Brussels finalising plans to side-line Britain from multi-million pound contracts

Brussels finalising plans to side-line Britain from multi-million pound contracts

World Unknown   07:50

In an attempt to bring fulfil the some of the anticipated threats planned against the UK as after voting to leave the bloc, it has been reported that Brussels is beginning to deliberately shut out British firms from taking part in multi-million pound contracts, even as they make efforts to dissuade companies away from Britain.

According to the report, leading European Commission officials have told staff to avoid “unnecessary additional complications” with Britain before 2019, an internal memo seen by the Financial Times has found.

In the same vein, the frantic appeal for EU major players have told staff to encourage UK-based private businesses to get ready for the “legal repercussions” of Brexit and the need “to have an office in the EU” once Brexit talks are concluded in order to maintain their operating permits.

As if that is not enough, report also has it that some agencies are being threatened of being disconnected from delicate databases the same day formal exit is done by the UK.

One week after the Prime Minister, officially invoked Article 50, there was a note sent from the commission, which spelt out how the UK out on cash and influence, despite retaining legal rights and obligations of formal membership.

The agencies involved in the commission were cheered to “take account” of the fact Britain may be a “third country” within a period of two years, including when appointing staff and awarding contracts worth billions of euros for research projects or services.

The note read: “Apart from the legal requirement for a contracting party to be established in the EU, there may be political or practical reasons that speak in favour of contracting parties established in a specific member state, not only at the conclusion of the contract, but also throughout the duration of the contract.”

The note which was allegedly sent by senior staff and signed by Alexander Italianer, the commission’s secretary-general; Martin Selmayr, the president’s chief of staff; and Michel Barnier, the EU’s Brexit negotiator.

It comes as Brussels chiefs said there will be no freeze on EU spending through structural or regional funds, as these are implemented through UK authorities rather than the EU.

The note added: “In the absence of certainty about arrangements (if any) for a future relationship, commission services and decentralised agencies should start considering the practical aspects of disconnecting access from non-public databases hosted by EU bodies.”

Agencies should brace themselves for bumpy Brexit negotiations, the note hinted, and that Britain may be cut from shared EU information such as crime-fighting and asylum databases.

Tories planning to drop the idea of reducing net migration to the tens of thousands, saying it’s not about the number, but quality of people coming into the UK

Tories planning to drop the idea of reducing net migration to the tens of thousands, saying it’s not about the number, but quality of people coming into the UK

World Unknown   07:44

A strong indication has emerged that the promised cut of immigration to the tens of thousands may no longer be feasible, as a plan is being put in place to drop such idea, and that immigration is "not about numbers."

The Culture Secretary Karen Bradly while speaking on the issue declined to mention whether the earlier promised target to bring net immigration to the "tens of thousands" would be in the next manifesto of the Conservative party.

The flagship pledge was used by the Conservatives in previous general elections to lure British voters to get to power, and has been existing for the past seven years which falls within the period Theresa May was in charge of the Home Office without being able to achieve it to date.

According to recent report, the net migration was put at 273,000 as at the end of 2016, which is still far from the promised target.

During her interview with Sky News, Mrs Bradly stated that: "What we need is to have the right people, to attract the brightest and best.

"It's not about putting numbers on it, it's about making sure we can deliver where industries need skills, where brightest and best want to come to Britain; we want to be an attractive place that people want to come and work and we want to be the strong economy that pays for those public services people value so much."

The Culture Secretary further stated that the PM had always made it clear how immigration should be at "sustainable levels" but would not be drawn on what those were. Saying that "This is about getting control of our borders."

In the few weeks, the Conservative manifesto would be released to the public, where it is expected to promise the British voters about the party’s readiness to bring an end to free movement of people post-Brexit.

Conversely, the number of migrants coming from non-EU nations which can be controlled - has been well over 100,000.

Some Tories, including Home Secretary Amber Rudd, are pleading that foreign students at UK universities should be taken out of the target.

Mrs May has constantly vetoed such calls, nevertheless, it report has that she is now preparing to soften her stance on the issue.

According to The Times, she is now offering a compromise, which would see the way student numbers are calculated change.

On the other hand a No 10 source said that any recommendation that foreign students would be removed from the target was "plain wrong".

Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, Ms Rudd also refused to be drawn on a net migration target figure, saying she was "working on it".

She said one thing that was "absolutely clear" is that they would be "ending the current arrangement on freedom of movement".

She said there were lots of different elements the party hoped to pull together for the manifesto but that she could not say any more on the numbers.

The battle line seem to have been drawn as the UK government insists on keeping two major EU agencies in the country

The battle line seem to have been drawn as the UK government insists on keeping two major EU agencies in the country

World Unknown   07:24

Contrary to previous report credited to Brussels that EU leaders are perfecting plans to move two major European banking and medical agencies, based in London to other EU member state capital, the British government have come out to say that both agencies could stay in Britain post-Brexit.

The counter claim was made by Brexit Secretary David Davis when he announced that the agencies in question is open for negotiation, a move which contradicts the claim earlier credited to the EU for their relocation.

According to a spokeswoman for the Brexit department: “No decisions have been taken about the location of the European Banking Authority (EBA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA), these will be subject to the exit negotiations.

“As part of these negotiations the government will discuss with the EU and member states how best to continue cooperation in the fields of banking and medicines regulation in the best interests of both the UK and the EU.”

Thus the Brexit Secretary is making moves to include the agencies to the wider Brexit talks in readiness to shift grounds where possible just to keep them in the UK.

The Government spokeswoman added: “It would not be appropriate to prejudge the outcome of the negotiations.”

During last month’s draft plan for negotiations by Brussels it was said that preparations should be made to transfer the agencies to one of the remaining 27 nations after the UK leaves.

An EU official previously stated: “The EMA and EBA both have to go to a member state. There are many interested member states. There is a broad understanding that it is something that you need to move quickly on.”

The EMA boasts 900 highly skilled staff and is responsible for the “scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in the EU”. While the EBA, which was set up in 2011, has 159 staff at its London office, also at Canary Wharf.

Meanwhile, Mr Tusk’s draft negotiating guidelines he made clear Britain has no say, and added: “Arrangements should be found to facilitate their transfer.”

Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Milan, Stockholm, Barcelona and Dublin are all bidding to host the medicines agency and there may eventually be up to 20 applicants.

Currently Frankfurt and Paris are in the running to host the EBA.

Bravo to the Prime Minister, as the US declares its readiness to enter a trade deal with Britain in the shortest possible time

Bravo to the Prime Minister, as the US declares its readiness to enter a trade deal with Britain in the shortest possible time

World Unknown   06:25

Good news as the speaker of the United States House of Representatives announces the readiness of President Donald Trump to enter into a trade agreement with the British government in the shortest possible time.

This was disclosed during a gathering in central London where Mr Ryan said that the Lawmakers in the US are very ready to work with the President in his bid to enter a bilateral agreement with the government of the United Kingdom.

Thus, the Prime Minister’s efforts in securing good deals for the British people post-Brexit has been bolstered further with such an announcement, even as Brussels has taken the first leap in entering a negotiating stance with the UK in  the soon to start Brexit negotiations

Delivering a speech for the Policy Exchange think-tank, Mr Ryan said: "Now that Article 50 has been invoked, the UK and the EU will determine the best path forward over the course of these negotiations.

"We want the parties to come together and strike a lasting agreement, a strong UK-EU relationship is in all of our best interests.

"In that same vein, the United States will work closely with our EU friends and chart a path forward on TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) negotiations.

"At the same time we are committed to working with President Trump and your Government to achieve a bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Britain.

"This is one of the bipartisan messages I bring with me, I bring Democrats and Republicans here to this room to this country today, to say that the United States stands ready to forge a new trade agreement with Great Britain as soon as possible so that we may further tap into the great potential between our two people."

Just two months ago Ted Poe, the chairman of the congressional foreign affairs committee heralded the "special relationship" between the two nations, calling a bilateral trade deal an opportunity to "deepen our alliance even further".

And he claimed the possibilities of the deal being entered into within a period of two years - as the UK fights it out with the European Union following the triggering of Article 50.

However, following Mr Ryan’s announcement during a visit to the Chancellor Philip Hammond in Downing Street, it is seems apparent that President Trump is ready to make it happen in less than two years

Mr Ryan also said he cannot imagine Britain being unable to agree a trade deal with the EU even after Brexit negotiations have concluded.

‘Barista visa’ to be introduced to EU migrants after Brexit

‘Barista visa’ to be introduced to EU migrants after Brexit

World Unknown   09:12

The Home Office under the leadership of Amber Rudd is coming up with a plan which will allow EU migrant workers to gain employment in Britain’s hospitality industry post-Brexit under a new ‘barista visa’ policy.

This option is being considered by the Home Secretary, to enable coffee shops and hotels have the needed staff after the country finally leaves the EU.

Though the policy will only allow the immigrants to stay for a maximum period of two years, and would not be permitted to make any housing benefit claim. The measure is said to have been endorsed by Lord Green, Chairman of Migration Watch UK.

According to Lord Green, the measure would “kill two birds with one stone” by concurrently ending freedom of movement while resolving the post-Brexit workforce problem.

He told The Sun: “We can meet the needs of pubs and restaurants and maintain our links with young Europeans by allowing them to come for a strictly limited period of two years to work."

The plans are based on the current Youth Mobility Scheme, which applies to travellers from Commonwealth nations Australia, New Zealand and Canada, but it would now be extended to the EU’s 27 remaining member states.

According to the Home Office spokesman: "Leaving the European Union allows Britain to take control of our immigration system.

"We are working across Government to identify and develop options to shape our future system to ensure the best possible outcome for the British people.

"It is logical to consult on proposals to make sure businesses, services and communities can contribute their views.

"However, as we are currently considering the various options as to how EU migration might work once we have left, it would be wrong to set out further positions at this stage."

European Union big wings poised to frustrate Britain, by threatening to strip the UK of two major agencies

European Union big wings poised to frustrate Britain, by threatening to strip the UK of two major agencies

World Unknown   09:11

In their bid to frustrate the efforts being made by Theresa May to strike a balanced deal in the Brexit negotiation, EU leaders are perfecting plans to strip Britain of two key EU agencies in the weeks ahead, and dismissed the PM’s request for early Brexit trade negotiations.

The loss of the London-based European Medicines Agency (EMA) and European Banking Authority (EBA) became unavoidable because Britain voted to leave the EU as both agencies are basically linked to the single market.

However, the swift manner in which the EU leaders moved immediately after the triggering of Article 50 by the PM is perceived by the public as an indication of the uncompromising stand being taken by Brussels.

Accordingly, a number of major cities within the union are lining up to welcome both agencies and EU Council president Donald Tusk is expected to unveil the  selection criteria within the next two weeks.

Record has it that EMA and EBA each employ about 1,000 people, many of them British, and provide a hub for businesses in the UK.

The EU’s chief negotiator has also expressed hopes that the two agencies will know their new locations by June, although it was also made known that the process may take longer time.

Cities such as Dublin, Frankfurt, Milan, Amsterdam, Paris and Stockholm have all lined up to play host to the agencies which are considered as among the EU’s crown jewels.

Moreover, it has been told how Britain has failed to convince any of the remaining 27 member states that trade talks should get under way early.

The failure to convince the 27 member states also endorsed as diplomats have agreed with the European Commission’s decision to block any talks about a future comprehensive trade deal until the UK accepts its £60bn divorce bill and comes to a settlement on the rights of EU citizens.

Mrs May hoped hardline European council guidelines ruling out a trade deal within two years would have been toned during consultation with the member states.

Sources from Brussels are  claiming that Britain’s aggressive approach to the talks, including threats of becoming a low-tax, low-regulation state unless it was given a good deal, had backfired.

One Brussels insider told the Observer: “However realistic the threats were - or not - they were noticed.

“The future prosperity of the single market was challenged. That had an impact – it pushed people together.”

Still in that regard, another senior diplomat said any initial sympathy with Britain had fallen away in many capitals, because of the Government’s approach towards Brexit.

He said: “Of course, we want to protect trade with Britain, but maintaining the single market, keeping trade flowing there, is the priority, and so we will work through Michel Barnier.

“Britain used to be pragmatic. That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore and we need to protect our interests.”

Read below the new driving test rule coming up in December this year

Read below the new driving test rule coming up in December this year

World Unknown   06:45

The UK driving test procedure is being tailored to suit our modern society, as various changes listed below have been lined up to take effect from December 2017

·         You will have to show that you can follow instructions from a sat nav supplied by the examiner.

·         One in five tests will still not use a sat nav, so you will still have to be able to follow road signs as well.

·         It does not matter if you go the wrong way while following the sat nav, providing you do not make a fault while doing so.

·         The amount of independent driving you have to do in your test will increase from 10 to 20 minutes.

·         The requirement to reverse around a corner in the exam is being scrapped, although your driving instructor should still teach you how to do it.

·         Likewise, there is no requirement to do a three-point turn in your test but, again, you should know how to do one.

·         Instead you will have to show that you can perform one of three more common reversing manoeuvres.

·         These include parallel parking and driving in to and out of a parking bay (either backwards or forwards).

·         You will also be expected to show that you know how to wash the windows and use car controls like the wipers or heated windscreens.

·         The examiner will also ask you to answer two questions about vehicle safety. This will include things like tyre pressures and how to check headlights are working.

Home Office denies British born children of Greek and German couple right of permanent residency

Home Office denies British born children of Greek and German couple right of permanent residency

World Unknown   06:36

                     

                        

Another news hits public domain which states that a Greek and German couple have had their British-born children denied right of permanent residency in the UK by the Home Office.

 The father Philip who hails from Greece and Denmark and with Elizabeth Saxe-Coburg-Gotha narrated their desolation after being sweltered in a “bureaucratic nightmare”.

“One simply can’t believe it,” said Mrs Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

“We were told we had to provide more evidence of where our children lived.

“What evidence are they supposed to have? They don’t have council tax bills, or any bills at all for that matter.”

Mr Greece and Denmark, who was born in Mon Repos on the Greek island of Corfu, said the situation was “ghastly”.

“I understand that people are angry about people coming over here, claiming vast sums in benefits and never doing a day’s work, but Prince Edward was born in London.”

North Korea indicates full readiness for possible nuclear war with the US

North Korea indicates full readiness for possible nuclear war with the US

World Unknown   06:43

North Korean Kim Jong Un’s army participated in Saturday’s huge military procession to celebration what is known as North Korea’s Day of the Sun increasing tension between them and the US.

The country’s military used the birthday celebration of the country’s founder and grandfather of Kim to showcase their military might including ballistic missiles, as indication of their readiness to crush their adversaries in the even any war.

Kim was seen wearing a black suit as he walked down a red carpet before applauding his army in the capital Pyongyang.

The dictator’s soldiers shouted ‘long live’ towards the dictator, who flashed a big smile as he acknowledged the adoring crowds.

As widely known, the main essence of the show was to sound a note of warning concerning any possible outbreak of war, as missiles were rolled out on trucks and tanks, rocket launchers and artillery guns were paraded in plain sight.

And military planes flew over Kim Il Sung Square, creating the number ‘105’ in the air – the age the country’s late founder would have been.

Though, there was no nuclear test – after US officials said they suspected Kim to test his weaponry on the day.

Choe Ryong Hae, who some consider to be the second most powerful man in North Korea, criticised Donald Trump in an incendiary speech.

He said: ‘We will respond to an all-out war with an all-out war and a nuclear war with our style of a nuclear attack.’

War in the atmosphere, as North Korean displays ballistic weapons

War in the atmosphere, as North Korean displays ballistic weapons

World Unknown   06:28

War drums in the air as North Korea issues stark warning to the United States to stop its "military hysteria" or face retaliation - as a US strike group, including an aircraft carrier, steams towards the region.

The latest warning was made by Pyongyang during his country’s display of new submarine-based ballistic missiles in a massive military parade in the city, which many belief is just a mere bluff, and that when the chips are down, he will on his knees.

On the other hand, China, Pyongyang's sole major partner, has cautioned that the tensions be stopped from reaching an "irreversible and unmanageable stage".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: "We call on all parties to refrain from provoking and threatening each other.

"One has the feeling that a conflict could break out at any moment.

"Once a war really happens, the result will be nothing but multiple loss. No one can become a winner."

It was just on Saturday when North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un reached Pyongyang's main Kim Il Sung Square, named after his grandfather. While there, a military parade was led by him to mark the "Day of the Sun", the 105th birthday of the state's founding father Kim Il-Sung.

The venue was filled with goose-stepping soldiers and marching bands. Military tanks, followed by multiple rocket systems, to mention but a few.

The North Koreans have announced that the latest missiles being developed is capable of  striking the US mainland.

"All the brigandish provocative moves of the US in the political, economic and military fields pursuant to its hostile policy toward the DPRK will thoroughly be foiled through the toughest counteraction of the army and people of the DPRK," a spokesman for the General Staff of the Korean People's Army said.

"Our toughest counteraction against the US and its vassal forces will be taken in such a merciless manner as not to allow the aggressors to survive," the military spokesman stated.

On the contrary, the US has warned that the dogma of "strategic patience" with North Korea is over. This is due to the fact that, Pyongyang has continuously flouted several warnings issued by the UN

European Union heading towards a serious collapse as various groups form alliance

European Union heading towards a serious collapse as various groups form alliance

World Unknown   06:17

With the look of things it appears some countries in the EU may also consider their exit after Brexit-Britain. This is because too many things are beginning to cause division among member states, top among such cause is immigration.

To further buttress this assertion, some member states numbering seven tagged “Southern EU Countries” met in El Pardo Palace in Madrid, Spain. A move seen by many as flex of muscles.

Also, countries made up of the Iberian nations like France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Malta met and released the outcome of their meeting demanding that EU nations need to “share responsibility and solidarity” Also putting a demand for Northern countries to have their share of the EU immigration quota

Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said a common migration policy was one of the top priorities for the group, and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni declared the seven Southern European countries share “common geopolitical interests,” especially in terms of “migrant flows.”

Spain’s secretary of state for the EU Jorge Toledo said: “We’re the countries that spend the most resources… in border protection and we’re protecting the border of the whole EU, also that of the Northern European countries.”

Saying that, that will put the group on collision course with East European nations in the bloc, especially the Visegrád countries – Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic - who are far more Eurosceptic, more negative towards mass immigration into the EU and against a centralised EU.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has said in the past: “We have to return to the thesis that the member states and not EU institutions form the basis of the EU.

“The democratic features of the EU can only be strengthened through member states.” Saying clearly that he will not take part in any idea of allocating migrants who arrived the EU.

In a similar vein, the Visegrád group has also been at loggerheads with those countries advocating a more integrationist and centralist direction of the EU.

Meanwhile, those championing for a close integration want a single European budget, a European treasury, a common foreign policy and a single defence force and security organisations.

Southern EU countries, in turn, want to liberalise the EU borrowing rules and allow great flexibility, which especially appeals to the beleaguered countries of Italy and Greece.

In his days as the Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi said: “More growth and more investment, less austerity and less bureaucracy, this is the line we have proposed for two years.”

Also internally within member states local politics has sown huge apple of discord, for example, the                                                                                                                                  right-wing parties such as France’s Front National and Germany’s anti-immigrant Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), let alone the likes of the Dutch Party for Freedom and Italy’s 5 Star Movement - collectively seen as populist parties - who want to keep the EU at arms length, invariably leaving the bloc altogether.

Jayne Adye, Director of cross-party Eurosceptic campaign group Get Britain Out, said: “It has been clear for some time the EU is divided about almost everything. Divided about the Euro, divided about the EU’s direction of travel and divided about immigration. Some want more EU, most want less, and Britain wants no EU at all.

 “The Visegrad countries don’t want to accept any more refugees, while Southern Europe is demanding it.

 “The Germans want the Greeks to pay back their debt in full, but the IMF believes there should be a reduction in Greek debt. Greece is refusing to settle as they are completely fed up with austerity – so there will be a summer of discontent.

 “These are only a few of the problems.

 “A critical flaw within the EU is the pretence all EU countries are exactly the same. In the absurd belief all EU countries have the same culture, history and political views. But they are not - and they do not!

 “Since the turn of this century the EU has enlarged at a rate of knots, including countries which have totally different ideological views than the original members. As a result, the EU has split into different factions, constantly arguing about the EU and its future.

 “It is clear, however, the EU currently does far too much. Perhaps if it abandoned its plans for a European ‘superstate’ and transformed to a simple trading relationship, the countries of Europe would get along far better in the future.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel turns up to Britain to help defeat increasing terrorists attack

German Chancellor Angela Merkel turns up to Britain to help defeat increasing terrorists attack

World Unknown   06:16

Confusion in Germany as Chancellor Angela Merkel look up to the United Kingdom for security aid to combat the increasing terrorists attack in her country. The move according to report has instigated the anger of Germany’s security chiefs.

Merkel’s approach concerning the security issue has angered the German spies, because she they feel they are not being trusted enough to be able to deal with the situation. According to a reliable source: "In 12 years she has not once attended one of the weekly security briefings for her government.

"Why does she travel to England then? Does she not trust her own people anymore?"

It was reported that former PM David Cameron made the arrangement that brought about the meeting she had intelligence chiefs at Chequers in October 2015. Present in that meeting were Andrew Parker of MI5, Alex Younger, chief of the global foreign intelligence service MI6 and GCHQ's Robert Hannigan.

Surprisingly, it was revealed that the German authorities had no knowledge of the gathering where Mrs Merkel gave the UK a report from her own BND foreign intelligence agency a report which has details about President Putin and the situation in Crimea by way of thanks for their briefing.

British and German spymasters have had soured relationship lately, due to the doubt London has developed against Berlin, saying it cannot be trusted with intelligence reports.

At a time of escalating Islamic terror threats across Europe the German BND is being frozen out by GCHQ and the NSA in America.

Accordingly, both London and Washington believe insecure German data servers have led to the leaking of tens of thousands of classified documents to the Wikileaks whistleblower platform.

They also refuse to hand over secret intelligence data demanded by left wing and Green politicians in Germany which they fear will be aired in parliament.

A source said: "It has now reached the point where there is virtual radio silence between the two biggest and most important intelligence services of the western world and the BND of Germany.

"Germany is worried because it needs the umbrella protection of these agencies. It is virtually blind without it."

Japanese government working to avoid WW3

Japanese government working to avoid WW3

World Unknown   08:36

According to official figures, over the past twelve months, Japan has scrambled a number of fighter jets, among escalating tension with China.

Speaking on the issue, the Japanese Air Self Defence Force affirmed that the jets had been scrambled for about 1,168 times in the past twelve months up to the end of March 2017.

This is reported to be a sharp increase paralleled to the previous twelve months where fighter jets were deployed 873 times.

Based on the report, it was recorded that 851 jets were used to ward off Chinese planes seen to be coming close to Japanese air space.

It was also recorded that Russian planes, which is mostly made up of bombers, poses serious concerns after flying from the north and it comes close to Japan, having 301 incidents – an increase of 4.5%.

The reported figure comes among fears by Japan that the Chinese government is increasing its military activities in a bid to get influence in the East China Sea.

The US and Japan have been collaborating close to the Korean peninsula, amid global tensions

The joint exercises are seen as a show of strength against the sabre-rattling of North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong-un.

Reports that the North Korean leader was preparing to detonate a nuclear device have emerged overnight with the Voice of America reporting the country had plans to test a bomb buried in a tunnel.

Journalists visiting North Korea have have been told to prepare for a "big and important event" on Thursday as Pyongyang marks the 105th birth anniversary of its founding president Kim Il Sung on April 15, North Korea's biggest national day called "Day of the Sun”.

However, the military exercises by Japan will anger China, which has supported North Korea.

It has reacted by scrambling 25,000 more troops to the border with North Korea and put the country on “nationwide alert”.

The extra troops are on top of the 150,000 which were mobilised on Sunday to the area.

China’s armoured and mechanised infantry brigades in the Shandong, Zhejiang and Yunnan provinces have been given the go-ahead.

Tensions regarding North Korea have threatened to boil over in recent weeks after US President Donald Trump promised to deal with the nation unilaterally should China not help and put pressure on their neighbour and ally.

The US President tweeted: "North Korea is looking for trouble. If China decides to help, that would be great. If not, we will solve the problem without them! USA.”

Michael Barnier accused by EU businessmen for delaying their time on striking a trade deal with the UK

Michael Barnier accused by EU businessmen for delaying their time on striking a trade deal with the UK

World Unknown   08:09

Business leaders from the EU member nations lambasts Barnier for going into a sluggish trade deal with the United Kingdom.

This was made known by a top figure from a leading engineering firm based in France, as businesses are being forced to hold on as Barnier slowly leads the EU on Brexit negotiations with the UK.

Also speaking was Laurent Viatte, director of marketing and development at Spirax Sarco France, as he was joined by European wine producers who together said lack of EU negotiations could possibly make UK purchasers to look elsewhere for their products instead of the European continent.

Speaking to Yvelines Television, Mr Viatte said: “We’re firstly worried about the effect on the exchange rate, which could impact our purchasing power, which is hugely important in England.

“Secondly, we are worried about the customs union and our ability to access the European market.

“We’re effectively waiting on Michel Barnier, who will negotiate in the interests of Europeans within the framework of an agreement.

“We’re waiting to see whether free trade of goods between the UK is going to continue as normal, which would limit the impact on our business between France and the UK.”

They accused Michael Barnier and his colleagues from the EU for being reluctant in discussing future trade deals with the UK, as they keep insisting for the UK to pay the huge divorce bill before any deal on trade could be reached.

It has been said that should the two years end without any deal being reached by both parties, there could be queues of Lorries at Dover.

He said: “The price of greatness is responsibility. When a country leaves the union, there is no punishment.

“There is no price to pay, but we must settle the accounts. No more, no less. We will not ask the British to pay a single euro for something they have not agreed to as a member.”

His reluctance to negotiate is also biting hard on Italian wine makers who are fearful of their future. They believe if the EU does not strike a deal UK purchasers will favour products from the Commonwealth region, where they are likely to strike a deal quicker.

Speaking to AFP, Cesare Cecchi, director of Italian firm Famiglia Cecchi wine cellar, said: “Clearly the level of taxation is a crucial element because if it increases the price of our wines too much, I mean European ones, they won’t be able to compete with other types of wine.

“Honestly, I am very concerned, above all because of the uncertainty.”

The Italian said firms “have to hope” Brussels can reach a successful conclusion to trade talks with the UK Government.

Mr Cecchi added: “We have to hope that good common sense prevails.

“Don’t forget the UK exports over two billion euros of spirits to Europe.”

Alex Canneti, of Berkmann Wine Cellars, a British wine wholesaler, said he had warned his European counterparts of the potential dangers.

He said: “I warned the Italians, we may have bilateral treaties with Commonwealth countries like Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

“That will be pretty quick after the two-year negations with Europe.”

Shetland Island threaten to snub Scotland and retain their British nationality should Scotland becomes independent

Shetland Island threaten to snub Scotland and retain their British nationality should Scotland becomes independent

World Unknown   08:05

The people of Shetland has given Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon a big blow with respect to her clamour for a second independence referendum for Scotland.

Lord Norman Lamont has come out to publicly condemn Sturgeon’s independence campaign, threatening that, in the event of the First Minister successfully taking Scotland out of the rest of the UK, Shetland Islands could possible become a British overseas territory.

The former chancellor branded the nationalists’ threat of a second referendum “wrong” as he disputed in favour of the Shetland Islands cutting ties from an independent Scotland.

Faroe Island and Denmark were cited as examples to what may happen, if Scotland becomes independent from the rest of the UK, by the Lerwick born Tory peer.

Made up of 18 islands, the Faroes are part of Denmark but have control of their own domestic affairs and rejected EU membership when the Danes joined in 1973.

Lord Lamont disclosed this during a press statement with the Shetland Times, as he said: “In the event of Scotland becoming independent if a majority of Shetland Islanders thought that was a sensible thing and a good thing, I think it should be pursued if Scotland were independent.

“I think looking for a Faroese-type devolution would be a perfectly legitimate thing to ask for.”

Lord Lamont, who backed Brexit but is against Scottish independence, insisted he was not trying to “stir it up” but “it’s always seemed to me an idea that was likely to rear its head again in the event of Scottish independence”.

He was quick to blast the SNP’s attempt to hold a second separation vote, just three years after Scot rejected the idea in 2014.

Also speaking, he said: “I hope we won’t have a second referendum.

“Referenda should be occasional, you can’t just keep testing public opinion until you get the answer you want - that’s quite a wrong way of proceeding.

“I think referenda ought to be rare events to measure the detail of public opinion.”

For the meantime, backing for the Shetland Islands remaining part of Britain is gathering force among islanders themselves. 

Also, Andrea Mason, a Shetland councillor and leading figure in the political movement Wir Shetland, described the islanders' plan to remain part of Britain as “wonderful”.

She said: “We would like control of the seabed around us, the fishing ground around us, and the freedom to get rid of some of the bureaucracy that comes down from the EU, Westminster and the Scottish parliament.

"Our seas are being plundered by foreign boats. We also contribute an enormous amount of money to the national economy through taxes, through the oil revenues, and yet we don't get back our fair share."

Theresa May told to place a five-year ban on unskilled migrants

Theresa May told to place a five-year ban on unskilled migrants

World Unknown   07:46

In a bid to reduce immigration to the tens of thousands, a new strategy has been proposed to the Prime Minister to enable her hit the proposed target.

The proposal states that the UK government should introduce a five-year freeze on unskilled migrants into the country, and also enforce a 50, 000 cap on immigration annually on new arrivals coming into the Britain.

According to the advocate of the proposals, known as Leave Means Leave, the strategy if adopted will go a long way in helping to reduce migration to the level it was in the 90s.

The group, backed by former Cabinet ministers as well as 15 Tory MPs, says Brexit provides a “golden opportunity” to curtail immigration at last.

Though this new measure is being targeted against migrants who have no skills coming from other EU nations, as they make about 80 percent of people coming into the UK.

The blueprint for “fair” immigration has been drawn up by former UKIP leadership candidate Steven Woolfe.

He wants to see the introduction of a “British working visa system” and have Parliament vote each year on a figure for net migration.

This is coming after so many Leave supporters expressed their anger against the PM’s statement last, which says that freedom of movement into the UK may continue after 2019 into an “implementation period” after leaving in 2019.

“It won’t mean pulling up the drawbridge as we will continue to encourage the best and the brightest to migrate and settle here.

“But by introducing strict controls, an annual cap and a five-year freeze on unskilled migrants, it will reduce net migration year on year, lessen the strain on our public services and help build a more cohesive society”.

He further said that only those who already have jobs in the UK with a salary of not less than £35,000, passed an English test, signed a five-year private health insurance contract, with prove of sufficient money in the bank should be granted visa.

He also included in his proposals a combined work visa and an Australian style points system that will help to determine the yearly immigration need for different parts and sectors in the UK.

Moreover, he advised the government not to give any special preference to EU nationals in their Brexit negotiation.

Suggesting that those living here in the UK should be given the right to stay, while all those who came into the country after Article 50 was triggered in March 29, should not be given same rights.

The report says there should be no cap on highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors or those in the highly skilled top category, or restrictions on students. 

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.”