Stories for 2019

Thursday, January 31st 2019 - 09:33 UTC
Irish backstop is “part and parcel” of the UK's Brexit deal and stands as it is

The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier says the Irish backstop is “part and parcel” of the UK's Brexit deal and will not be renegotiated. Speaking at the European Parliament, Mr Barnier said it was a “realistic solution” to preventing a hard border.
Thursday, January 31st 2019 - 09:30 UTC
UK car industry on “red alert”: Brexit uncertainty had done enormous damage

Investment in the UK car sector almost halved last year and output tumbled as Brexit fears put firms on “red alert”, the industry's trade body said. Inward investment fell 46.5% to £588.6m last year from £1.1bn in 2017, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says.
Thursday, January 31st 2019 - 09:28 UTC
Barclays is transferring €190bn of assets from London to Dublin

Barclays is moving €190bn (£166bn) of assets to Dublin because it “cannot wait any longer” to implement its Brexit contingency plan. The High Court, which has approved the move, says the move involves 5,000 clients. However, few jobs in London are expected to be affected.
Thursday, January 31st 2019 - 09:25 UTC
Washington warns traders not to deal with gold or oil “stolen from the Venezuelan people”

The White House warned traders on Wednesday not to deal in Venezuelan gold or oil following its imposition of stiff sanctions aimed at forcing socialist President Nicolas Maduro from power.
Thursday, January 31st 2019 - 09:22 UTC
German economy threatened by a chaotic Brexit, warns Berlin's economy minister

The clouds darkened over Europe's slowing economy on Wednesday as the German government slashed its growth forecast and said concerns about a chaotic Brexit and trade tensions were holding back the continent's powerhouse. Germany's Economy Ministry said Wednesday it was cutting its 2018 forecast to 1% from 1.8% in its previous outlook issued last fall.
Thursday, January 31st 2019 - 09:18 UTC
Poland and Germany inclined to strike a renewed Brexit deal with Britain

The Polish Prime Minister and senior German politicians have urged Brussels to strike a Brexit deal with Britain in the first sign of divisions within the European Union over its blanket opposition to offering fresh concessions to Theresa May.
Thursday, January 31st 2019 - 09:15 UTC
Federal Reserve adopts “wait and see” policy. Economy facing contradictory picture of crosscurrents, says Powell

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday signaled its three-year-drive to tighten monetary policy may be at an end amid a suddenly cloudy outlook for the U.S. economy due to global headwinds and impasses over trade and government budget negotiations.
Thursday, January 31st 2019 - 09:11 UTC
Juan Guaidó: Venezuelans, Strength Is in Unity

To end the Maduro regime with the minimum of bloodshed, we need the support of pro-democratic governments, institutions and individuals the world over.
Wednesday, January 30th 2019 - 20:55 UTC
Venezuela: Socialist International recognizes Guaidó and calls Maduro “illegitimate”

The Council of the Socialist International (SI) approved a communique on Tuesday where they recognize deputy Juan Guaidó and the Venezuelan National Assembly as the only legitimate power of leading a process of democratic transition in Venezuela.
Wednesday, January 30th 2019 - 10:05 UTC
Dam burst in Brazil: Police arrests five engineers responsible for environment impact licenses

Police in Brazil have arrested five people as part of an investigation into Friday's dam collapse in Brumadinho. At least 65 people died and 300 remain unaccounted for, when toxic sludge engulfed a company canteen and neighboring residential buildings.