Embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores, has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-prepares-for-lengthy-appeal-against-uk-governments-extradition-order-195448">filed his application in the UK High Court</a>, seeking permission to appeal against an extradition order signed by the British Home Secretary.

The 63-year-old businessman, who remains on bail on an extradition warrant in the UK, made the application in the Administrative Court division of the High Court on Thursday, 10 days after Home Secretary Sajid Javid signed off on the order triggering a 14-day window for his appeal application.

"The application has been sent for a judge on papers decision, which is expected any time between two to four weeks,"a UK court representative said.

A "judge on papers"&nbsp;decision will involve a High Court judge determining the merits of the application and if it is accepted, the case will proceed to a ?substantive hearing? in the next few months' time.

In the event that Mallya's application is rejected at this stage, he will have the option to submit a "renewal form".

The renewal process will lead to a 30-minute oral hearing during which Mallya's legal team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) - on behalf of the Indian government - will renew their respective claims for and against an appeal for a judge to determine if it can proceed to a full hearing.

The process, to be heard in the Royal Courts of Justice in London, could take months as the listing of a hearing will depend on the availability of judges and other factors.

Following the outcome at the High Court level, both sides could apply for the right to appeal to the Supreme Court, which would involve at least another six weeks.

However, that process is more complex as the UK High Court must certify that the appeal involves a point of law of general public importance, and either the High Court or the Supreme Court gives leave for the appeal to be made.

Mallya and his legal team have not made a renewed comment in relation to the appeal but soon after the UK home secretary had signed off on the Westminster Magistrates' Court order in favour of extradition on February 4, the businessman had taken to social media to confirm his plans to seek an appeal.

"After the decision was handed down on December 10, 2018 by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process," he said in a Twitter statement earlier this month.

The former boss of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines took to Twitter again this week to call on Prime Minister Modi to accept his settlement offer in relation to the airline's loan default.

"I respectfully ask why the Prime Minister is not instructing his Banks to take the money I have put on the table so he can at least claim credit for full recovery of public funds lent to Kingfisher," he said, adding that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/made-an-offer-to-settle-before-honorable-high-court-court-of-karnataka-vijay-mallya-197267">his offer to the Karnataka High Court</a> should not be dismissed as "frivolous"&nbsp;because it is a "perfectly tangible, sincere, honest and readily achievable offer".

Mallya has been based in the UK since March 2016 and remains on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017.

In her verdict at the end of a year-long extradition trial in December last year, Judge Emma Arbuthnot had ruled that the "flashy"&nbsp;billionaire had a "case to answer"&nbsp;in the Indian courts.

The court had also dismissed any bars to extradition on the grounds of the prison conditions under which the businessman would be held, as the judge accepted the Indian government's assurances that he would receive all necessary medical care at Barrack 12 in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty signed in 1992 and in force since November 1993. So far only one successful extradition has taken place from the UK to India under the treaty - that of Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India in 2016 to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.&nbsp;

Embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores, has filed his application in the UK High Court, seeking permission to appeal against an extradition order signed by the British Home Secretary.

Embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on alleged fraud and money laundering charges amounting to an estimated Rs 9,000 crores, has filed his application in the UK High Court, seeking permission to appeal against an extradition order signed by the British Home Secretary. The 63-year-old businessman, who remains on bail on an extradition warrant in the UK, made the application in the Administrative Court division of the High Court on Thursday, 10 days after Home Secretary Sajid Javid signed off on the order triggering a 14-day window for his appeal application. "The application has been sent for a judge on papers decision, which is expected any time between two to four weeks,"a UK court representative said. A "judge on papers" decision will involve a High Court judge determining the merits of the application and if it is accepted, the case will proceed to a ?substantive hearing? in the next few months' time. In the event that Mallya's application is rejected at this stage, he will have the option to submit a "renewal form". The renewal process will lead to a 30-minute oral hearing during which Mallya's legal team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) - on behalf of the Indian government - will renew their respective claims for and against an appeal for a judge to determine if it can proceed to a full hearing. The process, to be heard in the Royal Courts of Justice in London, could take months as the listing of a hearing will depend on the availability of judges and other factors. Following the outcome at the High Court level, both sides could apply for the right to appeal to the Supreme Court, which would involve at least another six weeks. However, that process is more complex as the UK High Court must certify that the appeal involves a point of law of general public importance, and either the High Court or the Supreme Court gives leave for the appeal to be made. Mallya and his legal team have not made a renewed comment in relation to the appeal but soon after the UK home secretary had signed off on the Westminster Magistrates' Court order in favour of extradition on February 4, the businessman had taken to social media to confirm his plans to seek an appeal. "After the decision was handed down on December 10, 2018 by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process," he said in a Twitter statement earlier this month. The former boss of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines took to Twitter again this week to call on Prime Minister Modi to accept his settlement offer in relation to the airline's loan default. "I respectfully ask why the Prime Minister is not instructing his Banks to take the money I have put on the table so he can at least claim credit for full recovery of public funds lent to Kingfisher," he said, adding that his offer to the Karnataka High Court should not be dismissed as "frivolous" because it is a "perfectly tangible, sincere, honest and readily achievable offer". Mallya has been based in the UK since March 2016 and remains on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017. In her verdict at the end of a year-long extradition trial in December last year, Judge Emma Arbuthnot had ruled that the "flashy" billionaire had a "case to answer" in the Indian courts. The court had also dismissed any bars to extradition on the grounds of the prison conditions under which the businessman would be held, as the judge accepted the Indian government's assurances that he would receive all necessary medical care at Barrack 12 in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail. India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty signed in 1992 and in force since November 1993. So far only one successful extradition has taken place from the UK to India under the treaty - that of Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India in 2016 to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

Vijay Mallya files for permission to appeal in UK High Court against extradition order

With Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday asking <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-will-not-vote-on-revised-brexit-deal-this-week-pm-mays-office-196962">MPs to give her more time for talks with Brussels </a>to renegotiate her Brexit deal, it remains unclear how Britain will leave the European Union.

EU officials have ruled out re-opening the withdrawal agreement -- the legally binding part of the Brexit deal -- but British officials are hopeful that some compromise will be found.

Three ultimate scenarios remain -- leaving the European Union with a version of the existing deal, crashing out with no deal, or no Brexit at all.

Here are five potential next steps:

Try to alter the deal

MPs last month roundly rejected the deal negotiated by May in the biggest ever parliamentary defeat for a government.

The key sticking point is the agreement's "backstop" solution to keep the Irish border open, which has the potential to leave Britain indefinitely tied to some form of EU customs union.

Brexit hardliners from the Conservative Party's European Research Group have urged May to try and secure legally-binding changes to the backstop.

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which May relies on for a majority in parliament, has also said it will not vote for a deal with the backstop as it stands.

The main opposition Labour Party has signalled that it could support the deal if the government commits to a permanent customs union with the EU but May has ruled this out.

EU leaders have said they are willing to talk further, including on plans for the future trading relationship, but have repeatedly said they will not reopen the withdrawal agreement itself.

No deal

Britain is legally on track to leave the EU with or without a deal on March 29, unless it delays or stops the process.

Leaving with no deal in place threatens to trigger a recession in Britain and markedly slow the EU's economic growth, as well as causing significant legal disruption.

One of the world's biggest economies could lose preferential access to its largest export market overnight, affecting every sector, leading to rising costs and disruption at British ports.

Delay

Speculation has been growing that the government will instead seek to postpone the Brexit process.

Government ministers have spoken of a technical extension but some reports have suggested the delay could be two or three months or even longer.

Political analysts argue lawmakers could still back such a postponement further down the line -- although all the other 27 EU countries would have to agree.

A potential complication is that elections to the European Parliament are due in late May and the new chamber is set to sit on July 2. Some of Britain's 73 seats have already been reallocated.

Brussels also may not be so keen if the delay would simply translate into more months of political gridlock.

Second referendum

Dozens of MPs are seeking a new referendum to reverse the 2016 result, when the Leave campaign won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent.

But supporters admit they do not currently have the numbers in parliament to make it happen.

No law prevents Britain from doing it all over again, but many question whether a re-run would be democratic -- or resolve anything.

May has warned that another vote "would do irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics".

It also threatens to be just as divisive as the last one, with opinion polls showing the country is still split over the issue. Brussels also may not be so keen if the delay would simply translate into more months of political gridlock.

General election

It is a long shot but some reports have suggested the prime minister could call a snap vote in a bid to break the impasse.

The most recent polls indicate the Conservatives could win a slender majority, meaning that the political rough-and-tumble seen since the 2016 referendum would likely continue.&nbsp;

The only other way for an election to be called would be for parliament to vote no confidence in the government, but at this stage it looks unlikely as Labour already tried and failed to pass such a vote last month. 
&nbsp;

With Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday asking MPs to give her more time for talks with Brussels to renegotiate her Brexit deal, it remains unclear how Britain will leave the European Union.

With Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday asking MPs to give her more time for talks with Brussels to renegotiate her Brexit deal, it remains unclear how Britain will leave the European Union. EU officials have ruled out re-opening the withdrawal agreement -- the legally binding part of the Brexit deal -- but British officials are hopeful that some compromise will be found. Three ultimate scenarios remain -- leaving the European Union with a version of the existing deal, crashing out with no deal, or no Brexit at all. Here are five potential next steps: Try to alter the deal MPs last month roundly rejected the deal negotiated by May in the biggest ever parliamentary defeat for a government. The key sticking point is the agreement's "backstop" solution to keep the Irish border open, which has the potential to leave Britain indefinitely tied to some form of EU customs union. Brexit hardliners from the Conservative Party's European Research Group have urged May to try and secure legally-binding changes to the backstop. Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which May relies on for a majority in parliament, has also said it will not vote for a deal with the backstop as it stands. The main opposition Labour Party has signalled that it could support the deal if the government commits to a permanent customs union with the EU but May has ruled this out. EU leaders have said they are willing to talk further, including on plans for the future trading relationship, but have repeatedly said they will not reopen the withdrawal agreement itself. No deal Britain is legally on track to leave the EU with or without a deal on March 29, unless it delays or stops the process. Leaving with no deal in place threatens to trigger a recession in Britain and markedly slow the EU's economic growth, as well as causing significant legal disruption. One of the world's biggest economies could lose preferential access to its largest export market overnight, affecting every sector, leading to rising costs and disruption at British ports. Delay Speculation has been growing that the government will instead seek to postpone the Brexit process. Government ministers have spoken of a technical extension but some reports have suggested the delay could be two or three months or even longer. Political analysts argue lawmakers could still back such a postponement further down the line -- although all the other 27 EU countries would have to agree. A potential complication is that elections to the European Parliament are due in late May and the new chamber is set to sit on July 2. Some of Britain's 73 seats have already been reallocated. Brussels also may not be so keen if the delay would simply translate into more months of political gridlock. Second referendum Dozens of MPs are seeking a new referendum to reverse the 2016 result, when the Leave campaign won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent. But supporters admit they do not currently have the numbers in parliament to make it happen. No law prevents Britain from doing it all over again, but many question whether a re-run would be democratic -- or resolve anything. May has warned that another vote "would do irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics". It also threatens to be just as divisive as the last one, with opinion polls showing the country is still split over the issue. Brussels also may not be so keen if the delay would simply translate into more months of political gridlock. General election It is a long shot but some reports have suggested the prime minister could call a snap vote in a bid to break the impasse. The most recent polls indicate the Conservatives could win a slender majority, meaning that the political rough-and-tumble seen since the 2016 referendum would likely continue. The only other way for an election to be called would be for parliament to vote no confidence in the government, but at this stage it looks unlikely as Labour already tried and failed to pass such a vote last month.

Uncertainty over Brexit deal continues as Theresa May asks MPs to give her more time

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-cabinet-ministers-believe-pm-may-preparing-to-resign-report-196794">Prime Minister Theresa May</a> will tell British lawmakers on Tuesday to hold their nerve over Brexit to force the European Union to accept changes to the divorce deal that would pave the way for an orderly exit.

The United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal unless May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce deal she agreed in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers.

"We now all need to hold our nerve," May will tell lawmakers, according to the BBC. She will say that talks with the EU are at a crucial stage.

The EU has refused to reopen the Brexit divorce deal, though May insists she can get legally binding changes to replace the most contentious parts of the Irish border 'backstop', the main hurdle to a Brexit deal.

As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for the turmoil of a no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said the United Kingdom now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit.

Prime Minister Theresa May will tell British lawmakers on Tuesday to hold their nerve over Brexit to force the European Union to accept changes to the divorce deal that would pave the way for an orderly exit.

Prime Minister Theresa May will tell British lawmakers on Tuesday to hold their nerve over Brexit to force the European Union to accept changes to the divorce deal that would pave the way for an orderly exit. The United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal unless May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce deal she agreed in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers. "We now all need to hold our nerve," May will tell lawmakers, according to the BBC. She will say that talks with the EU are at a crucial stage. The EU has refused to reopen the Brexit divorce deal, though May insists she can get legally binding changes to replace the most contentious parts of the Irish border 'backstop', the main hurdle to a Brexit deal. As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for the turmoil of a no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said the United Kingdom now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit.

'Hold your nerve on Brexit,' PM May to tell British lawmakers

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

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

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

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

British Prime Minister Theresa May told her top team of ministers on Tuesday that parliament would not be asked to vote on a revised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-must-hold-our-nerve-on-brexit-may-to-tell-uk-lawmakers-196941">Brexit deal</a> this week as she needed more time to negotiate with the European Union, her office said.

May is seeking changes to the deal she agreed with the bloc last year, after lawmakers rejected it largely due to concerns over an insurance policy aimed at avoiding the return of border controls on the island of Ireland.

"She said it is clear that these discussions with the EU will need a little more time to conclude and so we will not be bringing forward a meaningful vote this week," a spokeswoman for May's office said in a statement following May's weekly meeting with her cabinet of ministers.

British Prime Minister Theresa May told her top team of ministers on Tuesday that parliament would not be asked to vote on a revised Brexit deal this week as she needed more time to negotiate with the European Union, her office said.

British Prime Minister Theresa May told her top team of ministers on Tuesday that parliament would not be asked to vote on a revised Brexit deal this week as she needed more time to negotiate with the European Union, her office said. May is seeking changes to the deal she agreed with the bloc last year, after lawmakers rejected it largely due to concerns over an insurance policy aimed at avoiding the return of border controls on the island of Ireland. "She said it is clear that these discussions with the EU will need a little more time to conclude and so we will not be bringing forward a meaningful vote this week," a spokeswoman for May's office said in a statement following May's weekly meeting with her cabinet of ministers.

UK parliament will not vote on revised Brexit deal this week: PM May's office

Prime Minister Theresa&nbsp;May&nbsp;on Tuesday will plead&nbsp;with MPs to give her more time for talks with EU officials on her Brexit deal, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hold-your-nerve-on-brexit-pm-may-to-tell-british-lawmakers-196877">telling them they must hold their nerve</a>.

May&nbsp;is set to update parliament on her latest meetings in Brussels and Dublin aimed at securing a divorce agreement with the EU, with Britain due to leave the bloc on March 29.

"The talks are at a crucial stage,"&nbsp;May&nbsp;will say, according to extracts from her statement to parliament released in advance by her Downing Street office.

MPs last month overwhelmingly rejected the deal struck between&nbsp;May&nbsp;and Brussels and the British premier has since been attempting to secure changes that would satisfy parliament's lower House of Commons.

Brexiteer MPs in her Conservative Party are particularly unhappy with the so-called backstop provision intended to keep the border with Ireland free-flowing.

Some fear it could leave Britain trapped in the European Union's trade rules with no unilateral way out -- but would back a deal if the backstop was time-limited or replaced with alternative arrangements.

"We now all need to hold our nerve to get the changes this house has required and deliver Brexit on time,"&nbsp;May&nbsp;is due to tell MPs.

"By getting the changes we need to the backstop; by protecting and enhancing workers' rights and environmental protections; and by enhancing the role of parliament in the next phase of negotiations I believe we can reach a deal that this house can support."

Plea for time

Commons Leader Andrea said on BBC radio that&nbsp;May&nbsp;was not simply "running down the clock" until March 29. &nbsp;

"What the prime minister wants is a bit more time," she said.

She said&nbsp;May&nbsp;would promise MPs they could hold a series of votes on February 27 in an attempt to influence her Brexit strategy if she has not agreed a new deal by then.

Leadsom, responsible for bringing government business through parliament, said the talks were "pretty crucial but delicate negotiations with the EU to try to make sure that we can sort out the problem with an unlimited backstop".

"It would be an extraordinary outcome if the thing that the backstop is seeking to avoid, which is a hard border in Northern Ireland, if the EU were so determined to be completely intransigent about it that they actually incur the very thing that they're seeking to avoid by pushing the UK into a position where we leave without a deal."

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and David Lidington,&nbsp;May's de facto deputy, are in Strasbourg meeting members of the European Parliament, while British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is in Paris as part of a diplomatic offensive.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has called for "clarity and movement" from Britain.

In an effort to break the impasse, Barclay hosted Barnier for a working dinner at the British ambassador's residence in Brussels late Monday, with concern growing on both sides of the Channel.

Speaking afterwards, Barnier said the talks had been "constructive".

"We are clear from our side that we are not going to reopen the withdrawal agreement, but we will continue our discussion in the coming days," he told journalists.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday will plead with MPs to give her more time for talks with EU officials on her Brexit deal, telling them they must hold their nerve.

Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday will plead with MPs to give her more time for talks with EU officials on her Brexit deal, telling them they must hold their nerve. May is set to update parliament on her latest meetings in Brussels and Dublin aimed at securing a divorce agreement with the EU, with Britain due to leave the bloc on March 29. "The talks are at a crucial stage," May will say, according to extracts from her statement to parliament released in advance by her Downing Street office. MPs last month overwhelmingly rejected the deal struck between May and Brussels and the British premier has since been attempting to secure changes that would satisfy parliament's lower House of Commons. Brexiteer MPs in her Conservative Party are particularly unhappy with the so-called backstop provision intended to keep the border with Ireland free-flowing. Some fear it could leave Britain trapped in the European Union's trade rules with no unilateral way out -- but would back a deal if the backstop was time-limited or replaced with alternative arrangements. "We now all need to hold our nerve to get the changes this house has required and deliver Brexit on time," May is due to tell MPs. "By getting the changes we need to the backstop; by protecting and enhancing workers' rights and environmental protections; and by enhancing the role of parliament in the next phase of negotiations I believe we can reach a deal that this house can support." Plea for time Commons Leader Andrea said on BBC radio that May was not simply "running down the clock" until March 29. "What the prime minister wants is a bit more time," she said. She said May would promise MPs they could hold a series of votes on February 27 in an attempt to influence her Brexit strategy if she has not agreed a new deal by then. Leadsom, responsible for bringing government business through parliament, said the talks were "pretty crucial but delicate negotiations with the EU to try to make sure that we can sort out the problem with an unlimited backstop". "It would be an extraordinary outcome if the thing that the backstop is seeking to avoid, which is a hard border in Northern Ireland, if the EU were so determined to be completely intransigent about it that they actually incur the very thing that they're seeking to avoid by pushing the UK into a position where we leave without a deal." Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay and David Lidington, May's de facto deputy, are in Strasbourg meeting members of the European Parliament, while British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is in Paris as part of a diplomatic offensive. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has called for "clarity and movement" from Britain. In an effort to break the impasse, Barclay hosted Barnier for a working dinner at the British ambassador's residence in Brussels late Monday, with concern growing on both sides of the Channel. Speaking afterwards, Barnier said the talks had been "constructive". "We are clear from our side that we are not going to reopen the withdrawal agreement, but we will continue our discussion in the coming days," he told journalists.

May to ask MPs for more time on Brexit talks

The British parliament is set to hold a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-may-to-promise-new-brexit-debate-in-push-for-more-negotiating-time-196441">debate on Brexit</a> on February 14 but this is not a re-run of a vote last month on whether to approve the exit deal Prime Minister Theresa May's negotiated with the European Union.

May is seeking changes to her deal with Brussels after it was rejected by a record majority in parliament on January 15. She has said she wants to bring a revised deal back to parliament for a vote "as soon as possible" but has not yet set a date for doing so.

She has promised that, if she has not brought her deal back for a so-called "meaningful vote" by February 13, lawmakers will get to debate Brexit on February 14.

Below is what will happen on that day:

What will they debate?&nbsp;

May will make a statement to parliament on February 13 updating lawmakers on her progress so far in seeking changes to her deal.

The debate on February 14 will be on a motion -- a proposal put forward for debate -- about Brexit more generally. The previous similar debate on January 29 was on a motion which simply asked lawmakers to agree that they had considered May's latest statement on the Brexit negotiations.

Can lawmakers propose changes?&nbsp;

Yes. As with the January 29 debate, lawmakers will be able to propose changes, known as amendments. It is likely that many amendments similar to those debated on January 29 will be proposed, including attempts to shift control of the process away from government and give parliament a chance to define Brexit.

As with January 29, if these are successful they could have a profound effect, giving lawmakers who want to block, delay or renegotiate Brexit a possible legal route to do so.

With the EU saying so far that they are not willing to reopen talks on the Withdrawal Agreement, other lawmakers are likely to propose alternatives to May's deal to gauge support for them and persuade the prime minister to change course by seeking closer EU ties or holding a second referendum.

An attempt by Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper and Conservative Nick Boles to give parliament the power to request a delay to Britain's March 29 exit was defeated by lawmakers on January 29, but Boles said he would renew that effort on February 14 if a deal has not been passed by then.

The government persuaded many lawmakers not to support that previous attempt by promising them that it would not be their last chance to seek to stop a 'no-deal' departure from the EU as they would get to debate Brexit again on February 14.

On Wednesday, a Conservative lawmaker involved in discussions with the government about changes to the deal said that if May could demonstrate that the EU was willing to renegotiate, she would buy herself some more time and avoid a potential flashpoint in parliament on February 14.

Will there be votes?&nbsp;

The Speaker, John Bercow, will decide whether to select any of the amendments for a vote. Lawmakers will vote on each of the selected amendments one by one, before voting to give final approval to the wording of the motion itself.

Before the debate begins, lawmakers will have to agree to the proposed timetable for the debate, currently just one day. If lawmakers believe that more than one day is needed, the votes could, in theory, be pushed into the following week.

Will it definitely go ahead?&nbsp;

If May succeeds in winning changes to her Brexit deal in the next few days she could bring it back for a debate and vote before February 14, and this more general debate would not go ahead. However, she is not expected to secure any changes before then.

British media have reported a fresh vote on May's deal is most likely to happen in the week of February 25 at the earliest.

The government will give parliament another chance to debate the issue by February 27 using the same format described above, if a deal has not been agreed before then.

The British parliament is set to hold a debate on Brexit on February 14 but this is not a re-run of a vote last month on whether to approve the exit deal Prime Minister Theresa May's negotiated with the European Union.

The British parliament is set to hold a debate on Brexit on February 14 but this is not a re-run of a vote last month on whether to approve the exit deal Prime Minister Theresa May's negotiated with the European Union. May is seeking changes to her deal with Brussels after it was rejected by a record majority in parliament on January 15. She has said she wants to bring a revised deal back to parliament for a vote "as soon as possible" but has not yet set a date for doing so. She has promised that, if she has not brought her deal back for a so-called "meaningful vote" by February 13, lawmakers will get to debate Brexit on February 14. Below is what will happen on that day: What will they debate? May will make a statement to parliament on February 13 updating lawmakers on her progress so far in seeking changes to her deal. The debate on February 14 will be on a motion -- a proposal put forward for debate -- about Brexit more generally. The previous similar debate on January 29 was on a motion which simply asked lawmakers to agree that they had considered May's latest statement on the Brexit negotiations. Can lawmakers propose changes? Yes. As with the January 29 debate, lawmakers will be able to propose changes, known as amendments. It is likely that many amendments similar to those debated on January 29 will be proposed, including attempts to shift control of the process away from government and give parliament a chance to define Brexit. As with January 29, if these are successful they could have a profound effect, giving lawmakers who want to block, delay or renegotiate Brexit a possible legal route to do so. With the EU saying so far that they are not willing to reopen talks on the Withdrawal Agreement, other lawmakers are likely to propose alternatives to May's deal to gauge support for them and persuade the prime minister to change course by seeking closer EU ties or holding a second referendum. An attempt by Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper and Conservative Nick Boles to give parliament the power to request a delay to Britain's March 29 exit was defeated by lawmakers on January 29, but Boles said he would renew that effort on February 14 if a deal has not been passed by then. The government persuaded many lawmakers not to support that previous attempt by promising them that it would not be their last chance to seek to stop a 'no-deal' departure from the EU as they would get to debate Brexit again on February 14. On Wednesday, a Conservative lawmaker involved in discussions with the government about changes to the deal said that if May could demonstrate that the EU was willing to renegotiate, she would buy herself some more time and avoid a potential flashpoint in parliament on February 14. Will there be votes? The Speaker, John Bercow, will decide whether to select any of the amendments for a vote. Lawmakers will vote on each of the selected amendments one by one, before voting to give final approval to the wording of the motion itself. Before the debate begins, lawmakers will have to agree to the proposed timetable for the debate, currently just one day. If lawmakers believe that more than one day is needed, the votes could, in theory, be pushed into the following week. Will it definitely go ahead? If May succeeds in winning changes to her Brexit deal in the next few days she could bring it back for a debate and vote before February 14, and this more general debate would not go ahead. However, she is not expected to secure any changes before then. British media have reported a fresh vote on May's deal is most likely to happen in the week of February 25 at the earliest. The government will give parliament another chance to debate the issue by February 27 using the same format described above, if a deal has not been agreed before then.

Brexit: What will happen in the British parliament on February 14?

British Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge this week to give parliament another chance to voice their opinions on Brexit by February 27 as she tries to buy more time to negotiate a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irish-prime-minister-says-brexit-deal-can-be-done-196135">new deal with the European Union</a>.

As the clock ticks down to Britain's scheduled exit on March 29, May is trying to persuade the EU to change a deal that was agreed between London and Brussels late last year but overwhelmingly rejected by parliament in January.

May wants to win over lawmakers in her Conservative Party with changes relating to the Northern Irish border, but the EU has refused to reopen that part of the deal and instead wants May to pursue a compromise with the main opposition Labour Party by agreeing closer UK-EU ties.

The impasse has left the world's fifth largest economy facing an uncertain future, rattling financial markets and businesses about the prospect of a disorderly exit from the bloc that could damage the economy.

Housing minister James Brokenshire said on Sunday, May would commit to giving parliament another debate on Brexit with the chance to vote on alternative options, if a deal had not yet been agreed and voted upon by then.

May is already due to update parliament on her progress towards a deal on Wednesday and then on Thursday to give parliament a chance to express their opinion. The new pledge would be for a repeat of this process by February 27.

"That gives that sense of timetable, clarity, and purpose on what we're doing with the EU - taking that work forward and our determination to get a deal - but equally knowing that role that parliament very firmly has," Brokenshire told the BBC.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay will meet EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday to discuss changes to the part of the exit deal relating to the 'backstop', an insurance policy against the return of a hard border between EU member Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland.

Emergency zone

Labour's Brexit policy chief Keir Starmer told the Sunday Times newspaper that his party would seek to use the debate in parliament this week to prevent May from waiting until the last minute to come back with a deal, and compel her to present a fresh accord for lawmakers to consider before February 26.

"We shouldn’t be put in a position where the clock is run down and the prime minister says it's either my deal or even worse. That isn’t right in terms of the respect for parliament," said Starmer.

The head of the business lobby group the Confederation of British Industry warned that the chances of Britain leaving the EU next month without a deal have increased and the country has now entered "the emergency zone".

May will ask lawmakers on Thursday to reaffirm that they support her bid to renegotiate the backstop, a government source said. The backstop is the main obstacle to securing agreement on the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the EU.

May's opponents are expected to put forward a series of alternative approaches which will be voted upon, although it is not clear yet whether any will have sufficient support to pass, and if they do, whether they will force the government to act.

Labour's plan, which has yet to be published in detail, will be among the options discussed on Thursday.

An opinion poll published in the Independent newspaper on Sunday showed 53 per cent of British voters would support a delay in Brexit, while 33 per cent would back a no-deal Brexit even it that harmed the economy.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge this week to give parliament another chance to voice their opinions on Brexit by February 27 as she tries to buy more time to negotiate a new deal with the European Union.

British Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge this week to give parliament another chance to voice their opinions on Brexit by February 27 as she tries to buy more time to negotiate a new deal with the European Union. As the clock ticks down to Britain's scheduled exit on March 29, May is trying to persuade the EU to change a deal that was agreed between London and Brussels late last year but overwhelmingly rejected by parliament in January. May wants to win over lawmakers in her Conservative Party with changes relating to the Northern Irish border, but the EU has refused to reopen that part of the deal and instead wants May to pursue a compromise with the main opposition Labour Party by agreeing closer UK-EU ties. The impasse has left the world's fifth largest economy facing an uncertain future, rattling financial markets and businesses about the prospect of a disorderly exit from the bloc that could damage the economy. Housing minister James Brokenshire said on Sunday, May would commit to giving parliament another debate on Brexit with the chance to vote on alternative options, if a deal had not yet been agreed and voted upon by then. May is already due to update parliament on her progress towards a deal on Wednesday and then on Thursday to give parliament a chance to express their opinion. The new pledge would be for a repeat of this process by February 27. "That gives that sense of timetable, clarity, and purpose on what we're doing with the EU - taking that work forward and our determination to get a deal - but equally knowing that role that parliament very firmly has," Brokenshire told the BBC. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay will meet EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday to discuss changes to the part of the exit deal relating to the 'backstop', an insurance policy against the return of a hard border between EU member Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland. Emergency zone Labour's Brexit policy chief Keir Starmer told the Sunday Times newspaper that his party would seek to use the debate in parliament this week to prevent May from waiting until the last minute to come back with a deal, and compel her to present a fresh accord for lawmakers to consider before February 26. "We shouldn’t be put in a position where the clock is run down and the prime minister says it's either my deal or even worse. That isn’t right in terms of the respect for parliament," said Starmer. The head of the business lobby group the Confederation of British Industry warned that the chances of Britain leaving the EU next month without a deal have increased and the country has now entered "the emergency zone". May will ask lawmakers on Thursday to reaffirm that they support her bid to renegotiate the backstop, a government source said. The backstop is the main obstacle to securing agreement on the terms of Britain's withdrawal from the EU. May's opponents are expected to put forward a series of alternative approaches which will be voted upon, although it is not clear yet whether any will have sufficient support to pass, and if they do, whether they will force the government to act. Labour's plan, which has yet to be published in detail, will be among the options discussed on Thursday. An opinion poll published in the Independent newspaper on Sunday showed 53 per cent of British voters would support a delay in Brexit, while 33 per cent would back a no-deal Brexit even it that harmed the economy.

UK's May to promise new Brexit debate in push for more negotiating time

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-of-top-10-cos-add-rs-65426-cr-in-m-cap-tcs-shines-194746">Tata Consultancy Services</a> has been ranked as Britain's number one employer for the second consecutive year by Top Employer Institute.

The certification recognises TCS employee-friendly workplace practices and continued investments in building up local talent in the UK through professional development initiatives and digital skills programmes.

A variety of initiatives like Rising Stars, Emerging Leaders and Leadership Exchange facilitate personal and professional development at every level in the organisation.

"Our customers rely on our employees' consultative approach and best-in-class digital skills to power their Business 4.0 transformation," said Shankar Narayanan, Vice President and Head of TCS operations in UK and Ireland.

Ongoing employee engagement and mentorship programmes are further complemented by the use of digital technologies. These initiatives have contributed to a 92 per cent staff retention rate in the UK, benchmarked as the best in the industry.

David Plink, CEO of Top Employers Institute, said: "investment in the workforce is now commonplace in most successful companies around the globe. Once again, we're proud to award Tata Consultancy Services the UK Top Employers certification as well as the Global Top Employers certification.&nbsp;

This achievement is a testament to the company's dedication to its people and one it can truly be proud of."A part of the Tata group, TCS has over 417,000 of the world`s best-trained consultants in 45 countries.

Tata Consultancy Services has been ranked as Britain's number one employer for the second consecutive year by Top Employer Institute. The certification recognises TCS employee-friendly workplace practices and continued investments in building up local talent in the UK through professional development initiatives and digital skills programmes.

Tata Consultancy Services has been ranked as Britain's number one employer for the second consecutive year by Top Employer Institute. The certification recognises TCS employee-friendly workplace practices and continued investments in building up local talent in the UK through professional development initiatives and digital skills programmes. A variety of initiatives like Rising Stars, Emerging Leaders and Leadership Exchange facilitate personal and professional development at every level in the organisation. "Our customers rely on our employees' consultative approach and best-in-class digital skills to power their Business 4.0 transformation," said Shankar Narayanan, Vice President and Head of TCS operations in UK and Ireland. Ongoing employee engagement and mentorship programmes are further complemented by the use of digital technologies. These initiatives have contributed to a 92 per cent staff retention rate in the UK, benchmarked as the best in the industry. David Plink, CEO of Top Employers Institute, said: "investment in the workforce is now commonplace in most successful companies around the globe. Once again, we're proud to award Tata Consultancy Services the UK Top Employers certification as well as the Global Top Employers certification. This achievement is a testament to the company's dedication to its people and one it can truly be proud of."A part of the Tata group, TCS has over 417,000 of the world`s best-trained consultants in 45 countries.

TCS ranked no. 1 employer in UK for second consecutive year

British Prime Minister Theresa May tried to break the deadlock over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/delaying-brexit-would-extend-uncertainty-uk-business-minister-195601">Brexit on Wednesday</a> by thrashing out alternative proposals for the Irish border with political parties in Northern Ireland.

The United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal unless May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce deal she agreed in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers.

As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for the turmoil of a no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said the United Kingdom now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit.

At meetings in Belfast, May tried to tackle the biggest obstacle to getting a deal ratified by the British parliament - an insurance policy covering the possible future arrangements for the border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.

"We will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland," May said on Tuesday.

May said she would seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border or legally binding changes to the border backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism.

Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian conflict.

MAY TO BRUSSELS

As a way to prevent a hard border, Brussels and London agreed a so-called backstop - basically a promise that unless the sides come up with a better idea then the United Kingdom would remain bound by EU market and customs rules so that goods would not have to be checked.

But the Northern Irish party which props up May's minority government says it could endanger the province's place in the United Kingdom, while Brexit supporters in May's Conservative Party worry it would lock the country into EU rules for the long term.

British ministers, The Sun newspaper said, have been examining a plan drawn up by Japan's Fujitsu to track trade across the border, while the Telegraph said ministers had discussed delaying Brexit by eight weeks.

May is due to meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and then European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels on Thursday.

While the EU has been clear it does not want to reopen the divorce deal, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a creative solution could break the impasse.

But diplomats in Brussels said they had heard no new proposals from London and the risk of a no-deal exit was increasing. EU leaders, diplomats said, were frustrated at May's failure to build a consensus on Brexit.

Delaying Brexit would extend rather than resolve the uncertainty that is hurting the economy, Britain's business minister Greg Clark told a parliament committee on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Theresa May tried to break the deadlock over Brexit on Wednesday by thrashing out alternative proposals for the Irish border with political parties in Northern Ireland.

British Prime Minister Theresa May tried to break the deadlock over Brexit on Wednesday by thrashing out alternative proposals for the Irish border with political parties in Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union on March 29 without a deal unless May can convince the bloc to reopen the divorce deal she agreed in November and then sell it to sceptical British lawmakers. As companies and governments across Europe step up preparations for the turmoil of a no-deal exit, diplomats and officials said the United Kingdom now faces three main options: a no-deal exit, a last-minute deal or a delay to Brexit. At meetings in Belfast, May tried to tackle the biggest obstacle to getting a deal ratified by the British parliament - an insurance policy covering the possible future arrangements for the border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland. "We will find a way to deliver Brexit that honours our commitments to Northern Ireland," May said on Tuesday. May said she would seek an alternative arrangement which avoids the need for a hard border or legally binding changes to the border backstop to introduce a time limit or create an exit mechanism. Brexit has snagged on the 310-mile (500-km) frontier because there is disagreement on how to monitor trade without physical checks on the border, which was marked by military checkpoints before a 1998 peace deal ended three decades of sectarian conflict. MAY TO BRUSSELS As a way to prevent a hard border, Brussels and London agreed a so-called backstop - basically a promise that unless the sides come up with a better idea then the United Kingdom would remain bound by EU market and customs rules so that goods would not have to be checked. But the Northern Irish party which props up May's minority government says it could endanger the province's place in the United Kingdom, while Brexit supporters in May's Conservative Party worry it would lock the country into EU rules for the long term. British ministers, The Sun newspaper said, have been examining a plan drawn up by Japan's Fujitsu to track trade across the border, while the Telegraph said ministers had discussed delaying Brexit by eight weeks. May is due to meet European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and then European Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels on Thursday. While the EU has been clear it does not want to reopen the divorce deal, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a creative solution could break the impasse. But diplomats in Brussels said they had heard no new proposals from London and the risk of a no-deal exit was increasing. EU leaders, diplomats said, were frustrated at May's failure to build a consensus on Brexit. Delaying Brexit would extend rather than resolve the uncertainty that is hurting the economy, Britain's business minister Greg Clark told a parliament committee on Wednesday.

British PM May seeks a border compromise in Northern Ireland

A defiant Vijay Mallya has confirmed his plans to initiate a lengthy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-home-secretary-signs-order-to-extradite-vijay-mallya-to-india-195145">appeal process against the UK government's order to extradite him</a> to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crores in India.

The 63-year-old embattled liquor baron's extradition was approved by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid on Sunday, boosting India's efforts to bring back the fugitive businessman.

Mallya has two weeks to lodge permission to appeal in the High Court after Javid signed off on his extradition order. Hours later, Mallya took to social media to confirm his plans to appeal against the decision.

"After the decision was handed down on December 10, 2018, by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process," Mallya said in a statement on Twitter.

Once the application is made, the court will consider whether there are grounds for the appeal to be admitted and that in turn would trigger another set of hearings over the next few months in the Administrative Court, which is part of the UK High Court.

"It could take months for the case to be heard as the court gets very clogged up and the whole process could take up to five or six months," explained Sarosh Zaiwalla, Founder and Senior Partner of UK-based law firm Zaiwalla &amp; Co.

"The Crown Prosecution Service (arguing on behalf of the Indian government) could apply for an expedited appeal process but it is not common for this to be granted. You would have to show the need of urgency," he said.

Following the outcome at the High Court level, both sides could apply for the right to appeal to the Supreme Court, which would involve at least another six weeks.

However, that process is more complex as the UK High Court must certify that the appeal involves a point of law of general public importance, and either the High Court or the Supreme Court gives leave for the appeal to be made.

Mallya has been based in the UK since March 2016 and remains on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017.

In her verdict at the end of a year-long extradition trial in December last year, Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that the "flashy" former Kingfisher Airlines boss had a "case to answer" in the Indian courts.

She found there was "clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds" and accepted a prima facie case of fraud and a conspiracy to launder money against Mallya, as presented by the on behalf of the Indian authorities.

The court also dismissed any bars to extradition on the grounds of the prison conditions under which the businessman would be held, as the judge accepted the Indian government's assurances that he would receive all necessary medical care at Barrack 12 in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail.

"There was no evidence which allowed me to find that if extradited Dr Mallya was at real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice," the verdict noted.

India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty signed in 1992 and in force since November 1993. So far only one successful extradition has taken place from the UK to India under the treaty that of Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India in 2016 to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002.

As India falls under the Category 2 set of countries within the UK's Extradition Act 2003, any decision of the courts must be endorsed by the UK Home Secretary, who has the authority to order extradition. It is not uncommon for a higher court to give leave to appeal and then to overturn the verdict of a lower court.

In a related extradition case of alleged bookie Sanjeev Kumar Chawla wanted in India on match-fixing charges, the High Court had overturned an earlier Westminster Magistrates' Court ruling against his extradition to India due to human rights concerns related to Tihar Jail in Delhi where he was to be detained.

Under the legal process, the case was sent back to the magistrates' level where a District Judge overturned the previous ruling last month and found in favour of the Indian government.

Javid is also due to announce his decision on the extradition order of Chawla, a key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hansie Cronje in 2000, within the stipulated two-month period, which runs until early March.&nbsp;

A defiant Vijay Mallya has confirmed his plans to initiate a lengthy appeal process against the UK government's order to extradite him to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crores in India.

A defiant Vijay Mallya has confirmed his plans to initiate a lengthy appeal process against the UK government's order to extradite him to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to nearly Rs 9,000 crores in India. The 63-year-old embattled liquor baron's extradition was approved by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid on Sunday, boosting India's efforts to bring back the fugitive businessman. Mallya has two weeks to lodge permission to appeal in the High Court after Javid signed off on his extradition order. Hours later, Mallya took to social media to confirm his plans to appeal against the decision. "After the decision was handed down on December 10, 2018, by the Westminster Magistrates Court, I stated my intention to appeal. I could not initiate the appeal process before a decision by the Home Secretary. Now I will initiate the appeal process," Mallya said in a statement on Twitter. Once the application is made, the court will consider whether there are grounds for the appeal to be admitted and that in turn would trigger another set of hearings over the next few months in the Administrative Court, which is part of the UK High Court. "It could take months for the case to be heard as the court gets very clogged up and the whole process could take up to five or six months," explained Sarosh Zaiwalla, Founder and Senior Partner of UK-based law firm Zaiwalla & Co. "The Crown Prosecution Service (arguing on behalf of the Indian government) could apply for an expedited appeal process but it is not common for this to be granted. You would have to show the need of urgency," he said. Following the outcome at the High Court level, both sides could apply for the right to appeal to the Supreme Court, which would involve at least another six weeks. However, that process is more complex as the UK High Court must certify that the appeal involves a point of law of general public importance, and either the High Court or the Supreme Court gives leave for the appeal to be made. Mallya has been based in the UK since March 2016 and remains on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017. In her verdict at the end of a year-long extradition trial in December last year, Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that the "flashy" former Kingfisher Airlines boss had a "case to answer" in the Indian courts. She found there was "clear evidence of dispersal and misapplication of the loan funds" and accepted a prima facie case of fraud and a conspiracy to launder money against Mallya, as presented by the on behalf of the Indian authorities. The court also dismissed any bars to extradition on the grounds of the prison conditions under which the businessman would be held, as the judge accepted the Indian government's assurances that he would receive all necessary medical care at Barrack 12 in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail. "There was no evidence which allowed me to find that if extradited Dr Mallya was at real risk of suffering a flagrant denial of justice," the verdict noted. India and the UK have an Extradition Treaty signed in 1992 and in force since November 1993. So far only one successful extradition has taken place from the UK to India under the treaty that of Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, who was sent back to India in 2016 to face trial in connection with his involvement in the post-Godhra riots of 2002. As India falls under the Category 2 set of countries within the UK's Extradition Act 2003, any decision of the courts must be endorsed by the UK Home Secretary, who has the authority to order extradition. It is not uncommon for a higher court to give leave to appeal and then to overturn the verdict of a lower court. In a related extradition case of alleged bookie Sanjeev Kumar Chawla wanted in India on match-fixing charges, the High Court had overturned an earlier Westminster Magistrates' Court ruling against his extradition to India due to human rights concerns related to Tihar Jail in Delhi where he was to be detained. Under the legal process, the case was sent back to the magistrates' level where a District Judge overturned the previous ruling last month and found in favour of the Indian government. Javid is also due to announce his decision on the extradition order of Chawla, a key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hansie Cronje in 2000, within the stipulated two-month period, which runs until early March.

Mallya prepares for lengthy appeal against UK government's extradition order

Pakistan on Sunday said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-calls-up-kashmiri-separatist-leader-geelani-194700">Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> has boarded a flight to London to attend a summit on Kashmir in the UK.

Dunya News reported that the Foreign Minister will participate in the United Kingdom House of Commons’ debate, slated to be held on February 4.

The official Twitter account of Pakistan Government said, "Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi left for London today to attend functions being organized in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day. He will also address an international conference on Kashmir in British Parliament."

As per reports, the Foreign Minister will also attend an exhibition on Kashmir in Park Lane on Tuesday, February 5.

Qureshi had in his remarks stated several times that Kashmir has been the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and the stance of the Pakistan government is very clear over the issue.

“Pakistan will continue to extend its political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris for their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions," Qureshi said.

On Saturday, on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Qureshi had made a call to hard-line Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to discuss the current situation in Kashmir.

Geelani is the second Kashmiri separatist leader whom Qureshi called up in the last few days. Earlier, he had a telephonic conversation with Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

India took strong objection to that phone call and Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi Sohail Mahmood was summoned by Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale to lodge a protest.

Gokhale bluntly told Mahmood that Pakistan should desist from such provocative actions, failing which there will be "implications".&nbsp;

Pakistan on Sunday said Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has boarded a flight to London to attend a summit on Kashmir in the UK. Dunya News reported that the Foreign Minister will participate in the United Kingdom House of Commons’ debate, slated to be held on February 4.

Pakistan on Sunday said Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has boarded a flight to London to attend a summit on Kashmir in the UK. Dunya News reported that the Foreign Minister will participate in the United Kingdom House of Commons’ debate, slated to be held on February 4. The official Twitter account of Pakistan Government said, "Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi left for London today to attend functions being organized in connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day. He will also address an international conference on Kashmir in British Parliament." As per reports, the Foreign Minister will also attend an exhibition on Kashmir in Park Lane on Tuesday, February 5. Qureshi had in his remarks stated several times that Kashmir has been the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and the stance of the Pakistan government is very clear over the issue. “Pakistan will continue to extend its political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris for their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions," Qureshi said. On Saturday, on the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Qureshi had made a call to hard-line Kashmiri separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to discuss the current situation in Kashmir. Geelani is the second Kashmiri separatist leader whom Qureshi called up in the last few days. Earlier, he had a telephonic conversation with Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. India took strong objection to that phone call and Pakistan's High Commissioner in New Delhi Sohail Mahmood was summoned by Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale to lodge a protest. Gokhale bluntly told Mahmood that Pakistan should desist from such provocative actions, failing which there will be "implications".

Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi leaves for London to attend conference on Kashmir

The European Union has a message for British <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-govt-may-scrap-mps-holiday-to-pass-brexit-laws-193184">Prime Minister Theresa Ma</a>y&nbsp;as she plots a path out of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/with-two-months-to-brexit-cracks-form-on-irish-border-193080">Brexit impasse</a>: a backup plan for the Irish border can be tweaked but will have to be included in any divorce deal.

With less than nine weeks until the United Kingdom is due by law to leave the European Union on March 29, there is no agreement yet in London on how and even whether to leave the world's biggest trading bloc.

Parliament defeated May's deal two weeks ago by a huge margin with many Brexit-supporting rebels in her Conservative Party angry at the Irish backstop, an insurance policy aimed at preventing a hard border in Ireland if no other solutions can be agreed.

Ahead of Tuesday's votes in the British parliament on a way forward, lawmakers in May's party are pushing for her to demand the European Union drop the backstop and replace it with something else.

Ireland said the backstop was staying and the European Commission repeated on Monday that the withdrawal agreement text, and its backstop component, is not open for renegotiation.

"The European Parliament will not ratify a withdrawal agreement that doesn't have a backstop in it, it's as simple as that," Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney told the BBC.

As the Brexit crisis goes down to the line, however, EU officials indicated there might be wriggle room if May came back with a clear, and viable, request for changes that she - and the EU - believe will secure a final ratification.

The backstop is a type of insurance policy aimed at preventing a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland if no other solutions can be agreed. It is the most contentious part of May's deal.

IRELAND

The question for May is whether the EU can offer enough to get a variant of her defeated deal through the British parliament.

Possible amendments floated by EU officials range from further public assurances that the backstop would probably never be used or only for a brief period to amending the text which accompanies the treaty and which lays out expectations for the trading relationship that will come in after the transition.

The EU has explicitly said if Britain were to stay in a customs union indefinitely, as the opposition Labour Party favours, that could leave the backstop redundant.

One key element is maintaining a united front with the Irish government, which insists it needs the backstop without a time limit to ensure there is no physical frontier, which could become a target of the violence that has been reduced as a result of the two-decade-old Good Friday Agreement peace deal.

EU and Irish leaders insist that Dublin is under no pressure to relent.

However, a looming no-deal Brexit, in which the EU insists Ireland cannot leave an open door to British goods, has highlighted the difficulty Ireland will face if the backstop issue scuppers an agreement.

EU leaders are open to giving May more time beyond March 29 if she can convince them she will use the time to secure the elusive orderly outcome, whether leaving or staying.

"SHOW US YOUR MAJORITY"

Brussels and the national governments are keeping their options open, however, determined not to give in to British demands that they believe would undermine their single market but also anxious to use every possibility to avoid chaos.

But they are reluctant to offer May more concessions that then fail to satisfy British lawmakers.

"Theresa May must show us a majority for something concrete. Come back and be specific about what she needs to get the deal passed," one EU source told Reuters.

"All eyes are on the House of Commons, what amendments pass and what can be built on their basis, maybe around the middle of February," said another.

May is trying to use a series of votes in parliament on Tuesday to find a consensus that lawmakers in her own party could support, just two weeks since her deal suffered the biggest parliamentary defeat in modern British history.

The British parliament on Tuesday will vote on proposals put forward by lawmakers including a delay to Brexit and going back to the EU to demand changes to the Northern Irish backstop.

In essence, May is forcing lawmakers to show their cards on what sort of Brexit, if any, they want. Lawmakers in her own party want her to demand a last-minute change to the deal to remove the backstop.

The European Union has a message for British Prime Minister Theresa May as she plots a path out of the Brexit impasse: a backup plan for the Irish border can be tweaked but will have to be included in any divorce deal.

The European Union has a message for British Prime Minister Theresa May as she plots a path out of the Brexit impasse: a backup plan for the Irish border can be tweaked but will have to be included in any divorce deal. With less than nine weeks until the United Kingdom is due by law to leave the European Union on March 29, there is no agreement yet in London on how and even whether to leave the world's biggest trading bloc. Parliament defeated May's deal two weeks ago by a huge margin with many Brexit-supporting rebels in her Conservative Party angry at the Irish backstop, an insurance policy aimed at preventing a hard border in Ireland if no other solutions can be agreed. Ahead of Tuesday's votes in the British parliament on a way forward, lawmakers in May's party are pushing for her to demand the European Union drop the backstop and replace it with something else. Ireland said the backstop was staying and the European Commission repeated on Monday that the withdrawal agreement text, and its backstop component, is not open for renegotiation. "The European Parliament will not ratify a withdrawal agreement that doesn't have a backstop in it, it's as simple as that," Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney told the BBC. As the Brexit crisis goes down to the line, however, EU officials indicated there might be wriggle room if May came back with a clear, and viable, request for changes that she - and the EU - believe will secure a final ratification. The backstop is a type of insurance policy aimed at preventing a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland if no other solutions can be agreed. It is the most contentious part of May's deal. IRELAND The question for May is whether the EU can offer enough to get a variant of her defeated deal through the British parliament. Possible amendments floated by EU officials range from further public assurances that the backstop would probably never be used or only for a brief period to amending the text which accompanies the treaty and which lays out expectations for the trading relationship that will come in after the transition. The EU has explicitly said if Britain were to stay in a customs union indefinitely, as the opposition Labour Party favours, that could leave the backstop redundant. One key element is maintaining a united front with the Irish government, which insists it needs the backstop without a time limit to ensure there is no physical frontier, which could become a target of the violence that has been reduced as a result of the two-decade-old Good Friday Agreement peace deal. EU and Irish leaders insist that Dublin is under no pressure to relent. However, a looming no-deal Brexit, in which the EU insists Ireland cannot leave an open door to British goods, has highlighted the difficulty Ireland will face if the backstop issue scuppers an agreement. EU leaders are open to giving May more time beyond March 29 if she can convince them she will use the time to secure the elusive orderly outcome, whether leaving or staying. "SHOW US YOUR MAJORITY" Brussels and the national governments are keeping their options open, however, determined not to give in to British demands that they believe would undermine their single market but also anxious to use every possibility to avoid chaos. But they are reluctant to offer May more concessions that then fail to satisfy British lawmakers. "Theresa May must show us a majority for something concrete. Come back and be specific about what she needs to get the deal passed," one EU source told Reuters. "All eyes are on the House of Commons, what amendments pass and what can be built on their basis, maybe around the middle of February," said another. May is trying to use a series of votes in parliament on Tuesday to find a consensus that lawmakers in her own party could support, just two weeks since her deal suffered the biggest parliamentary defeat in modern British history. The British parliament on Tuesday will vote on proposals put forward by lawmakers including a delay to Brexit and going back to the EU to demand changes to the Northern Irish backstop. In essence, May is forcing lawmakers to show their cards on what sort of Brexit, if any, they want. Lawmakers in her own party want her to demand a last-minute change to the deal to remove the backstop.

EU will not ratify Brexit withdrawal without backstop: Ireland deputy PM Coveney

Britain's Prince Philip has said he is "deeply sorry" about the injury suffered by a woman in a car crash he was involved in over a week ago, according to a report in the Sunday Mirror.

The newspaper published a copy of a letter written by the 97-year-old royal to Emma Fairweather, who broke her wrist when the Kia she was in collided with the prince's Land Rover.

"I would like you to know how very sorry I am for my part in the accident... I can only imagine that I failed to see the car coming, and I am very contrite about the consequences," said the letter, signed by Philip in blue pen.

The crash, which left the prince's vehicle on its side, happened as he pulled out of a side road onto a busy main road near the royal country residence in Norfolk, eastern England.

Philip was uninjured in the January 17 accident, while the driver of the Kia sustained cuts to the knee.

Fairweather, a passenger in the Kia, had complained to the Sunday Mirror last weekend that she had not received an apology from the prince.

"I was somewhat shaken after the accident, but I was greatly relieved that none of you were seriously injured," said Philip in the letter dated January 21, according to this Sunday's report.

"I have since learned that you suffered a broken arm. I am deeply sorry about this injury."

Philip, known for his forthright manner and off-colour jokes, retired from public life in 2017 and underwent a hip replacement operation last April.

The accident stirred up what The Sun described as Britain's "age-old debate" about whether and when the elderly should give up driving.

Images published the weekend following the crash appeared to show the prince behind the wheel of a replacement Land Rover Freelander on his wife Queen Elizabeth II's private Sandringham estate.

Britain's Prince Philip has said he is "deeply sorry" about the injury suffered by a woman in a car crash he was involved in over a week ago, according to a report in the Sunday Mirror.

Britain's Prince Philip has said he is "deeply sorry" about the injury suffered by a woman in a car crash he was involved in over a week ago, according to a report in the Sunday Mirror. The newspaper published a copy of a letter written by the 97-year-old royal to Emma Fairweather, who broke her wrist when the Kia she was in collided with the prince's Land Rover. "I would like you to know how very sorry I am for my part in the accident... I can only imagine that I failed to see the car coming, and I am very contrite about the consequences," said the letter, signed by Philip in blue pen. The crash, which left the prince's vehicle on its side, happened as he pulled out of a side road onto a busy main road near the royal country residence in Norfolk, eastern England. Philip was uninjured in the January 17 accident, while the driver of the Kia sustained cuts to the knee. Fairweather, a passenger in the Kia, had complained to the Sunday Mirror last weekend that she had not received an apology from the prince. "I was somewhat shaken after the accident, but I was greatly relieved that none of you were seriously injured," said Philip in the letter dated January 21, according to this Sunday's report. "I have since learned that you suffered a broken arm. I am deeply sorry about this injury." Philip, known for his forthright manner and off-colour jokes, retired from public life in 2017 and underwent a hip replacement operation last April. The accident stirred up what The Sun described as Britain's "age-old debate" about whether and when the elderly should give up driving. Images published the weekend following the crash appeared to show the prince behind the wheel of a replacement Land Rover Freelander on his wife Queen Elizabeth II's private Sandringham estate.

UK's Prince Philip apologises to woman injured in car crash: Report

Ever since the Brexit vote, Ireland has had the rest of the European Union behind it in insisting there can be no hard border with Northern Ireland when Britain leaves.

But with a draft UK-EU deal that would guarantee an open border looking increasingly frail, and the growing risk that Britain could withdraw from the union with no agreement at all, cracks are starting to emerge.

Over months of talks, both Dublin and Brussels have been loath to spell out the implications of having to carry out EU customs and regulations checks on what would become the bloc's new frontier.

A comment from the European Commission's chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas earlier this week shattered the taboo.

"In a no-deal scenario in Ireland, I think it's pretty obvious, you will have a hard border," he said.

The remark caught Dublin off-guard and the government pointed to EU promises to keep the border open.

The Irish Independent branded Schinas's comments a "Brexit backstab", suggesting they were intended "to prepare Dublin for some difficult discussions in the weeks ahead".

Schinas softened his remark the following day, saying the EU would do "all it can" to avoid a hard border.

But Ireland, which considers itself an unwilling bystander to Britain's decision to leave the EU after 46 years, is feeling under pressure to compromise over its demands.

"Why is it the country being victimised that's always being asked to give?" Prime Minister Leo Varadkar asked in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday.

Cooling comments

Varadkar has come under some domestic criticism for failing to prepare for the possibility of a hard border.

But Federico Fabbrini, director of Dublin City University's Brexit Institute, said the government's position was "reasonable".

"It doesn't want to take action on the border for as long as reimposing a border is avoidable," he said.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier sought to de-dramatise the concerns, but only raised more questions.

"We will have to find an operational way of carrying out checks and controls without putting back in place a border," he said.

The EU-UK deal includes a "backstop" plan to keep the border open by keeping Britain tied to EU trade rules, but Brexit supporters in London hate it.

They seized on Barnier's comments, saying they proved the backstop was not needed to prevent a hard border.

The backstop is a major block in getting the Brexit deal agreed by the British parliament, and London is pressing the EU to modify the plan.

After months of seeming like the consistent and mature voice in Brexit negotiations, Ireland now risks appearing the stubborn obstacle to a smooth Brexit.

'A period of chaos'

Varadkar this week also warned that a no-deal would lead to a "period of chaos" and that ultimately the EU, Britain and Ireland would have to "agree on full alignment" between Northern Ireland and the Republic to avoid a hard border.

What that chaos might look like and how the EU-brokered accord would function on the 310-mile (500-kilometre) border traversed by more than 200 roads is hard to say.

Brexiteers in London say checks on the border could simply be replaced by trusted trader schemes and as-yet-untested technology.

Speaking in Davos on Friday, Varadkar said it could "involve people in uniform" -- as well as "cameras, physical infrastructure, possibly a police presence, or an army presence to back it up".

That would be a concerning development on a border where the last military checkpoints were dismantled 20 years ago after a peace accord ended three decades of conflict.

Given Ireland's refusal to prepare for a hard border, there could also be days or even weeks when the frontier is effectively ungoverned by international law.

"You could have hundreds of lorries parking up at the border awaiting some kind of clearance," said Seamus Leheny, policy manager of the Freight Transport Association in Northern Ireland.

"We could be left in a situation where some hauliers will have to take the decision to turn away any freight going across the border. The concern they have is they technically could be seen as smuggling."

Ever since the Brexit vote, Ireland has had the rest of the European Union behind it in insisting there can be no hard border with Northern Ireland when Britain leaves.

Ever since the Brexit vote, Ireland has had the rest of the European Union behind it in insisting there can be no hard border with Northern Ireland when Britain leaves. But with a draft UK-EU deal that would guarantee an open border looking increasingly frail, and the growing risk that Britain could withdraw from the union with no agreement at all, cracks are starting to emerge. Over months of talks, both Dublin and Brussels have been loath to spell out the implications of having to carry out EU customs and regulations checks on what would become the bloc's new frontier. A comment from the European Commission's chief spokesman Margaritis Schinas earlier this week shattered the taboo. "In a no-deal scenario in Ireland, I think it's pretty obvious, you will have a hard border," he said. The remark caught Dublin off-guard and the government pointed to EU promises to keep the border open. The Irish Independent branded Schinas's comments a "Brexit backstab", suggesting they were intended "to prepare Dublin for some difficult discussions in the weeks ahead". Schinas softened his remark the following day, saying the EU would do "all it can" to avoid a hard border. But Ireland, which considers itself an unwilling bystander to Britain's decision to leave the EU after 46 years, is feeling under pressure to compromise over its demands. "Why is it the country being victimised that's always being asked to give?" Prime Minister Leo Varadkar asked in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Friday. Cooling comments Varadkar has come under some domestic criticism for failing to prepare for the possibility of a hard border. But Federico Fabbrini, director of Dublin City University's Brexit Institute, said the government's position was "reasonable". "It doesn't want to take action on the border for as long as reimposing a border is avoidable," he said. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier sought to de-dramatise the concerns, but only raised more questions. "We will have to find an operational way of carrying out checks and controls without putting back in place a border," he said. The EU-UK deal includes a "backstop" plan to keep the border open by keeping Britain tied to EU trade rules, but Brexit supporters in London hate it. They seized on Barnier's comments, saying they proved the backstop was not needed to prevent a hard border. The backstop is a major block in getting the Brexit deal agreed by the British parliament, and London is pressing the EU to modify the plan. After months of seeming like the consistent and mature voice in Brexit negotiations, Ireland now risks appearing the stubborn obstacle to a smooth Brexit. 'A period of chaos' Varadkar this week also warned that a no-deal would lead to a "period of chaos" and that ultimately the EU, Britain and Ireland would have to "agree on full alignment" between Northern Ireland and the Republic to avoid a hard border. What that chaos might look like and how the EU-brokered accord would function on the 310-mile (500-kilometre) border traversed by more than 200 roads is hard to say. Brexiteers in London say checks on the border could simply be replaced by trusted trader schemes and as-yet-untested technology. Speaking in Davos on Friday, Varadkar said it could "involve people in uniform" -- as well as "cameras, physical infrastructure, possibly a police presence, or an army presence to back it up". That would be a concerning development on a border where the last military checkpoints were dismantled 20 years ago after a peace accord ended three decades of conflict. Given Ireland's refusal to prepare for a hard border, there could also be days or even weeks when the frontier is effectively ungoverned by international law. "You could have hundreds of lorries parking up at the border awaiting some kind of clearance," said Seamus Leheny, policy manager of the Freight Transport Association in Northern Ireland. "We could be left in a situation where some hauliers will have to take the decision to turn away any freight going across the border. The concern they have is they technically could be seen as smuggling."

With two months to Brexit, cracks form on Irish border

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat.

According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android.

People were unable to log into the app at all and who did&nbsp;log in could not send or receive messages.&nbsp;

The issue was resolved within hours but the cause is yet unknown.

Northern Europe and South America and the United Kingdom were the most affected areas with WhatsApp login problem.

This issue comes a day after the messenger app limited the number of times a user can forward a message. Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups, not it has been restricted to five.

WhatsApp has around 1.5 billion users.

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat. According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android.

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat. According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android. People were unable to log into the app at all and who did log in could not send or receive messages. The issue was resolved within hours but the cause is yet unknown. Northern Europe and South America and the United Kingdom were the most affected areas with WhatsApp login problem. This issue comes a day after the messenger app limited the number of times a user can forward a message. Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups, not it has been restricted to five. WhatsApp has around 1.5 billion users.

WhatsApp temporary outage hits users worldwide, issue resolved

Two of the biggest donors to the Brexit campaign say they now believe the project they championed will eventually be abandoned by the government and that the United Kingdom will stay in the European Union.

Peter Hargreaves, the billionaire who was the second biggest donor to the 2016 leave campaign, and veteran hedge fund manager Crispin Odey told Reuters they expect Britain to stay in the EU despite their campaign victory in the 2016 referendum.

As a result, Odey, who runs his hedge fund Odey Asset Management, said he is now positioning for the pound to strengthen after his flagship fund previously reaped the benefit of betting against UK assets amid wider market fears about the impact of Brexit.

The donors' pessimism comes amid deadlock in Britain's parliament over the exit deal that Prime Minister Theresa May has struck with the EU, which has cast significant uncertainty over how, or even if, Brexit will happen.

"I have totally given up. I am totally in despair, I don't think Brexit will happen at all," said Hargreaves, 72, who is one of Britain's wealthiest men and donated 3.2 million pounds ($4.08 million) to the leave campaign.

"They (pro-Europeans) are banking on the fact that people are so fed up with it that will just say 'sod it we will stay'. I do see that attitude. The problem is when something doesn't happen for so long you feel less angry about it."

Two of the biggest donors to the Brexit campaign say they now believe the project they championed will eventually be abandoned by the government and that the United Kingdom will stay in the European Union.

Two of the biggest donors to the Brexit campaign say they now believe the project they championed will eventually be abandoned by the government and that the United Kingdom will stay in the European Union. Peter Hargreaves, the billionaire who was the second biggest donor to the 2016 leave campaign, and veteran hedge fund manager Crispin Odey told Reuters they expect Britain to stay in the EU despite their campaign victory in the 2016 referendum. As a result, Odey, who runs his hedge fund Odey Asset Management, said he is now positioning for the pound to strengthen after his flagship fund previously reaped the benefit of betting against UK assets amid wider market fears about the impact of Brexit. The donors' pessimism comes amid deadlock in Britain's parliament over the exit deal that Prime Minister Theresa May has struck with the EU, which has cast significant uncertainty over how, or even if, Brexit will happen. "I have totally given up. I am totally in despair, I don't think Brexit will happen at all," said Hargreaves, 72, who is one of Britain's wealthiest men and donated 3.2 million pounds ($4.08 million) to the leave campaign. "They (pro-Europeans) are banking on the fact that people are so fed up with it that will just say 'sod it we will stay'. I do see that attitude. The problem is when something doesn't happen for so long you feel less angry about it."

Leading Brexit donors say Britain will reverse decision to leave EU

Britain's markets watchdog said on Sunday that it plans to overhaul its treatment of whistleblowers to make it easier for people to come forward.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that it would announce details of the plan in the new year but was looking at how it maintains whistleblower confidentiality; how information is shared between supervision and enforcement teams; and how it can enhance senior oversight of investigations.

The plan was first reported by the Financial Times.

The watchdog has called for better protection of people who come forward but has also faced criticism for its own treatment of whistleblowers.

Earlier this year, it was told to apologise to a former Royal Bank of Scotland employee for having revealed his identity to the bank in a whistleblower case in 2013.

The Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner, which handles complaints against watchdogs, said that the FCA had failed to take sufficient care to establish whether the complainant had sought anonymity.

Last month, the FCA said that most British banks are not assessing and escalating whistleblower concerns consistently, adding that some of them need to improve arrangements to protect those who lift the lid on wrongdoing from victimisation.

The regulator received its highest number of disclosures from whistleblowers after its director for supervision, Megan Butler, warned financial firms in May about failing to tackle sexual harassment.

The disclosures related to racism, physical bullying and homophobia, as well as issues around gender, Christopher Woolard, the FCA executive director for strategy and competition, said this month.

Britain's markets watchdog said on Sunday that it plans to overhaul its treatment of whistleblowers to make it easier for people to come forward. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that it would announce details of the plan in the new year but was looking at how it maintains whistleblower confidentiality; how information is shared between supervision and enforcement teams; and how it can enhance senior oversight of investigations.

Britain's markets watchdog said on Sunday that it plans to overhaul its treatment of whistleblowers to make it easier for people to come forward. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that it would announce details of the plan in the new year but was looking at how it maintains whistleblower confidentiality; how information is shared between supervision and enforcement teams; and how it can enhance senior oversight of investigations. The plan was first reported by the Financial Times. The watchdog has called for better protection of people who come forward but has also faced criticism for its own treatment of whistleblowers. Earlier this year, it was told to apologise to a former Royal Bank of Scotland employee for having revealed his identity to the bank in a whistleblower case in 2013. The Financial Regulators Complaints Commissioner, which handles complaints against watchdogs, said that the FCA had failed to take sufficient care to establish whether the complainant had sought anonymity. Last month, the FCA said that most British banks are not assessing and escalating whistleblower concerns consistently, adding that some of them need to improve arrangements to protect those who lift the lid on wrongdoing from victimisation. The regulator received its highest number of disclosures from whistleblowers after its director for supervision, Megan Butler, warned financial firms in May about failing to tackle sexual harassment. The disclosures related to racism, physical bullying and homophobia, as well as issues around gender, Christopher Woolard, the FCA executive director for strategy and competition, said this month.

UK watchdog plans to overhaul treatment of whistleblowers

A British-Iranian academic who had been detained in Iran on security charges has returned to the United Kingdom, the BBC reported on Tuesday.

Abbas Edalat, a computer science and mathematics professor at Imperial College London, was detained in Tehran in April. He had been arrested on what Iranian state media said at the time were unidentified security charges.

The Foreign Office did not respond to telephone calls seeking comment on Christmas Day, a national holiday in Britain.

A British-Iranian academic who had been detained in Iran on security charges has returned to the United Kingdom, the BBC reported on Tuesday. Abbas Edalat, a computer science and mathematics professor at Imperial College London, was detained in Tehran in April.

A British-Iranian academic who had been detained in Iran on security charges has returned to the United Kingdom, the BBC reported on Tuesday. Abbas Edalat, a computer science and mathematics professor at Imperial College London, was detained in Tehran in April. He had been arrested on what Iranian state media said at the time were unidentified security charges. The Foreign Office did not respond to telephone calls seeking comment on Christmas Day, a national holiday in Britain.

British professor returns to UK after detention in Iran: BBC

An extraordinary public row broke out Sunday between British Prime Minister Theresa May and former Labour party leader Tony Blair over her Brexit deal.

May accused Blair of insulting voters and trying to undermine her government with calls for a second referendum to break the political deadlock over the divorce deal she struck with the EU.

"For Tony Blair to go to Brussels and seek to undermine our negotiations by advocating for a second referendum is an insult to the office he once held and the people he once served," May said in a statement issued late Saturday.

"We cannot, as he would, abdicate responsibility for this decision. Parliament has a democratic duty to deliver what the British people voted for."

Blair, who was Labour prime minister between 1997 and 2007, on Sunday accused the Conservative leader of being "irresponsible".

"The sensible thing is now to allow parliament to vote on each of the forms of Brexit canvassed, including the prime minister's deal," he said in a statement.

"If they can't reach agreement then the logical thing is to go back to the people."

He added: "What is irresponsible however is to try to steamroller MPs into accepting a deal they genuinely think is a bad one with the threat that if they do not fall into line, the government will have the country crash out (of the EU) without a deal."

Blair opposes Brexit and, as May's deal faces opposition on all sides of the House of Commons, he has stepped up calls for the public to vote again.

His latest speech on the issue came on Friday, as May was meeting EU leaders in Brussels to discuss how to save the agreement.

May has repeatedly ruled out holding a new referendum, saying the result in 2016 was clear.

But growing numbers of MPs believe a "people's vote" is the only way to break an impasse that risks Britain leaving the EU on March 29 without any agreement at all.

May's chief of staff, Gavin Barwell, was on Sunday forced to deny reports that he was planning for such an outcome.

The same reports also said May's effective deputy, David Lidington, was in talks with opposition Labour MPs about a new vote.

Lidington replied that he always listened to MPs' views but pointed to recent remarks in parliament where he said a second referendum may not be decisive and could damage confidence in democracy.

Separately, Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt suggested Britain could thrive if it left the EU with no deal, and admitted he would like to "have a crack" at May's job.

"But I think the first thing is to get us through this challenging next few months and I passionately believe Theresa May is the person to do that," he told the Sunday Telegraph.

An extraordinary public row broke out Sunday between British Prime Minister Theresa May and former Labour party leader Tony Blair over her Brexit deal. May accused Blair of insulting voters and trying to undermine her government with calls for a second referendum to break the political deadlock over the divorce deal she struck with the EU.

An extraordinary public row broke out Sunday between British Prime Minister Theresa May and former Labour party leader Tony Blair over her Brexit deal. May accused Blair of insulting voters and trying to undermine her government with calls for a second referendum to break the political deadlock over the divorce deal she struck with the EU. "For Tony Blair to go to Brussels and seek to undermine our negotiations by advocating for a second referendum is an insult to the office he once held and the people he once served," May said in a statement issued late Saturday. "We cannot, as he would, abdicate responsibility for this decision. Parliament has a democratic duty to deliver what the British people voted for." Blair, who was Labour prime minister between 1997 and 2007, on Sunday accused the Conservative leader of being "irresponsible". "The sensible thing is now to allow parliament to vote on each of the forms of Brexit canvassed, including the prime minister's deal," he said in a statement. "If they can't reach agreement then the logical thing is to go back to the people." He added: "What is irresponsible however is to try to steamroller MPs into accepting a deal they genuinely think is a bad one with the threat that if they do not fall into line, the government will have the country crash out (of the EU) without a deal." Blair opposes Brexit and, as May's deal faces opposition on all sides of the House of Commons, he has stepped up calls for the public to vote again. His latest speech on the issue came on Friday, as May was meeting EU leaders in Brussels to discuss how to save the agreement. May has repeatedly ruled out holding a new referendum, saying the result in 2016 was clear. But growing numbers of MPs believe a "people's vote" is the only way to break an impasse that risks Britain leaving the EU on March 29 without any agreement at all. May's chief of staff, Gavin Barwell, was on Sunday forced to deny reports that he was planning for such an outcome. The same reports also said May's effective deputy, David Lidington, was in talks with opposition Labour MPs about a new vote. Lidington replied that he always listened to MPs' views but pointed to recent remarks in parliament where he said a second referendum may not be decisive and could damage confidence in democracy. Separately, Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt suggested Britain could thrive if it left the EU with no deal, and admitted he would like to "have a crack" at May's job. "But I think the first thing is to get us through this challenging next few months and I passionately believe Theresa May is the person to do that," he told the Sunday Telegraph.

Britain's May clashes with Blair over Brexit

Britain's exit from the European Union was heading for an impasse, one senior minister said on Saturday, after a week in which Prime Minister Theresa May failed to win EU assurances on her deal and pulled a vote because UK lawmakers would defeat it.

With just over 100 days until Britain leaves the bloc on March 29, Brexit remains up in the air with growing calls for a no-deal exit, a potentially disorderly divorce that business fears would be highly damaging, or for a second referendum.

May pulled a vote on her deal on Monday after acknowledging it would be heavily defeated over concerns about the "backstop", an insurance policy designed to avoid any hard land border for Ireland but which critics say could bind Britain to EU rules indefinitely.

Two days later, she survived a plot to oust her from her those in her own party who support a hardline Brexit, showing the level of opposition she faced.

May herself has acknowledged that Britain's parliament appears deadlocked with no clear support for any option, with the small Northern Irish party that props up her government leading the criticism of her deal.

"Brexit is in danger of getting stuck – and that is something that should worry us all," pensions minister Amber Rudd wrote in Saturday's Daily Mail newspaper.

"If MPs (lawmakers) dig in against the prime minister’s deal and then hunker down in their different corners, none with a majority, the country will face serious trouble."

At a summit in Brussels, May's attempts to get legal assurances from the EU that the Irish backstop would only be a temporary measure was rebuffed with the bloc's other 27 leaders saying they would not renegotiate the treaty.

However, May insisted at the summit's conclusion on Friday that further clarification was still possible with German Chancellor Angela Merkel saying: "We want to be helpful".

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said parliament could still rally behind May's agreement with additional assurances and said such clarifications were likely because EU countries knew no deal would be a disaster for them.

"When the dust has settled, the only way we're going to get this through the House of Commons ... is to have a version of the deal that the government has negotiated," Hunt told BBC radio. "I don't think the EU could be remotely sure that if we don't find a way through this we wouldn't end up with no deal."

Ministers divided

However, the Times newspaper reported on Saturday that most of May's ministers thought her deal was dead and were divided over the way forward.

Some were reluctantly leaning towards a second referendum, others favoured a closer, Norway-style relationship and a number, including Hunt, were willing to leave with no deal, the paper said.

One senior minister told Reuters on Friday that the risk of a "managed" no-deal Brexit was rising as was the likelihood of a second vote on EU membership.

"We are not ready for no deal, the public is not ready for no deal," said the minister, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "There is no plan B, at least, not that will get the support of the House (of Commons)."

Rudd said a no-deal scenario "mustn't be allowed to happen" and urged lawmakers from all parties come together to stop it.

"We need to try something different. Something that people do in the real world all the time, but which seems so alien in our political culture – to engage with others," she said.

"We need to acknowledge the risk that parliament could spend the next precious few months debating about preferred solutions and end up with no compromise, no agreement and no deal."

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, a leading pro-EU advocate, said on Friday a second Brexit referendum was now the most likely outcome to break the stalemate, a view shared by ardent Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, former leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP).

"We're actually becoming more divided on this subject than perhaps we were two-and-a-half years ago and that's why I think a second referendum gets closer," Farage told BBC TV. "I hate the thought of it, but I tell you what, I'm going to spend every minute getting ready for it."

Britain's exit from the European Union was heading for an impasse, one senior minister said on Saturday, after a week in which Prime Minister Theresa May failed to win EU assurances on her deal and pulled a vote because UK lawmakers would defeat it.

Britain's exit from the European Union was heading for an impasse, one senior minister said on Saturday, after a week in which Prime Minister Theresa May failed to win EU assurances on her deal and pulled a vote because UK lawmakers would defeat it. With just over 100 days until Britain leaves the bloc on March 29, Brexit remains up in the air with growing calls for a no-deal exit, a potentially disorderly divorce that business fears would be highly damaging, or for a second referendum. May pulled a vote on her deal on Monday after acknowledging it would be heavily defeated over concerns about the "backstop", an insurance policy designed to avoid any hard land border for Ireland but which critics say could bind Britain to EU rules indefinitely. Two days later, she survived a plot to oust her from her those in her own party who support a hardline Brexit, showing the level of opposition she faced. May herself has acknowledged that Britain's parliament appears deadlocked with no clear support for any option, with the small Northern Irish party that props up her government leading the criticism of her deal. "Brexit is in danger of getting stuck – and that is something that should worry us all," pensions minister Amber Rudd wrote in Saturday's Daily Mail newspaper. "If MPs (lawmakers) dig in against the prime minister’s deal and then hunker down in their different corners, none with a majority, the country will face serious trouble." At a summit in Brussels, May's attempts to get legal assurances from the EU that the Irish backstop would only be a temporary measure was rebuffed with the bloc's other 27 leaders saying they would not renegotiate the treaty. However, May insisted at the summit's conclusion on Friday that further clarification was still possible with German Chancellor Angela Merkel saying: "We want to be helpful". Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said parliament could still rally behind May's agreement with additional assurances and said such clarifications were likely because EU countries knew no deal would be a disaster for them. "When the dust has settled, the only way we're going to get this through the House of Commons ... is to have a version of the deal that the government has negotiated," Hunt told BBC radio. "I don't think the EU could be remotely sure that if we don't find a way through this we wouldn't end up with no deal." Ministers divided However, the Times newspaper reported on Saturday that most of May's ministers thought her deal was dead and were divided over the way forward. Some were reluctantly leaning towards a second referendum, others favoured a closer, Norway-style relationship and a number, including Hunt, were willing to leave with no deal, the paper said. One senior minister told Reuters on Friday that the risk of a "managed" no-deal Brexit was rising as was the likelihood of a second vote on EU membership. "We are not ready for no deal, the public is not ready for no deal," said the minister, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "There is no plan B, at least, not that will get the support of the House (of Commons)." Rudd said a no-deal scenario "mustn't be allowed to happen" and urged lawmakers from all parties come together to stop it. "We need to try something different. Something that people do in the real world all the time, but which seems so alien in our political culture – to engage with others," she said. "We need to acknowledge the risk that parliament could spend the next precious few months debating about preferred solutions and end up with no compromise, no agreement and no deal." Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, a leading pro-EU advocate, said on Friday a second Brexit referendum was now the most likely outcome to break the stalemate, a view shared by ardent Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, former leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP). "We're actually becoming more divided on this subject than perhaps we were two-and-a-half years ago and that's why I think a second referendum gets closer," Farage told BBC TV. "I hate the thought of it, but I tell you what, I'm going to spend every minute getting ready for it."

British minister warns Brexit is stuck as no-deal or referendum loom

Foreign Secretary c said on Saturday that the British parliament could back Prime Minister Theresa May's deal if lawmakers received assurances from the European Union, but warned that a no deal Brexit was still on the table.

May pulled a vote on her deal this week after acknowledging it would be heavily defeated over concerns about the divorce agreement's "backstop", an insurance policy designed to avoid any hard land border for Ireland but which critics say could bind Britain to EU rules indefinitely.

"When the dust has settled, the only way we're going to get this through the House of Commons ... is to have a version of the deal that the government has negotiated," Hunt told BBC radio.

Following a summit in Brussels on Friday, May said it was possible that the EU could give further guarantees that the backstop would be temporary although the bloc's other 27 leaders told her they would not renegotiate the treaty.

Hunt said the EU was likely to make concessions to avoid Britain leaving without any deal, a scenario that both sides say would be highly damaging for business and their economies.

"The EU cannot be sure that if they choose not to be helpful and flexible ... that we would not end up with no deal," Hunt said. "We cannot in these negotiations take no deal off the table. I don't think the EU could be remotely sure that if we don't find a way through this we wouldn't end up with no deal."

The Times newspaper reported on Saturday that most of May's senior ministerial team thought her deal was dead and were discussing a range of options including a second referendum.

"Brexit is in danger of getting stuck – and that is something that should worry us all," pensions minister Amber Rudd wrote in the Daily Mail newspaper.

"If MPs (lawmakers) dig in against the Prime Minister’s deal and then hunker down in their different corners, none with a majority, the country will face serious trouble."

Foreign Secretary c said on Saturday that the British parliament could back Prime Minister Theresa May's deal if lawmakers received assurances from the European Union, but warned that a no deal Brexit was still on the table.

Foreign Secretary c said on Saturday that the British parliament could back Prime Minister Theresa May's deal if lawmakers received assurances from the European Union, but warned that a no deal Brexit was still on the table. May pulled a vote on her deal this week after acknowledging it would be heavily defeated over concerns about the divorce agreement's "backstop", an insurance policy designed to avoid any hard land border for Ireland but which critics say could bind Britain to EU rules indefinitely. "When the dust has settled, the only way we're going to get this through the House of Commons ... is to have a version of the deal that the government has negotiated," Hunt told BBC radio. Following a summit in Brussels on Friday, May said it was possible that the EU could give further guarantees that the backstop would be temporary although the bloc's other 27 leaders told her they would not renegotiate the treaty. Hunt said the EU was likely to make concessions to avoid Britain leaving without any deal, a scenario that both sides say would be highly damaging for business and their economies. "The EU cannot be sure that if they choose not to be helpful and flexible ... that we would not end up with no deal," Hunt said. "We cannot in these negotiations take no deal off the table. I don't think the EU could be remotely sure that if we don't find a way through this we wouldn't end up with no deal." The Times newspaper reported on Saturday that most of May's senior ministerial team thought her deal was dead and were discussing a range of options including a second referendum. "Brexit is in danger of getting stuck – and that is something that should worry us all," pensions minister Amber Rudd wrote in the Daily Mail newspaper. "If MPs (lawmakers) dig in against the Prime Minister’s deal and then hunker down in their different corners, none with a majority, the country will face serious trouble."

Britain's Hunt says version of PM May's deal can get through parliament

The European Court of Justice ruled Monday that Britain could halt withdrawal from the EU without seeking the approval of fellow member states, in a victory for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-through-london-in-support-of-brexit-ahead-of-crucial-vote-182758">anti-Brexit campaigners</a>.

"The United Kingdom is free to revoke unilaterally the notification of its intention to withdraw from the EU," the European Court of Justice said, in response to a suit from a group of Scottish politicians.

"Such a revocation, decided in accordance with its own national constitutional requirements, would have the effect that the United Kingdom remains in the EU under terms that are unchanged as regards its status as a member State," the court ruled.

Following a 2016 referendum, Britain declared its intention to quit the European Union on March 29 last year, triggering the "Article 50" EU treaty procedure that would see it definitively leave two years later, on the same date next year.

British Prime Minister Theresa May's government insists it has no intention of halting the process and has agreed a draft withdrawal agreement with the 27 remaining member states.

The withdrawal agreement is expected to go before the British parliament for approval on Tuesday.

If, as appears likely, it is rejected it would raise fears that Britain could crash out of the union on March 29 without a deal or that it could revoke or postpone Brexit in order to hold another referendum.

The court's ruling will be welcomed by campaigners for a second referendum, but May's government insists it has no intention of reversing course, whatever the court in Luxembourg might say.

"We don't want to stay in the EU. We voted very clearly," Environment Secretary Michael Gove, an influential cabinet Brexiteer, told BBC radio.

"This case is all very well but it doesn't alter either the result of the referendum or the clear intention of the government to leave.

"It's the intent of the government to honour that referendum mandate."

The European Court of Justice ruled Monday that Britain could halt withdrawal from the EU without seeking the approval of fellow member states, in a victory for anti-Brexit campaigners.

The European Court of Justice ruled Monday that Britain could halt withdrawal from the EU without seeking the approval of fellow member states, in a victory for anti-Brexit campaigners. "The United Kingdom is free to revoke unilaterally the notification of its intention to withdraw from the EU," the European Court of Justice said, in response to a suit from a group of Scottish politicians. "Such a revocation, decided in accordance with its own national constitutional requirements, would have the effect that the United Kingdom remains in the EU under terms that are unchanged as regards its status as a member State," the court ruled. Following a 2016 referendum, Britain declared its intention to quit the European Union on March 29 last year, triggering the "Article 50" EU treaty procedure that would see it definitively leave two years later, on the same date next year. British Prime Minister Theresa May's government insists it has no intention of halting the process and has agreed a draft withdrawal agreement with the 27 remaining member states. The withdrawal agreement is expected to go before the British parliament for approval on Tuesday. If, as appears likely, it is rejected it would raise fears that Britain could crash out of the union on March 29 without a deal or that it could revoke or postpone Brexit in order to hold another referendum. The court's ruling will be welcomed by campaigners for a second referendum, but May's government insists it has no intention of reversing course, whatever the court in Luxembourg might say. "We don't want to stay in the EU. We voted very clearly," Environment Secretary Michael Gove, an influential cabinet Brexiteer, told BBC radio. "This case is all very well but it doesn't alter either the result of the referendum or the clear intention of the government to leave. "It's the intent of the government to honour that referendum mandate."

EU Court rules Britain can revoke Brexit unilaterally

Prime Minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-uk-government-found-in-contempt-of-parliament-181525"> Theresa May’s Brexit deal</a> came under fire from allies and opponents alike on Wednesday after the government was forced to publish legal advice showing the United Kingdom could be locked indefinitely in the European Union's orbit.

After a string of humiliating parliamentary defeats for May the day before cast new doubt over her ability to get a deal approved, US&nbsp;investment bank JP Morgan said the chances of Britain calling off Brexit altogether had increased.

As investors and allies tried to work out the ultimate destination for the world's fifth largest economy, the Northern Irish party which props up May's government said legal advice about the deal was "devastating".

May was forced by parliament to publish advice from the government's top lawyer about the fallback mechanism, or backstop, to prevent the return of border controls between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the EU-member Irish Republic.

"Despite statements in the Protocol that it is not intended to be permanent and the clear intention of the parties that it should be replaced by alternative, permanent arrangements, in international law the Protocol would endure indefinitely until a superseding agreement took its place," the advice said.

"In the absence of a right of termination, there is a legal risk that the United Kingdom might become subject to protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations."

Brexit, the United Kingdom's biggest economic and political shift since World War Two, has repeatedly plunged British politics into crisis since the shock 2016 vote to leave the EU.

Now May is trying to get her deal approved by a parliament which shows every sign of striking it down in a vote on December 11. It is unclear what happens if the deal is rejected as Britain is due to leave on March 29.

Nigel Dodds, the deputy leader of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, said the legal advice proved that Northern Ireland would be treated differently to the rest of the United Kingdom.

BREXIT REVERSED?

On Tuesday, just hours before the start of a five-day debate in the British parliament on May's Brexit deal, a top law official at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) said Britain could pull back its formal divorce notice.

"The UK now appears to have the option of revoking unilaterally and taking a period of time of its own choosing to decide what happens next," JP&nbsp;Morgan economist Malcolm Barr wrote in a note to clients.

He placed a 10 per cent probability on a no-deal Brexit, down from 20 per cent, and a 50 per cent probability on an orderly Brexit, down from 60 per cent. The chance of no Brexit at all doubled to 40 per cent from 20 per cent, in a sign of perhaps the biggest shift in perception since the 2016 vote to leave.

Britain's pro-Brexit trade minister Liam Fox said it was now possible that Brexit would not happen. There was a real danger that parliament would try to "steal" Brexit from the British people, Fox told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday.

Sterling, which has see-sawed on Brexit news since the referendum, traded well off the 17-month lows it hit on Tuesday, lifted by suggestions that Britain may opt not to leave the European Union after all.

In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 52 per cent, backed Brexit while 16.1 million, or 48 per cent, backed staying in the bloc.

If parliament rejects her deal, May has warned Britain could leave without a deal or that there could be no Brexit at all.

Supporters of Brexit have said that if Brexit is reversed, the United Kingdom will be thrust into a constitutional crisis as what they say the financial and political elite will have thwarted the democratic will of the people.

While May's Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party both say they respect the 2016 vote to leave, a growing number of backbench lawmakers say the only solution may be a new referendum giving voters an option to stay in the EU.

If the deal is voted down, some members of parliament from both main parties have said they would act to stop a Brexit with no agreement, which business chiefs and investors fear would weaken the West, spook financial markets and block trade.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal came under fire from allies and opponents alike on Wednesday after the government was forced to publish legal advice showing the United Kingdom could be locked indefinitely in the European Union's orbit.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal came under fire from allies and opponents alike on Wednesday after the government was forced to publish legal advice showing the United Kingdom could be locked indefinitely in the European Union's orbit. After a string of humiliating parliamentary defeats for May the day before cast new doubt over her ability to get a deal approved, US investment bank JP Morgan said the chances of Britain calling off Brexit altogether had increased. As investors and allies tried to work out the ultimate destination for the world's fifth largest economy, the Northern Irish party which props up May's government said legal advice about the deal was "devastating". May was forced by parliament to publish advice from the government's top lawyer about the fallback mechanism, or backstop, to prevent the return of border controls between British-ruled Northern Ireland and the EU-member Irish Republic. "Despite statements in the Protocol that it is not intended to be permanent and the clear intention of the parties that it should be replaced by alternative, permanent arrangements, in international law the Protocol would endure indefinitely until a superseding agreement took its place," the advice said. "In the absence of a right of termination, there is a legal risk that the United Kingdom might become subject to protracted and repeating rounds of negotiations." Brexit, the United Kingdom's biggest economic and political shift since World War Two, has repeatedly plunged British politics into crisis since the shock 2016 vote to leave the EU. Now May is trying to get her deal approved by a parliament which shows every sign of striking it down in a vote on December 11. It is unclear what happens if the deal is rejected as Britain is due to leave on March 29. Nigel Dodds, the deputy leader of the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party, said the legal advice proved that Northern Ireland would be treated differently to the rest of the United Kingdom. BREXIT REVERSED? On Tuesday, just hours before the start of a five-day debate in the British parliament on May's Brexit deal, a top law official at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) said Britain could pull back its formal divorce notice. "The UK now appears to have the option of revoking unilaterally and taking a period of time of its own choosing to decide what happens next," JP Morgan economist Malcolm Barr wrote in a note to clients. He placed a 10 per cent probability on a no-deal Brexit, down from 20 per cent, and a 50 per cent probability on an orderly Brexit, down from 60 per cent. The chance of no Brexit at all doubled to 40 per cent from 20 per cent, in a sign of perhaps the biggest shift in perception since the 2016 vote to leave. Britain's pro-Brexit trade minister Liam Fox said it was now possible that Brexit would not happen. There was a real danger that parliament would try to "steal" Brexit from the British people, Fox told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday. Sterling, which has see-sawed on Brexit news since the referendum, traded well off the 17-month lows it hit on Tuesday, lifted by suggestions that Britain may opt not to leave the European Union after all. In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 52 per cent, backed Brexit while 16.1 million, or 48 per cent, backed staying in the bloc. If parliament rejects her deal, May has warned Britain could leave without a deal or that there could be no Brexit at all. Supporters of Brexit have said that if Brexit is reversed, the United Kingdom will be thrust into a constitutional crisis as what they say the financial and political elite will have thwarted the democratic will of the people. While May's Conservatives and the main opposition Labour Party both say they respect the 2016 vote to leave, a growing number of backbench lawmakers say the only solution may be a new referendum giving voters an option to stay in the EU. If the deal is voted down, some members of parliament from both main parties have said they would act to stop a Brexit with no agreement, which business chiefs and investors fear would weaken the West, spook financial markets and block trade.

May's Brexit deal under fire as legal advice stiffens opposition

*By Anne Cleary

The environmental movement is shifting away from focusing solely on raising awareness about environmental issues. Many environmental agencies and organisations now also aim to connect people with nature, and our new research suggests daily doses of urban nature may be the key to this for the majority who live in cities.

Every year in the United Kingdom the Wildlife Trusts run the 30 Days Wild campaign. This encourages people to carry out a daily “random act of wildness” for the month of June. The International Union for Conservation of Nature recently launched its #NatureForAll program, which aims to inspire a love of nature.

This shift in focus is starting to appear in environmental policy. For example, the UK’s recent 25-year environment plan identifies connecting people with the environment as one of its six key areas. Similarly, in Australia, the state of Victoria’s Biodiversity 2037 plan aims to connect all Victorians to nature as one of two overarching objectives.

The thinking behind such efforts is simple: connecting people to nature will motivate them to act in ways that protect and care for nature. Evidence does suggest that people who have a high nature connection are likely to display pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours.

Looking beyond the park

What is less clear is how to enhance an individual’s nature connection – that is feeling that they are a part of nature. Over half of all people globally, and nine out of ten people in Australia, live in urban environments. This reduces their opportunities to experience and connect with nature.

Our new study may offer some answers. A survey of Brisbane residents showed that people who experienced nature during childhood or had regular contact with nature in their home and suburb were more likely to report feeling connected with nature.

The study used a broad definition of urban nature to include all the plants and animals that live in a city. When looking to connect urban residents with local nature we need to take a broad view and look “beyond the park”. All aspects of nature in the city offer a potential opportunity for people to experience nature and develop their sense of connection to it.

The study also looked at the relationship between childhood and adult nature experiences. Results suggest that people who lack childhood experience of nature can still come to have a high sense of nature connection by experiencing nature as an adult.

There have been focused efforts on connecting children to nature, such as the Forest Schools and Nature Play programs. Equal effort should be given to promoting adult nature experiences and nature connection, particularly for people who lack such experiences.

The benefits of nature experience

We still have much to discover about how an individual’s nature connection is shaped. We need a better understanding of how people from diverse cultural and social contexts experience and connect to different types of nature. That said, we are starting to understand the important role that frequent local experiences of nature may play.

In addition to boosting people’s sense of nature connection, daily doses of urban nature deliver the benefits of improved physical, mental and social wellbeing. A growing evidence base is showing that exposure to nature, particularly in urban environments, can lead to healthier and happier city dwellers.

Robert Dunn and colleagues have already advocated for the importance of urban nature experiences as a way to bolster city residents’ support for conservation. They described the “pigeon paradox” whereby experiencing urban nature, which is often of low ecological value – such as interactions with non-native species – may have wider environmental benefits through people behaving in more environmentally conscious ways. They proposed that the future of conservation depended on city residents’ ability to experience urban nature.

As new evidence emerges we need to build on this thinking. It would seem that the future of our very connection to nature, our wellbeing and conservation depend on urban people’s ability to experience urban nature.

*Anne Cleary is a Research Fellow, School of Medicine at the Griffith University.

(This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com/ca">The Conversation</a>. Read the&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-daily-doses-of-nature-in-the-city-matter-for-people-and-the-planet-106918">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

*By Anne Cleary The environmental movement is shifting away from focusing solely on raising awareness about environmental issues. Many environmental agencies and organisations now also aim to connect people with nature, and our new research suggests daily doses of urban nature may be the key to this for the majority who live in cities.

*By Anne Cleary The environmental movement is shifting away from focusing solely on raising awareness about environmental issues. Many environmental agencies and organisations now also aim to connect people with nature, and our new research suggests daily doses of urban nature may be the key to this for the majority who live in cities. Every year in the United Kingdom the Wildlife Trusts run the 30 Days Wild campaign. This encourages people to carry out a daily “random act of wildness” for the month of June. The International Union for Conservation of Nature recently launched its #NatureForAll program, which aims to inspire a love of nature. This shift in focus is starting to appear in environmental policy. For example, the UK’s recent 25-year environment plan identifies connecting people with the environment as one of its six key areas. Similarly, in Australia, the state of Victoria’s Biodiversity 2037 plan aims to connect all Victorians to nature as one of two overarching objectives. The thinking behind such efforts is simple: connecting people to nature will motivate them to act in ways that protect and care for nature. Evidence does suggest that people who have a high nature connection are likely to display pro-environmental attitudes and behaviours. Looking beyond the park What is less clear is how to enhance an individual’s nature connection – that is feeling that they are a part of nature. Over half of all people globally, and nine out of ten people in Australia, live in urban environments. This reduces their opportunities to experience and connect with nature. Our new study may offer some answers. A survey of Brisbane residents showed that people who experienced nature during childhood or had regular contact with nature in their home and suburb were more likely to report feeling connected with nature. The study used a broad definition of urban nature to include all the plants and animals that live in a city. When looking to connect urban residents with local nature we need to take a broad view and look “beyond the park”. All aspects of nature in the city offer a potential opportunity for people to experience nature and develop their sense of connection to it. The study also looked at the relationship between childhood and adult nature experiences. Results suggest that people who lack childhood experience of nature can still come to have a high sense of nature connection by experiencing nature as an adult. There have been focused efforts on connecting children to nature, such as the Forest Schools and Nature Play programs. Equal effort should be given to promoting adult nature experiences and nature connection, particularly for people who lack such experiences. The benefits of nature experience We still have much to discover about how an individual’s nature connection is shaped. We need a better understanding of how people from diverse cultural and social contexts experience and connect to different types of nature. That said, we are starting to understand the important role that frequent local experiences of nature may play. In addition to boosting people’s sense of nature connection, daily doses of urban nature deliver the benefits of improved physical, mental and social wellbeing. A growing evidence base is showing that exposure to nature, particularly in urban environments, can lead to healthier and happier city dwellers. Robert Dunn and colleagues have already advocated for the importance of urban nature experiences as a way to bolster city residents’ support for conservation. They described the “pigeon paradox” whereby experiencing urban nature, which is often of low ecological value – such as interactions with non-native species – may have wider environmental benefits through people behaving in more environmentally conscious ways. They proposed that the future of conservation depended on city residents’ ability to experience urban nature. As new evidence emerges we need to build on this thinking. It would seem that the future of our very connection to nature, our wellbeing and conservation depend on urban people’s ability to experience urban nature. *Anne Cleary is a Research Fellow, School of Medicine at the Griffith University. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why daily doses of nature in the city matter for people and the planet

The India-Britain partnership will remain strong irrespective of the direction the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/no-deal-brexit-could-cost-uk-economy-93-of-gdp-over-15-years-govt-180049">ongoing Brexit </a>negotiations take, India's new High Commissioner to the UK, Ruchi Ghanshayam, has said.

In one of her first addresses on the bilateral partnership since taking charge at the Indian High Commission in London last week, Ghanshayam told a gathering organised by the Indian Professionals Forum (IPF) at Chatham House that it was important that familiarity does not lead to&nbsp; 
complacency in the relationship.

"The India-UK partnership is very old, it has stood the test of time and whatever happens to this Brexit process, whichever way it turns out, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that India and the UK will remain, important partners," she said in her keynote address on the topic of 'Indo-UK Collaboration: Opportunities and Challenges'.

The UK is set to exit the European Union on March 29, 2019. Lawmakers will debate Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in Parliament on December 11.

"The relationship is both special and deep. One of our greatest strengths is familiarity with one another. But the risk of familiarity is that we must guard against complacency. We must remain conscious of the need not to be complacent," the Indian envoy said.

The IPF, a non-profit think tank for Indian diaspora-related policy advocacy and a members' club launched last year, followed up the keynote address with a focus on the prospects of India-UK collaboration in the health care sector.

"We see considerable potential in the area of health, with some parallels being drawn between the Ayushman Bharat programme and the UK's National Health Service (NHS). We want to reflect on how India and the UK can collaborate on health care policy and provision," said IPF founder and president Mohan Kaul.

A range of panellists from the sector highlighted areas such as affordability, availability and accessibility as the focal points of the collaboration.&nbsp;

The India-Britain partnership will remain strong irrespective of the direction the ongoing Brexit negotiations take, India's new High Commissioner to the UK, Ruchi Ghanshayam, has said.

The India-Britain partnership will remain strong irrespective of the direction the ongoing Brexit negotiations take, India's new High Commissioner to the UK, Ruchi Ghanshayam, has said. In one of her first addresses on the bilateral partnership since taking charge at the Indian High Commission in London last week, Ghanshayam told a gathering organised by the Indian Professionals Forum (IPF) at Chatham House that it was important that familiarity does not lead to complacency in the relationship. "The India-UK partnership is very old, it has stood the test of time and whatever happens to this Brexit process, whichever way it turns out, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that India and the UK will remain, important partners," she said in her keynote address on the topic of 'Indo-UK Collaboration: Opportunities and Challenges'. The UK is set to exit the European Union on March 29, 2019. Lawmakers will debate Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in Parliament on December 11. "The relationship is both special and deep. One of our greatest strengths is familiarity with one another. But the risk of familiarity is that we must guard against complacency. We must remain conscious of the need not to be complacent," the Indian envoy said. The IPF, a non-profit think tank for Indian diaspora-related policy advocacy and a members' club launched last year, followed up the keynote address with a focus on the prospects of India-UK collaboration in the health care sector. "We see considerable potential in the area of health, with some parallels being drawn between the Ayushman Bharat programme and the UK's National Health Service (NHS). We want to reflect on how India and the UK can collaborate on health care policy and provision," said IPF founder and president Mohan Kaul. A range of panellists from the sector highlighted areas such as affordability, availability and accessibility as the focal points of the collaboration.

India, UK to remain important partners post-Brexit: Indian envoy

Opposition to a draft Brexit deal due to be approved by EU leaders will dominate a conference on Saturday of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Northern Irish party whose support is vital to Prime Minister Theresa May's government and Brexit plans.

Britain's former foreign minister Boris Johnson, a staunch critic of the deal, will be attending -- along with Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, which is at the heart of a row that could also undermine Sunday's EU summit.

The DUP has propped up Prime Minister Theresa May's government ever since an election in 2017 in which her Conservatives lost their majority and were forced to turn to the right-wingers for help.

But that support is hanging by a thread over the party's opposition to May's draft deal with the European Union, which it believes will lead to a different economic status for the British province compared to the mainland.

All eyes will therefore be on Belfast for the party's annual meeting, where British finance minister Philip Hammond, who backs May's deal, is also expected, highlighting the central role the DUP now plays.

Seeds of divergence

Party leader Arlene Foster will insist that the government "must implement the referendum result of 2016" and "we must leave as one nation," according to extracts released by the party.

Foster will tell May that the draft agreement "fails her own key commitments" but will hold off on withdrawing the party's support for her, according to the extracts.

"As things stand we would be sowing the seeds of inevitable economic divergence from our largest market," she will add, while paying tribute to May's "determined efforts" in more conciliatory comments.

The DUP is in favour of British rule in Northern Ireland, and fears that any weakening of the bonds with the rest of the country could increase the chances of a unified Ireland.

It has fought bitterly to prevent that happening, with its hardline tactics forged in the decades-long Troubles, which came to an end with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Johnson is also at odds with his Conservative Party boss May, and shares the DUP's dissatisfaction with the Brexit deal, with both promising to vote it down if and when the agreement comes to parliament next month as expected.

The DUP's 10 MPs have been ferocious opponents to the "backstop" clause struck by British and EU negotiators to act as a legal guarantee for keeping the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland open.

May courts business

May met with Northern Ireland business leaders on Thursday in an effort to put pressure on the DUP to support the deal.

After the meeting, business boss Stephen Kelly from Northern Ireland Manufacturing, a lobby, said he hoped "that not just the DUP but all parties" would support the deal.

The party campaigned in favour of Brexit but is also faced with public concern in Northern Ireland about the prospect of a reimposition of a hard border.

The self-styled "Christian fundamentalist" party has softened its fiery anti-Catholicism and other harsh stances since it was founded by Protestant evangelical minister Ian Paisley in 1971.

But it still holds tight to what critics call its puritanical views, particularly on social issues such as abortion.

£1 billion for deal

The party was thrust into the spotlight after May's disastrous performance in last year's general election, when she was forced to seek their help to form a government.

The agreement came at the price of a promise of £1.0 billion (1.1 billion euros, $1.3 billion) in extra funding for Northern Ireland -- around half of which has been disbursed.

Its influence has prompted warnings that a disrupted balance of power in Belfast could harm the delicate peace struck after decades of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland.

Irish republicans Sinn Fein have blamed the London power deal for the failure to restart a power-sharing executive with the DUP in Northern Ireland.

That arrangement collapsed in January 2017 because of a row over Foster's handling of a botched renewable heating funding scheme.

Opposition to a draft Brexit deal due to be approved by EU leaders will dominate a conference on Saturday of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Northern Irish party whose support is vital to Prime Minister Theresa May's government and Brexit plans.

Opposition to a draft Brexit deal due to be approved by EU leaders will dominate a conference on Saturday of the Democratic Unionist Party, the Northern Irish party whose support is vital to Prime Minister Theresa May's government and Brexit plans. Britain's former foreign minister Boris Johnson, a staunch critic of the deal, will be attending -- along with Fabian Picardo, Chief Minister of Gibraltar, which is at the heart of a row that could also undermine Sunday's EU summit. The DUP has propped up Prime Minister Theresa May's government ever since an election in 2017 in which her Conservatives lost their majority and were forced to turn to the right-wingers for help. But that support is hanging by a thread over the party's opposition to May's draft deal with the European Union, which it believes will lead to a different economic status for the British province compared to the mainland. All eyes will therefore be on Belfast for the party's annual meeting, where British finance minister Philip Hammond, who backs May's deal, is also expected, highlighting the central role the DUP now plays. Seeds of divergence Party leader Arlene Foster will insist that the government "must implement the referendum result of 2016" and "we must leave as one nation," according to extracts released by the party. Foster will tell May that the draft agreement "fails her own key commitments" but will hold off on withdrawing the party's support for her, according to the extracts. "As things stand we would be sowing the seeds of inevitable economic divergence from our largest market," she will add, while paying tribute to May's "determined efforts" in more conciliatory comments. The DUP is in favour of British rule in Northern Ireland, and fears that any weakening of the bonds with the rest of the country could increase the chances of a unified Ireland. It has fought bitterly to prevent that happening, with its hardline tactics forged in the decades-long Troubles, which came to an end with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Johnson is also at odds with his Conservative Party boss May, and shares the DUP's dissatisfaction with the Brexit deal, with both promising to vote it down if and when the agreement comes to parliament next month as expected. The DUP's 10 MPs have been ferocious opponents to the "backstop" clause struck by British and EU negotiators to act as a legal guarantee for keeping the border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland open. May courts business May met with Northern Ireland business leaders on Thursday in an effort to put pressure on the DUP to support the deal. After the meeting, business boss Stephen Kelly from Northern Ireland Manufacturing, a lobby, said he hoped "that not just the DUP but all parties" would support the deal. The party campaigned in favour of Brexit but is also faced with public concern in Northern Ireland about the prospect of a reimposition of a hard border. The self-styled "Christian fundamentalist" party has softened its fiery anti-Catholicism and other harsh stances since it was founded by Protestant evangelical minister Ian Paisley in 1971. But it still holds tight to what critics call its puritanical views, particularly on social issues such as abortion. £1 billion for deal The party was thrust into the spotlight after May's disastrous performance in last year's general election, when she was forced to seek their help to form a government. The agreement came at the price of a promise of £1.0 billion (1.1 billion euros, $1.3 billion) in extra funding for Northern Ireland -- around half of which has been disbursed. Its influence has prompted warnings that a disrupted balance of power in Belfast could harm the delicate peace struck after decades of sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. Irish republicans Sinn Fein have blamed the London power deal for the failure to restart a power-sharing executive with the DUP in Northern Ireland. That arrangement collapsed in January 2017 because of a row over Foster's handling of a botched renewable heating funding scheme.

Brexit deal critics gather in Belfast on eve of EU summit

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday won support from big business for her draft Brexit deal ahead of "intense negotiations" with Brussels in the coming week.

May told the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the UK's main business lobby group, that she was "determined to deliver" her Brexit deal as she prepares for Sunday's European Council summit to sign Britain's divorce papers.

"We now have an intense week of negotiations ahead of us," she told some 1,000 business leaders at the CBI annual conference in central London.

"During that time I expect us to hammer out the full and final details of the framework that will underpin our future relationship.

"I am confident that we can strike a deal at the Council that I can take back to the House of Commons."

The embattled premier, whose cabinet grudgingly approved her EU divorce draft last week, faces an uphill challenge to pass her deal through a sceptical parliament.

She admitted that the final phase "was always going to be the toughest."

The Brussels negotiations will finalise a parallel political declaration setting out a road-map for post-Brexit negotiations on future EU-UK ties.

'Step back from cliff-edge'

CBI chief Carolyn Fairbairn gave qualified support for May's draft deal, telling the conference that "it is not perfect, it is a compromise, but it is hard-won progress."

She earlier said that the deal would move Britain "one step away from the nightmare precipice of no deal.

"It offers that essential transitional period as a step back from the cliff-edge," she said.

Responding to reports that EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had raised the prospect of extending the transition deal until the end of 2022, May said it was "important that we are out of the implementation period by the next general election", scheduled for May 2022.

Addressing the issue of immigration, a concern for many businesses who fear they will face skills gaps after Brexit, May promised to introduce "more streamlined application processes" that will "attract the brightest and the best from around the world".

"But the difference will be this: once we have left the EU, we will be fully in control of who comes here," she said.

"It will no longer be the case that EU nationals, regardless of the skills or experience they have to offer, can jump the queue ahead of engineers from Sydney or software developers from Delhi."

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday won support from big business for her draft Brexit deal ahead of "intense negotiations" with Brussels in the coming week.

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday won support from big business for her draft Brexit deal ahead of "intense negotiations" with Brussels in the coming week. May told the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the UK's main business lobby group, that she was "determined to deliver" her Brexit deal as she prepares for Sunday's European Council summit to sign Britain's divorce papers. "We now have an intense week of negotiations ahead of us," she told some 1,000 business leaders at the CBI annual conference in central London. "During that time I expect us to hammer out the full and final details of the framework that will underpin our future relationship. "I am confident that we can strike a deal at the Council that I can take back to the House of Commons." The embattled premier, whose cabinet grudgingly approved her EU divorce draft last week, faces an uphill challenge to pass her deal through a sceptical parliament. She admitted that the final phase "was always going to be the toughest." The Brussels negotiations will finalise a parallel political declaration setting out a road-map for post-Brexit negotiations on future EU-UK ties. 'Step back from cliff-edge' CBI chief Carolyn Fairbairn gave qualified support for May's draft deal, telling the conference that "it is not perfect, it is a compromise, but it is hard-won progress." She earlier said that the deal would move Britain "one step away from the nightmare precipice of no deal. "It offers that essential transitional period as a step back from the cliff-edge," she said. Responding to reports that EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier had raised the prospect of extending the transition deal until the end of 2022, May said it was "important that we are out of the implementation period by the next general election", scheduled for May 2022. Addressing the issue of immigration, a concern for many businesses who fear they will face skills gaps after Brexit, May promised to introduce "more streamlined application processes" that will "attract the brightest and the best from around the world". "But the difference will be this: once we have left the EU, we will be fully in control of who comes here," she said. "It will no longer be the case that EU nationals, regardless of the skills or experience they have to offer, can jump the queue ahead of engineers from Sydney or software developers from Delhi."

Theresa May wins business support for draft Brexit deal

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

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

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

UK PM May takes Brexit deal to cabinet as MPs revolt

An emergency European Union summit to sign off the Brexit deal between London and Brussels could take place on November 25, Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Wednesday.

If British Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet agrees to the deal, then the EU could publish a text later Wednesday "with the probability of an EU council on 25 November," he told Irish lawmakers.

British Prime Minister Theresa May defended her anguished divorce deal with the European Union before rowdy lawmakers on Wednesday before trying to win the backing of her splintered cabinet.

On one of the biggest days of her political career and with the fate of her government at stake, a determined and composed May told parliament she had secured the best deal possible for Britain.

"What we have been negotiating is a deal that does deliver on the vote of the British people," she told MPs in her first public comments since EU and UK negotiators finally settled on a draft Tuesday.

The deal "protects jobs, protects the integrity of our United Kingdom and protects the security of people in this country," May said to jeers.

The framework agreement capped a year and a half of complex and bitter negotiations aimed at unwinding nearly 46 years of British EU membership.

Suffering economic uncertainty in the wake of the global financial crisis and fearing an influx of migrants, Britons voted by a 52-48 margin in June 2016 to regain independence from Brussels.

Should May survive a cabinet session that started later on Wednesday in which ministers were expected to either back the framework deal or quit, Britain and the bloc will hold a Brexit summit on November 25.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the date was agreed pending the UK cabinet's approval, which will be followed Wednesday by the draft's publication.

The pound surged following Tuesday's initial announcement, which came just as the EU stepped up preparations for a potentially catastrophic "no deal" breakup on March 29.

But it has since pared some of those gains as the strength of the resistance to May became apparent -- both from those who want a clean break with the bloc and those who want to preserve the alliance.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party who is seeking early elections, called the entire negotiations process "shambolic".

"This government spent two years negotiating a bad deal that will leave the country in an indefinite half-way house," he said.

And Conservative Party MP Peter Bone, a leading pro-Brexit lawmaker, accused May of "not delivering the Brexit people voted for".

"Today you will lose the support of many Conservative MPs and millions of voters," he warned the British leader.

An emergency European Union summit to sign off the Brexit deal between London and Brussels could take place on November 25, Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Wednesday.

An emergency European Union summit to sign off the Brexit deal between London and Brussels could take place on November 25, Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said Wednesday. If British Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet agrees to the deal, then the EU could publish a text later Wednesday "with the probability of an EU council on 25 November," he told Irish lawmakers. British Prime Minister Theresa May defended her anguished divorce deal with the European Union before rowdy lawmakers on Wednesday before trying to win the backing of her splintered cabinet. On one of the biggest days of her political career and with the fate of her government at stake, a determined and composed May told parliament she had secured the best deal possible for Britain. "What we have been negotiating is a deal that does deliver on the vote of the British people," she told MPs in her first public comments since EU and UK negotiators finally settled on a draft Tuesday. The deal "protects jobs, protects the integrity of our United Kingdom and protects the security of people in this country," May said to jeers. The framework agreement capped a year and a half of complex and bitter negotiations aimed at unwinding nearly 46 years of British EU membership. Suffering economic uncertainty in the wake of the global financial crisis and fearing an influx of migrants, Britons voted by a 52-48 margin in June 2016 to regain independence from Brussels. Should May survive a cabinet session that started later on Wednesday in which ministers were expected to either back the framework deal or quit, Britain and the bloc will hold a Brexit summit on November 25. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the date was agreed pending the UK cabinet's approval, which will be followed Wednesday by the draft's publication. The pound surged following Tuesday's initial announcement, which came just as the EU stepped up preparations for a potentially catastrophic "no deal" breakup on March 29. But it has since pared some of those gains as the strength of the resistance to May became apparent -- both from those who want a clean break with the bloc and those who want to preserve the alliance. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party who is seeking early elections, called the entire negotiations process "shambolic". "This government spent two years negotiating a bad deal that will leave the country in an indefinite half-way house," he said. And Conservative Party MP Peter Bone, a leading pro-Brexit lawmaker, accused May of "not delivering the Brexit people voted for". "Today you will lose the support of many Conservative MPs and millions of voters," he warned the British leader.

EU Brexit summit could be held on November 25: Irish PM

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

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

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

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

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