Man finds giant tarantula on the street of Leicester

Man finds giant tarantula on the street of Leicester

News Unknown   08:30

A giant tarantula which as large as the hand of a human being has been discovered in one of the streets in Leicester.

The creature also known as the salmon pink Brazilian bird-eating spider, can grow to a leg-span of 10 inches, was to be abandoned in a plastic box in Narborough Road.

Commenting on about the creature, the RSPCA man who found the it, thought to be the third-largest species of tarantula, was someone who has a phobia for spiders and had been "understandably shaken" by the discovery.

According to Steve Smith, animal collection officer, presumed the giant spider was to be an unwanted pet which was abandoned by its owner who may have struggled to look after it.

He said: "We would recommend that anyone interested in keeping a tarantula as a pet thoroughly research the particular species' needs carefully first before deciding to get one, so they know what is involved and how long it is likely to be for."

Mr Smith said that despite its size, the spider was "not aggressive at all". As a specialist is now taking care of the spider.

Salmon pink Brazilian bird-eating spiders, or lasiodora parahybana, have pink hairs growing on their legs and are found in the tropical rain forests of eastern Brazil.

Despite its name, the species only rarely eats birds, preferring mostly insects it captures on the forest floor as well as lizards, frogs and mice.

Animal charities have warned of rising numbers of exotic pets being abandoned in the UK, often after they are given as presents.

It is not the first time a Brazilian spider has turned up unexpectedly. In 2015, a Bristol man received one in the post, meant for the previous owners of his house.

In 2013, a man had a tarantula confiscated after he tried to take it into a court in Kent.

Larissa Waters breastfeeds her baby on the floor of the Australian Parliament

Larissa Waters breastfeeds her baby on the floor of the Australian Parliament

Politics Unknown   08:15

Senator Larissa Waters of Australia makes a landmark political history after breastfeeding on the floor of the country’s federal parliament. This coming about a year after she helped in making some changes to breastfeeding rules.

Senator Waters who just resumed duty after giving birth to her daughter, whose name is given as Alia Joy, and was forced to do what she did because her baby was hungry.

The 40-year-old mother took to twitter to express her pride, saying: “So proud that my daughter Alia is the first baby to be breastfed in the federal parliament! We need more women and parents in parliament.”

She also used the opportunity to call for more family-friendly and flexible workplaces and affordable childcare for everyone.

Her colleague Katy Gallagher said: “Women have been doing it in parliaments around the world. It is great to see it is able to occur now in the senate.

“Women are going to continue to have babies and if they want to do their job and be at work and look after their baby, the reality is that we are going to have to accommodate that.”

It was also reported in 2016 that an Icelandic MP breastfed her baby while she was speaking at the national parliament.

Eight years ago, the Greens Australian senator Sarah Hanson-Young had her two-year-old daughter taken out of the Australian Parliament.

The Lib Dem MP and equalities minister, Jo Swinson, has said that it is “bizarre” that MPs are banned from taking their babies into the Commons in the UK.

A study on tackling sexism in parliament said that breast-feeding should be allowed in the House of Commons to encourage firms to have more “family friendly” policies.

Facebook make frantic efforts to stop fake news

Facebook make frantic efforts to stop fake news

News Unknown   08:06

In its current effort to tackle the proliferation of fake news, social media giant, Facebook is now turning to newspapers.

According to a press release, Facebook will make some adverts in British newspapers from this week Monday advising users to be "sceptical of headlines" and check other reports on the same subject before believing a story.

This effort comes after the public condemned social network for failing on their part to deal with the spread of fake news on its platform.

Last month Facebook placed a notice on its users' news feeds warning about fake news, after claims that fake stories supporting Donald Trump may have helped him win the US election.

According to Simon Milner, the tech firm's director of policy in the UK: "People want to see accurate information on Facebook and so do we.

"That is why we are doing everything we can to tackle the problem of false news.

"We have developed new ways to identify and remove fake accounts that might be spreading false news so that we get to the root of the problem."

Mr Milner said Facebook was working with fact-checking organisations to analyse content around the General Election.

"To help people spot false news we are showing tips to everyone on Facebook on how to identify if something they see is false," he said.

"We can't solve this problem alone so we are supporting third party fact checkers during the election in their work with news organisations, so they can independently assess facts and stories."

Last week, Facebook said it was looking to hire an extra 3,000 staff to combat extremist and distressing content, especially in videos.

Centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron wins French election

Centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron wins French election

Politics Unknown   05:36

Finally, after all the verbal attacks and campaigns from both sides, Marine Le Pen concedes defeat to centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron as he wins the French presidential election on Sunday to become the youngest leader in France.

Mrs Le Pen while addressing a crowd of followers in the east of Paris, sent her congratulatory message to Macron and said the people of France had voted for "continuity".

Meanwhile, Macron’s followers went in their numbers to the courtyard outside the Louvre museum in the country’s capital to receive his victory speech.

Addressing AFP, he proclaimed that a new "hopeful and confident" chapter had begun.

His triumph marks a stunning rise for the banker turned politician, who only set up his En Marche! (On the move) party last year and becomes the country's youngest ever leader.

Thus bringing about a shift in the political history of France, as the centre-right and centre-left parties begins to fall in the first round for the first time in more than 50 years, leaving Mr Macron and Ms Le Pen to fight to the finish.

Macron’s electoral victory has been welcome by the European Union as he promised to build a stronger EU integration, as against Le Pen who promised to pull France out from the bloc.

His victory makes the third time within a period of six months that voters in EU nations will reject far-right candidates after Austria and the Netherlands. And as a result will bolster the EU’s position during Brexit negotiations.

European Council President Donald Tusk warns Theresa May to put her emotions under control

European Council President Donald Tusk warns Theresa May to put her emotions under control

Politics Unknown   08:36

In reaction to the British PM’s statement accusing some EU officials of “deliberately” making some attempts to influence the upcoming general election, European Council Chief Donald Tusk has warned about the likelihood of Brexit talks becoming “impossible” if emotions are not put under control.

"These (Brexit) negotiations are difficult enough as they are. If we start arguing before they even begin, they will become impossible," Mr Tusk said in a statement read out after a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg.

"The stakes are too high to let our emotions get out of hand. Because at stake are the daily lives and interests of millions of people on both sides of the Channel."

Recall that PM had blamed the EU when she said "there are some in Brussels who do not want these talks to succeed, who do not want Britain to prosper".

Mrs May's claims followed a German newspaper's damning account of a dinner last week between the PM and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.

After which Mr Junker purportedly called German Chancellor Angela Merkel after the meeting to say Mrs May is on a "different galaxy" over the negotiations.

Mrs May dismissed the claims as "Brussels gossip".

The Norwegian Prime Minister while speaking with Sky News reporters said the people of Europe and the UK would suffer if politicians could not work together.

Mrs Solberg said: "For the benefit of the whole of Europe we need to find workable solutions for the competitiveness of the whole continent.

"It's European people who will lose out on possibilities and economic development if you can't find good working relationships."

Councils in Britain to get new officials, as voting commences today

Councils in Britain to get new officials, as voting commences today

Politics Unknown   07:41

Voting in local elections across the UK today opens today for the election of new officials in Scotland, Wales, 34 in England along with 27 other counties.

Today’s council elections will also elect new mayors in six new devolved super-regions together with Doncaster and North Tyneside.

A total of 15,403 candidates will contest 4,851 seats - with 107 contenders running unopposed.

Mayors to be elected in the newly-created regions will be given additional powers in the areas of housing and policing. They are: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City region, Tees Valley, West Midlands and West of England.

Interim figures from the eight areas holding mayoral elections show 7,205,134 are free to vote on Thursday.

The Manchester Gorton parliamentary by-election triggered by the death of Labour MP Gerald Kaufman was also due to take place - but has now been delayed until the day of the General Election.

Some of the local election results will be declared in the early hours of Friday, but most will come in during the day.

Theresa May fires back at EU leaders

Theresa May fires back at EU leaders

Politics Unknown   07:16

Leaders of the European Union to respond to the British Prime Minister’s speck after she accused some of the bloc’s leaders in Brussels of "not wanting Britain to prosper".

While making a speech amid the launching of the Conservative Party’s general election campaign, the PM submitted that leaks and threats had been "deliberately timed to affect the result of the general election".

Even though some leaders within the Council declined to make any statement regarding the PM’s accusations when Sky News interrogated, some Members of the European Parliament reacted to Mrs May’s comments on Wednesday evening.

Mairead McGuinness, vice president of the European Parliament, warned of the damage such "emotive, electioneering language" could do to the subsequent negotiations.

"The election that's happening in the UK will of course impact the current discussions in the UK, and probably here as well, but when all of this is over there will have to be a settling down and dealing with reality," she said.

However, Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan said to Sky News that Mrs May was right to fire back after European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker said it was a "constructive meeting" then leaked a different account to a German newspaper.

After being "traduced in a foreign newspaper with the most grotesque version of events, I think she has every right to feel cross about it", he said.

Back in Britain, Labour branded Mrs May's move as "foolish", the Liberal Democrats said it was "desperate and bizarre" while the pressure group Leave Means Leave welcomed the "robust position".

Jubilation as more than 40 Fulani Muslims converts to Christianity in Nigeria

Jubilation as more than 40 Fulani Muslims converts to Christianity in Nigeria

Religion Unknown   09:13

Joy unspeakable as over 400 Fulani Muslims surrender their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in Nigeria have been encouraged to be steadfast and preach the gospel peace to their kindred, so that the incessant violence in the country could be brought under control.

The advice was made by Reverend Copper Sebok, who is the head of COCIN Church Panyam after the end of three days fasting and prayers on Sunday which was organised for all the new Fulani converts from denominations across Nigeria.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the sole aim of the conference was to awaken the need for preaching to their fellow brothers and sisters all over Nigeria.

“The conference is also a re-union service for all Fulani converts regardless of their denominations and to share experiences and encourage one another in the propagation of the gospel of peace.

“It is a concept of COCIN 43 years ago, and to debunk the notion that Fulani’s are nomadic and can’t be reached with the gospel of Christ.’’

In his sermon, read from Matt 9: 35-38, the clergy said man must have compassion on the unsaved to draw them to Christ for eternal salvation.

The clergy man criticised the rate in which crises are keep brewing in the country which brings about the loss of lives properties.

Rev. Hassan Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the converts, expressed appreciation to God for giving them a new lease of life as Christians.

He disclosed that the conference was an eye opener for them to go and proclaim the gospel not only to their kindred but to all nations, as commanded by Jesus Christ.

“We have a total of seven Fulani people ordained Reverends beside other Pastors and Evangelists and we are doing our best to enlighten our brothers and sisters about Christianity,’’ Mohammed said.

He thanked the organizers of the conference and appealed to both Christians and Muslim to continue to pray for the peace of the country.

Alleged linked report of Brexit talks angers Theresa May

Alleged linked report of Brexit talks angers Theresa May

Politics Unknown   08:17

EU leaders have been lambasted by the British government over leaked Brexit negotiation facts. According to Mrs May, the “Brussels gossip” has proved how necessary it for her to take a tough stance in negotiations over the UK’s departure from the European Union.

A respected German newspaper, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung reported that talks broke up, due to Mrs May’s refusal to accept demands made by EU leaders concerning the controversial divorce bill of about £50bn.

In a quick response, Mr Juncker also insisted that the EU was not “a golf club” that the UK could simply walk out of. He then left the meeting doubting if any deal could be agreed on by both parties, as he said “I leave Downing Street ten times as sceptical as I was before.”

Mrs May was understood to be furious at the one-sided nature of the leak, which is thought to have been briefed by sources at the commission.

Downing Street took the highly unusual step of releasing a statement questioning the account.

A spokesman said: “We do not recognise this account. As the Prime Minister and Jean-Claude Juncker made clear, this was a constructive meeting ahead of the negotiations formally getting underway.”

And on the General Election campaign trail in Lancashire last night, Mrs May signalled her displeasure at the leaking.

“I have to say from I have seen of this account, I think it is Brussels gossip,” she said.

She also reiterated that EU Commission had earlier released a statement and praised the “constructive” atmosphere of the meeting.

Mrs May added: “But this also shows that actually these negotiations are at times going to be tough.

"And in order to get the best deal for Britain, we need to ensure we’ve got that strong and stable leadership into those negotiations.

“As I say, every vote for me and my team will strengthen my hand in those negotiations.

“And when it comes to June 8, people will have a clear choice. With 27 European countries on one side of the table, who do they want to see standing up for Britain on the other side – me or Jeremy Corbyn?”

British government rejects EU hardline Brexit demands

British government rejects EU hardline Brexit demands

Politics Unknown   07:46

British Prime Minister reacts to Junckers unwholesome comment over the hospitality he received from the PM at No 10, which was fully paid for by British taxpayers. The unelected EU official was told by Mrs May to exercise some patience.

The negotiating approach being made by the EU was supposedly questioned by the PM, as an indication of her tough stance regarding free movement and free trade post-Brexit.

To strengthen her position during the negotiation process, the PM is looking forward to win the forthcoming general election next month.

She said: “First of all I would point out we don’t have a Brexit deal on the table from Brussels.

“We have their negotiating guidelines, we have our negotiating guidelines through the Article 50 letter and the Lancaster House speech I gave on this issue in January.

“What matters sitting around that table is a strong Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, with a strong mandate from the people of the United Kingdom which will strengthen our negotiating hand to ensure we get that possible deal.”

David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, in his statement also included that: “Both sides are clear – we want these negotiations to be conducted in the spirit of goodwill, sincere cooperation and with the aim of establishing a close partnership between the UK and the EU going forward.

“But there is no doubt that these negotiations are the most complex the UK has faced in our lifetimes. They will be tough and, at times, even confrontational.”

The European Commission is currently making a strong demand for Britain to pay £50billion Brexit bill to cover EU spending up until 2020. Also the protection of the rights of EU citizens living in the UK is being demanded by the EU leaders.

On the other hand it has been stated that EU citizens in the UK will have more rights than are enjoyed by British citizens.

2017 NDDC POST GRADUATE FOREIGN SCHOLARSHIP

2017 NDDC POST GRADUATE FOREIGN SCHOLARSHIP

Scholarships Unknown   09:37

As part of our Human Resource Development initiatives, the NDDC is embarking on Foreign Post Graduate Scholarship Programme to equip Niger Deltans with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the Local content programme of the current Administration as well as compete globally in various professional fields. 

The scheme is for suitably qualified applicants with relevant Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree from recognized Universities in the following professional disciplines:

• 1.      Agricultural Sciences
  2.      Engineering
  3.      Environmental Sciences
  4.      Geosciences
  5.      Information Technology
  6.      Law
  7.      Management Sciences
  8       Medicine

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1.     First degree with minimum of 2nd Class Lower Division for those wishing to undertake a Master’s Degree programme and a good Master’s Degree for PhD candidates from a recognized University.

2.    Applicants must have gained admission for a Post Graduate Programme in any of the listed disciplines above, in a foreign University.

3.    Applicants who have already enrolled in Overseas’ Universities are NOT eligible to apply.

4.    Guarantor’s written consent of good conduct of the applicant from any of the following persons from the applicant’s community/clan.

• Member of National Assembly/State House of Assembly
• Chairman of the LGA
• First Class Traditional Ruler
• High Court Judge

5      Persons with evidence of cult membership or criminal record shall not be considered for the award.

6     Applicants must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC).

MODE OF APPLICATION

• Application must be made on-line at the Commission’s website: (http://www.nddc.gov.ng/ ). With the following attachments.
• Recent passport photograph
• Local Government Identification Letter.
• Post Graduate Admission Letter from a recognised Overseas University.
• Relevant Degrees from a recognized University.
• N.Y.S.C Discharge/Exemption Certificate.
  
  2. Successfully completed application forms will be assigned registration numbers automatically.
  
  3. Print the hard copy of the on-line generated acknowledgement for ease of reference.
  
  4. All shortlisted applicants will be posted on the  NDDC website (http://www.nddc.gov.ng/ ).
  
  5. For further enquiry, please contact:
  Director, Education, Health and Social Services (NDDC)
  E-mail:  gochua.okejoto@nddc.gov.ng
  Mobile:  084668158: Email:  seledi.thompson@nddc.gov.ng

How to apply

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

DURATION

All completed applications must be submitted on or before Friday 27th May, 2017.

NOTE:

• ·         THE COMMISSION WILL NOT ENTER INTO ANY FORM OF COMMUNICATION WITH CANDIDATES WHO WERE NOT SHORTLISTED FOR THE COMPUTER BASED TEST (CBT) OR THOSE WHO WERE NOT INVITED FOR ORAL INTERVIEW OR CANDIDATES THAT WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL AT THE ORAL INTERVIEWS.
• ·         PREFERENCE WOULD BE GIVEN TO CANDIDATES FROM OIL PRODUCING/BEARING COMMUNITIES/LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS AS LONG AS CANDIDATES MEET THE APPROVED CUT OFF MARK.
• ·         THE COMMISSION WILL ENSURE A FAIR SPREAD OF COURSES AMONG BENEFICIARIES WITHIN EACH STATE.
• ·         DEFERMENT, CHANGE OF INSTITUTION AND COURSE ARE NOT PERMITTED.
• ·         THE COMMISSION RESERVES THE SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION TO SELECT APPLICANTS IN LINE WITH THE ABOVE STATED CRITERIA AND ITS INTERNAL CONSIDERATION.  THE DECISION OF THE COMMISSION IN THIS REGARD IS FINAL.

Theresa May replies Brussels saying “I’m not in a different galaxy"

Theresa May replies Brussels saying “I’m not in a different galaxy"

Politics Unknown   09:23

In a swift response to the several threats made against the Theresa May with respect to Brexit, the PM has told EU leaders that she will not allow any EU leader to bully the United Kingdom, as she also vows to ensure the EU strike a trade deal with the Britain.

Tories predicted to gain 8 more seats, as the SNP appears to have lost public acceptance

Tories predicted to gain 8 more seats, as the SNP appears to have lost public acceptance

Politics Unknown   08:36

More troubles seem to be looming against the Scottish National Party with respect to the upcoming election, after Tory leader in Scotland Ruth Davidson announced a change of tide against the SNP, claiming that a recent survey conducted reveals 27% cross-carpeting from the SNP to the Conservatives.

Davidson accused Sturgeon saying that, through Brexit, the masses have known that all the SNP’s concern about is how to break away from the rest of the UK "solving things that really matter".

Therefore, the imminent defeat anticipated at the election will cause grave consequences to the First Minister’s independence ambition, as it is gradually losing public acceptance.

During a media chat with Iain Dale on LBC, Mrs Davidson said: "We have an underperforming economy, we are one quarter away from recession, with highest tax in the country and double the average business rates.

"This election has shown how nationalists care more about breaking up the country than solving things that really matter."

She added: "The nationalist tide is turning. That's why you can see a big shift in the polls.

"According to the latest poll, there is a 27% swing between SNP voters in 2015 and Conservatives this time around.

"Sturgeon is flying in the face of Scotland’s people in nearly every issue.

"She made some basic errors in trying to weaponise Brexit as a tool for independence.

"Brexit throws up a lot of issues but none of them are answered with splitting up the UK.

"She tries to pretend that all those who voted Remain is a proxy for independence, that all Remain voters are independence voters."

According to the survey, the Conservative Party would smile home with eight seats in parliament north of border

The Prime Minister is due to tell a rally in Aberdeenshire: “My message to the people of Scotland is clear — if you vote for me it will strengthen my hand in the Brexit negotiations.

“It will strengthen the union, strengthen the economy and together the UK and Scotland will flourish. Because when Scotland is flourishing, the rest of the UK is flourishing too.”

Labour Party voters may decamp to the Conservative Party in the June 8 general election - YouGov

Labour Party voters may decamp to the Conservative Party in the June 8 general election - YouGov

Politics Unknown   08:28

It has been revealed that the Labour party may be heading towards a colossal downfall in the forthcoming general election.

This was made in a recent survey conducted by YouGov, which states the 48% of the party’s loyalists are considering giving their support to another party, or are not yet sure of giving any backing to Jeremy Corbyn.

Accordingly, it has been predicted that the Conservative party may be getting the support of the Labour defectors, while the Lib Dems could be boosted by Remain voters.

It said: “This is because many people thought they would have a few years to make up their minds about who to support.

“So great are the numbers of undecideds that more people currently tell us they don’t know who they will support than say they plan to vote Labour.

"How and if these voters break over the coming weeks will determine the final result, especially in marginal constituencies.

"Were they to drift back to the party they voted for last time, this would disproportionately help Labour (as that is where many of them have come from).

"However, if they start to move towards the Conservatives, just like other voters have, we could be heading for an even bigger Tory victory than many currently anticipate."

The survey used a pool of 12,000 people, of whom 57 per cent said they would vote the same way as they did in 2015. 

Britain reiterate commitment to secure special and cordial relationship with the EU post-Brexit

Britain reiterate commitment to secure special and cordial relationship with the EU post-Brexit

Politics Unknown   06:11

LONDON: British government has indicated serious interest in creating and maintaining a "deep and special partnership" with the rest of the EU after Brexit. This was disclosed by the PM during a “working dinner” with European Commission president and EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Jean-Claude Juncker and Michael Barnier respectively, at 10 Downing Street.

"Following the UK's letter of notification under Article 50, she reiterated the UK's commitment to achieving a deep and special partnership with the European Union."

The meeting seemed to have started in a friendly fashion as Mrs May greeted Mr Juncker with a kiss on both cheeks in Downing Street. However, Mrs May and David Davis the Brexit Secretary, later on present UK’s position on some key areas of quarrel as Brexit talks begin.

These are contained in a blueprint drawn up by European Council president Donald Tusk, who was not present, ahead of a summit of the other 27 EU leaders in Brussels on Saturday.

They include:

·         Demands by Brussels for a "divorce bill" of up to €50bn when the UK leaves the EU

·         The rights of EU citizens living in the UK and British ex-pats living in Europe after Brexit

·         The threat of a veto for Spain on the future status of Gibraltar after Brexit.

According to a government source the essence of the dinner was to see how the UK clear the atmosphere for a smooth Brexit negotiations. "It was the first stage in the negotiations," one of those present told Sky News.

Also present at the meeting were other significant figures in the Brexit negotiations. From Brussels were Mr Juncker's right hand man Martin Selmayr, Mr Selmayr's diplomatic adviser Richard Szostak, Mr Barnier's deputy Sabine Weyand.

From the UK Government were No 10 joint chief of staff Nick Timothy and the chief Brexit department official Olly Robbins.

Earlier, addressing a conference in London, Mr Davis said of the Brexit negotiations: "The UK has a very good reason to feel optimistic.

'"The discussions I have had confirmed to me that on both sides, negotiations with our European partners will be conducted in a spirit of sincere cooperation. It is a spirit we have shared through our common history.

"Indeed, one of my key messages on my visits to the four countries over the past couple of days, and more than a dozen over a longer period, is that the UK wants to see the European Union succeed and prosper, politically, socially and economically.

"And when it comes to it, our European partners know - even those that were most dismayed by our departure after the UK referendum result - that it will be in their interests for the UK to do the same."

Mr Davis said he was confident of a "very early" deal on the Irish border and reciprocal rights for EU nationals in Britain and UK citizens on the continent.

He said he was optimistic about the opportunities for the future and added: "The Government will do its best to ensure that those opportunities are available to everybody."

European bankers fight back, as they reject proposed laws aimed at Brexit

European bankers fight back, as they reject proposed laws aimed at Brexit

News Unknown   05:53

Being disturbed by the various impact Brexit is causing the system, bankers in Europe have placed a demand on the European Union to backpedal on planned various regulatory changes ahead.

The bankers are deeply worried because they said the proposed changes would not let them compete globally.

As a result, bankers in France and Germany are making serious moves to stop the obvious power grabs by EU leaders concerning that such policies will hinder growth, result to loss of jobs and kill profits of various businesses.

According to Frederic Oudea, chair of the European Banking Federation, and chief executive of SocGen: "We cannot ignore the growing fragmentation of the international regulatory landscape in light of recent political changes notably in the US.

"The perspective of the Brexit adds ... to that trend.

"This topic is particularly important at a time where we need to think strategically about the direction we want to take for capital market activities in Europe in light of Brexit consequences.

"The Economic Affairs Committee has oversight of financial rule-making in the European Parliament, which has joint say with member states on approving the EU's laws.”

Also speaking was Andreas Treichl, chief executive of Austria's Erste Group, who said he was spending most of his time with politicians and 10 regulators, rather than with customers.

He said: "Please reflect on what you have done.

"It's very, very difficult for us to be helpful to create prosperity, and part of the reason is ourselves, and part of the reason is you, the politicians, and part of the reason is the regulators.

"Who do you think will finance start-ups? The capital market is not there, the private investors are not there, and banks increasingly face difficulties in doing it.”

In the meantime Karl-Peter Schackmann-Fallis German Savings Banks Association board member stressed that banks need “a regulatory pause."

Brussels announced last week of a proposals to implement "limitations" on central banks across the remaining 27 states as they continue to power grab.

Accordingly, the EU's European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), established in Paris, says it does not support "competition" as it arranges to issue its new rules and regulations before the summer.

The rules, which are being packaged under the "Capital Markets Union" (CMU), is being targeted to clamp down European-based finance firms in a post Brexit environment.

According to the regulator, far-reaching rules will be implemented that financial institutions, including central banks, will must follow.

ESMA chairman Steven Maijoor said: "This work is aimed at avoiding competition on regulatory and supervisory practices between member states, and a possible race to the bottom, which might be detrimental to the capital markets union.

"Noting the EU is keen to put blocks in place they are also looking at broker-dealer trading arms of banks in Britain and added there would be "potential limitations to outsourcing and delegation".

Theresa May urges members of her cabinet not to take anything for granted by depending of opinion polls

Theresa May urges members of her cabinet not to take anything for granted by depending of opinion polls

Politics Unknown   09:21

Having learnt from previous experiences, British Prime Minster has warned members of her cabinet never to depend on public survey and fold their arms for the opposition take over power, as election is not won by mere public opinions.

The admonition was made by the PM during a cabinet meeting, as she said polls have been proved wrong on several occasions, citing the the EU referendum, the 2015 election and the US presidential election.

Echoing comments made by Jeremy Corbyn himself, Mrs May pointed out the current Labour leader was considered a rank outsider to succeed Ed Miliband before pulling off a shock victory.

Also in a similar vein, party chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin said the Conservatives would need to "campaign hard for every vote, in every part of the country".

Senior Conservative members have constantly talked up the predictions of Labour doing well, a strategy perceived by many Westminster observers as a bid to avoid complacency among its supporters.

Making his contribution, a strategist of the Conservatives has also expressed concern that if their followers believe victory is a foregone conclusion then they may not turn out to vote.

Speaking further Mrs May told ministers how important it is to for them to pass the message that the country was being offered a choice between what she called "strong and stable leadership" under her or "a coalition of chaos and instability led by a floundering, weak and nonsensical Jeremy Corbyn that will put our nation's future at risk".

But in an indication of how high the Tories are setting their sights in this election, Mrs May parked her tanks directly on Labour's lawn by making a visit to South Wales.

It comes after a poll suggested the Conservatives could take a majority of votes cast in Wales for the first time in more than 150 years.

Mrs May warned again against complacency during the trip, telling a crowd in Bridgend that "every single vote will count".

The PM told them the poll was "the most important election this country has faced in my lifetime".

"An election in which every single vote will count. A really important election for the future of this country," she said.

"A vote for any other party would be a vote for a weak and failing Jeremy Corbyn propped up by a coalition of chaos which would risk our national future."

Protest in France, as French voters rejects the two candidates for the May 7 presidential election

Protest in France, as French voters rejects the two candidates for the May 7 presidential election

Politics Unknown   09:13

The people of France are staging a serious protest against the candidacy of Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron as they get ready for the second round of election.

The voting public are threatening to boycott the election because neither of the candidate seem to be accepted by them.

Nevertheless, the electorates must at the end of the day choose between the both of them to be the next president of France. As the battle is now between anti-EU and pro-EU candidates.

This seem to be a repeat of what happened in 2002, when the French people staged a protest against Marine Le Pen’s father.

Similarly angry voters have posted on twitter reading #SansMoiLe7Mai, which literally translates as “Without Me on May 7th” has been trending since Monday morning.

Most electorates have made up their minds not to participate in the final election on May 7, just to express their displeasure over the two candidates.

Young voters, who have been hit hard by high unemployment levels in France, referred to the "fascist Le Pen and the banker Macron".

One twitter user said: "#SansMoiLe7Mai In the second round I won't vote for either Le Pen the fascist or Macron the banker. Let's go to hell and see what happens next.”

Also supporters of Melenchon are opting to stay away from the election, as reported by a French consulting firm Odoxa-Dentsu. According a survey conducted, about 41% of the left-wing candidate’s supporters have decided not to cast their vote at all.

French political expert Thomas Guénolé, when analysing the choice ahead for leftist voters, said: “Between Le Pen, a racist and xenophobe, and Macron, who is about finance and free markets, it's a choice between the plague and the cholera.”

But many took to twitter to blast those who were talking of abstaining.

One user said: “I don’t think #SansMoiLe7Mai is a good idea. This is how you end up with crazy political leaders. People have to go vote. I will.”

Nicola Sturgeon in a desperate move to save Scotland, after polls revealed the Tories having better chances of winning

Nicola Sturgeon in a desperate move to save Scotland, after polls revealed the Tories having better chances of winning

Politics Unknown   08:49

Fear grips Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after a number fresh surveys revealed the Conservatives are possibly going smile home with an outstanding victory in the forth-coming general election in Scotland.

It was revealed by an opinion poll that one in three Scots is planning to give more votes to Ruth Davidson of the Conservative, a move which could likely give the Tories about 12 more seats.

According to the Panel base polls for the Sunday Times it was revealed that the Nationalists fell to a 44% of the total vote.

On the other hand, Labour it has been predicted by political analysts that Labour would be completely erased from the north of the Border, while that of Lib Dem would be secured by only by Alistair Carmichael in Orkney and Shetland.

The polls also showed that Nationalists MPs likely to lose their seats are Angus Robertson in Moray and controversial Perth North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart.

Meanwhile, a different survey conducted by Servation for Sunday Post, has indicated that the SNP would gain 43%, Conservatives 28%, Labour 18%, while the Lib Dems would get just 9% of the votes.

The results of the various surveys conducted is said to be giving the First Minister some kind of sleepless nights.

Thus in a strongly worded press statement, Sturgeon said: “The election in Scotland is a two-horse race between the SNP and hard-line Tories. The Tories have taken an extreme position – demanding an end to any opposition at Westminster if they win the election.

“The more Tory MPs there are, the heavier the price Scotland will pay. They’re already cutting nearly £3billion from the Scottish budget.

“They’re hitting family incomes hard by cutting and removing child tax credits. They want to remove Scotland from the European Single Market – which will cost thousands of jobs. They’ve done all this with a small majority.

“Now they want to crush any opposition. The bigger the Tory majority the more they will think they can do anything to Scotland and get away with it.”

By contrast, the Tory response was noticeably more considered with party leaders attempting to play down expectations.

A Tory spokesman stated that: “The polls today make one thing clear. Only the Scottish Conservative have the strength and support to take on the SNP.

”Only a vote for the Scottish Conservatives will send the SNP a clear message - no to another independence referendum.

"We take nothing for granted and we will now be working even harder running up to June 8 to challenge the SNP in every community in Scotland.”

Alson on Twitter, Ms Davidson tweeted: “Members know polls are just indicators, not results. To get results we need to work, work and work some more. Let's keep at it…”

Marine Le Pen appreciates the French people for giving their support to her

Marine Le Pen appreciates the French people for giving their support to her

Politics Unknown   06:03

Jubilation in the camp of Marine Le Pen as she scaled through to the final stage of the French election against Macron.

Ms Le Pen after the result was announced led a chorus of French national anthem, saying if she wins the next stage of the election, mass immigration would brought to an end in France, as the boarders would be put under tighter control, after a successful Frexit.

Thus, made an appeal "to all patriots" to give her party the needed support in the final round of voting, taking place on March 7, as she hopes to wipe the floor with Emmanuel Macron.

The firebrand said: "I accept the responsibility of taking part in the second round of voting with humility and gratitude.

"I would like to express to you that this is an historic result and now we have an enormous responsibility to defend the French culture.

"You will get a France that protects the people, we will not have the free circulation of terrorists.

"This result has shown an enormous confidence by the French people in the future of France.

"There is globalisation that endangers civilizations and we should protect borders."

She concluded by calling on everybody in France who is "a patriot", to vote for her in the final run-off.