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.

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."

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.

Ms Marine Le Pen scaled through to the next stage of French election

Ms Marine Le Pen scaled through to the next stage of French election

Politics Unknown   05:58

Finally after several months of intense campaign, Marine Le Pen wins the first round of election making her to contest with Emmanuel Macron in the final French election run-off billed to take place May 7 2017.

Prior to the release of official results, two top pollsters declared Macron winner in the first round of voting. While official results were being awaited, as at the time of writing this report, it was revealed that Harris, has the En Marche! leader on 24 per cent, the other, Elabe, estimates he has 23.7 per cent of support.

Ms Le Pen, apparently, is close behind on 22 per cent, meaning she will go through to the second round of voting on May 7.

Based on the above analysis, both Francois Fillon and far-left contender Jean-Luc Melenchon would be eliminated from the next phase of election.

This results are abstracted from about 200 sampled polling stations, and used it as the basis of making the outcome across the country, meaning it is not accurate.

Thus, Ms Le Pen took to the stage and announced the outcome as "historic" even has she vows to tighten-up border security and stop the "free circulation of terrorists".

She also included saying: "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 endangeours civilizations and we should protect borders."

Political insiders within both camps have also expressed confident that Ms Le Pen and Mr Macron have got through to the next round.

Marion Maréchal Le Pen, Marine’s niece, has tweeted hailing the result as “a great victory for patriots”.

Gérard Collomb, the Socialist mayor of Lyon and a Macron supporter, said: "He has succeeded in doing what few people expected. When, a year ago, we launched his movement En Marche!, people said: ‘It’s impossible, someone who does not belong to a political party can’t reach the second round'.

"It reveals a serious malaise in society, with people who don’t recognise themselves in the traditional parties. We are, without doubt, beginning a new era."

Francois Fillon, who has been dogged with allegations of financial impropriety throughout this bitter campaign, has also conceded defeat.

He called on the French electorate to reject Ms Le Pen and instead stump for Mr Macron.

The former Prime Minister said: "The National Front has a history of violence and extremism can only give rise to division in France.

"Marine Le Pen would bankrupt France by causing EU chaos by coming out of the Euro.

"I'm in favour of Emmanuel Macron - it's my duty."

Conservative party supporters boos the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon during Theresa May’s campaign speech

Conservative party supporters boos the First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon during Theresa May’s campaign speech

Politics Unknown   07:02

A crowd of supporters on Saturday jeered Scotland’s First Minister after being slammed by Theresa May during her campaign.

Tory activists left Theresa May smirking as they hissed at the manner in which the Scottish first minister’s joined forces with other Remain voters to “undermine” Britain’s departure from the European Union.

The dramatic moment as the Conservatives party leader cautioned of the opposition awaiting for the least opportunity to form a coalition after the election in June.

Addressing the congregation, she said: “We’ve already seen the other parties lining up to prop-up Jeremy Corbyn, we’ve seen it from the Liberal Democrats, and we’ve seen it from Nicola Sturgeon’s Scottish nationalists too…”

Immediately the PM made mention of Nicola Sturgeon, the most of the audience momentarily booed. The PM enjoying the offensive followers laughed and continued: “And what’s clear is that they will do anything they can to disrupt the Brexit negotiations and to frustrate and undermine the task ahead.”

Irrespective of the fact that she appears to be the favoured candidate of the Conservatives, in the forth-coming election, the PM said she was “not complacent” about the election.

She continued: “If you think about it, the opinion polls got the General Election wrong in 2015, they got the EU Referendum one wrong and as Jeremy Corbyn himself said he was a 200/1 chance for the Labour leadership and look how that went.

“We will not be complacent, we will be fighting for every single vote and every single vote at this election will count because it is about building that stronger future for this country."

Speaking further, she added: “It’s about getting the best possible deal with the European Union, a deal that works for every single part of our country… and it’s only by having a strong and stable government that we can get that right deal.

“Brexit isn’t just a process, it’s an opportunity and we need to be able to take that opportunity. It’s an opportunity to change this country for the better.”

In the meantime, Nicola Sturgeon has accused Mrs May of “putting the interests of her party ahead of the country” by calling an early election.

Speaking on Sky News on Saturday, Ms Sturgeon said the snap vote was a chance for Scots to choose their own future.

She said: “The SNP has a mandate for a second referendum. Not now and certainly this election is not deciding whether or not Scotland becomes independent, but when the time is right when the terms of Brexit are clear then Scotland should have the right to choose its own future.

“We have a mandate for that, we sought that mandate in the Scottish election last year and won that election overwhelmingly.

“But this is of course about whether the will of the Scottish Parliament in that regard is going to be respected.”

European Union and United Kingdom to shifts grounds for a better post-Brexit relationship

European Union and United Kingdom to shifts grounds for a better post-Brexit relationship

Politics Unknown   06:15

After several threats and counter threats from both parties, the UK and EU seem to have decided to come to a compromise during Brexit negotiation in order to retain their good relationship post-Brexit.

This is due to the commitment the EU is to make to the UK as announced by the EU Parliament boss Antonio Tajani.

During his meeting with the PM on Thursday, the EU chief stated that “Brexit was Brexit” saying that there is indeed a need for a new cooperation to be established once the exit from the bloc is completed.

Mr Tajani said: “Personally I’m against the strong, cold Brexit, Brexit is Brexit. We need to work for the separation.

“And then, I totally agree with May, after the separation we need to work for a new union, or cooperation, between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

“I’m against hard, strong, cold, flexible… Brexit is Brexit.”

Mr Tajani’s statement is seen as a U-turn after saying earlier on that Brexit can be reversed, and a rousing welcome given to the UK.

According to his prediction, the June 8 election, could possibly pave way for the UK to retain membership of the bloc.

He told the Guardian: “If the UK, after the election, wants to withdraw Article 50, then the procedure is very clear.

“If the UK wanted to stay, everybody would be in favour. I would be very happy.”

Also in his statement, he clearly condemned any Brexit agreement that will not guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in Britain.

He added: “The final decision is for the 27 member states, but everybody will be in favour if the UK decides to reverse Article 50.”

Speaking after having spent 45 minutes in Downing Street talks with Mrs May yesterday, Mr Tajani said he and the PM had agreed on the need for a resolution to the issue of UK and EU ex-pats' rights.

He said: "The message is a positive message. We want to strengthen the citizens' rights - European citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the European Union.

"This is the most important message - we want to work together.

"Mrs May underlined this position. It is our position. Here we were both in favour of our citizens.

"It is a good start, a good beginning; now we need to go for implementation."

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The PM and the president agreed the UK and EU should continue to have a close relationship after Brexit and on the importance of giving early certainty about the status of British citizens living elsewhere in the EU and citizens of other member states in the UK."

The Conservatives may be perfecting plan to break their 2015 electoral promises to the British people

The Conservatives may be perfecting plan to break their 2015 electoral promises to the British people

Politics Unknown   06:04

Chancellor at it again, after his recent budget presentation to the British people caused stirs that made him to reverse his proposed policy on the self-employed.

While delivering his address in the US, the Chancellor revealed that Tories manifesto which promised not to increase income tax, VAT or National Insurance "constrains" the Government. Thus the Conservatives may be opting to veto that campaign promise.

According to the Chancellor, such a pledge has been the factor constraining the government from effectively managing the UK economy. Though, he also cleared the air by saying that he had "no ideological desire to raise taxes".

Hammond’s first budget presentation as Chancellor in March met a brick-wall when so many persons condemned his planned increase of the National Insurance fee being paid by self-employed individuals, as such a move was absolutely repugnant to the pledge the Tories made through David Cameron two years ago.

The reversal left Mr Hammond with a headache, as the 2% rise to Class 4 National Insurance contributions was meant to raise £2bn for social care.

Recall that in 2015, the Tories had made a vow to cut income tax for 30 million people - taking those who earn less than £12,500 out of income tax altogether through increases to personal allowances.

However, for now one cannot tell whether these taxes could face increases if the pledge is withdrawn when the Tories release their 2017 manifesto in the coming days.

Sky's Business Presenter, Ian King, said: "There was a column in The Times newspaper by the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies who said it would be unwise for whoever wants to be the Chancellor to tie their hands in this way.

"The Government essentially has four main levers it can pull in terms of raising taxes: income tax, national insurance, VAT and corporation tax.

"The Government is committed to lowering corporation taxes to ensure the UK economy remains competitive and an attractive investment destination, so that leaves the other three taxes that George Osborne pledged not to raise the rates on."

Famous French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen causes uproar for refusing to grant a televised interview in front of a European Union flag

Famous French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen causes uproar for refusing to grant a televised interview in front of a European Union flag

Politics Unknown   07:34

Confusion as one of the front line candidate of the forth-coming French presidential election Marine Le Pen bluntly refused to grant a televised interview in the presence of an EU flat as she states clearly her position never to associate with the European Union.

She insisted that for any interview to be done by her, the French TV channel TF1 must first of all dismantle the union’s flag, thus stirring a major upset leading into the presidential election.

Le Pen in a statement buttressing reasons for her action said she is contesting to be a French president and, “not the European Commission.” Insisting that only the French flag would be allowed to be behind her.

Therefore, in order to ensure a smooth televised interview, the television agreed to dismantle the flag as requested by the Ms Le Pen.

According to a report, there was a written statement sent to the studio stating that the EU “did great harm” to France and its citizens.

The European Commission’s representation in France responded in a tweet, saying it was “proud of our flag, a symbol of unity solidarity and harmony between the peoples of Europe”.

The election which is billed to start on April 23, will take place across two rounds, where the French people will first vote for the candidate of their choice to replace Francois Hollande this coming Sunday.

With the way things are currently, Ms Le Pen is expected to do well in the first round running against Independent Emmanuel Macron, Republican François Fillon, Socialist Benoît Hamon and Jean-Luc Mélencho. But will likely lose to Emmanuel Macron in the second round of the election.

The French mandate the use of the European flag on rare occasions such as Europe Day.

However, it is often displayed in public buildings.

June 8 general election, a strategic move to buy sufficient time for Brexit negotiation

June 8 general election, a strategic move to buy sufficient time for Brexit negotiation

Politics Unknown   06:31

Sky News political analyst Faisal Islam has stated that the recently announced snap general election is all about joining mechanism and buying time to strike a final Brexit agreement with Brussels.

Having triggered Article 50, it is becoming clear that a lot of things are going out of the government’s control, even as it was predicted that the UK economy may not get in any way better within the next three years.

With the current internal crisis in the Labour Party, one would have seen Jeremy Corbyn being replaced with more accepted leader.

But with the current situation within the opposition, the PM contesting any election now would give her more chances of winning with a huge majority.

According to opposition MPs a path to "many by-elections", could possibly been seen that could cost the PM her slim majority.

Even the tiniest possibility that this might be true would have made anyone think long and hard about an option which removes this risk.

On the other hand, the current Parliament, under the Conservative Government has been accused of failing to pass its biggest fiscal measures in all of its three Budgets.

This may be because Budget document was beginning to look like a consultation paper, ready to be unpicked by the likes of Treasury-slaying Tory backbencher Stephen McPartland.

Thus, calling for a General Election makes the PM look in control - and helps her win more control.

The irony of course being she is not in control because of the Fixed Term Parliament Act.

Therefore, if the PM wins the June 8 election overwhelmingly, it will mean that, the electorates have said, go ahead you have our full support and mandate to strike the best possible deal for our country.

So by the time of the 2022 General Election, there is the opportunity for her to sign a final trade deal with the EU. Knowing that 2019 may not be feasible to sign a trade deal in the Brexit negotiation. Thus, a snap election is a low risk way to maintain and consolidate control, and crucially to buy time.

SNP ready to soar home with victory against the Tories?

SNP ready to soar home with victory against the Tories?

Politics Unknown   06:15

Andrew McFadyen and some other political analysts have predicted that the future of the United Kingdom may be at risk, should the Conservatives win in the June 8 snap general election in England.

So far in Scotland, Theresa May’s soundbite “now is not the time” has become a popular phrase in Scotland. That was the exact phrase she used, while making her rejection to any call for a second indyref for Scotland.

According to a top source, the Conservatives are so desperate to build stumbling blocks against the SNP in order to ensure another independence referendum is not successfully held. Thus they reasoned that the best way to achieve that is to involve the electorates.

Meanwhile, pro-union politicians have also adopted "divisive referendum" as another linked phrase. The words are always spoken together as a reminder to the people of Scotland concerning the disadvantages of another indyref.

Interestingly, the SNP is also asking the PM, that if "now is not the time" for a referendum, why is it the right time for a General Election?

Analysts are of the opinion that the fourth-coming general election will act as a acid test for the various political parties and their leaders.

Presently in Scotland, the Tories are of high expectation to regain ground. Just as some surveys have favoured Ruth Davidson as the most accepted politician in the country.

On the hand, the Conservatives should fear the reaction of voters who believed Theresa May when she said Scotland was not ready for another divisive campaign. As a result, the SNP will spend the next seven weeks turning her own words back at her.

Nicola Sturgeon is defending an incredibly high base, with 56 out of 59 seats in Scotland.

If she comes even close then she will be knocking down the door of Downing Street and her demands will be much more difficult to resist.

In these circumstances, a good result for the Conservatives in England could be a bad result for the UK.

Putting Labour out of power for a generation would tell Scots that if they want a different type of politics they have to vote for independence.

A bigger majority means Theresa May could eventually end up leading a smaller country.

Theresa May’s election announcement bolstered by a Remain voter

Theresa May’s election announcement bolstered by a Remain voter

Politics Unknown   09:31

Defining moment for the United Kingdom is here again, as snap general election is announced to take place in June 8 is being supported by a major Remain voter who declared total support for the PM in order to quell the EU and Mrs Sturgeon.

Also, while speaking on Sky News from Nuneaton, a long-term Labour stronghold, the jovial man told presenter Kay Burley: "She’s quite right to put it to the country.

"She’s always been accused of being unelected so that should scotch all that argument now, so we can have a bit of a scrap."

Asked by Burley if people had had enough of voting, he replied: “It seems the order of the day quite honestly. Hopefully we can better the Scottish problem as well at the same time.

“I was anti-Brexit but I’m one of those who says ‘well let’s get on with it’."

Stating he was over the Brexit result, he added he was a “true blue” and would be voting for the Tories in the general election.

Almost immediately the election date was announced, the PM was accused of making serious move through the election to thwart the call for a second Scottish indyref.

Theresa May has been accused of announcing a snap general election just to frustrate Nicola Sturgeon

Theresa May has been accused of announcing a snap general election just to frustrate Nicola Sturgeon

Politics Unknown   09:21

Analysts have said that Theresa Mays pronouncement of a snap general election will give her the need advantage in No. 10 and also bring to an end the clamour for a second Scottish independence referendum by Nicola Sturgeon.

There is the insinuation from some quarters that the PM’s decision to announce a snap election was strongly based on the advice given to her by Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson, as a means of destroying the First Minister’s hope for a second indyref.

The implication of this, is that, if the Scottish National Party (SNP) loses seats in Westminster, it will cause a grave damage to her party’s strength, as her mandate to run Scotland would be put under threat.

The prediction was also concurred to by the SNP’s deputy leader Angus Robertson, saying the election would battle between the SNP and the Tories in Scotland.

Recall that in the last general election, the SNP smiled home with an overwhelming victory in Scotland, after it pulled 56 out 59 seats.

Nevertheless, with the realities on ground now, the First Minister and the SNP seem to have lost public acceptance. While the strength of the Conservatives are increasing on a daily basis.

According to Ruth Davidson, most Scots feel “hurt, angry and let down” due to Nicola Sturgeon's renewed push for a rerun of the 2014 vote, when there was a resounding majority in favour of staying in the UK.

She said Nicola Sturgeon's popularity was on the wane because of her renewed push for independence and added: “I think she is a more divisive figure than she once was.

“There are a lot of people that wanted to give Nicola Sturgeon a chance who had found Alex Salmond quite divisive and wanted Scotland to move on, because we were promised that if we made a decision it would be respected by all sides and we could move on.

“Now that they find her dragging us back to a place the majority of Scots don't want us to go they feel hurt, angry and let down.”

SNP boss Miss Sturgeon issued a terse statement following the General Election announcement.

She said: "This is one of the most extraordinary U-turns in recent political history.

“Theresa May is putting the interests if her party before the country.

“It makes it all the more important that Scotland is protected from the Tory party.”

Political commentator Matthew d'Ancona, the former editor of The Spectator, wrote in the Guardian: “A snap election resulting – May hopes – in a stronger Tory government and an unambiguous personal mandate is self-evidently the smart option.

“Such a victory would kill off the idea of a second referendum, and close down the argument that the electorate had not given consent to withdrawal from the single market.”

With trademark provocative speechmaking columnist Katie Hopkins called on Scotland to rid themselves of the ‘Ginger Dwarf’.

In an article for the Daily Mail she said: “If you are sick to the back teeth of the Ginger Dwarf from the North spouting her nonsense in Westminster, acting as first minister for Independence, instead of First Minister for Scotland, now is your chance.

“June 8 is your day to shine. To vote for the Scottish Conservatives and send a message to Nicola that we are stronger together and better off without her.

“Her only ambition is for herself.

“Rid yourselves of the Ginger Dwarf from the North and we can create a truly United Kingdom.”

Theresa May to retire from politics after a successful Brexit?

Theresa May to retire from politics after a successful Brexit?

Politics Unknown   09:04

It has been revealed how the British Prime Minister Theresa May is making some effort to exit the political arena after successfully taking the UK out of the EU. This came as some ministers in her government gives a hint about her reluctance to call for a General Election after Brexit, as retaining her position as the PM is not part of her plan.

According to Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges, a minister whose does not want his identity disclosed tagged Mrs May as a “transitional PM’, with another claiming she’s all but ready to ride off into the sunset the moment her parliamentary term is over.

The minister also said that: “She’ll be hailed as the person who saved the nation from its worst crisis since the war, then go off and enjoy her retirement with husband Philip.”

While testing to ascertain whether this theory is general consent across the board, Mr Hodges claims he ran it past others, with one saying: “She’ll fight an Election, then be gone in 18 months.”

So far, Mrs May is arguably seen as one of the most popular Prime Ministers in British history, with her approval rating a solid 54-points ahead of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and has won by-elections that were once solidly out of Tory reach.

According to recent surveys, Mrs May’s administration has helped the Tories to have a commanding lead over all the political parties including Labour. With majority preferring Mrs May to Corbyn.

The people of Scotland have been advised by a top Tory MSP to use next month’s election to send a warning note to the SNP

The people of Scotland have been advised by a top Tory MSP to use next month’s election to send a warning note to the SNP

Politics Unknown   08:51

Voters in Scotland have been advised by a top Tory Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) to “back anyone but the SNP” during the forthcoming local elections in order to pass the message to the First Minister that they do not want another independence referendum.

Murdo Fraser, while speaking to journalists said: “Whilst local issues are always important, overshadowing this election is Nicola Sturgeon’s irresponsible threat of a second independence referendum. This is your chance to send her a message.

“Every advance for the SNP at these local elections will be taken as an endorsement of a second referendum.

“Remember this is a preference voting system with no wasted or tactical votes.

“To stop the SNP use your first vote one to back the Scottish Conservatives and subsequent votes (2,3 etc) to back anyone but the SNP.”

He also said: “Don’t give Nicola Sturgeon’s plans a boost by voting the SNP back into power in Fife.”

The SNP was also blamed for misleading the masses on their proposed independence currency for Scotland, after it was acknowledged by a Scottish government documents that being a member of the EU demands that the euro must be adopted.

Joining the EU also requires countries to have their own independent central banks. The paper adds: “This would require negotiation and agreement with the EU. Should Scotland be required to have a separate central bank, the functions of the SMI can be expanded to fulfil the requirements.”

The dossier, released under freedom of information laws, also suggested the EU may have opposed plans for the Bank of England to guarantee deposits and regulate banks in Scotland.

According to a Scottish Government spokeswoman: “The Scottish Government was engaged in thorough, detailed and comprehensive preparations for an independent Scotland ahead of the 2014 referendum, and similar work will be taken forward ahead of the planned future referendum.

“While these plans reflect conditions in 2014, they do not necessarily reflect the Scottish Government’s current thinking.”