Politics

Thursday, August 31st 2017 - 07:08 UTC
May/Abe pledge closer security cooperation; formal trade discussions on Thursday

Britain and Japan on Thursday pledged closer cooperation on defense, cyber security and counter-terrorism as Prime Minster Theresa May looks to strengthen relations with one of her closest allies ahead of Brexit. May arrived in Japan on Wednesday afternoon for a three-day visit and met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for informal talks over dinner in Kyoto. May also took part in a Japanese tea ceremony
Wednesday, August 30th 2017 - 20:05 UTC
British Retail warns that a 'no deal scenario' with EU means urgent updating of Customs services

Brexit brings risks of food shortages if the UK does not manage to get its customs processes sorted out, the British Retail Consortium has warned, but Brexit campaigners said technology meant there would be “no need for hold-ups at borders”.
Wednesday, August 30th 2017 - 08:35 UTC
Meirelles expects the Brazilian economy to grow between 2.5% and 3% in 2018

Brazil's Finance Minister, Henrique Meirelles, said on Monday that he expects the economy to grow “at around 3%” in 2018. His statement was made a few minutes after a ministerial meeting at the Planalto Palace, at a time when the government is preparing itself to confront a new charge against President Michel Temer.
Wednesday, August 30th 2017 - 08:14 UTC
Euro at its strongest against the US dollar for the first time since 2015

The Euro has hit US$1.20 for the first time since January 2015 as the prospect of a US interest rate rise recedes. Hurricane Harvey's impact has led analysts to assume the US central bank will not want to risk curbing economic growth and fears over North Korea's activities have unnerved investors.
Wednesday, August 30th 2017 - 08:07 UTC
Anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd admits defeat: “we can't match Japan's military surveillance technology”

The anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd has announced it will not intercept Japanese vessels in the Southern Ocean this season. The group's ships have confronted Japanese vessels off Antarctica each year since 2005.
Wednesday, August 30th 2017 - 07:42 UTC
Cristina Fernandez just manages to obtain the most votes in Buenos Aires Province Senate primary

Argentina ex-president Cristina Fernandez group “Citizens' Unity” obtained a significant 34.27% of votes cast in the August 13 PASO primary (open, simultaneous and mandatory) in the province of Buenos Aires to choose Senate candidates for the October 22 midterm election, according to the definitive vote count.
Wednesday, August 30th 2017 - 07:28 UTC
Mexico tells “twitter” Trump it will not renegotiate NAFTA via social media

Mexico will not renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement or any other aspect of its relationship with the United States via social media or the press, the Mexican government declared Sunday.
Wednesday, August 30th 2017 - 07:20 UTC
Scotland's Labour leader resigns saying it was time “to pass on the baton”

Kezia Dugdale has resigned as the leader of the Scottish Labor, claiming it was time to “pass on the baton”. Ms Dugdale insisted she had not been forced to relinquish the role, despite claims supporters of Jeremy Corbyn wanted her out.
Wednesday, August 30th 2017 - 07:14 UTC
Theresa May in Japan for a round of trade, Brexit outcome and defense talks

British Prime Minister Theresa May is in Japan for a round of trade and security talks. During her stay, the Mrs. May will hope to further along progress over an “ambitious” trade deal with Japan ready for when Britain quits the European Union.
Wednesday, August 30th 2017 - 06:49 UTC
None of UK papers on Brexit process are satisfactory, says EC president Juncker

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has delivered a fresh rebuke to Theresa May over her Government’s handling of the Brexit process. He said official papers setting out the UK Government’s positions were not satisfactory and it was “crystal clear” that an “enormous amount” of issues needed to be settled before talks on a future trade deal could begin