UK Parliament gives government power to begin EU exit

Britain lurched closer to leaving the European Union Monday when Parliament stopped resisting and gave Prime Minister Theresa May the power to file for divorce from the bloc. But in a blow to May’s government, the prospect of Scotland’s exit from the United Kingdom suddenly appeared nearer, too.

Protestant leader may step aside for new Belfast unity deal

The senior Protestant politician in Northern Ireland left the door open Sunday for stepping aside as part of a potential deal to revive the British territory’s unity government with Catholics. Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster said she asserted no personal claim to be “first minister,” the top post that she held before January’s collapse of power-sharing.

The Latest: British Supreme Court to rule on Brexit Tuesday

Britain’s Supreme Court says it will give its highly anticipated judgment in a legal battle over Brexit next week. Britain’s highest court will deliver its judgment on Jan. 24 on whether Prime Minister Theresa May can formally begin the process of leaving the European Union without Parliament’s approval.

Northern Ireland sets March 2 election after government collapse

Northern Ireland’s former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness leaves Assembly at Parliament Buildings in Stormont in Belfast, Northern Ireland, January 16, 2017. Britain’s Northern Ireland minister called an early election on Monday for March 2 following the collapse of the region’s power-sharing government that risks a lengthy period of political paralysis just as Britain prepares for talks to leave the EU.

Britain’s May calls for unity in 2017 after divisive Brexit vote

FILE PHOTO: Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at the annual Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, Britain, October 2, 2016. British Prime Minister Theresa May pledged in a New Year message on Sunday to seek a Brexit deal that would work for all Britons, not just those who voted to leave the European Union in a referendum she said had laid bare the nation’s divisions.

Scotland to Propose Plan to Stay in EU, Curb Brexit Damage

Scotland will publish proposals this week for how it can remain in the European single market after Britain leaves the European Union in order to avoid the “national disaster” of a “hard Brexit,” the Scottish government said Sunday. British Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, the formal process of leaving the EU, by the end of March to kick off two years of exit talks.