UK in CJEU
In the case of MB v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions C-451/16, the CJEU has ruled against the UK, stating that a person who has changed their gender cannot be required to annul the marriage which he or she entered into before that change of gender in order to be entitled to receive a retirement pension at the age provided for persons of the sex which he or she has acquired.
Evaluation of UK’s international obligations
British foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, is heading for a clash with Russia by using a meeting in the Hague to force a vote demanding weapons inspectors are given expanded powers to identify those responsible for using chemical weapons in Syria.
The Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament has published two reports, here and here, considering the scale of the UK’s role in detainee mistreatment and rendition since 9/11, and the current issues relating to it.
UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU
A pro-Corbyn group is to launch its own drive for a “people’s vote” on a final Brexit deal, with the aim of persuading leftwing Labour members concerned about backing a cross-party campaign.
Nine EU member states are set to sign off on the establishment of a joint European military intervention force, an initiative which has won the backing of the UK as it seeks to maintain defence ties after Brexit.
According to senior Conservative politicians, over 50 Tory MPs are ready to block any attempt to crash Britain out of the EU without a deal, including some sitting ministers.
The Public Accounts Committee has emphasised that clarity on costs is crucial to a meaningful vote on Brexit, warning that the final Brexit bill could soar by billions as ministers have failed to account for extra spending.
Tony Blair has warned that Theresa May should prepare to delay the Brexit date to prolong negotiations and allow the British people a “final decision”.
Former Brexit minister George Bridges has argued that Britain’s failing Brexit strategy needs rebooting as not being prepared to walk away has left the UK in a dire position.
Former No.10 chief of staff, Nick Timothy, has warned that Britain is heading for the “very worst” Brexit deal because Theresa May is being undermined by some of her own ministers. However, ahead of the EU summit, Theresa May has insisted that the Brexit talks are still on track.
At the summit, Theresa May told European leaders last night that they were putting their citizens’ lives at risk by allowing Brussels to restrict security co-operation with Britain after Brexit.
Brussels has stepped up its emergency planning for a no-deal Brexit including keeping the Channel tunnel open and sustaining financial services.
Michel Barnier has stated that the EU wants an ‘ambitious partnership with the UK, but that ‘time is very short’ and ‘huge, serious differences’ exist between the bloc and Britain, criticising the UK over the pace of Brexit talks.
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