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UK to ask EU leaders to expel Russian spies from own countries

22Mar

By Faraz ShauketalyNo Comments

Main Story, World

UK to ask EU leaders to expel Russian spies from own countries

Theresa May to make request at summit, with aim of closing down Kremlin networks in Europe. Britain will encourage European leaders to expel Russian intelligence agents from their own countries in a bid to dismantle the Kremlin’s networks across Europe, warning that the west faces a long-term threat from Vladimir Putin. Theresa May will ask European leaders to examine Britain’s response to the use of a nerve agent against a Russian double agent and his daughter in Salisbury and step up their own measures when they meet in Brussels on Thursday. The prime minister will brief leaders over dinner at the European council summit, where she will stress a pattern of aggressive Russian behaviour. “The challenge of Russia is one that will endure for years to come,” she will say. “...

Brexit bill: Government loses key vote after Tory rebellion

The government has been narrowly defeated in a key vote on its Brexit bill after a rebellion by 11 Tory MPs. In a blow to Prime Minister Theresa May, MPs voted to give Parliament a legal guarantee of a vote on the final Brexit deal struck with Brussels. The government had argued this would jeopardise its chances of delivering a smooth departure from the EU. Despite a last-minute attempt to offer concessions to rebels, an amendment to the bill was backed by 309 to 305. Ministers said the “minor setback” would not prevent the UK leaving the EU in 2019. Of the Conservative MPs who voted against the government, eight are former ministers. One of them, Stephen Hammond, was sacked as Conservative vice chairman in the aftermath of the vote. “Tonight I put country and constituen...

Brexit: UK divorce bill offer ‘worth up to 55bn euros’

The UK has offered a larger potential “divorce bill” to the EU – which could be worth between 40bn and 55bn euros (£35bn-£49bn), the BBC understands. BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said the offer was communicated to Brussels after last week’s crucial cabinet meeting. There has been no final agreement on a number but the larger offer was given a “broad welcome” by Brussels, she said.No 10 has played down reports agreement has already been reached. The amount of money the UK will pay as part of Brexit has been one of the main sticking points in the first round of negotiations with the EU. In September Theresa May suggested the UK was willing to pay about 20bn euros, and the EU has been calling for its offer to be increased. The UK is hoping to move on to talking about trad...