Day: March 21, 2018

    The hard fought agreement between the UK and EU over a 21 month transition period after Brexit has been thrown into doubt after Spain refused to endorse the deal without further concessions over Gibraltar. With days to go before the 27 EU leaders are expected to welcome the two sides coming together over a 129-page withdrawal agreement, including the terms of the transition, Madrid said it was withholding its support. It is understood that Spain, which lays claim to the Rock, wants the legal text to be clearer that it has a veto on Gibraltar continuing to enjoy the benefits of the single market and the customs union. While EU officials are confident they can persuade Spain to back the withdrawal agreement before a sign-off by leaders in Brussels on Friday, it would...

    Nearly two dozen Russian diplomats expelled by the British Government have left the UK as Theresa May promised stricter border checks on those whose activities threaten the security of the Britain and its allies. Former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, remain in a critical condition after being poisoned in Salisbury on March 4. On March 14, the Prime Minister gave the 23 diplomats whom she said were undeclared intelligence agents a week to leave Britain. Russia responded by expelling the same number of British diplomats, who are expected to leave in the coming days. Diplomats and their families emerged from the Russian Embassy in west London with suitcases, bags and pet carriers. Some hugged before boarding vehicles to Stansted Airport...