Tuesday, 11 December, 2018
  • Economy
  • Eurostar services could stop under 'no-deal' Brexit, government paper warns

Eurostar services could stop under 'no-deal' Brexit, government paper warns

Boris Johnson calls for PM May to ditch Brexit border backstop Report sounds alarm about Brexit risks to UK clinical trials environment
Priscilla Morrison | 13 October, 2018, 13:23

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt and the Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom also said to have "deep concerns".

Sammy Wilson said: "It was a way of reminding the government that while our vote wasn't important last night, it would be important some time in the future and we would have no hesitation withholding it if we thought that was a necessary sanction to impose".

It came as Mrs May's "inner cabinet" was briefed last night on plans for a no-deal Brexit amid reports that progress ahead of a crucial European Union summit next week had been slower than hoped.

The Downing Street spokeswoman repeated that Britain wanted a new trade deal by the end of December 2021 at the latest, although she declined to confirm the backstop would be "time-limited".

Speaking during an interview on Sky News, Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab said: "We are confident that we will have continuity on Eurostar".

Brussels has insisted that, as an insurance plan, the backstop can not by its very nature have an end date.

"That won't wash. The British people voted to take back control over money, laws, borders and trade", said former Brexit minister Steve Baker, one of a powerful group of eurosceptic Conservative MPs in parliament.

The prime minister briefed ministers on negotiations yesterday amid speculation that the government is moving closer to a deal with Brussels.

More news: Senate Reaches Deal On 15 Judges

They also come with threats by May's Northern Irish allies to withdraw their support and force her to face a potential confidence motion that could lead to early elections.

Chancellor Philip Hammond became the first senior Government figure to suggest that the backstop - created to keep the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic open in the case that no broader EU/UK trade deal is finalised - will "probably" have to come into effect for a period.

EU leaders have a two-day summit starting Wednesday, and sources have claimed Mrs May will keep the entire United Kingdom inside the Customs Union for a potentially unlimited time frame, stopping the nation controlling trade policy.

May hopes British negotiators can strike a deal over the weekend, which she can discuss with the cabinet on Tuesday.

Both sides had set the October 18 summit as the deadline for a divorce deal, but the timetable is slipping, with another summit in November now looking likely.

A Number 10 source said that the Government's position had not changed and "big issues" had yet to be ironed out.

If a deal is done, he suggested Britain could enjoy a "deal dividend" which "should deliver us an upside in the form of higher economic growth and better outcomes".

The future of the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland has proved to be a key issue in the Brexit talks.

Why Amal Clooney and More Stars Missed Princess Eugenie's Wedding
Pope accepts Cardinal Wuerl's resignation over sex abuse cover-up

Recommended

  • Hurricane Michael kills 11 across four U.S. states

    Hurricane Michael kills 11 across four U.S. states

    And at daylight, search and rescue teams went door to door looking for people who may still be trapped inside their homes. Michael was the fourth hurricane to make landfall in the U.S.as a Category 4 storm in the past 14 months.
    India wins election to UN Human Rights Council in Asia-Pacific category

    India wins election to UN Human Rights Council in Asia-Pacific category

    One of the body's more controversial members, Venezuela, will be replaced after serving two terms on the council. Along with India, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Fiji and the Philippines also staked a claim in the same regional group.
    Hillary calls for end to civility

    Hillary calls for end to civility

    Or, as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell put it: "No peace until they get their way". I remember the swift boating of John Kerry.
  • At least eight climbers killed on Nepal peak

    At least eight climbers killed on Nepal peak

    Nepal is home to 8 of the world's 14 highest mountains including Mount Everest, and the autumn climbing season is now at its peak. Kim Chang-ho, the fastest person to climb the world's 14 highest mountains without using supplemental oxygen, is among the dead.
    Germany to extradite suspect in killing of Bulgarian journalist soon

    Germany to extradite suspect in killing of Bulgarian journalist soon

    Celle prosecutors also approved his extradition to Bulgaria, which they said will take place within the next 10 days. In a statement, the German prosecutor said Mr Krasimirov denied intending to kill her, raping her or robbing her.
    Russian Federation opens criminal probe over failed rocket launch

    Russian Federation opens criminal probe over failed rocket launch

    An "anomaly" with the booster led to the voyage to the International Space Station being aborted two minutes in, NASA said. With the two astronauts on board now safe, ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst is giving us a new perspective on today's launch.
  • Facebook: Latest hack exposed 20M fewer users than first thought

    Facebook: Latest hack exposed 20M fewer users than first thought

    According to Facebook, the Federal Bureau of Investigation requested the company to not disclose who might be behind the attack. Access tokens work as digital keys, letting those who hold them log into Facebook accounts without entering a password.
    Housemates accuse Dipika Kakar of being two-faced

    Housemates accuse Dipika Kakar of being two-faced

    Do you also think that Nehha will be the next to get evicted from the Bigg Boss house? All of them start talking together. During the captaincy task, Saba gets violent with Shrishty, owing to which, she threatens to leave the show.
    South African apartheid-era foreign minister Pik Botha dies

    South African apartheid-era foreign minister Pik Botha dies

    Former colleagues, friends and political parties have paid tribute to former government minister Pik Botha. Pik Botha, South Africa's foreign minister in the last years of apartheid, has died at the age 86.
  • Southgate keeps Sancho in reserve for Croatia revenge mission

    Southgate keeps Sancho in reserve for Croatia revenge mission

    Because they had a real lesson in the summer about playing a World Cup semi-final. We showed good endeavour and creative play.

    UK Chancellor: Brexit talks have become positive

    Speaking to Sky News in Galway, Mr Coveney said: "If the issues aren't resolved in three years you can't do away with the insurance mechanism".
    Justin Thomas Rejects Patrick Reed’s Claim In Ryder Cup Row

    Justin Thomas Rejects Patrick Reed’s Claim In Ryder Cup Row

    Reed made headlines for his heated comments , in which he claimed it wasn't smart for someone with his Ryder Cup resume to be sat twice.

Pope accepts Cardinal Wuerl's resignation over sex abuse cover-up Pope accepts Cardinal Wuerl's resignation over sex abuse cover-up However, the grand jury documented other cases where accused priests in Pittsburgh were allowed to return to parish work. In accepting his resignation now, Francis asked that Wuerl remain as the apostolic administrator of the archdiocese.

The longest flights in the world The longest flights in the world The earlier version of this Singapore Airlines route, a decade ago, used four engine planes , and they weren't efficient enough. The world's longest commercial non-stop flight will take off from Singapore Changi Airport at 4.45pm United Kingdom time today.

Why Amal Clooney and More Stars Missed Princess Eugenie's Wedding I'm sure the "president" will be delivering a "failing Amal Clooney " tweet at some point during his next unhinged rant. In a hearing watched across the nation, Ford detailed the alleged sexual assault that took place the summer of 1982.

Shanghai Masters: Alex de Minaur exits at the hands of Alexander Zverev Shanghai Masters: Alex de Minaur exits at the hands of Alexander Zverev Edmund will play fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the last eight, after he beat Australia's Alex de Minaur 6-1 6-4. Zverev said that Basilashvili, who is up to a career-high ranking of 23, "knows how to play, definitely".

Retail Inflation Stays Below RBI Target For Second Month In A Row Retail Inflation Stays Below RBI Target For Second Month In A Row Inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (Combined) had stood at 3.28 per cent in September past year . The median of 39 estimates in a Bloomberg survey of economists was for a 4.02 percent gain.

World's longest flight from Singapore to NY takes off World's longest flight from Singapore to NY takes off Long-haul flights halfway across the globe are making a comeback even with oil prices close to their highest in four years. And if the airline's International Culinary Panel of celebrity chefs can't tempt you, you can always pre-order a burger.

Watch Boston Dynamic's Humanoid Robot Do Parkour Like A Pro Watch Boston Dynamic's Humanoid Robot Do Parkour Like A Pro Boston Dynamics points out that Atlas is using its whole body, this including the arms and torso, to perform the jumps. A new video of the Atlas humanoid showing off proves that its backflips nearly a year ago were just the beginning.

MeToo complaints to be probed by committee of retired judges: Centre MeToo complaints to be probed by committee of retired judges: Centre Several women journalists have come out against M J Akbar, Minister of External Affairs, accusing him of sexual misconduct. She said when women have started talking their allegations should be taken seriously.

Agency: 11 baby bodies found in closed Detroit funeral home Agency: 11 baby bodies found in closed Detroit funeral home WDIV said that Detroit police have ordered an entire building search to ensure there are no additional bodies inside. The bodies of 11 infants were discovered at the shuttered Cantrell Funeral Home in Detroit on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018.

Brewers reach NL C'ship Series with sweep of Colorado Brewers reach NL C'ship Series with sweep of Colorado Oberg was standing on the rubber throwing the ball in the air and catching it, except Oberg failed at the catching part. Plenty of credit goes to the Brewers pitching staff, especially the insane talent they brought out of the bullpen.

How to watch Dodgers vs. Braves NLDS Game 4 How to watch Dodgers vs. Braves NLDS Game 4 Rich Hill of the Dodgers walked five in 4 1/3 innings, including a pair leading off the fifth that set up Suzuki's two-run single. With the series on the line, the Indians sent Mike Clevinger to the mound against Dallas Keuchel with the season on the line.

US Marshals recover 123 missing children in Michigan county in 1 day US Marshals recover 123 missing children in Michigan county in 1 day Out of the more than 300 missing children in the state, we're told more than 123 missing children were found. The Child Recovery Unit was requested to assist on 30 missing child cases two weeks prior to the sweep.

Pat Riley reportedly unloaded on Tom Thibodeau Pat Riley reportedly unloaded on Tom Thibodeau Whether we like Eric Gordon or not, unless the team decides to keep a frustrated $20 million dollar man on board a sinking ship. Wiggins was not with the team Friday because his girlfriend is expecting a baby.

Reign Of Terror Is BlizzCon Leak — Blizzard Denies Diablo Reign Of Terror Is BlizzCon Leak — Blizzard Denies Diablo In a Facebook video posted on August 8th, community manager Brandy Camel revealed that Blizzard was working on new Diablo games . The newest illustrations and graphics we're seeing here in the Blizzard Shop are interesting no matter their connected media.

Rochester Hills man found guilty for shooting at unarmed black teen Rochester Hills man found guilty for shooting at unarmed black teen Jeffrey also claimed he had no idea the person on his porch was a teenage boy until he saw the surveillance video . I told her, 'No, I go to Rochester High; I'm just looking for directions to Rochester High'".