UK will be worse off after Brexit: Leaked report

LONDON • Britain's economy will be worse off after Brexit whether it leaves the European Union with a free trade deal, with single market access or with no deal at all, according to a government analysis leaked to BuzzFeed News.

The EU Exit Analysis - Cross Whitehall Briefing, dated this month, is another blow for Prime Minister Theresa May, under fire for lacking a clear Brexit strategy as she negotiates Britain's departure from the bloc.

Her spokesman yesterday said Mrs May told her top team of ministers the analysis was only initial work that had not been approved yet by the government.

REUTERS

France launches search operation for missing CEO

BORDEAUX (France) • France's coastguard yesterday launched a search operation for Mr Pierre Agnes, chief executive of surf-wear company Boardriders, after his sailing boat washed up on a beach on France's Atlantic coast, the local prefecture said.

Mr Agnes, 54, set sail early yesterday morning and had sent a message to the port authorities indicating that he was delaying his return because of thick fog. His boat was found empty near Hossegor, a famed surfing spot. Three helicopters and two boats were searching for him while agents scoured the coast. Boardriders owns the Quicksilver, Roxy and DC Shoes brands.

REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

US lifts ban on refugees from 11 countries

WASHINGTON • The United States has announced it was lifting its ban on refugees from 11 "high-risk" countries but said those seeking to enter the US would come under much tougher scrutiny than in the past.

Applicants from the 11 unnamed countries will face tougher "risk-based" assessments to be accepted.

The 11 countries, hit with a ban in October in the Trump administration's revised refugee policy, have not been identified officially, although refugee groups said they comprise Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE