Tausi Insider

The British government on Nov. 20, denied a report it is seeking a 'Swiss-style' relationship with the European Union that would remove many of the economic barriers erected by Brexit. Alberto Pezzali/The Associated Press The British government on Sunday denied a report that it is seeking a “Swiss-style” relationship with the European Union that would remove many of the economic barriers erected by Brexit – even as it tries to improve ties with the bloc after years of acrimony. Health Secretary Steve Barclay told Sky News “I don’t recognize” the Sunday Times report, insisting the U.K. was still determined to “use the Brexit freedoms we have” by diverging from the EU’s rules in key areas. Switzerland has a close economic relationship with the 27-nation EU in return for accepting the bloc’s rules and paying into its coffers. The U.K. government said “Brexit means we will never again have to accept a relationship with Europe that would see a return to freedom of movement, unnece...

People walk outside Beijing Railway Station with their luggage as the annual Spring Festival travel rush starts, ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year, in Beijing on Jan. 7. TINGSHU WANG/Reuters After two years of separation from his wife in mainland China, Hong Kong resident Cheung Seng-bun made sure he was among the first to cross the border following the reopening of crossing points Sunday. The ability of residents of the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city to cross over is one of the most visible signs of China’s easing of border restrictions, with travellers arriving from abroad also no longer required to undergo quarantine. “I’m hurrying to get back to her,” Cheung, lugging a heavy suitcase, told The Associated Press as he prepared to cross at Lok Ma Chau station. Travellers crossing between Hong Kong and mainland China, however, are still required to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 48 hours – a measure China has protested when imposed by other countries. Ho...