Refugees top agenda as Merkel bids to unite party

Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, took the first steps towards forming a new government yesterday, by aiming to unite the conservative wings of her party which have been bitterly divided over refugee policy.

Mrs Merkel and her Christian Democrats met leaders of the Christian Social Union to hammer out key policy differences, including on immigration. Failure to reach a deal will leave Mrs Merkel facing the prospect of having to form a minority government.