Monthly Archives: January 2017

THE LADY AND THE TRUMP: THE FIRST DATE

by Kate Burrows-Jones; World Media North America Editor

As first dates go, the first formal get-together between British Prime Minister Theresa May and newly elected US President Donald Trump wasn’t bad. But if Ms. May is to turn this into Thatcher-Reagan redux, and partner with Mr. Trump to produce the legacy-defining accomplishments for her premiership that she seeks, she may need a little dating advice.

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The Hysteria on US “ Muslim Ban” What are the Facts?

By Kate Burrows-Jones, World Media North America Editor

President Trump Executive order is but sharpening existing laws set by his predecessor President Obama restricting entry to nationals of seven nations. ( below also include links to the full text of the order and related subjects)

Fake news indeed. There is no Executive order banning Muslims. President Donald Trump’s, perhaps ill-founded, ill-fated 90 day ban is based on President Barack Obama’s restrictions on Seven nations. Nobody cared when he did it, so was it a Muslim ban then? The law was written to address security concerns after the Paris Attacks, passing with overwhelming agreement. Voting was bipartisan, it passed the House 407-19.  What Trump did was apply a sharp force, a halt on movement, and cruelly with no notice to let people prepare. Let the people decide if it is wrong, but to call it “Muslim” in nature, is also wrong without reading the full executive order.

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The Lady And The Trump

Kate Burrows-Jones, North America Editor .

 

Distinguished as the first world leader to make an official visit to the new   American president, Prime Minister Theresa May stood out as something else,    an articulate and persuasive, Twenty First Century Iron Lady. She reminded her Republican audience of the best of Britain and America’s grand mutual historic past through world war and cold war, “It is the relationship between us that has defined the modern world.” She touched down on the common ground of British conservatism and Republican ideals of liberty, representative government, the dignity of work, the principle of nationhood, fiscal responsibility.

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Command Papers: What is a White paper?, MPs Demand One On Article 50

Although most Members of parliament MPs who ( I’d say 90%) asking for a government white paper are a die-hard remainers/remoaners who’s aim is to delay and frustrate plans to trigger Article 50  hoping for a second referendum a handful are genuine in holding gov to account. But parties are standing in different position on the issue, only one Tory MP  is with remain for example on triggering the article by end of March as the Prime Minister stated.

In reaction to the Supreme Court Ruling which went against the government, the latter is preparing a bill before parliament within days as secretary of State for Leaving the European Union David Dvis MP told the commons yesterday in a heated debate that helped flush out those who want reverse the result of the EU referendum.

During today’s Prime Minster’s questions the leaders of the opposition and one Tory backbenchers repeated the demand for a White paper. The white paper will be more or less the PM Lancaster House announced plan. This speech, unlike a ministerial statement, or a green/white paper, didn’t give MPs the chance to have a debate,  the kind of ” dancing on a pinhead” pedantically structured arguments, duel of wits on the floor of the house etc. A white-paper will give this self-indulging chance. For the benefit of those unfamiliar with the different types of command papers, read the details below on the difference between Green and White paper:
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Britain First as Trump Trades-in Trading Partners

By Kate Burrows-Jones North America Editor

British Prime Minister Theresa May will meet with President Donald Trump in the US on Friday. Trade is set to be at the top of their agenda, as his spokesman, Sean Spicer, said in a press briefing on Monday, adding that the American leader was looking forward to a positive and warm meeting.  “We always had a close and special relationship, but we can also be closer,” the White House Press Secretary told reporters.  The Prime Minister will be the first world leader to meet with the US President indicating a resounding reinforcement of the special bond between the US and UK. The Prime Minister is expected to talk about free trade and NATO.

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Mr Trump Goes to Washington-And Takes It Out To The Woodshed.

By Kate Burrows-Jones, North America Editor

Sworn into office, the keys to power transferred, former President Obama thanked and acknowledged for a ‘magnificent’ transition, President Donald J. Trump brandished a rhetorical cane and set about delivering a verbal spanking to the Washington, DC establishment — much of which was arrayed on the stage behind him, including four of the five living former presidents.

The United States is in an unusual position having so many living former presidents that the booming smack was louder than it might have been. Powerful presidents and leaders who shaped generations sat behind him. President Jimmy Carter, President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Clinton, President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush (President George H W Bush was ill and could not attend) Their expressions could not be held back for all the years of practice and became a news topic. Michelle Obama’s shocked look was most prominent.

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Syria Peace Talks Start in Astana Next week: Minefields Ahead?

 Adel Darwish

Talks due to start 23 January  in  the Kazan capital Astana between Syrian government and many opposition, armed and civilian groups, and their backers in a settlement process sponsored by Russia  and participation  of Turkey, Iran and possible  Gulf Arab states raising  hopes to end to a  five year blood civil war; but there are several dangerous mines on the road The talks were part of a comprehensive plan  started with a Russian Turkish imposed  ceasefire on December 30.

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Prime Minister Swings Lady Thatcher’s Handbag at Brussels

No deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain.”

Speaking from Lancaster House, where Britain announced entrance into the single market, the Prime Minister announced the UK’s departure, making her most detailed statements yet on the Government’s Brexit strategy.

By Kate Burrows-Jones
WorldMedia North America Editor

“The United Kingdom is leaving the European Union. My job is to get the right deal for Britain as we do.”

The Prime Minister has declared that Britain will be independent of the European Union, a sovereign nation. She will pursue a clean break from the EU, making clear that Britain will no longer be part of the EU but emphasising its new role as a global trading nation, governed by a unified British people, not by a supra-national power.  She will restore parliamentary democracy to the UK.  Throughout the speech, the Prime Minister returned to the theme of a “Global Britain,” a world leader in free trade.

“Not partial membership of the European Union, associate membership of the European Union, or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out. We do not seek to adopt a model already enjoyed by other countries. We do not seek to hold on to bits of membership as we leave.”

The Prime Minister laid out a 12 point plan to leave the EU. The official account of the Prime Minister, @Number10gov, tweeted out the major points while the speech was in progress.

May has promised to be clear wherever possible with the British people, the public sector, and business leaders. The same rules will apply to all sectors after Brexit as before and the final deal will be put to a vote in both Houses of Parliament. This news produced a strong rally in the pound against the dollar and the euro.

British sovereignty and British rule of law will be restored; Britain will also leave the jurisdiction of the European courts: “We will take control of our laws.”    

Membership in the single market will not occur because membership would leave EU law with ongoing sway over the UK: “Luxembourg will not have law-making powers.” She stressed that membership in the customs union would bind Britain to EU rules and would need to take a new form. It could be negotiated.

The Prime Minister strongly pledged to strengthen the bonds of the united United Kingdom keeping the union intact of Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland acting in the interests of the devolved powers. She pledged to protect each one’s interests in any deal and to protect common resources.

Other key points include:

A deal that allows for the common travel area between the Republic of Ireland and the UK will be an important position for the UK. She stressed families and relationships as a foundation for an open travel area. The two countries had open borders before they both joined the EU.

The UK will take a position to protect the rights of EU nationals in Britain and British nationals in the EU.

A pledge to protect the rights of British workers following Britain’s departure from the Union.

The UK will go global, and seek to restore its position as a world leader in free trade, seeking agreements with the United States, the Commonwealth, India, and the European Union. She stressed both a desire for and a belief in the mutual benefit of free trade with the European Union.

The UK will take a leading role in science and innovation.

The UK will cooperate on crime, counter-terrorism, and foreign affairs as it has for 40 years protecting borders

To the mutual benefit of the UK and the European Union, she said a phased approach to Brexit must occur for the stability of both.

 

Prospect for US Trade Deal Gives May Timely Brexit Leverage.

In about 11 hours Prime Minister Theresa May will give a speech at Lancaster House, London to outline her strategy for leaving the European Union 

by Kate Burrows-Jones
WorldMedia North America Editor
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In a keenly anticipated speech this morning, Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to formally announce that the United Kingdom is leaving the European Union and will present a strategy to do so. May will respond to critics, who have accused her of lacking a clear strategy for Brexit, by providing more detail than ever before regarding the Government’s plan. This comes as the Chancellor of the Exchequer , Philip Hammond, pledged that the country would do whatever it has to do if the EU attempts to impose tariffs and trade restrictions on the UK when it has left the EU.

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