Lead News

Brexit-backing MPs have reacted angrily to the idea that the UK’s transition out of the EU could be extended for another year, to the end of 2021. No. 10 refused to rule out an extension after a summit of EU leaders in Brussels failed to make progress.   The move could buy the two sides more time to come up ...

Theresa May will urge other EU leaders to give ground on the issue of the Irish border when she addresses them at a summit in Brussels later. Brexit talks are deadlocked over the border, but the EU says it’s up to the UK to bring new ideas to the table.   BBC political correspondent Iain Watson says Mrs May will ...

Protocol was well and truly flouted on the latest leg of the royal tour when a five-year-old boy touched Prince Harry’s beard. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are touring Australia and New Zealand after announcing they’re expecting a baby.  Five-year-old Luke Vincent was allegedly mesmerised by the duke’s facial hair because his “favourite person in the world is Santa ...

Theresa May will try to rally ministers behind her this morning at the start of a critical 48 hours for Brexit. On Monday, the PM told MPs an agreement with the EU was “still achievable” despite apparent deadlock over the issue of the Irish border.   EU officials, though, have warned no-deal is “more likely than ever before”.   The ...

Prime Minister Theresa May has called for “cool, calm heads” as she insisted a Brexit deal was “still achievable” despite differences with the EU. She said it was “frustrating” the two sides could not agree how to guarantee no hard border in Northern Ireland.   The issue could not “derail” the chances of striking a deal, she said.   And ...

A British student has been charged with spying in the United Arab Emirates, officials have said. The UAE government said on Monday that Matthew Hedges was accused of “spying for and on behalf of a foreign state”.   Mr Hedges, a PhD student at Durham University, was arrested on 5 May in Dubai and has reportedly been held in solitary ...

Cabinet ministers should “exert their collective authority” and rebel against Theresa May’s proposed Brexit deal, ex-Brexit Secretary David Davis has said. The PM has suggested a temporary customs arrangement for the whole UK to remain in the customs union while the Irish border issue is resolved.   Brexiteers suspect this could turn into a permanent situation, restricting the freedom to ...

Forecasting body blames growing risks of no-deal Brexit as it downgrades estimate The British economy is heading for its worst year in almost a decade amid the growing risks from no-deal Brexit, according to a leading economic forecaster. After official figures revealed zero growth in GDP in August, the EY Item Club said the economy would struggle to recover in ...

Minister’s remarks contradict PM’s and follow warning of poll tax-style backlash Theresa May faces a House of Commons revolt over universal credit after the minister responsible for the system contradicted the government line and admitted it will leave some families “worse off”. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) needs to pass regulations in order to implement the next phase ...

Downing Street spokeswoman tries to ease cabinet Brexiters’ concerns over Irish backstop Downing Street has insisted the government will not sign up to any deal with the EU that would keep the UK in a customs union indefinitely, as the prime minister tries to assuage concerns in her cabinet. British negotiators in Brussels are thought to be preparing to sign ...