ENGLISH

    Theresa May faces fresh allegations of rigging Parliament over a near-unprecedented move to prevent MPs amending the Budget. Labour has accused the Prime Minister of running scared of an expected attempt to use the Finance Bill to force a vote on scrapping VAT on domestic fuel. With the Democratic Unionist Party likely to oppose the Government on such a vote, it left her facing a possible embarrassing defeat, the Opposition claimed. An amendment was expected because like the notorious £350m-a-week extra for the NHS zero-rating of fuel was a key plank of the Vote Leave campaign that secured Brexit. The controversy comes hard-on-the-heels of the row over the Conservatives seizing control of all Commons committees despite losing their majority at the general election. The Ind...

    The former international development secretary said we should have had more conviction and clarity of our end-state destination. A key figure in the Vote Leave campaign during 2016's EU referendum, Ms Patel admitted the current state of negotiations was not ideal at all. Theresa May She also suggested Cabinet ministers were to blame for splits at the top of the party attacking those trying to crowbar the Prime Minister. Responding to an audience question at a Spectator event on Monday night, Ms Patel said: I think she is juggling now with a difficult set of cards, post-the election, and not a strong majority. But also, as you said, personalities and certain views in Cabinet as well trying to crowbar and put their own marker, in terms of direction of travel on Brexit. Ms Pa...

    The European Parliament waded into the dispute as a senior Irish politician warned that any watch towers put up on a new hard border with Northern Ireland risked coming under attack within days. Speaking to the Evening Standard, Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament’s chief Brexit negotiator, demanded that Theresa May come up with fresh thinking to defuse the border stand-off, or risk stalling talks. For us, dividing up Ireland is not an option at all, he said. The European Parliament fully backs the Irish government concerns about the negative impact of Brexit and the need to ensure the continuity and stability of the Northern Ireland peace process. He insisted that a UK offer include a commitment to stick to European Union rules and regulations within Northern Ireland...

      The first UK civil claim against Harvey Weinstein has been issued in the High Court. A woman, who worked in the film industry and wishes to remain anonymous, is alleging a series of sexual assaults by the film producer. The claim, which was lodged by personal injury lawyer Jill Greenfield on the woman's behalf, is expected to exceed £300,000. Harvey Weinstein denies any allegations of non-consensual sex. The claim form, which has been seen by the BBC, states the woman is seeking damages for personal injury, expenses, and consequential loss. It also includes a claim against the Weinstein Company UK Ltd and the Weinstein Company LLC in the US, who are liable as employers of Weinstein. It's understood the woman has not yet submitted an official complaint to Scotland Y...

    The news was confirmed this morning by a delighted Prince of Wales in a statement that also revealed the couple became engaged in London earlier this month. Visiting Poundbury in Dorset the Prince of Wales told reporters he was thrilled and very happy indeed. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said: We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together. The statement did not reveal the exact date or location of the ceremony but said further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course. Confirmation of the engagement comes after an eighteen month romance between the 33 year old Prince, who is fifth in line to the throne, and the 36 year year old American actress. A Buckingham Pa...