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Fears of Street Riots as British Economy Takes Brexit Hit |
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For decades, Britain has been used as a gateway to Europe by Japanese firms.
Nissan's decision to move production of its X-trail SUV back to Japan has been met with dismay.
"It concerns me that they have noted the uncertainty around Brexit and I think that is a serious signal to all of us in Parliament that now is the time to resolve that uncertainty."
As Britain's ties stumble, Japan and the European Union are celebrating a trade deal that will cover a third of global GDP.
Visiting Tokyo Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said a Brexit deal was still possible.
The threat of a no deal Brexit is growing starker by the day.
Government contingency plans leaked to British media purportedly entail evacuating the Royal Family from Buckingham Palace.
Worst-case scenarios include rioting on the streets amid food and medicine shortages, as waste export restrictions create mountains of garbage.
"Obviously it's a very complicated scenario, which entails incredible implications for citizens, for businesses on both sides of the Channel.
But the other option is to rethink the Withdrawal Agreement.
But not entirely - it's just about arranging the process (that) might lead the Withdrawal Agreement to finally find a majority in the Houses."
That might not be enough.
Britain is demanding changes to the so-called "Irish backstop," which seeks to keep Britain tied to EU rules until a trade deal is in place - aimed at preventing a hard border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland, which will become the EU's external border.
A reminder that the current deadlock is just the beginning of Britain's recasting its relationship with a changing Europe - a process that could take years, if not decades.
Henry Ridgwell for VOA News, London
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