Europe Should Tell US to Stop Listening to Clowns: Iran’s Zarif

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said Europe could play a useful role in defusing tensions with the United States “by informing the US of the serious error in their analysis, and that they should stop listening to clowns”.

Zarif said that Iran's next steps will depend on the US reaction, after Iran fired missiles at two Iraqi bases hosting US troops in retaliation for the US assassination of military commander Qassem Soleimani.

Al Jazeera's Dorsa Jabbari reports from Tehran; Al Jazeera's Gabriel Elizondo reports from Washington, DC.

Ursula von der Leyen: UK Deadline Makes Full Brexit Deal Impossible

THE GUARDIAN: EU commission chief questions Johnson’s timeframe as she arrives for Downing Street talks

The president of the European commission has said it will be “impossible” for the UK to negotiate a comprehensive deal covering all aspects of Brexit within the timeframe set by Boris Johnson.

Speaking before her first face-to-face bilateral meeting with the prime minister in Downing Street on Wednesday, Ursula von der Leyen said the price of the clean-break Brexit the prime minister is pursuing was a “distant” partnership with the EU.

Unless the UK accepted a level playing field in the UK and EU’s trade positions after Brexit, there would inevitably be barriers for British manufacturing, she said in a speech at the London School of Economics.

At the same event, the EU’s Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, warned in an impromptu exchange that leaving the EU was not a simple process and involved renegotiation of “600 international agreements” as well as the new free trade agreement.

“It is basically impossible to negotiate all,” said Von der Leyen. » | Lisa O'Carroll, Brexit correspondent | Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Bernie Sanders: Trump Administration Hasn't a Clue about What It's Doing

Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders says that the letter released by mistake regarding troops in Iraq sends a message that the "Trump administration hasn't a clue about what it is doing."

Former Top Bush Official: I Saw the March to War in 2003. I’m Seeing the Same Thing with Iran Now

We look at the Trump administration’s assassination of Iran’s top military commander Qassem Soleimani with Lawrence Wilkerson, a retired United States Army colonel who served as Secretary of State Colin Powell’s chief of staff from 2002 to 2005. On February 5, 2003, he watched as Powell made the case for war in a speech to the United Nations. He has since become an outspoken critic of U.S. intervention in the Middle East. In 2018, Wilkerson wrote an article for The New York Times titled “I Helped Sell the False Choice of War Once. It’s Happening Again.”

Soleimani’s Death Could Galvanize Shia Coalitions against One “Foreign Aggressor” — The US

Fallout continues to mount following the U.S. assassination of Iran’s top military commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad last week. Iranian media reports that over a million mourners took to the streets of Tehran today for the funeral of Soleimani, who headed Iran’s elite Quds Force. On Sunday, Iran announced it would suspend its commitments under the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, which the U.S. pulled out of in 2018. Trump has also threatened to target 52 locations in Iran, including cultural sites, if Iran retaliates against the U.S. The targeting of cultural sites is widely viewed as an international war crime. Meanwhile, Iraq’s caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi has revealed he had plans to meet with Soleimani on the day he was killed to discuss a Saudi proposal to defuse tension in the region. From Washington, D.C., we speak with Narges Bajoghli, professor of Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University and the author of “Iran Reframed: Anxieties of Power in the Islamic Republic.”

Let’s Try and Brighten Up This Depressing, Trumpian Dystopia with This Wonderful Pop Classic by Stevie Wonder!

From ‘Songs in the Key of Life’

Trump Steps Up Rhetoric against Iran, Threatens Iraq Sanctions

US President Donald Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric with Iran and Iraq late on Sunday, warning of a "major retaliation" if Iran strikes back to avenge the US assassination of one of its top military commanders and threatening sanctions on Iraq after its parliament called on American troops to leave the country.

Asked on Air Force One about potential retaliation by Iran, Trump said: "If it happens, it happens. If they do anything, there will be major retaliation."

Al Jazeera's Gabriel Elizondo reports live from Washington, DC.

U.S. and Iran Exchange More Threats as Democrats Question Timing of Strike

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Oil prices surged and the stock market fell after President Trump ordered the killing of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani in Baghdad.

WASHINGTON — The United States and Iran exchanged escalating military threats on Friday as President Trump warned that he was “prepared to take whatever action is necessary” if Iran threatened Americans and Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed to exact vengeance for the killing on Mr. Trump’s order of Iran’s most valued general.

Although the president insisted that he took the action to avoid a war with Iran, the continuing threats further rattled foreign capitals, global markets and Capitol Hill, where Democrats demanded more information about the strike and Mr. Trump’s grounds for taking such a provocative move without consulting Congress.

Democrats also pressed questions about the attack’s timing and whether it was meant to deflect attention from the president’s expected impeachment trial this month in the Senate. They said he risked suspicion that he was taking action overseas to distract from his political troubles at home, as in the political movie “Wag the Dog.” » | Michael Crowley, Peter Baker, Edward Wong and Maggie Haberman | Friday, January 3, 2020

James Ivory on ‘Call Me By Your Name’ | TIFF 2018

Legendary writer and director James Ivory (Howards End, The Remains of the Day) joins us for an extended introduction and audience Q&A to this year's art-house sensation ‘Call Me By Your Name’, a tender love story set in 1980s Italy for which he wrote the award-winning screenplay.

US Forces Kill Top Iranian General in Airstrike

US forces have killed a top Iranian general in a drone airstrike on Baghdad airport - an attack that marks a dramatic escalation of tensions with Tehran.

Iran immediately threatened a "crushing revenge" for the assassination in Iraq of Major General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force and spearhead of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East.

The Pentagon confirmed US forces had killed the general, a revered figure in the region, on Friday.

Australian PM told to '**** Off' over Handling of Bushfires

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison was confronted by angry residents as he toured the town of Cobargo in New South Wales.

The Guardian at Tiff 2017: Cast and Crew of ‘Call Me By Your Name’

In the first of three sessions from the Toronto film festival, the team behind acclaimed gay romance Call Me by Your Name – actors Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet, and director Luca Guadagnino

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — January 2, 2020

Angela Merkel's New Year's Address: 'The 2020's Can Be Good Years' | DW News

In her annual New Year's address, German Chancellor Angela Merkel risked a glance into the new decade. She cited digitization and climate change as the central challenges of our times. According to Merkel, "Germany will only thrive in the long term if Europe thrives too."

Merkel’s New Year Speech Calls for Action on Climate and Tolerance »

The Observer View on Britain’s Future in an Uncertain and Perilous World

THE OBSERVER: Johnson will struggle to get Brexit done, let alone lead the country in an increasingly volatile age

Boris Johnson is fond of metaphors such as an “oven-ready” Brexit. He recently compared the struggle between Leave and Remain to the feuding of Montagues and Capulets. So the prime minister will readily understand, though probably not applaud, our likening of Britain in 2020 to a leaky tramp steamer heading into uncharted waters with a captain of doubtful character at the helm. Is Johnson a new Lord Jim? Time will find him out.

To say the coming year is full of challenges is a comforting way of saying Britain will be tested, perhaps to breaking point, in ways not often experienced. A critical hurdle, following Britain’s 31 January departure from the EU, is Johnson’s rash pledge to finalise a new European trading relationship by year’s end. People with experience of trade negotiations, and that excludes him, say it cannot be done, unless, of course, Britain meekly accept Europe’s demands. Any deal that fails to meet the expectations of Brexit supporters, for example, Britain’s fishermen, or does not secure the promised zero tariffs and quotas, for example, for Britain’s car industry, will be seen as proof that Johnson’s Brexit is fatally holed below the waterline. Failure to reach any agreement at all, resulting in a disastrous “no-deal” exit, would be an even bigger betrayal, especially of the working-class voters who put their faith in the Tories. » | Observer editorial | Saturday, December 28, 2019

Love – More Than a Feeling | DW Documentary

What is love? Love is more than a feeling: it is a driving force that can influence both brain and body. Recent scientific studies show how much love can really change people's lives.

Love is not only a topic in art, but also in science. Few other emotions can trump human reason like love. Love is an instinct like eating and drinking - primitive but vital. It is not romance but above all biology that brings two people together: we can identify the right partner for us by their scent, just as animals do. Recent research shows that the sense of smell, especially in women, has a significant influence on the choice of partner. Love can make wounds heal faster, lower your pulse rate and blood pressure and reduce anxiety and stress. But it can also make you sick and even kill you: "Broken Heart Syndrome” can be as dangerous as a heart attack. Love isn’t just about sex, but sex nurtures love between two people. Every touch causes the brain to release oxytocin, a hormone that triggers feelings of care and affection. And the love hormone isn’t just behind the passion of the newly smitten, but also behind the bond between parents and children and the affection for a pet. In fact, it makes social coexistence possible in the first place - for humans as well as for rats or ants. Love is above all a matter of biochemistry and scientists may one day even create a love pill in the laboratory. This science documentary shows in an entertaining way what love is, what it does to people - and how it stays alive.

Phil Collins – Can't Stop Loving You | Official Music Video

“Can’t Stop Loving You” is the tenth song by Phil Collins on his seventh solo album ‘Testify’, released in 2002.

Author André Aciman: 'I Wrote about Gay Love, Not Realising I Was Taking On the Taboo'

André Aciman is an author and academic, renowned for his novel 'Call Me by Your Name', which was turned into a hugely successful film in 2017 and has been hailed as a modern gay classic.

The story centres on the blossoming romantic relationship between a 17-year-old American-Italian Jewish boy and a 24-year-old American Jewish scholar. The sequel to the novel, 'Find Me', has just been released.

André talks to Krishnan about obsessive love, his faith in the kindness of humanity and dismissing taboos.

My Love Letter to Britain: Family Ties Can Never Really Be Severed

THE GUARDIAN: Since I went to a British school, you have always been part of me. Now you are leaving, and it breaks my heart

Irecently read a delightful book of love letters to Europe. And it made me contemplate my love for Britain. It has just occurred to me that when you joined the European Economic Community I was in one of your schools. Not on your soil, mind you, but in Italy. Saint George’s British International School in Rome, to be precise. I was 12 years old and still learning English. That year I also dressed up in a kimono, as one of the “gentlemen from Japan” in the Mikado, the school play. Mrs Alcock encouraged me not to sing too loudly, so that my false notes would be less audible. But she kept me on stage. I loved it. Like I loved being part of the chorus in My Fair Lady the next year and the Mock Turtle in Alice in Wonderland the year after. » | Frans Timmermans* | Thursday, December 26, 2019

* Frans Timmermans is executive vice-president of the European commission

The Queen's Christmas Broadcast 2019

Fmr. Amb. Robert Jordan: Jamal Khashoggi Verdict Is ‘A Mockery of Justice’ | The Last Word | MSNBC

Top Saudi officials avoided punishment in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Robert Jordan, the former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, tells Ayman Mohyeldin that it’s impossible the officials were not involved and the Crown Prince should be held accountable. Aired on 12/23/19.

Saudi Court Sentences Five to Death for Khashoggi Killing | DW News

A court in Saudi Arabia has sentenced five people to death for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The verdict also includes jail terms for three additional suspects in connection with the murder. The Saudi writer and dissident was never seen again after entering the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul last year. He was killed and reportedly dismembered inside the building, but his remains were never found. Khashoggi was a resident of the United States at the time and was known for writing critically about the Saudi royal family. It is widely believed that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing.

Where Is the Outrage over British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Book, '72 Virgins'?

Marc Steiner and Moshe Machover discuss why the lack of outrage over Johnson's book is so concerning.

'Mockery of Justice’ after Saudis Convict Eight over Khashoggi Killing

THE GUARDIAN: Court exonerates crown prince’s inner circle of involvement in murder of dissident journalist

Saudi Arabia has been accused of engaging in a mockery of justice by shielding the alleged masterminds of the killing of the dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, after a court effectively exonerated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s inner circle of involvement in the murder.

The gruesome killing in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018 stunned Saudi Arabia’s western allies, plunging the kingdom into its worst diplomatic crisis since the 9/11 attacks.

Five of the 11 officially unidentified men on trial were sentenced to death and three more were handed a combined 24 years in prison, the deputy public prosecutor, Shalaan bin Rajih Shalaan, told reporters in Riyadh on Monday.

The investigation also concluded that Saud al-Qahtani, one of the crown prince’s most trusted advisers, was investigated and found to have no proven involvement in Khashoggi’s death, Shalaan added.

The findings contradict the conclusion of the CIA and other western intelligence agencies that Prince Mohammed directly ordered Khashoggi’s assassination, an allegation the kingdom has strenuously denied. Qahtani, along with 16 other Saudis, was sanctioned by the US last year for his alleged role in the killing. » | Bethan McKernan, Turkey and Middle East correspondent | Monday, December 23, 2019

Maria Callas – O mio babbino caro – Giacomo Puccini

Oman Readies Baroque Succession Process as Sultan's Health Worsens

THE GUARDIAN: With Qaboos bin Said’s illness seemingly terminal, an elaborate set of rules is enacted

Elaborate discussions are under way in the Omani court about a potential successor to Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who has ruled the Arab nation for nearly 50 years but whose longterm illness has been worsening.

The succession process involves the opening of sealed letters in the court in Muscat identifying the sultan’s choice of successor, if the court cannot agree among itself.

The sultan, one of the mainstays of Middle East politics for the past four decades, returned a week ago from Belgium where his treatment for a reoccurrence of cancer of the colon he has suffered from for four years was cut short. He had been expected to stay until the end of January.

A former British protectorate in the Arabian Peninsula, Oman has been ruled by Qaboos ever since a bloodless coup in 1970 enacted with the help of Britain. He has travelled abroad for medical reasons at least twice since 2014.

Qaboos has no children and has not publicly appointed a successor but he secretly recorded his choice in a sealed envelope addressed to the royal family council. The Al Said dynasty has ruled Oman since the mid-18th century. » | Patrick Wintour, Diplomatic editor | Sunday, December 22, 2019

Boris Johnson Told to 'Stop Campaigning and Start Governing'

THE GUARDIAN: Ken Clarke criticises PM for having no detailed plans for Brexit or social care

Ken Clarke has warned Boris Johnson he must “stop campaigning and get on with governing”, condemning the prime minister for seemingly having no detailed plans for a final Brexit deal, or for other vital issues such as social care.

The veteran former Conservative MP, who stepped down from parliament at the election having been stripped of the Tory whip shortly beforehand, said Johnson should replace advisers such as Dominic Cummings with people who were able to govern.

Clarke said that while Johnson’s 80-strong majority meant he was able to run the country more or less as he chose, Clarke told BBC Radio 5 he had seen few signs yet of any coherent policy programme.

“Governing the country is more than going around saying, ‘Oooh, 2020 is going to be a golden year, and we’re going to be global Britain,’” he said. “At the moment we’ve got a stagnant, fragile economy, an angry, discontented population. It’s a very dangerous world out there in many, many ways.”

Clarke said Johnson’s policy vagueness was particularly acute on Brexit: “I could never get out of Boris – and nobody so far could get out of Boris – what he has in mind for the eventual deal. To say they’re generalities is an understatement. » | Peter Walker, Political correspondent | Sunday, December 22, 2019

Berlin Outraged after Donald Trump Hits Gas Pipeline Project with Sanctions

THE TELEGRAPH: Berlin has accused Washington of interfering in German internal affairs, after Donald Trump signed off on US sanctions against companies building a Russian natural gas pipeline to Germany.

"The Federal Government rejects such extraterritorial sanctions," Ulrike Demmer, a spokeswoman, said in Berlin on Saturday.

“They affect German and European companies and constitute an interference in our domestic affairs."

The US is an outspoken opponent of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which will transport natural gas about 750 miles from Russia, through the Baltic Sea and into Germany.

The sanctions will hit any company working with Russia’s state-owned Gazprom to complete the project. » | James Crisp, Brussels correspondent | Saturday, December 21, 2019

Seth Andrews: The Mystery Letter

Seth Andrews shares a very personal story about his days as a fundamentalist Christian, his escape from indoctrination, and the beauty he discovered beyond the narrow walls of religious bigotry. It's an inspiring story about friendship, freedom, humanism, and humanity.

Seth Andrews: From Religion to Reason

Seth Andrews chronicles his personal story for a live Minneapolis audience, the event sponsored by Minnesota Atheists.

Christianity Today Editor Responds to Trump’s Attack

A leading Christian magazine founded by late evangelist Billy Graham published an op-ed calling for President Donald Trump to be removed from office and urging evangelicals not to support him. The magazine's editor-in-chief Mark Galli joins CNN

Christianity Today Editor-In-Chief: Trump’s Character Is Troublesome | Velshi & Ruhle | MSNBC

Christianity Today's editor-in-chief Mark Galli discussed his article in support of removing President Trump from office and called the president's character "blatantly and obviously troublesome." Aired on 12/20/19.

Trump Admin Lists Fictional Country of Wakanda As a Free Trade Partner

The Trump administration was busted earlier this week for having the fictional Marvel Comics country of Wakanda listed on the Department of Agriculture’s website as a free trade partner with the United States. The country, home of Black Panther, even included itemized lists of prices for goods coming and going through Wakanda, showing that this was far more than just a quick accident. Ring of Fire’s Farron Cousins discusses this.

Trump's Best Words: 2019 Edition | The Daily Show

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — December 20, 2019

Major Evangelical Magazine Calls for Trump's Removal | Morning Joe | MSNBC

The editor-in-chief of prominent evangelical magazine Christianity Today says the president must be removed from office. Aired on 12/20/19.

CHRISTIANITY TODAY: Trump Should Be Removed from Office »

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Christianity Today Calls for Trump’s Removal »

NAS Pensacola Tragedy Raises Questions Over Cozy US/Saudi Relationship

Via America’s Lawyer: Mike Papantonio and Trial Lawyer Magazine editor Farron Cousins talk about the recent mass shooting at a Pensacola Naval base, with the shooter identified as 21 year-old Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani of the Royal Saudi Air Force. While the FBI was quick to investigate the shooting as a possible act of terrorism, why does President Trump appear hesitant to link the Saudi national with any terror plot? With Saudi ties to 9/11, the war in Yemen, as well as the execution of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, DOES the U.S. government turn a blind eye to its biggest customer of military weaponry?

Lawrence: ‘Your Votes Made History Tonight’ | The Last Word | MSNBC

Lawrence O’Donnell explains how the millions of voters who gave Democrats control of the House of Representatives in last year's election made the Trump impeachment possible. Aired on 12/18/19.

Across America Thousands March to Support Trump's Impeachment

People turned out in over 600 communities all over the United States calling for President Donald Trump's impeachment. David Siever of MoveOn talks about what this means and what happens next.

More Than 700 Historians Call for Trump to Be Impeached as Key Vote Looms

THE GUARDIAN: ‘We … have concluded that Donald J Trump has violated his oath’ / Signatories include Ron Chernow and David Blight

More than 700 American historians have called for the impeachment and removal of Donald Trump.

“We are American historians devoted to studying our nation’s past,” began an open letter posted to Medium, “who have concluded that Donald J Trump has violated his oath to ‘faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States’ and to ‘preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States’.”

Two articles of impeachment will be voted on in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. They concern abuse of power, in Trump’s attempts to have Ukraine investigate his political rivals, and obstruction of Congress, in his refusal to allow key aides to testify in impeachment hearings.

Despite extensive evidence laid out in those House committee hearings, the president denies any wrongdoing. » | Martin Pengelly in New York | Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Democracy Now! Top US News & World Headlines — December 17, 2019

‘Call Me by Your Name’ | Anatomy of a Scene

Luca Guadagnino narrates a sequence from his film featuring Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet.

Sufjan Stevens – Mystery of Love (From "Call Me By Your Name" Soundtrack) [Official Audio]

Sufjan Stevens – Futile Devices (OST Call Me By Your Name)

Der Brexit mag hart sein, aber er setzt einer grossen Lüge ein Ende

NZZamSonntag: Der Austritt der Briten aus der EU war kein unglücklicher Zufall, er war unausweichlich. Die britische Beziehung zur EU basierte auf einem Selbstbetrug. Nun können beide Seiten neu beginnen.

Die Entscheidung ist gefallen. Grossbritannien wird am 31. Januar nach fast 50 Jahren Mitgliedschaft aus der EU austreten. Boris Johnsons überwältigender Sieg bei den Parlamentswahlen lässt keinen anderen Schluss zu.

Der Traum vieler Brexit-Gegner, noch einmal über den Austritt abstimmen zu können und alles ungeschehen zu machen, ist zerplatzt. Sie können jetzt nur noch so tun, als wäre es um ein Haar anders gekommen: wenn Premierminister David Cameron das Referendum nicht so unprofessionell in die Wege geleitet hätte, wenn Jeremy Corbyn nicht ein so unfähiger Oppositionsführer gewesen wäre, wenn Boris Johnson damals doch der Kampagne der Brexit-Gegner beigetreten wäre.

Wenn, wenn, wenn. Dann hätte der Flügelschlag eines Schmetterlings vielleicht alles ändern können. Doch vielleicht wäre es ehrlich, aufzuzeigen, dass der Brexit unausweichlich – und die EU-Mitgliedschaft der Briten von Anfang an eine Lüge war. » | Gordana Mijuk | Samstag 14. Dezember 2019

«Wer sich als englisch identifiziert, hat sehr wahrscheinlich für den Brexit gestimmt. Wer sich als britisch versteht, war eher dagegen» : Der Brexit sei das Produkt des englischen Nationalismus, sagt der irische Autor Fintan O’Toole. Dieser verbreite sich im Land und treibe den Zerfall des Königreichs voran. »

“Dark Day for Everyone Who Believes in Justice”: UK Tories Defeat Labour in Landslide Election

The British Conservative Party has won a decisive majority in Thursday’s general election, winning seats in Labour Party strongholds and paving the way for Britain’s exit from the European Union by January 31. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is projected to have 364 seats in the House of Commons compared to Labour’s 203 seats. That would give the Conservatives about a 75-seat majority, the largest since Margaret Thatcher’s landslide in the 1987 election. Johnson’s message throughout the campaign was focused on “getting Brexit done,” reflecting public exhaustion with the issue that has paralyzed British politics ever since the 2016 referendum. His win comes despite his long record of racist and anti-Muslim statements, as well as accusations of sexual harassment. Following the election, Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn announced he will resign as party leader, though he will continue to sit as an MP. The Labour membership grew dramatically during Corbyn’s tenure, with the party adopting radical policies focused on ending austerity, reinvesting in the National Health Service and promoting social justice. We get response from George Monbiot, a columnist for The Guardian and author of “Out of the Wreckage: A New Politics for an Age of Crisis,” and Priya Gopal, university lecturer in the Faculty of English at the University of Cambridge and author of the new book “Insurgent Empire: Anticolonial Resistance and British Dissent.”

Exit Poll Predicts 86-seat Majority for Boris Johnson and Conservatives

THE GUARDIAN: PM set for return to Downing Street with 368 seats for the Tories and 191 for Labour

Boris Johnson appears on course to secure a crushing majority of 86, and take Britain out of the EU in January, after a shock exit poll showed his party would win 368 seats in Thursday’s general election.

That would be the biggest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher’s third general election in 1987; and mark a dramatic repudiation of Jeremy Corbyn’s offer of “real change” for Britain.

If the poll is vindicated as real results come in, the Conservatives will have smashed through the “red wall” of Labour-held seats across Wales and the Midlands, many of which voted leave in the 2016 EU referendum.

The exit poll, which is compiled on the basis of a large-scale survey of 20,000 voters as they leave polling stations, put the Tories on 368 seats seats, and Labour on just 191.

That would allow Johnson to pass his Brexit deal early in the new year, so that Britain would formally leave the EU in January. » | Heather Stewart, Political editor | Thursday, December 12, 2019