Reacting to reports of a rift with his brother Prince William, Prince Harry said that the two have both good days&nbsp;and bad days&nbsp;and added that the two are on different paths at the moment. 
 
The Duke opened up about his relationship with brother William in the documentary 'Harry &amp; Meghan: An African Journey'&nbsp;which aired on Sunday. On being asked if the rumors of a rift between the two were true, the royal laughed and said the two are on different paths in life. 
 
"Part of this role and part of this job, this family, being under the pressure that it's under, inevitably stuff happens. But look, we're brothers, we'll always be brothers. We're certainly on different paths at the moment but I'll always be there for him and as I know he'll always be there for me," the Duke said in the documentary, cited by a news agency. 
 
Harry also accepted the fact that the brother bond isn't the same anymore and they "don't see each other as much as we used to". "Because we're so busy, but I love him dearly. The majority of this stuff [in the press&nbsp;is created out of nothing, but as brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days," the royal continued. 
 
The news comes after Harry and wife Meghan Markle in May, ended their involvement in the royal foundation set up with William and wife Kate Middleton following rumors of a division between the couples. 
 
The British press had earlier reported the trouble aroused due to tension between the royal sisters-in-law, however, royal watchers including filmmaker Nick Bullen had suggested that it was between the siblings. 
 
"All brothers fall out. All families fall out. Their fallout at the moment is becoming public," he had told news agency in March.

Reacting to reports of a rift with his brother Prince William, Prince Harry said that the two have both good days and bad days and added that the two are on different paths at the moment.

Reacting to reports of a rift with his brother Prince William, Prince Harry said that the two have both good days and bad days and added that the two are on different paths at the moment. The Duke opened up about his relationship with brother William in the documentary 'Harry & Meghan: An African Journey' which aired on Sunday. On being asked if the rumors of a rift between the two were true, the royal laughed and said the two are on different paths in life. "Part of this role and part of this job, this family, being under the pressure that it's under, inevitably stuff happens. But look, we're brothers, we'll always be brothers. We're certainly on different paths at the moment but I'll always be there for him and as I know he'll always be there for me," the Duke said in the documentary, cited by a news agency. Harry also accepted the fact that the brother bond isn't the same anymore and they "don't see each other as much as we used to". "Because we're so busy, but I love him dearly. The majority of this stuff [in the press is created out of nothing, but as brothers, you know, you have good days, you have bad days," the royal continued. The news comes after Harry and wife Meghan Markle in May, ended their involvement in the royal foundation set up with William and wife Kate Middleton following rumors of a division between the couples. The British press had earlier reported the trouble aroused due to tension between the royal sisters-in-law, however, royal watchers including filmmaker Nick Bullen had suggested that it was between the siblings. "All brothers fall out. All families fall out. Their fallout at the moment is becoming public," he had told news agency in March.

Prince Harry says he and Prince William are on different paths

European Union leaders were on Sunday considering a request by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-sends-unsigned-letter-seeking-brexit-delay-256989">Prime Minister Boris Johnson to delay Britain's departure from the bloc,</a> which he was forced to make after MPs refused to back his Brexit deal.

Johnson has pinned his premiership on getting Britain out of the European Union on October 31, more than three years after the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit.

But the House of Commons on Saturday refused to support a divorce deal he struck with Brussels last week, triggering a law demanding he asks to delay Brexit to avoid the risk of a damaging "no-deal" exit.

The Conservative leader duly sent a letter to European Council President Donald Tusk late Saturday asking for the required three-month delay, but did not sign it.

He sent a second letter, signed, warning that "a further extension would damage the interests of the UK and our EU partners".

A defiant Johnson had earlier told MPs: "I will not negotiate a delay with the EU."

Tusk said he would begin consulting EU leaders "on how to react", a process one diplomat said could take a few days.

Johnson has already spoken to the leaders of France, Germany and the Netherlands to press his case, and Paris warned Saturday that a Brexit delay was "in nobody's interest".

Votes loom next week

In the meantime, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-urges-united-kingdom-to-explain-brexit-plan-as-soon-as-possible-256956">Johnson will bring forward legislation</a> that he hopes would nevertheless allow Brexit on October 31.

MPs voted to withhold approval for his divorce deal unless and until the legislation required to ratify the treaty is passed through parliament.

The government is seeking a new vote on its deal on Monday, although this may fall foul of parliamentary procedure.

If it introduces the treaty implementation bill on Monday, however, MPs could be called to vote as early as Tuesday.

Johnson wrote to Tusk that he was "confident" he could get it through before the of the month.

However, the main opposition Labour Party has condemned the deal as a "sell-out", while Johnson's Northern Irish allies are opposed to its arrangements for the province.

'House of fools'

Johnson sent the letter to Brussels after a day of high drama in the Commons, which staged its first Saturday sitting in 37 years to debate his Brexit deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-delay-brexit-deal-decision-256944">He urged MPs to end years of uncertainty</a> that has weighed on the economy and divided the nation, but they refused, warning his deal would leave Britain worse off.

"Why won't they let us leave?" lamented the Brexit-backing Sunday Express newspaper.

The Mail on Sunday led with the headline "The House of Fools", warning MPs had "subjected us to yet more agonising delay".

The Brexit date has already been pushed back twice, to the fury of those who wanted to chart their own course and abandon the European project after nearly 50 years.

But there was also jubilation at the vote among tens of thousands of protesters who gathered outside parliament on Saturday to demand a new referendum to reverse Brexit.

"That's really good, that's one step away from Brexit," demonstrator Philip Dobson told AFP.

"Reject Brexit", "Put It To The People" and "Stop This Madness" read some of the placards at the mass march, where many protesters also waved EU flags.

No-deal fears

Johnson took office in July vowing to leave the EU on October 31 come what may.

But MPs fearful of the risks of a "no-deal" departure sought to bind his hands, with a law demanding he delay Brexit if he failed to get an agreement approved by October 19.

The amendment passed Saturday is designed specifically to avoid this scenario.

MPs had feared they might pass the Brexit deal but then get bogged down with the laws needed to implement it, risking Britain accidentally crashing out of the EU at the end of the month.

European Union leaders were on Sunday considering a request by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to delay Britain's departure from the bloc, which he was forced to make after MPs refused to back his Brexit deal.

European Union leaders were on Sunday considering a request by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to delay Britain's departure from the bloc, which he was forced to make after MPs refused to back his Brexit deal. Johnson has pinned his premiership on getting Britain out of the European Union on October 31, more than three years after the 2016 referendum vote for Brexit. But the House of Commons on Saturday refused to support a divorce deal he struck with Brussels last week, triggering a law demanding he asks to delay Brexit to avoid the risk of a damaging "no-deal" exit. The Conservative leader duly sent a letter to European Council President Donald Tusk late Saturday asking for the required three-month delay, but did not sign it. He sent a second letter, signed, warning that "a further extension would damage the interests of the UK and our EU partners". A defiant Johnson had earlier told MPs: "I will not negotiate a delay with the EU." Tusk said he would begin consulting EU leaders "on how to react", a process one diplomat said could take a few days. Johnson has already spoken to the leaders of France, Germany and the Netherlands to press his case, and Paris warned Saturday that a Brexit delay was "in nobody's interest". Votes loom next week In the meantime, Johnson will bring forward legislation that he hopes would nevertheless allow Brexit on October 31. MPs voted to withhold approval for his divorce deal unless and until the legislation required to ratify the treaty is passed through parliament. The government is seeking a new vote on its deal on Monday, although this may fall foul of parliamentary procedure. If it introduces the treaty implementation bill on Monday, however, MPs could be called to vote as early as Tuesday. Johnson wrote to Tusk that he was "confident" he could get it through before the of the month. However, the main opposition Labour Party has condemned the deal as a "sell-out", while Johnson's Northern Irish allies are opposed to its arrangements for the province. 'House of fools' Johnson sent the letter to Brussels after a day of high drama in the Commons, which staged its first Saturday sitting in 37 years to debate his Brexit deal. He urged MPs to end years of uncertainty that has weighed on the economy and divided the nation, but they refused, warning his deal would leave Britain worse off. "Why won't they let us leave?" lamented the Brexit-backing Sunday Express newspaper. The Mail on Sunday led with the headline "The House of Fools", warning MPs had "subjected us to yet more agonising delay". The Brexit date has already been pushed back twice, to the fury of those who wanted to chart their own course and abandon the European project after nearly 50 years. But there was also jubilation at the vote among tens of thousands of protesters who gathered outside parliament on Saturday to demand a new referendum to reverse Brexit. "That's really good, that's one step away from Brexit," demonstrator Philip Dobson told AFP. "Reject Brexit", "Put It To The People" and "Stop This Madness" read some of the placards at the mass march, where many protesters also waved EU flags. No-deal fears Johnson took office in July vowing to leave the EU on October 31 come what may. But MPs fearful of the risks of a "no-deal" departure sought to bind his hands, with a law demanding he delay Brexit if he failed to get an agreement approved by October 19. The amendment passed Saturday is designed specifically to avoid this scenario. MPs had feared they might pass the Brexit deal but then get bogged down with the laws needed to implement it, risking Britain accidentally crashing out of the EU at the end of the month.

European Union mulls Johnson's reluctant Brexit delay request

Brexit will happen by October 31, British government minister Michael Gove said on Sunday, despite lawmakers forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to send a letter on Saturday,&nbsp;to the European Union requesting a delay.

"We are going to leave by October 31, we have the means and the ability to do so," Gove, the minister is in charge of no-deal Brexit preparations, told Sky News.

The fractious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-urges-united-kingdom-to-explain-brexit-plan-as-soon-as-possible-256956">British parliament refused to vote on Johnson's new Brexit</a> withdrawal deal on Saturday, a move that forced him to seek a third postponement of Britain's departure from the bloc. It has so far been envisaged for October 31.

After the British parliament refused to endorse Johnson's deal at the first time of asking on Saturday, the prime minister sent a letter to the bloc requesting a delay, as required by a law passed earlier by parliament.

Gove said that Johnson had sent the letter because it was required by parliament, but "parliament can't change the prime minister's mind".

At a rare Sunday meeting of ambassadors of the 27 states that will make up the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-delay-brexit-deal-decision-256944">EU after Brexit</a>, the diplomats decided to forward Johnson's deal to the European Parliament for its required approval. The EU chamber sits in Strasbourg next week.

Brexit will happen by October 31, British government minister Michael Gove said on Sunday, despite lawmakers forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to send a letter on Saturday, to the European Union requesting a delay.

Brexit will happen by October 31, British government minister Michael Gove said on Sunday, despite lawmakers forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to send a letter on Saturday, to the European Union requesting a delay. "We are going to leave by October 31, we have the means and the ability to do so," Gove, the minister is in charge of no-deal Brexit preparations, told Sky News. The fractious British parliament refused to vote on Johnson's new Brexit withdrawal deal on Saturday, a move that forced him to seek a third postponement of Britain's departure from the bloc. It has so far been envisaged for October 31. After the British parliament refused to endorse Johnson's deal at the first time of asking on Saturday, the prime minister sent a letter to the bloc requesting a delay, as required by a law passed earlier by parliament. Gove said that Johnson had sent the letter because it was required by parliament, but "parliament can't change the prime minister's mind". At a rare Sunday meeting of ambassadors of the 27 states that will make up the EU after Brexit, the diplomats decided to forward Johnson's deal to the European Parliament for its required approval. The EU chamber sits in Strasbourg next week.

Gove says United Kingdom will leave European Union by October 31, Farage calls for general election

Brussels officials on Sunday pressed on with plans to ratify <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-mulls-johnsons-reluctant-brexit-delay-request-257025">the divorce deal</a> as European leaders considered Prime Minister Boris Johnson's reluctant request for a Brexit delay.

Ambassadors and senior officials from the other 27 members states met Sunday after British MPs forced Johnson to send EU Council president Donald Tusk a late request to postpone the withdrawal.

But Tusk will spend a "few days" canvassing member state leaders, meaning the British parliament will likely have to vote on Brexit again before hearing their decision on the October 31 departure.

"It was a very short and normal meeting of the EU ambassadors to launch the next steps of the EU ratification of the agreement," EU negotiator Michel Barnier told reporters after Sunday's talks.

Diplomats told AFP the ambassadors' meeting lasted only 15 minutes and had dealt simply with EU ratification, although a participant said they had "taken note" of Johnson's letter.

Asked whether he thought EU leaders would grant a delay, Barnier said: "President Tusk will consult in the next days."

Previous deal torpedoed

On Saturday, MPs pushed through an amendment obliging a furious Johnson to ask for an extension until the British legislation governing the withdrawal is drafted and passed. &nbsp;

Johnson, who refused to sign the letter and insists no delay is necessary, plans to bring the Brexit agreement he reached with Barnier last week to a vote on Monday.

MPs will thus have to vote without knowing whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-sends-unsigned-letter-seeking-brexit-delay-256989">EU leaders will allow an extension</a>, and if so whether they will delay Brexit as far as January 31 next year, as the British letter requested.

"Further developments on the British side will have to be taken into account," another European diplomat confirmed.

"What was decided on Thursday stays on the table. The British parliament didn't reject the deal, so no need to change course."

And one diplomat took to Twitter to complain that his Sunday morning had been disrupted by British political manoeuvres.

Gregor Schusterschitz, Austria's deputy permanent representative to the EU, sent a picture of the meeting agenda.&nbsp;

"What better way at to start a Sunday morning than with a meeting on Brexit... and this in all the uncertainty yet again created by the House of Commons," he added.&nbsp;

European sources were not sure how any decision on an extension will be made. Tusk could call a special summit next week, but diplomats said he is more likely to use a written procedure.

One European diplomat suggested a summit would only be necessary if British MPs reject the deal next week and overturn the whole process. Any decision, either way, must be unanimous.

Last week, EU and UK negotiators announced an agreement to govern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-urges-united-kingdom-to-explain-brexit-plan-as-soon-as-possible-256956">Britain's departure from the bloc</a> at the end of the month and European leaders endorsed it at a summit on Thursday.

The EU parliament will begin its own ratification procedures on Monday but Britain's House of Commons, which torpedoed an earlier agreement signed a year earlier, still has its doubts.

Brussels officials on Sunday pressed on with plans to ratify the divorce deal as European leaders considered Prime Minister Boris Johnson's reluctant request for a Brexit delay.

Brussels officials on Sunday pressed on with plans to ratify the divorce deal as European leaders considered Prime Minister Boris Johnson's reluctant request for a Brexit delay. Ambassadors and senior officials from the other 27 members states met Sunday after British MPs forced Johnson to send EU Council president Donald Tusk a late request to postpone the withdrawal. But Tusk will spend a "few days" canvassing member state leaders, meaning the British parliament will likely have to vote on Brexit again before hearing their decision on the October 31 departure. "It was a very short and normal meeting of the EU ambassadors to launch the next steps of the EU ratification of the agreement," EU negotiator Michel Barnier told reporters after Sunday's talks. Diplomats told AFP the ambassadors' meeting lasted only 15 minutes and had dealt simply with EU ratification, although a participant said they had "taken note" of Johnson's letter. Asked whether he thought EU leaders would grant a delay, Barnier said: "President Tusk will consult in the next days." Previous deal torpedoed On Saturday, MPs pushed through an amendment obliging a furious Johnson to ask for an extension until the British legislation governing the withdrawal is drafted and passed. Johnson, who refused to sign the letter and insists no delay is necessary, plans to bring the Brexit agreement he reached with Barnier last week to a vote on Monday. MPs will thus have to vote without knowing whether EU leaders will allow an extension, and if so whether they will delay Brexit as far as January 31 next year, as the British letter requested. "Further developments on the British side will have to be taken into account," another European diplomat confirmed. "What was decided on Thursday stays on the table. The British parliament didn't reject the deal, so no need to change course." And one diplomat took to Twitter to complain that his Sunday morning had been disrupted by British political manoeuvres. Gregor Schusterschitz, Austria's deputy permanent representative to the EU, sent a picture of the meeting agenda. "What better way at to start a Sunday morning than with a meeting on Brexit... and this in all the uncertainty yet again created by the House of Commons," he added. European sources were not sure how any decision on an extension will be made. Tusk could call a special summit next week, but diplomats said he is more likely to use a written procedure. One European diplomat suggested a summit would only be necessary if British MPs reject the deal next week and overturn the whole process. Any decision, either way, must be unanimous. Last week, EU and UK negotiators announced an agreement to govern Britain's departure from the bloc at the end of the month and European leaders endorsed it at a summit on Thursday. The EU parliament will begin its own ratification procedures on Monday but Britain's House of Commons, which torpedoed an earlier agreement signed a year earlier, still has its doubts.

European Union moves to ratify Brexit accord despite delay request

Tens of thousands of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-in-the-balance-as-british-members-of-parliament-hold-knife-edge-vote-256892">pro-EU protesters from across Britain</a> wielding banners, placards and flags converged on parliament on Saturday, as MPs debated the government's Brexit deal.

Beneath largely clear blue skies, demonstrators rallied near Hyde Park in central London before marching to Westminster to call for a second referendum on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-scrambles-to-sell-brexit-deal-to-mps-256702">Britain's planned EU departure</a>.

Walking behind a pink banner proclaiming "together for the final say", they chanted: "What do we want? People's vote! When do we want it? Now."

"The first referendum was jumping on a train without a destination," said Douglas Hill, 35, from Oxford, south-central England, with his Estonian wife and their baby daughter.

"Now that we have a destination, we need to have a second referendum."

Another attendee, Theodor Howe, a 20-year-old student in Dundee, eastern Scotland, conceded another poll could be divisive but insisted it was still necessary.

"People should have a say in what is going to happen," he told AFP, expressing hope that MPs reject Johnson's deal and that he is forced to ask Brussels for another delay.

Politicians including John McDonnell, from the main opposition Labour party, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, were due to address the crowds.

Organisers from the People's Vote pressure group laid on 172 buses to bring people to the British capital, with the cost covered by supporters from sport, business and entertainment, it said.

Former prime ministers John Major, a Conservative, and Tony Blair, of Labour, feature in a film set to be broadcast to the crowds once they arrive in Parliament Square.

"Whatever is the outcome, no deal or bad deal, it should not pass without the final say resting with the people," they said in a statement Friday.

London Mayor Khan was among those leading the crowd as it snaked its way towards parliament, which was holding its first Saturday sitting since the 1982 Falklands War as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-new-way-forward-for-britain-and-eu-pm-boris-johnson-256870">British prime minister bids</a> to win MPs backing.

The protesters unveiled an effigy depicting Johnson as a puppet operated by his chief advisor Dominic Cummings -- a highly divisive figure who led the 2016 campaign to leave the EU.

A smaller counter-protest by Brexit supporters draped in Britain's union flag was also staged in Westminster, with rival demonstrators verbally sparring with each other in the shadow in parliament.

Tens of thousands of pro-EU protesters from across Britain wielding banners, placards and flags converged on parliament on Saturday, as MPs debated the government's Brexit deal.

Tens of thousands of pro-EU protesters from across Britain wielding banners, placards and flags converged on parliament on Saturday, as MPs debated the government's Brexit deal. Beneath largely clear blue skies, demonstrators rallied near Hyde Park in central London before marching to Westminster to call for a second referendum on Britain's planned EU departure. Walking behind a pink banner proclaiming "together for the final say", they chanted: "What do we want? People's vote! When do we want it? Now." "The first referendum was jumping on a train without a destination," said Douglas Hill, 35, from Oxford, south-central England, with his Estonian wife and their baby daughter. "Now that we have a destination, we need to have a second referendum." Another attendee, Theodor Howe, a 20-year-old student in Dundee, eastern Scotland, conceded another poll could be divisive but insisted it was still necessary. "People should have a say in what is going to happen," he told AFP, expressing hope that MPs reject Johnson's deal and that he is forced to ask Brussels for another delay. Politicians including John McDonnell, from the main opposition Labour party, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, were due to address the crowds. Organisers from the People's Vote pressure group laid on 172 buses to bring people to the British capital, with the cost covered by supporters from sport, business and entertainment, it said. Former prime ministers John Major, a Conservative, and Tony Blair, of Labour, feature in a film set to be broadcast to the crowds once they arrive in Parliament Square. "Whatever is the outcome, no deal or bad deal, it should not pass without the final say resting with the people," they said in a statement Friday. London Mayor Khan was among those leading the crowd as it snaked its way towards parliament, which was holding its first Saturday sitting since the 1982 Falklands War as the British prime minister bids to win MPs backing. The protesters unveiled an effigy depicting Johnson as a puppet operated by his chief advisor Dominic Cummings -- a highly divisive figure who led the 2016 campaign to leave the EU. A smaller counter-protest by Brexit supporters draped in Britain's union flag was also staged in Westminster, with rival demonstrators verbally sparring with each other in the shadow in parliament.

Anti-Brexit activists march to parliament as Members of Parliament debate deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-new-way-forward-for-britain-and-eu-pm-boris-johnson-256870">The British parliament may end up forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to request another Brexit delay</a> and give only provisional support to his divorce deal with the European Union.

An amendment penned by former government minister Oliver Letwin forces Johnson to write a letter to Brussels requesting an extension of the Brexit deadline until January 31 of next year.

Johnson is currently required to ask for an extension if parliament on Saturday votes down the revised withdrawal agreement he signed with EU leaders in Brussels this week.

But Letwin's amendment, which was selected by House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, would decline to approve Johnson's deal in full "unless and until" every other part of the formal Withdrawal Agreement Bill is passed.

Johnson hopes to introduce the formal bill next week once MPs have voted on Saturday's political agreement.

Letwin says he backs Johnson's agreement but is concerned that lawmakers might fail to push through the required Brexit implementation mechanism by the October 31 deadline.

This would, theoretically, result in a "no-deal" split at the end of the month, a scenario Letwin's amendment is designed to avoid.

The British parliament may end up forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to request another Brexit delay and give only provisional support to his divorce deal with the European Union.

The British parliament may end up forcing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to request another Brexit delay and give only provisional support to his divorce deal with the European Union. An amendment penned by former government minister Oliver Letwin forces Johnson to write a letter to Brussels requesting an extension of the Brexit deadline until January 31 of next year. Johnson is currently required to ask for an extension if parliament on Saturday votes down the revised withdrawal agreement he signed with EU leaders in Brussels this week. But Letwin's amendment, which was selected by House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, would decline to approve Johnson's deal in full "unless and until" every other part of the formal Withdrawal Agreement Bill is passed. Johnson hopes to introduce the formal bill next week once MPs have voted on Saturday's political agreement. Letwin says he backs Johnson's agreement but is concerned that lawmakers might fail to push through the required Brexit implementation mechanism by the October 31 deadline. This would, theoretically, result in a "no-deal" split at the end of the month, a scenario Letwin's amendment is designed to avoid.

United Kingdom Brexit vote amendment could cause another delay

European&nbsp;Union&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;will&nbsp;discuss&nbsp;a new&nbsp;budget&nbsp;plan on Friday that could allow the bloc to spend up to 1.1&nbsp;trillion&nbsp;euros&nbsp;in the 2021-2027 period, but deep divisions among governments could block a deal for months.

Under a proposal prepared by Finland, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, the next long-term&nbsp;budget&nbsp;should have a financial capacity between 1.03 per cent&nbsp;and 1.08 per cent&nbsp;of the bloc's gross national income (GNI), a measure of output.

That would allow the EU to spend between 1 and 1.1&nbsp;trillion&nbsp;euros for seven years with its first&nbsp;budget&nbsp;after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-agrees-brexit-deal-but-must-now-win-over-parliament-256575">exit from the club of Britain</a>, one of the top contributors to EU coffers.

The document, seen by Reuters, is less ambitious than proposals put forward by the&nbsp;European&nbsp;Commission, the EU executive, which is seeking a&nbsp;budget&nbsp;worth 1.1 per cent&nbsp;of GNI. The EU parliament called for an even higher&nbsp;budget&nbsp;at 1.3 per cent&nbsp;of GNI.

But the Finnish proposal moves beyond a 1 per cent&nbsp;cap set by Germany, the bloc's largest economy.

Finland's midway solution has displeased most of the 27 EU states, EU officials said, anticipating long negotiations before a compromise can be reached.

Talks on&nbsp;budgets are traditionally among the most divisive in a bloc that in recent years has become increasingly prone to quarrels, as its states are deeply split over economic policies, financial reforms and how to handle migrants.

The Finnish proposal, which cuts spending on farmers and poorer regions, has managed to unite the divided EU&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;in its criticism.

"The text has caused nearly unanimous dissatisfaction," a diplomat involved in the talks said.

While the bloc has embarked on a range of new expensive policies, such as protecting its borders and increasing social security, states are reluctant to pay more.

Germany and other Nordic supporters of a smaller&nbsp;budget&nbsp;argue that because of&nbsp;Brexit, they would pay more into EU coffers even with a 1 per cent&nbsp;cap because they would need to compensate for the loss of Britain's transfers.

Eastern and southern states, who benefit from EU funds on poorer regions and agriculture, are keen to see a bigger&nbsp;budget, and are not happy with Finland's proposed cuts on these sectors.

Under the proposal, subsidies to poor regions would drop to less than 30 per cent&nbsp;of the&nbsp;budget&nbsp;from 34 per cent&nbsp;now, while aid to farmers would fall to slightly more than 30 per cent&nbsp;from over 35 per cent&nbsp;of the total.

To complicate matters, the new&nbsp;budget&nbsp;should also include rules that would suspend funding to member states with rule-of-law shortcomings, such as limits to media freedom or the independence of judges.

This is irking states like Poland and Hungary which Brussels has long accused of breaches in the rule of law after judiciary and media reforms adopted by their far-right governments.

Friday's meeting is seen as a starting point and is not supposed to find a compromise, but divisions are so deep that many officials fear a deal may not be reached by a self-imposed December deadline. A later deal would delay the launch of spending programmes.

The Finns remained confident, however, and insist their suggested spending range would eventually be backed by EU states. "The fact that almost everybody is against our text shows we have put forward a fair proposal," one diplomat said.

European Union leaders will discuss a new budget plan on Friday that could allow the bloc to spend up to 1.1 trillion euros in the 2021-2027 period, but deep divisions among governments could block a deal for months.

European Union leaders will discuss a new budget plan on Friday that could allow the bloc to spend up to 1.1 trillion euros in the 2021-2027 period, but deep divisions among governments could block a deal for months. Under a proposal prepared by Finland, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, the next long-term budget should have a financial capacity between 1.03 per cent and 1.08 per cent of the bloc's gross national income (GNI), a measure of output. That would allow the EU to spend between 1 and 1.1 trillion euros for seven years with its first budget after the exit from the club of Britain, one of the top contributors to EU coffers. The document, seen by Reuters, is less ambitious than proposals put forward by the European Commission, the EU executive, which is seeking a budget worth 1.1 per cent of GNI. The EU parliament called for an even higher budget at 1.3 per cent of GNI. But the Finnish proposal moves beyond a 1 per cent cap set by Germany, the bloc's largest economy. Finland's midway solution has displeased most of the 27 EU states, EU officials said, anticipating long negotiations before a compromise can be reached. Talks on budgets are traditionally among the most divisive in a bloc that in recent years has become increasingly prone to quarrels, as its states are deeply split over economic policies, financial reforms and how to handle migrants. The Finnish proposal, which cuts spending on farmers and poorer regions, has managed to unite the divided EU leaders in its criticism. "The text has caused nearly unanimous dissatisfaction," a diplomat involved in the talks said. While the bloc has embarked on a range of new expensive policies, such as protecting its borders and increasing social security, states are reluctant to pay more. Germany and other Nordic supporters of a smaller budget argue that because of Brexit, they would pay more into EU coffers even with a 1 per cent cap because they would need to compensate for the loss of Britain's transfers. Eastern and southern states, who benefit from EU funds on poorer regions and agriculture, are keen to see a bigger budget, and are not happy with Finland's proposed cuts on these sectors. Under the proposal, subsidies to poor regions would drop to less than 30 per cent of the budget from 34 per cent now, while aid to farmers would fall to slightly more than 30 per cent from over 35 per cent of the total. To complicate matters, the new budget should also include rules that would suspend funding to member states with rule-of-law shortcomings, such as limits to media freedom or the independence of judges. This is irking states like Poland and Hungary which Brussels has long accused of breaches in the rule of law after judiciary and media reforms adopted by their far-right governments. Friday's meeting is seen as a starting point and is not supposed to find a compromise, but divisions are so deep that many officials fear a deal may not be reached by a self-imposed December deadline. A later deal would delay the launch of spending programmes. The Finns remained confident, however, and insist their suggested spending range would eventually be backed by EU states. "The fact that almost everybody is against our text shows we have put forward a fair proposal," one diplomat said.

European Union leaders discuss $1.2 trillion post-Brexit budget

British street artist Banksy is selling a Union Jack stab vest, riot helmet 'disco balls' and a 'designer handbag' made from a brick to randomly selected buyers who can answer the question: "Why does art matter?".

The works are offered in the "Gross Domestic Product" online store, with prices starting at 10 pounds&nbsp;for a Banksy branded aerosol of paint to 850 pounds for the stab vest as worn by Stormzy at the Glastonbury Festival in June.

Customers can only buy a maximum of one item, according to the rules on the website. Applications will be randomly selected and then narrowed down by the question 'Why does art matter?', with the 'Why' crossed out.

The answers will be assessed by an impartial and independent judge, namely a professional stand-up comedian, the website said.

The original products, which will be awarded a certification of authenticity on the second anniversary of the purchase, are priced far below market value.

"Please refrain from registering at this time if you are a wealthy art collector," the site said.

Works by the elusive street artist, who has never revealed his name, have rocketed in value.

A large Banksy painting of chimps sitting in Britain's parliament sold for more than $12 million earlier this month, a record price at auction for his work.

The products available in the online shop have been on display at Banksy's temporary homewares store in the south London suburb of Croydon.

British street artist Banksy is selling a Union Jack stab vest, riot helmet 'disco balls' and a 'designer handbag' made from a brick to randomly selected buyers who can answer the question: "Why does art matter?

British street artist Banksy is selling a Union Jack stab vest, riot helmet 'disco balls' and a 'designer handbag' made from a brick to randomly selected buyers who can answer the question: "Why does art matter?". The works are offered in the "Gross Domestic Product" online store, with prices starting at 10 pounds for a Banksy branded aerosol of paint to 850 pounds for the stab vest as worn by Stormzy at the Glastonbury Festival in June. Customers can only buy a maximum of one item, according to the rules on the website. Applications will be randomly selected and then narrowed down by the question 'Why does art matter?', with the 'Why' crossed out. The answers will be assessed by an impartial and independent judge, namely a professional stand-up comedian, the website said. The original products, which will be awarded a certification of authenticity on the second anniversary of the purchase, are priced far below market value. "Please refrain from registering at this time if you are a wealthy art collector," the site said. Works by the elusive street artist, who has never revealed his name, have rocketed in value. A large Banksy painting of chimps sitting in Britain's parliament sold for more than $12 million earlier this month, a record price at auction for his work. The products available in the online shop have been on display at Banksy's temporary homewares store in the south London suburb of Croydon.

Why does art matter? Banksy asks, offering originals for the right answer

British&nbsp;retailer&nbsp;WH&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;Plc&nbsp;said on Thursday it will&nbsp;buy&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;Retail&nbsp;Group for about $400&nbsp;million, betting that the American peer's network of stores at&nbsp;US&nbsp;airports will help boost profits soured by turmoil on the British high street.

Business at&nbsp;WH&nbsp;Smith's stores at airports and railway stations has been booming as the over 200-year-old company benefits from rising passenger footfall and new larger-format outlets.

The company,&nbsp;which sells everything from books and sandwiches to Bluetooth headphones, began its&nbsp;push&nbsp;into the United States last year&nbsp;when it bought digital accessories&nbsp;retailer InMotion.

WH&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;said it would fund the all-cash deal for&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;through a combination of 200&nbsp;million&nbsp;pounds&nbsp;in new debt and a 155&nbsp;million&nbsp;pound equity raise. The company will suspend its share&nbsp;buyback programme&nbsp;while it pays off debt.

The reliance on travelling consumers was highlighted on Thursday&nbsp;when&nbsp;WH&nbsp;Smith&nbsp;reported a 7 per cent&nbsp;rise in headline annual pre-tax profit, boosted by a 14 per cent&nbsp;jump in earnings from its travel business.

Headline profit before tax rose to 155&nbsp;million&nbsp;pounds from 145&nbsp;million&nbsp;pounds in the year ended August&nbsp;31, marginally beating analyst estimates of 154.2&nbsp;million&nbsp;pounds, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

The company also said it was prepared for Brexit and has put in place contingency plans, including increasing the stock of convenience products.

British retailer WH Smith Plc said on Thursday it will buy Marshall Retail Group for about $400 million, betting that the American peer's network of stores at US airports will help boost profits soured by turmoil on the British high street.

British retailer WH Smith Plc said on Thursday it will buy Marshall Retail Group for about $400 million, betting that the American peer's network of stores at US airports will help boost profits soured by turmoil on the British high street. Business at WH Smith's stores at airports and railway stations has been booming as the over 200-year-old company benefits from rising passenger footfall and new larger-format outlets. The company, which sells everything from books and sandwiches to Bluetooth headphones, began its push into the United States last year when it bought digital accessories retailer InMotion. WH Smith said it would fund the all-cash deal for Marshall through a combination of 200 million pounds in new debt and a 155 million pound equity raise. The company will suspend its share buyback programme while it pays off debt. The reliance on travelling consumers was highlighted on Thursday when WH Smith reported a 7 per cent rise in headline annual pre-tax profit, boosted by a 14 per cent jump in earnings from its travel business. Headline profit before tax rose to 155 million pounds from 145 million pounds in the year ended August 31, marginally beating analyst estimates of 154.2 million pounds, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. The company also said it was prepared for Brexit and has put in place contingency plans, including increasing the stock of convenience products.

WH Smith to buy Marshall Retail for $400 million in US push

Manchester United will try to sign one or two players in the January transfer window to improve their chances of finishing in the top four but will not spend big on transfer fees and wages, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

United are 12th in the Premier League ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-head-to-united-with-widest-gulf-in-years-256390">Sunday's home game </a>against league leaders Liverpool after a poor start to the season that has been further disrupted by injuries to key players.

Solskjaer sanctioned the departures of forwards Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the close season without reinforcing United's attack and the Norwegian also has goalkeeper David De Gea and midfielder Paul Pogba out injured.

"We're looking at one or two new signings. We're one or two players light," Solskjaer told Sky Sports. "If the right ones are available in January then we might do something. If not, these players will give everything (for a top four finish).

"I'm not going to go down the route of bringing players in on big contracts and big fees if they're not the right ones for the whole group and for the future. The money is there to strengthen in January and in the summer."

United started the season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea but have scored five goals in seven league matches since and Solskjaer said an injury to forward Anthony Martial, who has not played since August, was a factor in their struggles.

"There's many reasons, but one of them is injuries to Anthony," the 46-year-old former United player said. "Creating chances has been a challenge for us with teams dropping deep.

"But we're practising patterns every single week. When we get the players fit, I'm going to make Marcus and Anthony score those scruffy goals, as that's what I did."

Manchester United will try to sign one or two players in the January transfer window to improve their chances of finishing in the top four but will not spend big on transfer fees and wages, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.

Manchester United will try to sign one or two players in the January transfer window to improve their chances of finishing in the top four but will not spend big on transfer fees and wages, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said. United are 12th in the Premier League ahead of Sunday's home game against league leaders Liverpool after a poor start to the season that has been further disrupted by injuries to key players. Solskjaer sanctioned the departures of forwards Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez in the close season without reinforcing United's attack and the Norwegian also has goalkeeper David De Gea and midfielder Paul Pogba out injured. "We're looking at one or two new signings. We're one or two players light," Solskjaer told Sky Sports. "If the right ones are available in January then we might do something. If not, these players will give everything (for a top four finish). "I'm not going to go down the route of bringing players in on big contracts and big fees if they're not the right ones for the whole group and for the future. The money is there to strengthen in January and in the summer." United started the season with a 4-0 win over Chelsea but have scored five goals in seven league matches since and Solskjaer said an injury to forward Anthony Martial, who has not played since August, was a factor in their struggles. "There's many reasons, but one of them is injuries to Anthony," the 46-year-old former United player said. "Creating chances has been a challenge for us with teams dropping deep. "But we're practising patterns every single week. When we get the players fit, I'm going to make Marcus and Anthony score those scruffy goals, as that's what I did."

Manchester United will reinforce squad in January, says manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

A London court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi till November 11 in connection with Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-involving-nirav-modi-timeline-and-how-the-events-unfolded-leading-to-his-arrest-204534">fraud and money laundering</a> case.

The 48-year-old businessman appeared before the Westminster Magistrates` Court Judge via video link from Wandsworth prison in south-west London, where he is currently lodged.

The diamantaire and his nephew Mehul Choksi are the main accused in the PNB loan default case. The duo fled the country in January last year before the scam came to light.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pnb-scam-uk-court-issues-arrest-warrant-against-nirav-modi-cbi-ed-officials-to-visit-london-soon-204148">Modi was arrested </a>on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the case and is in prison since then. He has not returned to India despite repeated summonses from Indian probe agencies and courts.

India is seeking his extradition to make him face the law of the land for allegedly committing the economic offences. The extradition trial of Nirav Modi is expected to begin in May 2020.

A London court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi till November 11 in connection with Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case.

A London court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi till November 11 in connection with Rs 13,500-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case. The 48-year-old businessman appeared before the Westminster Magistrates` Court Judge via video link from Wandsworth prison in south-west London, where he is currently lodged. The diamantaire and his nephew Mehul Choksi are the main accused in the PNB loan default case. The duo fled the country in January last year before the scam came to light. Modi was arrested on March 19 by Scotland Yard in connection with the case and is in prison since then. He has not returned to India despite repeated summonses from Indian probe agencies and courts. India is seeking his extradition to make him face the law of the land for allegedly committing the economic offences. The extradition trial of Nirav Modi is expected to begin in May 2020.

Nirav Modi's judicial custody extended till November 11 by London court

British shoppers grew more cautious about their spending in the three months to September despite rising wages, official figures showed on Thursday, raising concerns about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-starts-to-shows-cracks-under-brexit-and-global-strains-254409">health of the economy</a> in the run-up to Brexit.

Consumer spending has been the biggest driver of British economic growth since June 2016's referendum to leave the European Union, but there have been increasing signs that this is starting to soften.

Looking at the third quarter as a whole, which strips out monthly volatility, quarterly sales growth held steady at 0.6 per cent&nbsp;while the annual pace of expansion dropped to 3.1 per cent&nbsp;from 3.6 per cent&nbsp;in the second quarter, the weakest since the late 2018.

Stripping out inflation adjustments, growth in retail spending was the weakest in more than three years.

Sterling showed little reaction to the data, with markets focused on whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson can broker a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-says-great-new-deal-reached-on-brexit-256464"> Brexit deal</a> that is acceptable both to Brussels and Britain's parliament before the country is due to leave on October&nbsp;31.

"September's retail sales figures were perhaps a bit of a relief given the intense Brexit uncertainty, but were hardly a picture of strength," economist Ruth Gregory of consultancy Capital Economics said.

Monthly retail sales volumes were flat in September and annual sales growth picked up to 3.1 per cent&nbsp;from a weak 2.6 per cent&nbsp;in August, the Office for National Statistics said - slightly less of a recovery than economists had forecast in a Reuters poll.

"Food shops bounced back after a weak few months, but there was yet more bad news for department stores, with sales continuing to fall in September," ONS statistician Rhian Murphy said.

Some retailers said unusually rainy weather had hurt demand too, the ONS added.

Sales in the 'non-specialised stores' category - which includes department stores - dropped by an annual 2.0 per cent&nbsp;in the third quarter, the biggest decline since the first three months of 2009 when Britain was mired in recession.

At the start of this month, major retailer John Lewis Partnership said it would cut a third of senior managers and merge its supermarket and department store divisions to better tackle challenges from online stores.

The lacklustre ONS figures are less bleak than a British Retail Consortium survey that showed the biggest fall in retail spending of any September since at least the mid-1990s.

In recent months, surveys by the BRC and Confederation of British Industry have painted a weaker picture of the retail sector than subsequent official data - in part due to the former focusing more on large high-street chains.

The ONS data has a broader sample that includes more online and small retailers, and its measure of retail spending showed annual growth slowing to 3.5 per cent&nbsp;in the third quarter from 4.1 per cent&nbsp;in the second quarter, the weakest since the second quarter of 2016.

Until recently consumers appeared to have largely taken Brexit in their stride, helped by weaker inflation and stronger growth in wages which are rising at the fastest pace in more than a decade.

That has aided the world's fifth-biggest economy at a time when many companies have been cutting back on investment because of uncertainty about Brexit.

A separate Bank of England survey on Thursday showed British lenders expect business loans will dry up in the next few months at the fastest rate since the financial crisis, boding poorly for investment as Brexit nears.

There have also been signs that consumers are turning more cautious as Britain's political crisis drags on.

Several British retailers, including supermarkets Asda and Morrisons&nbsp;and home improvement group Kingfisher, have highlighted the drag of Brexit uncertainty on bigger purchases.

But clothing retailer Next&nbsp;attributed a disappointing start to autumn trading to unusually warm weather in parts of Britain, rather than shoppers holding back on buying new items because of Brexit.

British shoppers grew more cautious about their spending in the three months to September despite rising wages, official figures showed on Thursday, raising concerns about the health of the economy in the run-up to Brexit.

British shoppers grew more cautious about their spending in the three months to September despite rising wages, official figures showed on Thursday, raising concerns about the health of the economy in the run-up to Brexit. Consumer spending has been the biggest driver of British economic growth since June 2016's referendum to leave the European Union, but there have been increasing signs that this is starting to soften. Looking at the third quarter as a whole, which strips out monthly volatility, quarterly sales growth held steady at 0.6 per cent while the annual pace of expansion dropped to 3.1 per cent from 3.6 per cent in the second quarter, the weakest since the late 2018. Stripping out inflation adjustments, growth in retail spending was the weakest in more than three years. Sterling showed little reaction to the data, with markets focused on whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson can broker a Brexit deal that is acceptable both to Brussels and Britain's parliament before the country is due to leave on October 31. "September's retail sales figures were perhaps a bit of a relief given the intense Brexit uncertainty, but were hardly a picture of strength," economist Ruth Gregory of consultancy Capital Economics said. Monthly retail sales volumes were flat in September and annual sales growth picked up to 3.1 per cent from a weak 2.6 per cent in August, the Office for National Statistics said - slightly less of a recovery than economists had forecast in a Reuters poll. "Food shops bounced back after a weak few months, but there was yet more bad news for department stores, with sales continuing to fall in September," ONS statistician Rhian Murphy said. Some retailers said unusually rainy weather had hurt demand too, the ONS added. Sales in the 'non-specialised stores' category - which includes department stores - dropped by an annual 2.0 per cent in the third quarter, the biggest decline since the first three months of 2009 when Britain was mired in recession. At the start of this month, major retailer John Lewis Partnership said it would cut a third of senior managers and merge its supermarket and department store divisions to better tackle challenges from online stores. The lacklustre ONS figures are less bleak than a British Retail Consortium survey that showed the biggest fall in retail spending of any September since at least the mid-1990s. In recent months, surveys by the BRC and Confederation of British Industry have painted a weaker picture of the retail sector than subsequent official data - in part due to the former focusing more on large high-street chains. The ONS data has a broader sample that includes more online and small retailers, and its measure of retail spending showed annual growth slowing to 3.5 per cent in the third quarter from 4.1 per cent in the second quarter, the weakest since the second quarter of 2016. Until recently consumers appeared to have largely taken Brexit in their stride, helped by weaker inflation and stronger growth in wages which are rising at the fastest pace in more than a decade. That has aided the world's fifth-biggest economy at a time when many companies have been cutting back on investment because of uncertainty about Brexit. A separate Bank of England survey on Thursday showed British lenders expect business loans will dry up in the next few months at the fastest rate since the financial crisis, boding poorly for investment as Brexit nears. There have also been signs that consumers are turning more cautious as Britain's political crisis drags on. Several British retailers, including supermarkets Asda and Morrisons and home improvement group Kingfisher, have highlighted the drag of Brexit uncertainty on bigger purchases. But clothing retailer Next attributed a disappointing start to autumn trading to unusually warm weather in parts of Britain, rather than shoppers holding back on buying new items because of Brexit.

United Kingdom retail sales growth softens as department stores disappoint

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party announced Thursday it cannot support Boris Johnson's current Brexit plan, dealing a major blow to the British prime minister just hours before a crunch EU summit.

"As things stand, we could not support what is being suggested on customs and consent issues, and there is a lack of clarity on VAT (value-added tax)," the DUP, which backs Johnson's government, said in a brief statement on Twitter.

"We will continue to work with the government to try and get a sensible deal that works for Northern Ireland and protects the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom."

The statement was seen as a major setback for Johnson, who would most likely need the support of his DUP allies in parliament for any deal agreed in Brussels.

It came as British and EU negotiators worked late into the night in the hopes of presenting a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-at-hand-in-brussels-boris-johnson-struggles-to-win-support-at-home-256400"> last-minute Brexit deal</a> to leaders meeting for a European summit.

Both sides said they were close to finding a basis for a treaty to ensure Britain heads for a managed withdrawal from the European bloc it has been part of for nearly half a century.

But officials had to iron out details on how Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, would remain under the European scheme for sales tax.

The pound fell 0.5 per cent against the dollar and the euro within minutes of the announcement. A pound was worth 1.2759 dollars and 1.1525 euros.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told BBC television: "We always knew these negotiations were going to be difficult and we're going to go down to the line."

Asked whether Johnson would meet the DUP again on Thursday, Jenrick said: "The prime minister and his team are in intensive negotiations with all parties, including with the DUP.

"We want to provide sufficient comfort for the DUP and unionists in Northern Ireland to feel that the arrangements we would put in place with this deal are sufficient to give them comfort to support it."

British politics expert Professor Tim Bale, deputy director of The UK in a Changing Europe think-tank, said the DUP would struggle with any deal that created new divisions between the province and the rest of the UK -- the antithesis of Northern Irish unionism.

"It would be seen by some on their side as representing a surrender," he said.

"They would have to explain what on Earth the last two years have been about if they were to fold."

Johnson's governing Conservatives relied on the DUP's support for a majority in parliament before a series of expulsions from the Conservative ranks last month left the government well short of a majority, even with the DUP's support.

Mairead McGuinness, first vice president of the European Parliament, from Ireland's governing Fine Gael party, told BBC radio: "Whatever optimism we had last night has been dampened a little.

"It would be quite concerning if one political party can delay everything or have a veto over everything. The numbers in the House of Commons are very tight.

"It is of concern that one party is holding this up."

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party announced Thursday it cannot support Boris Johnson's current Brexit plan, dealing a major blow to the British prime minister just hours before a crunch EU summit.

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party announced Thursday it cannot support Boris Johnson's current Brexit plan, dealing a major blow to the British prime minister just hours before a crunch EU summit. "As things stand, we could not support what is being suggested on customs and consent issues, and there is a lack of clarity on VAT (value-added tax)," the DUP, which backs Johnson's government, said in a brief statement on Twitter. "We will continue to work with the government to try and get a sensible deal that works for Northern Ireland and protects the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom." The statement was seen as a major setback for Johnson, who would most likely need the support of his DUP allies in parliament for any deal agreed in Brussels. It came as British and EU negotiators worked late into the night in the hopes of presenting a last-minute Brexit deal to leaders meeting for a European summit. Both sides said they were close to finding a basis for a treaty to ensure Britain heads for a managed withdrawal from the European bloc it has been part of for nearly half a century. But officials had to iron out details on how Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, would remain under the European scheme for sales tax. The pound fell 0.5 per cent against the dollar and the euro within minutes of the announcement. A pound was worth 1.2759 dollars and 1.1525 euros. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick told BBC television: "We always knew these negotiations were going to be difficult and we're going to go down to the line." Asked whether Johnson would meet the DUP again on Thursday, Jenrick said: "The prime minister and his team are in intensive negotiations with all parties, including with the DUP. "We want to provide sufficient comfort for the DUP and unionists in Northern Ireland to feel that the arrangements we would put in place with this deal are sufficient to give them comfort to support it." British politics expert Professor Tim Bale, deputy director of The UK in a Changing Europe think-tank, said the DUP would struggle with any deal that created new divisions between the province and the rest of the UK -- the antithesis of Northern Irish unionism. "It would be seen by some on their side as representing a surrender," he said. "They would have to explain what on Earth the last two years have been about if they were to fold." Johnson's governing Conservatives relied on the DUP's support for a majority in parliament before a series of expulsions from the Conservative ranks last month left the government well short of a majority, even with the DUP's support. Mairead McGuinness, first vice president of the European Parliament, from Ireland's governing Fine Gael party, told BBC radio: "Whatever optimism we had last night has been dampened a little. "It would be quite concerning if one political party can delay everything or have a veto over everything. The numbers in the House of Commons are very tight. "It is of concern that one party is holding this up."

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party oppose United Kingdom government's Brexit plan

Domino's&nbsp;Pizza&nbsp;Group Plc, Britain's biggest&nbsp;pizza&nbsp;delivery company, said on Thursday it will&nbsp;exit&nbsp;its&nbsp;international&nbsp;markets, where it has been facing mounting losses.

"We have concluded that, whilst they represent attractive&nbsp;markets, we are not the best owners of these businesses," outgoing Chief Executive Officer David Wild said.

The company, which is a franchise of US-based&nbsp;Domino's&nbsp;Pizza&nbsp;Inc, said third-quarter group system sales rose 3.4 per cent&nbsp;to 313.5 million pounds&nbsp;on strong demand in the UK and Ireland.

The British company owns&nbsp;Domino's&nbsp;operations in Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and is a minority shareholder in the Germany operations as well.

However, it reported a 2.7 per cent&nbsp;dip in&nbsp;international&nbsp;system sales, which have taken a hit from macroeconomic events, including declining tourist numbers in Iceland.

Europe's economy has slowed this year as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-china-trade-mini-deal-being-papered-trump-256340">US-China trade</a> tensions weakened global growth, and consumers and businesses in and around the United Kingdom worried about the impact of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/united-kingdom-hiring-falls-by-most-in-over-four-years-as-brexit-nears-256066"> Brexit&nbsp;on jobs and incomes.</a>

The company, which has 57 stores in Norway, said it had implemented a turnaround plan in the country during the quarter, but early signs have been mixed and improvement in sales were weaker than expected.

The decision to&nbsp;exit&nbsp;these&nbsp;markets&nbsp;comes a few months after the company announced the retirement of its CEO Wild, while in the midst of trying to resolve a profit sharing row with disgruntled franchisees in the UK and Ireland.

Domino's Pizza Group Plc, Britain's biggest pizza delivery company, said on Thursday it will exit its international markets, where it has been facing mounting losses.

Domino's Pizza Group Plc, Britain's biggest pizza delivery company, said on Thursday it will exit its international markets, where it has been facing mounting losses. "We have concluded that, whilst they represent attractive markets, we are not the best owners of these businesses," outgoing Chief Executive Officer David Wild said. The company, which is a franchise of US-based Domino's Pizza Inc, said third-quarter group system sales rose 3.4 per cent to 313.5 million pounds on strong demand in the UK and Ireland. The British company owns Domino's operations in Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and is a minority shareholder in the Germany operations as well. However, it reported a 2.7 per cent dip in international system sales, which have taken a hit from macroeconomic events, including declining tourist numbers in Iceland. Europe's economy has slowed this year as the US-China trade tensions weakened global growth, and consumers and businesses in and around the United Kingdom worried about the impact of Brexit on jobs and incomes. The company, which has 57 stores in Norway, said it had implemented a turnaround plan in the country during the quarter, but early signs have been mixed and improvement in sales were weaker than expected. The decision to exit these markets comes a few months after the company announced the retirement of its CEO Wild, while in the midst of trying to resolve a profit sharing row with disgruntled franchisees in the UK and Ireland.

Domino's Pizza to exit four international markets

Ahead of World Food Day, the World Food Programme (WFP) said more than 800 million people, one in nine people globally, are facing chronic hunger and are unable to meet their basic food requirements. WFP. World Food Day is marked on Wednesday (16 Oct). WFP said, for the most part, the causes of hunger remain the same – conflict, the climate crisis and economic marginalization.

More than 800 million people facing chronic hunger: World Food Programme

United Kingdom and United States&nbsp;authorities investigating a "dark web" child pornography site run from South Korea on Wednesday announced the arrest of 337 suspects in 38 countries.

Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) said the "Welcome to Video" site contained 250,000 videos that were downloaded a million times by users across the world.

"The website monetised the sexual abuse of children and was one of the first to offer sickening videos for sale using the cryptocurrency bitcoin," the NCA said in a statement.

"The arrests were made in 38 countries including the UK, Ireland, America, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Czech Republic and Canada."

The investigations also involved South Korean National Police and Germany’s Federal Criminal Police.

In Washington, the US Department of Justice said separately the site operated "the largest child sexual exploitation market by volume of content" when it was taken down.

"Welcome to Video" operated on the so-called "dark web", which can only be accessed by special software and is widely used to traffic various illegal content and products.

The NCA said seven men have already been convicted in Britain since the first suspect was arrested in 2017.

One man "was jailed for 22 years for raping a five-year-old boy and appearing on Welcome To Video sexually abusing a three-year-old girl."

The collaboration between global law enforcement agencies was sparked by the British investigation into a British scientist for child sex offences, according to the NCA, which deals with serious and organised crime, as well as cybercrime.

Matthew Falder was sentenced to 25 years in jail in 2017 after admitting 137 counts of online abuse, including the encouragement of child rape and even the abuse of a baby.

The US Justice Department indicted the site's alleged operator,&nbsp;identified as 23-year-old South Korean national Jong-Woo Son,&nbsp;on nine counts.

"Darknet sites that profit from the sexual exploitation of children are among the vilest and reprehensible forms of criminal behaviour," said US Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski.

United Kingdom and United States authorities investigating a "dark web" child pornography site run from South Korea on Wednesday announced the arrest of 337 suspects in 38 countries.

United Kingdom and United States authorities investigating a "dark web" child pornography site run from South Korea on Wednesday announced the arrest of 337 suspects in 38 countries. Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) said the "Welcome to Video" site contained 250,000 videos that were downloaded a million times by users across the world. "The website monetised the sexual abuse of children and was one of the first to offer sickening videos for sale using the cryptocurrency bitcoin," the NCA said in a statement. "The arrests were made in 38 countries including the UK, Ireland, America, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Czech Republic and Canada." The investigations also involved South Korean National Police and Germany’s Federal Criminal Police. In Washington, the US Department of Justice said separately the site operated "the largest child sexual exploitation market by volume of content" when it was taken down. "Welcome to Video" operated on the so-called "dark web", which can only be accessed by special software and is widely used to traffic various illegal content and products. The NCA said seven men have already been convicted in Britain since the first suspect was arrested in 2017. One man "was jailed for 22 years for raping a five-year-old boy and appearing on Welcome To Video sexually abusing a three-year-old girl." The collaboration between global law enforcement agencies was sparked by the British investigation into a British scientist for child sex offences, according to the NCA, which deals with serious and organised crime, as well as cybercrime. Matthew Falder was sentenced to 25 years in jail in 2017 after admitting 137 counts of online abuse, including the encouragement of child rape and even the abuse of a baby. The US Justice Department indicted the site's alleged operator, identified as 23-year-old South Korean national Jong-Woo Son, on nine counts. "Darknet sites that profit from the sexual exploitation of children are among the vilest and reprehensible forms of criminal behaviour," said US Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski.

Online child sex probe leads to 337 arrests: United Kingdom police

''It is too soon to say whether <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/united-kingdom-hiring-falls-by-most-in-over-four-years-as-brexit-nears-256066">Britain's parliament</a> will need to sit on Saturday'', Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the lower house of parliament, said on Tuesday, in a reference to ongoing talks in Brussels over a Brexit deal.

Last week, a source said the government planned to hold a special sitting of parliament on October&nbsp;19, following an EU summit on October&nbsp;17-18 when Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes to secure a deal to leave the European Union.

Saturday could become one of the most critical days in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-unions-brexit-minister-says-united-kingdoms-proposals-fall-short-need-agreement-by-end-of-day-256061">Britain's Brexit</a> crisis after parliament passed a law which would force Johnson to seek a delay to his deadline of October 31 if he has not agreed to an exit deal by October&nbsp;19.

"A Saturday sitting is an extremely unusual process dependent upon events but the events that may require a Saturday sitting have not yet reached their fruition and it is only after that point has been reached that it would be sensible to confirm what exactly will be happening on Saturday," Rees-Mogg told parliament when asked if the sitting would go ahead.

''It is too soon to say whether Britain's parliament will need to sit on Saturday'', Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the lower house of parliament, said on Tuesday, in a reference to ongoing talks in Brussels over a Brexit deal.

''It is too soon to say whether Britain's parliament will need to sit on Saturday'', Jacob Rees-Mogg, leader of the lower house of parliament, said on Tuesday, in a reference to ongoing talks in Brussels over a Brexit deal. Last week, a source said the government planned to hold a special sitting of parliament on October 19, following an EU summit on October 17-18 when Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes to secure a deal to leave the European Union. Saturday could become one of the most critical days in Britain's Brexit crisis after parliament passed a law which would force Johnson to seek a delay to his deadline of October 31 if he has not agreed to an exit deal by October 19. "A Saturday sitting is an extremely unusual process dependent upon events but the events that may require a Saturday sitting have not yet reached their fruition and it is only after that point has been reached that it would be sensible to confirm what exactly will be happening on Saturday," Rees-Mogg told parliament when asked if the sitting would go ahead.

Too soon to say if Britain's parliament will sit on Saturday: United Kingdom parliament leader

Racist abuse aimed at England players during a match against Bulgaria on Monday was vile and European football's governing body UEFA must do more to tackle such behaviour, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said on Tuesday.

The Euro 2020 qualifier between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-thrash-bulgaria-after-game-halted-over-racist-abuse-255998">Bulgaria and England</a> in Sofia was twice halted by the referee after monkey noises and chants from the crowd were aimed at England's black players.

"The racism we saw and heard last night was vile and has no place in football or anywhere else," Johnson's spokesman said, adding there needed to be tough penalties in place to act as a real deterrent.

"UEFA need to face up to facts - this stain on football is not being adequately dealt with. Racism and discrimination must be driven out of football once and for all."

The British government will write to UEFA on Tuesday to ask for an investigation to be conducted swiftly, he said.

Racist abuse aimed at England players during a match against Bulgaria on Monday was vile and European football's governing body UEFA must do more to tackle such behaviour, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said on Tuesday.

Racist abuse aimed at England players during a match against Bulgaria on Monday was vile and European football's governing body UEFA must do more to tackle such behaviour, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said on Tuesday. The Euro 2020 qualifier between Bulgaria and England in Sofia was twice halted by the referee after monkey noises and chants from the crowd were aimed at England's black players. "The racism we saw and heard last night was vile and has no place in football or anywhere else," Johnson's spokesman said, adding there needed to be tough penalties in place to act as a real deterrent. "UEFA need to face up to facts - this stain on football is not being adequately dealt with. Racism and discrimination must be driven out of football once and for all." The British government will write to UEFA on Tuesday to ask for an investigation to be conducted swiftly, he said.

UEFA must do more to tackle 'vile' racism - UK PM Boris Johnson's spokesman

Britain's jobs boom has weakened in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-unions-brexit-minister-says-united-kingdoms-proposals-fall-short-need-agreement-by-end-of-day-256061">approach to Brexit</a> with the number of people in work unexpectedly falling by the most in over four years and unemployment rising, official data showed on Tuesday.

Employment fell by 56,000 to 32.69 million in the three months to August, the Office for National Statistics said. Economists polled by Reuters had expected growth of 23,000.

The number of people out of work rose by 22,000 to just over 1.31 million, the ONS said.

Britain's strong labour market has been the silver lining for the economy since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-possible-this-week-says-european-union-chief-negotiator-michel-barnier-256023">Brexit referendum in 2016</a>, something many analysts attribute, in part, to firms hiring workers that they can later lay off rather than making longer-term commitments to investment.

But there were signs in Tuesday's figures that employers were turning more cautious.

The unemployment rate unexpectedly rose to 3.9 per cent&nbsp;from 3.8 per cent, which had been its joint-lowest since the mid-1970s, while vacancies fell to their lowest level since the three months to November 2017.

"Challenging economic conditions are starting to take the shine off the UK’s job boom," Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, an employers group, said.

"Business leaders’ long-lasting drive to expand their workforce has put the labour market in a strong position. However, firms are now increasingly coming up against uncertainty and the shrinking supply of available talent."

Many employers are worried about Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pledge to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31 without a transition deal to smooth the economic shock if necessary. However, lawmakers have passed legislation that they say will force him to seek a delay from Brussels.

A survey published separately on Tuesday by Britain's main auto industry group showed jobs cuts at one in three firms in the sector, which risks being a big loser from Brexit. That was up from one in eight just under a year ago.

As well as worries about Brexit, Britain's economy is feeling the drag from rising US-China trade tensions which have weighed on global growth.

The ONS labour market data showed a dip in the pace of pay growth which recently hit its fastest in more than 10 years.

Total earnings growth, including bonuses, rose by an annual 3.8 per cent&nbsp;in the three months to August, slowing from 3.9 per cent&nbsp;in the three months to July and weaker than the median forecast of 4.0 per cent&nbsp;in the Reuters poll.

Excluding bonuses, which smoothes out some volatility, pay growth similarly slowed slightly to 3.8 per cent, but was a touch ahead of the Reuters poll forecast of 3.7 per cent.

The trend in pay growth is being watched closely by the Bank of England.

Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said in a newspaper interview published on Sunday that wage costs were "picking up quite significantly, which will drive domestic inflationary pressure."

However, the BoE is waiting for more clarity on Brexit before any decision to resume its gradual and limited programme of interest rates hikes.

Britain's jobs boom has weakened in the approach to Brexit with the number of people in work unexpectedly falling by the most in over four years and unemployment rising, official data showed on Tuesday.

Britain's jobs boom has weakened in the approach to Brexit with the number of people in work unexpectedly falling by the most in over four years and unemployment rising, official data showed on Tuesday. Employment fell by 56,000 to 32.69 million in the three months to August, the Office for National Statistics said. Economists polled by Reuters had expected growth of 23,000. The number of people out of work rose by 22,000 to just over 1.31 million, the ONS said. Britain's strong labour market has been the silver lining for the economy since the Brexit referendum in 2016, something many analysts attribute, in part, to firms hiring workers that they can later lay off rather than making longer-term commitments to investment. But there were signs in Tuesday's figures that employers were turning more cautious. The unemployment rate unexpectedly rose to 3.9 per cent from 3.8 per cent, which had been its joint-lowest since the mid-1970s, while vacancies fell to their lowest level since the three months to November 2017. "Challenging economic conditions are starting to take the shine off the UK’s job boom," Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, an employers group, said. "Business leaders’ long-lasting drive to expand their workforce has put the labour market in a strong position. However, firms are now increasingly coming up against uncertainty and the shrinking supply of available talent." Many employers are worried about Prime Minister Boris Johnson's pledge to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31 without a transition deal to smooth the economic shock if necessary. However, lawmakers have passed legislation that they say will force him to seek a delay from Brussels. A survey published separately on Tuesday by Britain's main auto industry group showed jobs cuts at one in three firms in the sector, which risks being a big loser from Brexit. That was up from one in eight just under a year ago. As well as worries about Brexit, Britain's economy is feeling the drag from rising US-China trade tensions which have weighed on global growth. The ONS labour market data showed a dip in the pace of pay growth which recently hit its fastest in more than 10 years. Total earnings growth, including bonuses, rose by an annual 3.8 per cent in the three months to August, slowing from 3.9 per cent in the three months to July and weaker than the median forecast of 4.0 per cent in the Reuters poll. Excluding bonuses, which smoothes out some volatility, pay growth similarly slowed slightly to 3.8 per cent, but was a touch ahead of the Reuters poll forecast of 3.7 per cent. The trend in pay growth is being watched closely by the Bank of England. Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said in a newspaper interview published on Sunday that wage costs were "picking up quite significantly, which will drive domestic inflationary pressure." However, the BoE is waiting for more clarity on Brexit before any decision to resume its gradual and limited programme of interest rates hikes.

United Kingdom hiring falls by most in over four years as Brexit nears

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-possible-this-week-says-european-union-chief-negotiator-michel-barnier-256023">Britain's latest proposals on the terms of its departure from the European Union are still not enough for an agreement</a> and a legal text is needed by the end of Tuesday for a deal to be agreed at a leaders' summit this week, three diplomatic sources said.

Relaying comments made by the EU's Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, at a meeting of the bloc's ministers in Luxembourg, they said that if the Tuesday deadline was missed then talks would have to continue after the Thursday-Friday summit.

"We need to land this tonight," an EU official told Reuters.

However, British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay struck a more positive note as he arrived in Luxembourg for talks with ministers from the 27 countries that will remain in the EU.

"The talks are ongoing we need to give them space to proceed," he told reporters. "Detailed conversations are&nbsp;underway and a deal is still very possible."

The main sticking point to reaching a deal before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-a-lot-of-work-to-be-done-before-brexit-deal-255708">October&nbsp;31 scheduled date for Britain's exit</a> is customs and security arrangements for the border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland - the only land frontier between the EU and the United Kingdom after Brexit.

Barnier said earlier that while an agreement was still possible this week, it was still possible and it was "high time to turn good intentions in a legal text".

Finland's EU affairs minister, Tytti Tuppurainen, said the EU must prepare for a no-deal and a third extension of the tortuous divorce process.

"All scenarios are open," she said, adding that leaders at the summit would discuss pushing back the departure date beyond October&nbsp;31.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a leading figure in the 2016 referendum in which Britons opted to leave the EU, has pledged to take the United Kingdom out of the bloc on that day whether or not a withdrawal agreement has been reached.

But the British parliament has passed a law saying the country cannot leave without an agreement, and Johnson has not explained how he can get around that.

Malta's EU minister, asked if he would bet on there being a Brexit deal this month, said: "I would not."

Watch:&nbsp;Make-or-break week for Brexit deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/make-or-break-week-for-brexit-deal-256038/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Deal, No-Deal, Delay

As ministers met in Luxembourg, British Brexit negotiator David Frost was starting another round of negotiations with the EU's executive European Commission in Brussels. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-on-october-31-a-priority-for-british-government-queen-255851">Britain was due to make new proposals</a> in an attempt to break the Brexit deadlock, RTE said.

There was no comment from Johnson's office and the British mission to the EU declined to comment.

A British government source said separately that new texts have been shared repeatedly with Brussels during talks.

The main obstacle is around customs, with London proposing that Northern Ireland stays in the UK customs area but that EU tariffs are applied on all goods crossing from mainland Britain to the island.

Businesses would be eligible for a refund if it turns out their goods stay in Northern Ireland under the plan, which the EU has many doubts about, saying the system is too complicated, untested and not detailed enough at this stage.

The EU believes the only possible deal to be had at the summit is a return to a solution - already rejected by Britain previously - of keeping Northern Ireland in the bloc's customs union.

It would require a major shift from London and Johnson will face his factious parliament at a rare Saturday session after the summit.

Deal or no deal, the EU believes another delay to Britain's October&nbsp;31 departure date will be needed. Extension options range from as short as an extra month to half a year or longer. The other EU states would need to agree unanimously to grant it.

"Time alone is not a solution. However, if a significant political change takes place in the UK then that could potentially justify a discussion on an extension if we were asked for it," France's Amelie de Montchalin said.

"A significant political change is the prospect of an election, a referendum, something that changes the political dynamic so that the triangle between the government, parliament and the British people could align with each other a bit more."

Should no final resolutions come at the summit later this week, the EU is mulling an extraordinary one in late October to approve any deal or a delay or give marching orders for a damaging no-deal split.

Britain's latest proposals on the terms of its departure from the European Union are still not enough for an agreement and a legal text is needed by the end of Tuesday for a deal to be agreed at a leaders' summit this week, three diplomatic sources said.

Britain's latest proposals on the terms of its departure from the European Union are still not enough for an agreement and a legal text is needed by the end of Tuesday for a deal to be agreed at a leaders' summit this week, three diplomatic sources said. Relaying comments made by the EU's Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, at a meeting of the bloc's ministers in Luxembourg, they said that if the Tuesday deadline was missed then talks would have to continue after the Thursday-Friday summit. "We need to land this tonight," an EU official told Reuters. However, British Brexit Minister Stephen Barclay struck a more positive note as he arrived in Luxembourg for talks with ministers from the 27 countries that will remain in the EU. "The talks are ongoing we need to give them space to proceed," he told reporters. "Detailed conversations are underway and a deal is still very possible." The main sticking point to reaching a deal before the October 31 scheduled date for Britain's exit is customs and security arrangements for the border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland - the only land frontier between the EU and the United Kingdom after Brexit. Barnier said earlier that while an agreement was still possible this week, it was still possible and it was "high time to turn good intentions in a legal text". Finland's EU affairs minister, Tytti Tuppurainen, said the EU must prepare for a no-deal and a third extension of the tortuous divorce process. "All scenarios are open," she said, adding that leaders at the summit would discuss pushing back the departure date beyond October 31. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a leading figure in the 2016 referendum in which Britons opted to leave the EU, has pledged to take the United Kingdom out of the bloc on that day whether or not a withdrawal agreement has been reached. But the British parliament has passed a law saying the country cannot leave without an agreement, and Johnson has not explained how he can get around that. Malta's EU minister, asked if he would bet on there being a Brexit deal this month, said: "I would not." Watch: Make-or-break week for Brexit deal Deal, No-Deal, Delay As ministers met in Luxembourg, British Brexit negotiator David Frost was starting another round of negotiations with the EU's executive European Commission in Brussels. Britain was due to make new proposals in an attempt to break the Brexit deadlock, RTE said. There was no comment from Johnson's office and the British mission to the EU declined to comment. A British government source said separately that new texts have been shared repeatedly with Brussels during talks. The main obstacle is around customs, with London proposing that Northern Ireland stays in the UK customs area but that EU tariffs are applied on all goods crossing from mainland Britain to the island. Businesses would be eligible for a refund if it turns out their goods stay in Northern Ireland under the plan, which the EU has many doubts about, saying the system is too complicated, untested and not detailed enough at this stage. The EU believes the only possible deal to be had at the summit is a return to a solution - already rejected by Britain previously - of keeping Northern Ireland in the bloc's customs union. It would require a major shift from London and Johnson will face his factious parliament at a rare Saturday session after the summit. Deal or no deal, the EU believes another delay to Britain's October 31 departure date will be needed. Extension options range from as short as an extra month to half a year or longer. The other EU states would need to agree unanimously to grant it. "Time alone is not a solution. However, if a significant political change takes place in the UK then that could potentially justify a discussion on an extension if we were asked for it," France's Amelie de Montchalin said. "A significant political change is the prospect of an election, a referendum, something that changes the political dynamic so that the triangle between the government, parliament and the British people could align with each other a bit more." Should no final resolutions come at the summit later this week, the EU is mulling an extraordinary one in late October to approve any deal or a delay or give marching orders for a damaging no-deal split.

European Union's Brexit minister says United Kingdom's proposals fall short, need agreement by end of day

From the pinnacle of the City of London's largest skyscraper, Stuart Lipton is wagering a $1.2 billion bet that the British capital remains a master of the international financial universe no matter what happens with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-on-october-31-a-priority-for-british-government-queen-255851">Brexit</a>.

The 76-year-old property developer is not alone. Bankrolled by a host of global investors, including France's Axa, his big-ticket gamble in London's financial district is - so far - on the money.

The cataclysmic warnings during the 2016 referendum that London would lose its financial throne if it voted to leave the European Union (EU) have, so far, been proven wrong. London is still the world's banker, only bigger by some measures.

"London is extraordinarily resilient and its future as a finance centre is secure because what we have here is unique," Lipton told Reuters on the 61st floor of 22 Bishopsgate, set to become western Europe's second tallest skyscraper when it opens next year.

In the year to June, London has attracted more cross border commercial real estate investment than any other city. It has overtaken New York as a destination for fintech investment and it has increased its dominance of the world's $6.6 trillion daily foreign exchange market.

Since the vote to leave the EU, Britain has leapfrogged the United States to become the largest centre for trading interest rate swaps, despite calls by ex-French President Francois Hollande to end London's dominance in clearing euro-denominated derivatives.

That London has expanded its influence as an international finance centre is one of the biggest riddles of the United Kingdom's tortuous three-year <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-starts-to-shows-cracks-under-brexit-and-global-strains-254409">Brexit crisis.</a>

The city's standing ensures the United Kingdom keeps one of its last big chips at the top table of world politics just as it splits from the EU.

It also means EU companies will still come to London to raise finance outside the bloc after Brexit, a fact not lost on Wall Street heavyweights such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.

Just a mile away from 22 Bishopsgate, Goldman opened its new 1 million square foot European headquarters - complete with mothers' rooms and wildflowers on the roof - in July, three years on from the 2016 referendum.

Largely abandoned by the British government during Brexit talks, ten senior industry officials told Reuters London's financial services sector has grown since 2016 because there is no realistic competitor in its time zone.

And high-rolling bankers are too attached to its Anglo-Saxon, work-hard, play-hard culture.

The chief executive of the British division of one of Europe's largest banks said although some business will move to the EU, most senior bankers will be reluctant to leave London. He would consider taking a 20 per cent&nbsp;pay cut to remain in the city.

"If you are an Italian banker, who moved out to London 20 years ago, and your kids go to private school around the corner then you are not going to move to Frankfurt," he said.

A global hub for trading, lending and investing, London is the largest net exporter of financial services in the world, with the EU accounting for a quarter of the business.

The 2016 referendum shocked many of the masters of London's financial universe, triggering the biggest one-day fall of the pound since the era of free-floating exchange rates was introduced in the early 1970s.

But so far, most major financial institutions have opted against moving large numbers of people and activities until the loss of access to the EU's lucrative single market is confirmed.

Banks, insurers and asset managers have shifted over a trillion euros of assets such as derivatives and bonds from London to the continent and opened new EU hubs as a hedge against London suddenly being cut off from the bloc if Britain exits the EU without a formal agreement.

The Bank of England estimates around 4,000 people may have moved by the time Britain has exited the EU. But the key decisions are still taken in London.

Reuters contacted JP Morgan and Goldman, and rivals Citi, Bank of America, UBS, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse&nbsp;and Deutsche Bank, to seek details on how a 'no-deal Brexit' might accelerate the transfer of resources and activities from London.

All banks said they were prepared for a no-deal Brexit, and had been since the first quarter.

Earlier this year, Morgan Stanley's chief executive, James Gorman, said that he scarcely worried about Brexit. "That's not in my top 200 issues," he said.

British data shows the total number of people employed in the City between 2016 and 2018 overall rose by 31,000, though the total number of people employed specifically in banking and insurance is down 3,000 over the period.

It is not clear how much of that drop is due to Brexit and how much is due to new regulations or structural changes, such as higher numbers of tech specialists at lenders while traditional banking jobs shrink.

Initial estimates of potential job losses ranged from about 30,000 roles within a year of Britain leaving the EU, estimated by the Brussels-based Bruegel research group, to up to 75,000 by 2025 by Oliver Wyman.

Oliver Wyman said they stand by their predictions because it is important to distinguish between job losses on the first day of Brexit and over the longer term. The final number will depend upon the level of market access, which is not clear yet.

Bruegel did not respond to a request for comment.

Financial capitals such as London have remarkable longevity and their rise and fall typically happens at a glacial pace, said Youssef Cassis, a professor of economic history who specialises in financial centres.

"There is no precedent for decoupling between a major economic power- in this case, the European Union- and its financial centre, London," he said.

Some key activities have moved out of London ahead of Brexit. Eurozone government bond and repurchase agreements trading worth around 230 billion euros a day, along with clearing, switched to Amsterdam, Milan and Paris earlier this year.

London-based CBOE Europe, the EU's largest share trading venue, began trading euro shares at its new Amsterdam hub at the start of October.

Nicolas Mackel, who heads a body promoting Luxembourg's financial centre, said it would be a shift in activities and not jobs that will affect London most.

"It's not between now and Christmas you have to look, but on a five, 10, 15 and 20-year framework. It's a false comfort that you are providing by only focusing on jobs," Mackel said.

After Brexit, the $15.9 trillion EU 27 economy will still be reliant on a financial capital outside its borders, which could be politically hard for Brussels to stomach indefinitely.

One European Commission official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the EU had no intention of smothering Britain's financial sector to accelerate its own plans for an EU capital markets union.

But there is scepticism in the market about the longevity of such pledges.

"Why should one expect the EU to give an economic answer to what is a political challenge?" said Xavier Rolet, former head of London Stock Exchange and CEO of investment manager CQS.

"I would expect them to respond politically, even if those answers are not necessarily in the best economic interests of EU-based investors, corporates and banks."

Rolet, who said in the aftermath of the referendum that half of all finance jobs in London may disappear if derivatives clearing left the capital, said it was too early to assess the implications of Brexit.

"I do stand by my statement," he said of the potential job losses.

From the pinnacle of the City of London's largest skyscraper, Stuart Lipton is wagering a $1.2 billion bet that the British capital remains a master of the international financial universe no matter what happens with Brexit.

From the pinnacle of the City of London's largest skyscraper, Stuart Lipton is wagering a $1.2 billion bet that the British capital remains a master of the international financial universe no matter what happens with Brexit. The 76-year-old property developer is not alone. Bankrolled by a host of global investors, including France's Axa, his big-ticket gamble in London's financial district is - so far - on the money. The cataclysmic warnings during the 2016 referendum that London would lose its financial throne if it voted to leave the European Union (EU) have, so far, been proven wrong. London is still the world's banker, only bigger by some measures. "London is extraordinarily resilient and its future as a finance centre is secure because what we have here is unique," Lipton told Reuters on the 61st floor of 22 Bishopsgate, set to become western Europe's second tallest skyscraper when it opens next year. In the year to June, London has attracted more cross border commercial real estate investment than any other city. It has overtaken New York as a destination for fintech investment and it has increased its dominance of the world's $6.6 trillion daily foreign exchange market. Since the vote to leave the EU, Britain has leapfrogged the United States to become the largest centre for trading interest rate swaps, despite calls by ex-French President Francois Hollande to end London's dominance in clearing euro-denominated derivatives. That London has expanded its influence as an international finance centre is one of the biggest riddles of the United Kingdom's tortuous three-year Brexit crisis. The city's standing ensures the United Kingdom keeps one of its last big chips at the top table of world politics just as it splits from the EU. It also means EU companies will still come to London to raise finance outside the bloc after Brexit, a fact not lost on Wall Street heavyweights such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan. Just a mile away from 22 Bishopsgate, Goldman opened its new 1 million square foot European headquarters - complete with mothers' rooms and wildflowers on the roof - in July, three years on from the 2016 referendum. Largely abandoned by the British government during Brexit talks, ten senior industry officials told Reuters London's financial services sector has grown since 2016 because there is no realistic competitor in its time zone. And high-rolling bankers are too attached to its Anglo-Saxon, work-hard, play-hard culture. The chief executive of the British division of one of Europe's largest banks said although some business will move to the EU, most senior bankers will be reluctant to leave London. He would consider taking a 20 per cent pay cut to remain in the city. "If you are an Italian banker, who moved out to London 20 years ago, and your kids go to private school around the corner then you are not going to move to Frankfurt," he said. A global hub for trading, lending and investing, London is the largest net exporter of financial services in the world, with the EU accounting for a quarter of the business. The 2016 referendum shocked many of the masters of London's financial universe, triggering the biggest one-day fall of the pound since the era of free-floating exchange rates was introduced in the early 1970s. But so far, most major financial institutions have opted against moving large numbers of people and activities until the loss of access to the EU's lucrative single market is confirmed. Banks, insurers and asset managers have shifted over a trillion euros of assets such as derivatives and bonds from London to the continent and opened new EU hubs as a hedge against London suddenly being cut off from the bloc if Britain exits the EU without a formal agreement. The Bank of England estimates around 4,000 people may have moved by the time Britain has exited the EU. But the key decisions are still taken in London. Reuters contacted JP Morgan and Goldman, and rivals Citi, Bank of America, UBS, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank, to seek details on how a 'no-deal Brexit' might accelerate the transfer of resources and activities from London. All banks said they were prepared for a no-deal Brexit, and had been since the first quarter. Earlier this year, Morgan Stanley's chief executive, James Gorman, said that he scarcely worried about Brexit. "That's not in my top 200 issues," he said. British data shows the total number of people employed in the City between 2016 and 2018 overall rose by 31,000, though the total number of people employed specifically in banking and insurance is down 3,000 over the period. It is not clear how much of that drop is due to Brexit and how much is due to new regulations or structural changes, such as higher numbers of tech specialists at lenders while traditional banking jobs shrink. Initial estimates of potential job losses ranged from about 30,000 roles within a year of Britain leaving the EU, estimated by the Brussels-based Bruegel research group, to up to 75,000 by 2025 by Oliver Wyman. Oliver Wyman said they stand by their predictions because it is important to distinguish between job losses on the first day of Brexit and over the longer term. The final number will depend upon the level of market access, which is not clear yet. Bruegel did not respond to a request for comment. Financial capitals such as London have remarkable longevity and their rise and fall typically happens at a glacial pace, said Youssef Cassis, a professor of economic history who specialises in financial centres. "There is no precedent for decoupling between a major economic power- in this case, the European Union- and its financial centre, London," he said. Some key activities have moved out of London ahead of Brexit. Eurozone government bond and repurchase agreements trading worth around 230 billion euros a day, along with clearing, switched to Amsterdam, Milan and Paris earlier this year. London-based CBOE Europe, the EU's largest share trading venue, began trading euro shares at its new Amsterdam hub at the start of October. Nicolas Mackel, who heads a body promoting Luxembourg's financial centre, said it would be a shift in activities and not jobs that will affect London most. "It's not between now and Christmas you have to look, but on a five, 10, 15 and 20-year framework. It's a false comfort that you are providing by only focusing on jobs," Mackel said. After Brexit, the $15.9 trillion EU 27 economy will still be reliant on a financial capital outside its borders, which could be politically hard for Brussels to stomach indefinitely. One European Commission official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that the EU had no intention of smothering Britain's financial sector to accelerate its own plans for an EU capital markets union. But there is scepticism in the market about the longevity of such pledges. "Why should one expect the EU to give an economic answer to what is a political challenge?" said Xavier Rolet, former head of London Stock Exchange and CEO of investment manager CQS. "I would expect them to respond politically, even if those answers are not necessarily in the best economic interests of EU-based investors, corporates and banks." Rolet, who said in the aftermath of the referendum that half of all finance jobs in London may disappear if derivatives clearing left the capital, said it was too early to assess the implications of Brexit. "I do stand by my statement," he said of the potential job losses.

London retains global finance throne amid Brexit chaos

British and EU negotiators held a "constructive" breakfast meeting Friday in a last-ditch bid to restart Brexit talks, as leaders insisted a deal might yet be possible despite time running out fast.

British Brexit minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-to-meet-eu-negotiator-thursday-london-254756">Stephen Barclay and EU negotiator</a> Michel Barnier met for two hours in the Brussels headquarters of the European Union.

"We had a constructive meeting with Steve Barclay and the British team," Barnier told reporters. "I have already said that the Brexit is like climbing a mountain and we need vigilance, determination and patience."

A British spokesman also described the closed-door talks as a "constructive meeting".

Neither side would reveal any detail about what was discussed, but a European diplomat told AFP: "At this stage, the less we hear, the better. If stuff starts leaking out, it means it's not serious."

Another European official close to the discussions suggested the restart was at an early stage, but that the process might suddenly accelerate: "We're completing the qualifiers for the 100-metre dash."

The meeting came one day after talks between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar, and just six days before the EU summit that is seen as the key date in efforts to find a deal before a chaotic divorce on October 31.

As the negotiators reviewed their options, the president of the European Council and host of next week's Brussels summit Donald Tusk said that he would have pulled the plug on talks this Friday if Britain had not come forward with evidence of a workable proposal.

"However, yesterday, when the Irish taoiseach and the UK prime minister met they both saw, for the first time, a pathway to a deal. I have received promising signals from the taoiseach that a deal is still possible," Tusk said, during a trip to Cyprus.

"Of course, there is no guarantee of success and the time is practically up. But even the slightest chance must be used," he warned.

The key sticking point in the Brexit negotiations is how to handle trade and customs on the border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland, and on the role of the British province's devolved assembly.

After a meeting in northwest England on Thursday Johnson and Varadkar said they had "agreed that they could see a pathway to a possible deal".

Varadkar later said separately the meeting was "very positive", suggesting it would be a "short pathway, rather than a long one".

The European Council summit starts on October 17 and, in normal circumstances, European diplomats would want draft texts of any agreements to be prepared before close of business on Friday.

Even if, as UK officials hope, Brussels shows flexibility on the timeline, they have yet to enter the "diplomatic tunnel" of final text negotiations.

After his "stock-taking" breakfast with Barclay, Barnier will brief ambassadors from the other EU members on the state of play and then a skeptical Brexit steering group of the European Parliament.

"Barnier will have to say whether we can or can't start negotiating a text," a European source told AFP.

"After that, it's a long road. It's wacky to think we'd have a treaty text before the October 17 and 18 summit."

But Varadkar appears to be looking slightly further forward, implying that he and Johnson are now aiming for a deal in the next three weeks.

"I think it's possible for us to come to an agreement, to have a treaty agreed... by the end of October," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-warns-european-union-he-will-not-delay-brexit-254136">Johnson has vowed</a> Britain will end its five-decade membership of the EU on October 31, with or without agreeing exit terms.

But he could be forced to seek a third delay to Brexit if he fails to agree a deal by October 19, thanks to a law passed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/johnson-faces-cabinet-revolt-over-no-deal-brexit-report-254678/amp">rebellious MPs</a>.

Some European sources in Brussels have suggested that EU leaders may offer Britain an extension even if Johnson does not ask for one.

British and EU negotiators held a "constructive" breakfast meeting Friday in a last-ditch bid to restart Brexit talks, as leaders insisted a deal might yet be possible despite time running out fast.

British and EU negotiators held a "constructive" breakfast meeting Friday in a last-ditch bid to restart Brexit talks, as leaders insisted a deal might yet be possible despite time running out fast. British Brexit minister Stephen Barclay and EU negotiator Michel Barnier met for two hours in the Brussels headquarters of the European Union. "We had a constructive meeting with Steve Barclay and the British team," Barnier told reporters. "I have already said that the Brexit is like climbing a mountain and we need vigilance, determination and patience." A British spokesman also described the closed-door talks as a "constructive meeting". Neither side would reveal any detail about what was discussed, but a European diplomat told AFP: "At this stage, the less we hear, the better. If stuff starts leaking out, it means it's not serious." Another European official close to the discussions suggested the restart was at an early stage, but that the process might suddenly accelerate: "We're completing the qualifiers for the 100-metre dash." The meeting came one day after talks between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar, and just six days before the EU summit that is seen as the key date in efforts to find a deal before a chaotic divorce on October 31. As the negotiators reviewed their options, the president of the European Council and host of next week's Brussels summit Donald Tusk said that he would have pulled the plug on talks this Friday if Britain had not come forward with evidence of a workable proposal. "However, yesterday, when the Irish taoiseach and the UK prime minister met they both saw, for the first time, a pathway to a deal. I have received promising signals from the taoiseach that a deal is still possible," Tusk said, during a trip to Cyprus. "Of course, there is no guarantee of success and the time is practically up. But even the slightest chance must be used," he warned. The key sticking point in the Brexit negotiations is how to handle trade and customs on the border between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland, and on the role of the British province's devolved assembly. After a meeting in northwest England on Thursday Johnson and Varadkar said they had "agreed that they could see a pathway to a possible deal". Varadkar later said separately the meeting was "very positive", suggesting it would be a "short pathway, rather than a long one". The European Council summit starts on October 17 and, in normal circumstances, European diplomats would want draft texts of any agreements to be prepared before close of business on Friday. Even if, as UK officials hope, Brussels shows flexibility on the timeline, they have yet to enter the "diplomatic tunnel" of final text negotiations. After his "stock-taking" breakfast with Barclay, Barnier will brief ambassadors from the other EU members on the state of play and then a skeptical Brexit steering group of the European Parliament. "Barnier will have to say whether we can or can't start negotiating a text," a European source told AFP. "After that, it's a long road. It's wacky to think we'd have a treaty text before the October 17 and 18 summit." But Varadkar appears to be looking slightly further forward, implying that he and Johnson are now aiming for a deal in the next three weeks. "I think it's possible for us to come to an agreement, to have a treaty agreed... by the end of October," he said. Johnson has vowed Britain will end its five-decade membership of the EU on October 31, with or without agreeing exit terms. But he could be forced to seek a third delay to Brexit if he fails to agree a deal by October 19, thanks to a law passed by rebellious MPs. Some European sources in Brussels have suggested that EU leaders may offer Britain an extension even if Johnson does not ask for one.

EU and UK bid to save Brexit talks before key summit

The European Union's two most powerful leaders, Germany's Angela Merkel and France's Emmanuel Macron, will meet just days <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-to-meet-eu-negotiator-thursday-london-254756">before a crunch Brexit summit next week</a> which Britain says is the last chance to secure an orderly departure from the bloc.

As the clock ticks down to the October 31 departure date, Brexit descended into a public row between London and Brussels this week as both sides position for another delay followed by an election or an acrimonious divorce.

After a Downing Street source said a Brexit deal was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Merkel had made unacceptable demands, the EU accused Johnson of playing a "stupid blame game".&nbsp;

Macron will meet Merkel at the Elysee Palace this coming Sunday to discuss European affairs ahead of the October&nbsp;17-18 EU summit and preparations for a Franco-German summit on October&nbsp;16, Macron's office said.

EU diplomats, though, are sceptical about the chances of a deal. Most expect Johnson to be forced to accept a delay to Brexit - a step that could ultimately lead to either a disorderly exit or the reversal of the entire Brexit endeavour.

"There will be no rabbit-out-of-the-hat solutions," one EU official told Reuters. "There will be more talks and more political contacts. But, for the time being, there is no breakthrough to be reported."

Johnson has repeatedly cast the EU summit next week as the last chance for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-says-very-difficult-to-secure-brexit-deal-by-next-week-254692">EU to strike a deal or face the disruption of a no-deal Brexit</a> that would divide the West, threaten the unity of the United Kingdom and roil financial markets.

A week ago, he proposed a possible solution to ensure the border between the British-ruled province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland does not become a backdoor into the EU's single market and customs union.

The EU's cool reaction to his proposals indicates that, short of an unexpected last-minute breakthrough, Johnson will have to decide whether to accept another delay or to go for a no-deal Brexit and get around a law demanding the&nbsp;extension.

Johnson's Brexit

The EU's executive agreed on Wednesday with the assessment of the bloc's Brexit negotiator that the British proposals did "not represent a satisfactory solution", the bloc's top budget official, Guenther Oettinger, said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-ready-to-make-major-concession-on-brexit-deal-the-times-newspaper-254717">In the Brexit maelstrom where newspaper reports and contradictory tweets can send sterling into gyrations</a>, EU officials denied a report in The Times that the bloc was preparing a major concession to Britain to secure a Brexit deal.

"Unfortunately, no bold new offer is coming from the EU side at this stage," an EU official said while stressing that the bloc was not closing the door to more talks with Britain.

Britain's Brexit minister Steve Barclay was due to have lunch with EU chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, on Thursday "to check if there is any more flexibility on the UK side to head for a deal. For now, there seems to be none," a diplomat said.

Behind the rhetoric, the Brexit finale will ultimately be decided by Merkel, Macron, Johnson, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar - all of whom say they want an orderly exit.

Johnson and Varadkar could meet later this week.

With chances of a deal receding, the focus was turning back to British domestic politics where Johnson is under intense pressure from opponents to delay Brexit.

Anti-Brexit campaigners claimed victory after Scotland's highest court decided on Wednesday to wait before ruling whether to force Johnson to seek a delay to Britain's EU divorce date if he has not struck a deal in the next ten days.

British government lawyers had told the court that Johnson accepted that he must carry out the requirements of the law demanding a delay, even though he has publicly rejected asking for any further extension.

The European Union's two most powerful leaders, Germany's Angela Merkel and France's Emmanuel Macron, will meet just days before a crunch Brexit summit next week which Britain says is the last chance to secure an orderly departure from the bloc.

The European Union's two most powerful leaders, Germany's Angela Merkel and France's Emmanuel Macron, will meet just days before a crunch Brexit summit next week which Britain says is the last chance to secure an orderly departure from the bloc. As the clock ticks down to the October 31 departure date, Brexit descended into a public row between London and Brussels this week as both sides position for another delay followed by an election or an acrimonious divorce. After a Downing Street source said a Brexit deal was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Merkel had made unacceptable demands, the EU accused Johnson of playing a "stupid blame game". Macron will meet Merkel at the Elysee Palace this coming Sunday to discuss European affairs ahead of the October 17-18 EU summit and preparations for a Franco-German summit on October 16, Macron's office said. EU diplomats, though, are sceptical about the chances of a deal. Most expect Johnson to be forced to accept a delay to Brexit - a step that could ultimately lead to either a disorderly exit or the reversal of the entire Brexit endeavour. "There will be no rabbit-out-of-the-hat solutions," one EU official told Reuters. "There will be more talks and more political contacts. But, for the time being, there is no breakthrough to be reported." Johnson has repeatedly cast the EU summit next week as the last chance for the EU to strike a deal or face the disruption of a no-deal Brexit that would divide the West, threaten the unity of the United Kingdom and roil financial markets. A week ago, he proposed a possible solution to ensure the border between the British-ruled province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland does not become a backdoor into the EU's single market and customs union. The EU's cool reaction to his proposals indicates that, short of an unexpected last-minute breakthrough, Johnson will have to decide whether to accept another delay or to go for a no-deal Brexit and get around a law demanding the extension. Johnson's Brexit The EU's executive agreed on Wednesday with the assessment of the bloc's Brexit negotiator that the British proposals did "not represent a satisfactory solution", the bloc's top budget official, Guenther Oettinger, said. In the Brexit maelstrom where newspaper reports and contradictory tweets can send sterling into gyrations, EU officials denied a report in The Times that the bloc was preparing a major concession to Britain to secure a Brexit deal. "Unfortunately, no bold new offer is coming from the EU side at this stage," an EU official said while stressing that the bloc was not closing the door to more talks with Britain. Britain's Brexit minister Steve Barclay was due to have lunch with EU chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, on Thursday "to check if there is any more flexibility on the UK side to head for a deal. For now, there seems to be none," a diplomat said. Behind the rhetoric, the Brexit finale will ultimately be decided by Merkel, Macron, Johnson, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar - all of whom say they want an orderly exit. Johnson and Varadkar could meet later this week. With chances of a deal receding, the focus was turning back to British domestic politics where Johnson is under intense pressure from opponents to delay Brexit. Anti-Brexit campaigners claimed victory after Scotland's highest court decided on Wednesday to wait before ruling whether to force Johnson to seek a delay to Britain's EU divorce date if he has not struck a deal in the next ten days. British government lawyers had told the court that Johnson accepted that he must carry out the requirements of the law demanding a delay, even though he has publicly rejected asking for any further extension.

Germany's Merkel and France's Macron to meet ahead of crunch Brexit summit

Climate change activists placed hundreds of trees outside the British parliament on Tuesday (October 8) to call on the government and members of parliament to plant billions of trees across the UK and support the planting of trillions all over the world.

Climate change activists plant trees outside UK parliament

It will be&nbsp;very&nbsp;difficult&nbsp;to&nbsp;secure&nbsp;a&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;agreement by&nbsp;next&nbsp;week&nbsp;with big gaps remaining in the British position,&nbsp;Irish&nbsp;Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Tuesday following a phone call with his British counterpart, Boris Johnson.

"I'll certainly work until the&nbsp;very&nbsp;last moment to&nbsp;secure&nbsp;that (a&nbsp;deal) but not at any cost... I think it will be&nbsp;very&nbsp;difficult&nbsp;to&nbsp;secure&nbsp;an agreement by&nbsp;next&nbsp;week, quite frankly," Varadkar told&nbsp;Irish&nbsp;national broadcaster RTE.

"Essentially what the United Kingdom has done is repudiated the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;that we negotiated in good faith with Prime Minister May's government over two years and has sort of put half of that now back on the table and are saying that's a concession and of course it isn't really. There are two big gaps."

Johnson has consistently said the United Kingdom will leave the EU on October&nbsp;31 with or without a&nbsp;deal, though a law passed by parliament demands he write a letter to the EU asking for a delay if he cannot strike an exit&nbsp;deal&nbsp;by October 19.

He has said he would abide by the law but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-warns-european-union-he-will-not-delay-brexit-254136">Britain would leave the EU by the end of the month</a>, without explaining that contradiction. He has also repeatedly demanded an election but parliament has refused to grant one.

The European Union has accused Britain of playing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-stake-is-not-winning-some-stupid-blame-game-tusk-to-pm-johnson-on-brexit-254552">"stupid blame game"</a> over&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;after a Downing Street source said a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Angela Merkel had made unacceptable demands.

With just 22 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the bloc, the future of&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;remains deeply uncertain as both London and Brussels position themselves to avoid blame for a delay or a disorderly no-deal&nbsp;Brexit.

It will be very difficult to secure a Brexit agreement by next week with big gaps remaining in the British position, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Tuesday following a phone call with his British counterpart, Boris Johnson.

It will be very difficult to secure a Brexit agreement by next week with big gaps remaining in the British position, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Tuesday following a phone call with his British counterpart, Boris Johnson. "I'll certainly work until the very last moment to secure that (a deal) but not at any cost... I think it will be very difficult to secure an agreement by next week, quite frankly," Varadkar told Irish national broadcaster RTE. "Essentially what the United Kingdom has done is repudiated the deal that we negotiated in good faith with Prime Minister May's government over two years and has sort of put half of that now back on the table and are saying that's a concession and of course it isn't really. There are two big gaps." Johnson has consistently said the United Kingdom will leave the EU on October 31 with or without a deal, though a law passed by parliament demands he write a letter to the EU asking for a delay if he cannot strike an exit deal by October 19. He has said he would abide by the law but Britain would leave the EU by the end of the month, without explaining that contradiction. He has also repeatedly demanded an election but parliament has refused to grant one. The European Union has accused Britain of playing a "stupid blame game" over Brexit after a Downing Street source said a deal was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Angela Merkel had made unacceptable demands. With just 22 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the bloc, the future of Brexit remains deeply uncertain as both London and Brussels position themselves to avoid blame for a delay or a disorderly no-deal Brexit.

Irish PM says very difficult to secure Brexit deal by next week

Britain's economy is increasingly showing signs of strain as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-johnson-tells-eu-brexit-ball-is-in-your-court-now-254283/amp">Brexit crisis</a> and the global slowdown intensify, with the loss of momentum appearing to spread to areas that have hitherto been sources of growth.

Confidence among businesses has ebbed to its lowest levels since the global financial crisis.

The labour market, which has long been a silver lining for the economy, is also starting to show signs of slowing, raising questions about the strength of consumer spending.

The different Brexit scenarios for the world's fifth-largest economy make it hard to gauge the outlook for the year ahead, not least for the Bank of England, and some investors fear Britain is already flirting with recession.

Economists polled by Reuters last month put the probability of a recession within a year at 35 per cent.

Below are some indicators of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-business-activity-contracts-over-brexit-turmoil-raises-recession-risk-247628">British economy </a>and how they have changed since the June 2016 Brexit vote.

Pessimism among businesses has reached the highest levels in years.

The gauges of future activity in the Lloyds Business Barometer, CBI Growth Indicator, and IHS Markit/CIPS surveys have all turned weakened recently.

The closely watched IHS Markit/CIPS survey last week showed Britain's dominant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-flirting-with-recession-after-services-shrink-unexpectedly-253502">services sector contracted </a>unexpectedly in September,&nbsp;and marked the worst reading in a major developed economy.

Household spending has supported Britain's economy since the Brexit vote, although there are signs that households have spent more on non-discretionary goods such as food, while spending in restaurants and hotels has weakened.

As of the second quarter, spending on the latter was about 1.5 per cent&nbsp;lower than in mid-2016, but nearly 7 per cent&nbsp;higher for food and non-alcoholic drinks, according to official data.

Figures from the British Retail Consortium and payment card company Barclaycard published on Monday showed shop chains had their worst September since records started in 1995, although spending on entertainment increased.

The labour market is the strong point of Britain's economy but some cracks have appeared recently. Employment fell in annualised terms in the six months to July 2019 to the greatest extent since early 2012.

Wage growth is at a decade-high although the BoE has said it may have peaked and there has been no pickup in productivity.

A measure that BoE policymakers like to look at,&nbsp;the three-month annualised growth rate of private sector earnings, excluding bonuses, slowed in July from an almost five-year high of 5.9 per cent&nbsp;in June.

Although the Office for National Statistics has revised up the level of business investment in Britain's economy lately, the figures still show capital expenditure has stagnated since the Brexit vote.

Business investment is running about 5 billion pounds lower than it would have been had it followed its pre-Brexit vote trend since the financial crisis, according to the latest data.

Britain's economy is increasingly showing signs of strain as the Brexit crisis and the global slowdown intensify, with the loss of momentum appearing to spread to areas that have hitherto been sources of growth.

Britain's economy is increasingly showing signs of strain as the Brexit crisis and the global slowdown intensify, with the loss of momentum appearing to spread to areas that have hitherto been sources of growth. Confidence among businesses has ebbed to its lowest levels since the global financial crisis. The labour market, which has long been a silver lining for the economy, is also starting to show signs of slowing, raising questions about the strength of consumer spending. The different Brexit scenarios for the world's fifth-largest economy make it hard to gauge the outlook for the year ahead, not least for the Bank of England, and some investors fear Britain is already flirting with recession. Economists polled by Reuters last month put the probability of a recession within a year at 35 per cent. Below are some indicators of the British economy and how they have changed since the June 2016 Brexit vote. Pessimism among businesses has reached the highest levels in years. The gauges of future activity in the Lloyds Business Barometer, CBI Growth Indicator, and IHS Markit/CIPS surveys have all turned weakened recently. The closely watched IHS Markit/CIPS survey last week showed Britain's dominant services sector contracted unexpectedly in September, and marked the worst reading in a major developed economy. Household spending has supported Britain's economy since the Brexit vote, although there are signs that households have spent more on non-discretionary goods such as food, while spending in restaurants and hotels has weakened. As of the second quarter, spending on the latter was about 1.5 per cent lower than in mid-2016, but nearly 7 per cent higher for food and non-alcoholic drinks, according to official data. Figures from the British Retail Consortium and payment card company Barclaycard published on Monday showed shop chains had their worst September since records started in 1995, although spending on entertainment increased. The labour market is the strong point of Britain's economy but some cracks have appeared recently. Employment fell in annualised terms in the six months to July 2019 to the greatest extent since early 2012. Wage growth is at a decade-high although the BoE has said it may have peaked and there has been no pickup in productivity. A measure that BoE policymakers like to look at, the three-month annualised growth rate of private sector earnings, excluding bonuses, slowed in July from an almost five-year high of 5.9 per cent in June. Although the Office for National Statistics has revised up the level of business investment in Britain's economy lately, the figures still show capital expenditure has stagnated since the Brexit vote. Business investment is running about 5 billion pounds lower than it would have been had it followed its pre-Brexit vote trend since the financial crisis, according to the latest data.

UK economy starts to shows cracks under Brexit and global strains

If the British government's approach is that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-is-essentially-impossible-ever-downing-street-source-254498">fresh Brexit proposals</a> it made last week were presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, it must know that will not result in a deal, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday.

"What you saw today from Donald Tusk was a frustration that the proposals seem to be, from a British perspective, on a take-it-or-leave-it basis," Coveney told a news conference, referring to the European Council President's accusation that Britain was playing a "stupid blame game" over Brexit.

"I agree that if the approach from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-starts-to-shows-cracks-under-brexit-and-global-strains-254409">the British government</a> is take-it-or-leave-it on the basis of the proposal coming from the British prime minister last week, then the British government must know that there is not going to be a deal."

If the British government's approach is that the fresh Brexit proposals it made last week were presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, it must know that will not result in a deal, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday.

If the British government's approach is that the fresh Brexit proposals it made last week were presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, it must know that will not result in a deal, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday. "What you saw today from Donald Tusk was a frustration that the proposals seem to be, from a British perspective, on a take-it-or-leave-it basis," Coveney told a news conference, referring to the European Council President's accusation that Britain was playing a "stupid blame game" over Brexit. "I agree that if the approach from the British government is take-it-or-leave-it on the basis of the proposal coming from the British prime minister last week, then the British government must know that there is not going to be a deal."

Ireland: British 'take it or leave it' approach amounts to no deal

Britain's&nbsp;regulator&nbsp;for payment systems said it was&nbsp;concerned that&nbsp;Barclays&nbsp;has pulled out of an agreement that allows customers of banks to withdraw cash&nbsp;from&nbsp;post&nbsp;offices&nbsp;for free.

Lawmakers have piled pressure on banks to maintain their free-to-use cash machine network as fewer people use branches and opt to bank online and pay for purchases by card.

Post&nbsp;offices&nbsp;have sought to plug gaps created by banks closing cash machines in rural areas in particular. Last year, Britain's 11,500&nbsp;Post&nbsp;Office branches handled more than 130 million transactions for UK banks.

"This step by&nbsp;Barclays&nbsp;reduces the number of places their customers can go to get cash," the Payment Systems&nbsp;Regulator&nbsp;(PSR) said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We are&nbsp;concerned about the impact this will have, and we will be closely monitoring the steps&nbsp;Barclays&nbsp;plan to take to make sure there are suitable alternatives for its customers to access their cash - especially those who rely on cash or who live in rural areas."

Barclays&nbsp;said cash&nbsp;withdrawals at&nbsp;post&nbsp;office counters will end in January but it has increased funding for the&nbsp;Post&nbsp;Office so customers and businesses can still pay in cash, cheques and check balances.

Barclays&nbsp;said it would not close branches in remote areas, or where it is the last bank in town, for the next two years.

The PSR said it welcomed news&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;Post&nbsp;Office on Tuesday that the rest of Britain's banks will continue to offer full banking services to their customers through&nbsp;post&nbsp;offices.

Britain's largest cash machine (ATM) network that allows banks to offer customers access to cash is operated by LINK.

The&nbsp;regulator&nbsp;said it may use its powers to ensure that LINK's public commitments regarding the use of&nbsp;post&nbsp;offices&nbsp;and the availability of free-to-use cash machines are being met.

Consumer campaign group which&nbsp;said last month that poorer areas were the worst affected by the loss of free-to-use cash machines.

One in 10 of Britain's free-to-use cash machines either closed or started charging a fee over the past 17 months, while more than a third of bank branches have shut within the past five years, Which? said.

Britain's regulator for payment systems said it was concerned that Barclays has pulled out of an agreement that allows customers of banks to withdraw cash from post offices for free.

Britain's regulator for payment systems said it was concerned that Barclays has pulled out of an agreement that allows customers of banks to withdraw cash from post offices for free. Lawmakers have piled pressure on banks to maintain their free-to-use cash machine network as fewer people use branches and opt to bank online and pay for purchases by card. Post offices have sought to plug gaps created by banks closing cash machines in rural areas in particular. Last year, Britain's 11,500 Post Office branches handled more than 130 million transactions for UK banks. "This step by Barclays reduces the number of places their customers can go to get cash," the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) said in a statement on Tuesday. "We are concerned about the impact this will have, and we will be closely monitoring the steps Barclays plan to take to make sure there are suitable alternatives for its customers to access their cash - especially those who rely on cash or who live in rural areas." Barclays said cash withdrawals at post office counters will end in January but it has increased funding for the Post Office so customers and businesses can still pay in cash, cheques and check balances. Barclays said it would not close branches in remote areas, or where it is the last bank in town, for the next two years. The PSR said it welcomed news from the Post Office on Tuesday that the rest of Britain's banks will continue to offer full banking services to their customers through post offices. Britain's largest cash machine (ATM) network that allows banks to offer customers access to cash is operated by LINK. The regulator said it may use its powers to ensure that LINK's public commitments regarding the use of post offices and the availability of free-to-use cash machines are being met. Consumer campaign group which said last month that poorer areas were the worst affected by the loss of free-to-use cash machines. One in 10 of Britain's free-to-use cash machines either closed or started charging a fee over the past 17 months, while more than a third of bank branches have shut within the past five years, Which? said.

Barclays withdrawal from post offices a concern: Regulator

A Brexit deal is essentially impossible as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson that to do one Northern Ireland must stay in the European Union's customs union, a Downing Street source said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-johnson-tells-eu-brexit-ball-is-in-your-court-now-254283">With just 23 days to go before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU</a>, the future of Brexit remains deeply uncertain and both London and Brussels are positioning themselves to avoid blame for a delay or a disorderly no-deal Brexit.

EU leaders reacted coolly to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's last-ditch proposals to bridge the impasse, and while negotiations are ongoing, many diplomats say the chances of a swift deal before October 31 are low.

A source from Johnson's Downing Street office said Merkel spoke to the British leader on Tuesday morning and she made clear that a deal was "overwhelmingly unlikely".

Merkel said that for a deal, Northern Ireland would have to stay in the EU's customs union and full alignment with the EU forever, the source said.

"If this represents a newly established position then it means a deal is essentially impossible not just now but ever," the Downing Street source said. "It also made clear that they are willing to torpedo the Good Friday Agreement."

A Brexit deal is essentially impossible as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson that to do one Northern Ireland must stay in the European Union's customs union, a Downing Street source said on Tuesday.

A Brexit deal is essentially impossible as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson that to do one Northern Ireland must stay in the European Union's customs union, a Downing Street source said on Tuesday. With just 23 days to go before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, the future of Brexit remains deeply uncertain and both London and Brussels are positioning themselves to avoid blame for a delay or a disorderly no-deal Brexit. EU leaders reacted coolly to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's last-ditch proposals to bridge the impasse, and while negotiations are ongoing, many diplomats say the chances of a swift deal before October 31 are low. A source from Johnson's Downing Street office said Merkel spoke to the British leader on Tuesday morning and she made clear that a deal was "overwhelmingly unlikely". Merkel said that for a deal, Northern Ireland would have to stay in the EU's customs union and full alignment with the EU forever, the source said. "If this represents a newly established position then it means a deal is essentially impossible not just now but ever," the Downing Street source said. "It also made clear that they are willing to torpedo the Good Friday Agreement."

Brexit deal is essentially impossible ever: Downing Street source

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay suggested Sunday that Britain is open to compromise with the European Union over new United Kingdom proposals for Northern Ireland, but urged Brussels to show "creativity and flexibility".

Barclay reiterated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-presses-uk-to-resubmit-brexit-plan-as-end-game-looms-254002">Prime Minister Boris Johnson's latest plans for a managed withdrawal from the bloc on October 31</a> were "a broad landing zone" ahead of "intense negotiations in the coming days".&nbsp;

"We need to get into the intensive negotiations... to clarify what the deal is," Barclay told the BBC.&nbsp;

"We've set out very serious proposals including a compromise on our side... We now need to see creativity and flexibility on the EU side in order to reach that deal", he added.

However, the European Union have reacted tepidly to the plans and urged London to offer a revised, viable way forward.

The two sides will resume crunch talks Monday, with time running out ahead of a crucial EU summit on October 17-18.

"If the offer from the UK turns out to be a take-it-or-leave-it, it's going to be very difficult I see in agreeing," Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins told the BBC on Sunday.

"It's fully dependent on the will of Mr Johnson because from the European side, we're always open and looking towards a deal."

'No more dither'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-and-ireland-sceptical-of-a-brexit-breakthrough-after-pm-johnsons-offer-253849">The British proposals submitted to Brussels on Wednesday</a> centre on how to manage the post-Brexit border between British province Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

Johnson wants Northern Ireland's devolved assembly - which has been suspended for almost three years - to vote every four years on whether to maintain EU rather than British regulations there.

He has also proposed the province leaves the EU's customs union along with the rest of Britain, with required checks to rely on untried technology and carried out away from the sensitive border.

Brussels has said the plans "do not provide a basis for concluding an agreement".

It sees the potential for rampant smuggling while Ireland is concerned hardline Northern Irish unionists would have an effective veto.&nbsp;

Barclay hinted that Britain could be willing to consider alternatives to the role of Northern Irish assembly to break the deadlock.

"We can obviously... discuss that mechanism, but the key issue is the principle of consent to any regulatory zone," he said.

Similarly, on the thorny issue of customs, the Brexit Secretary struck a conciliatory note.

"In the detail of the negotiations, of course, we can get into the detail as to how operationally they work, what legal certainty is required," he said.

Barclay will travel to Amsterdam later Sunday for Brexit talks while Johnson has been phoning European leaders this weekend to sell his plans.

In identical articles for two Brexit-backing British tabloids, Johnson called for EU flexibility and reiterated that the country will leave the bloc later this month with or without a deal.

"They should be under no illusions or misapprehensions," he wrote in the Sunday Express.

"There will be no more dither or delay. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-tells-court-he-may-seek-brexit-delay-documents-253806">On October 31 we are going to get Brexit done</a>", he added.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay suggested Sunday that Britain is open to compromise with the European Union over new United Kingdom proposals for Northern Ireland, but urged Brussels to show "creativity and flexibility".

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay suggested Sunday that Britain is open to compromise with the European Union over new United Kingdom proposals for Northern Ireland, but urged Brussels to show "creativity and flexibility". Barclay reiterated Prime Minister Boris Johnson's latest plans for a managed withdrawal from the bloc on October 31 were "a broad landing zone" ahead of "intense negotiations in the coming days". "We need to get into the intensive negotiations... to clarify what the deal is," Barclay told the BBC. "We've set out very serious proposals including a compromise on our side... We now need to see creativity and flexibility on the EU side in order to reach that deal", he added. However, the European Union have reacted tepidly to the plans and urged London to offer a revised, viable way forward. The two sides will resume crunch talks Monday, with time running out ahead of a crucial EU summit on October 17-18. "If the offer from the UK turns out to be a take-it-or-leave-it, it's going to be very difficult I see in agreeing," Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins told the BBC on Sunday. "It's fully dependent on the will of Mr Johnson because from the European side, we're always open and looking towards a deal." 'No more dither' The British proposals submitted to Brussels on Wednesday centre on how to manage the post-Brexit border between British province Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Johnson wants Northern Ireland's devolved assembly - which has been suspended for almost three years - to vote every four years on whether to maintain EU rather than British regulations there. He has also proposed the province leaves the EU's customs union along with the rest of Britain, with required checks to rely on untried technology and carried out away from the sensitive border. Brussels has said the plans "do not provide a basis for concluding an agreement". It sees the potential for rampant smuggling while Ireland is concerned hardline Northern Irish unionists would have an effective veto. Barclay hinted that Britain could be willing to consider alternatives to the role of Northern Irish assembly to break the deadlock. "We can obviously... discuss that mechanism, but the key issue is the principle of consent to any regulatory zone," he said. Similarly, on the thorny issue of customs, the Brexit Secretary struck a conciliatory note. "In the detail of the negotiations, of course, we can get into the detail as to how operationally they work, what legal certainty is required," he said. Barclay will travel to Amsterdam later Sunday for Brexit talks while Johnson has been phoning European leaders this weekend to sell his plans. In identical articles for two Brexit-backing British tabloids, Johnson called for EU flexibility and reiterated that the country will leave the bloc later this month with or without a deal. "They should be under no illusions or misapprehensions," he wrote in the Sunday Express. "There will be no more dither or delay. On October 31 we are going to get Brexit done", he added.

Brexit minister hints United Kingdom could soften stances in European Union talks

Why the UK's Brexit proposal falls short for the European Union

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