Win N250,000 in the Akwa Ibom Government Logo Design Competition 2017

Win N250,000 in the Akwa Ibom Government Logo Design Competition 2017

South Unknown   09:46

This is an amazing opportunity for you to win a good sum amount of money of N250,000 in the Akwa-Ibom State Government Logo Design Competition.

Akwa Ibom State Government is offering a prize of N250,000 in the State Tourism Logo Competition. 

Are you a Graphic artist, a brand designer or you can design an amazing logo using Corel Draw and Photoshop?

Submit an amazing logo and stand a chance to win ₦250,000 cash, in the ongoing Tourism Brand Identity #Logo­_Contest for the State.
This branding logo competition is brought to you by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism tagged the #AmazingAkwaIbom.

How to apply

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Nicola Sturgeon says, Theresa May's comment confirms her referendum plans

Nicola Sturgeon says, Theresa May's comment confirms her referendum plans

World Unknown   08:45

Nicola Sturgeon expresses optimism that another independence referendum is highly likely with the next 18 to 24 months after her meeting with the British Prime Minister Theresa May.

Theresa May has welcomed the UK as an "unstoppable force" without limits while Nicola Sturgeon continues to pressure her for a second Scottish independence vote by spring 2019.

The Scottish Parliament in Holyrood is expected on Tuesday (today) to back Ms Sturgeon's call for a new referendum, and on the other hand on Wednesday Mrs May will trigger Article 50 to begin the formal process for leaving the EU.

The PM while addressing staff at the Department for International Development that Brexit did not mean "Britain steps back from the world".

"UK Aid is a badge of hope for so many around the world," she said at the East Kilbride base.

"And it says this: That when this great union of nations, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, sets its mind on something and works together with determination, we are an unstoppable force.

"That is why the plan for Britain I have set out... has as its heart one over-arching goal: To build a more united nation.

"Because I believe when we work together, there is no limit to what we can do."

Mrs May later met the First Minister at a Glasgow hotel, after turning down the offer to have it in a nearby Scottish government building.

Ms Sturgeon described the talks as "reasonably cordial" and "business-like" however, she said the PM had not offered any concessions or guarantees to try to stave off another vote.

"I had been under the impression, given weekend media reports, that we may be about to get some kind of offer around powers for the Scottish government, but nothing of that nature emerged," said Ms Sturgeon.

"No real guarantee that powers in currently devolved areas wouldn't be centralised and no real willingness to discuss powers beyond that."

She also insisted her hope for another vote in 18 months to two years' time was realistic because the PM had told her the terms of a Brexit deal should be clear by then.

Ms Sturgeon told Sky: "She's very clear that she thinks the terms of Brexit, both the exit terms and the details of the future relationship - the future trading agreement between the UK and the EU - the detail of that will be clear before the UK exits.

"When I put it to her that would be in 18 months to two years' time she said 'yes' that was her expectation.

"That is the timescale in which I have said the people of Scotland should have the ability to make an informed choice about their future."

Mrs May, however, has said she is sticking to her belief that such a time frame would be "unfair" on people in Scotland because not all the facts about a Brexit deal would be known.

Mass protest in Central London against Brexit as May triggers Article 50 on Wednesday

Mass protest in Central London against Brexit as May triggers Article 50 on Wednesday

World Unknown   06:17

Just few days before triggering of Article 50 that will usher the UK’s exit out of the European Union, several demonstrators numbering tens of thousands have come together to stage an anti-Brexit protest in central London.

On getting to Parliament Square, the demonstrators observed some silence as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives during the terror attack in Westminster last Wednesday.

"Before we talk about Brexit, before we call on any of the speakers, we need to recognise that something really bad happened not far from here just the other day," said Alastair Campbell, the former Tony Blair spin doctor and Remain campaigner.

The protesters who were numbered between 25,000 to 100,000 demands that the UK should not exit the EU. Some were also seen being wrapped in the EU flag, while others had the EU’s golden stars designed on their faces. Some had the inscription "Better Together" and "Don't Brexit my future".

One of the protesters, German-Russian Katya, who attended with her British husband Daniel, expressed to Sky News: "I feel I'm part of this country and I want the multicultural tolerant country back that I've come to."

Katya also said, even in the impending Article 50 triggering, "We need to show the world that not everyone is behind the hard Brexit that the Government stands for."

On his part, her husband Daniel said the EU referendum had uncovered a side of the country he didn't recognise.

"It's not what I grew up with and it's not what most people in this country stand for - this intolerance and division".

In its place, he said, attending the march was a show of support for a Britain that can be "inclusive, tolerant and outward looking".

Despite the terror attack last Wednesday, organisers of the London march refused to call off the event after the, saying in a statement: "We will not be intimidated. We will stand in unity and solidarity.

"We will march on the heart of our democracy and reclaim our streets in honour and respect of those that fell."

Britain issued with another £86bn bill from the EU

Britain issued with another £86bn bill from the EU

World Unknown   06:08

Despite Britain rejecting the huge divorce fee levelled against it by the EU, another £86bn extra demand has been made by Brussels asking member states to spend fund the union’s controversial army battlegroups.

It appears the EU will is wanting to mount pressure on the British payer for the country to be able to make its own share of the fund, the essence of the fund includes winding up failing operations in Africa, despite Britain preparing to leave the bloc.

EU leaders appears to be so resolute to force Britain to pay for The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

The defence report explained that there is "need for deeper discussions on the future relation between the Union and the United Kingdom in CSDP matters, and in particular in the field of military capabilities, should the UK decide to trigger Article 50 TEU".

Notwithstanding the enormous expenditure demands, the EU admits at least one project in landlocked Mali in Africa is failing after three years due to lack of powers.

The report states: "European soldiers are currently prohibited from taking part in military operations as observers, which means that they cannot identify any problems that the units that have been trained may have, and that they are therefore unable to resolve any operational problems at a later stage.

"These units – both in Mali and in the Central African Republic – are being set up for combat operations, and whereas after three years without appropriate equipment and training, as is the case for EUTM Mali, they are nowhere near operational.

"Without the necessary armaments, training missions will only be carried out abroad if the government of the country concerned provides armaments and hardware to the units that they can then continue to use after their training is complete.”

Ukip defence spokesman Bill Etheridge hit out at the plans and said: "Since the declaration of St Malo was signed in 1998 to advance the creation of a Common Securirty and Defence policy an EU Army has been happening - regardless of what you call it.

"Former Commission President Romano Prodi called for an EU Army in 1999, saying it was ‘inevitable’. In the face of all these semantics, perhaps he put it best when he said: ‘When I was talking about a European Army, I was not joking.

“’If you do not want to call it a European Army, do not call it a European Army.

“’You can call it 'Margaret', you can call it 'Mary-Anne', you can find any name, but it is a joint effort for peace-keeping missions - the first time you have a joint, not bilateral, effort at European level.'

"The Lisbon Treaty we signed up to put this on the statue books.

"It is happening and pretending it isn't or that we haven't contributed financially or diplomatically won't change that.

"The UK taxpayer must not pay one penny piece into funding EU battlegroups: the priority for us is to build up our own weakened military and reverse the chronic underfunding of previous governments.”

Mr Etheridge also said Government "must rule out any money from the UK being spent on an EU military, particularly when we have a recruitment and retention crisis in the UK Armed Forces and they are so short of cash they are even trying to cancel secure communications from loved ones to those serving abroad”.

The MEP said the UK "must have no operational role in any EU battlegroups and instead concentrate on meeting our NATO commitments”.

Speaking further, he stressed that: ”Unlike the EU, which admits it has spent three years in Mali achieving nothing, NATO has bite.”

Mr Etheridge urged the Secretary of State for Defence to rule out any aid post Brexit and said there must be no "back door routes keeping us tied into any EU military projects”.

He further said: "The British people voted against an EU military, despite being spun lies that it was not happening - they knew it was and they are vehemently opposed to it.”

"Far from a serious fighting force, this is more of a red herring: quite frankly you see more pirates captured in an episode of Poldark."

INDEPENDENT BRITAIN: Great Repeal Bill to transfer powers from Brussels to Parliament

INDEPENDENT BRITAIN: Great Repeal Bill to transfer powers from Brussels to Parliament

World Unknown   06:49

Strong indication has emerged that once Article 50 is triggered this week Wednesday the United Kingdom will start the process of taking back full control of its laws from the hands of Brussels.

A White Paper on the Great Repeal Bill would be published by the British Government within 24 hours that will outline the processes needed to bring to an end the supremacy of EU law over the UK, thus transferring sovereignty and independency from Brussels.

It will lay out how control will be returned to Parliament, introducing temporary new powers to “correct the statute book to ensure a smooth and orderly exit”.

According to a source from the Government: “Next week will mark a defining moment in this country’s history, when the Prime Minister invokes Article 50 and opens the way for formal negotiations to leave the EU and build a truly global Britain. But a strong, sovereign country needs control of its own laws. That, more than anything else, was what drove the referendum result – a desire for the country to be in control of its own destiny.

“So next week we will get on with the job and set out the steps we will take to ensure control of our laws lies in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.”

It was also added that: “This momentum demonstrates the Government’s commitment to getting on with delivering a smooth and orderly EU exit.”

The source said: “A Great Repeal Bill will formally remove it from the statute book on exit day and make the UK a sovereign and independent country once again.”

It means on the day of Brexit all European laws will be simultaneously converted into domestic law, which MPs can then amend, repeal or improve after appropriate parliamentary debate and scrutiny.

“This will give businesses and workers maximum possible certainty as the UK leaves the European Union and existing workers’ legal rights will continue to be guaranteed in law,” the source said.

“It will also help ensure a smooth and orderly exit from the EU.”

Senator Makarfi reveals agreement reached with Senator Sheriff

Senator Makarfi reveals agreement reached with Senator Sheriff

Regional News Unknown   06:07

In order to clear the air concerning the Governing Dickson’s led reconciliation committee meeting held to proffer a lasting solution to the lingering tussle between Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the latter has come out to say that the agreement him and Sheriff entered into was that both parties agreed to not to engage in any public or media war.

According to Prince Dayo Adeyeye while speaking on behalf of Markafi stated that the faction only agreed before the Governor Dickson’s reconciliation committee to “stop further media attacks on officers, elders and other stakeholders of the PDP across the internal political divide.”

He added: “For the record, the agreement was not a political solution but rather an understanding reached urging representatives of ‘the key actors’ from both groups not to dissipate energy amongst themselves but to focus on how to unite as a formidable force capable of re-gaining power from the failed All Progressive Congress (APC)-led government in the 2019.

“The agreement also implores both parties to desist from making public derogatory remarks against each other that could cause inflammatory reactions capable of dragging the party to the mud.”

He further stated that the national caretaker committee and all the structures of the party were working with the reconciliation committee to reach a permanent political solution.

The four point media hostilities cessation agreement demands that “all actors of the parties should desist from making derogatory, inflammatory and divisive statements against party officials, stakeholders and members.”

It also said: “all key actors in the on-going peace process should henceforth desist from making public statements attacking each other and statements insinuating negative acts capable of dragging the party to the mud.”

EU Chief, Jean-Claude Juncker tag Brexit as ‘a failure and tragedy’

EU Chief, Jean-Claude Juncker tag Brexit as ‘a failure and tragedy’

World Unknown   07:07

More pressures are being mounted on Britain to pay the divorce bill of £50 billion, saying it is not being made to punish Britain, rather is the UK’s share of commitments it also took part in as a member of the EU prior to Brexit.

The latest of such demand is coming from the President of the European Union. Juncker while speaking also described Brexit as "a failure and a tragedy" he however maintained he was not in "a hostile mood" to the UK.

Speaking also on a positive note, Juncker promised that the EU will enter into the negotiations in a "friendly" and fair way, but warned the EU was not "naive".

When asked about the alleged divorce bill levelled against the UK he said: "It is around that, but that is not the main story.

"We have to calculate scientifically what the British commitments were and then the bill has to be paid."

He took a little time to explain that the divorce bill is meant to offset various projects which was agreed by the UK, and also to pay pensions of the union’s officials that worked during the period the UK was a member.

Mr Juncker said: "It will be a bill reflecting former commitments by the British Government and by the British Parliament.

"There will be no sanctions, no punishment, nothing of that kind, but Britain has to know - and I suppose that the Government does know it - that they have to honour the commitments and the former commitments."

On Brexit, Mr Juncker said: "It is a failure and a tragedy."

But he added: "I am anything but in a hostile mood when it comes to Britain. We will negotiate in a friendly way, a fair way, and we are not naive."

The EU chief also announced Brussel’s readiness in protecting the future status of the about three million EU citizens living in the UK and vice versa.

He added: "This is not about bargaining, this is about respecting human dignity.

"We are not in a hostile mood when it comes to Britain, because I do think and I do want to have with Britain over the next decades a friendly relationship."

Mr Juncker also stressed he did not want other EU nations to follow Britain in leaving, warning that would threaten "the end" for the EU project.

"I don't want others to take the same avenue," he said. "Let's suppose for one second that others will leave - two, three, four or five. That would be the end."

EU Brexit negotiator Michael Barnier assures of both parties striking a trade deal

EU Brexit negotiator Michael Barnier assures of both parties striking a trade deal

World Unknown   08:40

Amazingly, a bombshell was dropped on Wednesday by Michael Barnier the Brexit negotiator as he announced how determined the EU is in sealing a “unique” trade deal with the UK within the shortest possible time.

Barnier made the announcement as a big surprise to so many, when he said that such a deal was in the best interest of the EU. His speech has been tagged by some as the most detailed that any senior Brussels figure has given on Brexit.

However, his speech never ended without him expressing areas that he disagreed with Theresa May's declaration that "no deal is better than a good deal" saying a failure to secure a future economic pact would be disastrous for both sides.

Also, after making such a promising and friendly speech, the French politician went on to warn the British Government not to take the EU’s generosity for granted, saying: "We shall be firm, we shall be friendly, and we will never be naive." 

Most of the perceived tensions that came up after the Brexit vote were being put under control, as he stressed that eurocrats were not anticipating the likelihood of Britain falling off a cliff at the end of the negotiations in two years’ time.

He stated that: "A lack of an agreement, a no deal scenario, this isn’t what we want. We want an agreement, we want to be successful, and we’re not just against the British but together with the British.

"That’s why speaking on behalf of the 27 member states I can say we want to reach an agreement on an ordered departure of the UK and lay the ground for a new partnership we will build together with them.

"It’s not too early to sketch out its parameters. At the heart of that partnership there will be a free trade agreement that we will negotiate on in due course. That free trade agreement will be sui generis, it will be unlike any existing one so we need to prepare for that.

"We agree with Theresa May when in her recent speech she talked of a bold and ambitious free trade agreement. Yes indeed, we can share ambition. There is no precedent in European history for such a free trade agreement."

However, he warned the UK there would be no "single market a la carte" and said: "The best possible relationship for Britain is a member of the EU and the second best option is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA). We have a duty to these countries as well."

Speaking further, Mr Barnier also maintained that there is no effort to "punish" Britain for leaving the club in any way, but then he said of the plan to hit Britain with a £50 billion exit bill because it had to honour commitments it had already made.

He said: "Each country must honour its commitments towards the others. When a country leaves the union there is no punishment, there is no price to pay to leave.

"But we must settle the accounts - no more, no less. We will not ask the British to pay a single euro for something they have not agreed to as a member."

The address delivered by Barnier has for the very first time made known the unexpected and thorough specifics being incorporated by Brussels into the EU’s Brexit plans, coupled with the fact that common position has been agreed by the remaining 27 countries.

Mr Barnier also the EU was fully ready to strike a reciprocal agreement with the UK, a move which is in line with Theresa May’s position regarding the future of EU nationals in the UK, and vice-versa. This he said will be addressed from the very beginning of the negotiation.

Mr Barnier also said that sorting out the situation in Ireland would be one of his top priorities, reiterating that the EU is determined not to allow a return to a hard border.

He said: "Brexit will have serious repercussions, human consequences, economic, social and political consequences. It’s worth bearing in mind that the lack of agreement will have even more serious repercussions.

"Unity is a first condition in reaching an agreement. It is of course in our interests but it’s also in the UK interests, and I want to say this to our British partners, because at the end of the day we both need a united Europe to reach a deal."

He added: "These negotiations cannot take place in secret. We will negotiate in a transparent and open manner explaining to everyone what we are doing. We must also explain objectively what leaving the European Union means for the country that leaves but also for the other member states.

"We need to tell the truth and we will tell the truth to our citizens about what Brexit means."

SCOTLAND: Holyrood debates to allow Sturgeon call for another indyref

SCOTLAND: Holyrood debates to allow Sturgeon call for another indyref

World Unknown   08:37

Scotland’s First Minister is anticipated to give some legal backings to her independent referendum campaign through the Scottish Parliament by seeking their support.

During the deliberation, will urge MSP to support her demand to Westminster for the activation of a Section 30 order, which will empower her to lawfully go on with a referendum.

Despite all the efforts being put in place by the First Minister to secure Scotland’s future, MSP from the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrats have vowed to block any move to take Scotland out of the rest of the UK.

Conversely, the pro-independence Scottish Greens, who have six MSPs, are anticipated to give the First Minister the backing she needs for her motion to be passed after the conclusion of a two-day debate this on Wednesday.

Making her case for a new vote on Wednesday, Ms Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament there was an "unquestionable democratic mandate for an independence referendum".

She said the UK Government would be "wrong and unfair" to stand in the way of Scotland "even having a choice", adding that Theresa May should set out a timetable for a referendum if she does not agree with holding it before spring 2019.

Ms Sturgeon added: "The voice of this parliament has been ignored at every step of the way and far from any indication of new powers, we now face the prospect of the UK Government using Brexit to reserve for itself powers in areas that are currently devolved to this parliament."

All through a powerfully verbalized debate, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said there was no provision in Scotland for a second referendum and blamed the SNP of trying to "bulldozer" the vote through.

She said: "The people of Scotland don't want this and it won't wash to have a First Minister standing there, washing her hands, saying 'It's not me that's dragging us there, it's with a heavy heart, a big Tory did this and ran away'.

"It won't do, First Minister, take responsibility."

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said that for Ms Sturgeon "leaving the UK is the only thing that matters".

She added: "It isn't improving education in Scotland. It isn't lifting children out of poverty.

"It's independence. That will always come first and it always has."

Her Majesty’s 2017 speech may empower Theresa May to impose tariff on imports from EU nations

Her Majesty’s 2017 speech may empower Theresa May to impose tariff on imports from EU nations

World Unknown   08:27

By the time Her Majesty makes her 2017 speech, the Prime Minister’s stance on hard Brexit may garner more boost. Reason being that, the PM is being predicted to impose tariffs on EU imports which may be included in the Queens Speech.

The indirect threat of the PM of her plan to walk away from negotiations will be further strengthened based on her earlier claim that “no deal is better than a bad deal” for Britain.

The plan to take full control of trade deals is in contrast with what is obtainable under EU law, trade deals were negotiated by Brussels on behalf of all member countries.

Dr Liam Fox, International Trade Secretary, has informed MPs that the Queen’s speech will also address trade deals which is due in the month of May.

After Her Majesty finishes the announcement, it will take up to a year for the bill to be passed into law.

A Government source hinted that it will “come as no surprise” a trade bill will be part of the Government “Brexit Queen’s Speech”.

A Whitehall source added: “There are a number of decisions that need to be taken, but all options are still being considered.”

Experts have warned that Scotland will battle with “economic catastrophe” if it becomes independent from the rest of the UK

Experts have warned that Scotland will battle with “economic catastrophe” if it becomes independent from the rest of the UK

World Unknown   08:07

Experts are beginning to make serious analysis to determining the type of effect that an independent Scotland will have. One of such is coming from a top investment banker who said that if Scotland leave the rest of the UK, it will be faced with an “economic catastrophe”, using the current crisis in the North Sea and the present deficit as examples.

The Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) estimate recovery will continue this year but then warned Brexit uncertainty and the threat of another referendum will slow growth.

In the meantime, Mr Kapadia, chief executive of the fund manager Sun Global Investments, said the activating of Article 50 and likelihood of a second independence referendum embodied a "dual threat" to the UK and sterling.

He stated that: "From a rational point of view, the major issue surrounding the call for Scottish independence, is an economic catastrophe threating Scotland."

Highligting the collapse in oil prices he added: "This has undermined the economic prowess of Scotland which currently has a deficit of £15bn or 9.5 per cent of GDP, which would be the highest in the EU.

"It is going to be a hard battle ahead if Scotland falls for populism under SNP."

It was further stated that in the three months to September 2016, Scotland's economy grew by 0.2 per cent compared to 0.6 per cent for the UK.

On yearly basis this is 0.7 per cent north of the Border and 2.2 per cent for the UK.

Also, up-to-date projections indicates Scottish growth at 1.2 per cent in 2017, 1.3 per cent in 2018 and 1.4 per cent in 2019, similar to figures published in December.

The report found in the 10 years since the start of the financial crisis, the Scottish economy has grown by an average of just 0.7 per cent each year - less than a third of its long-term trend, squeezing household income despite unemployment rates at near record lows of 4.7 per cent.

FAI director Graeme Roy said: "Irrespective of your views over the long-term benefits of Brexit or independence, the increase in uncertainty caused by the triggering of Article 50 and the prospects of a second independence referendum will act as a headwind for many businesses.

"Just as it is the responsibility of the UK Government to provide clarity and reassurance wherever possible through the Brexit process, it is incumbent on the Scottish Government to do likewise around independence and to re-double their efforts to support the Scottish economy through these unprecedented times."

UK's think-tank chief calls for regional control over immigration

UK's think-tank chief calls for regional control over immigration

World Unknown   11:41

A urgent call has be made by a think-tank chief demanding that regions in the UK be given powers over immigration after Brexit negotiations are over, as a strategy to boost the UK’s economy. According to Liam Booth-Smith, of think-tank Localis, immigration issues should be left in the hands of towns and cities in England.

One of the point he made to bolster his argument was that employers and landlords already had the mandate at a local area to check immigration statuses and ‘strategic authorities’ could be set up to look at the wider picture and grow local areas.

He said: “The immigration system currently… there are a number of checks and balances, which are being pushed down towards people at a local level as it stands.

“You have, for example, employers, who have responsibility placed on them to check the immigration status of someone who is working for them.

“Similarly with landlords, you have a responsibility placed on them to check the immigration status of somebody that is trying to rent a property.

"We already are in once sense devolving some of the responsibilities around this. We think actually it would be quite sensible in one sense to allow local areas to, maybe not necessarily with the local authority but some sort of strategic authority, to have a little bit more influence and control over the proportion of migration in their area.”

Mr Booth-Smith designated the Isle of Wight, Blackpool and Tendring in Essex as “stuck” regions that could take advantage from the move, mostly those which had “very, very low proportions of young people resident in their area.

The think tank’s new report ‘The Making of an Industrial Strategy: Taking back control locally’ found a correlation between the number of 25 to 34-year-olds in an area and its levels of productivity. Mr Booth-Smith said local areas should be able to attract the right talent for them.

“There are only a finite number of homegrown 25 to 34 year olds so one of the ways we in the past have actually managed to counter the balance of an ageing population is by bringing in young, healthy, fit people from abroad,” he said.

“We think that actually having a bit more local control and discretion over that wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world."

He cited instances where such policy is being put to use in places like Australia and Canada.

In the meantime, there was a claim last month which states that mass EU migration has been an “economic catastrophe” for the UK, costing it £30billion a year.

The paper - How the £30 billion cost of EU migration Imperils Pensions & Benefits - by the thinktank Global Britain revealed cheap labour flooding in from the continent was causing "an economic catastrophe" for the UK which threatens the pension system.

The report also suggested that leaving the European Union and taking back control of British borders would provide the UK with “a £250 billion opportunity” in the next five years.

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

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

World Unknown   11:09

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wales may call for independence referendum - Leanne Wood

Wales may call for independence referendum - Leanne Wood

World Unknown   10:30

More troubles for Theresa May as Wales joins Scotland to demand and independent referendum for the Welsh people. This is due to the PM’s persistent stand for a ‘hard’ Brexit from the EU, and her alleged refusal to actively involve all the devolved administrations in her Brexit plan.

According Leanne Wood, “all options should be on the table” when it comes to the future of the Welsh nation once Britain’s divorce from the bloc is over. The warning was made to the PM during her visit to Swansea as one of her strategy to strike a successful Brexit deal.

Speaking further, Ms Wood stressed of “clear consequences” of Mrs May “not listening” to the plights of the rest of the UK as she arranges to trigger Article 50 on March 29.

During her presentation on Radio 4’s Today programme, Ms Wood argued: “The prime minister has said she will properly consult the devolved nations, we’ve yet to see any evidence that there is any seriousness about that.

“Plaid Cymru put down our political differences aside with the Welsh Labour Government to produce a White Paper to outline what should happen to ensure that Wales is kept within the process.

“There are key issues that affect Wales, for example, our continued participation in the single market which is crucial when 67 per cent of Welsh exports go to the EU’s single market.”

Despite the huge exports to the EU single, Wales, along with England, voted overwhelmingly to leave the Brussels club.

As result of the importance the EU single market plays in the Welsh economy, the Welsh government in January released it lists of demand to Westminster, which advising the PM to ensure the country is kept within the union’s single market.

“We need to see some evidence of listening,” Ms Wood continue. “Clearly between Plaid Cymru and the Labour-led government, in Scotland, they’ve said the same, they want to retain single market membership as well.

“There are clear consequences to the prime minister of not listening, or not including Scotland in her plans, we’ve heard the First Minister of Scotland say that if the prime minister insists she goes ahead with Brexit, it’ll be damaging to Scotland and Scotland will hold a second independence referendum.

She also stated: “There is a demand in Wales for our assembly to have more powers, if the Scots vote to be an independent country, then that will constitute a material change in circumstances for Wales - the UK will no longer exist for example.

“We’ve said that under those circumstances, Wales should be able to determine what happens to us, we should have self-determination and all options should be on the table and we should debate independence and what that will mean for Wales.”

We fear being treated as second class citizens Eastern Europeans

We fear being treated as second class citizens Eastern Europeans

World Unknown   08:23

As result of the official announcement of the date Theresa May wants to trigger Article 50, some members of Eastern European communities have expressed their fears on how their stay in the UK could be affected adversely by the Brexit negotiations.

Most of them have the feelings that they are going to be treated differently from their counterparts from Western Europe like Germany and France, which will make them feel being treated like second class citizens.

Florina Tudose, of the East European Resource Centre, speaking to journalists said: "People are worried that at the end of Brexit negotiations they won't have the same deal as countries such as France, Germany and Spain.

"Yes there are some rules in place that the UK is not allowed to negotiate with single countries from the EU, but we don't know if that is going to be the case or not because we have never been through this situation before.

"People are worried about their future status in the UK.

"They fear they won't be treated equally to other EU citizens from western Europe because in the past there has been a sense of people from eastern Europe being some kind of second-class citizens.

"Countries which joined the EU in 2004 and 2007 have always been treated a bit differently and having experienced all sorts of restrictions on free movement, for example having to apply for a work permit.

"People now are concerned that they might experience these kinds of special restrictions once again when Britain actually leaves the EU."

Florina and

Florina and her colleague Katarzyna Zagrodniczek, who are both from Romania and Poland respectively, have been going to various shops and businesses as outreach workers, helping communities with advice about their rights.

Among those they met up with was George Dragnea, a Romanian barber working in Stratford in east London.

He also affirmed to the fact that eastern Europeans do sometimes feel like second-class citizens.

"Eastern European countries were communist countries in the past with a very different culture and different lifestyles," he said.

"Italian, French and Spanish were capitalist - the same as British people. Sometimes I think people look down on us and that is upsetting."

One of the reasons of such feeling is that, when Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU initially, nationals from those country who came to the UK were made to apply for work permits. While workers from Poland were also made to apply for workers’ registration scheme.

Romanian shop worker Daniela Neamtu has been in Britain for five years. She also stated that the restriction the UK government made them the first time she came to the UK made her feel so discriminated.

She said: "I always felt inferior. What is being said about Romanians - we are not all the same. We're not all thieves and rapists."

Academics have said deals with individual countries would threaten the unity of the remaining EU 27 nations.

However, they agree that migrants from eastern and central European countries could be at the back of the queue in a new immigration policy.

David Goodhart, of the think-tank Policy Exchange, said: "The policy would not intend to discriminate against people from central and Eastern Europe and indeed would not discriminate against people from central and eastern Europe, but it would discriminate against people with a lower skills profile - people who are coming here to do basic jobs.

"And if anything is going to come out of Brexit surely it has to be that you reduce the inflows of people coming to do those kinds of jobs.

"That's one of the reasons why people voted for Brexit in the first place and that will disproportionately impact on the people doing those jobs - and they are disproportionately from central and eastern Europe."

New independent Scotland to retain the pound sterling

New independent Scotland to retain the pound sterling

World Unknown   09:42

As an answer to a question being asked an SNP leader, last week, the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said an independent Scotland would still retain pound as the nation’s national currency, and put in application to keep full membership of the EU.

Speaking further on the issue, Nicola Sturgeon said an independent Scotland would keep the pound because it is "our currency as much as it is the currency of anywhere else".

Scotland's First Minister affirmed to Sophy Ridge on Sunday that sticking with sterling would be the "starting point" if the country voted for independence.

But if the country joins the EU as being projected by the First Minister, there is the probability that Scotland would be made to adopt the euro in place of the pound.

Ms Sturgeon stressed that: "The starting point for consideration is that Scotland would use the pound.

"It's our currency, it's a fully tradeable international currency; but as I am sure you know I have a growth committee right now looking at a plan for the economic future of Scotland, but also looking in detail at currency options for Scotland."

She added: "The starting point of our considerations is that Scotland uses the pound, it is our currency as much as it is the currency of anywhere else..."

It comes after former first minister Alex Salmond suggested an independent Scotland might ditch the pound.

On the other hand, in an interview last week, he also ruled out joining the euro and said that the country could establish its own currency.

During the 2014 Scottish independence campaign, Mr Salmond vowed Scotland would keep the pound if it left the EU and came unstuck on the issue during a TV debate with Alistair Darling.

Not all EU countries have joined the euro. Saying some enjoy an opt out, including Sweden, Denmark and the UK, but Scotland would not continue to enjoy this if it joined in its own right.

New members are asked to "take on and implement effectively the obligations of membership, including adherence to the aims of political, economic and monetary union" as a condition of joining.

Also last week, Spain's foreign minister Alfonso Dastis warned a newly independent Scotland "would have to join the queue, meet the requirements, go through the recognised negotiating system and the end result will be whatever those negotiations produce".

Ms Sturgeon debunked the rumour that she was at the "back of the queue" for joining the EU, telling Sky's Sophy Ridge there "was no queue" for joining.

She also terminated assertions that people in Scotland did not want another referendum after being promised the 2014 vote was "once in a generation".

The First Minister said the Brexit vote represented a "material change" that allowed her to bring forward a new independence referendum.

She said she had "tried very, very hard to compromise with Theresa May over the past number of months" but that she had met with a government "not willing to enter into that discussion".

Instead, Mrs May is telling Ms Sturgeon "now is not the time" for a second independence referendum. The First Minister proposes a vote should be held before spring 2019. Though she has now agreed to be flexible with the date.

By the time the realities of Brexit hits the UK, there will be a change of mind to go back to the EU – Tony Blair

By the time the realities of Brexit hits the UK, there will be a change of mind to go back to the EU – Tony Blair

World Unknown   07:16

Following the prediction by some EU leaders stating that the UK will one day come re-join the EU, a prominent politician and one time Prime Minister Tony Blair has also made similar comment saying that his country will have a change of mind along the line, perhaps when the reality of Brexit hits them, as opposed to the several lies and propaganda spread by Farage and his cohorts.

Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, the former Prime Minister stated the British people still may change their minds over the “tragedy” of Brexit.

He said: “My view is very simply I agree at the moment the argument for many people is over.

“But if, as you go down this path, the British people realise three things that I think it could change.

“One, that the gain is actually losery, two, that the pain is very substantial, and three, that the distraction from the Government and the country in the meantime is enormous, when there are these real big challenges, on the economy, in healthcare, education, immigration, are not being dealt with.” 

The presenter questioned Mr Blair whether he was calling for another referendum.

The 63-year-old former Prime Minister claimed that he was “not suggesting that at this point” but argued that could change if constituents begin putting their MPs under pressure over Brexit.

He also said: “With people saying, ‘hang on I didn’t know this is what it meant’.

“One of the things I have done in the last few months is talk to a range of people, if it is permissible to still talk to experts.

“I didn’t understand how complicated this is going to be. If they [the Government] are going to try and deliver exactly the same benefits, as we have now in the single market and the customs union this is an endeavour of unparalleled complexity.”

The former Prime Minister added that he thought another referendum was “possible” but he admitted he didn't “put it higher than that.”

Marr asked whether Mr Blair was suggesting that there would be a rebellion across the country with changing views.

Mr Blair said: “People start to think, ‘is this really going to be the thing that is going to be important’.

“Then when you look at Scotland you see another strain on the constitution of the country as a result.”

The former Prime Minister finished by launching an attack on the current Labour Party leader suggesting the party’s views needed to be clear, before he claimed the UK needed to reform within Europe.

Nicola Sturgeon has urged all who do not like Brexit to relocate to Scotland

Nicola Sturgeon has urged all who do not like Brexit to relocate to Scotland

World Unknown   08:20

Despite all the comments made against Nicola Sturgeon by the PM, the SNP leader has announced to members of her party that no what happens, the will of the people of Scotland "will and must prevail".

Nicola Sturgeon has sworn to a delighted crowd at her party's conference that "there will be an independence referendum".

The SNP leader went on to criticise Theresa May, saying that "the Prime minister's attitude should worry us all" and warned: "Stop putting the interests of the right wing of your party ahead of the interests of the people of our party."

While making her closing speech to the party's conference in Aberdeen, Ms Sturgeon also extended her invitation to other people in the UK who did not like Brexit to come to Scotland.

She said: "We will become a magnet for talent and investment from all cross the UK.

"So let me issue this open invitation today: Scotland isn't full up.

"If you are as appalled as we are at the path this Westminster government is taking, come and join us. Come here to live, work, invest or study.

"Come to Scotland and be part of building a modern, progressive, outward-looking, compassionate country."

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

Still mid-speech, Ms Sturgeon has had no less than three standing ovations.

Setting out her plan, she said she wants a "fair, legal and agreed" referendum "at a time when we know the terms of Brexit but before it is too late to take a different path".

However she said: "It is down to us to make the economic case for independence."

After Theresa May announced that now was not the time for an independence referendum, the Frist Minister Ms Sturgeon also announced her willinness to discuss timing with the prime minister but warned: "The will of our parliament will and must prevail."

She sparked another standing ovation when she said the days of Tory governments dictating to Scotland are "gone and not coming back".

She further warned the Prime Minister that if she showed "the same condescension and inflexibility, the same tin ear" to other European nations as she had done to Scotland then "the Brexit process will hit the rocks".

The SNP leader also criticised the UK Government over its failure to guarantee the rights of EU citizens already living in the UK.

"You cannot lecture others about politics not being a game while you are using the lives of human beings as pawns," she told Mrs May.

A £36m fund to pay for skills and training in the digital age was announced as well as a 10-year mental health strategy that will include an increase in the workforce and budget.

Tension as House of Lords ruling may put about 10,000 deportees on the street

Tension as House of Lords ruling may put about 10,000 deportees on the street

World Unknown   08:01

A new report going round has it that about 10, 000 foreigners seeking to stop their deportation from the UK as a result of a ruling passed by the House of Lords.

However, the decision of the Lords has been condemned by many who view it as a big let-down and insult to the Government, saying such a decision is a “threat to public safety.”

The Immigration Bill debate hinged on how long would-be immigrants should be detained at immigration centres. At present, immigrants can be detained indefinitely, however, peers in a vote capped it for only 28 days.

Critic Lord Keen of Elie, who is also the Advocate General for Scotland, claimed the move would jeopardise safety and security in the UK, and said: "Such an amendment would significantly impact on our abilities to enforce immigration controls and maintain public safety."

He made the condemnation after the Lords voted 187 to 170 for the limit, which can only be extended by a court.

Crossbench peer Lord Green of Deddington said the 28-day time limit could lead to up to 10,000 people a year appealing for release from detention and said: “The power of detention is essential to effective removal.

"It is fundamental to the whole immigration system. Broadly speaking, I would say that the system is working.

"It would encourage people to spin things out to get to 28 days, and then who knows, they may disappear," Lord Green said.

Contrarily, it was argued by the Lords that holding people for the foreseeable future was detrimental to their health, with Labour's Baroness Lister of Burtersett going one step further to call indefinite detention a "stain on this country's human rights record."

Similarly, a group of cross-party peers recommended the cap last year, with the The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Refugees and the APPG on Migration putting forward a report.

Meanwhile, current data indicates that some detainees have kept for over a year Verne IRC, Dorset, and in Harmondsworth IRC, West London.

Also speaking, Lord Keen added: "The Government takes the issue of deprivation of liberty very seriously.

"There is a well-established principle that for an individual to be detained pending removal there must be a realistic prospect of removal within a reasonable time, and that is carried out by virtue of judicial oversight."

UKIP was highly critical of the move, with Defence and Security spokesman Mike Hookem branding it 'completely wrong'.

The MEP said: "Sitting here in Brussels, where fear roams the streets after the shootings yesterday, I can tell you this decision by the Lords is completely the wrong one to have been made.

"The suspected terrorists roaming Brussels include illegal immigrants: do Peers not want to make sure the British people are safe? Have they learned nothing from the tragedy of Paris?

"The rights of the many are being ridden roughshod by the rights of the few who include people who have already broken the law by getting into this country illegally.

"28 days is not sufficient given the checks needed and the huge backlog because of EU open borders."

According to record, this ruling would be the second time the Government has been defeated over the bill, with the upper house hitherto voting to permit asylum seekers the right to work if their claims have not been processed within six months.

On the other hand the changes are not set in stone, as any amendments made to bills passing through the house will automatically be sent back to the Commons.

A spokesman said: "Any legislation that's in the House of Lords if it's amended will be sent back to be either accepted or rejected."

There could be a risk of what is known as 'ping pong', where the bill is sent back and forth between the houses with neither side willing to accept changes.

British Monarch signs royal assent to pave way for Brexit talks

British Monarch signs royal assent to pave way for Brexit talks

World Unknown   07:32

At last the long awaited royal assent from Her Majesty the Queen signed after much speculations and about the date and time.

Accordingly, the way has now been paved for the PM to trigger Article 50 which is formal notification to the EU.

After a stormy passage by both Houses of Parliament, legal tussle, Britain will now officially begin the exit process few days from now to bring to an end the 40-year marriage with other EU member states.

Triggering Article 50 to leave the EU has been defined by the PM as a "defining moment" for the country but the negotiations that will take place with the EU over the next two years promise to be bitter and bloody.

Leaders on both sides be looking forward to strike a deal and shift grounds where necessary, though that would not be as easy as speculated by the British government.

From all indications the first point of disagreement could possibly be the huge exit bill the EU is asking the UK to pay before any serious negotiation could take place, which is pegged at 60 billion euro.

Nevertheless, negotiations between both parties may not take effect until sometime in June. Because the EU need to release an official response to the PM Article 50 notification, which will still take about 8 more weeks to put complete guidelines in place.

The other EU 27 member states will then need to officially issue a list of negotiating topics and red lines - the earliest they are expected to decide this is at an extraordinary summit in early May.

The bill's passing into law follows a difficult day for the Government on Wednesday in which ministers were accused of "driving towards a cliff-edge with a blindfold on".

Surprisingly, Brexit Secretary David Davis was forced to admit his department has not made an assessment of the economic implications of failure to secure an agreement with the rest of the EU.

His admission was despite the Prime Minister repeatedly saying she thinks no deal is better than a bad deal.