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Tag: theresa may

  • Brexit: Theresa May will reconsider £39bn bill if there’s no deal

    Till with sterling and euro notes Image copyright Reuters

    Theresa May has said she will reconsider paying the £39bn Brexit divorce bill if the UK is unable to reach a deal with the EU.

    Speaking in Parliament, she said the UK was a law-abiding nation which would honour its international commitments.

    But asked by Tory MP Chris Philp what would happen in the event of a no deal, she said the “position changes”.

    “The specific offer was made in the spirit of our desire to reach an agreement with the EU,” she added.

    The proposed financial settlement is part of the withdrawal negotiations that both sides hope to complete by November at the latest ahead of the UK’s exit next March.

    The UK and EU agreed in principle in December that the UK would pay about £39bn to cover outstanding financial obligations and future liabilities arising from its EU membership.

    Mrs May was asked by Chris Philp whether the payment was dependent on reaching an agreement on the UK’s future relations with the EU that was “satisfactory” to MPs.

    He also urged the prime minister not to be “locked into” any financial agreement unless there were guarantees the UK would be free to work on new trade agreements during the proposed transition period ending in December 2020 and to sign them the moment it leaves.

    In response, Mrs May said the negotiations were being conducted on the basis that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”.

    “We are very clear we need to have a link between the future relationship and the withdrawal agreement.”

    Tory MPs have expressed concerns that the UK could find itself paying the money with no guarantees over its future trade relationship, Boris Johnson suggesting the UK has agreed to “hand over £40bn of taxpayers’ money for two-thirds of diddly squat”.

  • Arlene Foster to meet prime minister in London

    Arlene Foster Image copyright PA Image caption DUP leader Arlene Foster had given a cautious welcome to plans to cut MLA pay and give civil servants more power

    DUP leader Arlene Foster is expected to meet the prime minister and secretary of state in London on Wednesday to discuss the government’s latest proposals over the Stormont deadlock.

    Karen Bradley has proposed a cut to MLA pay and plans to provide greater powers to local civil servants.

    The DUP gave the development a cautious welcome.

    It described it as a small step, but argued that there remains a need for ministerial decision making.

    NI secretary announces MLA pay cut Who’s calling the shots on NI policy? Stormont still dormant after 541 days

    The Northern Ireland Assembly has not sat for 20 months.

    Separately, pro-Brexit Conservaties are expected to publish a paper later on Wednesday focusing on the border and the backstop policy, which is central to the UK’s current negotiations with the EU.

    Tory Brexiteers have been strongly critical of Theresa May’s decision to sign up to a backstop.

    The launch of their paper is expected to be attended by former Brexit Secretary David Davis, former Northern Ireland Secretaries Owen Paterson and Theresa Villiers, former Northern Ireland First Minister Lord Trimble and Jacob Rees-Mogg, the chairman of the eurosceptic European Research Group.

  • May’s £106m power to push green cars

    Nissan Leaf Symbol copyright Getty Images Symbol caption A Nissan Leaf uses a charging element in Stockport

    New investment of greater than £100m to boost low and nil-emission vehicles in the UNITED KINGDOM can be introduced by Theresa Would Possibly on Tuesday.

    The top minister will tell the 0 Emission Vehicle Summit in Birmingham she needs Britain to be a leader in green technology.

    The £106m funding boost can even duvet analysis and building for new battery and hydrogen technology.

    Mrs May is expected to say the government has an “ambitious venture”.

    “Our Highway to Zero Technique is essentially the most complete plan globally – mapping out intimately how we can achieve our objective for all new automobiles and vans to be effectively 0-emission by means of 2040,” she is going to say.

    “Those measures will drive the layout, use, uptake and infrastructure important for purifier, greener vehicles – and in doing so, it is going to help us appreciably scale back a major contributor to our international warming emissions.”

    Electrical automobiles transfer into rapid lane Sales of electric cars surge Dyson gears up for electric car checking out

    Mrs Might can even dangle spherical-table talks on creating the zero-emissions market and attracting extra foreign investment to the united kingdom at the summit.

    The talks will contain supply-chain companies from Germany, the united states, Japan, China, Spain and India.

    The govt will also screen a world initiative aimed toward dashing up the deployment of green vehicles and introduction of zero-emission infrastructure.

    The first signatories to the so-called “Birmingham deceleration” include Italy, France, Denmark, the UAE, Portugal, Belarus and Indonesia.

    The summit will even be attended via World Business Secretary Liam Fox, Delivery Secretary Chris Grayling and Business Secretary Greg Clark.

  • Labour pledges ‘gig economy’ rights spice up

    John McDonnell Symbol copyright PA

    Labour would extend staff’ rights and “repair the balance of energy within the administrative center”, shadow chancellor John McDonnell is to pledge.

    he’ll promise extra rights for people running within the so-known as gig financial system.

    In his speech to the Trades Union Congress in Manchester, Mr McDonnell will say a “new administrative center atmosphere” will boost productivity.

    The Tories mentioned unemployment is at an all-time low with millions of low-paid employees given a pay upward thrust.

    what is the ‘gig’ economy? Unions call for 4-day working week TUC problems EU referendum caution to May

    BBC political correspondent Iain Watson stated that when a summer of difficult headlines, Labour was once trying to set a extra positive time table on the TUC convention.

    Mr McDonnell is expected to say staff in insecure employment might be given equivalent rights to those in everlasting work, including eligibility for unwell pay.

    “Labour’s programme of place of work reform will repair the steadiness among business enterprise and employee with a vital extension of business union rights, modernising company governance structures and lengthening the opportunity for staff to percentage jointly in the advantages of ownership of their company,” he’ll say.

    “Labour’s common-sense manner will forge a new place of business atmosphere most fitted to meeting the demanding situations of Britain’s ongoing low productiveness and the emerging fourth industrial revolution.”

    he will say zero-hours contracts and the gig financial system – that’s characterized by way of brief-term contracts and versatile hours – have produced “a place of work setting of lack of confidence now not noticed because the thirties”, and he’s going to accuse the Tories of “cumulative legislative assaults on business union freedoms”.

    “The decline of collective bargaining has meant that workers additionally now have little say over the key decisions taken through their employers over the long run of their firms,” he will say.

    Chancellor Philip Hammond hit again, pronouncing: “that is Labour’s document on workers – the ultimate Labour government left over half a million more other people out of work, and each Labour govt leaving place of job with unemployment upper than while it started.”

  • Tories should unite at the back of new Brexit plan, says Steve Baker

    Video ‘It’s approximately policy, now not the PM’

    (more…)

  • Brexit: Boris Johnson’s backstop grievance ‘foolish’

    Boris Johnson leaving 10 Downing Street Image copyright AFP Image caption Mr Johnson defined Theresa May’s Brexit plans as ‘feeble and pathetic’

    Boris Johnson’s name to scrap the Northern Ireland backstop has been called “foolish” and “incendiary”.

    The MP has hit out at Theresa Would Possibly’s Brexit plans, accusing her of wrapping a suicide vest across the UNITED KINGDOM.

    Sinn Féin mentioned the feedback confirmed Northern Ireland was “collateral injury” for birthday party in-fighting.

    The SDLP stated Mr Johnson was “deliberately simplifying” the Irish border issue. Then Again, the DUP welcomed the former international secretary’s input.

    the united kingdom and the eu signed as much as the primary of a backstop in December 2017, but neither can agree on what it should look like in a legally binding textual content.

    Image copyright Getty Photographs Image caption Each The United Kingdom and the european have mentioned they don’t want to see a troublesome Irish border

    talking to BBC News, Sinn Féin MLA Máirtin Ó Muilleoir stated Mr Johnson’s feedback have been “appalling” and the language used to be “silly and threatening”.

    “Any Individual who does not know how fragile the peace here is, and the way fragile the growth we have made is, should not be gazing the inside track because for SIX HUNDRED days we haven’t been in a position to shape an area government here as a result of fault lines inside this society remain,” he stated.

    The SDLP’s Brexit Spokesperson Claire Hanna mentioned Mr Johnson had “absolutely no regard for individuals in this island”.

    “He Is totally detached to the complexities of problems right here; he’s intentionally simplifying issues and is implying the border factor is set marking a line and completely ignoring regulatory problems, besides as all of the political problems that plummet into peace and the great Friday Settlement.”

    ‘Constitutional time-bomb”

    However, Sammy Wilson from the DUP welcomed the former international secretary’s input.

    In a statement the MP for East Antrim stated he needed Mr Johnson had made the feedback faster and that he believes the backstop must be rewritten.

    “The Ones crying loudest are embarrassed on the fact of the have an effect on of the arrogant ECU calls for on The Uk being uncovered,” stated Mr Wilson.

    “Boris Johnson is saying not anything that the DUP has now not been pronouncing since the withdrawal agreement was first drafted in December 2017.

    “the reason why we stopped it being signed in its original form used to be exactly for the explanations which Boris Johnson has outlined.”

    Symbol copyright Reuters Image caption Prime Minister Theresa May has rejected the ecu’s backstop option

    the uk is due to go away the ecu in only over six months’ time.

    During the summer season the ecu’s leader negotiator, Michel Barnier, referred on a couple of events to the european’s willingness to “make stronger” the backstop.

    But he gave no indication that there could be significant movement on its substance.

    Several of the pro-stay parties in Northern Eire are as a result of shuttle to Brussels later this month to satisfy Mr Barnier in regards to the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland.

  • Steve Baker: 80 MPs will vote in opposition to Chequers Brexit plan

    Steve Baker Symbol copyright Reuters Image caption Steve Baker says the Conservative Birthday Party may just “break up” over the PM’s Brexit plan

    As many as EIGHTY Conservative MPs are prepared to vote towards the prime minister’s Chequers plan, a former Brexit minister has warned.

    Steve Baker, who give up over the deal, stated the extent of competition method Theresa Would Possibly faces a “huge downside” at this month’s birthday party’s conference.

    He informed the clicking Affiliation the birthday celebration will undergo a “catastrophic break up” if Mrs May sticks with the Chequers deal.

    the cabinet sponsored the plan when it met on the PM’s us of a residence in July.

    The settlement, which resulted in the resignations of then-Brexit Secretary David Davis and the previous International Secretary Boris Johnson, units out a blueprint for the long run dating with the ecu as soon as the united kingdom leaves in March 2019.

    Image copyright Crown Copyright by way of PA Symbol caption Theresa Might’s cupboard agreed the Chequers plan in July, however it ended in a number to resignations

    Regardless Of his grievance, Mr Baker said he used to be no longer calling for a change in leadership, including that Tory critics of Chequers “don’t wish to be in a position of battle with our personal top minister”.

    He stated they would supply her “completely every fortify” in forging a free business deal – which the ERG plans are said to focal point on.

    But with EIGHTY of Mrs Would Possibly’s own party willing to vote in opposition to her Brexit plan, and Labour indicating they will in addition, he mentioned it could be “fanciful” to be expecting her to protected parliamentary approval.

    The intervention comes after per week of criticism for the Chequers deal from former International Secretary Boris Johnson.

    Symbol copyright Reuters Image caption Boris Johnson has criticised the Chequers deal in a number of newspaper articles

    He led to controversy over the weekend with a column in the Mail on Sunday, calling the PM’s plan a “suicide vest” around the united kingdom, with the detonator in Brussels’ hands.

    A selection of senior Tories criticised the language he used, with one minister pronouncing it marked a “disgusting moment” in politics.

    But other colleagues of Mr Johnson mentioned critics have been “frightened of his widespread enchantment” and that he “speaks truth unto energy”.

    However The current International Secretary Jeremy Hunt – also writing within the Mail on Sunday – called for people to rally behind Mrs May, backing her to hold the road “within the face of intense force”.

    When will a deal be done?

    A deal on the uk’s withdrawal settlement was once expected to be agreed in time for an ecu summit in October, in conjunction with a press release from all sides on the long run dating.

    However, a number of senior figures have stated this closing date may slide into November.

    the united kingdom is due to leave the european on 29 March 2019.

  • Boris Johnson compares Chequers deal to ‘suicide vest’

    Boris Johnson with Theresa May at cabinet Symbol copyright Reuters Symbol caption Boris Johnson has faced complaint from fellow MPs for his language in the Mail on Sunday article

    Boris Johnson has attacked Theresa’s Would Possibly’s Brexit plan, announcing she had “wrapped a suicide vest” around the British constitution and “passed the detonator” to Brussels.

    Writing in the Mail on Sunday, the previous international secretary mentioned the Chequers deal had opened the uk to “perpetual political blackmail”.

    Mr Johnson give up his submit in July after the plan as agreed by way of the cabinet.

    A Few Tory MPs have strongly criticised his language in the article.

    Writing within the same paper, the present Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt called at the usa to “back” the top minister and her plan.

    Overseas Place Of Job Minister Sir Alan Duncan criticised his former boss, pronouncing the item used to be “one among probably the most disgusting moments in brand new British politics.”

    He added that if this up to date broadside used to be not the tip of Mr Johnson’s political career, “i can ensure that it is later”.

    Mr Hunt expressed his improve for Mrs May and the Chequers deal in the newspaper on the opposite web page from Mr Johnson’s article.

    He wrote that the PM is “better than someone i do know at preserving the line within the face of excessive pressure”.

    But he known as at the united states of america to “unite in the back of her” to reinforce her place.

    “Parliament will, of course, have the danger to discuss and vote on any agreement,” wrote Mr Hunt.

    “Until then, we should always now not rush to judgement on a deal that may be nonetheless beneath negotiation.

    He delivered: “On The Other Hand tough the negotiations, we mustn’t ever and can not forget about the need of the British other folks.

    “So that is the instant to again the top minister who is made up our minds to deliver on their instructions.”

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  • Global leaders back UNITED KINGDOM Novichok allegations

    The UN Safety Council, of which Russia is a permanent member, along China and UNITED KINGDOM allies the u.s. and France, is meeting in The Big Apple to discuss the latest growth in the investigation.

    Prosecutors in the UK imagine there is sufficient proof to rate the 2 Russian nationals with offences including conspiracy to murder; tried murder and the use and possession of Novichok opposite to the Chemical Guns Act.

    Russia doesn’t extradite its nationals, however a european Arrest Warrant has been acquired in case the pair shuttle to the EU.

    Mr Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, had been poisoned with Novichok on 4 March. Det Sgt Nick Bailey additionally fell ill after responding to the incident in Salisbury.

    Police have additionally linked the attack to a separate Novichok poisoning on 30 June in nearby Amesbury, that resulted in the death of 44-year-antique mom-of-three Break Of Day Sturgess and harmed her family member Charlie Rowley.

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  • WHAT IS THE Brexiteers’ selection plan?

    Cyclist riding through field in Cudham, Kent Symbol copyright Getty Images Image caption The Future of Britain’s farming business after Brexit will be among the topics addressed

    As Westminster is settling right down to the next section of its collective gentle frightened breakdown, the pushback to Brexiteers’ complaint of Theresa Might’s Chequers plan is that the naysayers should not have their very own.

    it is not that far off from pronouncing ‘come and have a cross if you happen to think you’re onerous enough’!

    Or, in additional polite terms, the sort that your parents may need instructed, in case you do not have anything else nice to mention, do not say anything at all.

    Those in executive are deeply pissed off that they get knocked about by means of grievance from Brexiteers (and not simply Boris Johnson, honest) who are presently engaged in an overt plan to kill off the prime minister’s plan, in response to months of work, however are yet to front up with their very own notion.

    within the coming days, the Brexiteers, organised at the back of the scenes through that robust grouping, the ERG, which regular readers here will be very conversant in, have a plan to counter that accusation.

    Symbol copyright PA Image caption the previous foreign secretary is amongst people who want to show there may be otherwise ahead

    On Monday, we should see an evidence of the Brexiteers’ imaginative and prescient for cash and migration, and then on Wednesday for answers to be presented for the a very powerful Northern Irish border query and different issues like agriculture and fishing.

    the speculation isn’t, sources say crucially, to place drive straight away on Theresa Might to trigger a few kind of putsch.

    However don’t be in any doubt, it’s a delicately worked-via plan designed to present alternatives to what the federal government has placed on the table, calculated to drive the prime minister to ditch the coverage.

    At-a-glance: The UNITED KINGDOM’s four Brexit options

    Of course, via publishing their own plans, the Brexiteers’ will put up themselves to the same more or less scrutiny that the government itself has.

    it is something, they are neatly conscious, to be merely critics, relatively some other to decide to choices that it is likely Number 10 will waste little time in tearing down.

    The rising consensus among Brexiteers seems to be that it is better to provide another that shall be open to complaint, than face the price of getting no labored out concepts of their own.

    the theory, whilst ministers say to MPs ‘well it is Chequers or nothing’, is their resolution can fill in that blank. And to check out, particularly, to make Theresa May carry out a huge U-flip sooner than the Tory convention and admit, whether or not privately, tacitly, or publicly, that the July cost simply can’t stand.

    Symbol copyright UNITED KINGDOM Parliament/Mark Duffy Image caption Critics of Mrs Would Possibly’s way insist they wish to change policy, not leader

    The Ones inquisitive about designing the “chuck Chequers” plan are careful to point out that they might completely give a boost to the high minister in moving place. The situation being, if she does their bidding, they will not seek to break her additional.

    The political truth is just too that while many Brexiteers would be ruthless in looking to achieve their political purpose, their intention at the moment, and this is going for Boris Johnson too, is that the target is converting the policy, now not converting the Tory party’s leader.

    Yet for the ones in executive at the moment, there’s no doubt in any way of ditching the Chequers deal. Remember it is just the basis for a negotiation, and it took the federal government years (sure years) to return to that place. And insiders say for all the claims of Chequers being dead, in reality it will to a big extent be a part of the eventual deal.

    In other phrases, take into account that, remember, remember that Chequers was once at all times a document from which a negotiation would in the end start, and inside of govt there’s nonetheless a powerful belief that parts of it’s going to live to tell the tale.

    There Is an acknowledgement inside govt too that the following few weeks can be extraordinarily checking out. But at this time, there’s not even a sniff that they would have the option, despite the fact that keen, to present one inch to the Brexiteers.

    But they are organised, made up our minds and prepared to take a look at to drive her to move, and may need more of their armoury if the top minister sticks to her flooring.