BRITAIN TOLD: Eat what is on the table or don't come to the table - Juncker

BRITAIN TOLD: Eat what is on the table or don't come to the table - Juncker

World Unknown   11:09

In response to Theresa May’s ‘hard’ Brexit stance, the EU has also announced their readiness to tell the PM for a “take-it-or-leave-it” position with the insistence that the UK must pay a divorce bill of £60bn as one of the pre-requisite for any meaningful negotiations.

This is reported to make known the EU’s full readiness for a British walkout as threatened by the PM, if no deal is reached by the time negotiations begin in June. EU leaders have already stressed that they will never blink during the negotiation period if Theresa May decides to walk out of the negotiation table without reaching a deal with them.

Michel Barnier, the EU’s lead negotiator, is alleged to be drawing up a payment that will be a prerequisite for any trade treaties.

The president of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, said that Mr Barnier “everything prepared down to the last detail” including a divorce bill of between £20billion and £60billion. Insisting that the Uk will face “the choice to eat what’s on the table or not come to the table at all”.

Mr Junker also announced to Germany’s Bild am Sonntag that Britain is an “outsider” that needs to get use to the idea that they are not seen as an equal partner with the EU.

He further said: “The UK will need to prepare itself to be treated as a third country.”

According to a reliable source within the EU it was told the Times saying: “We are ready. We are more prepared than the British side.”

As part of the conditions, Mr Barnier will reportedly demand that EU judges supervise key aspects of Brexit.

Also in his speech, Mr Junker stated also that the UK’s exit of the union would help to trigger a fresh love for the EU, because no member would want to make the mistake the UK has made to leave the block.

He said: “The remaining member states will fall in love with each other again and renew their vows with the European Union.”

“They will all see from Britain’s example that leaving the EU is a bad idea.”

Spanish MEP expresses hope of the UK rejoining the EU one day

Spanish MEP expresses hope of the UK rejoining the EU one day

World Unknown   11:25

Another EU leader representing Spain in the EU Parliament has joined in condemning Brexit, warning of a “cold” world outside the EU during a fanatical Pro-EU speech. His speech captures the “threat” the EU will face as well as the UK in its “selfish” Brexit. Saying that, it is not all about leaving the EU, but leaving “the dreams that we share”.

Mr González Pons said: “Brexit is the most selfish decision taken in the years since Winston Churchill saved Europe with the blood sweat and tears of the English.

“Europe is not a market, it is the desire to live together. To leave Europe isn’t leaving a market, it’s leaving the dreams that we share.

“We can have a common market, but if we don't have shared dreams we have nothing. Europe is the peace that came off the duster of the Second World War.”

Pointing out that the EU was the “only alternative” in an increasingly globalised world.

He said: “Europe is today more alone than ever before, but the people don't understand. Europe without a doubt is the best solution, and we don't know how to explain it to our citizens.

“Globalisation means that Europe today is inevitable, the only alternative. But Brexit shows us the Europe is reversible that we can go back in history. Outside Europe is a cold place.”

Mr González Pons also speaking about the European bloc’s triumphs, said: “Europe is the return of freedom to Greece, Spain and Portugal,” he said. “Europe is the fall of the Berlin wall. Europe is the end of communism, Europe is the welfare state, its democracy.

“Europe is fundamental rights. Could we live without these? Could we leave all of these? For a market, will we leave all of this behind?

“I hope at the next summit of Rome, we talk not about what Europe owes us, but what we owe to Europe.”

He however did not end his speech without saying of the possibilities of Britain returning to the European bloc one day.

“Europe is the only spring that our continent has known in all its history,” the politician said. “I’m one of those that hopes that from the day that the Prime Minister announces that one day the English will come home to Europe.”

EU leaders threaten to make Theresa May "see sense" in her hard Brexit stance

EU leaders threaten to make Theresa May "see sense" in her hard Brexit stance

World Unknown   09:04

With the look of things, it is becoming apparent that EU leaders are just awaiting for the triggering of Article 50 by Theresa May to unleash their venom.

This assertion is made based on the fact that EU socialists’ top dog have announced full readiness to make the PM “see sense” in resolve to stick to hard Brexit stance.

EU Commission president expresses strong optimism that Britain will re-join the EU

EU Commission president expresses strong optimism that Britain will re-join the EU

World Unknown   08:35

There seem to be some of good news for the UK should Brexit does not meet the desired needs of the country after leaving the EU. This is coming as the Commission’s President Jean-Claude Juncker, is of the believe that Britain could re-join the EU some day in the future. ‘I would like to be in the same boat as the British.’

Juncker clearly expressed his dislike for Brexit when he announced saying “I don’t like Brexit.”

“I would like to be in the same boat as the British. The day will come when the British re-enter the boat. I hope,” he added.

In a matter of days, the British PM will be putting in motion Brexit negotiation once she triggers Article 50 this month.

But Juncker said Brexit doesn’t mean “the end of our continental ambitions.”

“I had the impression from colleagues I talked to in the room that … the Brexit issue is encouraging the others to continue. Unfortunately, not the British,” he said.

I will persuade EU nations to allow British nationals to retain their freedom of movement – Guy Verhofstadt

I will persuade EU nations to allow British nationals to retain their freedom of movement – Guy Verhofstadt

World Unknown   12:30

EU Parliament Chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt has hinted that he is going to put in his best to persuade the 27 EU member states to permit British nationals to retain their freedom of movement and every other rights they have even after Brexit.

In his statement, Verhofstadt said that UK nationals should be given the liberty to apply for the rights individually.

His statement was made after the British Prime Minister Theresa May attended the very last EU summit in Brussels, before the triggering of Article 50 which is billed to take place this month.

Mr Verhofstadt told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "All British citizens today have also EU citizenship.

"That means a number of things: the possibility to participate in the European elections, the freedom of travel without problem inside the union."

He further that: "We need to have an arrangement in which this arrangement can continue for those citizens who on an individual basis are requesting it."

Similarly, Theresa May had always stressed the need for both parties to prioritize the future of British citizens and their EU counterparts in the Brexit negotiation as early as possible, in order to arrest the rising tensions and uncertainties.

Though the PM has repeatedly said that she is ready to secure the rights of EU nationals living in the UK, as long as EU nations will do same to UK nationals in their countries. However, people within and outside the government has been accusing the PM for using EU nationals as “bargaining chips”

Mr Verhofstadt also stated that he had received over a thousand letters from British citizens who do not want to lose their connection with "European civilisation".

In the past he had called on Brussels to be "open and generous" to individual UK citizens, and said politicians were considering how to allow them to maintain their ties to the continent.

Theresa May to storm EU summit as the union prepares to re-elect Donald Tusk

Theresa May to storm EU summit as the union prepares to re-elect Donald Tusk

World Unknown   11:17

UK Prime Minister Theresa May to storm the EU as the union prepares to re-elect Donald Tusk as the Council president, as it is alleged to be Mrs May’s last EU leaders’ summit before she triggers the long waited Article 50 by the end of March.

Report has it that Mrs May will attend the first day of the Brussels summit, where leaders from the 28-country bloc will discuss migration, security and economic growth.

But she will leave after dinner on Thursday night, to pave way for the remaining 27 leaders to discuss the next summit - in Rome on 25 March - which will celebrate the EU's 60th anniversary.

Although Brexit is not officially on the agenda at the EU summit but Mrs May has used these occasions to discuss Brexit-related issues with other leaders, for example the status of EU nationals in the UK.

The summit may be overshadowed, however, by a diplomatic headache regarding Mr Tusk. This is because the Prime Minister of Poland Beata Szydlo wrote to the Mrs May and other leaders of the EU for them to get rid of the current president Donald Tusk. As he is being accused of influencing domestic politics.

The bitter row between former Polish Prime Minister Mr Tusk and Ms Szydlo's Law and Justice Party has led to Warsaw suggesting a challenger for the job - Polish MEP Jacek Saryusz-Wolski.

The disagreement will come to a head at the commencement of the conference, when leaders of the union will vote on whether Mr Tusk should continue in the role until the end of November 2019.

If not carefully handled, the quarrel could potentially bring about huge implications for Mrs May, as she needs support of EU leaders to get her Brexit negotiations through, once Article 50 is triggered.

Though Mrs May’s spokesman reportedly said that she will not make public her plan for the EU election, but said: "The Prime Minister has been clear that she thinks that he (Mr Tusk) is doing a good job."

£50 BILLION DIVORCE BILL: You must pay- UK told

£50 BILLION DIVORCE BILL: You must pay- UK told

World Unknown   15:09

With the look of things emerging lately, it appears Brexit negotiation may not start in a friendly manner due to the controversial bill the EU

is asking the UK to pay, which the EU is not agreeing to.

The EU is now being accused of trying to strong-arm Britain to make payment of the enormous £50bn to Brussels before any negotiation starts with the UK.

The said amount was calculated and presented by the remaining 27 member states of the EU, as fee Britain would have to pay as part of its obligation as a member of the EU .

Recall that members of the House of Lords brought up a report which says no laws that oblige a country to continue funding the EU after it leaves, something that has been met with outrage.

In response, leader of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella, accused Prime Minister Theresa May of “bullying” tactics. Warning that the PM’s plans would soon get a reality check.

According to him: “Theresa May is a bull in a china shop. She likes playing the role of the hardliner, but she’s just coming across as fully inadequate to live up to this incredibly delicate historical phase.

“Against this background, it is extremely important that the UK is called upon to honour all financial obligations falling due, up to and including the date of its withdrawal.”

But the PM got more confidence when the Lords report came out, as it falls in line with most of her arguments.

On the other hand the European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator is expecting the UK to pay into the EU budget in 2019 and 2020, with possibilities the UK could be forking out until 2023.

This they said is partly due to payments for EU-funded infrastructure not being settled for two or three years after being agreed.

Mr Pittella insisted that until the UK pays its ‘bill’, there can be no progress on negotiations, in particular securing a free trade deal.

He said: “Without an agreement on this and other crucial issues, talks on future relationships between the EU and UK cannot start.

“Madam May is fully aware of this, but she’s still fooling herself that the EU can be impressed by her bullying attitude.

“The reality will soon wake her up.

“Negotiations between the European Union and UK should be concluded in good faith and a spirit of mutual respect to ensure the orderly exit of the UK from the EU.”

Despite some viewing the hefty bill as punishment for the UK leaving, a high-ranking EU diplomat dismissed the claims.

They said: “This is not the price of leaving, and it shouldn’t be represented as that.

“This is simply what the UK owes. If you buy a pint in a bar, you have to pay for it even if you don’t drink it.”

Fury over Labour and Liberal Democrats call on the EU to sanction the UK for going against the EU freedom of movement

Fury over Labour and Liberal Democrats call on the EU to sanction the UK for going against the EU freedom of movement

World Unknown   11:41

Pandemonium as Liberal Democrats and their Labour counterparts at the EU parliament after they pressed on Brussels to issue some sanctions against the United Kingdom as the country moves to reduce migration.

Eurosceptics are now accusing the left-wing politicians for attempting to undermine the outcome of the June 23 2016 referendum, saying Labour and Lib Dems have “learnt nothing” from the Brexit vote by the British people.

According to Labour and Lib Dems, the new Home Office strict policy which demands EU nationals to have enough money to take care of themselves without depending on benefits and the NHS were done out of discrimination.

The move they said is repugnant to the EU treaties which guarantees freedom of movement of all member state nationals.

Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder said EU migrants “pay their taxes and contribute to our society” and should have their residency rights guaranteed by the Government.

She said: “They are not political bargaining chips. They are real people, real lives, worried and fearful. Is that how we should be treating people we promised we’d welcome?

“We need to protect the UK I know, open, tolerant and united but it is for this house and its MEPs to speak for all European citizens. The threats from Mrs May’s government must stop now no ifs no buts.”

Also, Labour MEP Claude Moraes contributing said: “There is compelling and building evidence since the Brexit vote that some EU citizens in the UK are experiencing great uncertainty about their position.

“Suspicion that far from having their rights protected the UK has already begun to use them as bargaining chips.

“The UK Government has a moral, political and legal duty to protect the rights of all EU citizens.”

Green MEP Jean Lambert said: “Many of us will welcome tonight’s vote in the House of Lords on the Article 50 bill. They don’t want to be used as bargaining chips they feel it’s insulting and demeaning and it is.

“[The Government] should strongly condemn the rising racism and xenophobia we’re seeing in the UK. We really hope the Commission will get on please and initiate the infringement proceedings on which they’ve been hanging fire for so long.”

In addition Labour MEP Richard Corbett added that using EU citizens as “pawns” was a “disgrace we will fight all the way”.

On the other hand Tory MEP Anthea McIntyre attacked Lib Dem and Labour MEPs for “political opportunism” and “scaremongering” and said their motion would do nothing to help the EU regain the confidence of voters across the continent.

She said: “The Prime Minister could not have been clearer regarding the value she places on the contribution made by EU citizens to Britain, to its economy, its society, and its culture.

“That is why securing the status of EU nationals already residing in the UK, and UK nationals residing in the EU, is a priority for the Prime Minister once Article 50 is triggered.

“Debates such as this do nothing other than fuel scaremongering amongst our citizens who may already be unsettled by the changing political landscape. The political opportunism displayed by some here today, does little to strengthen our goals of a better Europe.”

And Ukip Home Affairs spokeswoman Jane Collins MEP said the complaint by the liberal MEPs "shows that these fanatical europhiles have learned nothing from Brexit and have no desire to listen to the concerns of the people”.

She stressed that: “Net migration into the UK is still in the hundreds of thousands yet we have MEPs calling for the UK to face sanctions for wanting to control numbers.

"You have to ask yourself at what point, if ever, will these eurocrats stop putting their desires for a United States of Europe before fairness?

“I hope people in the UK see that the Liberal Democrats have joined in this mass whinge against the UK. Not only do they want to overturn the democratic result of the referendum they want to attack their own people for having a different opinion to their policies.”

Ms Collins said that British people have “voted against free movement” in last June’s referendum in part because of the strain migration places on public services.

EU Commissioner Vera Jourova told MEPs that eurocrats were “carefully assessing the compliance” of recent changes to border policy brought in by Mrs May.

She added: “The EU commission will continue to defend it as a top priority. As long as the UK remains a member state all rights and obligations continue to apply.

“I am fully aware that EU citizens living in the UK are concerned about their future rights. They deserve to know what their rights will be in the UK after it leaves the EU and vice-versa the same applies to UK citizens residing in the other 27 member states.”

In a question to the EU Commission, which sparked the debate, the liberal MEPs wrote: “As a full member of the EU, the UK must apply EU freedom of movement laws and it is the task of the Commission to ensure that these rules are properly applied in all Member States.

“There has been an increasing number of reports of the UK Home Office using restrictive interpretation of the requirements of sufficient resources and the possession of health insurance cover in order to restrict the rights of EU citizens in the UK.”

The debate came after Lib Dem leader Ming Campbell told a Brexit debate in the House of Lords: “Just as Brexit means Brexit, legally resident means legally resident.”

About 200,000 Polish nationals to abandon the UK for their country

About 200,000 Polish nationals to abandon the UK for their country

World Unknown   10:44

There is an indication suggesting that about 200,000 Polish citizens currently residing in the UK because of Britain’s decision to leave the EU during last year’s Brexit referendum. According to the information, the reason given for the alleged exodus is that their (Polish) economy is stronger.

“The situation around Brexit combined with improvement in the socio-economic situation in Poland may mean that some Poles (an estimate of 100,000-200,000) presently living in Great Britain will decide to return,” a Development Ministry representative revealed in a reply to a parliamentary question.

Official UK data has it that about one million Polish nationals were living in the United Kingdom as of 2015. Also hate crime against Polish nationals in the UK after Brexit vote last year.

Sex Tsar appointed by the Spanish government to encourage couples to have more children due to under population

Sex Tsar appointed by the Spanish government to encourage couples to have more children due to under population

World Unknown   09:14

Face with crisis of under population, Spanish government has engaged a ‘sex tsar’ to help increase the country's "catastrophically low" birth rate.

The government is apparently accusing young couples for being "too tired after a full day at work" and "late nights" for the decline.

So, faced with a rapidly declining population, the Senado de Espana has tasked demographic expert Edelmira Barreira with sorting out the problem.

The plan comes as a result of a report which shows more deaths than births for the very first time since 2015.

Statistics revealed Spanish women between 18-49 reportedly had an average of 1.3 children in 2015 - below the European Union’s (EU) figure of 1.58.

Whereas many European countries are seeing a decline in birth rates, Spain's figures shows it has one of the lowest in the developed world. This is because birth rate in Spain has decline by 18% since 2008, as revealed by figures from Eurostat.

Also, between 1977 and 2015, the number of couples with no child, tripled from 1.5 to 4.4 million, according to the latest report by Spanish social and economic think tank, Funcas .

Accordingly, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and Ms Barreira will draft a document for a national strategy of demographic imbalances.

Spain's education ministry said the declining birth-rate “aggravates other economic imbalances and generates important 'impacts' in the Welfare State”, reports Spanish news site ABC .

Also speaking, Rafael Puyol, of the IE Business School in Madrid, states tjat people are often too tired after a full day at work and blamed long working hours and late nights for the decrease.

He said: “They do not help with making a family. Then a child arrives and it is even worse.”

This isn't the first time a government has gone to extreme lengths to promote baby making.

In 2014 the Danish government ran a “Do It For Denmark” campaign encouraging couples to procreate - which apparently had a positive effect on the birth rate.

GERMANY: Bavarian region set to announce full ban on Islamic face veil

GERMANY: Bavarian region set to announce full ban on Islamic face veil

World Unknown   16:39

Due to several reports of terrorists attack in various European countries and Germany in particular, Bavaria has finalised plans to place a complete ban of the full-face veil almost all public places including schools.

The southern German state will also prohibit the wearing of the Islamic veil in universities, government workplaces and polling stations.

The proposed ban is coming about seven months to the country’s general elections, which has immigration as the burning to most Germans.

Bavarian conservatives, the sister party to Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, currently govern the region, and hope to stave votes off the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party.

According to Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herman, at the end of a draft law stated that: "Communication happens not only via language but also via looks, facial expressions and gestures.

"It's the foundation of our interactions with each other and it's the basis of our free and democratic order.

"Concealing your face is at odds with this culture of communication."

In December, Mrs Merkel called for a ban on full-face Muslim veils "wherever legally possible".

Over the past two years alone, more than a million, mainly Muslim, migrants have arrived in Germany.

France and Belgium have already banned the burqa, while the region of Lombardy in northern Italy has outlawed it in hospitals and public offices belonging to the regional government.

FRANCE ELECTION 2017: will it make or mar Brexit Britain?

FRANCE ELECTION 2017: will it make or mar Brexit Britain?

World Unknown   08:52

Indeed Europe is not at any war, nonetheless, the relationship Brexit Britain and its longstanding friend and adversary enter into in 2017 will go a long way to define the European continent.

The forth-coming French election in spring this year is seen to a tough battle between the far right’s Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron, the liberal centrist. According to analysts, there appears to be two different opinions on what the expected result will meant to Britain.

One of such opinion is that, Brexit could help boost Ms Le Pen's chances of winning.

"Brexit was the first real blow to the old order," Ms Le Pen recently said, adding: "We are here to bear witness to the end of one world and the birth of another."

Similarly, Donald Trump’s victory at the presidential poll is also a bolster to her candidature, which is based on similar issues, such as globalisation and immigration as part of a broader drive of change.

According to Ms Le Pen, France is not stepping out on its own, but rather that "the people are waking - the tide of history has turned". Thus has also promised the French people that she will call for a referendum that will decide France’s membership of the EU tagged Frexit.

Therefore, if she wins and keep to her promise, a Le Pen France could be good for Brexit Britain.

Of which if France exits the union, analysts predicts could bring the EU to an abrupt end, and will give Britain the opportunity to seek bi-lateral trade deals and diplomatic ties with individual states instead of the other 27 member states.

However, would an unstable, disintegrating EU be good for Britain? In the short-term it would lead to economic turmoil.

It's no surprise that Theresa May has insisted she wants a strong Europe, despite Brexit.

On the other hand, what if the polls are right and the internationalist, liberal, EU-supporting Mr Macron wins?

Macron stated during the week that UK’s exit from the EU is a major opportunity for France to take its rightful place.

"I was very happy to see that some academics and researchers in the UK because of Brexit are considering coming to France to work," he said.

"It will be part of my programme to be attractive for these kinds of people.

"I want banks, talents, researchers, academics and so on."

He also went further to hint at renegotiating an arrangement between France and the UK that allows immigration checks before passengers’ board cross-Channel ferries or trains.

If elected, a President Macron, wanting to protect the EU and to exploit Brexit, could prove a much tougher negotiator.

Whether it is Mr Macron, Ms Le Pen or even Francois Fillon, what is clear is that the UK's vote to leave the EU is helping to shape France's election and Brexit will be shaped by whoever wins.

Sir Ivan warns that the remaining 27 EU member states may make huge financial demand if the UK must stay in the single market

Sir Ivan warns that the remaining 27 EU member states may make huge financial demand if the UK must stay in the single market

World Unknown   11:29

Ivan Rogers has said that for the UK to be part of the EU single of about 500 million people, it has stated that Britain would have to pay big cash sum in exchange for the single market.

Speaking further, he stressed that the issue of Britain’s exit bill would be challenging from the beginning of negotiations and anticipated it coming to a head at a “gory” meeting of EU leaders in 2018 autumn.

Sir Ivan also while speaking to MPs on the Brexit select committee, stressed that the other 27 EU nations are going to come up with an amount for the UK to pay for a transitional and free trade deal.

On the other hand, he included that the loss contribution to the European Union would be huge, thus could be used as a bargaining chip by both parties.

He stated that: "I think we can expect a number of them (EU countries) to think - well, if the British want a future trade deal, and they want some form of transitional arrangement before a future trade deal - all big ifs - then this will come together at some gory European Council in the autumn of 2018 and it will come together with the money equation.

"There will be some who will want to play hardball and say, 'well, absent British money over a transitional period, why the hell should we give them any trade deal?'"

Sir Ivan, who resigned last month, sparking controversy, repeated his claim that it would take until the mid-2020s before there was a full divorce agreement and free trade deal with the EU.

He said the UK needed to try to negotiate the "biggest free trade agreement ever struck" that should be "unprecedentedly good and bespoke".

Sir Ivan added that falling back on no deal and World Trade Organisation rules would leave the UK in a "legal void" which would cause "massive damage from day one".

Sir Ivan never ended his speech without sounding a note of warning to the UK not to go into any form of trade deal without including financial services on such agreement. Because if that happens, the UK will be on the losing end, as the country export more financial services than goods.

Britain has be given a serious warning that Brexit bill will be “very hefty” and trade deals with the EU will last for several years

Britain has be given a serious warning that Brexit bill will be “very hefty” and trade deals with the EU will last for several years

World Unknown   10:16

As the triggering of the much spoken about Article 50 draws nearer, it is becoming clearer that not only the UK is ready to surprise the EU with Theresa May’s hard Brexit stance. EU leaders seem to be ready as well with their own point to be presented to the UK once Article 50 is triggered.

This is because Britain has been given early warning by Jean-Claude Juncker that there will be no EU exit at "zero cost" and any trade deal will take years, and that the UK will be landed with a “very hefty bill.”

The EU Chief went further to state that UK/EU trade deal post Brexit would take several years, as against the anticipated two years being promised by the British PM.

Juncker stressed that before the UK finally leaves the EU, it must first of all pay its own share of EU spending which were agreed upon prior to Brexit.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Juncker said: "The British should know this, they know this already, that it will not be at a discount or at zero cost. The British must respect commitments they were involved in making.

"So the bill will be, to put it a bit crudely, very hefty."

Recall that the former UK ambassador to the EU Sir Ivan Rogers told MPs last month that the UK will end up having to pay the EU up to €60bn (£51bn) to leave.

He also said he thought it would be the "early to mid 2020s" before a trade deal with the EU was ratified.

Mr Juncker said: "We need to settle our affairs not with our hearts full of a feeling of hostility, but with the knowledge that the continent owes a lot to the UK.

"Without Churchill, we would not be here - we mustn't forget that, but we mustn't be naive."

The Leave campaign claim that the £350m a week paid to the EU by the UK would be returned on exit was key in bringing out the Brexit vote.

A large bill that could see the UK continue paying out to the EU would be unpopular with a public promised an imminent reversal of cash.

Division among UK ministers over plan to use foreign aid money to garner support for Brexit negotiations

Division among UK ministers over plan to use foreign aid money to garner support for Brexit negotiations

World Unknown   11:12

There appears to be some kind of clash between ministers from the United Kingdom over an alleged plan to divert several amount of money running into billions of pounds of foreign aid spending countries in Eastern Europe in return for support in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations on or before the end of March.

According to sources, top cabinet ministers and officials are of the opinion that the aid that are being wasted in Asia and Africa from Britain’s £12bn yearly budget, could rather be given to countries like Poland, Hungary and the Baltic states.

However, officials at the Department for International Development regarded such moves as being illegal. Stressing that under international guidelines, it is only Ukraine an Albania that qualify for such spending from overseas development, and these are countries outside of the European Union.

“We don’t set the rules. The OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] decides which countries are eligible for ODA [official development assistance] spending,” a senior government source told the Times. “The eastern European countries in the EU don’t count.”

Norway demands to be part of Brexit negotiation with the EU

Norway demands to be part of Brexit negotiation with the EU

World Unknown   10:47

The Norwegian government has indicated strong interest to participate in the Brexit negotiation once Article 50 is triggered and formal exit processes are put on motion.

“We would like to have the possibility to be included in EU-UK arrangements concerning the internal market, permanent as well as transitional," the Norwegian EEA and EU minister, Frank Bakke-Jensen, said in a speech to EU ambassadors in Oslo.

"I am pleased with the willingness to consult closely with us on coming negotiations about the internal market," he said, adding that Norway was also conducting a bilateral political dialogue with London.

"We are ready to discuss our future co-operation in specific terms as soon as the situation permits," he said.

Norway is one country that is not in the EU, but then pays for access to the European common market via the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement. Also the country contributes to the EU budget, and is a signatory to the Schengen agreement.

An EEA deal would allow Britain to maintain membership of the single market, in return for continued payment into the EU budget.

Decisively, conversely, an EEA deal means he acceptance of freedom of movement, which the British PM has repeatedly said would be a deal breaker for her government.

Critics of the EEA agreement also say it means Britain has no say about the laws and regulations it must accept for access to the single market.

Opinion in the UK is divided over what form of Brexit the country should take - either a “hard” Brexit where it severs all ties with the bloc or follows a “soft” and, like Norway, keeps close ties with the EU whilst still remaining outside of it.

Mr Wilders a far-right politician vows to ban Koran and shut down all Mosques in the Netherlands

Mr Wilders a far-right politician vows to ban Koran and shut down all Mosques in the Netherlands

World Unknown   08:30

Despite all the various media noise and protest made against US president Donald Trump, it is becoming clearer that political leaders of other nations are beginning to key into his hard stance against countries perceived to have been known for terrorist activities in some Muslim countries.

One of such country where such a move is being pursued is Holland where a far-right and anti-Islamic politician has been on the lead in opinion surveys ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections billed for 15 March, which the public perceive as litmus test for European politics after the outcome of the EU referendum vote in the UK and the election of Donald Trump as the US president.

According to Wilders: "The Moroccan scum in Holland ... once again not all are scum ... but there is a lot of Moroccan scum in Holland who make the streets unsafe, mostly young people... and that should change."

Speaking further in the blue-collar town of Spijkenisse said the people of Holland should vote for his Freedom Party "if you want to regain your country, if you want to make The Netherlands for the people of The Netherlands, your own home again".

During the campaign, he was enclosed by police and followed by a small group of protesters and supporters, along with a large group of reporters.

"Please, make The Netherlands ours again," said the far-right politician, as a small group of supporters cheered in the background.

He has stated clearly that he is going to ban the Koran and shut down all mosques in the Netherlands if elected. Thus have found some support among those who worry about immigration and terrorist attacks in Europe.

According to recent surveys his party may be winning between 24 and 28 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament. They currently have 12 seats.

Which will put him two to four seats ahead of Prime Minister Mark Rutte's ruling VVD party.

Though sources have that even if he wins the election, his party would likely need coalition partners to rule but that will be "difficult", due to his comments and conviction according to Martin Bosma, his right-hand man and fellow politician while speaking to AFP.

Just like Britain, Mr Wilders is also considering taking the Netherlands out the EU, a promised he made last July during an interview with Spiegel Online saying: "We'd finally get our national sovereignty back, as well as our autonomy in matters of monetary and immigration policy - just like Switzerland.

"That's my favourite example: a country in the heart of Europe that even has individual trade agreements with China and Japan.

"Look at why the British wanted this exit.

"Politicians like Prime Minister David Cameron have lost all sense of reality.

"The people have seen how billions were spent on Greece and Turkey, on deals with (Turkish president) Erdogan or for asylum seekers."

Danish government intensify measures to check the excesses of foreigners and stop terrorists from invading their country

Danish government intensify measures to check the excesses of foreigners and stop terrorists from invading their country

World Unknown   10:27

Due to influx of some refugees and sometimes terrorists on the European soil, the Danish parliament has approved resolution which protects the full rights of Danes, so that they do not become minorities in their own land.

The resolution was reached after the government discovered via an official data that the city of Brøndby Strand and Odense are now being occupied by foreigners, and have become more than the natives of those cities numerically.

According to the resolution: “The Parliament notes with concern that today there are areas in Denmark, where the proportion of immigrants and descendants from non-Western countries is over 50 per cent.

“The Folketing believes that Danes should not be in minority neighbourhoods in Denmark.”

Though the legislation was only scarcely approved after parliamentarians in the Folketing voted 55 to 54 in favour of the proposal. No-one abstained from the vote.

The government also expresses worries over several attacks against the Danish people by some immigrants, who are oftentimes suspected to the terrorists.

According to Rafi Ibrahim, a Syrian national who has lived several years in Denmark, explained how foreigners did not understand European lifestyle and culture.

He said last year: “If they see a girl, they go nuts. They simply can't handle it. In Syria and many other countries, it is not normal for a strange woman to smile at you.

“Those girls who are harassed aren't necessarily scantily-dressed or drunk. Sometimes it is enough just to be a girl.”

Denmark has previously offered cash incentives to migrants who cannot assimilate to the country’s way of life.

The Danish government’s 2025 Plan outlined proposals to make it more difficult for foreigners living in the country to obtain permanent residence.

Among the plans would mean foreigners would have to live in Denmark for eight years as opposed to the current six. Migrants would also have to pass a citizenship test, be employed for four of the past four and a half years and complete Danish language courses.

A whopping 21,000 asylum seekers arrived in the Scandinavian nation in 2015.

British PM to avoid EU 60th anniversary party

British PM to avoid EU 60th anniversary party

World Unknown   09:56

It has been revealed that the British Prime Minister Theresa May will not take part in the EU which is to take place in Rome next to mark the 60^th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome.

According a source from the EU, her decision not to be present at the event was “entirely logical” because of the attention of the summit would be centred on the future of the European Union, of which the UK would not be member to any time soon.

Despite May’s resolve to trigger Article 50 by the end of March, Italian officials have told the British government not to make any attempt that would jeopardize the Rome party. This is because the summit will start on March 25.

“The door was open, but the response was, ‘We don’t think it is appropriate for us,’” an EU diplomat said of the U.K. response to the invite.

Rights of EU nationals and that of British nationals should be given priority in Brexti negotiation

Rights of EU nationals and that of British nationals should be given priority in Brexti negotiation

World Unknown   09:31

Once again, a senior member of Theresa May’s cabinet David Davis has reiterated that the UK government and the European Union must the rights of British nationals living in other EU countries and EU nationals living in the UK a priority in the Brexit negotiation as soon as possible.

This call came after it was revealed that EU nations may adopt a rigorous approach against UK citizens living in EU member states in retaliation to how the UK is making life difficult for other EU citizens living in the UK.

The Brexit Secretary stated that the UK government would try and strike a deal that protects rights, social support and healthcare.

"We are determined to get a good outcome to protect the rights of British citizens and European Union nation citizens and to get an answer quickly," he said, speaking in Stockholm alongside Sweden's EU minister Ann Linde.

"We would have liked to have had the answer already, we would have liked to have settled this issue already."

Mr Davis said the Government would like to make the issue "the very first thing on the negotiating agenda" once the procedure starts.

"We understand that people feel uncertain and we want to take away all that uncertainty and replace it with residents' rights, social support, healthcare - all of those sorts of things," he said.

Davis also used the moment to assure that Article 50 will be triggered as promised by the Prime Minister. But dismissed speculations that the triggering of Article 50 will take place during EU summit coming up 9-10 March.

The legal rights of most of 3.3 EU nationals living in the UK and vice-versa is going to be one of the urgent issues that would be discussed at the negotiation table. The PM had always said that Britain will only reciprocate any action being taken by the EU towards British nationals living in other EU member states.

The leaked EU document on citizens' rights, reported by The Guardian newspaper, said it will be down to each member state to decide whether British citizens are allowed to carry on living within their borders after 2019.