The twists and turns of Brexit – after more than three years of negotiations – dominate an EU summit on Thursday, amid signs of an emerging deal. Intensive negotiations went on all day on Wednesday to nail down complex special arrangements for Northern Ireland, the main sticking point in the …
Read More »Brexit: EU and UK agree to ‘intensify’ talks
EU countries have agreed to “intensify” Brexit talks with the UK over the next few days. The development comes after a meeting in Brussels between Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, described by both sides as “constructive”. But UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said there was …
Read More »No-deal Brexit would push UK debt to 50-year high, says think tank
Even a “relatively benign” no-deal Brexit would push UK debt to its highest since the 1960s, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has said. The think tank said borrowing was likely to rise to £100bn and total debt would soar to 90% of national income. “The government is now adrift …
Read More »Brexit: Protests as five-week Parliament suspension begins
Parliament has officially been suspended for five weeks, with MPs not due back until 14 October. Amid unprecedented scenes in the Commons, some MPs protested against the suspension with signs saying “silenced” while shouting: “Shame on you.” It comes after PM Boris Johnson’s bid to call a snap election in …
Read More »Brexit: Election discussions in No 10 amid Brexit battle
Boris Johnson is considering seeking an early general election if MPs wanting to block a no-deal Brexit defeat the government this week. The BBC understands “live discussions” are going on in No 10 about asking Parliament to approve a snap poll. Political editor Laura Kuenssberg said it could happen as …
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