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Brexit: France activates no-deal plan
Paris, Jan 18 (IANS) French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has said a no-deal Brexit looks “less and less unlikely” and has launched a contingency plan to prepare for it.
After the UK Parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement, Philippe said laws had to be passed and millions invested in French ports and airports, the BBC reported on Thursday.
An EU official will now visit all 27 capitals to co-ordinate no-deal plans.
EU countries with close UK ties have already begun preparing for its departure on 29 March without a deal.
“We are taking this very seriously now as the possibility of a no-deal Brexit is becoming more possible after Tuesday night,” said European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas. “This is work which is ongoing and it’s developing fully. We are not taking any chances.”
He also revealed that Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and UK Prime Minister Theresa May had texted each other since her defeat in Parliament on Tuesday, but said they had not spoken.
Germany’s Economy Minister, Peter Altmeier, has warned “everyone in Europe would lose” from the UK leaving without an agreement.
The countries with closest trade links are most exposed, including Ireland, the Netherlands and Germany.
France has already been gearing up for March 29 and Philippe said a law would provide a legal framework for a “hard Brexit”.
Some $57 million would be invested in ports and airports, focusing on control points and parking areas, with the possible appointment of 580 customs and veterinary staff.
Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, updated the Dail (Irish parliament) about the Dublin government’s plans for legislation on a no-deal Brexit on Tuesday.
Of all the EU member states, Ireland has the closest links to the UK and much of the government’s non-priority business is being scrapped to focus on measures covering health, communications, education, finance, employment and justice.
The Netherlands’ Foreign Trade Minister, Sigrid Kaag, said on Wednesday night that the Netherlands was launching a major information campaign on January 28.
“After Ireland, the Dutch economy is most entwined with that of the UK,” she said, citing fisheries, meat-processing and flower exports. She warned that many small and medium enterprises had failed to make sufficient preparation for a no-deal Brexit.
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, said on Thursday that plans for a disorderly Brexit would have to be stepped up.
“In the coming days and weeks, we will do everything we can so that Britain exits with and not without an agreement,” he told the Bundestag (German parliament).
Spain said on Thursday that staffing of immigration offices would be beefed up if the UK left the EU without a deal.
At least 310,000 UK citizens live in Spain and they would have to confirm their residency under a no-deal Brexit, officials said.
The Spanish labour minister said the two countries had “close and solid” relations and they were working on a bilateral accord.
–IANS
pgh/
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.