Twist or stick for May
Reports from the UK suggest that British prime minister Theresa May is considering delaying Tuesday’s planned parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal. With numbers indicating she will face a defeat, May could seek a better deal from Brussels to present to MPs. The Guardian says former cabinet ministers are lining up to challenge May for the leadership of the Tory party in the wake of a parliamentary defeat, while Bloomberg reckons the consequences could be a general election or second referendum. On Sunday May said that voting against her deal would “mean grave uncertainty for the nation”, The Washington Post reports.
Macron to meet unions and address nation
French president Emmanuel Macron will discuss the wave of protests against his government with trade unions and employers' organisations on Monday morning, the BBC reports. He will address the nation on TV at 8 p.m. The weekend saw more violence erupt during the “yellow jackets” demonstrations, particularly in Paris where 10,000 protestors gathered. CNBC says 135 people were injured in Saturday’s protests, including 17 police officers.
Stocks fall amid global trade concerns
Following what CNBC called “a volatile week for investors”, stock markets look set to fall further early this week. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dropped 197 points on Sunday, while markets in Asia fell on Monday morning after weaker-than-expected Chinese trade data was released. CNBC also reports on Ned Davis Research analysis that “a bear market is officially here” and that stocks will fall 20% over the next few months.
Saudis won’t extradite Khashoggi suspects
Days after a a Turkish court issued arrest warrants for the men suspected of killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October, Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir told the AFP news agency: “we do not extradite our citizens.” The BBC reports that the minister has instead said he is waiting for evidence from Turkey that the Saudis can use to prosecute the suspects themselves. “We have not received it in the manner that it should have been received,” he said.
Belgian government in fresh crisis
The withdrawal of the New Flemish Alliance from the Belgian government plunged the country into a new political crisis at the weekend, Politico reports. Prime minister Charles Michel had to reshuffle his cabinet, with permission from King Philippe, after the N-VA formally broke ranks over the U.N. migration compact. It leaves Michel with a minority government.
Fugitive’s loot recovered with Luxembourg help
The Seattle Times has an amazing story detailing the spending spree of Malaysian financier Jho Low, who is accused of taking billions of dollars from a Malaysian government investment fund. Luxembourg prosecutors were among the international agencies that helped US authorities recover many of the items Low purchased with his illicit earnings.
Sports roundup
River Plate won the postponed Copa Libertadores after beating Boca Juniors 3-1 in Madrid. The match was moved to Spain after riots in Buenos Aires caused it to be called off two weeks ago. In the NFL, everyone is talking about the Miami miracle after the Dolphins defeated the Patriots in the last seconds with an amazing play. Manchester City lost for the first time in the Premier League this season when Chelsea beat them 2-0, but the match was marred by alleged racist abuse by fans of City player Raheem Sterling.
Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Duncan Roberts