Legal expert advises Theresa May to file a legal action Brussels regarding the controversial Brexit divorce bill

Legal expert advises Theresa May to file a legal action Brussels regarding the controversial Brexit divorce bill

World Unknown   06:05

Due to the huge financial divorce bill being demanded by the Brussels and denying the UK of taking any part of the EU’s asset it helped to build, the British government has been advised to “call the bluff” of Brussels and seek an independent tribunal to scrutinize the legal basis in which such demands are being made.

This piece of advice was issued by one of Tory barrister Martin Howe QC advising said: “One thing we could say is let’s agree to refer this to an international tribunal as to whether or not there is a legal claim and then it will be decided,” he said.

“It will put paid to any argument that the UK is trying to run away from or dodge its legal obligations.”

“That’s one way that the EU’s bluff could be called.”

Mr Howe, who is a founding member of Lawyers for Britain, a group of lawyers who campaigned for Britain to leave the EU in last year’s referendum, added: “My strong suspicion is that the EU side would never agree to that because they know their legal argument is completely empty.

“So saying that in practice may be just a way of calling their bluff.

“The other reason they wouldn’t agree to it is that they are desperate for the cash immediately.

“A decision five years down the line would not be appealing to them - although you can run these international arbitrations very fast if you want to and certainly within the two year period.”

The legal expert totally condemns such a huge demand which according to him has no legal basis claiming that it is “hard to see any credible basis upon which the UK could be said to be obliged” to pay for the deficit.

He further stressed his position on the issue, after Brussels raised the controversial divorce bill to about £84 billion.

“At the moment I haven’t seen anything of their legal papers explaining their claim so am relying on their public statements but from what I have heard and seen there is no obligation at all.

They add they are concerned that the EU still believe Mrs May won’t walk away in the event of a bad deal – allowing the EU to feel confident enough to ramp up the pressure.

Meanwhile, Zsolt Darvas, of thinktank Bruegel, has also said that the final demand may be far less than the amounts suggested, but then would still be in the tens of billions. The money is said to be owed because of projects Britain committed to which run until 2025. As he said not paying  a penny would make a trade deal practically impossible.

“I can’t see the EU singing a free trade agreement with the UK under those circumstances,” said Mr Darvas.

However, if Britain did end up contributing until 2025, it would entitle it to remain in the single market until that date.

“When you leave a club, you should have full rights during the cancellation period,” he said.

“If the UK is asked to pay the full fee, it should also benefit to single market access, maybe up to 2025.” 

Theresa May to face another Brexit hurdle, as a retired Scottish doctor calls for another referendum

Theresa May to face another Brexit hurdle, as a retired Scottish doctor calls for another referendum

World Unknown   08:34

All seem not to be well with the UK voting to leave the European Union, as fresh warnings are being issued concerning Brexit challenges.

Thus, despite all efforts being made by the Prime Minister to reach the possible deal that will work for all regions of the country in the Brexit negotiations, it has been reported how a retired Scottish doctor has come out to say by law, another referendum on any withdrawal should be allowed.

Dr Andrew’s claim could be a span on the PM’s Brexit wheel, as he has already sent what is regarded as a letter prior to taking any legal action to her.

According to his claim, the Section 2 of the European Union Act 2011 stipulates that that there must be ANOTHER vote on leaving the EU. Meaning that for any treaty that amends the EU to be ratified, the government would have to referendum on concerning it.

 Speaking to the Aberdeen Evening Express Dr Watt said: “The Prime Minister has refused to hold a further referendum on withdrawal from the European Union. She has overlooked the fact that Section 2 of the European Union Act 2011 requires a referendum before the United Kingdom can ratify any withdrawal or related trade agreement with the European Union.

“The Prime Minister’s failure to recognise the legal requirement for a further referendum means that she is at high risk of running out of time in the negotiations with the European Union.”

“Once I have her response I can decide which of the legal issues in the letter before action should be pursued in the High Court.

“At that time I expect to seek to raise funds by crowdfunding or other means to enable this important legal action to go ahead.”

According to the Aberdeen Evening Express the Doctor highlighted a section of the legislation setting out a referendum must be held if there is the “conferring on an EU institution or body of power to impose a requirement or obligation on the United Kingdom, or the removal of any limitation on any such power of an EU institution or body”.

MP Turner representing Isle of Wight who condemned homosexual acts decline contesting the June 8 election

MP Turner representing Isle of Wight who condemned homosexual acts decline contesting the June 8 election

World Unknown   07:17

A member of parliament from the conservative party who stood against homosexual practices and called it “wrong” and "dangerous to society" has declined any intention to contest in the forthcoming general election.

The 63-year-old MP representing the Isle of Wight for the past sixteen years made this known while addressing politics students at Christ the King College in Newport.

In a post on Facebook, student Esther Poucher said she had been "truly shocked" when the MP said he would not be going to a Pride event on the island.

She said: "He told us that he'd been invited, but wasn't intending to go.

"This is because (and this is a direct quote) he thinks that homosexuality is 'wrong' and 'dangerous to society'.

"At this answer, I had to leave."

Ms Poucher added: "Yes, we all believe different things, and that's wonderful. But when that belief treats a group as sub-human, and attempts to take away their fundamental rights, we can't respect it."

Another student who heard the comments, 17-year-old Toby Sheard, said he had been "completely shocked", adding that it was "the right thing for him (Mr Turner) not to stand again".

Mr Turner neither confirmed nor denied making the comments but in a statement said it had been a "privilege to serve the people of the Isle of Wight".

He added that it was time for "a new generation to take up the mantle".

The Conservative leader of Isle of Wight Council, Dave Stewart, said: "I could not condone in any way the comments by Andrew Turner and I feel he is right to stand down.

"Island Conservatives are fielding several candidates in next week's council elections who are gay, and this is most certainly not an opinion that either myself or anyone else in the team of Conservative council candidates would ever support."

Mr Stewart added: "It is very disappointing to hear such comments from someone I know and it is a shame for him to end to his career in this way, but what he said was unacceptable."

In a statement posted on Twitter, Isle of Wight Pride said: "Any person who makes such a statement in a public forum as our MP is dangerous.

"Suicide rates amongst LGBT young people are still disproportionately high.

"Mr Turner did not know if anyone in the room was struggling with their sexuality or gender identity and he does not know how his comments may have impacted on those present."

Theresa May warned by Nicola Sturgeon to keep Britain in the EU single market as GDP plummets

Theresa May warned by Nicola Sturgeon to keep Britain in the EU single market as GDP plummets

World Unknown   06:33

Again First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon attack flexes muscle with Theresa May over her alleged “very hard” Brexit caused the recent slowdown of the UK’s GDP in the first quarter of this year 2017.

Sturgeon’s attack came after the Office of National Statistics (ONS) announced the 0.3% growth of the GDP, which is far below the 0.7 that was recorded in the previous year’s last quarter.

Though the slow growth of the GDP was being envisaged by some economist, due to the level of inflation in the country that has forced the public to fasten their seatbelt.

Thus, the First Minister seized the opportunity to call on Theresa May to allow the UK to keep membership of the EU single market.

She told Sky News: “I don’t think there’s any doubt we’re starting to see the signs of Brexit on the economy and particularly given Theresa May’s determination not just to take the UK out of the EU… but to pursue a very hard Brexit is having that impact on the economy.

“I think the GDP figures should be setting alarm bells ringing and it underlines the importance of making sure that there are voices there arguing for a common sense outcome.

“We’ve argued that albeit the UK’s leaving the EU, we should be seeking to remain in the single market because that helps to obtain jobs and investment and it’s the best outcome for our economy.”

The ONS said there were falls in “several important consumer-focused industries” including retail sales and accommodation, due in part to prices increasing more than spending.

The trend has been causing consumers a lot of discomfort since the start of 2017, as inflation rises to its highest rate for over three years now.

Also, the squeeze affecting household spending power has been made worse by gloomy retail sales in the UK, as they record their greatest fall for about seven years now.

Richard Berry, the founder of the currency specialists Berry FX, said: “The underwhelming performance of the economy in the first quarter put the Pound on the back foot rather than the canvas.

"Sterling didn't go off a cliff, largely because an anodyne number had been priced in, but the weakest output since before the Referendum has certainly added to the sense of uncertainty."

Britain told not to be deceived about any future relationship with the EU by German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Britain told not to be deceived about any future relationship with the EU by German Chancellor Angela Merkel

World Unknown   06:22

Still upset about the UK leaving the EU, German Chancellor Angela Merkel issues a warning to the UK not to deceive itself concerning any future relationship with the EU while delivering a major to her country’s politicians.

Merkel’s warning came just hours after British PM Theresa May stated her desire to maintain a "deep and special relationship" with the EU, Angela Merkel warned Britain not to be deceived over negotiating any future relationship before Brexit is finalised.

In a warning to the PM, who last night met with EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker and EU negotiator Michel Barnier, Ms Merkel stressed that post-Brexit Britain will not have the same rights as EU members.

To loud applause, she said: “We can only do an agreement on the future relationship with Britain when all questions about its exit have been cleared up satisfactorily.

“A third state, and that's what Britain will be, cannot and will not have at its disposal the same rights... as members of the European Union.

“You may think this is all obvious. But I'm afraid I get the sense some in Britain still have illusions about Brexit - that would be wasted time."

The so-called Brexit bill was also high on the agenda with Ms Merkel saying talks over the future relationship cannot begin without Britain resolving its financial commitments to the crumbling bloc.

Ms Merkel told the German parliament: "We, Germany and the other member states of the EU - did not want this exit. But we respect this decision and are now looking ahead."

She once again maintained the EU27 will put on a unified front and sought to build bridges with Britain, saying Germany does not seek to punish the UK for leaving the bloc.

Ms Merkel added Germany wants to keep close co-operation with the UK on science and security.

Ms Merkel’s comments come hours after the EU's main Brexit negotiator, Mr Barnier, and his British counterpart, David Davis, said the Downing Street meeting was "constructive”.

A spokesman for Mrs May said: “The PM had a constructive meeting this evening with President Juncker of the European Commission."

“Following the UK's letter of notification under Article 50 (on its departure from the EU), she reiterated the UK's commitment to achieving a deep and special partnership with the European Union.”

A spokesman for the European Commission also said: “President Juncker had a constructive meeting with Prime Minister May.” Where” issues of strategic interests” were also discussed

Nonetheless even though Mrs May is trying to strike a conciliatory tone, foreign secretary Boris Johnson stressed Britain will fight to win a good deal. 

Holyrood burst into serious laugh after Nicola stressed that education is her number priority

Holyrood burst into serious laugh after Nicola stressed that education is her number priority

World Unknown   05:59

Drama and confusion takes centre stage in the Scottish Parliament after the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced education as her foremost priority for the Scottish people.

The blunder was instigated by Kezia Dugdale after the issue of independence was brought up and also questioned Sturgeon’s educational record for Scotland.

Speaking during First Minister’s Questions, the Scottish Labour leader blasted the SNP for Scotland “declining” in educational attainment.

She said: “The First Minister used to claim education was her number one priority, even she doesn’t claim that anymore.

“After 10 years of SNP government Scottish education is facing challenges like never before, since the SNP took office there are 4,000 fewer teachers, a thousand fewer support staff and class sizes are bigger.

“International studies show Scotland is declining in maths, in reading and in science. [Deputy First Minister] John Swinney's response to this was to publish a mini-manifesto repeating the very promises he’s been breaking every year since 2007.”

Amazingly, when Mrs Sturgeon hit back and insisted “education is my top priority”, the answer sparked a roar of laughter in the chamber.

She continued her speech as the laughter died down and said: “Kezia Dugdale doesn’t like to hear this but that’s why right now across Scotland headteachers and teachers have in their hands £120million of additional funding.

“That’s why local government services are better off to the tune of £400m under this SNP government.”

In a quick reply Ms Dugdale fired back and claimed the Scottish government supposed it would take up to three years to fill 700 teaching vacancies in Scotland, according to leaked documents.

She said: “We all know Nicola Sturgeon will spend the next three years campaigning for independence.

“So can the First Minister really keep a straight face and tell teachers, parents and pupils that once again education is her number one priority?”