No automatic ticket to join the EU, Scotland warned

No automatic ticket to join the EU, Scotland warned

World Unknown   08:40

Shocker as European Union officials warn that for Scotland to be a member of the European Union, even when it becomes independent, the country will have to be on the queue as it will not be allowed to inherit the any previous membership of the UK.

While speaking, Jacqueline Minor stated that Scotland will not automatically be an EU member state, as it will have to make a fresh application formally to that effect, however, the process may be fast-tracked because the country already operates within the terms of EU laws.

She further explained that there already exists a clear process for any country that wants to apply to join the EU as enshrined in Article 49 of the European treaties. “That would also apply to Scotland. If Scotland became an independent country, I think Article 49 is the normal starting point,”

But even if Scotland become an independent nation, it may not be able to join the EU until after 2019. This is because the Commission’s President has said that under his regime, the EU will not admit new member states.

Britain likely to face huge cash pay back after Brexit

Britain likely to face huge cash pay back after Brexit

World Unknown   08:29

Indication has emerged that Britain may face a slow checkout and some form of surcharges from Brussels.

From the foregoing, it was learnt that the Committee on Regional Development has announced in clear terms that any company operating in the UK that has in one way or the other taken part of the EU regional funding will be under a strict monetary scrutiny till 2024.

Though the committee suggested some kind of exemptions to small businesses, but companies and government agencies that benefited from such funds may be made to pay even if the money was given them before Brexit.

Example of such companies required to pay back is Superfast Cornwall, which is a public-private broadband partnership. The company is said to have benefited immensely millions to help it upgrade their services in one of Britain’s poorest region.

Thus, “The U.K. and EU could agree to overlook the usual rules for EU regional funding and exempt all British projects from the repayment clause. But that depends on a deal being in place when Brexit occurs. A hard Brexit would likely mean a big bill.”

EU Commissioner President Jean-Claude Juncker predicts discord among member states during Brexit negotiations

EU Commissioner President Jean-Claude Juncker predicts discord among member states during Brexit negotiations

World Unknown   08:14

There is a great concern being expressed, alleging that the European Union member states may not be able to maintain the desirable unity during Brexit negotiation according to the Commission’s president Jean-Claude Juncker.

He made it known during a media chat with Germany's Deutschlandfunk radio, when he said: "The other EU 27 don't know it yet, but the Brits know very well how they can tackle this.

"They could promise country A this, country B that and country C something else and the endgame is that there is not united European front."

He asked: "Has the time come for when the European Union of the 27 must show unity, cohesion and coherence?

"Yes, I say yes, when it comes to Brexit and (US President Donald) Trump... but I have some justified doubts that it will really happen."

He added: "Do the Hungarians and the Poles want exactly the same thing as the Germans and the French?

"I have serious doubts."

This information is being made few days after British MPs passed the bill empowering the Theresa May to invoke Article 50 to kick-start the exit talk.

Juncker on the move for drastic shake up in the EU

Juncker on the move for drastic shake up in the EU

World Unknown   09:54

At las the European Union ready for a major shake-up that will bring an end of making Brussels the scapegoat by member states which have failed on their own part.

Consequently, the Jean-Claude Juncker will by next week take-off an overhaul of the union’s ambiguous and dysfunctional decision-making process that makes member states to encumber the Commission with the final call on precarious but possibly unpopular rules and regulations. The move will make national government of member states to take full responsibility for decisions unanimously made in Brussels.

He said, “It is not right that when EU countries cannot decide among themselves … the Commission is forced by Parliament and Council to take a decision,” he said. “So we will change those rules — because that is not democracy.”

While addressing his staff last week, he stated that, “ I want that the Council of Ministers takes political responsibility”.

“The process could get worse rather than better,” Zuleeg said. “In every political system you have systems to take technical decisions without going through big political process. The difficulty is judging what is purely a technical decision and what actually carries political weight.”

EU Chief Negotiator to demand Britain to pay £48bn exit fee from the EU

EU Chief Negotiator to demand Britain to pay £48bn exit fee from the EU

World Unknown   09:36

After having some chats in Brussels in the week, a break up bill of €57bn (£48bn) has been issued to the UK by Chief Brexit negotiator Michael Barnier.

According to Sky News, the exact amount Britain is to pay was unanimously reached at a gathering on Monday, where countries like France and Germany made a demand for the UK to pay upwards of €70bn (£59bn).

Report has it that the UK is committed to several tens of billions of euro in spending on European Union wide-ranging ventures up till year 2020 which includes pensions of officials.

Accordingly, the meeting came to an end after it was agreed that before any trade talks starts, Britain will have to pay the final bill.

On the contrary, the UK was of the believe that future trade deal with the EU could be reached correspondingly.

From the foregoing, one can perceive that the possibility of the EU having some clash with the UK is obvious due to the decision reached at the technical meeting, which came up ahead of the triggering of Article 50 by the PM on or before the end of March.

In an extensive discussion it was also established that reciprocal rights for EU nationals would have to start from "ground zero".

Though Theresa May had always insisted that priority should be given to the issue of the rights of EU nationals living in the UK and vice-versa.

Accordingly, there seem to be a strong indication that Brexit Secretary David Davis may likely spend up to two days each week in order to have a face to face chats with Mr Barnier.

Also, there is this worry in Brussels and Dublin about the effect of customs controls in Northern Ireland which has been underrated.

The Irish Prime Minister, Enda Kenny, on a tour of European capitals said in Warsaw on Thursday, said: "We have a particular set of circumstances in Ireland.

"We are the only place in the EU where there is a peace process, supported by both the European Union and the United States, and this gives us special status as it is."

He also said: "The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are both the places most adversely affected by Brexit, and we need to be imaginative and creative as to how we deal with the situation.

"It does give us a special situation, which is increasingly recognised in Europe."

British nationals could still be given EU associate membership, despite the stance of the PM

British nationals could still be given EU associate membership, despite the stance of the PM

World Unknown   10:45

According to a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) there is an indication that the United Kingdom might be offered European Union “associate citizenship” at the end of Brexit, whether the PM blocks it or not.

“Associate citizenship” remains a “realistic” ambition and Brussels should make it available to UK nationals even if the British Government vetoes the plan during negotiations, Charles Goerens said.

In November 2016, The Independent publicised that a plan for “associate citizenship”, proposed by Mr Goerens, was being put into consideration by the European Parliament.

Such a move would permit UK citizens who applied for EU citizenship to work anywhere inside the union as well as giving them a vote in European Parliament elections – without affecting their British nationality.

The Luxembourg MEP said there was no real opposition to the policy from his fellow lawmakers in Brussels and Strasbourg, who will be given the final say on the Brexit deal in a vote at the European parliament.

And he said the EU’s negotiators should make it a red line in future discussions, adding that eventual treaty change was in the interests of those on both sides of the Channel.

The proposal has offered hope to many who fear Britain is closing itself off from Europe and the opportunities it provides.

Ms May outlined the Government’s negotiating position in a speech at Lancaster House in January, followed last week by a Government White Paper.

Mr Goerens said the Prime Minister’s remarks were “very positive” and showed she understood there was a “real problem” for Britons living both in the UK and Europe.

“Theresa May’s proposal is a step in the right direction,” he told The Independent in a phone interview from Brussels.

“The White paper was a clear signal that I was not totally unrealistic by launching the idea of European ‘associate citizenship’.

“It is for technical reasons that she wasn't more outspoken on this issue.

“She sent a clear signal that she has understood that there is a real problem. Let’s not be too pessimistic about that."

“European ‘associate citizenship’ is still on the agenda of the European Parliament,” he continued.

“You can say on the one hand that it is not a solution that would be in line with today's legislation, with European law, but on the other hand if there is a political will we can overcome the obstacles to it.

“We can have treaty change, we can have political process on the conviction that European citizenship, or ‘associate citizenship’, is in everybody’s interest.”

If the proposal is included in the final Brexit deal that MEPs will vote on at the end of the two year negotiating period, Mr Goerens said he was confident it would be passed.

“As far as I see, there is no real opposition unless you talk to the right-wing parties represented in the European parliament, and some fanatic Brexiteers,” he said.

“It is up to politicians to react and to take initiative. It is up to us to move the lines, we are not only the observers, we are the actors.

“The European Parliament will have the last say on the arrangement between the European Commission and the UK, we have a good opportunity to make clear our views on what should be the outcome of this process, and one of the outcomes is the status of people most negatively affected by Brexit.”

He further said: “Even if there were no move made in this direction by the United Kingdom, in my view we should even unilaterally offer the European associate citizenship to UK citizens because it would be in everybody’s interest to act in this way.

“It is still achievable because once Brexit is concluded people will be stripped of all their rights linked to European citizenship. We must launch this process in a pragmatic way, but why should it not be practical?”

A trade deal is possible within with two years of Brexit negotiation – Latvia’s PM

A trade deal is possible within with two years of Brexit negotiation – Latvia’s PM

World Unknown   09:48

It has been stated by Latvia’s Prime Minister that the European Union is also looking forward to the best possible trade agreement with Britain, and that areas of disagreement could possibly be overcome. He also went further to say that Brexit negotiations could possibly come to a conclusion within the two-year period.

The intervention came at an EU summit in Malta in which the 27 other leaders discussed Brexit as part of wider talks on the challenges facing the union.

Maris Kucinskis said: "What is most important is to think about a beneficial partnership (and) find an amicable solution to all of this.

"There are negotiators who are taking care of the best possible deal for both sides so that's the top priority at the moment."

"Every member state is looking to build the best possible trading relationship with the UK and I think that the whole union will also benefit from a strong trading relationship with the UK," he said.

His statements may likely be given a nod by the government as a symbol that the UK might be able to

The Latvian leader's remarks are likely to be welcomed by the Government as a sign that Britain might make maximum use of its access to the EU single market.

Speaking further, he made to the public that the EU also make a “top priority” to strike a reciprocal deal to secure the rights of each other’s nationals.

His remarks seem to be a follow up from Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who told Theresa May in Malta he wanted "early agreement" on the issue.

With the expectation that Parliament will pass the Brexit Bill next week, the official process for exiting the European Union is likely to be triggered next month.

Article 50 could be invoked as early as the next EU Council meeting on 9 and 10 March.

German Chancellor issues warning to British Prime Minister over tax undercut

German Chancellor issues warning to British Prime Minister over tax undercut

World Unknown   09:34

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel has warned the British Prime Minister about undercutting tax in order to lure companies into the UK, saying that taxes are the price being paid for a just society. The warning was issued out during her meeting with Merkel in EU summit in Malta.

Merkel reiterated to Mrs May that Germany had no plan of going into tax tussle with Britain, as she said “We have a tax system in Germany that has weathered challenges well. I see no reason for entering a race for who has the lowest corporation tax,” she said.

“We need tax revenues, we need a fair tax system, in order to make necessary investments in our society.”

Merkel’s warning came as leaders of the European Union, expressed their anger against President Trump’s perceived hostility to the union, and told Mrs May that her offer to bridge between the union and Trump was not welcomed in any way, supporting NATO in particular.

It appears the lion’s tail regarding tax was step on, when the PM said she would “change the basis of Britain’s economic model” at the EU summit in Malta, if she does not get her way in the Brexit negotiations.

The EU leaders unanimously saw the PM’s threat to make Britain an offshore enemy to the EU, slashing taxes and regulations in order to lure reluctant foreign investment.

Though corporate taxes in the UK is about to crash to 17%, which is still below the EU average.

But such an attempt would drastically reduce government revenues, which will further make funding the NHS and public schools more difficult.

Involuntary statement was later made by Downing Street as it denied a snub after an official post-lunch chats between the pair – which was to be a highlight of the summit – were annulled inexplicably, saying that every aspect was covered during their short walkout.

The German Chancellor expressed how content she was when the PM said she look forward to seeing a “strong EU”, even after Britain had left.

Merkel also backed Ms May’s call for EU countries to spend more on defence, in return for what the Prime Minister has claimed is Mr Trump’s “100 per cent” commitment to Nato.

“We need to invest more in our defensive capabilities,” said Ms Merkel.

“There was a very clear commitment around the table towards Nato – and the American administration, meanwhile, has also come out with this commitment.”

Furthermore, Downing Street stated how the PM, over lunch in Malta, brought up her recent chats with President Trump, “urging other EU leaders to work patiently and constructively with a friend and ally”.

According to a spokeswoman: “She said that the alternative – division and confrontation – would only embolden those who would do us harm, wherever they may be.”

Earlier on, other EU leaders had rebuffed the Prime Minister's offer to be a “bridge” to the President, with French President François Hollande saying: “It is not about asking one particular country, be it the UK or any other, to represent Europe in its relationship with the United States.”

In the meantime, Dalia Grybauskaite, the Lithuanian President, gave a mocking verdict, saying: “I don't think there is a necessity for a bridge – we communicate with the Americans on Twitter.”

On the other hand, European Council President Donald Tusk was appeasing about Mr Trump, saying: “What we need is as strong transatlantic friendship and relations as possible, and the UK can, inside Europe or outside Europe, the EU not Europe, can be very helpful.”

Interestingly, Ms May’s hopes for an early deal on the rights of British citizens living in the EU after Brexit were also given a boost, when Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy agreed one was needed.

Yet, Ms May’s scheme to go to the summit flaunting her rebellion in meeting Mr Trump first – ostensibly hoping to strengthen her hand in the Brexit talks – seemed to have backfired.

She carried the message from the new President that Europe must increase its defence spending in return for his “100 per cent” commitment to Nato.

But then other EU leaders view the American leader with dismay because of his hostility to the EU, his protectionism and controversial policies such as the travel ban from seven mainly Muslim countries.

French President Mr Hollande openly terminated the idea of Britain as a bridge, pointing to Mr Trump’s welcoming of Brexit and insisting he should “not get involved”.

According to Hollande: “He may have his own views, but it is up to Europe to decide how many members there should be, and who should leave.”

And Joseph Muscat, the Prime Minister of Malta – which holds the six-month presidency of the European Council – said it was time for the EU to “lead at a global level”.

He stated that “We cannot stay silent where there are principles involved. As in any good relationship, we will speak very clearly where we think that those principles are being trampled on.”

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, ridiculed Downing Street’s insistence that Ms May and Ms Merkel had discussed all they needed to.

“I cannot imagine Theresa May seriously thinks a bit of polite chit-chat through the streets of Valletta replaces a serious bilateral meeting,” he said.

To add to the sense of her isolation – and in a signpost to the future – Ms May left the Maltese capital early, leaving the other leaders to continue the summit without her.

Be informed about the EU Summit in Malta

Be informed about the EU Summit in Malta

World Unknown   09:50

Here are some excerpts of the statements made by some of the leaders of the European Union at their meeting in Malta where such as migration, new US president Donald Trump and ways to strengthen the union.

Speaking ahead of the foremost gathering of the leaders of the EU, since the emergence of Donald Trump as the US president, the EU president Donald Tusk released a strong warning to leaders of the various country that “worrying declarations” of Trump’s new administration, which he lumped together with the geopolitical challenges posed by Russia, China and Islamic terrorism as examples of the threats facing the EU.

The EU president also asked leaders to renew their commitment to the union, by committing to “an ambitious vision” of “political consolidation,” according to a document obtained by POLITICO. The document will be circulated on Friday afternoon after British Prime Minister Theresa May has left.

The leaders have retreated behind closed doors for the (late) afternoon working session on the Rome Treaties.

VISENTINI CRITICIZES LIBYA DEAL

Making his comment at the end of the informal summit at Valletta, the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, Luca Visetini stated that: “The EU has decided to pay Libya, with a government that controls only a part of the country, to keep refugees and migrants out of Europe. To make matters worse they are paying for this out of development funds.

“It would be like Trump getting Mexico to pay for the border wall, except the EU has come up with a way to do it.”

MORE HOLLANDE

About Donald Trump and Brexit: “He should not get involved in what the life of the EU is.

“He can have an opinion, but it is up to Europe to decide how it wants to be and how it should live.”

Hollande also said Theresa May had given “her impressions and confusions” on Trump during lunch. “She did it by keeping the EU interest in mind.”

MUSCAT: ‘IMPORTANT PROGRESS AND UNITY’

On his part, the Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat expressed his happiness that at least for once issues discussed about migration was hitch free. “This is the first time in quite a number of months that on such a controversial subject the European Union and all member states have managed to achieve important progress and unity” he said in his press conference.

Muscat recognized the difficulty of implementing a deal with the Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj who barely controls the Libyan capital Tripoli: “We know that the Libyan government faces challenges but that’s not a good reason not to engage,” he said.

FRANÇOIS HOLLANDE QUOTES

According to French President François Hollande: “We have reached and achieved an additional step with Libya” he said, referring to the agreement with Italy to reinforce coast guard.

Hollande on Trump: “There can be different opinions among the 28 countries and some of these judgements can be nuanced between us.

“There is unity in the EU to take consideration what is going on” in the US.

“There are countries who have reserves and others who have been well-intentioned towards what this new administration represents.”

MERKEL EVASIVE ON RELATIONS BETWEEN MAY AND TRUMP

“I talked to her but not about this. There has always been a very special relationship between the U.K. and the U.S. I was gratified to hear Theresa May say she wanted to see a strong EU”

Merkel: Asked about U.S. and U.K. suggestions they may lower corporation tax, “on tax issues I think it’s early days … I see no reason to enter a race into seeing who has the lowest corporation tax”

Merkel on Trump: “As a head of government of Germany I see that on the one hand we have to nurture the values in our FP that are important but also bear our interests in mind.

“Step by step we will try to explore where there are common interests and where there are less than with other US administrations.

“We are strong when we stand together when we are willing to tackle our problems together.

“Looking ahead towards Rome we need to show where we want to stand as opposed to other partners in the world.”

Is it true that the real problem will start, after Britain leaves the EU?

Is it true that the real problem will start, after Britain leaves the EU?

World Unknown   10:26

Again the UK government have emphatically stated in the Brexit white paper that the country is not interested in retaining any membership of the EU single market nor keep any partial membership of the customs union. This move is being seen as a full economic isolationism in certain quarters. Though experts have warned that the process of totally taking the UK out of the EU may last up to a decade.

One of such prediction of the prolonged is based on the various elections coming up later this year in Germany and France. Because despite the so called wish list by the PM, it is supposed that no meaningful negotiation will kick-start until Germany elects a new government in place.

Also, the Article 50 negotiations may not be able to make meaningful progress during this year’s summer holiday or during the forth-coming French and German elections which are billed to take place 23 April and 24 September correspondingly.

Though, nobody knows what the outcome of the election in Germany would be, as Angela Merkel advised all concerned never to politicize Brexit. Stating that Germany prioritizes membership of the single market of the 27 member states.

Report has it that last year, the Eurozone superseded the US economy in growth, which brought about the reduction of unemployment in the continent. The German Chancellor warned the EU not to grant any special or partial deal to Britain.

It has also been noted that after the German election, it will take up to three months to form coalition, party conferences to accept or reject any agreement drawn up. This process will force the country to wait for appointment of a new Foreign Minister by the end of 2017. And because the German Foreign Minister is saddled with the responsibility of Brexit negotiation, because without a German line, there won’t be any EU 27 line.

Pro-Brexit agreement with the EU likely to be referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ)

Pro-Brexit agreement with the EU likely to be referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ)

World Unknown   10:13

Information released recently reveals that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) may have a significant role to play in any final trade deal the UK and the EU reaches as the UK exits the union as revealed by the president. Though the areas or features of any future deal cannot be predicted at the moment, the likelihood of it ending at the ECJ cannot be ruled out says Koen Lenaerts.

Based on his statement, it can be drawn that the UK’s exit from the EU could be made under the jurisdiction it is resolute to run away from.

“It probably will, one day or another, end up on the docket of the Court – not because of the Court, but because of parties bringing the case,” he said.

Though it was also stated by the 62-year-old chief justice that judges from the ECJ are not going to political influence any case brought before it, even though they cannot decline a case brought before it, but will be base their rulings on legal grounds and not politically. Saying that the ECJ is totally autonomous from the influence of Brussels, based in “splendid isolation” in Luxembourg.

On the contrary, he rejected proposals legal experts which says that the ECJ played an active role in boosting federal powers for Brussels to supress rising Euroscepticism.

“We are not pro-Union, we are not against Union,” he said. “We are pro law. The law is made by the political process.”

The UK Government will publish its White Paper spelling out its plan for Brexit after MPs have voted on triggering Article 50.

Austria join countries where Muslim burga is prohibited in public places

Austria join countries where Muslim burga is prohibited in public places

Regional News Unknown   11:38

Die Welt has reported that Austria's grand alliance government ready to place a ban on full-face veil. The proposed ban may be due to security concerns being raced in the wake several suicide killings in different parts of the world, more so, in Europe.

The centre right Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) and the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) concurred late Monday on the administration's change arrangement, which concentrates on employment creation, monetary development and training, regardless of the prospect political in-battling would incite early elections.

The arrangement incorporates new safety efforts that will fix controls on asylum searchers, however the SPÖ at first declined to back them, and a joining bundle initiated by Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, which calls for included financing for German dialect and reconciliation classes and a burqa prohibition.

Disallowing “anti-social symbols” such as the burqa will help Austria “better integrate those migrants who are allowed to stay,” Kurz said in a video statement, adding he was glad the SPÖ had “finally” at long last" consented to the arrangement.

France was the foremost European nation to place embargo on the burqa in public places in 2010, trailed by comparable enactment in Belgium and Bulgaria. In the Netherlands, MPs have proposed a ban that does not totally prohibit the veil in the open, but rather precludes it in specific circumstances for security reasons.

                                    

Members of European Parliament set to investigate ‘bureaucratic bottleneck EU citizens undergo while applying for residency in the UK

Members of European Parliament set to investigate ‘bureaucratic bottleneck EU citizens undergo while applying for residency in the UK

World Unknown   08:25

The European Parliament is set to investigate the manner in which the British government is treating EU nationals applying for UK citizenship.

A team is to look at situations where EU nationals have confronted a "bureaucratic wall" when trying to stay in the U.K. after Brexit, as reported by the Guardian.

Sophie in 't Veld, a Dutch liberal MEP, stated that she wanted to frame the cross-party team after Theresa May triggers Article 50 — which the British PM expects to do before the end of March.

She said she will likewise ask for that an agent of the British government — in a perfect world the head administrator — go to Brussels to confront the Parliament's board of trustees on civil freedoms, of which she is a part, and answer inquiries regarding EU nationals who trust they have been dealt with unjustifiably since the Brexit vote.

“We have been calling repeatedly for Mrs. May to come before the European Parliament and I think she should come, at the latest, once Article 50 has been triggered. We are going to put questions to her on behalf of British and other EU citizens.

“Once Article 50 has been triggered, and negotiations have started, I want to have a task force inside the European Parliament that citizens can contact directly so that we can have a clear idea of the difficulties people are facing and try to help. Brexit will be partly a technical negotiation, but ultimately it is about people. The consequence cannot be that millions of people are penalized.”

In 't Veld told the Guardian that "people feel they are being harassed" and made a request to fill in excessive, and some feel unnecessary, measures of printed material.

“Why is the British government trying to make it so hard for people who have been living in the U.K. for decades, who have set up a family there, work there? It is their home.

“What sort of signal are they trying to send out to these people? I am not aware of U.K. nationals trying to apply for citizenship elsewhere in the EU running into these kind bureaucratic walls. I am not saying it doesn’t exist but I have not heard of it yet. I can only suppose other countries are a bit more welcoming and facilitating.”

In her huge Brexit discourse last week, May said she needed an arrangement on the eventual fate of British nationals living in the EU and EU nationals in the U.K. at the earliest opportunity. In any case, so far there is no such arrangement.

As indicated by the Guardian, Home Office figures demonstrate a 50 percent expansion in the quantity of candidates from EU nations looking for permanent British residency since the Brexit vote in June. It ascended from 36,555 amongst April and June 2016 to 56,024 amongst July and September.

Britain will remain committed to EU laws until after Brexit negotiations are over -Chancellor Hammond

Britain will remain committed to EU laws until after Brexit negotiations are over -Chancellor Hammond

World Unknown   07:22

Despite the successful visit to the United States by the British Prime Minister, Chancellor Philip Hammond has stated that Britain cannot go into any trade deal with any country, including the US until Brexit negotiations are over.

This was made known during a meeting he had with EU finance ministers in Brussels where he stated that: "We will continue to abide by the rules, and the regulations and the laws, of the European Union for so long as we are members.

"Of course we want to strengthen our trade ties with the very many trade partners we have around the world, but we're very mindful of our obligations under the treaty and we will follow them precisely."

Though the UK is only permitted to talk about deals with new allies in principle and cannot start negotiations on free trade agreements before we leave the EU.

The Prime Minister told Republicans in the United States last night she was "looking forward to pursuing talks" about a new UK and US free trade agreement.

"It will take detailed work," Mrs May said in a speech in Philadelphia.

"But we welcome your openness to these discussions and hope that we can make progress so the new global Britain that emerges after Brexit is even better equipped to take its place confidently in the world."

Mrs May’s move in securing trade partners has made European leaders to express their dismay this week about Britain embarking on a trade talks before our exit from the EU is finished.

An EU commission spokesman on Tuesday told reporters that if a country wants a divorce but good future relations they must have an orderly transition.

ARTICLE 50: Theresa May loses again at the Supreme Court

ARTICLE 50: Theresa May loses again at the Supreme Court

World Unknown   11:36

British Prime Minister Theresa May suffers another legal blow today as the UK Supreme Court rules against her Brexit appeal. 

Find below some analysis of the day as reported by Sky News.


"To proceed otherwise would be a breach of settled constitutional principles stretching back many centuries."

The Prime Minister has said she intends to invoke Article 50 by the end of March, and the Government is now expected to quickly publish a bill in an effort to stick to that timetable.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The British people voted to leave the EU, and the Government will deliver on their verdict - triggering Article 50, as planned, by the end of March. Today's ruling does nothing to change that."

While it is thought to be unlikely that the Government will lose a vote in Parliament, the Supreme Court's decision, by an 8-3 majority, has the potential to hold up the Brexit process.

Labour has said it will table a number of amendments and seek more details on the Government's negotiation strategy, the SNP has vowed to vote against the plans and the Liberal Democrats will oppose the move unless the PM promises a second referendum.

Although the ruling is a blow to Mrs May, the justices unanimously ruled there was no need to consult with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This could have been much more significant in terms of derailing her Brexit timetable.

Attorney General Jeremy Wright said the Government was "disappointed" with the ruling but would comply with it.

The case was won by a wide-ranging group of anti-Article 50 campaigners, led by investment manager Gina Miller, 51, and hairdresser Deir Dos Santos.

Speaking outside the court, she said: "This ruling today means that MPs we have elected will rightfully have the opportunity to bring their invaluable experience and expertise to bear in helping the Government select the best course in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations."

In one of the most important constitutional cases in British legal history, three High Court judges ruled in November that ministers did not have the authority to trigger Article 50 without parliamentary approval.

Last month, Brexit Secretary David Davis led the Government's effort to overturn the ruling in a four-day hearing before the 11 Supreme Court justices.

Source: Sky News, January 2017

Several non-EU nations queue up for trade talks with the UK

Several non-EU nations queue up for trade talks with the UK

World Unknown   06:33

Though Article 50 which begins the formal process of exit the EU is yet to be triggered, there seem to be several countries earnestly waiting in the queue to strike trade deals with the UK.

That was the feeling that has begun to rise up out of the World Economic Forum about Brexit.

With Brexit deal yet to be signed however as of now Theresa May has laid out her arranging lines and has said that casual talks are as of now occurring about Britain's future trade relations with other countries of the world.

In principle, none of this ought to happen yet: the UK leave arrangements don't formally begin until Article 50 is activated in or before March, and Britain is not in fact expected to take part in exchange talks until it has formally left the EU (which won't occur for no less than two years).

Be that as it may, all the same, to judge from what we've been hearing on the floor at Davos, both procedures are as of now well under way.

This is a sensational move from a month or so prior, at which phase there were developing worries that ministers and government employees were dallying in front of one of the best peacetime managerial difficulties ever.

Notwithstanding, one could comprehend that discussions are as of now well under route with an entire scope of non-EU nations, and also with those different countries effectively joined to facilitated commerce concurrences with the EU.

UK Trade Secretary Liam Fox is in Davos together with the Theresa May, doing a progression of private one-to-one gatherings with different nations, including his Australian partner Steven Ciobo.

To be sure, the Australian finance minister, Mathias Corman, let me know casual exchange talks were at that point under way, and that an exchange arrangement could be finished up "very quickly".

As it happens, Australia is a past ace at quick trade arrangements. Whereas numerous nations take numerous years to talk through these things, Australia arranged a facilitated commerce concurrence with the US in under a year.

In addition, as per senior UK government sources, it is not only Donald Trump who is resolved to get a facilitated trade agreement with the UK.

Numerous Republicans in Congress and different individuals from the incoming government under Trump are comprehended to be resolved to seal a facilitated trade agreement with the UK within the near future - to a limited extent to shine their own particular hostile to protectionist authorisations.

David Davis has said Britain may still be under EU laws till 2021

David Davis has said Britain may still be under EU laws till 2021

World Unknown   07:18

Despite the resolve of the British Prime Minister to take the UK out of the EU single market, the Brexit Secretary David Davis has stated that it may take up to 2021 before the UK will finally be free from all EU rules and regulations.

Stating that he believed securing a trade agreement would only last for two years, but there is the possibility that a transitional arrangement could last till 2020 general election takes place.

Davis used the moment to emphasize that even if the UK parliament vote against Brexit, the country will still leave the EU.

He told the BBC that: "The second thing to say here is that parliament, remember, and gave the decision on leaving to the people by a vast majority.

"It decided it was the people who make the decision in a referendum. So it is not for parliament to reverse that."

It comes after Theresa May warned the European Union that she is prepared to walk away from the negotiating table as she set out her blueprint for Brexit.

The PM’s speech was hugely praised by Eurosceptics, as she told EU leaders yesterday that any attempt to “punish” Britain would be “an act of calamitous self-harm for the countries of Europe” that her Government will not accept.

Mrs May faces a grilling by MPs over her Brexit plans at today's PMQs, after confirming Britain will quit the single market and warning she will walk away from exit talks rather than accept a "punitive" deal.

The Brexit Secretary further stated that there would be no difference in Britons' right to travel in Europe or vice versa.

Though he said there is going to be a totally new customs checks that would be introduced for heavy duty vehicles carrying goods in and out of the UK

Speaking to the Radio 4 Today programme on Wednesday, he said: "You won't see any difference, let's say, in right to travel," he said.

"We've got 35 million people coming over from Europe every year, that's not suddenly going to change, the immigration policy is not going.

Theresa May’s Brexit speech makes second Scottish indyref more likely – Nicola Sturgeon

Theresa May’s Brexit speech makes second Scottish indyref more likely – Nicola Sturgeon

World Unknown   07:13

Theresa May’s Tuesday Brexit speech which is perceived to be in favour of pro Brexit group appears to have given more momentum to Nicola Sturgeon’s call for a second Scottish independence referendum.

Last year, the Scottish Government presented a conciliation proposals to No. 10 where methods for keeping Scotland in the EU single market were spelt out, even if the rest of the UK decides to leave the EU.

Nevertheless, Ms Sturgeon has criticised the Prime Minister's speech for ignoring Scotland's interests despite the fact that the Scottish people voted in favour of remaining in the EU in the June 23 referendum.

During an interview with Sky News, Sturgeon said: "It's very clear the Prime Minister is taking the UK down the road of a hard Brexit.

"It's not been driven by the interests of the country and it's been driven by the interests of the hard right of her own party. I think that is deeply regrettable."

"Scotland can't be taken down a path that we didn't vote for and is against our interests.

"We put forward proposals, we continue to take decisions in an orderly manner, but I'm not prepared to allow Scotland's interests to be steamrollered."

In a statement, she added: "The UK Government cannot be allowed to take us out of the EU and the single market, regardless of the impact on our economy, jobs, living standards and our reputation as an open, tolerant country, without Scotland having the ability to choose between that and a different future."

"With her comments on Tuesday, the Prime Minister has only succeeded in making that choice more likely."

The UK's devolved nations will discuss the Brexit developments later this week at a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Committee.

However, growing view of an independence referendum has incited scorn from Scotland's opposition parties.

On the contrary, Ruth Davidson MSP, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, told Sky News: "Nicola Sturgeon would have said that an independence referendum and independence was more likely no matter what the Prime Minister said because that's what Nicola Sturgeon does.

"She's a nationalist, she agitates for independence. I think what's important, though, when it comes to the free trade element is what the Prime Minister said.

"She said that she wants to have a deal wherein British and Scottish businesses can trade as freely as they can with the other 27 states of the EU and forge trade deals with other nations too."

"That's what our businesses in Scotland want. Nicola Sturgeon says she also wants free trade but she doesn't want to sign up to a trade deal. She just wants to use it as another lever for independence.

"Frankly, she should get behind the Prime Minister and stop agitating to break up Britain."

Interesting how Theresa May's speech strengthened the pound sterling

Interesting how Theresa May's speech strengthened the pound sterling

World Unknown   10:48

The British pound sterling got to its peak in a day as a result of Theresa May’s speech on Tuesday, as it rose to about 3 percent (1.24) to the US dollar, though, it is still pointedly down on a year prior.

The drop in the pound has pushed up inflaton by making imported merchandise more costly. The consumer price index (CPI) ascended from 1.2% in November to 1.6% a month ago, as released by the Office for National Statistics.

The greater than anticipated increment was driven by a jump in air tickets and higher food costs. Thus, the sterling's shortcoming has supported UK firms exporting items abroad.

According to Joshua Mahony, market expert at online spread gambling firm IG, the hop in the pound was "somewhat counter intuitive,”

Be that as it may, he included: “Today could very well mark the beginning of the end for sterling weakness, for May ’s bold approach has put everything out in the open, thus reducing the likeliness of further sterling selloffs each time anything remotely resembling a hard Brexit is brought up.”

Around £27billion was wiped off the FTSE 100, as it fell 106 points to close at 7220.4.

The record of the UK's greatest recorded organizations has taken off as of late on the grounds that the feeble pound has made what multi-nationals receive abroad worth considerably more when changed over once again into sterling.

What do EU citizens in the United Kingdom think about the PM's speech?

What do EU citizens in the United Kingdom think about the PM's speech?

World Unknown   09:17

Finally, after several months of assumptions and uncertainties, British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday confirmed that she is going to take the United Kingdom out the EU single market in a move to take full control of immigration from Brussels, in line with the demands of leave voters.

During her speech, the PM utilised an area of her discourse to state she needs to ensure the privileges of EU nationals in Britain, and Britons living in Europe, at the earliest opportunity.

In any case, her discourse did little to console Nicolas Hatton, the organizer of gathering the 3million.

He said, "EU citizens are living in limbo and Theresa May has done very little to reassure them today."

Thus, the organiser has said that they looking forward to getting feed backs from EU nationals living in the UK, and British citizens living in EU countries.