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.

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.

Queen set to given Royal Assent to Brexit Bill

Queen set to given Royal Assent to Brexit Bill

World Unknown   07:11

After several weeks of debate on the floors House of Commons and House of Lords, after the end of the various legal tussle between the government and concerned citizens. Her Majesty the Queen is now going to give the Royal Assent for the UK to official kick-start the exit process from the EU.

Once the bill otherwise known as the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, becomes law, it will empower the PM to trigger Article 50 that will official start the exit deal with the other 7 EU member states

According to sources from the government, it is probable that the monarch’s Royal Assent may be signed at about 11am

Government sources say Royal Assent is likely to be granted at around 11am.

Such a bill has never been rejected by the monarch since 1707 apart from when Queen Anne refused it for a Bill for settling the militia in Scotland.

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

Surprisingly, Brexit Secretary David Davis has been made to accept the fact that the office he heads is yet to make an assessment of the economic consequences of a failed Brexit deal with the EU.

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

Scotland to have its own national currency after independence - Alex Salmond

Scotland to have its own national currency after independence - Alex Salmond

World Unknown   13:03

Following the controversial question asked Joanna Cherry few days ago, it appears the former First Minister and a strong advocate for Scottish independence Alex Salmond has come up with a solution, saying Scotland could let go of the British pound and get its own national currency, should they leave the rest of the UK.

He stated that Scotland does not need neither the euro nor the pound, but then he also said the pound sterling would be put to use pending when the new currency comes into circulation.

Salmon speaking also stated that Scotland would seek to remain in the EU single market, in the even of Scotland splitting from the rest of the UK.

Nonetheless it would now have to initially leave the European Union (EU) after Theresa May ruled out a second independence referendum before Brexit.

He told the Financial Times: “The question of continuity that matters is continuity within the single marketplace, the European Economic Area.

“Don’t underestimate the reservoir of goodwill that Scotland has now.”

Ms Strugeon's hopes for a fresh vote for independence - just four years after the 'once in a generation' 2014 vote - initially sent the pound plunging as markets feared fresh uncertainty for Britain's future.

But Mrs May's refusal to bow to the Scottish First Minister helped pushed sterling higher yesterday, along with signs the Bank of England could be getting closer to raising interest rates.

Latest survey reveals that anit-EU sentiment among Scots may hamper Nicola Sturgeon's clamour for another indyref

Latest survey reveals that anit-EU sentiment among Scots may hamper Nicola Sturgeon's clamour for another indyref

World Unknown   10:17

It appears the Scottish First Minister may get her drive for another Scottish indyref through if she insists on taking Scotland bank to the EU. This is because she is gradually losing public support in that regard, as most Scots are not wanting to be put under Brussels rule anymore.

According to a recent analysis, there is a rise of anti-EU feeling in the Scotland, as result, her plans to leave the rest of the UK and rejoin the European Union is not being welcomed by of the Scottish people.

The ScotCen annual Scottish social attitudes survey found that two in three Scots (67 per cent) either want Britain to leave the EU (25 per cent) or for the EU’s powers to be reduced (42 per cent).

This was a 14 point rise in Euroscepticism in Scotland from 2014 and 27 per cent increase based on opinions in 1999 when the Scottish Parliament was opened.

In the meantime, Spanish Foreign minister Alfonso Dastis has again confirmed that his country would reject any effort to keep Scotland in the EU and instead a newly independent country would have to “go to the back of the queue” to join the bloc.

His confirmation comes after it was alleged that British Prime Minister will reject all efforts made by Ms Sturgeon to sink Brexit deal by pushing for a second Scottish indyref which is suggested to take place between Autumn 2018 and Spring 2019 before a deal with the EU is concluded.

Report has it that members Mrs May’s party have also clearly told the PM to allow the Scottish people to hold the referendum, but only if it would be done after the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.

Yorkshire Tory MP Rishi Sunak said: “It seems hard to block a referendum but we should push the timing until after Brexit so the choice is clearer for people. A good deal will strengthen the case for the Union.”

In parliament an imperious Mrs May dismissed the SNP demands mocking former First Minister Alex Salmond, who is now the SNP’s foreign affairs spokesman in Westminster.

"Those in Scotland who talk about having a second independence referendum should remember what (Mr Salmond) said," said Mrs May.

"It was a once-in-a-generation vote that took place in September 2014.

"It seems a generation now is less than three years."

The disposition in parliament was summed up by Tory MP Richard Drax when he described Ms Sturgeon’s actions as “totally irresponsible”. Saying the First Minister move for another referendum was taking Scottish people "over a cliff like lemmings to economic ruin."

Reacting swiftly, the First Minister attempted to prove to that her mandate as a First Minister is greater than that of Theresa May to call for a Scottish referendum. Saying: “I was elected as FM on a clear manifesto commitment. The PM is not yet elected by anyone.”

The author of the ScotCen report, Professor John Curtice said: “The commitment to the EU of many of those who voted to Remain does not appear to be strong enough that they are likely to be persuaded by the outcome of the EU referendum to change their preference for staying in the UK.

“Meanwhile, there is a risk that linking independence closely to the idea of staying in the EU could alienate some of those who currently back leaving the UK.

“Nicola Sturgeon might have been wiser to have stayed her hand, for on current trends there is a real possibility that demographic change will help produce a majority for independence in the not too distant future anyway.”

House of Lords give Nicola Sturgeon another blow concerning Sottish independence

House of Lords give Nicola Sturgeon another blow concerning Sottish independence

World Unknown   13:25

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon suffers another major blow from Lords saying her relentless clamour for a second indyref is “disruptive” and “divisive” - as well as distracting from home politics in Scotland.

Lord Dunlop while responding to a question asked by Lord West of Spithead as per what response the Government would give to Nicola Sturgeon on her plans, insisted that Sturgeon is being asked to back off.

He further said: “A little over two years ago people in Scotland voted decisively to remain part of the UK in a referendum.

“This Government remains of the view there should not be a further referendum on independence. Even at this late hour we call on the Scottish Government to take it off the table.

“Another referendum would be divisive and cause huge economic uncertainty at the worst possible time.”

Lord West of Spithead asked the Government to “give clarity” to the Scottish people by guaranteeing a referendum would only be heard after Brexit talks, so they have the chance to understand the details of the new arrangement.

Nevertheless, Ms Sturgeon has insisted the referendum could be held in summer 2018.

Lord Dunlop said: “Nicole Sturgeon said yesterday she wanted the UK to get a good deal.

“I can think of nothing more calculated to undermine the achievement of a good deal than holding a divisive and disruptive independence referendum during the last six months of one of the most important peace time negotiations this country has ever faced.

At this time we should be working together to get the best possible deal for the whole of the UK, and each part of the UK, and particularly Scotland.”

Labour Lord McAvoy maintained that there is absolutely “no desire” in Scotland for a second referendum on independence.

He said: “It is simply not in Scotland’s best interests.

“Especially not at a time when what we need is stability and a period of calm, not yet more uncertainty.

“Before the 2014 vote the SNP said the vote was a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity and promised to abide by the result.

“The SNP has been agitated for another referendum and will seize upon any excuse.”

Nicola Sturgeon disappointed by EU leaders for saying Scotland will queue up like any to join the union

Nicola Sturgeon disappointed by EU leaders for saying Scotland will queue up like any to join the union

World Unknown   06:33

Big blow, as Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s push for another independence referendum hits the brick moments after she delivered a speech. Since after the Brexit vote last year, the First Minister has been using clamouring tirelessly for a second referendum to leave the UK, using the issue of membership of the EU single market as an excuse.

It has been said that despite the threat for another IndyRef, Edinburgh will not be given any special treatment in whatever way. This was disclosed by the Commission in a response Sturgeon’s referendum speech.

The First Minister has argued over and over that the EU is going to give the Scottish people a special arrangement for them to remain in the EU if the Scottish people vote in favour of leaving the UK, saying such a move will not in any way cause any controversy, especially in adopting the euro.

However, critics from different quarters have condemned the assertions made by the First Minister, saying it is a pure fantasy. To make it worse, EU leaders have bluntly refused to give any waiver to Scotland even if it breaks out from the UK to retain membership of the EU, as they have resolved to threat Scotland as any other country wanting to join the EU.

This was affirmed by the Commission’s representative as much after being asked about the claims in certain quarters which states that Edinburgh would be made to “turn the clock back to zero” in order to negotiate new EU membership from scratch.

Maragritis Schinas told reporters at a briefing that Brussels would apply the “Barroso doctrine” to Scotland’s case, an argument which states that regions opting for independence automatically lose their EU membership by opting to become a new country.

In 2012 the then Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso slapped down claims by Alex Salmond that Scots could vote to leave Britain and still keep their membership of the bloc, saying it was incompatible with both EU and international law.

He said: "I am not going to speculate now about possible secessions, it is not my job. But I can tell you that to join the European Union, yes, we have a procedure. It is a procedure of international law.

"A new state, if it wants to join the European Union, has to apply to become a member like any state. In fact, I see no country leaving and I see many countries wanting to join.

"A state has to be a democracy first of all, and that state has to apply to become a member of the European Union and all the other member states have to give their consent."

Mr Barroso said: “In case there is a new country, a new state, coming out of a current member state, it will have to apply and the application and the accession to the European Union will have to be approved by all the other member states of the European Union.

“I don’t want to interfere on your referendum here, your democratic discussion here, but of course it will be extremely difficult to get the approval of all the other member states to have a new member coming from one member state.

“We have seen Spain has been opposing even the recognition of Kosovo, for instance.

“So it is to some extent a similar case because it’s a new country and so I believe it’s going to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, a new member state coming out of one of our countries getting the agreement of the others.”

And quizzed about Ms Sturgeon’s announcement of a new independence referendum today, Mr Schinas was less than lukewarm and offered no encouragement whatsoever that Scotland would be in line for EU membership in the event of a vote for secession.

He said: “We’ve got no particular position at the moment because these events are currently taking place.

“The commission fully respects the legal, constitutional rights of the member states to organise things as they like.

“And the Barroso doctrine, whether that would apply? Yes, that would apply, obviously.”

The confirmation throws a huge spanner in the works of Ms Sturgeon’s independence bid, as it means Edinburgh will now have to go through the long and gruelling process of joining the EU and could face its membership being vetoed by other member states.

Theresa May has so far refused to say whether or not the Tories will allow the legislation required for a second vote to pass, whilst Labour has confirmed that it will fight it in Holyrood but will not oppose it if it comes to Westminster.

British Government expresses serious concerns over the influx of migrants as summer draws nearer

British Government expresses serious concerns over the influx of migrants as summer draws nearer

World Unknown   08:45

It has been revealed that within the 67 days of this year, about 20,000 migrants from different parts of the world have crossed to Europe’s mainland by sea. And experts have warned that the trend may increase each day as summer draws nearer with a fairer weather condition expected in the Mediterranean.

Accordingly, the French government have proactively moved ahead to close six motorways service stations leading to Calais in order to make it impossible for illegal immigrants sneak into UK-board lorries.

James Hookham, deputy chief executive of the Freight Transport Association, has stated that: “Our members have reported signs that migrants are returning to Calais and French motorway operator Sanef’s move to close truck parking areas at services near the port due to problems confirms this.

“The French authorities need to take action before the situation gets any worse.

“We don’t want to see a return to last summer’s chaos when drivers suffered threats and intimidation at unprecedented levels.”

Tory MP and Brexit Secretary David Davies said: “The European nations are aiding and abetting this chaotic exodus by sending out rescue boats to pick up thousands of migrants trying to enter the Continent illegally from North Africa.

“They should be taking them straight back to ports and safe refugee camps so they are not incentivised to risk their lives trying.

“I hope this worrying development doesn’t herald the return to the chaotic events of last year.”

Report has  it that British drivers have for over two years faced with a wave of life threatening scenarios on their way to Calais ferry terminal, as these migrants always use burning blockaded as a way of forcing drivers to slow down all vehicles going back to the UK in order to help them break into the lorries.

Road Haulage Association chief executive Richard Burnett have also said: “We always advise our international drivers not to stop within 100 miles of Calais unless they absolutely have to.

"To even consider yet another summer of misery is quite simply out of the question.

“If Sanef remains resolute not to reopen the rest areas we will be demanding more security is deployed on the approach roads and that includes the French military.”

Theresa May bows to pressure by Tory MPs over Hammond's controversial National Insurance Charges

Theresa May bows to pressure by Tory MPs over Hammond's controversial National Insurance Charges

World Unknown   10:40

British Prime Minister appears to have broken the promises made by her party to the British people after she gave her support to Philip Hammond’s divisive National Insurance charges.

However, after some members of her party revolted against her on the issue, the PM bowed to pressure and retreated on when the controversial charges will be introduced, saying, rather being part of the Financial Bill, they will be brought in as part of separate legislation in the autumn.

Though it has been claimed by Labour that the PM’s move to put brakes on Hammond’s Budget proposals was a "partial U-turn" and said she was rowing back on Philip Hammond's plans.

During her speech in Brussels, she said the proposals would make National Insurance "simpler, fairer and more progressive".

Mrs May also stated that the Chancellor's paper would contain details about reforms "along with some changes we plan to make on rights and protections for self-employed workers, including on issues like pension rights and parental rights and maternity pay".

Furthermore, she said: "The decision on National Insurance was taken in the context of a rapidly changing labour market in which the number of people in self-employment - often doing the same work as people employed more traditionally - is rising rapidly."

The Prime Minister also said the shift towards self-employment was "eroding the tax base" and making it harder to pay for public services "on which ordinary working families depend".

She said the National Insurance changes go "some way towards fixing that".

In a swift response to the PM’s move to pave way for more concessions to her rebel MPs, shadow chancellor John McDonnell has challenged her to show leadership and scrap the proposals.

"The fact the Prime Minister won't fully support her own Chancellor's Budget measure, and has been forced by Labour to row back on it just 24 hours after he delivered his speech in Parliament, shows the level of disarray that exists at the top of Government," he said.

"What is even more alarming is that the Government didn't stop and think before announcing such a tax hike."

Threateningly for the Prime Minister and Chancellor, at about 20 the scale of the backbench rebellion is now greater than the Government's majority of 17 in the Commons, which means they could face defeat in a showdown with the rebels.

One of the latest to join the revolution, Craig Mackinlay, told Sky News: "This is a move which has understandably generated negative headlines and I do have concerns about breaking manifesto commitments and the fairly small amount of revenue this is likely to generate."

On the other hand there was good news for Mr Hammond as his controversial National Insurance changes won the support of the Institute of Fiscal Studies in its analysis of his Budget measures.

While granting interview to Sky News, Mr Hammond said the plan would make the system fairer considering that employees and self-employed workers have access to similar benefits from the state.

"It's only right and fair we should take a small step to closing the gap between the treatment of employed and self-employed people," he said.

Mr Hammond insisted that with Brexit the circumstances had changed since the 2015 manifesto.

"No Conservative likes to increase taxes, National Insurance or anything else," he said. "But our job is to do what needs to be done to get Britain match-fit for its future."

But Conservative MPs and the Government's opponents angrily pointed to a manifesto pledge on tax and National Insurance given by David Cameron during the 2015 general election campaign.

As MPs continued debating the Budget in the Commons, shadow chancellor John McDonnell accused the Chancellor of a "manifesto betrayal" and accused him of hiking taxes on minicab drivers, low-paid drivers, self-employed cleaners and plumbers.

And former shadow cabinet member Angela Eagle told MPs: "No-one will ever believe a Tory election promise ever again."

Clamour for a second Scottish independence referendum a distraction - Theresa May

Clamour for a second Scottish independence referendum a distraction - Theresa May

World Unknown   09:14

Report has it that the much clamoured second independence referendum for Scotland by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon may not see  the light of the day as Theresa May’s government appears to be adamant to the call by Sturgeon to hold the proposed referendum by 2018. Saying that listening to such a threat by Sturgeon is a “distraction”.

During a media chat with the BBC, Nicola Sturgeon pointed stressed that she was "not ruling anything out" and was not "bluffing" over the referendum.

Nevertheless, does not see any need for a second indyref, even after the Scottish people massively voted to remain in the EU.

"The referendum was held only in 2014. It was a fair, decisive and legal vote," he said.

"Both sides agreed to abide by that and we think both sides should. Continued discussion around a second referendum is a distraction."

In the last vote, support for independence in Scotland stood at 45%, and recent polls show most Scots do not want another vote on secession.

On the other hand Ms Sturgeon has said that the result of the Brexit referendum, when Scotland voted to stay in the European Union but the UK as a whole voted to leave, gives her a mandate to call a new vote.

On the contrary, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale accused Ms Sturgeon of seeking to "sow division and uncertainty, at a time when the country needs to pull together more than ever".

Scottish second indyref suggested to hold Autumn 2018

Scottish second indyref suggested to hold Autumn 2018

World Unknown   12:12

With the current happenings, it appears the Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has edged nearer to making a demand for a second Scottish independence referendum as claims one in 2018 could be "common sense".

Ms Sturgeon further reiterated that her call for a second indyref is not a bluff as it may be called in autumn 2018.

Former Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, has repeatedly suggested this as a likely date and Sturgeon’s remarks will fuel speculation of an announcement at next week's SNP conference.

The SNP leader has repeatedly argued that another poll would be "almost necessary" if her demands for a bespoke Brexit deal are not met by Prime Minister Theresa May, due to the fact that majority of the Scottish people voted to remain in the EU.

Nonetheless the comments made in a BBC interview generated anger among opponents who said the First Minister should "put the country first".

Asked about autumn 2018 Ms Sturgeon told Brexit: Britain’s Biggest Deal: “Within that window, er I guess of when the, the sort of outline of a UK deal, becomes clear on the UK exiting the EU, I think would be the common sense time for, Scotland to have that choice, if that is the road we choose to go down.”

Pressed by presenter Laura Kuenssberg if she "not was ruling out autumn 2018”, Ms Sturgeon replied: “I’m not ruling anything out.”

Earlier this week former SNP deputy leader Jim Sillar made it clear that  he would not vote for independence if it would Scotland re-joining the EU.

Mr Sillars, 79, who played a leading role in 2014's Yes campaign, stressed that he does not want to be ruled by "an unelected, self-serving elite" in Brussels.

Also, Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson condemned Ms Sturgeon's latest comments saying it demonstrated the "SNP is hell bent on taking Scotland back to another divisive independence referendum".

Ms Davidson added: "She knows that a referendum would inflict further damage on Scotland's economy.

"It is therefore deeply irresponsible for the First Minister of Scotland to cast this cloud of uncertainty over our future.

"She needs to put the country first for once. People in Scotland don't want a second referendum, and the SNP doesn't have a mandate for one.

Rather than cast our future under further doubt, Nicola Sturgeon needs to act like a First Minister, provide some certainty for Scotland, and rule it out."

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale also stated: “This is yet another attempt by Nicola Sturgeon to sow division and uncertainty, at a time when the country needs to pull together more than ever.

“The First Minister has been all over the place – one week she threatens a vote, the next week she backs away from one.

"Nicola Sturgeon could provide much needed clarity on Scotland's future by ruling out another independence referendum altogether."

She said: “Well, I’m not and I never have been and, you know, I always think that sometimes kind of says more about them than it says about me because it, it suggests that there are politicians in Westminster who think Brexit and all of this is some kind of game.

"It’s not a game, it’s really, really serious and the implications for the UK are serious and the implications for Scotland are serious."

Anti-Brexit billboard across the UK spurs outrage

Anti-Brexit billboard across the UK spurs outrage

World Unknown   11:15

Findings reveals that several billboards made by Leave Voters are beginning to emerge from different locations in the UK having anti-Brexit posters such as: price hike, hate crime, violation of family rights of EU citizens to mention but a few.

It was also revealed that campaign group stop the Silence crowdfunded nearly £70,000 in just ten days to raise funds in their desperate fight against a so-called ‘hard’ Brexit.

Black photographs highlighting four faces with their mouths enclosed in duct tape have been erected in areas such as London, Bournemouth and Cardiff over the past few days.

They read: “We did not vote for price hikes, hate crimes, brutal Brexit, deal or no deal.

“The people are speaking, is parliament listening?”

Other posters in line to be put up list “losing our families”, “leaving the single market”, “losing funding” and “losing our rights” as some of the group’s objections to the EU exit.

The group is also planning to fund a bus to drive around Westminster in a last ditch effort to try and encourage politicians ahead of further votes on the brexit bill.

According to campaigner Liz Holmes, founder of Stop the Silence: "The Government is ignoring millions of people who are worried about the Brexit cliff-edge, however they voted in the referendum.

"Billboards are the obvious way to get concerns off social media and literally onto the streets of the UK.

"We all want a good deal. We do not believe the Government’s current ‘deal or no deal’ position will achieve that. It should be country first, not Brexit first."

As a result of the success attained during their initial crowdfunder, the group has now launched a second and already raised more than £7,000 of a £35,000 target.

Writing on Facebook, the group said: "This campaign encourages peers to listen to the people as it considers safeguards to guarantee that the final deal will be in the best interests of the people.

"The campaign and group aim to influence the character and quality of debate in Parliament over the next two years, in a way which fully engages and involves the views of the entire electorate, much of which has diverse expectations of the Brexit process.

"The campaign intends to emphasise the foundational British values of open debate and tolerance, where ongoing democratic dialogue must remain accessible, and available, to all of its citizens. “