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Theresa May in the prime minister’s Downing Street residence. Speculation is mounting that despite her Brexit deal being approved by cabinet, she could face a vote of no confidence within her Tory party. Photo credit: paparazzza / Shutterstock 

Brexit agreement approved, but…

After a day fraught with uncertainty, British prime minister Theresa May managed to convince the majority of her cabinet to approve a draft EU withdrawal agreement late on Wednesday afternoon. “This decisive choice is in the best interests of the entire UK,” May said. EU negotiator Michel Barnier said the agreement was in the best interests of both sides, the BBC reports. In the United States, CNBC says the pound bounced back from a volatile day of trading against the dollar after news of the deal was revealed. Meanwhile, The Guardian reports that the Confederation of British Industry has welcomed the news, calling it a “step back from the cliff-edge”. But the Mail says that up to 10 cabinet ministers opposed the deal and some may resign amid speculation that Brexiteers in the Tory party could call for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister. Bloomberg says the rebel Tories are plotting to “kill her Brexit deal.” Delano will have more on the deal and its possible consequences for British citizens living in Luxembourg later today.

Luxembourg government before Christmas

Meanwhile, in the grand duchy negotiations between the DP, LSAP and Déi Gréng to form the next coalition government have made progress. Xavier Bettel told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that he and his colleagues would not succumb to pressure to rush through an agreement, but did say he wanted to deliver a declaration on the make up and policy plans of the new government before the Christmas holidays.

Schneider debunks Brussels rumours

That government could well include the LSAP’s Étienne Schneider, who on Wednesday said he wanted to retain the role of deputy prime minister. He said he was not interested in vying for the role as Luxembourg’s next European Commissioner, and denied rumours that he would like to go to Brussels next year.

German economy shrinks

Germany's GDP fell 0.2% in the third quarter of 2018, the first shrinkage since 2015, Deutsche Welle, Reuters and The Guardian report. Much of the decline was blamed on temporary factors, such as a fall in exports because of rising global protectionism and weaker consumer spending. Economy minister Peter Altmaier said the scale of the contraction “isn’t a catastrophe.”

California death toll rises

The number of deaths caused by wildfires in California has risen to 58, The Guardian reports. 56 of the victims died in the fires around the town of Paradise in Butte county, while two others were killed in a fire near Los Angeles. Some 52,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes as the Butte county fire covered an area of grew to 216 square miles.

Lagarde suggests central banks issue digital currency

International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde has said she believes that central banks “should consider the possibility to issue digital currency", CNBC reports. Speaking at the Singapore Fintech Festival, Lagarde was cited as saying that central banks should further investigate the case for digital currency “seriously, carefully, and creatively."

Bitcoin falls below $100 billion mark

Following a fall in the entire cryptocurrency of $15 billion on Wednesday, Bitcoin’s market capitalization fell below the $100 billion mark after early trading in Asia on Thursday. CNBC analyses the numerous reasons for the Bitcoin decline, which is the lowest the crypto-currency has been since October 2017.

C'est pas tes oignons! Down under BBQ furore

Third World problems have hit down under big time this week after a hardware chain told staff manning barbecues at its stores to put the onions on first when serving grilled sausages in bread rolls. The Guardian reported that Bunnings was widely mocked on social media after publishing the advice, which it said was a safety precaution “to help prevent the onion from falling out and creating a slipping hazard.” By Wednesday the issue had even prompted New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Arden to weigh in. Using typical humour she said; “I think we should make a joint commitment that on our watches, the Bunnings sausage sizzle shall continue.”

Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Duncan Roberts