EU migrants to be sent back to their various countries after Brexit

EU migrants to be sent back to their various countries after Brexit

World Unknown   06:01

SHOCKER: As recent survey reveals that majority of Scottish people want all jobless EU nationals to go back to their various countries. A revelation which is in contrast with claims made by Nicola Sturgeon, saying that Scotland is open to all foreigners, more so, EU nationals irrespective of status.

The opinion poll was spear headed by Mev Brown, a Leave campaigner in the run up to the referendum, shows that about 45% of the sampled population agreed that jobless EU nationals who had not gone back to work for six months plus should be sent back to their own country. While 30% are of the opinion that those who have been jobless for a long term should be made to apply for a visa, with the other 25% saying, they should be given indefinite leave to remain.

Further, the poll conducted by BMG reveals that 46% are of the opinion that EU migrants who are homeless or living in temporary accommodation should be shown the way out of the country, post-Brexit. While 28% think they should have to apply for a visa, and the remaining 27% saying they should be given the right to remain.

In a similar vein, the poll reveals that 81% want all convicted criminals from the EU to be sent back to their own countries.

On the other hand, 46% want all EU citizens in full or part time work and claiming in-work benefits to be given the right to remain indefinitely. While 42% still want them to apply for visa to enable them stay in Scotland after Brexit and 12% believe they should return home.

Overwhelmingly, the largest vote of confidence was given to EU migrants in full or part time work who are not claiming any benefits, with 71% backing them to stay. Though a further 26% believe this group should have to apply for a visa, while only two per cent think they should be asked to leave Scotland.

From the result of the survey, it was also shown that more women are wanting EU nationals to leave Scotland and apply for a visa from their country than their male counterparts.

In the months since the vote to leave the EU, the SNP has repeatedly attempted to make political capital out of the uncertain status of 173,000 EU citizens in Scotland.

Even though EU migrants are more likely to have a job than British citizens, statistics demonstes that around 25% cent are not in work - which would translate to about 43,500 people north of the Border.

Mr Brown, former chief spokesman for Brexit campaign group Business for Britain in Scotland, said: “The polling data very much reflects the conversations I had during the Brexit campaign.

"Scots clearly want an immigration policy where the best interests of the country determines who is allowed to stay and who can come into the country after Brexit.

"In short, Scots do not support the SNP's soft touch, open door, 'free for all' immigration policy.

Indeed, the findings show how sophisticated Scots voters are.

"There is a clear recognition of the contribution foreign workers make to the Scottish economy and that foreign workers are welcome in Scotland.

"However, when looking at long term benefit claimants, that support falls significantly. Forty five percent of Scots think long term benefit claimants should be sent home when we leave the EU.

"The fact is, given the current jobs market, there is little justification for any foreign worker being unemployed for that length of time.

"These findings show that voters know that the welfare state is under enormous financial pressures.

"The data shows that Scots voters have broadly the same view towards EU homeless citizens. Perhaps it would be more appropriate for their own government to provide assistance?

"When you look at EU citizens that are convicted criminals, Scots voters are sending the SNP a message – send them home, a view shared with the large majority of SNP and Green voters.

"The SNP's 'soft touch' immigration policy is completely at odds with the views of Scottish voters."

Few night ago, the Scottish Government said EU national were "greatly valued" around the nation.

On the other hand, a spokesman added: "By far the biggest threat to Scotland’s economy is a hard Brexit, which threatens to cost our economy around £11 billion a year by 2030, and cost the country 80,000 jobs over a decade.

“The Scottish Government greatly values both the contribution that EU migrants bring to our economy and society, and the benefits of freedom of movement enjoyed by our own citizens, such as the right to free movement to live, study and work in all EU countries and benefit from their health care and social security systems.

“We want EU nationals in Scotland to feel settled and secure and to continue to make a strong contributions to our country. We continue to urge the UK Government to provide assurances on the status as soon as possible in the forthcoming negotiations with the EU."

Angela Merkel makes strategic moves to ensure the safety of Germans after last Friday’s terrorist attack in Sweden

Angela Merkel makes strategic moves to ensure the safety of Germans after last Friday’s terrorist attack in Sweden

World Unknown   06:38

Due to the increasing rate of terrorism across major countries of the world, and Europe in particular, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel has released a plan to increase personnel in Germany in order to ensure the safety of all Germans.

Merkel’s address came earlier Saturday after a terrorist used truck to kill four people and got 15 others injured in Stockholm, Sweden on Friday.

The security strategies were laid during a local meeting of her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Grimmen.

During her address, Merkel drew out plans to increase security personnel all over the country with the aim of her country people from petty crimes and other terror outbreaks.

She said: "A state must be responsible for its interior and exterior security.

"We know that many people are shaken in their confidence at the moment, whether it's just from burglaries or from terror attacks.

"That's why it is important that we provide more personnel; that's why it's important that we respect security forces."

She also made a call to all foreigners coming to begin a fresh life in Germany to abide by strictly to the country’s values.

Saying that obeying the country's laws was not enough and that people must also follow the national way of life. She also stressed in strong tone that, the country’s values cannot be compromised.

She explained: "Integration means that our values, not just our laws, but also what is derived from these laws - tolerance, freedom of religion, freedom of press, and respect for the others - are practiced in our daily life.

"That's why Germany must again and again make sure that everybody who lives here adhere to this.

"There is no compromise and we have to be clear on that."

The German Chancellor never ended her speech without condemning the President of Turkey on his controversial flare-ups lately.

The Turkish President in recent times have been making provocative statements by calling German MPs "Nazis" and condemning politicians in the Netherlands and France.

The verbal war started after rallies calling for a referendum that will give more powers to him were cancelled in Europe.

Thus, Mrs Merkel condemned and said that the Turkish President had acted in an "absolutely unacceptable" manner.

She then reminded her audience that she was against Turkish membership of the EU in 2005, and that "this position has not changed".

The German leader added: "I was among those people who have always said that Turkey should not become member of the European Union, despite that fact that almost everybody thought that Turkey should become member of the European Union.

"We need a privileged partnership, not a membership."

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon rules out quick election in order to achieve her independence bid

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon rules out quick election in order to achieve her independence bid

World Unknown   20:29

In order to ensure her independence referendum becomes a reality, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has put aside any plan for a snap election.

The First Minister also stated that despite the rejection of a second indyref by the UK government, she will not engage in any legal battle with the government over the matter.

On the other hand, Theresa May has said it over and over that she will work out the best possible deal that will be okay for the whole of the UK during the Brexit negotiations, in order to deliver the democratic will of the British people. And that the proposed autumn 2018 to spring 2019 by Sturgeon would not be allowed.

Concerning any likely legal action or a snap election, Sturgeon stated that: “These are not the kinds of things I am thinking of.

“I’ve got a responsibility to lead the country.

“I was elected as first minister less than a year ago. I’ve got a responsibility to lead the country.

“We are very focused on getting growth in our economy and transforming education.

“These are things that continue to be my priorities - these sort of scenarios that are put to me are not the ones I am thinking (of), but I do have an idea of how I progress the will of parliament.”

She hit out at the stance being taken by Mrs May and said Scotland should have the chance to give its voice in a referendum vote.

Ms Sturgeon said: “I’m absolutely clear that the position of Theresa May, I just don’t think, is politically sustainable.

“If the Scottish Parliament is of the position, as it is because it has voted in this way, that Scotland should be given a choice - not now, but when the time is right, when there is clarity about Brexit and obviously when there is clarity also about independence - that we should have a choice about our future.

Security guards in one of UK’s oldest hospital ordered never to wear Union flag badges on their uniform, following a complaint from a member of the public

Security guards in one of UK’s oldest hospital ordered never to wear Union flag badges on their uniform, following a complaint from a member of the public

World Unknown   07:38

Anger as one of Britain’s oldest hospitals orders its staff not to wear Union Jack badges on their stab proof vests any more.

This ban comes after a complaint was lodged by a member of the public, after which 12 employees of the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) were instructed in an email instructed them not to wear the flags on their uniforms again.

Around half of the hospital’s security staff had been wearing Velcro Union Jack badges for the past two months, according to an insider at the hospital.

According to a source: “After a complaint from a member of the general public you are to remove the Union Jacks from stab vests.”

The banning of the badges, which are smaller than a credit card, has upset the security guards, according to a hospital worker.

The member of staff, who did not want to be named, said: “The badges have been a recent thing. The security guards got new stab vests that had Velcro on them and so decided to get the badges.

“It is an insult to the British people that they are having to be taken off.

“All the security staff are upset about it and cannot quite believe there has been a complaint.

“The staff are doing their best for everyone in the hospital, trying to keep people safe and a complaint like this is made.

“Personally I find it offensive that someone is offended that much by the Union Jack.”

It was confirmed by spokesman for University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust that staff were told to remove the flag from their uniforms after a complaint.

He said: “We were contacted recently by a member of the public who saw security officers at the Bristol Royal Infirmary wearing Union Jack flag patches on their uniforms.

"The member of the public commended the security staff on how well they dealt with a difficult incident and asked about a union jack patch that they had on their uniforms as they had not seen it before on an NHS uniform.

“Our trust policy says that uniforms cannot be altered or personalised and that only professional badge adornments are permitted.

"Security staff were therefore reminded of this and asked to remove any non-authorised badges or symbols from their uniforms.

"We also shared with them compliment from the member of public.”

Nicola Sturgeon’s independence referendum drive slammed as experts say Scotland is on the edge of economic recession

Nicola Sturgeon’s independence referendum drive slammed as experts say Scotland is on the edge of economic recession

World Unknown   06:24

Nicola Sturgeon’s continuous clamour for a second independence referendum may hit a brick wall, due to the present state of the Scottish economy as being reported.

It is officially reported that the last quarter of 2016 saw contraction in Scotland, while the rest of the UK grew. Thus, some are of the opinion that Scotland has shrunk and is staggering on the edge of recession. And that a negative figure in the first quarter of 2017 would indicate that the region is leaped into economic recession.

Independent analyst have also criticised the SNP government for pushing the blame on the outcome of Brexit, saying other parts of the UK experienced growth within same period.

Economic experts have warned that if the trend continues, the government may lose about £1.6 billion revenue from tax receipts for within the next five years.

The sad news concerning Scotland’s economy is coming amid Sturgeon’s struggle for another indyref, even after UK ministers indicated that such would not be allowed until 2022 at the earliest.

Scottish Tory finance spokesperson Murdo Fraser cautioned the country was “facing a crisis and insisted Ms Sturgeon “must take responsibility for this mess”.

He further said: “She has made Scotland the highest-taxed part of the UK and created more instability and uncertainty with her threat of a second referendum. Now we see the real-life impact of her mismanagement.

“More than ever, Scotland needs a First Minister in charge who gets back to her desk, ends her obsession with a second referendum and focuses on her day job.”

From the latest data, it can be seen that the economic output of Scotland fell by 0.2% in the last quarter in 2016- which experts say is the first decline since the third quarter of 2015. This is in contrast with the rest of the UK which grew by 0.7% during the same period.

In a similar vein, between January to December last year, Scotland’s economy grew only by 0.4%, which is behind 1.8% across the whole of the UK.

But compared to the fourth quarter of 2015, Scottish output was flat (0.0 per cent change).

Meanwhile, the next set of data due to be made public in July will determine if Scotland is officially in recession or not.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay claimed the statistics reflect the “economic reality of the Brexit vote”.

He said: “We have already seen significantly lower consumer confidence in Scotland since the vote last summer.

“Now we see that feeding through into our growth figures and all of this is before the UK actually leaves the EU.”

On the other hand Professor Graeme Roy, director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde, said: “At a time when the UK economy grew at 1.8 per cent over the same period, this is a serious cause for concern.

“With any Brexit uncertainty affecting the UK as well, it’s hard to argue that Scotland’s relatively weaker performance can be explained by the outcome of the EU referendum.”

Also speaking, economist John McLaren estimate income tax revenues will be between £369 million and £1.6 billion lower over the next five years if Scotland’s economy continues to lag behind the rest of the UK at rates of 0.5 per cent or 1 per cent, respectively.

Conservative MEP reveals that EU free movement into the UK may continue after 2019

Conservative MEP reveals that EU free movement into the UK may continue after 2019

World Unknown   08:36

With the likelihood of Britain opting for a transitional period with the EU, a Conservative Member European Parliament Ashely Fox has predicted that EU migrants could still be permitted to move freely into Britain with full rights after 2019 when negotiation is expected to end.

On the other hand, it was agreed that freedom of movement would at last come to an end due to the PM’s determination to have a clean break from the EU.

Speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: “It is likely we will have an implantation phase.

“The Prime Minister has said we will recover control of our own borders. That means an end to the freedom of movement.

“But, whether that occurs in two years or three years, I think is a matter of negotiation and I trust the Prime Minister’s judgement when it comes to negotiating the terms of that settlement.”

Mr Fox’s remarks reverberate those made by the Prime Minister, who risked a hostile response on Monday after declining to rule out free movement during an “implementation phase”.

Speaking to journalists during her Brexit tour of the Middle East, the Prime Minister said: “Once we’ve got the deal, once we’ve agreed what the new relationship will be for the future, it will be necessary for there to be a period of time when businesses and governments are adjusting systems and so forth, depending on the nature of the deal.”

Any transitional deal is expected to least until at least 2022.

The latest attempt not to cut-off free movement faster is also likely to anger Leave voters, who campaigned vigourously to take back control of immigration in Britain.

Paul Nuttall, the leader of Ukip, said the Prime Minister’s current decision not to specify an end date “sets alarm bells ringing”.

He said: “By voting to leave the EU, the British people asked the government to reduce the high levels of immigration that see a city the size of Hull and Newcastle come to the UK each year.

“The fact that the Tories won’t even specify how long the period of open-door immigration will continue after we have left the EU sets alarm bells ringing.”

Britain slam Brussels with huge bill in retaliation to divorce fee demand by EU leaders

Britain slam Brussels with huge bill in retaliation to divorce fee demand by EU leaders

World Unknown   11:36

Theresa May fires a hard one against the European Union, as Britain look forward to getting back refunds running into billions of pounds from the EU instead of paying billions tagged exit fee, as demanded by Brussels,

According to a source from the UK government, the country is fully ready to hit back with the counter demand, should Brussels brings up a stringent exit bill

"This is being presented in a binary way as a divorce bill, in which we owe them," the source said.

"It's not like that - it's more like leaving a gym or a club.

"You don't continue to pay for other people to use the facilities after you leave."

In a similar vein, a Downing Street spokesman states that: "That will be something that will be dealt with during the negotiation."

Recent legal advice from the House of Lords stated that Britain was not obliged to pay a penny in a “divorce” settlement to the EU under international law. However, the EU’s chief negotiator is understood to be preparing to demand the cash when the talks begin in earnest this summer.

Some government officials are of the opinion that Britain could end up being refunded about £9 billion which is being held by the European Investment Bank. The said amount is based on an estimate of the present worth of British taxpayers’ investment into the EU’s institution.

Similarly, separate study has advocated that Britain could be entitled to a further £14billion worth of EU assets including property, cash and other investments.

Tory MP David Nuttall described the move to prepare a register of the estimated share of EU assets as "sensible."

"I would expect that they will be doing this.

"There has been a lot of speculation and rumours. It seems to be to be perfectly sensible," Mr Nuttall said.

"We have been paying into this organisation for years. Clearly, the EU has assets.

"If they are going to start saying we owe them money for all these things, it seems common sense that we should be able to ask what about all the assets that we have helped to build up in the past.

"We should sweep that to one side and say honestly, these back of the envelope calculations do nobody any good."

Henry Newman, director of the think tank Open Europe, said the balance sheet "must consider not just the UK’s commitments, but also its share of EU assets and claims".

Potential assets for the UK could include a proportion of EU buildings such as embassies and administration headquarters, future spending earmarked for the UK and loans, Mr Newman said.

"Theresa May has - rightly - accepted the principle that both sides should settle their outstanding commitments.

"But while we should agree a methodology for doing this early on, there's no way any British PM could agree to signing a blank cheque at the start of negotiations," he added.

A month ago, Boris Johnson advised the Prime Minister to implement her predecessor Margaret Thatcher's approach to financial wrangling with Brussels.

“I think we have illustrious precedent in this matter: I think you can recall the 1984 Fontainebleau summit in which Mrs Thatcher said she wanted her money back and I think that is exactly what we will get," the Foreign Secretary said.

Many Euro-sceptic Tory MPs have argued that Britain should avoid getting sucked into a wrangle over exit payments or refunds. They believe that both parties should accept a clean break with no payments in either direction other than those for existing payments such as pensions and salaries for officials.

Spain has promised not to hinder independent Scotland from joining the EU

Spain has promised not to hinder independent Scotland from joining the EU

World Unknown   08:32

After several rumours had been carried out saying that the Spanish government would not allow independent Scotland to join the EU, if it eventually breaks out of the rest of the UK, a new report has emerged that Spain will not stand as an obstacle to Scotland if it decides to retain membership of the EU. This was made known by the Spanish Foreign Minister, due to the diplomatic row between the UK and Spain because of Breixt with respect to Gibraltar.

Alfonso Dastis said during an interview that, Scotland’s efforts to join the EU would not be rejected by the Spanish government.

This was made clear to the general public, because in recent times, people have always seen Spain as a hindrance to the desire of Scotland to join the EU after Brexit, if it eventually gains independence, as a way of discourage separatists emerging in Spain.

Asked whether Spain would reject an independent Scotland joining the EU, Mr Dastis told Spanish newspaper El Pais: "Initially, I don't think we would block it.”

He stated that Scotland will leave the EU with Britain, adding “the rest we will see”.

He stressed an independent Scotland would have to follow the formal application process of joining the EU.

The foreign minister said: "Having said that, if, in application of its laws, the outcome of that process is a division of the United Kingdom, any part of the United Kingdom that becomes a state and wants to join the EU will have to apply. And follow the steps that are stipulated.”

On the other hand, he also stressed that Spain remains opposed to an independent Scotland, Mr Dastis told the Guardian: "We don't want it to happen. But if it happens legally and constitutionally, we would not block it."

In his reaction to Dastis comment, a Scottish Government minister Michael Russell hailed Mr Dastis remarks, saying they will help to end "misinformation" about Spain's position regarding Scotland and the EU.

Mr Russell, further told BBC Scotland thab: "That has been the position of the Spanish Government for some considerable time.

"All the speculation about what the Spanish Government would or wouldn't do has been wrong.

"I very much welcome it because it equates with reality."

Also Stephen Gethins described it as a "significant intervention" by Spain's foreign minister.

He said: "We can be now absolutely clear - there is no intention of a 'Spanish veto' over Scotland's EU membership.

"This is just the latest indication from a senior European diplomat that an independent Scotland would be welcomed into the EU after Lord Kerr this week said that we'd be in 'very fast'.

"EU countries want to be constructive with Scotland and will respect the democratic will of the Scottish people if we choose to be independent."

Any prospective application to the EU can be vetoed by any member with Spain previously suggesting Scotland would be at the "back of the queue" to join the European Union if it achieves independence.

It comes as Spain goes head to head with Britain over Gibraltar during Brexit talks. 

Katie Hopkins issues strong warning to Brussels not to take threaten Britain again with divorce bill

Katie Hopkins issues strong warning to Brussels not to take threaten Britain again with divorce bill

World Unknown   08:24

At least for once, after several threats planned to be unleashed against Britain, by the EU for its decision to leave the EU. A stark warning has also been given to the leadership of the EU by Katie Hopkins and condemned the purported huge divorce gill issued against the UK.

Hopkins stated that: “I think we should be going at this hard, that we should be having a firm line.

“I don’t see why we should be paying any kind of divorce bill before we’ve got our deal on the table, I don’t see why we should be handing over a penny until we have our trade terms agreed.

“I think it’s time the EU realised we’ve left them. We left. So if you noticed Juncker, that door which is shut, that was us leaving.

"So you’re now talking to a door that’s closed in your face hunny bun.”

According the drafted document released by the EU last Friday, it was discovered how Brussels is seeking to permit Spain a veto over any form of agreement in the future between Britain and the UK that has anything to do with Gilbraltar.

Having none of it, Hopkins fumed: “You want to threaten us?

“You want to tell us you’re going to take Gibraltar? No sunshine, look at the door because it’s shut because we left.

"We don’t want to be part of you any more, we don’t want to pay your enormous pension deficit."

The LBC host also stressed that: “What we want to do is look after our own people, we want to provide social care for our elderly, provide homes for our own old people!”

As the EU’s plan for Gibraltar emerged fury erupted and the territory’s Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, condemned the move as he said Spain was “obsession” with the Rock and would do anything to secure their “medieval and rancid” claim.

British politicians also hit out against the moved as the Foreign Secretary declared the Rock will not be “bargained away” during Brexit talks.

Boris Johnson said: “Gibraltar is not for sale. Gibraltar cannot be traded. Gibraltar will not be bargained away.

“The policy of the Government remains fixed and firm. The sovereignty of Gibraltar cannot be changed without the express consent of the UK and the people of Gibraltar.”

Mr Johnson hailed the territory’s “vibrant business centre” and claimed its harbour remains a “key Nato asset” due to its capability to harbour nuclear submarines.

Meanwhile, Sir Michael Fallon pledged to protect" Gibraltar "all the way" after Spain was given a veto over any future deal between the UK and the bloc which involves the territory.

Still on the BBC's Andrew Marr show, the Defence Secretary said: "The people of Gibraltar have made it clear that they don't want to live under the sovereignty of Spain. Gibraltar is going to be protected all the way."

Mr Fallon’s vow came as Lord Howard told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday there was no doubt Theresa May’s Government would stand by the British territory.

The former Conservative Party leader said: "There is no question whatever that our Government will stand by Gibraltar.

"Thirty-five years ago this week another woman Prime Minister sent a task force halfway across the world to defend the freedom of another small group of British people against another Spanish-speaking country.

"I am absolutely certain our current Prime Minister will show the same resolve in standing by the people of Gibraltar."

More countries beginning to rebel against the EU’s forceful migration quota for member states

More countries beginning to rebel against the EU’s forceful migration quota for member states

World Unknown   08:04

More troubles seem to be looming ahead against the European Union as Britain prepares to leave. This is due to the way in which the leadership of the EU imposes asylum seekers against the wish and willingness of member states, more so, countries in Eastern Europe.

As a result Hungary is now beginning to revolt against the union’s immigration policy, as the government sends letters to each household to know if they would accept the government placing foreigners under surveillance.

The government under the leadership of Viktor Orban has prepared questionnaire, titled “Let’s stop Brussels!”, is now asking what the Hungarian government should do if Brussels permit “illegal immigrants” to freely enter the continent.

The country is taking this precautionary measures due to the numerous terrorists attack across the European Continent, as it asks "what Hungary should do" as "despite a series of recent terror attacks in Europe…Brussels wants to force Hungary to let in illegal immigrants".

The options are: "Illegal immigrants should be kept under supervision until the authorities decide in their cases" and "We should allow illegal immigrants to move freely in Hungary".

According to Bence Tuzson, a senior government official, he stated that: “Big decisions and struggles lie ahead of Hungary in the coming period. Hungary can only win those struggles if it feels the support of the country.”

The public assessment, part of the “National Consultation 2017” initiative started by Prime Minister Orban’s right wing government, follows the introduction of new laws allowing the indefinite detention of migrants in container camps.

The government is also building large scale border fences to stop North African and Middle Eastern refugees from just walking into the country.

Last October, 98% of those who went to the poll chose to reject the EU’s migrant allocations in Hungary, however, the election was nullified because there was a turnout of just 42%.

Non-governmental organisations are spared in the questionnaire as Hungarians are also being asked for their opinion on NGOs, that the government feels are backing illegal migration and want to undermine the country’s sovereignty.

In 2015, it also launched a 'National Consultation' campaign, asking households about "immigration and terrorism".

But that questionnaire was deemed to be xenophobic by the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, which was “shocked” by its content.

This is how new laws taking effect from April 2017 will affect families and businesses.

This is how new laws taking effect from April 2017 will affect families and businesses.

World Unknown   06:29

As the new tax year rolls in, the British government has come up with several new policies that could have both positive and negative impacts on different individuals and organisations.

So many people are going to be affected by the new law which has to do with their household income and cost of living.

Below are some of the various new legislations:

Rise in minimum wage is one that almost all workers in the UK had always looked forward to see, as the country’s national minimum wage is billed to be increased to £7.50 per hour. This is seen in deferent quarters as a means of achieving the government’s desire to increase minimum wage to £9 per hour by 2020.

Also from April 2017, only cars which are 100% electric with zero-emission will be given road tax exemption, in order words all those wo bought low-emission vehicles with aim of avoiding the said tax may be disappointed with the new rule in place.

Starting from April sixth, consumers could also earn up to £500 tax-free allowance for employer-funded pension advice. When this is joint together with the Pensions Advice Allowance, , people could as well get up to £1,000 worth of advice.

Good news for nursing mummies and daddies as well, with the new increase of the weekly statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay goes up to £140.98, while statutory sick pay will also be increased to £89.35.

Another pay that will see a rise, is the statutory redundancy payments which is going to now be £489, which means a £10 rise, while the highest redundancy pay will also rise from £14,370 to £14,670.

Sad news for some companies as the government introduces a new levy on businesses to fund an immigration skills charge which takes effect from April. A policy which will help the government to raise about £3bn annually  from firms with a salary bill of over £3 million per year, in order not to let it affect smaller businesses.

Such monies when collected will be channelled to any business that shows the willingness offer apprenticeships and on-the-job training for over 16s, in order to make it easier to get paid while learning a new skill this year.

The government is also coming up with a new immigration skill charge from April 6, as a means to "reduce Britain’s reliance on migrant workers".  This fee will be imposed on firms that engages the services of migrant workers in skilled roles which will cost big businesses £1,000 annually, while charities and small establishments will be charged at the rate of £360.

Also coming into effect from April 28 is the new Tax-Free Childcare plan for parents of children within the age bracket of less than two years.

The Government also said of its readiness to cut childcare costs for working families by up to £2,000 per child, or £4,000 for disabled children annually. A scheme, which has the possibilities of being rolled out to children below 12, or under 17 for young people who have disabilities.

Also starting from September, parents who have 3 and 4 year olds in England could also be allowed to apply for a 30 hours’ free childcare offer worth about £5,000. 

Portuguese MEP told Britain to accept freedom of movement or forget any deal

Portuguese MEP told Britain to accept freedom of movement or forget any deal

World Unknown   07:08

Battle line drawn, as EU Parliament vice chairman Paulo Rangel told British Prime Minister that the only pre-condition to any deal is for the UK to allow freedom of movement.

He called on other EU leaders not to compromise their “fundamental principles” as negotiations begins with the UK, saying Brexit is a “sad news”

There is this fear among EU leaders that if the UK is offered a trade agreement it will give them a “free ride” on the single market while using its new-found freedom to undercut the EU in global markets.

Though Mr Tusk has offered the carrot approach, the European Parliament will still have the power to reject the terms and send leaders back to the negotiating table.

In a uncompromising caution, Portuguese MEP Mr Rangel said: “This is a sad day and sad news for the European Union.

“We have to move on, to build relationships with the United Kingdom. We cannot give up our fundamental principles – the four freedoms are non-negotiable.

“We have to keep our message very, very clear. If the United Kingdom wants to build a relationship that is sound and good with the European Union, it must respect our fundamental principles.”

The issue of Gibraltar, has given Mrs May a second Brexit blow after it emerged Spain has secured a powerful veto over Gibraltar’s participation in any future deal between the EU and the UK.

In a massive political victory for Madrid, the other 27 member nations have agreed it will be able to block any trade treaty secured with Britain from applying to the Rock, potentially starving it of access to the single market.

The clause, buried deep in the EU’s negotiating guidelines issued today, will provoke outrage in Whitehall and worry amongst the tiny enclave’s population, which is heavily reliant on trade with Europe.

Spain has repeatedly tried to claim ownership of Gibraltar despite fierce opposition from its 30,000 inhabitants, who have expressed their desire to remain British.

Lib Dem MP Tom Brake said: “Confirmation that Gibraltar’s future must be agreed by the UK and Spain shows just how damaging the Government’s ‘hard’ Brexit will be on this strategically important British territory.

“Theresa May must urgently product a plan that protects the citizens of Gibraltar, including their businesses and communities.  It is our obligation to support our overseas territories, and any attempt to brush off the importance of this issue is a dereliction of duty by the Government.

“Only the Lib Dems are fighting against ‘hard’ Brexit, and to keep the UK’s place in the single market.”

Brussels insists that the UK must settle divorce bill before negotiations can take place

Brussels insists that the UK must settle divorce bill before negotiations can take place

World Unknown   06:19

Against all insinuations from certain quarters, EU leaders seem to have made a “carrot offer” to the United Kingdom saying if a trade agreement could possibly be reached before the end of Brexit negotiations, provided the UK agrees to pay up the divorce bill allotted to it. And there is enough positive headway.

According to the Brexit guideline set out by Brussels, Britain must show some level of seriousness by first of all paying up the divorce bill and also ensure EU nationals living in the UK are protected, before any meaningful negotiations can begin.

Donald Tusk while working out strategies stated that: "Once and only we have achieved sufficient progress on the withdrawal can we discuss the framework for our future relationship.

"Starting parallel talks on all issues at the same time, as suggested by some in the UK, will not happen."

According to Tusk, these four areas on interest must resolved first. They are: the rights of EU citizens living in Britain and UK citizens in Europe, the Brexit divorce bill, which has been put at €60bn (£52bn), the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic and clarity over EU law in the UK after it leaves.

He used the moment to urge the UK to honour financial commitments they were involved in before they voted to leave the EU.

On the other hand, speaking during chat with Sky News, the Maltese president, Joseph Muscat, who holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union said the final bill need not be calculated before trade talks but there must be agreement on how it is worked out.

According to the EU guidelines, a “transitional” deal is also one of the options opened for negotiations. Saying, this is only possible if Britain would be ready to keep applying the EU’s rules, which involves: contribution to budget, abiding under ECJ, and perhaps allow freedom of movement.

Mr Tusk also promised there would be "no punitive approach, Brexit is punitive enough".

But then he warned Theresa May not to pick off countries independently to negotiate in a divide-and-rule approach and should negotiate "only with the 27 as a unity".

Negotiations are expected to start on May 22.

Speaking as he arrived for a NATO summit in Brussels, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said: "We really are moving forward now, and there's a lot of goodwill, a lot of willingness to achieve what the Prime Minister has said she wants to achieve, which is an orderly transition and then a deep and special partnership between a strong EU and a strong UK."

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the guidelines showed "the strength of the EU in these negotiations and the carelessness of the UK Government in isolating themselves from our European allies".

A Government spokesman said: "It is clear both sides wish to approach these talks constructively, and as the Prime Minister said this week, wish to ensure a deep and special partnership between the UK and the European Union."

European Union leaders are considering offering Britain Article 217 status

European Union leaders are considering offering Britain Article 217 status

World Unknown   10:12

Report reaching us has that the Britain may likely be offered similar deal and treatment given to annexed nation of UKRAINE. This offer is being suggested by Guy Verhofstadt, when he stated an association deal between the two parties which is anchored on Article 217 “should be the best solution”.

Warning that treaties cutting up the single market would not be allowed. Saying further that Article 217 association agreement “often replaces a cooperation agreement thereby intensifying the relations between the partners”.

Therefore, if the UK becomes an associate member of the EU, it will be made to pay some kind of membership fee, a move which will repugnant to Theresa May’s clean break up.

Furthermore, the EU top man issued a strong warning to the British PM never to go into any individual deal with any of its members through the back door.

Some countries including France have made it clear that Brexit will bring pains on Britain. This comes as Verhofstadt insisted that the union would not for any reason allow a compromise between security and commerce.

Currently Britain makes the highest contribution to Europol, with 35,000 messages in 2016. Also, the country takes the lead in clamping down on cross-border child sexual exploitation as well as money laundering. With about 40% of cases emanating from Europol having one form of UK involvement or the other.

Veteran Tory MP Tim Loughton told Express.co.uk: “Britain contributes more than any other nation to Europol so can we stop all this nonsense about Britain cutting itself off from information sharing.

“We can have a bespoke relationship with Europol.”

Negotiations are set to get underway immediately and Mr Verhofstadt, from Belgium, said the parliament would accept a three-year transition period.

Some EU laws that may be affected by the Great Repeal Bill

Some EU laws that may be affected by the Great Repeal Bill

World Unknown   10:01

Analysts have predicted that the Great Repeal Bill may have certain laws affected which may range from human rights to fish via vacuum cleaners. Though most of these rules are known to be of best practice, some are also said to be vague.

Free movement of labour

The Australian-style points system of immigration is like to be adopted here in the UK, where all migrants would be given a level playing ground, and possibly refused entry into the selectively.

The Human Rights Act

Because foreign criminals usually take undue advantage of the loopholes in the law to avoid being deported, a new law that will protect lives and properties will replaced by a British Bill of Rights.

Toasters, kettles and vacuum cleaners

According to EU laws made in 2013, it is demanded that vacuum cleaners make resourceful use of electricity, which the EU is also planning to extend to kettles, hair dryers, toasters etc.

But the British Parliament will have the power to decide what kind of item to buy.

The tampon tax

This also will be replaced with a new policy that would be introduced by the treasury.

One of the issue with this aspect was the argument made concerning VAT on sanitary goods, that was tagged the tampon tax.

Working Time Directive

This aspect is one that somehow protects the rights of workers, as the current EU does not allow employers to force anyone to work for more than 48 hours per week. But after the exit is concluded, pressure may be mounted on the government to bring this law to an end.

Fishing

This is one aspect of the law that the likes of Boris Johnson took advantage of during the referendum campaign.

Therefore, once officially out of the EU this would bring some kind of good news to the British Fishing industry.

Temporary Agency Workers Directive

According to this law, anyone who is being hired by agencies will have same rights and pay, as every other worker in the same business engaged to do the same work.

Though, some said eradicating such policy may become unacceptable.

Renewables Directive

Reckoned by some to be the single most expensive piece of Brussels-imposed legislation, it sets targets for combating climate change, such as achieving a 20% share of energy from renewable sources by 2020, at a reputed cost of £4.7bn a year. Brexiteers tend to be sceptical about climate change, so may see this as a useful way to save money.

Going bananas

At the other end of the seriousness scale are EU rules on wonky bananas. They are not banned, but they are classified by quality and shape. Class 1 bananas can have "slight defects of shape" and Class 2 bananas full-on "defects of shape".

Myths about the regulations became a lightning rod for all who despair at the pointlessness of Brussels and its ideas.

EU unity threatened once again due to forced migration policies on member states as the UK's exit process begins

EU unity threatened once again due to forced migration policies on member states as the UK's exit process begins

World Unknown   08:43

Pandemonium as leaders from Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic known as the powerful Visegrad group, have blamed their colleagues in the EU who known to be eurocrats of making move to intimidate them into submission.

Their anger was unleashed on the EU leaders when it was suggested their aid funding could be likely cut down if they continue to reject asylum seekers under the EU’s compulsory replacement structure.

Austria also is not happy and have expressed their anger against the EU when they announced their intentions to get the country out of the quota system altogether, though EU officials said such a move would be illegal.

This has once again shown that migration policy put in place by the EU is not actually going down well with other member countries, just as the British people complained and demanded for Brexit, so that they can take full control of their borders and law.

Even after EU leaders controversially voted to allocate certain number of refugees to each member states last year, Eastern European nations strongly rose against the move, as most of them refused to any of the quota given to them.

The refusal to honour the quota system has made infuriated EU leaders and MEPs to bring up the idea of cutting the social funding in retaliation against the rebellious nations.

Nevertheless in response the leaders of the Visegrad countries have called for an extraordinary press conference, during which they let rip at eurocrats over its meddling in their migration policies.

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydło, who is also carry on an extraordinary diplomatic war with the EU over the re-election of Donald Tusk, warned that Eastern Europe “will never accept blackmail and diktat” from Brussels.

Also, the Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka made it clear that all four countries “oppose linking the debate about migration to European funds”.

And Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico fumed: “This is blackmail that we reject in the name of the Slovak government.”

On the other hand, Hugary’s revolutionary PM, Viktor Orban, revealed that his country will begin to detain migrants on camps it has set up on its southern border with Serbia - a plan that which does not go down well with human rights groups. 

He said: “From now on, Hungary is in a position to react even if the agreement between the EU and Turkey does not work. We are able to stop any wave of migrants on the Serbian-Hungarian border.”

The disorder once more threatens to shatter the delicate sense of European unity in the aftermath of the Rome summit, and provides more headaches for Brussels on the day that Britain is set to formally trigger Article 50.

Top EU leaders make frantic moves to entice Mrs May block Brexit, despite triggering Article 50

Top EU leaders make frantic moves to entice Mrs May block Brexit, despite triggering Article 50

World Unknown   07:29

It has been reported that the European Union Parliament is working hard to draft a resolution in response to Theresa May’s formal notice of the UK’s exit from the union.

Though the exact detail of the alleged ploy is yet to be concluded, top MEP have stated that it would stress the PM could still stop the process, if other members of the Union buys in to the idea.

It was also said by Philips Lamberts, the co-leader of the Greens in Parliament’s party that: “We do not want to close the door to common sense.”

Mr Lamberts, a member of the Brexit team, added the resolution will “reference the revocability of Article 50.”

Elmar Brok, a member of Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union party, also confirmed such a reference in the draft resolution which is set to be agreed by party leaders and then put to a vote in the legislature next week.

On the other hand, sources claim the bloc's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, had made relentless effort to discourage lawmakers from making obvious reference to halting the exit.

The president of the EU on his part made it clear after referendum that the remaining 27 member nations of the union would agree to allow the UK retain membership if they change their mind not to leave any more.

Former PM Tony Blair in February called on Britons to "rise up" and try to block Brexit if they could.

But that may no longer be entirely in British hands. One senior EU diplomat said of Blair's campaign: "This bus has left."

British nationals in Spain denouncing their nationality for Spanish citizenship

British nationals in Spain denouncing their nationality for Spanish citizenship

World Unknown   09:48

As Article 50 is ready for triggering today, a new report has emerged that several British nationals living in Spain are making frantic effort to get rid of their British nationality in order to become Spanish nationals.

Speaking with journalists, Adele, 55, said: “Many of us feel our world is collapsing, but above all, our future.

“My mother has Parkinson's and she lives with me in Spain as a non-resident. Now, will she have to go back to the UK and live in a nursing home?

“My husband and I run a 45 year full time business in Liverpool. We pay taxes and create jobs. Why should we be punished now?"

Accordingly, a group known as  ‘Bremain’ has been founded by Nicolas Hatton and is making a demand for the rights of British citizens living in Europe to  protected.

Mr Hatton said: “We are not bargaining chips. Theresa May has a responsibility to protect our rights.”

In order to give themselves long term security within the EU territories, many Brits are now denouncing their nationality and claiming Spanish citizenship, defaulting the documentation of their birthplace.

James Maconachie, whose three children were born and brought up with the Castilian accent of Bajo Aragón, where the family lives, said: "I do not recognise my country. I no longer feel English."

When the EU referendum was first announced by David Cameron, only 70 Brits asked to swap citizenship, but that number is now up to nearly 500.

Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament’s chief negotiator, has come out and said the EU will block any Brexit deal unless EU nationals arriving in Britain in the next two years are allowed to stay.

Theresa May has remained tight lipped on the issue, preferring to negotiate on the issue behind closed doors.

Members of Scottish Parliament vote in support for another indyref

Members of Scottish Parliament vote in support for another indyref

World Unknown   07:57

Despite the Prime Minister’s threat to block another Scottish independence referendum, the Scottish Parliament yesterday gave their unflinching support to Nicola Sturgeon the First Minister as she calls for a second referendum.

The MSPs voted 69 to 59 in support of Sturgeon’s plan to request for authorisation from the entire government of the United Kingdom for she to call for another referendum between autumn next year and spring 2019.

Commenting after the vote, Ms Sturgeon said the referendum would be "first and foremost, about giving the people of Scotland a choice on this country's future".

Meanwhile, a UK Government spokeswoman echoed this, saying they would "not be entering into negotiations on the Scottish Government's proposal".

She added: "At this point, all our focus should be on our negotiations with the European Union, making sure we get the right deal for the whole of the UK.

"It would be unfair to the people of Scotland to ask them to make a crucial decision without the necessary information about our future relationship with Europe, or what an independent Scotland would look like."

However Ms Sturgeon said the MSPs' vote "must now be respected".

She added: "The mandate for a referendum is beyond question and it would be democratically indefensible - and utterly unsustainable - to attempt to stand in the way of it."

According to a correspondent from Sky News, there were cheers from inside Holyrood and from a small crowd of independence supporters positioned outside the building as the result of the vote was announced.

He added: "The problem for Nicola Sturgeon is that (independence supporters) don't number more than 50% of the Scottish population, according to the opinion polls.

"There is still a firm majority in favour of sustaining or retaining the union and that is her challenge now - to turn over that deficit in public support."

Thus, Ms Sturgeon will now write a letter to Mrs May "later this week" with her Section 30 request, a delay that Matthews said was likely due to "politics and PR".

"I think in terms of PR in political campaigning, that letter would have been lost in the coverage and fuss surrounding the triggering of Article 50," he said.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said the decision to go ahead with another vote was "deeply regrettable", while Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said there was no evidence that Scots want another referendum.

She said: "We have no idea what Brexit looks like, or how it will impact our economy and families in Scotland."

Ross Greer, the Scottish Greens' external affairs spokesman, said: "It should be our responsibility, as those elected by the people of Scotland, to fight for their right to choose their own future."

Finally! Article 50 letter signed by Theresa May

Finally! Article 50 letter signed by Theresa May

World Unknown   07:20

All now set for the official departure of the United Kingdom to say farewell to the European Union after over four decades of cordial relationship in the continent.

About nine months after the British people went to the poll to decide their future and take full control of their border, law, economy, to mention but a few, today the Prime Minister will trigger the long waited Article 50 by officially notifying Brussels.

While addressing MPs in the House of Commons, the PM will also make her statement concerning getting the right deal for the British people and all EU nationals residing in the United Kingdom.

"We are one great union of people and nations with a proud history and a bright future," she will say.

"And, now that the decision has been made to leave the EU, it is time to come together."

Despite the fact that the PM will approach the Article 50 triggering in a strictly business-like manner, lot of pro-Brexit MPs will be in a celebration mood. Even after being dissuaded from organising Article 50 parties, report has it that so many of the are putting plans to disregard the plea to start the celebration once the PM’s question time is over.

In her Commons statement, the PM will say: "When I sit around the negotiating table in the months ahead, I will represent every person in the whole United Kingdom - young and old, rich and poor, city, town, and country and all the villages and hamlets in between."

Also, meaningfully, after strong pressure from MPs in recent months, she will add: "And yes, those EU nationals who have made this country their home."

Concerning Brexit negotiations, she will pledge: "It is my fierce determination to get the right deal for every single person in this country.

"For, as we face the opportunities ahead of us on this momentous journey, our shared values, interests and ambitions can - and must - bring us together.

"We all want to see a Britain that is stronger than it is today. We all want a country that is fairer so that everyone has the chance to succeed.

"We all want a nation that is safe and secure for our children and grandchildren. We all want to live in a truly global Britain that gets out and builds relationships with old friends and new allies around the world.

"These are the ambitions of this Government's Plan for Britain. Ambitions that unite us, so that we are no longer defined by the vote we cast, but by our determination to make a success of the result."

Meanwhile, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who will respond to the PM's speech, said ahead of the triggering of Article 50 that his party would hold the Government to account all the way.

"The Conservatives want to use Brexit to turn our country into a low wage tax haven," he claimed.

"Labour is determined to ensure we can rebuild and transform Britain, so no one and no community is left behind.

"It will be a national failure of historic proportions if the Prime Minister comes back from Brussels without having secured protection for jobs and living standards.

"That's why Labour has set the clear priorities of full access to the European market, rights at work and environmental protection. And we will hold the Government to account every step of the way."

Similarly, UKIP leader Paul Nuttall claimed his party would be "the guard dogs of Brexit, holding the Government's feet to the fire" and he warned there must be "no backsliding".

"Today the Government will finally act on the historic decision of the people of this country to leave the European Union," he said. "Finally, nine months after our vote, the UK will formally inform the EU that we are leaving.

"UKIP is delighted that this is eventually happening. Twenty-four years ago this party was formed to make this a reality, so it would be churlish to complain.

"We have been ignored, dismissed insulted and abused, but through determination and with good humour we fought on and we have succeeded."

On the other hand Mr Nuttall claimed: "The nine months' delay has, of course, cost the taxpayer additional billions, and has permitted those who would block the democratic will of the people to do all they can to spread discord, but we are here now.

"While negotiations continue we will continue to be the 'guard dogs of Brexit', holding the Government's feet to the fire at home and our MEPs will be working to ensure our friends on the continent do not pull any fast ones.

"We will provide the political threat to ensure no backsliding takes place and ensure that Brexit does indeed mean 'Exit'.

"But today, for now, we wish the Government and the Prime Minister well.

"If they fail in this historic task, 17 million people are ready to act."