Mark Briggs

The UK’s EU referendum: On the path to Brexit?
Following the Conservative Party’s victory in the 2015 general election, the UK is set to hold an in/out referendum on its membership of the European Union before the end of 2017.
Brits will be able to vote ‘Yes’ to the EU
The UK referendum on EU membership will offer voters the option to say ‘Yes’ to staying in the EU.
Opposition mounting to UK Human Rights Act suspension
The new Conservative government is planning to repeal the Human Rights Act during its first 100 days in office in an attempt to “break the formal link” between UK courts and the European Court of Human Rights.
Labour look for leader as UKIP’s Farage faces ‘coup’
Four candidates have put their names forward to be the new leader of the Labour party, as parties defeated in last week’s general election lick their wounds and prepare for five years in opposition.
Greg Hands given key role as Cameron mulls early EU referendum
David Cameron could bring the UK referendum forward to next year following his surprise victory in last week’s (7 May) UK election, and has appointed a new minister to play a key role in negotiations.
Europe ‘à la carte’: The whats and whys behind UK opt-outs
Since becoming a member in 1973, the United Kingdom has negotiated opt-outs on key parts of EU legislation, and a sizeable rebate from the EU annual budget. But do they really serve the best interests of the UK and Europe?
As it happened: The UK election
As Britain goes to the polls EURACTIV UK brings you the latest developments in the fight for 10 Downing Street.
Polls predict election uncertainty as support for EU rises
With just two days to go until the general election, the two major parties are neck and neck in the polls.
Pier Luigi Parcu: More work to be done on press freedom in Europe
SPECIAL REPORT / Much of Europe may be in a privileged position when it comes to media freedom, but we must not become complacent, says Professor Luigi Parcu on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.
Britain must do more to tackle air quality
The UK Supreme Court has ordered the government to deliver plans to tackle air pollution by the end of the year, in a unanimous decision delivered Wednesday (29 April).
Brexit would hit UK economy hardest, German think tank warns
The impact of a UK exit of the European Union would hit Britain harder than Germany or the rest of Europe, warns the Bertelsmann Stiftung, saying 'Brexit" could shave 14% off the country's GDP.
TUC’s Owen Tudor: ‘We are totally opposed to TTIP’
Shrouded with secrecy and posing a threat to public services, Owen Tudor tells EURACTIV why the UK Trade Union Congress doesn’t believe the hype over TTIP, and why exploitation, rather than immigration, should be the cause of people’s concerns.
Cameron: Operation Triton is a failure
Britain will ‘make a contribution’ to more search and rescue missions in the Mediterranean according to David Cameron, who admitted current policies “haven’t worked”.
British candidates embrace TTIP as ‘biggest prize’ for UK in Europe
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is the “biggest prize” in global trade, Labour candidate Mike Grapes said on Tuesday (21 April), echoing a widely shared view among other British political parties.
SNP manifesto: Pro-EU and no new independence vote
The Scottish National Party has unveiled their campaign manifesto, promising an alternative to austerity and reaffirming their commitment to EU membership.
EU literature prize winners: Winning is an honour, but surreal
SPECIAL REPORT / In a "very tough market" for books, winning a prize can make a huge difference and open the door for international recognition, say this year's winners of the EU's Prize for Literature.
European countries focus aid on ex-colonies
Until the 20th century, they were Europe's biggest imperial powers. Today, France, the UK, Belgium, Spain, Germany and Portugal are spending the bulk of their Official Development Assistance (ODA) budgets on their former colonies. The EURACTIV network reports.
EU literary awards come to London
SPECIAL REPORT / The winners of the 2015 European Union Prize for Literature were announced at the London Book Fair last week (14 April).
Conservatives lay out EU promises in manifesto
The Conservative Party launched its election manifesto today (16 April) with a promise to scrap the Human Rights Act, and hold a referendum on EU membership in 2017. EURACTIV UK reports.
Labour launches manifesto, with promise to stand up for Britain in Europe
The opposition Labour Party launched their campaign manifesto in Manchester on Monday (13 April), pledging to stand up for Britain’s interests in the world, and in Europe.
Brexit could force new referendum on Scottish independence
SNP chief Nicola Sturgeon has distanced herself from speculation that the party could seek another referendum on independence after the general election. But Brexit could force the issue.
Britain is Europe’s top overseas aid donor
The UK is Europe’s leading donor for overseas development aid (ODA), according to a report released today (8 April) by the Organisation for Economic Co-operations and Development.
EU referendum would cause chaos, says Blair
A referendum on EU membership would lead to chaos and uncertainty, former Prime Minister Tony Blair said today, accusing David Cameron of trading the UK’s national interest for political advantage.