;

The draft Brexit deal between Britain and the European Union was made possible by a breakthrough over the Irish border, but it could still prove the issue that unravels the agreement.

The draft Brexit deal between Britain and the European Union was made possible by a breakthrough over the Irish border, but it could still prove the issue that unravels the agreement. Both sides agreed last year to keep open Britain's land border with EU member Ireland no matter what happens but were stuck for months on how this could be achieved. The end goal is to agree to a wide-ranging trade deal that removes the need for frontier checks on goods crossing between British Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. London hopes to secure this during a transition period planned to run from Brexit day on March 29, 2019, to December 31, 2020, in which Britain's relationship with the EU remains mostly the same. But it has agreed that after then, a "backstop" arrangement would come into effect that keeps the border open unless and until the trade deal is struck. Many commentators believe the backstop could become the basis of future EU-UK ties, which is why it has been subject to such intense scrutiny. Why is this an issue? After Britain leaves the European Union, the Irish border will become an external EU frontier. Britain wants to leave the bloc's customs union and the single market, meaning checks would be required on people and products crossing from one territory to the other. But both London and Brussels have pledged to avoid any physical infrastructure, or "hard border". Many fear it could upset the delicate peace process that ended decades of violence between Protestant supporters of British rule over the province, and Irish Catholics nationalists, who believe in a united Ireland. Residents and businesses on both sides of the now largely invisible 300-mile (500-kilometre) frontier also emphasise the importance of maintaining the free flow of trade and passenger traffic. Is there a security risk? British and Irish army checkpoints along the border were removed after the 1998 Good Friday peace accords, which largely ended three decades of conflict in Northern Ireland in which around 3,500 people were killed. During "The Troubles" the border was a flashpoint for attacks and a lucrative smuggling route that helped fund paramilitaries. Police have warned that any new infrastructure along the border could become a target for paramilitary activity by dissident militants who have not signed up to the peace deal. What did the two sides propose? The EU's proposed backstop envisaged keeping Northern Ireland in elements of the bloc's single market and customs union, meaning it would have to accept EU rules on quality standards and apply EU tariffs. British Prime Minister Theresa May and the Northern Irish party that supports her government, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), said this was unacceptable. They argued it would effectively carve off Northern Ireland from the rest of the country and create a border in the Irish Sea. The British mainland accounts for 58 per cent of Northern Ireland's sales outside the province, nearly four times the value of exports to Ireland in 2016. May proposed instead a temporary customs arrangement between the EU and the whole of Britain, including Northern Ireland. What have they agreed? The text has not yet been published but reports suggest both London and Brussels have given ground. The EU has reportedly accepted the UK-wide customs backstop, but the deal includes provisions for Northern Ireland to stay more closely aligned with the bloc. This could mean that some checks will be needed on goods transiting between Northern Ireland and the rest of Britain. In return, Britain has agreed to a "level playing field" with the EU on state aid, competition, environmental and workers' rights, to ensure its businesses do not undercut those from the rest of the bloc. The deal also includes some kind of review mechanism, although it reportedly falls short of Britain's early demands for either a time-limit on the arrangement or a unilateral right to leave it. What has been the reaction? European states will be scrutinising the draft text carefully for any signs that the backstop undermines the bloc's cherished single market. In London, the DUP has warned it will not accept a situation where Northern Ireland follows trade rules set by the EU, nor one that places new barriers to mainland Britain. Eurosceptic members of May's Conservative party also fear they will be trapped in a customs union with the EU for years after Brexit, unable to make their own trade rules.

Brexit breakthrough: The Irish issue explained

Britain struck a draft divorce deal with the European Union after more than a year of talks, thrusting Prime Minister Theresa May into a perilous battle over Brexit that could shape her country's prosperity for generations to come.

While Brussels choreographs the first withdrawal of a sovereign state from the EU, May, a far from secure leader hemmed in by opponents in government and her own Conservative party, must now try to get the deal approved by her cabinet and, in the toughest test of all, by parliament.

Brexiteers in May's party accused her of surrendering to the EU and said they would vote the deal down while the Northern Irish party which props up her minority government questioned whether she would be able to get parliamentary approval.

"These are momentous days and the decisions being taken will have long-lasting ramifications," said Arlene Foster, leader of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which keeps the government in power.

"The prime minister must win the support of the cabinet and the House of Commons. Every individual vote will count."

The British cabinet will meet at 1400 GMT on Wednesday to consider the draft withdrawal agreement, a Downing Street spokesman said after Irish and British media were leaked details of the agreement on the text.

Sterling, which has seesawed since reaching $1.50 just before Britain's 2016 referendum that saw a 52-48 per cent margin for leaving the EU, surged on news of a deal but then erased some gains as opponents lined up to criticise May.

Brexit will pitch the world's fifth largest economy into the unknown and many fear it will serve to divide the West as it grapples with both the unconventional presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China.

Supporters of Brexit say that 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.

SELLING BREXIT

A senior EU official confirmed that a draft text had been agreed. EU leaders could meet on Nov. 25 for a summit to seal the Brexit deal if May's cabinet approves the text, diplomatic sources said.

The EU and Britain need an agreement to keep trade flowing between the world's biggest trading bloc and the United Kingdom, home to the biggest international financial centre.

But May, an initial opponent of Brexit who won the top job in the turmoil that followed the referendum, has struggled to untangle nearly 46 years of EU membership without damaging commerce or upsetting the lawmakers who will ultimately decide the fate of the divorce accord.

By seeking to leave the EU while preserving the closest possible ties, May's compromise plan has upset Brexiteers, pro-Europeans, Scottish nationalists, the Northern Irish party that props up her government, and some of her own ministers.

It is unclear when parliament might vote on a deal. To get the deal approved she needs the votes of about 320 lawmakers in the 650-seat parliament. She faces a deeply divided government, party, parliament and country.

BREXIT BETRAYAL?

Prominent Brexiteers such as Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg and former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said May had sold out the United Kingdom and that they would oppose it.

"It is a failure of the government's negotiating position, it is a failure to deliver on Brexit, and it is potentially dividing up the United Kingdom," Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg said.

The opposition Labour Party, which has said it would oppose any agreement that does not retain "the exact same" economic benefits that it now has with the EU, said it was unlikely the announced deal was right for Britain.

"It is vassal state stuff," Johnson said, adding that he would vote against such an unacceptable accord. "Chuck it out."

Johnson's brother, Jo, a pro-European, resigned from May's government on Friday, calling for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain’s greatest crisis since World War Two.

IRELAND

May formally began Britain’s divorce in March 2017, ushering in tortuous negotiations on everything from space exploration and fishing territories to selling complex financial products and the future of the land border on the island of Ireland.

As deadlines passed, officials such as Britain's Olly Robbins and the Commission's Sabine Weyand, a German, raced to get a deal in late night sessions at the European Commission's modernist Berlaymont building in Brussels.

With less than five months until Britain leaves the EU, the so-called Northern Irish backstop was the main sticking point.

The backstop is an insurance policy to avoid a return to controls on the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member state Ireland if a future trading relationship is not agreed in time.

The British government supplied no immediate details on the Brexit deal text, which runs to hundreds of pages.

Three EU sources said the backstop would come in the form of a UK-wide customs arrangement, with specific provisions for Northern Ireland which go deeper on the issue of customs and alignment with the rules of the EU single market than for the rest of the United Kingdom.

It would include a review mechanism to bridge between EU demands that the insurance policy is permanently available and Britain's request to avoid being held in a customs alliance with the bloc perpetually.

The DUP has ruled out any deal that treats Northern Ireland differently.

Britain struck a draft divorce deal with the European Union after more than a year of talks, thrusting Prime Minister Theresa May into a perilous battle over Brexit that could shape her country's prosperity for generations to come.

Britain struck a draft divorce deal with the European Union after more than a year of talks, thrusting Prime Minister Theresa May into a perilous battle over Brexit that could shape her country's prosperity for generations to come. While Brussels choreographs the first withdrawal of a sovereign state from the EU, May, a far from secure leader hemmed in by opponents in government and her own Conservative party, must now try to get the deal approved by her cabinet and, in the toughest test of all, by parliament. Brexiteers in May's party accused her of surrendering to the EU and said they would vote the deal down while the Northern Irish party which props up her minority government questioned whether she would be able to get parliamentary approval. "These are momentous days and the decisions being taken will have long-lasting ramifications," said Arlene Foster, leader of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) which keeps the government in power. "The prime minister must win the support of the cabinet and the House of Commons. Every individual vote will count." The British cabinet will meet at 1400 GMT on Wednesday to consider the draft withdrawal agreement, a Downing Street spokesman said after Irish and British media were leaked details of the agreement on the text. Sterling, which has seesawed since reaching $1.50 just before Britain's 2016 referendum that saw a 52-48 per cent margin for leaving the EU, surged on news of a deal but then erased some gains as opponents lined up to criticise May. Brexit will pitch the world's fifth largest economy into the unknown and many fear it will serve to divide the West as it grapples with both the unconventional presidency of Donald Trump and growing assertiveness from Russia and China. Supporters of Brexit say that 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. SELLING BREXIT A senior EU official confirmed that a draft text had been agreed. EU leaders could meet on Nov. 25 for a summit to seal the Brexit deal if May's cabinet approves the text, diplomatic sources said. The EU and Britain need an agreement to keep trade flowing between the world's biggest trading bloc and the United Kingdom, home to the biggest international financial centre. But May, an initial opponent of Brexit who won the top job in the turmoil that followed the referendum, has struggled to untangle nearly 46 years of EU membership without damaging commerce or upsetting the lawmakers who will ultimately decide the fate of the divorce accord. By seeking to leave the EU while preserving the closest possible ties, May's compromise plan has upset Brexiteers, pro-Europeans, Scottish nationalists, the Northern Irish party that props up her government, and some of her own ministers. It is unclear when parliament might vote on a deal. To get the deal approved she needs the votes of about 320 lawmakers in the 650-seat parliament. She faces a deeply divided government, party, parliament and country. BREXIT BETRAYAL? Prominent Brexiteers such as Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg and former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said May had sold out the United Kingdom and that they would oppose it. "It is a failure of the government's negotiating position, it is a failure to deliver on Brexit, and it is potentially dividing up the United Kingdom," Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg said. The opposition Labour Party, which has said it would oppose any agreement that does not retain "the exact same" economic benefits that it now has with the EU, said it was unlikely the announced deal was right for Britain. "It is vassal state stuff," Johnson said, adding that he would vote against such an unacceptable accord. "Chuck it out." Johnson's brother, Jo, a pro-European, resigned from May's government on Friday, calling for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain’s greatest crisis since World War Two. IRELAND May formally began Britain’s divorce in March 2017, ushering in tortuous negotiations on everything from space exploration and fishing territories to selling complex financial products and the future of the land border on the island of Ireland. As deadlines passed, officials such as Britain's Olly Robbins and the Commission's Sabine Weyand, a German, raced to get a deal in late night sessions at the European Commission's modernist Berlaymont building in Brussels. With less than five months until Britain leaves the EU, the so-called Northern Irish backstop was the main sticking point. The backstop is an insurance policy to avoid a return to controls on the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member state Ireland if a future trading relationship is not agreed in time. The British government supplied no immediate details on the Brexit deal text, which runs to hundreds of pages. Three EU sources said the backstop would come in the form of a UK-wide customs arrangement, with specific provisions for Northern Ireland which go deeper on the issue of customs and alignment with the rules of the EU single market than for the rest of the United Kingdom. It would include a review mechanism to bridge between EU demands that the insurance policy is permanently available and Britain's request to avoid being held in a customs alliance with the bloc perpetually. The DUP has ruled out any deal that treats Northern Ireland differently.

Britain agrees Brexit divorce deal with EU, May's opponents vow to thwart it

Four British ministers who back remaining in the European Union are on the verge of quitting Theresa May's government over Brexit, the Sunday Times reported, as pressures built on the prime minister from all sides.&nbsp;

The newspaper also said that the European Union had rejected May's plan for an independent mechanism to oversee Britain's departure from any temporary customs arrangement it agrees. The newspaper sourced the development to British sources, and not sources in the EU team.

May is trying to hammer out the final details of the British divorce deal but the talks have become stuck over how the two sides can prevent a hard border from being required in Ireland.

Britain has proposed a UK-wide temporary customs arrangement with the EU to resolve the issue but Brexiteers in her party want London to have the final say on when that arrangement would end, to prevent it from being tied indefinitely to the bloc.&nbsp;

A senior cabinet minister was quoted in the paper as saying: "This is the moment she has to face down Brussels and make it clear to them that they need to compromise, or we will leave without a deal."

An EU diplomat told Reuters earlier on Saturday that they were cautiously hopeful that an EU summit could happen in November to endorse the deal but that the volatile situation in Britain made it very difficult to predict.&nbsp;

Other EU diplomats said several issues remained unresolved.&nbsp;

May is expected to meet with her cabinet this week to set out her plans for the divorce deal. She was dealt a blow on Friday when junior minister Jo Johnston, who voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum, quit over her plan.

To add to the pressure, a leading member of a group of Brexiteer lawmakers in parliament joined with the Brexit spokesman for the small Northern Irish party that props up May`s party in government to warn that they could not vote for the deal as it currently stands.

Steve Baker, a former junior Brexit minister who resigned over May's so-called Chequers proposals on Brexit, and Sammy Wilson of the DUP wrote in the

Sunday Telegraph newspaper that they could not back a deal if it treated Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the country.&nbsp;

May had been expected to hold a vote in parliament on her deal before the end of the year.&nbsp;

A spokeswoman for May`s Downing Street office said the talks were going down to the wire. "The prime minister has always said these negotiations are tough and toughest in the final stages.&nbsp;

"The prime minister has told colleagues this week we should aim to conclude the withdrawal agreement as soon as possible but we will not do that at any cost." (Reporting by Kate Holton; editing by David Stamp and Marguerita Choy) 
&nbsp;

Four British ministers who back remaining in the European Union are on the verge of quitting Theresa May's government over Brexit, the Sunday Times reported, as pressures built on the prime minister from all sides.

Four British ministers who back remaining in the European Union are on the verge of quitting Theresa May's government over Brexit, the Sunday Times reported, as pressures built on the prime minister from all sides. The newspaper also said that the European Union had rejected May's plan for an independent mechanism to oversee Britain's departure from any temporary customs arrangement it agrees. The newspaper sourced the development to British sources, and not sources in the EU team. May is trying to hammer out the final details of the British divorce deal but the talks have become stuck over how the two sides can prevent a hard border from being required in Ireland. Britain has proposed a UK-wide temporary customs arrangement with the EU to resolve the issue but Brexiteers in her party want London to have the final say on when that arrangement would end, to prevent it from being tied indefinitely to the bloc. A senior cabinet minister was quoted in the paper as saying: "This is the moment she has to face down Brussels and make it clear to them that they need to compromise, or we will leave without a deal." An EU diplomat told Reuters earlier on Saturday that they were cautiously hopeful that an EU summit could happen in November to endorse the deal but that the volatile situation in Britain made it very difficult to predict. Other EU diplomats said several issues remained unresolved. May is expected to meet with her cabinet this week to set out her plans for the divorce deal. She was dealt a blow on Friday when junior minister Jo Johnston, who voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum, quit over her plan. To add to the pressure, a leading member of a group of Brexiteer lawmakers in parliament joined with the Brexit spokesman for the small Northern Irish party that props up May`s party in government to warn that they could not vote for the deal as it currently stands. Steve Baker, a former junior Brexit minister who resigned over May's so-called Chequers proposals on Brexit, and Sammy Wilson of the DUP wrote in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper that they could not back a deal if it treated Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the country. May had been expected to hold a vote in parliament on her deal before the end of the year. A spokeswoman for May`s Downing Street office said the talks were going down to the wire. "The prime minister has always said these negotiations are tough and toughest in the final stages. "The prime minister has told colleagues this week we should aim to conclude the withdrawal agreement as soon as possible but we will not do that at any cost." (Reporting by Kate Holton; editing by David Stamp and Marguerita Choy)

Four UK ministers on verge of quitting Theresa May's government over Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May drew the fury of her crucial Northern Irish allies on Friday after seemingly accepting an EU-backed Brexit solution they fervently oppose.

London's latest political spat underscores the trouble May's fractured government faces in passing through parliament any Brexit arrangement it thrashes out with Brussels over the coming days.

The Times newspaper reported that May sent a five-page letter on Tuesday to the leaders of Northern Ireland's small Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) that props up her government.

May reportedly told her ruling coalition partners she would never allow the disputed Brexit deal proposal offered by Brussels to "come into force".

But DUP leaders said on Friday that May's wording meant the fix would still be included in the withdrawal agreement that London and Brussels hope to reach in the coming days.

They said May had earlier promised them it never would -- and they threatened to vote against the agreement.

"The PM's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union &amp; for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole UK," DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted.

DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson told Sky News that May was guilty of "total betrayal".

"If a deal emerges shaped on the contents of the PM’s letter, @duponline MPs &amp; our allies will not support it," Wilson tweeted.

"The PM knows the consequences, she now needs to reconsider."

'Showdown'&nbsp;

At issue is the problem of how to avoid border checks between British Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit enters into force on March 29.

London suggests Britain could temporarily stay aligned with the bloc's trade rules but wants to reserve the right to exit the arrangement.

The EU appears ready to accept that -- but only if there is a fall-back option written into the withdrawal agreement.

This so-called "backstop to the backstop" would see Northern Ireland become wedded to the EU single market and customs union should London and Brussels fail to strike a permanent trade deal.

It would then require additional checks on goods and agriculture flowing between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain along the Irish Sea.

The DUP views this as a red line and a betrayal of the peace agreement that brought peace to the troubled province in the 1990s.

Some British media said May's government leaked the letter to prepare the ground for what The Guardian called a final "showdown" with the DUP over the checks.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright told BBC Radio that May's government would not let the EU carve up the United Kingdom.

"There is no doubt we have understood the concern the DUP and others have expressed about a hard border down the Irish Sea, we share it, and we will not accept a deal that involves that component."

Eurosceptics in May's Conservative Party are already threatening to vote against the deal because it could lock Britain into a long-term customs arrangement with the EU.

May's failure to secure DUP's backing could see the government lose the Brexit vote and potentially face early elections.

British Prime Minister Theresa May drew the fury of her crucial Northern Irish allies on Friday after seemingly accepting an EU-backed Brexit solution they fervently oppose.

British Prime Minister Theresa May drew the fury of her crucial Northern Irish allies on Friday after seemingly accepting an EU-backed Brexit solution they fervently oppose. London's latest political spat underscores the trouble May's fractured government faces in passing through parliament any Brexit arrangement it thrashes out with Brussels over the coming days. The Times newspaper reported that May sent a five-page letter on Tuesday to the leaders of Northern Ireland's small Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) that props up her government. May reportedly told her ruling coalition partners she would never allow the disputed Brexit deal proposal offered by Brussels to "come into force". But DUP leaders said on Friday that May's wording meant the fix would still be included in the withdrawal agreement that London and Brussels hope to reach in the coming days. They said May had earlier promised them it never would -- and they threatened to vote against the agreement. "The PM's letter raises alarm bells for those who value the integrity of our precious union & for those who want a proper Brexit for the whole UK," DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted. DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson told Sky News that May was guilty of "total betrayal". "If a deal emerges shaped on the contents of the PM’s letter, @duponline MPs & our allies will not support it," Wilson tweeted. "The PM knows the consequences, she now needs to reconsider." 'Showdown' At issue is the problem of how to avoid border checks between British Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit enters into force on March 29. London suggests Britain could temporarily stay aligned with the bloc's trade rules but wants to reserve the right to exit the arrangement. The EU appears ready to accept that -- but only if there is a fall-back option written into the withdrawal agreement. This so-called "backstop to the backstop" would see Northern Ireland become wedded to the EU single market and customs union should London and Brussels fail to strike a permanent trade deal. It would then require additional checks on goods and agriculture flowing between Northern Ireland and mainland Britain along the Irish Sea. The DUP views this as a red line and a betrayal of the peace agreement that brought peace to the troubled province in the 1990s. Some British media said May's government leaked the letter to prepare the ground for what The Guardian called a final "showdown" with the DUP over the checks. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright told BBC Radio that May's government would not let the EU carve up the United Kingdom. "There is no doubt we have understood the concern the DUP and others have expressed about a hard border down the Irish Sea, we share it, and we will not accept a deal that involves that component." Eurosceptics in May's Conservative Party are already threatening to vote against the deal because it could lock Britain into a long-term customs arrangement with the EU. May's failure to secure DUP's backing could see the government lose the Brexit vote and potentially face early elections.

UK PM May faces fury of Northern Irish allies over Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised her ministers Tuesday she would not strike a Brexit deal with the EU "at any cost" after opposition over a mooted plan to resolve the deadlock over Northern Ireland.

Negotiations have stepped up with Brussels as London seeks a divorce agreement within weeks, to allow time for it to be passed by parliament before Brexit day on March 29, 2019.

But British eurosceptics fear May is planning to break the impasse by giving too much ground on an arrangement to avoid border checks between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

The Northern Irish party on whom May depends for her majority in the House of Commons warned that unless the EU offered further concessions, Britain could leave with no deal at all.

At a weekly cabinet meeting, May told ministers she expected an agreement and wanted it as soon as possible, but it would "not be done at any cost", according to her spokesman.

"We will need to be satisfied in the negotiations that we have achieved the best deal that we possibly can for the UK," he added.

Talks with the EU are stuck on the details of a "backstop" arrangement to avoid checks on goods crossing the Irish border until a new trade deal can be signed.

London suggests Britain could temporarily stay aligned with &nbsp;the bloc's trade rules but wants to reserve the right to exit the arrangement.

There were signs of a possible compromise in a phone call on Monday between May and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, where he said he would consider a "review mechanism" for the backstop.

But he rejected the idea Britain could unilaterally end the arrangement, something Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and other eurosceptics in her Conservative party want.

Jeffrey Donaldson, an MP from Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up May's government, said Dublin's refusal to budge could scupper a deal.

"Looks like we're heading for no deal," he wrote on Twitter, adding: "Can't understand why Irish government seems so intent on this course."

The Sun newspaper reported Tuesday that Raab and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt would use the cabinet meeting to warn that any deal with the EU that traps Britain within the bloc's orbit would never be approved by MPs.

May's spokesman said ministers agreed on the need for an "effective mechanism" within the backstop to ensure "that the UK cannot be held in the arrangement indefinitely".

Work is continuing on this, he said, adding: "Don't be under any illusions that there remains a significant amount of work to do."

Several government sources have indicated they would like to see a deal before the end of November, although one official admitted Tuesday this was now a "stretch".

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised her ministers Tuesday she would not strike a Brexit deal with the EU "at any cost" after opposition over a mooted plan to resolve the deadlock over Northern Ireland.

British Prime Minister Theresa May promised her ministers Tuesday she would not strike a Brexit deal with the EU "at any cost" after opposition over a mooted plan to resolve the deadlock over Northern Ireland. Negotiations have stepped up with Brussels as London seeks a divorce agreement within weeks, to allow time for it to be passed by parliament before Brexit day on March 29, 2019. But British eurosceptics fear May is planning to break the impasse by giving too much ground on an arrangement to avoid border checks between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. The Northern Irish party on whom May depends for her majority in the House of Commons warned that unless the EU offered further concessions, Britain could leave with no deal at all. At a weekly cabinet meeting, May told ministers she expected an agreement and wanted it as soon as possible, but it would "not be done at any cost", according to her spokesman. "We will need to be satisfied in the negotiations that we have achieved the best deal that we possibly can for the UK," he added. Talks with the EU are stuck on the details of a "backstop" arrangement to avoid checks on goods crossing the Irish border until a new trade deal can be signed. London suggests Britain could temporarily stay aligned with the bloc's trade rules but wants to reserve the right to exit the arrangement. There were signs of a possible compromise in a phone call on Monday between May and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, where he said he would consider a "review mechanism" for the backstop. But he rejected the idea Britain could unilaterally end the arrangement, something Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and other eurosceptics in her Conservative party want. Jeffrey Donaldson, an MP from Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up May's government, said Dublin's refusal to budge could scupper a deal. "Looks like we're heading for no deal," he wrote on Twitter, adding: "Can't understand why Irish government seems so intent on this course." The Sun newspaper reported Tuesday that Raab and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt would use the cabinet meeting to warn that any deal with the EU that traps Britain within the bloc's orbit would never be approved by MPs. May's spokesman said ministers agreed on the need for an "effective mechanism" within the backstop to ensure "that the UK cannot be held in the arrangement indefinitely". Work is continuing on this, he said, adding: "Don't be under any illusions that there remains a significant amount of work to do." Several government sources have indicated they would like to see a deal before the end of November, although one official admitted Tuesday this was now a "stretch".

United Kingdom's Theresa May says will not agree Brexit deal 'at any cost'

By Daniel Hough 
 
German politics has been dominated by two parties since the end of the war – the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats. Yet, recent election results in the southern state of Bavaria and in the central region of Hesse are evidence that they are in big trouble.

This became even more apparent when, the day after the Hesse election, Angela Merkel, Germany’s long-time leader, announced that she would not stand again as Chancellor in the 2021 election and wouldn’t put herself forward for re-election as leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU) in December.

The logic behind this decision is simple: Merkel recognises that her brand is not the electoral asset that it once was and that the need to groom a successor is getting ever more urgent. All eyes will now be keeping a close on on the likes of Jens Spahn, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Armin Laschet – the three front-runners to take over as CDU leader.

Tough at the top

It’s certainly not implausible that German party politics is undergoing a seismic shift. The Christian Democrat parties – CDU and their regional partner the CSU – and the Social Democrats (SPD) continue to govern nationally as part of a longstanding grand coalition but are seeing their vote shares and opinion poll ratings slump to historic lows. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is, since the Hesse election, now present in all 16 regional parliaments plus the European Parliament and the Bundestag. Both the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) and the socialist Left Party have solid bases of support that see them maintaining a firm presence in national politics. The Greens, meanwhile, are flying high in the national opinion polls and have performed admirably in recent regional elections.

The two main parties do nonetheless now have some time to try to shape the national narrative in a way that suits them. The CDU will try to do that under a new party leader, the SPD almost certainly with the leaders they currently have. That both parties are managing a way out of the unloved grand coalition is clear, but that way out cannot begin any time soon. Both parties are desperate to find alternatives to governing with each other, but, for now, these alternatives are not clear enough and reliable enough to be viable. The only option is to keep calm and carry on.

The CDU/CSU and SPD are helped by the fact that Germany is moving into a period of relative electoral tranquillity. There are no major electoral contests between now and May 2019, the date of both elections to the European Parliament and also to the smallest of Germany’s 16 states, Bremen. The next major regional elections take place in the eastern states of Brandenburg and Saxony on September 1 2019. They are quickly followed by another contest in Thuringia (again in the east) on October 27 2019.

This gives the German government some breathing space. Politicians in both the CDU and the SPD are well aware that internal bickering has badly hamstrung the government. Stories of scandal and intrigue far outweigh discussions of any substantive achievements. Both Merkel and Andrea Nahles (the leader of the SPD) know that simply has to change.

Neither Merkel nor Nahles has the slightest interest in collapsing the coalition and calling new elections. That way electoral disaster lies for both parties. They, and majorities in their parties, know that they somehow have to make the national government work. Nahles announced that this will involve a (newly declared) mid-term assessment of whether there’s enough evidence of SPD achievements to merit carrying on. In reality, this will be for internal consumption as the SPD will – in all likelihood – still be a long way from strong enough to risk pulling out of the coalition and prompting new elections. The two parties are subsequently doomed to govern together for at least the medium term.

2019: a bellwether year? 
 
The fact that 2019 will be the year of eastern regional elections will be significant. German national elections are often won and lost in the east. The Greens’ two impressive successes in 2018 have both come in western regions where their post-materialist supporter base is much stronger. This shouldn’t deflect from the considerable achievements of the Greens in Bavaria and Hesse, but eastern Germany will be a totally different challenge.

It’s worth remembering that in the last regional election in Brandenburg in 2014 the Greens polled 6.2 per cent. In both Saxony and Thuringia (also in 2014) they managed identical scores of 5.7 per cent. At the 2017 national election the Greens managed 5 per cent, 4.6 per cent and 4.1 per cent respectively in those three states. Compare this to 19.5 per cent in Hesse and 17.5 per cent in Bavaria and it’s clear that the Greens have a long way to go before they are flying as high in the East as they currently are in the West.

An interesting indicator of where Germany may ultimately end up by autumn 2021 (the date of the next scheduled federal election) could come in where disgruntled CDU voters go in each of the 2019 eastern elections. In Hesse, Infratest Dimap, one of Germany’s leading opinion poll agencies, estimated that around 99,000 former CDU voters opted to support the Greens. Around 96,000 went to the AfD. Only 35,000 went to the CDU’s long-time ally in federal politics, the Free Democrats.

In Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia the CDU doesn’t have as much to lose as it did in Bavaria and Hesse, having polled 26.7 per cent, 26.9 per cent and 28.8 per cent last time out. But, since 1990 the eastern electorate has been – at times markedly – more volatile than that in western Germany. Voters can and do change their preferences, and sometimes quite drastically. If the Greens are again able to pick up around the same number of voters from the CDU as the AfD does, then we can take that as a fair indication that their supporter base really is growing nationally. Given that the AfD is no newcomer in those three states (it took 12.5 per cent, 9.7 per cent and 10.6 per cent of the vote respectively in each of the last regional elections in those states), it won’t be the fresh upstart that it has been until now.

Predicting national trends from regional polls can be a dangerous game. But given that the German government now has the best part of a year to look and act like a government that knows what it’s doing, the three eastern regional elections will be an excellent time to take stock of what all the trends that have appeared in 2018 actually mean. Until then, expect to see muddling along aplenty.

(Daniel Hough is Professor of Politics, University of Sussex)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/angela-merkel-to-step-aside-heres-what-it-means-for-germany-and-what-to-expect-next-105875">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Daniel Hough German politics has been dominated by two parties since the end of the war – the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats. Yet, recent election results in the southern state of Bavaria and in the central region of Hesse are evidence that they are in big trouble.

By Daniel Hough German politics has been dominated by two parties since the end of the war – the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats. Yet, recent election results in the southern state of Bavaria and in the central region of Hesse are evidence that they are in big trouble. This became even more apparent when, the day after the Hesse election, Angela Merkel, Germany’s long-time leader, announced that she would not stand again as Chancellor in the 2021 election and wouldn’t put herself forward for re-election as leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU) in December. The logic behind this decision is simple: Merkel recognises that her brand is not the electoral asset that it once was and that the need to groom a successor is getting ever more urgent. All eyes will now be keeping a close on on the likes of Jens Spahn, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Armin Laschet – the three front-runners to take over as CDU leader. Tough at the top It’s certainly not implausible that German party politics is undergoing a seismic shift. The Christian Democrat parties – CDU and their regional partner the CSU – and the Social Democrats (SPD) continue to govern nationally as part of a longstanding grand coalition but are seeing their vote shares and opinion poll ratings slump to historic lows. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is, since the Hesse election, now present in all 16 regional parliaments plus the European Parliament and the Bundestag. Both the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) and the socialist Left Party have solid bases of support that see them maintaining a firm presence in national politics. The Greens, meanwhile, are flying high in the national opinion polls and have performed admirably in recent regional elections. The two main parties do nonetheless now have some time to try to shape the national narrative in a way that suits them. The CDU will try to do that under a new party leader, the SPD almost certainly with the leaders they currently have. That both parties are managing a way out of the unloved grand coalition is clear, but that way out cannot begin any time soon. Both parties are desperate to find alternatives to governing with each other, but, for now, these alternatives are not clear enough and reliable enough to be viable. The only option is to keep calm and carry on. The CDU/CSU and SPD are helped by the fact that Germany is moving into a period of relative electoral tranquillity. There are no major electoral contests between now and May 2019, the date of both elections to the European Parliament and also to the smallest of Germany’s 16 states, Bremen. The next major regional elections take place in the eastern states of Brandenburg and Saxony on September 1 2019. They are quickly followed by another contest in Thuringia (again in the east) on October 27 2019. This gives the German government some breathing space. Politicians in both the CDU and the SPD are well aware that internal bickering has badly hamstrung the government. Stories of scandal and intrigue far outweigh discussions of any substantive achievements. Both Merkel and Andrea Nahles (the leader of the SPD) know that simply has to change. Neither Merkel nor Nahles has the slightest interest in collapsing the coalition and calling new elections. That way electoral disaster lies for both parties. They, and majorities in their parties, know that they somehow have to make the national government work. Nahles announced that this will involve a (newly declared) mid-term assessment of whether there’s enough evidence of SPD achievements to merit carrying on. In reality, this will be for internal consumption as the SPD will – in all likelihood – still be a long way from strong enough to risk pulling out of the coalition and prompting new elections. The two parties are subsequently doomed to govern together for at least the medium term. 2019: a bellwether year? The fact that 2019 will be the year of eastern regional elections will be significant. German national elections are often won and lost in the east. The Greens’ two impressive successes in 2018 have both come in western regions where their post-materialist supporter base is much stronger. This shouldn’t deflect from the considerable achievements of the Greens in Bavaria and Hesse, but eastern Germany will be a totally different challenge. It’s worth remembering that in the last regional election in Brandenburg in 2014 the Greens polled 6.2 per cent. In both Saxony and Thuringia (also in 2014) they managed identical scores of 5.7 per cent. At the 2017 national election the Greens managed 5 per cent, 4.6 per cent and 4.1 per cent respectively in those three states. Compare this to 19.5 per cent in Hesse and 17.5 per cent in Bavaria and it’s clear that the Greens have a long way to go before they are flying as high in the East as they currently are in the West. An interesting indicator of where Germany may ultimately end up by autumn 2021 (the date of the next scheduled federal election) could come in where disgruntled CDU voters go in each of the 2019 eastern elections. In Hesse, Infratest Dimap, one of Germany’s leading opinion poll agencies, estimated that around 99,000 former CDU voters opted to support the Greens. Around 96,000 went to the AfD. Only 35,000 went to the CDU’s long-time ally in federal politics, the Free Democrats. In Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia the CDU doesn’t have as much to lose as it did in Bavaria and Hesse, having polled 26.7 per cent, 26.9 per cent and 28.8 per cent last time out. But, since 1990 the eastern electorate has been – at times markedly – more volatile than that in western Germany. Voters can and do change their preferences, and sometimes quite drastically. If the Greens are again able to pick up around the same number of voters from the CDU as the AfD does, then we can take that as a fair indication that their supporter base really is growing nationally. Given that the AfD is no newcomer in those three states (it took 12.5 per cent, 9.7 per cent and 10.6 per cent of the vote respectively in each of the last regional elections in those states), it won’t be the fresh upstart that it has been until now. Predicting national trends from regional polls can be a dangerous game. But given that the German government now has the best part of a year to look and act like a government that knows what it’s doing, the three eastern regional elections will be an excellent time to take stock of what all the trends that have appeared in 2018 actually mean. Until then, expect to see muddling along aplenty. (Daniel Hough is Professor of Politics, University of Sussex) (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)

Here's what Angela Merkel's decision to step aside means for Germany

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

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

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

Barnier denies Brexit deal reached on financial services

Britain hopes to finalise a deal on its withdrawal from the European Union by November 21, the Brexit minister told MPs in a letter published on Wednesday.

"I would be happy to give evidence to the committee when a deal is finalised, and currently expect 21 November to be suitable," Dominic Raab wrote to the House of Commons Brexit scrutiny committee.

The letter is dated October 24, but was only made public on Wednesday.

Both Raab and Oliver Robbins, Prime Minister Theresa May's chief Brexit advisor, have been invited to address the committee on November 21.

Most of the divorce deal with Brussels is agreed but talks remain stuck on how to avoid new checks on Britain's land border with EU member Ireland after it leaves the bloc's single market and customs union.

Raab will visit the UK province of Northern Ireland on Friday on a "fact-finding trip", which will include meetings with local businesses and politicians, an official in his ministry told AFP.

EU leaders had mooted a special summit in mid-November to seal the Brexit deal, but they warned earlier this month that this would not happen without more progress on the Irish issue.

Raab wrote: "The end is now firmly in sight and, while obstacles remain, it cannot be beyond us to navigate them."

Separately, his predecessor David Davis, who quit over the government's approach to Brexit in July, has said the final deal will likely pass when it comes to a vote in the House of Commons.

Davis is among a large minority of May's Conservative MPs who strongly oppose her strategy, raising fears the deal will be rejected.

"The fear of no deal, I think.... That will win and there will be a deal," Davis told an event on Tuesday evening, according to Sky News television.

Britain hopes to finalise a deal on its withdrawal from the European Union by November 21, the Brexit minister told MPs in a letter published on Wednesday. "I would be happy to give evidence to the committee when a deal is finalised, and currently expect 21 November to be suitable," Dominic Raab wrote to the House of Commons Brexit scrutiny committee.

Britain hopes to finalise a deal on its withdrawal from the European Union by November 21, the Brexit minister told MPs in a letter published on Wednesday. "I would be happy to give evidence to the committee when a deal is finalised, and currently expect 21 November to be suitable," Dominic Raab wrote to the House of Commons Brexit scrutiny committee. The letter is dated October 24, but was only made public on Wednesday. Both Raab and Oliver Robbins, Prime Minister Theresa May's chief Brexit advisor, have been invited to address the committee on November 21. Most of the divorce deal with Brussels is agreed but talks remain stuck on how to avoid new checks on Britain's land border with EU member Ireland after it leaves the bloc's single market and customs union. Raab will visit the UK province of Northern Ireland on Friday on a "fact-finding trip", which will include meetings with local businesses and politicians, an official in his ministry told AFP. EU leaders had mooted a special summit in mid-November to seal the Brexit deal, but they warned earlier this month that this would not happen without more progress on the Irish issue. Raab wrote: "The end is now firmly in sight and, while obstacles remain, it cannot be beyond us to navigate them." Separately, his predecessor David Davis, who quit over the government's approach to Brexit in July, has said the final deal will likely pass when it comes to a vote in the House of Commons. Davis is among a large minority of May's Conservative MPs who strongly oppose her strategy, raising fears the deal will be rejected. "The fear of no deal, I think.... That will win and there will be a deal," Davis told an event on Tuesday evening, according to Sky News television.

Britain eyes Brexit deal by November 21: Minister Dominic Raab

Britain's finance minister pledged Sunday that "fiscal buffers" would be in place to deal with the potential chaos of the country crashing out of the European Union without a deal in March.

Philip Hammond was speaking ahead of his speech in parliament Monday in which he is to lay out Britain's last budget before Europe's second-largest economy breaks up with the other 27 nations in the bloc.

The chancellor of the exchequer voiced optimism that the two sides could still reach an agreement despite the current impasse in negotiations.

But he told the BBC that he "can't give an absolute guarantee because there have to be two parties -- it takes two to tango".

And he stressed that he was keeping financial firepower in reserve in case Britain crashes out without a deal and a period of financial mayhem ensues.

"What I will continue to do is maintain fiscal buffers, a reserve of borrowing power against my fiscal rules so that if the economy as a result of a no-deal Brexit -- or indeed because of something else we haven't anticipated -- needs support for the coming months and years, I have the capacity to provide that support," he said.

"That depends on what the markets are doing, it depends at the circumstances at the moment."

Officials in Brussels say they are prepared to hold another summit as soon as they see substantial progress on the outstanding issue of the Irish border.

A new UK-EU frontier will emerge between Ireland and Britain's Northern Ireland on March 29.

But the sides still cannot agree how to maintain frictionless trade that accounts for the different customs and regulatory rules that exist between Britain and the EU.

Hammond said that getting a deal "will minimise any negative effects" of the divorce but refused to be drawn on how much damage Brexit as a whole was causing.

And he admitted that Britain would need to come up with a brand new budget in a no-deal scenario.

"If we were to find ourselves in that situation, then we would need to take a different approach to the future of Britain's economy," he told Sky News.

"We would need to look at a different strategy and frankly we'd need to have a new budget that set out a different strategy for the future."

Britain's finance minister pledged Sunday that "fiscal buffers" would be in place to deal with the potential chaos of the country crashing out of the European Union without a deal in March.

Britain's finance minister pledged Sunday that "fiscal buffers" would be in place to deal with the potential chaos of the country crashing out of the European Union without a deal in March. Philip Hammond was speaking ahead of his speech in parliament Monday in which he is to lay out Britain's last budget before Europe's second-largest economy breaks up with the other 27 nations in the bloc. The chancellor of the exchequer voiced optimism that the two sides could still reach an agreement despite the current impasse in negotiations. But he told the BBC that he "can't give an absolute guarantee because there have to be two parties -- it takes two to tango". And he stressed that he was keeping financial firepower in reserve in case Britain crashes out without a deal and a period of financial mayhem ensues. "What I will continue to do is maintain fiscal buffers, a reserve of borrowing power against my fiscal rules so that if the economy as a result of a no-deal Brexit -- or indeed because of something else we haven't anticipated -- needs support for the coming months and years, I have the capacity to provide that support," he said. "That depends on what the markets are doing, it depends at the circumstances at the moment." Officials in Brussels say they are prepared to hold another summit as soon as they see substantial progress on the outstanding issue of the Irish border. A new UK-EU frontier will emerge between Ireland and Britain's Northern Ireland on March 29. But the sides still cannot agree how to maintain frictionless trade that accounts for the different customs and regulatory rules that exist between Britain and the EU. Hammond said that getting a deal "will minimise any negative effects" of the divorce but refused to be drawn on how much damage Brexit as a whole was causing. And he admitted that Britain would need to come up with a brand new budget in a no-deal scenario. "If we were to find ourselves in that situation, then we would need to take a different approach to the future of Britain's economy," he told Sky News. "We would need to look at a different strategy and frankly we'd need to have a new budget that set out a different strategy for the future."

UK preparing 'buffers' for no-deal Brexit: Finance minister

Twenty-seven countries have raised concerns about Britain's future trading terms at the World Trade Organisation, trade sources in Geneva told AFP on Friday, in a move that could delay post-Brexit free trade deals.

The WTO in Geneva -- which has 164 countries as members -- is where countries negotiate the rules of international trade and settle disputes.

Although Britain is a member outright, for decades the EU has represented the UK at the WTO.

But Brexit means the UK has to separate its trade rules from the EU if it wants to act with more independence.

As March approaches -- Britain's Brexit leave date -- the UK has pushed to essentially replicate the WTO rules it currently follows as an EU member, with some technical changes.

But trade sources have told AFP that 27 countries have "raised concerns" about the plans, particularly regarding agriculture tariffs and quotas, as well as other issues.&nbsp;

The move has been described as a "welcome to reality" moment for the UK, by analysts.

"All these countries, they are all saying we would like something, we want a bigger share of the pie," David Henig, Director of the UK Trade Policy Project, told AFP.

"While the UK is in these (WTO) negotiations, that can potentially delay bilateral deals with other countries," he said.

A delay to new free trade deals post-Brexit -- touted as a key benefit of leaving the EU by Brexit supporters -- could have economic consequences for the UK.

But it is still unclear whether Britain's proposed Brexit deal will even leave the UK with much power to negotiate free trade deals.

Until a Brexit deal is completed, it is impossible to know what terms of trade will be negotiated at the WTO.

Many of the concerns raised by other countries at the WTO could even fall away if the UK stays part of the EU's custom's union for example, trade sources said.

- National interests - 
The WTO said the situation is without precedent but that while discussions take place, trade will continue as normal.

"The type of conversation that will take place very much depends on the outcome of the UK-EU bilateral negotiation," the WTO said in a statement.

A separate issue is whether British businesses will continue to get equal access to bid for government contracts in other WTO countries, known as government procurement agreements.&nbsp;

"The other countries might decide to keep treating British businesses the same way, but they don’t have to," warned Doctor Lorand Bartels, a teacher of WTO law at the University of Cambridge.

If the UK does not reach a deal with other WTO countries then, "British businesses would not be protected when bidding for government contracts," Dr Bartels said.

12 percent of GDP is the amount spent on average in OECD countries on public procurement, according to the organisation.

According to market analysis site MLex, Russia is one of the countries to have objected to the British proposals, saying they do not meet obligations "under several basic WTO provisions”.

Other countries have made it clear that they think the plans will put them at a disadvantage, the site said.

The WTO played down the significance, saying countries had simply reserved their right "to sit down and discuss with the British" negotiations in the coming months.

The developments are a reminder of the huge complexities Britain faces to finalise deals while countries promote their own national interests.

"There is a lot of negotiating to go ahead," Henig said.

Twenty-seven countries have raised concerns about Britain's future trading terms at the World Trade Organisation, trade sources in Geneva told AFP on Friday, in a move that could delay post-Brexit free trade deals.

Twenty-seven countries have raised concerns about Britain's future trading terms at the World Trade Organisation, trade sources in Geneva told AFP on Friday, in a move that could delay post-Brexit free trade deals. The WTO in Geneva -- which has 164 countries as members -- is where countries negotiate the rules of international trade and settle disputes. Although Britain is a member outright, for decades the EU has represented the UK at the WTO. But Brexit means the UK has to separate its trade rules from the EU if it wants to act with more independence. As March approaches -- Britain's Brexit leave date -- the UK has pushed to essentially replicate the WTO rules it currently follows as an EU member, with some technical changes. But trade sources have told AFP that 27 countries have "raised concerns" about the plans, particularly regarding agriculture tariffs and quotas, as well as other issues. The move has been described as a "welcome to reality" moment for the UK, by analysts. "All these countries, they are all saying we would like something, we want a bigger share of the pie," David Henig, Director of the UK Trade Policy Project, told AFP. "While the UK is in these (WTO) negotiations, that can potentially delay bilateral deals with other countries," he said. A delay to new free trade deals post-Brexit -- touted as a key benefit of leaving the EU by Brexit supporters -- could have economic consequences for the UK. But it is still unclear whether Britain's proposed Brexit deal will even leave the UK with much power to negotiate free trade deals. Until a Brexit deal is completed, it is impossible to know what terms of trade will be negotiated at the WTO. Many of the concerns raised by other countries at the WTO could even fall away if the UK stays part of the EU's custom's union for example, trade sources said. - National interests - The WTO said the situation is without precedent but that while discussions take place, trade will continue as normal. "The type of conversation that will take place very much depends on the outcome of the UK-EU bilateral negotiation," the WTO said in a statement. A separate issue is whether British businesses will continue to get equal access to bid for government contracts in other WTO countries, known as government procurement agreements. "The other countries might decide to keep treating British businesses the same way, but they don’t have to," warned Doctor Lorand Bartels, a teacher of WTO law at the University of Cambridge. If the UK does not reach a deal with other WTO countries then, "British businesses would not be protected when bidding for government contracts," Dr Bartels said. 12 percent of GDP is the amount spent on average in OECD countries on public procurement, according to the organisation. According to market analysis site MLex, Russia is one of the countries to have objected to the British proposals, saying they do not meet obligations "under several basic WTO provisions”. Other countries have made it clear that they think the plans will put them at a disadvantage, the site said. The WTO played down the significance, saying countries had simply reserved their right "to sit down and discuss with the British" negotiations in the coming months. The developments are a reminder of the huge complexities Britain faces to finalise deals while countries promote their own national interests. "There is a lot of negotiating to go ahead," Henig said.

27 countries raise concerns at WTO over Britain's post-Brexit trade plans

Hundreds of thousands of supporters of the European Union marched through London on Saturday in the biggest demonstration so far to demand that the British government holds a public vote on the terms of Brexit.

The protesters waved the blue and gold flag of the EU and held up "Bollocks to Brexit" banners under sunny skies to call for another referendum on the eventual deal on how Britain will leave the world's biggest trading bloc.

The march comes after another tumultuous week for Prime Minister Theresa May in which she failed to agree a divorce deal with EU leaders in Brussels and infuriated members of her own party by making further concessions in the talks.

With just over five months until Britain is due to leave there is no clarity about what a future trade deal with the EU will look like and some rebels in May's Conservative Party have threatened to vote down a deal if she clinches one.

James McGrory, one of the organisers of the march, said voters should have the chance to change their minds because the decision will impact their lives for generations.

"People think the Brexit negotiations are a total mess, they have no faith in the government to deliver the promises that were made, partly because they cannot be delivered," he said.

At the march, demonstrators carried placards saying "Brexit is pants", "Time for an EU turn" and "European and proud."

Organisers said about 670,000 people took part in the march, which would make it the largest in Britain since a demonstration against the Iraq war in 2003.

The "People's Vote" campaign, which includes several pro-EU groups, said they had stewards stationed at regular intervals to estimate the size of the crowd. The police did not provide an independent estimate of numbers participating.

Protesters originally gathered near Hyde Park and then walked past Downing Street and finished outside parliament where they listened to politicians from all main political parties.

Brexit reversed?

Britain's 2016 referendum saw 52 per cent vote in favour of leaving the European Union. But the past two years have been politically fraught as the government has struggled to agree on a plan and there are fears that Britain could leave the bloc without a deal.

Some opinion polls have shown a slight shift in favour of remaining in the European Union, but there has yet to be a decisive change in attitudes and many in Britain say they have become increasingly bored by Brexit.

The prime minister has repeatedly ruled out holding a second referendum. The opposition Labour party's Brexit spokesman said last month his party open to a second referendum with the option of staying in the bloc in certain circumstances.

In Belfast in Northern Ireland, around 2,000 people gathered on Saturday to oppose Brexit.

Brendan Heading, a 39-year-old IT worker, said he was worried the decision to leave the EU would damage the economy and could lead to the break up of the United Kingdom.

"I feel that Brexit threatens prosperity and stability," he said. "People should have the opportunity to vote for an alternative based on what we now know."

Brexit supporters held their own rally in the town of Harrogate in the north of England.

Richard Tice, Vice-Chairman of Leave Means Leave and one of the speakers at the event, described the people on the march in London as "losers" and said a second referendum would trigger a constitutional crisis.

"We had a vote, we voted to leave, the idea to have a second referendum would be incredibly damaging," he said.

"People need to be under no illusions as to how people feel about what is a significant potential for a total betrayal of democracy in this country."

Hundreds of thousands of supporters of the European Union marched through London on Saturday in the biggest demonstration so far to demand that the British government holds a public vote on the terms of Brexit.

Hundreds of thousands of supporters of the European Union marched through London on Saturday in the biggest demonstration so far to demand that the British government holds a public vote on the terms of Brexit. The protesters waved the blue and gold flag of the EU and held up "Bollocks to Brexit" banners under sunny skies to call for another referendum on the eventual deal on how Britain will leave the world's biggest trading bloc. The march comes after another tumultuous week for Prime Minister Theresa May in which she failed to agree a divorce deal with EU leaders in Brussels and infuriated members of her own party by making further concessions in the talks. With just over five months until Britain is due to leave there is no clarity about what a future trade deal with the EU will look like and some rebels in May's Conservative Party have threatened to vote down a deal if she clinches one. James McGrory, one of the organisers of the march, said voters should have the chance to change their minds because the decision will impact their lives for generations. "People think the Brexit negotiations are a total mess, they have no faith in the government to deliver the promises that were made, partly because they cannot be delivered," he said. At the march, demonstrators carried placards saying "Brexit is pants", "Time for an EU turn" and "European and proud." Organisers said about 670,000 people took part in the march, which would make it the largest in Britain since a demonstration against the Iraq war in 2003. The "People's Vote" campaign, which includes several pro-EU groups, said they had stewards stationed at regular intervals to estimate the size of the crowd. The police did not provide an independent estimate of numbers participating. Protesters originally gathered near Hyde Park and then walked past Downing Street and finished outside parliament where they listened to politicians from all main political parties. Brexit reversed? Britain's 2016 referendum saw 52 per cent vote in favour of leaving the European Union. But the past two years have been politically fraught as the government has struggled to agree on a plan and there are fears that Britain could leave the bloc without a deal. Some opinion polls have shown a slight shift in favour of remaining in the European Union, but there has yet to be a decisive change in attitudes and many in Britain say they have become increasingly bored by Brexit. The prime minister has repeatedly ruled out holding a second referendum. The opposition Labour party's Brexit spokesman said last month his party open to a second referendum with the option of staying in the bloc in certain circumstances. In Belfast in Northern Ireland, around 2,000 people gathered on Saturday to oppose Brexit. Brendan Heading, a 39-year-old IT worker, said he was worried the decision to leave the EU would damage the economy and could lead to the break up of the United Kingdom. "I feel that Brexit threatens prosperity and stability," he said. "People should have the opportunity to vote for an alternative based on what we now know." Brexit supporters held their own rally in the town of Harrogate in the north of England. Richard Tice, Vice-Chairman of Leave Means Leave and one of the speakers at the event, described the people on the march in London as "losers" and said a second referendum would trigger a constitutional crisis. "We had a vote, we voted to leave, the idea to have a second referendum would be incredibly damaging," he said. "People need to be under no illusions as to how people feel about what is a significant potential for a total betrayal of democracy in this country."

Hundreds of thousands take to streets in London demanding second Brexit vote

By Nikos Skoutaris

British Prime Minister Theresa May has insisted that the result of the Brexit referendum “was a vote to take control of our borders”. In order to do that, the UK will be leaving both the EU single market and the customs union. At the same time, May’s government has committed to protecting the Good Friday Agreement by not accepting any physical infrastructure at the Irish land border. So, the UK and the EU have been facing an almost unsolvable riddle. How can they keep open a land border between an EU member state and a country that is outside the single market and the customs union?

The text of the political agreement reached between the UK and EU in December 2017 included a formula to square the circle. It stated that the aim of future negotiations would be to address the challenge of the Irish border through the overall EU-UK relationship. If the final withdrawal agreement doesn’t provide a frictionless invisible border, then “specific solutions” will apply to Northern Ireland. But if the UK and the EU cannot agree on those specific solutions, then Northern Ireland or the UK as a whole will remain aligned to the single market and the customs union.

Since then, the UK and EU negotiators have struggled to find a legally operative text that would both fulfil the commitment to keep the land border open and respect the political sensitivities of all the interested parties. Below are the proposals on the table.

The EU backstop

The first attempt to legally codify the December 2017 commitment came in the Draft Withdrawal Treaty published by the European Union in February 2018. This proposed setting up a common regulatory area comprising the European Union and Northern Ireland. The region would, therefore, remain in the EU customs territory. May vehemently rejected the plan noting that “no UK prime minister could agree to it”.

The main problem with the suggested arrangement is that it will create a customs border in the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. This is why EU negotiator Michel Barnier tried to de-dramatise the proposed solution by insisting that the whole arrangement creates neither a land nor a sea border. It is merely “a set of technical checks and controls”.

Arlene Foster, leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, insists that “the entirety of the UK should be leaving the single market and the customs union”. She has threatened to withdraw the parliamentary support on which May’s government relies if Northern Ireland is treated differently to the UK after Brexit.

The UK backstop 
 
In June 2017, the UK government published its own counter-proposal for a backstop arrangement. The biggest difference between the two proposals is that the UK’s applies to the whole country and not just to Northern Ireland. The entire territory of the UK and the Channel Islands would remain part of the customs territory of the European Union, even after the end of the transition period in December 2020.

However, it is not entirely clear whether under this solution there would also be regulatory alignment between the UK and the EU, keeping the UK effectively within a significant part of the single market. Be that as it may, such an arrangement respects the DUP’s red lines but angers Eurosceptic MPs who do not welcome the prospect of the UK being aligned with EU rules in the long term. This group could vote against such a deal when it reaches parliament.

A backstop to a backstop

More problematic, from an EU point of view, is that May insists that the backstop should be a “temporary solution” because the UK does not want to be “stuck permanently in single customs territory, unable to do meaningful trade deals”. Given that the UK insists on legally entrenching the deadline of the backstop option, the EU is asking for a “backstop to a backstop” specific to Northern Ireland that will not be time-limited.

Endgame

The negotiations for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU are reaching their final stages and it is difficult to see how a solution to the Irish border conundrum can be found without some compromise. The solemn commitment that the UK has undertaken to protect the Good Friday Agreement and to keep the Irish land border open raises a significant dilemma. Either it has to opt for a much closer relationship with the EU than the one described in its red lines or it has to accept some differentiation for Northern Ireland.

(Nikos Skoutaris is Senior Lecturer in European Union Law, School of Law, University of East Anglia)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-backstop-refresh-why-the-uk-and-eu-cant-agree-on-northern-ireland-105080">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Nikos Skoutaris British Prime Minister Theresa May has insisted that the result of the Brexit referendum “was a vote to take control of our borders”. In order to do that, the UK will be leaving both the EU single market and the customs union.

By Nikos Skoutaris British Prime Minister Theresa May has insisted that the result of the Brexit referendum “was a vote to take control of our borders”. In order to do that, the UK will be leaving both the EU single market and the customs union. At the same time, May’s government has committed to protecting the Good Friday Agreement by not accepting any physical infrastructure at the Irish land border. So, the UK and the EU have been facing an almost unsolvable riddle. How can they keep open a land border between an EU member state and a country that is outside the single market and the customs union? The text of the political agreement reached between the UK and EU in December 2017 included a formula to square the circle. It stated that the aim of future negotiations would be to address the challenge of the Irish border through the overall EU-UK relationship. If the final withdrawal agreement doesn’t provide a frictionless invisible border, then “specific solutions” will apply to Northern Ireland. But if the UK and the EU cannot agree on those specific solutions, then Northern Ireland or the UK as a whole will remain aligned to the single market and the customs union. Since then, the UK and EU negotiators have struggled to find a legally operative text that would both fulfil the commitment to keep the land border open and respect the political sensitivities of all the interested parties. Below are the proposals on the table. The EU backstop The first attempt to legally codify the December 2017 commitment came in the Draft Withdrawal Treaty published by the European Union in February 2018. This proposed setting up a common regulatory area comprising the European Union and Northern Ireland. The region would, therefore, remain in the EU customs territory. May vehemently rejected the plan noting that “no UK prime minister could agree to it”. The main problem with the suggested arrangement is that it will create a customs border in the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. This is why EU negotiator Michel Barnier tried to de-dramatise the proposed solution by insisting that the whole arrangement creates neither a land nor a sea border. It is merely “a set of technical checks and controls”. Arlene Foster, leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, insists that “the entirety of the UK should be leaving the single market and the customs union”. She has threatened to withdraw the parliamentary support on which May’s government relies if Northern Ireland is treated differently to the UK after Brexit. The UK backstop In June 2017, the UK government published its own counter-proposal for a backstop arrangement. The biggest difference between the two proposals is that the UK’s applies to the whole country and not just to Northern Ireland. The entire territory of the UK and the Channel Islands would remain part of the customs territory of the European Union, even after the end of the transition period in December 2020. However, it is not entirely clear whether under this solution there would also be regulatory alignment between the UK and the EU, keeping the UK effectively within a significant part of the single market. Be that as it may, such an arrangement respects the DUP’s red lines but angers Eurosceptic MPs who do not welcome the prospect of the UK being aligned with EU rules in the long term. This group could vote against such a deal when it reaches parliament. A backstop to a backstop More problematic, from an EU point of view, is that May insists that the backstop should be a “temporary solution” because the UK does not want to be “stuck permanently in single customs territory, unable to do meaningful trade deals”. Given that the UK insists on legally entrenching the deadline of the backstop option, the EU is asking for a “backstop to a backstop” specific to Northern Ireland that will not be time-limited. Endgame The negotiations for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU are reaching their final stages and it is difficult to see how a solution to the Irish border conundrum can be found without some compromise. The solemn commitment that the UK has undertaken to protect the Good Friday Agreement and to keep the Irish land border open raises a significant dilemma. Either it has to opt for a much closer relationship with the EU than the one described in its red lines or it has to accept some differentiation for Northern Ireland. (Nikos Skoutaris is Senior Lecturer in European Union Law, School of Law, University of East Anglia) (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)

UK and EU face an almost unsolvable riddle

European leaders insisted Thursday that Prime Minister Theresa May must do more to avoid Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal, even after she indicated she was open to extending a Brexit transition period if it helped unblock negotiations.

At a summit in Brussels, May confirmed that she is considering the extension idea floated by the EU as a possible way to break the deadlock over how to keep Britain's border with Ireland open after Brexit.

But other EU nations warned this may not resolve the impasse, which has raised fears of the potentially catastrophic scenario of Britain crashing out in March without any agreement.

May's own officials also admitted that an extension -- which has sparked outrage among eurosceptics at home -- would not affect London's position on the Irish border.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel repeated an earlier call from EU Council President Donald Tusk for the prime minister to act, saying: "More than ever, the ball is in Britain's court."

Longer transition

This week's Brussels summit had been set as the deadline for a draft deal, but the other 27 EU leaders were left once again demanding more progress from London.

Arriving for the second day on Thursday, May noted that both sides remained at odds over a "backstop" plan to avoid frontier checks between Britain and Ireland if and until a new trade deal to resolve the issue can be signed.

"A further idea that has emerged -- and it is an idea at this stage -- is to create an option to extend the implementation period for a matter of months," she told reporters.

Currently a transition phase is planned from Brexit next March until the end of December 2020, to allow time to sign a new EU-UK trade deal.

Extending this could reduce the likelihood of having to use any "backstop" plan, thus taking the heat out of the most contested Brexit issue.

The EU suggests that the British province of Northern Ireland stay aligned to its single market and customs union until a new trade deal is agreed.

But Britain has rejected this, proposing instead that the whole United Kingdom temporarily follow EU customs rules -- something Brussels in turn has said is not possible.

A senior British official confirmed Thursday that even if the transition were extended, Britain remained opposed to the EU's backstop plan.

EU nations also questioned whether the idea would change the situation.

A source in the French presidency warned that an extension "could be part of the discussion but is not an ideal solution".

Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel added that Britain's general approach remained a problem.

"It's not possible that the UK keeps all the advantages from the common market but only under its own conditions," he told reporters.

'Embarrassing climbdown'

Even if May's suggestion of an extension to the transition is unlikely to break the deadlock in Brussels, it energised her critics in London.

The Conservative leader has been struggling since the 2016 vote for Brexit to find a compromise divorce deal that is acceptable to both the EU and her own MPs, who could block the final accord in the House of Commons.

Boris Johnson and David Davis, two former ministers who quit in July over her approach to Brexit, signed a joint letter demanding Britain avoid the "purgatory of perpetual membership of the EU's customs union".

On the other side of the political divide, the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats said extending the transition was another "embarrassing climbdown" for May.

May did little to deflect their anger by suggesting that she did not expect any extension to be used, because she expected a trade deal before December 2020.

The prime minister had made a personal plea to fellow EU leaders on Wednesday to recognise the progress made so far and keep negotiating.

Over dinner afterwards, they agreed to keep talking, but upped the pressure by refusing to sign off on a planned special summit next month to seal the divorce.

Failure to meet in November could see a draft Brexit deal pushed back to a December summit, leaving little time for its ratification by the British and European parliaments.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said EU leaders had asked the bloc's executive "to work with even more vigour on a no-deal scenario".&nbsp;

European leaders insisted Thursday that Prime Minister Theresa May must do more to avoid Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal, even after she indicated she was open to extending a Brexit transition period if it helped unblock negotiations.

European leaders insisted Thursday that Prime Minister Theresa May must do more to avoid Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal, even after she indicated she was open to extending a Brexit transition period if it helped unblock negotiations. At a summit in Brussels, May confirmed that she is considering the extension idea floated by the EU as a possible way to break the deadlock over how to keep Britain's border with Ireland open after Brexit. But other EU nations warned this may not resolve the impasse, which has raised fears of the potentially catastrophic scenario of Britain crashing out in March without any agreement. May's own officials also admitted that an extension -- which has sparked outrage among eurosceptics at home -- would not affect London's position on the Irish border. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel repeated an earlier call from EU Council President Donald Tusk for the prime minister to act, saying: "More than ever, the ball is in Britain's court." Longer transition This week's Brussels summit had been set as the deadline for a draft deal, but the other 27 EU leaders were left once again demanding more progress from London. Arriving for the second day on Thursday, May noted that both sides remained at odds over a "backstop" plan to avoid frontier checks between Britain and Ireland if and until a new trade deal to resolve the issue can be signed. "A further idea that has emerged -- and it is an idea at this stage -- is to create an option to extend the implementation period for a matter of months," she told reporters. Currently a transition phase is planned from Brexit next March until the end of December 2020, to allow time to sign a new EU-UK trade deal. Extending this could reduce the likelihood of having to use any "backstop" plan, thus taking the heat out of the most contested Brexit issue. The EU suggests that the British province of Northern Ireland stay aligned to its single market and customs union until a new trade deal is agreed. But Britain has rejected this, proposing instead that the whole United Kingdom temporarily follow EU customs rules -- something Brussels in turn has said is not possible. A senior British official confirmed Thursday that even if the transition were extended, Britain remained opposed to the EU's backstop plan. EU nations also questioned whether the idea would change the situation. A source in the French presidency warned that an extension "could be part of the discussion but is not an ideal solution". Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel added that Britain's general approach remained a problem. "It's not possible that the UK keeps all the advantages from the common market but only under its own conditions," he told reporters. 'Embarrassing climbdown' Even if May's suggestion of an extension to the transition is unlikely to break the deadlock in Brussels, it energised her critics in London. The Conservative leader has been struggling since the 2016 vote for Brexit to find a compromise divorce deal that is acceptable to both the EU and her own MPs, who could block the final accord in the House of Commons. Boris Johnson and David Davis, two former ministers who quit in July over her approach to Brexit, signed a joint letter demanding Britain avoid the "purgatory of perpetual membership of the EU's customs union". On the other side of the political divide, the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats said extending the transition was another "embarrassing climbdown" for May. May did little to deflect their anger by suggesting that she did not expect any extension to be used, because she expected a trade deal before December 2020. The prime minister had made a personal plea to fellow EU leaders on Wednesday to recognise the progress made so far and keep negotiating. Over dinner afterwards, they agreed to keep talking, but upped the pressure by refusing to sign off on a planned special summit next month to seal the divorce. Failure to meet in November could see a draft Brexit deal pushed back to a December summit, leaving little time for its ratification by the British and European parliaments. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said EU leaders had asked the bloc's executive "to work with even more vigour on a no-deal scenario".

UK PM mulls longer Brexit transition but European Union demands more progress

British Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-says-still-a-chance-for-deal-on-brexit-171948">Theresa May confirmed Thursday</a> she was considering extending the transition period after Brexit for a few months to give time to agree on a new trade deal with the European Union.

"A further idea that has emerged, and it is<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-minister-calls-on-uk-cabinet-to-make-may-change-mind-on-brexit-171442"> an idea at this stage, is to create an</a> option to extend the implementation period for a matter of months," she told reporters as she arrived for the second day of EU summit talks in Brussels.

PM Theresa May had made no significant new proposals to unblock Brexit negotiations on Wednesday when she briefed fellow EU leaders, the president of the European Parliament told reporters.

"I have said there is nothing substantially new in the content, but I sense a political will to make headway," said Antonio Tajani, who attended May's address on the first night of a European summit.

Earlier, PM Theresa May had said that a Brexit deal was achievable and "now is the time to make it happen", as she arrived at an EU summit.

"I believe everybody around the table wants to get a deal. By working intensively and closely we can achieve that deal," she told reporters in Brussels.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had opened the possibility of extending the one-year transition period in an effort to unblock talks stalled on the thorny issue of the Irish border, EU diplomats said speculated earlier.

Barnier told European Affairs Ministers on Wednesday "that one of the options was to extend the transitional phase by one year (to 2021)" in order to gain more time to negotiate trade deal, EU diplomats told AFP.

British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed Thursday she was considering extending the transition period after Brexit for a few months to give time to agree on a new trade deal with the European Union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed Thursday she was considering extending the transition period after Brexit for a few months to give time to agree on a new trade deal with the European Union. "A further idea that has emerged, and it is an idea at this stage, is to create an option to extend the implementation period for a matter of months," she told reporters as she arrived for the second day of EU summit talks in Brussels. PM Theresa May had made no significant new proposals to unblock Brexit negotiations on Wednesday when she briefed fellow EU leaders, the president of the European Parliament told reporters. "I have said there is nothing substantially new in the content, but I sense a political will to make headway," said Antonio Tajani, who attended May's address on the first night of a European summit. Earlier, PM Theresa May had said that a Brexit deal was achievable and "now is the time to make it happen", as she arrived at an EU summit. "I believe everybody around the table wants to get a deal. By working intensively and closely we can achieve that deal," she told reporters in Brussels. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had opened the possibility of extending the one-year transition period in an effort to unblock talks stalled on the thorny issue of the Irish border, EU diplomats said speculated earlier. Barnier told European Affairs Ministers on Wednesday "that one of the options was to extend the transitional phase by one year (to 2021)" in order to gain more time to negotiate trade deal, EU diplomats told AFP.

Idea has emerged to extend Brexit implementation period: PM Theresa May

UK PM rallies ministers ahead of Summit

A walking and talking robot appeared in Britain's parliament for the first time on Tuesday, prompting Twitter users to seize the chance to heap more mockery on Theresa May.

The latest round of public amusement at the expense of the British premier came during a committee hearing on artificial intelligence (AI) and "the fourth industrial revolution".

MPs on the education committee invited a robot named Pepper -- a white female creation with an excruciatingly thin waist and a tablet computer stuck to her chest -- to answer some basic questions.

Asked whether humans would have a place in a brave new world where AI reigns supreme, Pepper responded in a reassuring voice.

"Robots will have an important role to play, but we will always need the soft skills that are unique to humans: to sense, make, and drive value from technology," the robot said.

She was asked about a few more completely unscripted matters before panelists moved on to discuss ethics and social injustice.

Pepper listened and twirled her head a few times.

Comparisons to the premier's propensity to dance in a robotic manner and speak with methodic precision -- traits that earned her the nickname "Maybot" -- quickly appeared on Twitter.

"Thats fantastic....but can it do the Maybot," asked someone named Hugh Duffy.

"Theresa May is looking almost human these days," Benedict Smyth offered.

And even the popular Politics Home website chipped in with: "NEW: A witness gave a robotic performance in front of a Commons committee… but it wasn't Theresa May."

The British leader has turned into a subject of periodic jokes on social networks as she struggles for pull her country out of the European Union without causing too much damage.

She has particularly taken to dancing -- something she did twice during an August trade mission to Africa and then at a Tory party conference this month.

Her moves did not earn high marks from bemused Britons. They also spawned an entire family of Maybot Twitter accounts pretending to speak in the prime minister's name.

A walking and talking robot appeared in Britain's parliament for the first time on Tuesday, prompting Twitter users to seize the chance to heap more mockery on Theresa May.

A walking and talking robot appeared in Britain's parliament for the first time on Tuesday, prompting Twitter users to seize the chance to heap more mockery on Theresa May. The latest round of public amusement at the expense of the British premier came during a committee hearing on artificial intelligence (AI) and "the fourth industrial revolution". MPs on the education committee invited a robot named Pepper -- a white female creation with an excruciatingly thin waist and a tablet computer stuck to her chest -- to answer some basic questions. Asked whether humans would have a place in a brave new world where AI reigns supreme, Pepper responded in a reassuring voice. "Robots will have an important role to play, but we will always need the soft skills that are unique to humans: to sense, make, and drive value from technology," the robot said. She was asked about a few more completely unscripted matters before panelists moved on to discuss ethics and social injustice. Pepper listened and twirled her head a few times. Comparisons to the premier's propensity to dance in a robotic manner and speak with methodic precision -- traits that earned her the nickname "Maybot" -- quickly appeared on Twitter. "Thats fantastic....but can it do the Maybot," asked someone named Hugh Duffy. "Theresa May is looking almost human these days," Benedict Smyth offered. And even the popular Politics Home website chipped in with: "NEW: A witness gave a robotic performance in front of a Commons committee… but it wasn't Theresa May." The British leader has turned into a subject of periodic jokes on social networks as she struggles for pull her country out of the European Union without causing too much damage. She has particularly taken to dancing -- something she did twice during an August trade mission to Africa and then at a Tory party conference this month. Her moves did not earn high marks from bemused Britons. They also spawned an entire family of Maybot Twitter accounts pretending to speak in the prime minister's name.

Robot's debut in UK parliament leads to mockery of PM May

Critics of Theresa May's plans to leave the European Union stepped up the pressure on the prime minister on Sunday, with one former minister saying her cabinet team should exert its authority to force her to change course.

With less than six months before Brexit day and just days before May heads to Brussels for a summit, former Brexit minister David Davis pressed May to abandon her proposal for leaving the European Union, saying the bloc "has rejected it. The public does not like it. Parliament will not vote for it".

The head of a Northern Irish party that props up her government also raised the stakes, saying it was ready to trigger a so-called no deal Brexit to prevent what it called "the annexation" of the British province by the EU.

So far, May has shown little appetite to change tack in her strategy to leave the EU, pressing her plan and trying to persuade lawmakers in her Conservative Party and in opposition Labour to vote for any deal based on it in parliament.

Davis, who resigned his post in July, criticised the government for accepting "the EU's language on dealing with the Northern Ireland border" last December, said it was now up to senior ministers to use their influence.

"This is one of the most fundamental decisions that government has taken in modern times. It is time for cabinet members to exert their collective authority," wrote Davis, who campaigned for Britain to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum.

"This week the authority of our constitution is on the line," he said in an article in the Sunday Times.

Lobbying of May from all sides of the Brexit debate has increased in recent weeks as London and Brussels edge closer to an agreement on a draft withdrawal treaty to cover the divorce terms, a transition period and a solution for Northern Ireland.

Preventing any return of a hard border between the British province and EU member Ireland has become one of the major obstacles to such an agreement, with Brexit campaigners fearful that a non time-limited backstop will keep Britain inside a customs union with the bloc indefinitely.

May insists any customs arrangement as part of the backstop must be temporary, but the EU has refused to set an end date.

TEMPORARY

Health minister Matt Hancock suggested the backstop could be temporary without such a date, an argument that may fall flat for some eurosceptic lawmakers who are calling for May to "chuck Chequers", her Brexit plan named after her country residence.

"There are different ways to ensure that something is time limited. There are different ways of doing that. For instance, you can set conditions at the point at which the arrangements come to an end," he told the BBC.

Even if May reaches agreement with the Brussels on a withdrawal agreement, she will face a struggle to get any deal through parliament and may even find opposition from her Northern Irish partners to other legislation such as the budget.

"I fully appreciate the risks of a 'no deal' but the dangers of a bad deal are worse," Arlene Foster, head of the Democratic Unionist Party, wrote in an article in the Belfast Telegraph.

"This backstop arrangement would not be temporary. It would be the permanent annexation of Northern Ireland away from the rest of the United Kingdom and forever leave us subject to rules made in a place where we have no say."

Eurosceptic lawmakers in her Conservative Party are also concerned about a backstop, fearing it could keep Britain in the EU's sphere of influence possible forever and stop the country from striking new trade deals with the rest of the world.

Davis' words were clearly targeted at several Brexit supporters in May's cabinet of top ministers after there were reports that some were considering their position after being updated on the state of the Brexit talks.

But Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative leader and eurosceptic lawmaker, urged caution, saying it was not time to try to bring down the prime minister and replace her with someone else.

Critics of Theresa May's plans to leave the European Union stepped up the pressure on the prime minister on Sunday, with one former minister saying her cabinet team should exert its authority to force her to change course.

Critics of Theresa May's plans to leave the European Union stepped up the pressure on the prime minister on Sunday, with one former minister saying her cabinet team should exert its authority to force her to change course. With less than six months before Brexit day and just days before May heads to Brussels for a summit, former Brexit minister David Davis pressed May to abandon her proposal for leaving the European Union, saying the bloc "has rejected it. The public does not like it. Parliament will not vote for it". The head of a Northern Irish party that props up her government also raised the stakes, saying it was ready to trigger a so-called no deal Brexit to prevent what it called "the annexation" of the British province by the EU. So far, May has shown little appetite to change tack in her strategy to leave the EU, pressing her plan and trying to persuade lawmakers in her Conservative Party and in opposition Labour to vote for any deal based on it in parliament. Davis, who resigned his post in July, criticised the government for accepting "the EU's language on dealing with the Northern Ireland border" last December, said it was now up to senior ministers to use their influence. "This is one of the most fundamental decisions that government has taken in modern times. It is time for cabinet members to exert their collective authority," wrote Davis, who campaigned for Britain to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum. "This week the authority of our constitution is on the line," he said in an article in the Sunday Times. Lobbying of May from all sides of the Brexit debate has increased in recent weeks as London and Brussels edge closer to an agreement on a draft withdrawal treaty to cover the divorce terms, a transition period and a solution for Northern Ireland. Preventing any return of a hard border between the British province and EU member Ireland has become one of the major obstacles to such an agreement, with Brexit campaigners fearful that a non time-limited backstop will keep Britain inside a customs union with the bloc indefinitely. May insists any customs arrangement as part of the backstop must be temporary, but the EU has refused to set an end date. TEMPORARY Health minister Matt Hancock suggested the backstop could be temporary without such a date, an argument that may fall flat for some eurosceptic lawmakers who are calling for May to "chuck Chequers", her Brexit plan named after her country residence. "There are different ways to ensure that something is time limited. There are different ways of doing that. For instance, you can set conditions at the point at which the arrangements come to an end," he told the BBC. Even if May reaches agreement with the Brussels on a withdrawal agreement, she will face a struggle to get any deal through parliament and may even find opposition from her Northern Irish partners to other legislation such as the budget. "I fully appreciate the risks of a 'no deal' but the dangers of a bad deal are worse," Arlene Foster, head of the Democratic Unionist Party, wrote in an article in the Belfast Telegraph. "This backstop arrangement would not be temporary. It would be the permanent annexation of Northern Ireland away from the rest of the United Kingdom and forever leave us subject to rules made in a place where we have no say." Eurosceptic lawmakers in her Conservative Party are also concerned about a backstop, fearing it could keep Britain in the EU's sphere of influence possible forever and stop the country from striking new trade deals with the rest of the world. Davis' words were clearly targeted at several Brexit supporters in May's cabinet of top ministers after there were reports that some were considering their position after being updated on the state of the Brexit talks. But Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative leader and eurosceptic lawmaker, urged caution, saying it was not time to try to bring down the prime minister and replace her with someone else.

Former minister calls on UK cabinet to make May change mind on Brexit

Next week's EU summit has been billed as the last chance to negotiate an orderly Brexit, but is the cliff edge really that close? When is the true deadline?

Officials from both London and Brussels say the draft of a Brexit deal must be reached by the summit dinner on October 17, or at the very most by mid-November.&nbsp;

This is supposed to give Prime Minister Theresa May time to get a text approved by the British parliament in time for the March 29 divorce deadline. &nbsp;&nbsp;

But some European officials hint privately that the dates are not immoveable and all the recent urgency unnecessary. Can EU leaders kick the can down the road?

Brussels deadline&nbsp;

For Europe, the March deadline is purely technical, based on a never-used Article 50 process that dictates the timeline of a divorce from the EU.

Under Article 50 of the EU treaties, the two sides have two years to negotiate a divorce agreement.&nbsp;

Britain launched that process on March 29, 2017, so -- as far as European officials are concerned -- the deadline is that same date two years later.

But Britain's withdrawal deal will require ratification by the European Parliament.

MEPs, led by their Brexit coordinator liberal leader Guy Verhofstadt, will &nbsp;make a lot of noise.

But few believe parliament will slow down or even block a landmark deal forged in fire by the 28 EU leaders.

In fact, insiders say the European Parliament could vote immediately before the March 30 cliff edge.

"Parliament could vote on a withdrawal agreement up until about March 25 or 26, assuming that the March 29 Brexit date holds," a parliamentary source said.

"It would certainly not be desirable for the decision to be taken so tight up to the deadline, but ... it is technically possible," the source added.

The last session of the European Parliament is on April 18 before it breaks up for EU elections in late May.

So -- even if Brexit negotiations veer off course -- the Article 50 deadline can not be extended far.

London deadline&nbsp;

British officials chafe at any casual attitude to the deadline.

"People need to realise that this vote may be the most important of our lifetime. That it's just not going to be fudged and rushed through," one said.

Indeed, British negotiators say Brexit talks with EU officials can continue into mid-November and no further.

That is because, if May is to avoid a no-deal catastrophe, she will need to provide as much time as possible for lawmakers to debate and approve the divorce.

A Brexit deal in October already leaves the "extremely compressed," wrote the Institute for Government, a Britain think tank.

If negotiations slip behind, passing the legislation in time will be a "heroic" task, it warned.

The EU withdrawal will be a landmark vote for Britain and experts cite previous major EU treaties passed by the UK parliament as a benchmark for the time needed.

The EU treaties of Rome and Maastricht each took around 40 sitting days to go through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Before Brexit day there are about 70 sitting days between a theoretical deal mid-November, and around 50 from the already scheduled EU summit in December.

Next week's EU summit has been billed as the last chance to negotiate an orderly Brexit, but is the cliff edge really that close? When is the true deadline? Officials from both London and Brussels say the draft of a Brexit deal must be reached by the summit dinner on October 17, or at the very most by mid-November.

Next week's EU summit has been billed as the last chance to negotiate an orderly Brexit, but is the cliff edge really that close? When is the true deadline? Officials from both London and Brussels say the draft of a Brexit deal must be reached by the summit dinner on October 17, or at the very most by mid-November. This is supposed to give Prime Minister Theresa May time to get a text approved by the British parliament in time for the March 29 divorce deadline. But some European officials hint privately that the dates are not immoveable and all the recent urgency unnecessary. Can EU leaders kick the can down the road? Brussels deadline For Europe, the March deadline is purely technical, based on a never-used Article 50 process that dictates the timeline of a divorce from the EU. Under Article 50 of the EU treaties, the two sides have two years to negotiate a divorce agreement. Britain launched that process on March 29, 2017, so -- as far as European officials are concerned -- the deadline is that same date two years later. But Britain's withdrawal deal will require ratification by the European Parliament. MEPs, led by their Brexit coordinator liberal leader Guy Verhofstadt, will make a lot of noise. But few believe parliament will slow down or even block a landmark deal forged in fire by the 28 EU leaders. In fact, insiders say the European Parliament could vote immediately before the March 30 cliff edge. "Parliament could vote on a withdrawal agreement up until about March 25 or 26, assuming that the March 29 Brexit date holds," a parliamentary source said. "It would certainly not be desirable for the decision to be taken so tight up to the deadline, but ... it is technically possible," the source added. The last session of the European Parliament is on April 18 before it breaks up for EU elections in late May. So -- even if Brexit negotiations veer off course -- the Article 50 deadline can not be extended far. London deadline British officials chafe at any casual attitude to the deadline. "People need to realise that this vote may be the most important of our lifetime. That it's just not going to be fudged and rushed through," one said. Indeed, British negotiators say Brexit talks with EU officials can continue into mid-November and no further. That is because, if May is to avoid a no-deal catastrophe, she will need to provide as much time as possible for lawmakers to debate and approve the divorce. A Brexit deal in October already leaves the "extremely compressed," wrote the Institute for Government, a Britain think tank. If negotiations slip behind, passing the legislation in time will be a "heroic" task, it warned. The EU withdrawal will be a landmark vote for Britain and experts cite previous major EU treaties passed by the UK parliament as a benchmark for the time needed. The EU treaties of Rome and Maastricht each took around 40 sitting days to go through both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Before Brexit day there are about 70 sitting days between a theoretical deal mid-November, and around 50 from the already scheduled EU summit in December.

What is the 'real' Brexit deadline?

British Prime Minister Theresa May was struggling on Friday to find consensus on Brexit proposals that would be acceptable to her ministers, her Conservative Party and the Northern Irish lawmakers who prop up her minority government.&nbsp;

Brexit negotiations with the European Union have accelerated and become more positive over the past week, though significant hurdles remain, finance minister Philip Hammond said.

"What has happened over the last week, 10 days, is that there has been a measurable change in pace," he told the BBC.&nbsp;

"But that shouldn`t conceal the fact that we still have some big differences left to resolve," Hammond said. "So process is a lot more positive this week - substance still very challenging."

With less than six months to go until the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, May is seeking to rally support at home on the details of a divorce deal though it is unclear if she can win parliament`s approval for any agreement.

British and EU negotiators are making headway on the Irish border issue, the biggest hurdle to an overall agreement, and hope for a Brexit deal breakthrough on Monday, diplomats said.

The Irish border "backstop", which seeks a way to avoid customs checks on the frontier between the British province of Northern Ireland and Ireland if there is no overall exit deal, has become the biggest sticking point in negotiations.

As both sides seek to clinch a deal, the United Kingdom will publish on Friday more of its so-called technical notices which lay out the impact of a no-deal Brexit on specific sectors of the economy.

Deal or No-Deal?

May's Northern Irish supporters vehemently oppose any checks between the province and mainland Britain after Brexit.

The head of the Democratic Unionist Party, Arlene Foster, said May "could not in good conscience" back an EU proposal for checks on goods being imported to Northern Ireland from Britain after Brexit.

Under May's proposals, the whole of the United Kingdom would forge a customs partnership with the EU after a transition period ends in December 2020 in the event of the backstop being triggered.

Some of May's ministers have urged her to put a time limit on that plan.&nbsp;

Britain`s international trade, environment and Brexit ministers told May at a meeting on Thursday that they fear the whole of Britain could remain in the EU customs union for an open-ended period, the BBC said.

May will never agree to a backstop plan that means Britain could be permanently tied to the bloc`s customs rules, her spokeswoman said on Friday. "The prime minister would never agree to a deal which could trap the UK in a backstop permanently," she said.

The Times newspaper reported May was warned the issue was so serious that she could face further cabinet resignations unless she found a way to ensure the backstop was not permanent.&nbsp;

Speaking to Northern Ireland journalists at her Downing Street office, May said on Thursday that talks on the Irish backstop were likely to continue until November.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May was struggling on Friday to find consensus on Brexit proposals that would be acceptable to her ministers, her Conservative Party and the Northern Irish lawmakers who prop up her minority government.

British Prime Minister Theresa May was struggling on Friday to find consensus on Brexit proposals that would be acceptable to her ministers, her Conservative Party and the Northern Irish lawmakers who prop up her minority government. Brexit negotiations with the European Union have accelerated and become more positive over the past week, though significant hurdles remain, finance minister Philip Hammond said. "What has happened over the last week, 10 days, is that there has been a measurable change in pace," he told the BBC. "But that shouldn`t conceal the fact that we still have some big differences left to resolve," Hammond said. "So process is a lot more positive this week - substance still very challenging." With less than six months to go until the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, May is seeking to rally support at home on the details of a divorce deal though it is unclear if she can win parliament`s approval for any agreement. British and EU negotiators are making headway on the Irish border issue, the biggest hurdle to an overall agreement, and hope for a Brexit deal breakthrough on Monday, diplomats said. The Irish border "backstop", which seeks a way to avoid customs checks on the frontier between the British province of Northern Ireland and Ireland if there is no overall exit deal, has become the biggest sticking point in negotiations. As both sides seek to clinch a deal, the United Kingdom will publish on Friday more of its so-called technical notices which lay out the impact of a no-deal Brexit on specific sectors of the economy. Deal or No-Deal? May's Northern Irish supporters vehemently oppose any checks between the province and mainland Britain after Brexit. The head of the Democratic Unionist Party, Arlene Foster, said May "could not in good conscience" back an EU proposal for checks on goods being imported to Northern Ireland from Britain after Brexit. Under May's proposals, the whole of the United Kingdom would forge a customs partnership with the EU after a transition period ends in December 2020 in the event of the backstop being triggered. Some of May's ministers have urged her to put a time limit on that plan. Britain`s international trade, environment and Brexit ministers told May at a meeting on Thursday that they fear the whole of Britain could remain in the EU customs union for an open-ended period, the BBC said. May will never agree to a backstop plan that means Britain could be permanently tied to the bloc`s customs rules, her spokeswoman said on Friday. "The prime minister would never agree to a deal which could trap the UK in a backstop permanently," she said. The Times newspaper reported May was warned the issue was so serious that she could face further cabinet resignations unless she found a way to ensure the backstop was not permanent. Speaking to Northern Ireland journalists at her Downing Street office, May said on Thursday that talks on the Irish backstop were likely to continue until November.

As Brexit talks progress, UK PM May struggles to find support at home

Britain will end preferential access for European Union workers after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday, saying she wanted to attract high-skilled immigrants wherever they were from.

In an announcement at her Conservative party conference, May said she would publish plans for a single system for EU and non-EU countries later this year, ahead of a bill to be published in 2019.

Immigration was a key issue in the Brexit campaign ahead of the 2016 vote to leave the bloc.

May said the EU's free movement of people will end with Brexit and "for the first time in decades, it will be this country that controls and chooses who we want to come here".

"It will be a skills-based system where it is workers' skills that matter, not where they come from," she said in a statement.

"It will be a system that looks across the globe and attracts the people with the skills we need."

She added: "For too long people have felt they have been ignored on immigration and that politicians have not taken their concerns seriously enough.

"The new skills-based system will make sure low skilled immigration is brought down and set the UK on the path to reduce immigration to sustainable levels, as we promised.&nbsp;

"At the same time we are training up British people for the skilled jobs of the future."

The announcement follows a government-commissioned report that last month recommended a level playing field for people coming from overseas but restrictions on low-skilled workers.

May said that those wanting to live and work in Britain for the long term would need to earn a minimum salary, and would only be able to bring their family if sponsored by their future employers.

However, she conceded that immigration policy could be affected by Britain's future trade deals.

The EU may seek to negotiate continued preferential treatment in return for Britain's access to its single market, while other countries could also seek visa waivers as part of their own trade agreements.

"The ability of people from trading partners to deliver services and student exchange programmes will form part of future trade agreements," the prime minister said.

The government has already promised to protect the rights of more than three million EU citizens currently living in Britain after Brexit, even if there is no divorce deal.

Britain will end preferential access for European Union workers after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday, saying she wanted to attract high-skilled immigrants wherever they were from.

Britain will end preferential access for European Union workers after Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday, saying she wanted to attract high-skilled immigrants wherever they were from. In an announcement at her Conservative party conference, May said she would publish plans for a single system for EU and non-EU countries later this year, ahead of a bill to be published in 2019. Immigration was a key issue in the Brexit campaign ahead of the 2016 vote to leave the bloc. May said the EU's free movement of people will end with Brexit and "for the first time in decades, it will be this country that controls and chooses who we want to come here". "It will be a skills-based system where it is workers' skills that matter, not where they come from," she said in a statement. "It will be a system that looks across the globe and attracts the people with the skills we need." She added: "For too long people have felt they have been ignored on immigration and that politicians have not taken their concerns seriously enough. "The new skills-based system will make sure low skilled immigration is brought down and set the UK on the path to reduce immigration to sustainable levels, as we promised. "At the same time we are training up British people for the skilled jobs of the future." The announcement follows a government-commissioned report that last month recommended a level playing field for people coming from overseas but restrictions on low-skilled workers. May said that those wanting to live and work in Britain for the long term would need to earn a minimum salary, and would only be able to bring their family if sponsored by their future employers. However, she conceded that immigration policy could be affected by Britain's future trade deals. The EU may seek to negotiate continued preferential treatment in return for Britain's access to its single market, while other countries could also seek visa waivers as part of their own trade agreements. "The ability of people from trading partners to deliver services and student exchange programmes will form part of future trade agreements," the prime minister said. The government has already promised to protect the rights of more than three million EU citizens currently living in Britain after Brexit, even if there is no divorce deal.

Britain will stop favouring EU workers after Brexit: PM Theresa May

British Prime Minister Theresa May and her main rival Boris Johnson battled Tuesday to woo their Conservative party members, as the European Union raised the pressure on London to offer compromises to reach a Brexit deal.

Johnson will make his long-anticipated speech to the party's annual conference in Birmingham, central England, where he is expected to repeat his attacks on May's strategy for leaving the EU.

Aides to the charismatic former foreign minister said he would also cover a wide range of domestic issues, reinforcing speculation that he is making a pitch for May's job.

In broadcast interviews on Tuesday, the prime minister acknowledged Johnson's speech would be a "lively" event, and called for her party to "come together".

But she ensured she dominated the headlines by announcing a new immigration policy -- something that was not expected until Wednesday, and will address many Tory members' concerns.

Free movement of EU workers was a key issue in the 2016 vote for Brexit, and May confirmed that Europeans would be treated the same as non-EU citizens in future.

Her public battle with Johnson comes just weeks before May must return to Brussels in a bid to break the deadlock in Brexit negotiations and reach a deal.

The prime minister hinted at a possible compromise on how to keep the land border with Ireland open after Brexit, a key sticking point in the EU talks, on which London is due to publish new plans shortly.

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker meanwhile warned that London's threat to walk away from the negotiations without a deal would have consequences.

"We want a deal. Those who think no deal would be the better solution are not aware of the difficulties such a scenario would imply," he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Alternative plan

Johnson was a leading campaigner for Brexit in the referendum. Even after being appointed foreign minister he continually challenged May's EU strategy.

He quit in July in protest at her plan for Britain to follow EU rules in goods after Brexit, which she says will protect cross-border trade but he argues would keep London tied to the bloc well into the future.

The EU has also rejected the plan, saying it undermines the bloc's cherished single market.

Numerous eurosceptic Conservative MPs have already drawn big crowds in Birmingham as they offer their own idea for a looser trade arrangement with the EU.

Johnson endorses the same alternative proposal, but the maverick former London mayor has particular star power, and his lunchtime address in a 1,500-capacity hall is expected to be packed.

"He's not a details guy, but he's a guy who has vision. And he's a winner," said Ian Burgess, a delegate in his 60s from Somerset in western England.

Think he's a clown

Johnson is known for his wit and confrontational style, and before the event he posed for a press photograph in a field of long grass.

It clearly mocked May, who once said the naughtiest thing she had done was run through a field of wheat.

But Johnson's recent comments about her Brexit plan, calling it "deranged" and saying it strapped a suicide vest to the British constitution, have angered many fellow MPs.

Several former colleagues used the conference to make jokes at his expense, while finance minister Philip Hammond said his alternative Brexit plan was "fantasy".

Even former Brexit minister David Davis, a fellow eurosceptic who describes Johnson as a "great mate", said many of his ideas "are good headlines but not necessarily good policies".

Among the delegates, there is also unease about Johnson's public disagreements with May.

Amandeep Garcha, a 21-year-old student activist from Derby, backs Johnson's Brexit position, but said: "When you're high up in the ranks, you should deal with these things privately."

Mike Kay, a 34-year-old delegate from Manchester in northwest England, added: "He has a kind of charisma that so few others do. But he is very divisive, that's a problem.

"A large section of the country thinks he is a clown."

British Prime Minister Theresa May and her main rival Boris Johnson battled Tuesday to woo their Conservative party members, as the European Union raised the pressure on London to offer compromises to reach a Brexit deal.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and her main rival Boris Johnson battled Tuesday to woo their Conservative party members, as the European Union raised the pressure on London to offer compromises to reach a Brexit deal. Johnson will make his long-anticipated speech to the party's annual conference in Birmingham, central England, where he is expected to repeat his attacks on May's strategy for leaving the EU. Aides to the charismatic former foreign minister said he would also cover a wide range of domestic issues, reinforcing speculation that he is making a pitch for May's job. In broadcast interviews on Tuesday, the prime minister acknowledged Johnson's speech would be a "lively" event, and called for her party to "come together". But she ensured she dominated the headlines by announcing a new immigration policy -- something that was not expected until Wednesday, and will address many Tory members' concerns. Free movement of EU workers was a key issue in the 2016 vote for Brexit, and May confirmed that Europeans would be treated the same as non-EU citizens in future. Her public battle with Johnson comes just weeks before May must return to Brussels in a bid to break the deadlock in Brexit negotiations and reach a deal. The prime minister hinted at a possible compromise on how to keep the land border with Ireland open after Brexit, a key sticking point in the EU talks, on which London is due to publish new plans shortly. EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker meanwhile warned that London's threat to walk away from the negotiations without a deal would have consequences. "We want a deal. Those who think no deal would be the better solution are not aware of the difficulties such a scenario would imply," he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Alternative plan Johnson was a leading campaigner for Brexit in the referendum. Even after being appointed foreign minister he continually challenged May's EU strategy. He quit in July in protest at her plan for Britain to follow EU rules in goods after Brexit, which she says will protect cross-border trade but he argues would keep London tied to the bloc well into the future. The EU has also rejected the plan, saying it undermines the bloc's cherished single market. Numerous eurosceptic Conservative MPs have already drawn big crowds in Birmingham as they offer their own idea for a looser trade arrangement with the EU. Johnson endorses the same alternative proposal, but the maverick former London mayor has particular star power, and his lunchtime address in a 1,500-capacity hall is expected to be packed. "He's not a details guy, but he's a guy who has vision. And he's a winner," said Ian Burgess, a delegate in his 60s from Somerset in western England. Think he's a clown Johnson is known for his wit and confrontational style, and before the event he posed for a press photograph in a field of long grass. It clearly mocked May, who once said the naughtiest thing she had done was run through a field of wheat. But Johnson's recent comments about her Brexit plan, calling it "deranged" and saying it strapped a suicide vest to the British constitution, have angered many fellow MPs. Several former colleagues used the conference to make jokes at his expense, while finance minister Philip Hammond said his alternative Brexit plan was "fantasy". Even former Brexit minister David Davis, a fellow eurosceptic who describes Johnson as a "great mate", said many of his ideas "are good headlines but not necessarily good policies". Among the delegates, there is also unease about Johnson's public disagreements with May. Amandeep Garcha, a 21-year-old student activist from Derby, backs Johnson's Brexit position, but said: "When you're high up in the ranks, you should deal with these things privately." Mike Kay, a 34-year-old delegate from Manchester in northwest England, added: "He has a kind of charisma that so few others do. But he is very divisive, that's a problem. "A large section of the country thinks he is a clown."

UK's May and Johnson battle it out as Brexit deadline looms

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