Body language expert reveals the pretence expressed by May and Sturgeon

Body language expert reveals the pretence expressed by May and Sturgeon

Politics Unknown   09:42

Expert releases analysis of the body language between Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon after their in Glasgow yesterday.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister announced to Sturgeon that her position “will not change” when it comes to a second independence referendum for Scotland.

All the same they put on a polite display for the cameras, their non-verbal cues told a very different story.

Body language professional Darren Stanton has revealed his understanding on the meeting to Express.co.uk. saying: “Under normal circumstances this looks like a standard picture and not too much is going on.

“The two are what we describe as matching and mirroring each other with their posture and facial expressions, which would normally denote mutual respect, understanding and rapport.

“What makes the difference in this photo is the facial expressions: a smile is the most faked emotion we can display.”

According to Stanton, there is nothing honest about the amusing expressions on both women.

Explaining that: “A true smile would see certain muscles engaged on the face, however both women are faking a smile for the camera, as if being asked to say cheese whilst posing for a photo at an event you don’t want to be at.

“Regardless of age, we should be seeing ‘crowfeet‘- a few pronounced lines near the temple area on the head.

“If we zoom into the photo even more we don’t see this, so we can conclude this is not genuine happiness at being there.”

Moreover, the next photograph - displaying the women looking at each other - is even more revealing.

Darren said: “May has relaxed and has changed her posture and it appears such an awkward moment, it’s like having an anxiety to communicate to someone but not knowing how to do so, like an awkward date or family event you don’t want to be at.”

It look as if the Prime Minister may even be gazing out the window, dodging the eyes of the First Minister according to Darren.

He further said: “Sturgeon’s head tells a tale, when we raise our head and pronounce our chin and jaw it denotes defiance, sometimes aggression, but overall Sturgeon appears to be remaining consistent with the person she is and telling it like it is.”

The meeting lasted for about an hour, leaving Sturgeon “frustrated by a process that appears not to be listening”.

“Superwoman” Gina Miller vows to disrupt Brexit plan, even after Article 50 has been triggered

“Superwoman” Gina Miller vows to disrupt Brexit plan, even after Article 50 has been triggered

Politics Unknown   08:46

Despite the announcement of the triggering of Article 50 on Wednesday this week, Gina Mller has vowed to ensure Theresa Mays Brexit plans are disrupted.

Gina Miller who called herself "superwoman" told talk Radio Brexiteer that MPs have not heard  the last of her, after promising to be very active in the Brexit negotiations.

Gina became very popular after she dragged the government to the court and won them twice in the High Court and Supreme Court, over Brexit Bill.

It was amid a media conversation with the Badass Woman’s Hour evening programme, that the famous anti-Brexit activist pronounced herself as a “superwoman” who would not allow anything to stop her from disrupting the PM from achieving her Brexit plans.

Talking to last night’s radio show, Miller stated that nothing will silent her simply because Article 50 has been triggered to begin Brexit. Saying that people up and down the country should "keep an eye" on the Government as they take Britain out of the European Union.

She said: "I have always been a troublemaker. I always saw myself as Superwoman, someone who could save the world!"

Miller also stated: "I have a very disruptive investment business because I think the city’s not working.

"I do the same with charity. That is what I am doing in politics too.

"We have three things: our voice, our actions and our conscience, and we cannot lose that."

Conversely, she overruled the suggestion she would move into politics and possibility run as an MP.

She said: "I think you can be more powerful outside of politics.

"I am going to be pressuring the Government for the next two years and make my voice heard."

The pro-European activist described the Brexit negotiation process as unpicking an intricate tapestry bit by bit after 44 years of careful work.

She exposed that she feels “disappointment, regret about the way the whole Brexit campaign was fought and nervousness about what’s going to happen" when Article 50 is triggered.

Mrs Miller added: "I’m really worried about just letting the Government get on with it because they don’t have the time, the skills, or a plan.

"I will not let them just get on with it. The MPs have no backbone, I fought really hard for them and they voted against themselves."

Another power-sharing deal breaks down in Northern Ireland

Another power-sharing deal breaks down in Northern Ireland

Politics Unknown   08:18

NORTHERN IRELAND: Power-sharing deal breaks down again. Dialogues between the five major political parties in the country to form a fresh coalition government took place however, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has expressed his doubt about the possibilities of them reaching any deal with other political parties before the deadline on Monday.

Earlier this year, Ireland was almost at its feet when a power-sharing collapsed which was brought about by a commotion over a failed green energy scheme projected to cost the tax paying public about half a billion pounds.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader and former first minister Arlene Foster was criticised over her role in the scheme, with Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness resigning as deputy first minster in protest.

The outcome of that incident brought about the conduct of new elections in March, with the Republican Party’s backing increased.

Sinn Fein announced that until public inquiry is concluded into the renewable heat incentive, it will not go into any power-sharing deal with Mrs Foster as First Minister any more.

Talks in Belfast between the five main parties to form a new government have been taking place, chaired by Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire.

But Sinn Fein has now called time on the current round of negotiations.

The party’s leader at Stormont, Michelle O'Neill, stressed that the republican party will not be recommending a deputy first minister on Monday.

She said: "Today we have come to the end of the road.

"The talks process has run its course and Sinn Fein will not be nominating for the position of speaker or for the executive office tomorrow."

In his part, Mr Adams said: "The DUP cannot be in there representing the DUP voters.

"They have to work with us and any other party in there representing everyone."

Also DUP leader Arlene Foster said: "The DUP was ready to form a new administration without pre-conditions so as to allow us to have a budget and to deal with the many matters that currently face the people of Northern Ireland.

"Negotiations will only ever be successful when parties are prepared to be flexible in order to secure outcomes.

"To date there was little to suggest that Sinn Fein want to secure agreement.

"At every opportunity they have resisted involving the other parties and consequently no round table discussions were possible during this round of discussions. Any future discussions will have to be built on a more solid footing."

Monday is the deadline given for nominating a first and deputy first minister at Stormont or else Mr Brokenshire is obliged to mediate.

Otherwise, fresh elections or direct rule from Westminster could be imposed within a reasonable period.

Mr Brokenshire said: "I am determined to see a functioning executive in place at Stormont.

"I have spoken to the Prime Minister and this remains the UK government's continuing priority.

"This is the necessary first step to addressing the issues of greatest public concern - health, education and other public services in Northern Ireland.

"Even at this stage I urge political parties to agree to work to form an executive and provide people here with the strong and stable devolved government that they want."

Mild drama in Holyrood after independence debate was suspended due to Westminster terror attack

Mild drama in Holyrood after independence debate was suspended due to Westminster terror attack

Politics Unknown   10:37

The suspension of the debate for a second independence referendum for Scotland was done in the interest national unity against terrorism, but it appears that not all Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) was able to contain the idea of suspending the debate.

A member of the Scottish National Party (SNP) had a "a meltdown" over Holyrood's suspension in the wake of the London terror attack.

As a result of the suspension, Tory MSP was reprimanded by the Environmental Secretary Roseanna Cunningham for bringing the First Minister’s referendum demand to a halt.

The Perthshire South MSP branded the decision a "disgrace" and was later calmed by colleagues after jabbing her finger towards their benches.

According to sources Ms Cunningham blamed Conservative adversaries of "giving into terrorists" and that "they didn’t want to talk about independence" when the debate over the First Minister's call for a section 30 order from Westminster to hold a legally-binding poll was halted.

While commenting on the incident, Scottish Tory deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said: “She started shouting it was a disgrace that it was suspended. She started pointing.

"Everyone just walked away from it and some of her own colleagues calmed her down.

"But for a moment it looked like something quite serious was potentially going to kick off and fortunately didn’t.

"I thought it was a very odd way for her to behave. Some of our people were really quite shocked.

"I hope it was because she was not fully aware of events elsewhere and will realise it was not her best moment."

It is highly probable that Ms Sturgeon's minority administration was expected to win the ballot of MSPs with the help of pro-independence Greens despite opposition from the Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems.

One witness to Ms Cunnigham's outburst last said: She was having a bit of a meltdown.

"I heard her say: 'You are giving into terrorists, even the Tories at Westminster carried on in the face of the IRA."

Other sources said he was also heard telling Tories: "This is because you didn’t want to talk about independence."

Ms Cunningham spokesman said: “Roseanna’s first thoughts are with all of those affected, and while she did initially take the view – shared by some from other parties – that business should not be suspended in the face of terrorism, she fully supports the decision, given the seriousness of events.”

Scottish Parliament officials initially ruled that the debate should continue as planned, before Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh decided it should be halted following talks with party business managers.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale had instructed her members to leave as Mr Macintosh said the London attack was affecting the contributions saying: "Members of all parties represented in this Parliament will want to join me in expressing our heartfelt sympathy for all those affected by the tragic events at Westminster.

"As the true seriousness of the incident emerged, and as an expression of our support for our sister Parliament, parliamentary business at Holyroodwas suspended this afternoon for the remainder of the day.

"No matter how significant our debate might be, to have continued further would not have been appropriate. It was increasingly apparent from the chair as reports emerged that the thoughts and concerns of members lay elsewhere.

"While there is no intelligence to suggest a specific threat to Scotland, Edinburgh or Holyrood, security at the Scottish Parliament has been heightened with immediate effect as a precautionary measure."

The First also said she "fully" backed the decision to suspend Holyrood and added: "My thoughts are with everyone caught up in the dreadful incident at Westminster today, including the emergency services who responded bravely to ensure the safety of the many people nearby."

Controversial divorce bill set by given to Britain may spell doom for both parties

Controversial divorce bill set by given to Britain may spell doom for both parties

Politics Unknown   08:50

The battle line may have been drawn with the EU’s insistence that for any deal to be reached, Britain must first and foremost pay up its own share of the blocks liability which the UK was already committed to before Brexit.

But the British Government on their own part also said the EU cannot force any of divorce bill of such magnitude on them, saying they will match their assets and liabilities and perhaps pay if there is any balance at the end of the day.

The Brexit negotiator has also arranged in order of priority how he wants the divorce to be conducted. First among his priorities is the issue of the fate of all EU nationals residing in the UK and vice versa, in order to end the tension and uncertainties being raised by to date.

Despite the fact that he declined to put a number on the sum of money to be requested, EU officials have previously pointed to figures of up to £52bn.

Such a demand has already been terminated as "absurd" by International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, while other ministers have also rejected such a bill.

"The quicker we agree on the principles ... the sooner we can prepare these future relations," he said.

"Conversely, if we do not end these uncertainties and push them to the end of negotiations, we will be headed for failure."

Point out specifically on the subject of a divorce bill for the UK, he added: "Each country must honour its commitments to each other.

"When a country leaves the union, there is no punishment. There is no price to pay to leave. But we must settle the accounts.

"We will not ask the British to pay a single euro for something they have not agreed to as a member.

"In the same way, the 27 will also honour their commitments concerning the United Kingdom, its citizens, companies and regions. This is the mutually responsible way to act.

"If I may quote one of the greatest men of European history, Winston Churchill: 'The price of greatness is responsibility'.

"That is true for Britain and for us."

He also showed backing for a so-called "honeymoon" period to allow both the EU and UK to get to grips with the demands of a deal before being fully implemented.

The Prime Minister has previously threatened to walk away from negotiations if she deems it necessary, saying "no deal is better than a bad deal".

But Mr Barnier warned that no deal threatened to hit everyday business for firms and consumers \

alike with "very severe" air traffic disruption and long queues at customs - hitting supplies for UK industry among some of the immediate implications.

British Prime Minister declares to 'negotiate hard' after setting March 29 for triggering Article 50

British Prime Minister declares to 'negotiate hard' after setting March 29 for triggering Article 50

Politics Unknown   09:32

Once again, the British Prime Minister Theresa May has declared her readiness to "negotiate hard" after Downing Street made public that Article 50 would be triggered on 29 March.

Thus, the government is going to send formal notification to the European Council President Donald Tusk, after which the formal exit process will begin.

The PM while paying a visit to Swansea, said: "I am very clear that I want to ensure we get the best possible deal for the United Kingdom."

The PM also promised to work on a deal "that works for everyone across the United Kingdom and all parts of the UK".

"I have set out my objectives," she said. "These include getting a good free trade deal. They include putting issues like continuing working together on issues like security at the core of what we are doing.

"We are going to be out there, negotiating hard, delivering on what the British people voted for."

According to David Davis, the triggering of Article 50 is going to initiate "the most important negotiation for this country for a generation".

More so, he said "a new, positive partnership between the UK and our friends and allies in the European Union".

After being informed formerly, the EU will be expected response to the British Government within 48 hours. Also an extraordinary meeting may be called by the 27 member states within four weeks which they will use to mandate the Commission’s chief negotiator Michael Barnier, in order to kick-start the negotiation process.

Accordingly, Mr Tusk in a tweet revealed his plans to release draft Brexit guidelines to all the 27 member nations within two days of notification.

Among issues to be discussed in the negotiations are trade, exit bill which the EU estimated to be at £51bn, the future of nationals from both parties.

Meanwhile, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has issued a strong warning stating that London may have to forget about any hope of a trade deal, if it cannot accept the terms being offered by the EU.

The UK will have "the choice to eat what's on the table or not come to the table at all", Mr Juncker told German newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "The Government has failed to build a consensus about what form Brexit should take.

"It has failed to provide clarity about its intentions and it has been reckless about the costs of leaving without securing a deal.

"We will hold the Government to account every step of the way and fight to secure jobs and the economy, workers' rights and environmental and consumer protection."

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron accused Mrs May of rushing into negotiations "without a plan, and without a clue".

Nicola Sturgeon told why she should focus on Article 49

Nicola Sturgeon told why she should focus on Article 49

Politics Unknown   07:10

Before the month's over Theresa May will have activated Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to begin the two-year procedure of the UK pulling back from the European Union.

Be that as it may, that won't be the last we know about the settlement. There is probably going to be a great deal of talk about Article 49, which is about the way nations can join the union as opposed to abandon it.

Clearly that hasn't a considerable measure to do with Brexit however it is. What is most troubling Spain - one of the huge EU part states. For Madrid, the enormous stress is that the dynamic level headed discussion over the conceivable separation of the United Kingdom will demonstrate infectious and reinforce the assurance of the locale of Catalonia to press for a coupling choice on freedom.

While delivering an address on All Out Politics this week, Raul Romeva, who depicts himself as Catalonia's foreign minister, saluted the British Government on encouraging open verbal confrontation about the future status of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Up until this point, the Spanish central government has declined to permit Catalonia to hold a binding referendum on its future. To be sure, the Spanish courts restricted Artur Mas, the previous leader of Catalonia and the father of the modern independence movement, from holding open office for a long time since he disregarded a request not to hold an informal ballot on secession.

This implies the Spanish government, a key player among the 27 other member country of the European Union, is intensely delicate to any moves which make Scottish freedom more probable, since they fear it will set a point of reference for Spain.

Last week Nicola Sturgeon unequivocally connected Scotland's case for autonomy to the "material change" that the UK is presently leaving the EU and the single market, in spite of what English political leaders told the Scottish people amid the last race.

The EU's self-intrigue implies that it, including Spain, should now consider if Scotland could maybe be rescued as a part from the destruction of Brexit.

The key question is the means by which simple it would be for a free Scotland to remain in or rejoin the European Union. As of recently the Government in Westminster has expected that Spain would square simple enrollment for Scotland all together not to urge Catalonia to have a go. In any case, late signs are that Spain is softening its restriction to Scotland being a piece of the EU in light of a legitimate concern for the more prominent union.

Spanish governmental issues has been in turmoil. Over a time of inconclusive elections implied that King Felipe needed to delay his state visit to the UK. Spain has now framed a government and King Felipe is coming here in the late spring, advantageously making President Trump postpone his own state visit.

Source: Sky News, 2017

Did Nicola Sturgeon actually back-pedalled on her major demand for Scotland?

Did Nicola Sturgeon actually back-pedalled on her major demand for Scotland?

Politics Unknown   06:53

Despite all the media attacks against her, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon keeps displaying boldness concerning her clamour to see Scotland an independent nation from the rest of the UK, saying there “will be an independence referendum” in Scotland while accusing the Tory Government of wanting to “go back in time”.

During the just concluded SNP conference in Aberdeen, Mr Sturgeon announced to the public that there is going to be another independence referendum, “after the terms of Brexit are clear”.

Sturgeon seem to have backpedalled a bit after she accepted that, the referendum would only take place after Brexit so that the people of Scotland could make informed decision. A decision which came after the PM she is going to ensure no referendum takes place simultaneously with Brexit negotiations.

She told audience that: “We proposed substantial new powers for the Scottish government short of independence to protect Scotland in the UK.

“But instead of meeting us any of the way, Westminster went the other way.

“Our proposals were met with a brick wall of transience. The PM’s attitude should worry all of us.

“If she shows the same condescension and inflexibility as she has to Scotland then the Brexit process will hit the rocks.

“Of course that’s the outcome that hardline Brexiteers are agitating for but it would be in no one’s interest.

“Let me say this to the PM. Stop putting the interests of the right-wing of your party ahead of the interests of the rest of our country.”

Ms Sturgeon stated that because Mrs May declined to “budge an inch” she had to make a decision in which she could have gone down the easy route, “hoping for the best but knowing the worst is far more likely”.

However, she said: “Or I could make a plan to put the Scottish people in charge of our future. I choose to put the people in charge.”

She accused the Tory Government of being dominated “by the likes of Boris Johnson and Liam Fox”.

She added: “They are deluding themselves about rebuilding the empire and re-floating the Royal Yacht Britannia.

“It seems they want to go back in time.”

Not willing to just attack the Conservatives, Ms Sturgeon also attacked the Labour Party.

She said: "Scotland's future must be Scotland's choice.

"To stand in the way of a ref would deny us that choice. The path of our choice would be determined not by us but for us.

"By an increasingly right-wing Brexit obsessed Tory government, which some people predict will be in power until 2030 and beyond, thanks in no small part to the embarrassing shambles Labour has become."

Third options for Scotland proposed by Mr Gordon Brown

Third options for Scotland proposed by Mr Gordon Brown

Politics Unknown   08:14

In a bid to douse the increasing tension between Prime Minister Theresa May and the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has offered to intervene, as he proposes a "third option" of giving Scotland enormous new powers in exchange for remaining in the UK.

Mr Brown made the proposal while delivering a speech in Kircaldy. According to him, there are better way forward to ensure EU powers are repatriated to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and the regions – not Westminster.

"If we do nothing then there'll be a huge centralisation of power in Whitehall and it is exactly that that people in every part of the country want to get away from," said Mr Brown.

"If £4bn of expenditure that is now conducted in Britain by the EU is simply transferred to Whitehall then that is one of the biggest power grabs that you can see."

The proposal if adhered to, would give Scots control after Brexit of the £800m they presently pay to the EU.

He also issued some warning to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that breaking away from the UK and "leaving the British single market" would be a massive risk to Scottish jobs and trade.

"65% of our trade is with the rest of Britain - only 15% is with the European Union," he said.

"If the issue is - as she says - job and industry and investment and trade for the future, then you cannot discount the £50bn of trade we have with the rest of the UK and simply talk only about the £12bn of trade we have with the European Union."

Furthermore, Mr Brown also wants the Bank of England to become the Bank of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - with staff representing all parts of the UK.

Nevertheless his mediation is unlikely to satisfy Mrs Sturgeon, who will warn Theresa May that she will "shatter beyond repair" the notion that the UK is a partnership of equals if she refuses a referendum.

The SNP leader announced this week that she will seek an independence referendum between autumn 2018 and spring 2019 - though she will tell party members in Aberdeen that she is "happy within reason" to talk about the timing.

But she will add: "If a majority in the Scottish Parliament endorses that position, the Prime Minister should be clear about this.

"At that point a fair, legal, agreed referendum - on a timescale that will allow the people of Scotland an informed choice - ceases to be just my proposal, or that of the SNP. It becomes the will of the democratically elected Parliament of Scotland."

British Prime Minister Theresa May accused of being scared of second Scottish independence referendum

British Prime Minister Theresa May accused of being scared of second Scottish independence referendum

Politics Unknown   07:29

Theresa May and members of her Conservatives Party has been accused by SNP deputy leader of being afraid of another Scottish independence referendum which is billed to take place between 2018 and 2s019.

The purported accusation follows after the PM announced her rejection for second independence referendum for Scotland, until Brexit negotiations are over.

During the SNP’s spring conference in Aberdeen, Mr Robertson would be telling the people of Scotland that, it is in their hands to decide their future.

He will say: "It is clear from the PM's panicked response to the Scottish Government's decision to, rightly, give people in Scotland a choice over Scotland's future, that the Tories are simply scared of the people's choice.

"The Tories' argument is not about process, it is about their desperate desire to prevent anyone having the chance to reject the hard right Brexit that they are so wedded to.

"The truth is it should not be for either Theresa May or the Scottish Government to decide Scotland's future - that choice belongs to the parliament and the people of Scotland, and it is one this party will never shy away from."

Meanwhile in her respond to the announcement by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon of her plan to stage a fresh vote on independence between autumn 2018 and spring 2019, Mrs May argued "now is not the time".

SNP MP fidgets during Question Time, when asked what currency Scotland would use if granted indepependence

SNP MP fidgets during Question Time, when asked what currency Scotland would use if granted indepependence

Politics Unknown   12:41

Mild drama as an SNP MP Joanna Cherry found fidgeting while answering questions during a public session, when she was asked to tell the House the currency Scotland would use if it becomes independent

Nicola Sturgeon has relentlessly announced her desire to split Scotland from the UK, only if Theresa May fails or refuses to give any serious consideration to the future of the Scottish people in her Brexit deal in a last-ditch attempt to keep the country within the European Union.

But, during a grilling on Thursday’s Question Time, Ms Cherry was left flabbergasted by an apparently modest question by one audience member.

He asked the SNP’s Justice and Home Affairs spokesperson: “What currency are you going to use if you get your referendum and you leave the United Kingdom?

“What currency have you got? The groat is it? Or the pound, the Euro? Which currency are you going to use?”

Instead of answering the question being asked, Ms Cherry remains silent in a cringeworthy move as she turns to host David Dimbleby, who says: “Well I’ll have to let you answer that, is it the Euro you’re going for?”

From the look of things, it appears, Ms Cherry was not able to get her words out as she tries to respond: “Well… unlike… unlike, it’s perhaps…”.

But the on Thursday, the PM decisively vetoed the First Minister’s demand for another independence referendum for Scotland before Brexit. As she stated in strong terms that “now is not the time” to reopen the debate.

The PM’s comment further infuriated the Scottish First Minister further, who branded the decision a “democratic outrage”.

Ms Sturgeon told the BBC: “This is like winding the clock back to the bad old days of Margaret Thatcher.

"It is an argument for independence really in a nutshell, that Westminster thinks it has got the democratically elected mandate of the Scottish Government and the majority in the Scottish Parliament.”

Mark Rutte re-elected after beating far-right candidate Geert Wilders

Mark Rutte re-elected after beating far-right candidate Geert Wilders

Politics Unknown   08:50

Finally, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte re-elected after several months of stiff opposition from a far-right leader Geert Wilders.

The PM’s VVD party according to report took 31 of the 150 seats in the parliament. While his major rival Mr Wilders has been reported to have taken 19 parliamentary seats.

The election had huge turnout with voters having up to 28 parties to choose from, and with election being over, it believed that coalition talks will commence which may take some months to conclude. Though some parties have indicated their unwillingness to work with the PVV.

The far-right candidate Mr Wilders who was ready to close mosques, ban the Koran and exit the EU bolstered his popularity by a 3% rise higher than previous elections.

It was reported by a Sky reporter that: "With the exit polls as they are, Geert Wilders has failed to do what many suspected he might be able to achieve which was to win the most seats in the Dutch parliament. That hasn't happened."

He also said: "The populist uprising that many had expected - that Geert Wilders might be able to achieve - has not come to pass."

Mr Rutte, who had 40 seats in the outgoing parliament, vowed never to work with Mr Wilders again, turned off by his incendiary remarks, and after the PVV caused an earlier coalition to collapse in 2010.

The Greens saw a big rise in their support, from 2% in 2012 to 11% this time.

Downing Street warned not never to interfere with Scottish independence referendum 2

Downing Street warned not never to interfere with Scottish independence referendum 2

Politics Unknown   08:17

Despite all the opposition being faced by Scottish First Minister concerning her drive to make Scotland an independent nation from the rest of the UK from Westminster, she has stressed once again that "Scotland's referendum must be made in Scotland."

Ms Sturgeon made this known at the end of cabinet meeting saying: "There should be no strings attached, no blocking mechanisms applied and no Downing Street diktat." Though the First Minister shifted grounds by saying that the much clamoured indyref could be delayed after Brexit, as is also being suggested by some Tories. Even though she had said Monday that the referendum must take place before the final exit of the UK from the EU.

"The vote must take place within a time frame to allow an informed choice to be made - when the terms of Brexit are clear but before the UK leaves the European Union or shortly afterwards," she said.

"In that way, with the vote taking place between the autumn of 2018 and the spring of 2019, the independence prospectus which we will offer people can be contrasted directly with the Brexit deal which the UK Government will have negotiated by the start of that period."

The Scottish government at Holyrood is likely to debate and vote in favour of a second ballot next Tuesday and Wednesday.

After voting Holyrood, Westminster would be expected to make an order in line with section 30 order which will legally authorise Holyrood to go on with a referendum.

But because Downing Street thinks the referendum should not hold, is likely to want to influence the votes timings and parameters.

Ms Sturgeon comments came shortly after the Prime Minister accused the SNP of "playing politics with the future of our country" and a vote would lead to "more uncertainty and division".

Theresa May however insisted she had been "working closely" with the Scottish government on preparations for Brexit, which was met with jeers from the Scottish Nationalist benches.

Speaking in the House of Commons, she said: "This is not a moment to play politics or create uncertainty.

"It is a moment to bring our country together, to honour the will of the British people and to shape for them a better, brighter future and a better Britain."

Dutch nationals to elect a new Prime Minister today

Dutch nationals to elect a new Prime Minister today

Politics Unknown   17:43

About a total of 13 million adult citizens in the Netherlands have gone to the polls to elect new Prime Minister. It is an election which is being keenly contested by Mr Wilders and the present Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit: “Pollsters indicate that a majority of voters are still in doubt between several parties, suggesting that these debates could have a significant influence on the final result.”

In the meantime, Mr Rutte is taking a tough line on Turkey after banning Turkish ministers from speaking in Rotterdam as part of a row over Ankara’s political campaigning among emigres.

Saying that the "inflammatory remarks" by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who likened the Dutch to the Nazis, would not help curb a diplomatic row between the two countries.

Mr Erdogan wants to gain support from Dutch Turks as part of his bid to win sweeping new powers in a referendum in Turkey on April 16.

With only a day to go before the election in the Netherlands, here is a look at the latest news, polls and updates.

Could Ruth Davidson really save Theresa May from wrath of the SNP?

Could Ruth Davidson really save Theresa May from wrath of the SNP?

Politics Unknown   15:16

Having purified the Scottish Tories successfully, it is now clear that Ruth Davidson is going to be faced with tasks in Scotland, according to a Sky News reporter on the latest happenings in the UK and Scotland in particular.

 When former Prime Minister David Cameron's communications director Craig Oliver told her to participate in a TV debate in the run-up to the EU referendum, she reminded him that Labour were putting up Angela Eagle.

"I said: 'That's great Craig, I'm more than happy, as you know I always love a fight but are you absolutely sure you want two short-haired, flat shoes, shovel-faced lesbians with northern accents. This is a whole UK-wide debate and that's narrow casting'."

When Whitehall decided to lower its flags to half-mast following the death of the Saudi king, Ms Davidson dismissed it as a "steaming pile of nonsense".

Davidson’s straightforward talking has made the general public to believe she is Scotland’s most popular politician, with the concept that she might be loved by the masses, but she would never be voted for.

However, contrary to popular believe, during the 2016 Holyrood elections Davidson gave everyone a shock, when she jumped from fourth position to takeover Edinburgh Central from the Scottish National Party. A victory which made the Scottish Tories the official opposition party in the Scottish Parliament.

Her political prowess has made Theresa May to deeply rely on her to save the United Kingdom from the referendum threat emanating from the SNP.

However, with Labour saying it will not work with the Conservatives again, it seems unlikely that there will be another cross-party 'No' campaign along the lines of Better Together.

Ms Davidson's very success, her profile and popularity, mean that this time around, the campaign will develop as a much clearer choice between left and right - social democratic Scotland against Ms May's Brexit Britain.

The arguments will be different from 2014. Nobody can be confident about the result.

Liam Fox and Boris Johnson at variance over Brexit deal

Liam Fox and Boris Johnson at variance over Brexit deal

Politics Unknown   08:57

Confusion in the camp as Boris Johnson and Liam Fox engages in divided opinion about Brexit deal.

While the Foreign Secretary is of the opinion that a ‘no deal’ would be better for the UK, the International Trade Secretary argued that it “would be bad” for the country.

But Johnson, Dr. Fox and Davis have been trotted with the job of ensuring that Britain is secured outside the EU.

Mr Davis also used the issued a warning to MPs of the dangers of the country if it leaves without a deal, if the Brexit bill is delayed or blocked by them.

On the other hand, in separate conversations, Mr Johnson and Dr Fox, seemingly, delivered contrasting lines on the potential ‘no deal’ Brexit.

During his media chat with ITV’s Peston on Sunday, Mr Johnson said: “I think that it’s excessively pessimistic of that otherwise distinguished committee. I think we’ve got every prospect of doing a very good deal between now and the end of the negotiating period in 2019.”

When asked about any contingency plan being put in place by the Government in case no deal is reached, he added: “I think that actually, as it happens, we would be perfectly ok if we weren’t able to get an agreement, but I’m sure that we will, for the reasons that I gave.

“I don’t think that the consequences of no deal are by any means as apocalyptic as some people like to protest, and actually what we have seen in the Budget from Philip Hammond last week are preparations for Britain over the next years.”

Dr Fox had previously claimed leaving the bloc without a deal “wouldn’t be the end of the world”, but made an apparent reversal on his comments during an interview with Sky News, putting him at odds with Mr Johnson.

The International Trade Secretary said: “Your substantive point about not having a deal, of course, would be bad. But it’s not just bad for the UK, it’s bad for Europe as a whole.

However, after the interviews, a Downing Street representative denied any claims of a split emerging in the Cabinet over Brexit.

House of Lords may likely pass Brexit bill into Law today

House of Lords may likely pass Brexit bill into Law today

Politics Unknown   06:39

It has been revealed to by reliable sources from the Labour party that they are about 90 percent optimistic that Theresa May would be allowed to trigger the long waited Article 50 on Tuesday, which will begin the formal process of exiting the EU by Britain.

Lately, the House of Lords voted to amend two areas of the Brexit bill which include the guaranteeing of the rights of all EU nationals living in the UK.

The bill is going back to the Commons when it is expected to once again be approved without those amendments before returning to the Lords.

It was also made known to Sky News that, when it is sent back to the Lords, they may likely vote it without any amendment.

Accordingly, all Cabinet ministers have been advised not to travel abroad this week, just as Tory whips are perfecting plans to ensure every MP is present when the bill will be signed in the week.

Recall that Theresa May has said she wants to invoke Article 50 by the end of March, with a target date of Wednesday 15 March, something she looks set to achieve.

Earlier, Jeremy Corbyn said he wants Labour to continue to press for changes to the bill.

As a result, the Labour leader has urged the party to "keep on" fighting for the rights of European citizens, as he urged them to “stick with” their earlier position having hitherto supported Labour's amendments.

Speaking further, Corbyn said: "We will keep on with this.

"Clearly to win requires all opposition parties to unite on this that we seem to be able to do. But it also requires Conservative abstentions or votes with us on it.

"I hope the Lords will stick with that position and send it back to the Commons, because it seems to be an important message to put that EU nationals make a massive contribution to our society... and they ought to be given the opportunity to remain in Britain.

"If the Commons does not accept those Lords amendments it goes back to the Lords. If they persist it comes back to us a day or two later. We will keep on with this."

Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell urged the Government to listen to the Lords and take on board what they have voted for.

He said: "We are hoping the Government will see sense. We can then get Article 50 agreed in a sensible way and get on with the real negotiations."

British ministers allegedly accepts secretely that they cannot stop Scotland from holding another independence referendum

British ministers allegedly accepts secretely that they cannot stop Scotland from holding another independence referendum

Politics Unknown   08:51

After several months of attacks and counter attack from within and outside her party, the Scottish National Party (SNP), it is becoming likely that the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon may be getting closer to getting a nod for another Scottish independence referendum next year.

According to a report reaching news desk, a an indyref 2 is likely after Government ministers privately agreed that they might not be able to ignore the First Minister’s quest for another referendum.

Another source also made it known how UK ministers went behind closed doors to accept how difficult it would be for them to reject the demand made by the SNP, saying the worst they can do is to shift the date to 2019, immediately after Brexit negotiations are over.

Analysts have also predicted that unionist who fought to keep Scotland in the UK in the last referendum may need to fighter much harder to convince the Scottish people to stay in the UK.

Saying that the government would be in serious need of heavyweights to scale through, rather than engaging the former PM Gordon Brown and former Chancellor Alistair Darling.

The Conservatives have been the main opposition to Labour since 2014 but leading academics warn if the No campaign is seen as Tory v the Scottish Nationalists it will likely end in victory for Sturgeon.

James Mitchell, a professor at the University of Edinburgh, said: “If it’s Nicola Sturgeon against Ruth Davidson, it’s game over.”

Iain Anderson, executive chairman of financial advisory group Cicero, said: “The playbook will be different.

“There is no way that the UK government will want to run Project Fear again.

“They need to start work much earlier and activate local supporters.”

But then again a Project Fear campaign would be stronger now than in 2014, as Scotland’s oil and gas proceeds have plunged abruptly.

Before votes were cast in the first poll the Scottish government had predicted tax receipts of between £3.2 billion and £8 billion in 2018 and 2019.

But the Office for Budget Responsibility this week has put expected receipts at £700 million.

Kezia Dugdale, the Scottish Labour leader, stated that: “We would be faced with a £15bn deficit if we were independent, and that means less money for our schools, hospitals, our welfare service.”

Alistair Carmichael, the sole Scottish Liberal Democrat MP, said the No campaign must “be more positive … We’ve got to call out nationalism for what it is.

“The idea you can be a ‘nationalist internationalist’ is for the birds.”

Government minister reveals that Scotland's independence referendum is inevitable

Government minister reveals that Scotland's independence referendum is inevitable

Politics Unknown   12:08

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It has been revealed by a Government minister that Nicola Sturgeon’s clamour for Scotland’s independence from the rest of the UK is “inevitable”, saying it is only a question of time for the Scottish people to get their desired independence referendum.

Ms Sturgeon’s independence referendum proposed to take place next year’s autumn appears to have been partially accepted by Downing Street, as it said, it is now just a matter of time for that to be implemented.

A minister revealed to the Financial Times: “It's looking inevitable, I don't think we're in any position to stop it happening.”

Similarly, a source close to No 10 said the only question about a second referendum now is “the date”.

Accordingly, if the Scottish government is serious about a call for another indyref vote next year, then, they must declare it officially at least nine months prior to is due date, as prescribed by Electoral Commission rules.

The Commission have said legalisation for the vote should be passed six months before a three month period of campaigning begins.

The news comes after Mrs Sturgeon said she was “not ruling anything out” when asked if she plans to hold another independence referendum next year.

Although, the Conservative and Labour leaders in Scotland have repeatedly terminated the First Minister’s drive for a second referendum and claim the Scottish people don’t want another vote.

Speaking on Question Time, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale condemned the First Minister for offering “false hope” for an independent Scotland.

She said: “The economic case for independence is weaker now than it was a few years ago, and what the SNP are arguing for are false hope.

“They are saying to the poorest people in this country that it can be different, but we’d be faced with a £15billion deficit if we were independent, and that means less money for our schools and hospitals and our welfare service, and that’s why I’ll always oppose independence.”

Earlier on Thursday, Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson dismissed Mrs Sturgeon’s comments as “nonsense”.

She said: “I call it nonsense because most people in Scotland do not want it. Most Scots don’t want to go back to the days of division and uncertainty of another independence referendum.

“Most Scots think it’s irresponsible to talk of a second referendum which is only going to damage the Scottish economy yet further. That is common sense.”

EU SUMMIT: Britain is now fully ready to trigger Article 50 - Theresa May

EU SUMMIT: Britain is now fully ready to trigger Article 50 - Theresa May

Politics Unknown   11:41

Delivering her speech at the EU Summit, British Prime Minister Theresa May declared that now is the time to trigger Article 50, which is formal process of notifying the EU of the UK’s exit of the union. Some analysts have also suggested that the PM may trigger Article 50 early as next week Tuesday.

Her speech yesterday may likely be the last before Article 50 is triggered, as she stated that the UK was on the edge of a “defining moment” and ready to “forge a new role in the world”.

The PM also indicated her resolve to repel any attempt by Brussels to hit the UK with a swingeing “divorce” bill of up to £52billion as a punishment for voting to leave.

Mrs May’s comments came as members of her cabinet organized to amicably settle the parliamentary wrangle concerning Brexit Bill between MPs and peers next week Monday.

After which she will be addressing the House of Commons about the EU summit yesterday the next being Tuesday. A day when some have predicted she will trigger Article 50 to begin formal exit negotiation with the EU.

The PM stated that “Our European partners have made clear to me they want to get on with the negotiation and so do I,” she said.

“It’s time to get on with leaving the European Union and building the independent, self-governing, global Britain the British people have called for. And so, I have said, we will trigger Article 50 by the end of this month.

“This will be a defining moment for the UK as we begin the process of forging a new role for ourselves in the world as a strong country with control over our borders and our laws.”

She also pledged that a new global Britain “will stand tall in the world”. And she backed up a call from Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson for her to show the fighting spirit of her predecessor Margaret Thatcher in facing down “unreasonable” cash demands from Brussels.

“Let me be very clear – there is only ever one Margaret Thatcher,” she said. “But when people voted on June 23 for us to leave the European Union, they voted for us to not pay huge sums of money into the EU every year – and of course when we leave the EU that will be the case.”

Earlier Mr Johnson had made a demand for the PM to follow the Iron Lady’s example in a BBC documentary.

And when asked about the EU demands, he said: “I think we have illustrious precedent in this matter.

I think you can recall the 1984 Fontainebleau summit in which Mrs Thatcher said she wanted her money back. And I think that is exactly what we will get.”

Mr Johnson added: “It is not reasonable, I don’t think, for the UK having left the EU to continue to make vast budget payments. I think everybody understands that.”

Just yesterday, Irish premier Enda Kenny also indicated his support for plans to hit Britain with a big exit bill.

While granting interview to some journalists as he arrived at the summit, Mr Kenny said: “When you sign on for a contract you commit yourself to participation. Obviously the extent of that level of money will be determined. It’s a problem that will have to be dealt with and it will be dealt with.”

At the summit, Mrs May also pressed other EU leaders to try to stop another migration crisis spreading across the Mediterranean over the coming months.

At her news conference, the Prime Minister said: “I’ve made clear we must do more to tackle the vile people-smuggling rings who profit from the migrants’ misery.

“We need a managed, controlled and truly global approach. We need to help ensure refugees claim asylum in the first safe country they reach and help those countries support the refugees so they don’t have to make the perilous journey to Europe.

“And we need a better overall approach to managing economic migration, one which recognises that all countries have the right to control their borders.”