Barclays expands EU operations ahead of Brexit
Barclays is beefing up its corporate banking operations in key EU countries ahead of Brexit as the lender looks for ways to serve clients in Europe.
EU
Sales of new petrol and diesel cars must end by 2030 to meet climate targets, says report
A new report has suggested that the EU may struggle to meet its climate targets without an earlier ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.
Ireland’s foreign minister calls for Brexit deal talks to be ramped up
Ireland’s Foreign Affairs minister said negotiations on the Brexit withdrawal deal needed to be ramped up after Theresa May told European leaders Chequers was the only route to a deal.
Divisions exposed as EU seeks Egypt’s help in stemming flow of migrants
Austria has urged its European Union partners to enter talks with Egypt to help stem the flow of migrants entering Europe from Africa, amid deep divisions over how to manage the challenge.
Scottish business confidence drops amid no-deal concerns
Small business confidence has dropped sharply and Scottish businesses are among the most concerned in the UK about a no-deal Brexit, new figures show.
Sterling takes Brexit punishment on topsy turvy day
Sterling endured another rollercoaster session on Wednesday, with the British currency jumping after higher than forecast inflation and then plummeting on renewed Brexit fears.
Theresa May’s EU withdrawal plan a ‘non-starter’, warns former Brexit minister
Former Brexit Secretary David Davis is set to brand Theresa May’s Chequers plan for EU withdrawal as a “non-starter”.
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay to celebrate European ties as UK prepares for Brexit
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations will celebrate the ties between Scotland and the continent as the UK prepares to leave the EU, organisers have announced.
What is a people’s vote and who supports it?
Campaigners opposed to Brexit and others against the Government’s favoured approach have called for a “people’s vote”.
Police response to Brexit should be delivered at UK level, chiefs say
The policing response to Brexit should be delivered at UK level while recognising Scotland’s “distinct constitutional arrangements”, police chiefs have agreed.
UK ‘should not favour EU workers’ after Brexit – migration report
EU nationals should be subject to the same rules as migrants from the rest of the world after free movement ceases to apply in the UK, according to a Government-commissioned report.
Cable: Brexit hardliners ignoring massive costs of EU withdrawal
Hardline Brexiteers are ignoring the massive costs of EU withdrawal for the “erotic spasm” of breaking with Brussels, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable will say.
Robot bricklayers to descend on Brexit Britain as developers grapple with skills shortage
Armies of robot bricklayers could become a common sight in Brexit Britain as construction firms turn to machines to make up for the loss of skilled labour from mainland Europe.
‘What is’ and ‘when is’ among most Googled questions on Brexit
Brexit has dominated the political agenda since Britain voted to leave but it seems many people still do not know what it is or when it is happening.
Scottish Government raises no-deal Brexit passport and driving licence concerns
The risk of travellers being refused entry to EU countries following a no-deal Brexit unless they have six months validity on their passport is “appalling”, the Scottish Government has said.
British TV will still be ‘European’ post-Brexit
Television and media productions made in the United Kingdom will still be classed as “European” after Brexit.
No-deal Brexit would bring recession, unemployment and higher prices – Moody’s
Britain would fall into recession, the pound would collapse and shop prices would rocket in the event of a no-deal Brexit, credit ratings agency Moody’s has warned.
European Parliament backs changes to copyright rules
The European Parliament has voted in favour of new copyright rules that could shake up the way internet companies use media, books, music and other content posted online.
MEPs back action against Hungary for undermining EU values
MEPs have voted overwhelmingly for action against the Hungarian government for undermining the bloc’s democratic values and rule of law.
Juncker plans to send thousands of extra guards to police EU borders
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has unveiled plans to recruit 10,000 staff to the EU’s coastguard and asylum agency to improving border policing and speed up the deportation of illegal immigrants.
EU will work day and night to achieve Brexit deal, says Juncker
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has said Brussels will work “day and night” to reach a Brexit deal.
SNP demands freedom of movement over North Sea Brexit warning
The SNP has called on the UK Government to ensure freedom of movement post-Brexit following a warning it could lead to the shutdown of North Sea platforms.
Hard Brexit ‘could lead to platforms being shut down’, warns Oil and Gas UK
A “hard Brexit” could lead to the shutdown of North Sea oil and gas platforms, Oil and Gas UK has warned.
Farmers call on politicians to get ‘shoulder to the wheel’ on Chequers plan
Farming leaders have urged politicians to get behind Theresa May’s Brexit plan for the sake of the agricultural sector.
Business chiefs deride Tories over Brexit shambles
Leading City and political figures have rounded on the Conservatives over their “disastrous” handling of Brexit, warning that Britain risks ending up with the “worst of leave and the worst of remain”.
Swedish PM brands political rivals ‘racist’ ahead of polling day
Sweden’s prime minister denounced an increasingly popular far-right party as racist and a threat to the nation’s European values on Saturday as political candidates made their final pre-election pitches to voters.
Ashmore to open Irish office as part of Brexit plans
Fund manager Ashmore is set to open an office in Ireland as part of Brexit contingency plans as it seeks to ensure access to EU clients following Britain’s divorce.
Apple’s takeover of Shazam gets green light
EU authorities have cleared Apple’s £300 million takeover of UK music recognition app Shazam.
Pound spikes after reports of Brexit breakthrough
Sterling jumped on Wednesday afternoon following reports that Britain and Germany are preparing to drop key Brexit demands, paving the way to a deal in the coming months.
Sterling slide helps FTSE 100 snap losing streak
Sterling started the week on the back foot on Monday, dragged down by weak manufacturing figures and yet more Brexit uncertainty.