Admitting to having attended the ‘bring your own booze&nbsp;party’ during the first phase of Covid lockdown, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered an apology while speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

He defended his participation at the controversial 2020 gathering in Downing Street, saying he thought that it was a “work event”—an apology derided by British Labour party’s leader Kier Starmer who deemed it “worthless”.

The prime minister said he understands the British public’s “rage” over the incident, but insisted he thought it could have been technically within the rules.

Johnson told the MPs that he attended the May 20th event to “thank groups of staff”, adding that he left the party in 25 minutes.

“I want to apologise. I know that millions of people across this country have made extraordinary sacrifices over the last 18 months,” Johnson said as calls for his resignation grew louder among the opposition MPs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-mp-breaks-down-over-death-of-mother-in-law-during-lockdown-party-debate-444066">UK MP breaks down over death of mother-in-law during lockdown party debate</a>

“I believed implicitly that this was a work event…With hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside, I should have found some other way to thank them, and I should have recognised that — even if it could have been said technically to fall within the guidance — there would be millions and millions of people who simply would not see it that way,” he said.

Starmer, however, continued to demand his resignation saying that it was “ridiculous” that the prime minister “didn’t realise he was at a party”.

Watch |&nbsp;Under fire for lockdown parties, UK PM Boris Johnson grilled in the British Parliament

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/under-fire-for-lockdown-parties-uk-pm-boris-johnson-grilled-in-the-british-parliament-444295/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson said that senior civil servant Sue Gray is investigating the matter to determine what happened.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-to-face-the-music-over-reports-of-holding-booze-party-during-covid-lockdown-443805">UK PM Johnson to face the music over reports of holding booze party during Covid lockdown</a>

During the session, a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Jim Shannon who was questioning Johnson over party row, broke down in tears.

According to reports, Shannon started crying for his mother-in-law who had died alone with COVID during the pandemic.

The reports of PM holding a party for his colleagues in the middle of the deadly pandemic was made public by his principal private secretary Martin Reynolds on Monday who claimed that more than 100 staff were invited for the gathering in May 2020.

The revelation triggered massive public outrage, as pressure mounted on Johnson to make full disclosure on his participation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Admitting to having attended the ‘bring your own booze party’ during the first phase of Covid lockdown, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered an apology while speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Admitting to having attended the ‘bring your own booze party’ during the first phase of Covid lockdown, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered an apology while speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday. He defended his participation at the controversial 2020 gathering in Downing Street, saying he thought that it was a “work event”—an apology derided by British Labour party’s leader Kier Starmer who deemed it “worthless”. The prime minister said he understands the British public’s “rage” over the incident, but insisted he thought it could have been technically within the rules. Johnson told the MPs that he attended the May 20th event to “thank groups of staff”, adding that he left the party in 25 minutes. “I want to apologise. I know that millions of people across this country have made extraordinary sacrifices over the last 18 months,” Johnson said as calls for his resignation grew louder among the opposition MPs. Also read | UK MP breaks down over death of mother-in-law during lockdown party debate “I believed implicitly that this was a work event…With hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside, I should have found some other way to thank them, and I should have recognised that — even if it could have been said technically to fall within the guidance — there would be millions and millions of people who simply would not see it that way,” he said. Starmer, however, continued to demand his resignation saying that it was “ridiculous” that the prime minister “didn’t realise he was at a party”. Watch | Under fire for lockdown parties, UK PM Boris Johnson grilled in the British Parliament Johnson said that senior civil servant Sue Gray is investigating the matter to determine what happened. Also read | UK PM Johnson to face the music over reports of holding booze party during Covid lockdown During the session, a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Jim Shannon who was questioning Johnson over party row, broke down in tears. According to reports, Shannon started crying for his mother-in-law who had died alone with COVID during the pandemic. The reports of PM holding a party for his colleagues in the middle of the deadly pandemic was made public by his principal private secretary Martin Reynolds on Monday who claimed that more than 100 staff were invited for the gathering in May 2020. The revelation triggered massive public outrage, as pressure mounted on Johnson to make full disclosure on his participation. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Bring your own booze party’ row: Johnson says sorry as oppn tears into his ‘worthless’ apology

Greenpeace has accused the British government of lying to the public after leaked emails seen by the environmental group appeared to show backtracking on climate commitments to secure a trade deal with Australia.

In the correspondence, Greenpeace UK on Wednesday said senior ministers Liz Truss, David Frost and Kwasi Kwarteng "are named as agreeing to ditch references to the temperature commitments in the Paris Agreement on climate in order to get the Australian trade deal 'over the line'."&nbsp;

In response, the government insisted it "will not sign trade deals that compromise our high environmental protections".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to environmental NGOs promising that any deal with Australia would "include a chapter on trade and environment which not only reaffirms commitments to multilateral environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement, but also commits both parties to collaborate on climate and environmental issues."

But Greenpeace said "details from the leaked email demonstrate that what Boris Johnson wrote in that letter was a lie".

"The reality of the government's plans to bulldoze over the Paris Agreement temperature commitments... completely undermines trust in the government as host of the upcoming UN climate summit, COP26," it added.

'Caving in to Australia'

The 12-day event is due to be held in Glasgow in November, and is seen as a crucial step in global action to set new emissions targets to prevent runaway climate change.

Australia, however, has refused to adopt a net-zero emissions target and remains one of the world's largest fossil fuel exporters.

The UK government maintained that all the deals it was pursuing "have committed to securing provisions that will help trade in low carbon goods and services, support research and development, innovation in green sectors, and maintain our right to regulate in pursuit of decarbonisation".

While not directly addressing the climate claims, Australia's trade minister Dan Tehan said the free trade agreement with the UK would "include commitments relating to a number of environment issues".

"Australia has remained consistent that all our FTAs should focus on international co-operation and meeting existing multilateral environment commitments," he said in a statement.

Tehan added that the two nations have agreed to work together on emissions reduction research and development in areas such as clean hydrogen, small modular reactors, and carbon capture technologies.

Britain in June unveiled the major free trade agreement with Australia, after similar deals with Japan and the European Union following London's divorce with Brussels.

The deal eliminates tariffs on UK exports to Australia and on imported Australian goods such as wine, swimwear and confectionery goods.

But John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said the deal had come at an environmental cost.

"The UK government caving in to Australia over the climate just adds to a list of issues over this trade deal particularly when it comes to food and farming," he said.

"Australia still uses hormone growth promoters banned in the UK in 1998.

"It continues to use 20 pesticides no longer in use here, including highly toxic neonicotinoids, which are extremely harmful to bees and other pollinators.

"No food should be imported using methods that are banned in the UK," he added.

Greenpeace has accused the British government of lying to the public after leaked emails seen by the environmental group appeared to show backtracking on climate commitments to secure a trade deal with Australia.

Greenpeace has accused the British government of lying to the public after leaked emails seen by the environmental group appeared to show backtracking on climate commitments to secure a trade deal with Australia. In the correspondence, Greenpeace UK on Wednesday said senior ministers Liz Truss, David Frost and Kwasi Kwarteng "are named as agreeing to ditch references to the temperature commitments in the Paris Agreement on climate in order to get the Australian trade deal 'over the line'." In response, the government insisted it "will not sign trade deals that compromise our high environmental protections". Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to environmental NGOs promising that any deal with Australia would "include a chapter on trade and environment which not only reaffirms commitments to multilateral environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement, but also commits both parties to collaborate on climate and environmental issues." But Greenpeace said "details from the leaked email demonstrate that what Boris Johnson wrote in that letter was a lie". "The reality of the government's plans to bulldoze over the Paris Agreement temperature commitments... completely undermines trust in the government as host of the upcoming UN climate summit, COP26," it added. 'Caving in to Australia' The 12-day event is due to be held in Glasgow in November, and is seen as a crucial step in global action to set new emissions targets to prevent runaway climate change. Australia, however, has refused to adopt a net-zero emissions target and remains one of the world's largest fossil fuel exporters. The UK government maintained that all the deals it was pursuing "have committed to securing provisions that will help trade in low carbon goods and services, support research and development, innovation in green sectors, and maintain our right to regulate in pursuit of decarbonisation". While not directly addressing the climate claims, Australia's trade minister Dan Tehan said the free trade agreement with the UK would "include commitments relating to a number of environment issues". "Australia has remained consistent that all our FTAs should focus on international co-operation and meeting existing multilateral environment commitments," he said in a statement. Tehan added that the two nations have agreed to work together on emissions reduction research and development in areas such as clean hydrogen, small modular reactors, and carbon capture technologies. Britain in June unveiled the major free trade agreement with Australia, after similar deals with Japan and the European Union following London's divorce with Brussels. The deal eliminates tariffs on UK exports to Australia and on imported Australian goods such as wine, swimwear and confectionery goods. But John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, said the deal had come at an environmental cost. "The UK government caving in to Australia over the climate just adds to a list of issues over this trade deal particularly when it comes to food and farming," he said. "Australia still uses hormone growth promoters banned in the UK in 1998. "It continues to use 20 pesticides no longer in use here, including highly toxic neonicotinoids, which are extremely harmful to bees and other pollinators. "No food should be imported using methods that are banned in the UK," he added.

Greenpeace accuses UK of ditching climate pledge to secure trade deal with Australia

British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;on Monday defended his belated decision to impose a second coronavirus lockdown as critics claimed he could have saved "thousands" of lives by acting sooner.

After persisting for weeks with local and regional restrictions,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;announced at the weekend that a new nationwide lockdown would come into force from Thursday and end on December 2, bringing England into line with other parts of the UK and Europe.

Scientific models show that, without immediate action, the number of deaths over the winter months could double those in the first wave earlier this year, and hospitals would soon be overwhelmed,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told the House of Commons.

"I am truly sorry for the anguish these measures will impose, particularly for businesses that had just got back on their feet," he said.

"But it's now clear that we must do more together."

Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of a "catastrophic failure of leadership", but&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;vowed "no apologies" for resisting an earlier national lockdown, given the impact on lives, mental health and livelihoods.

"I believe it was right to try every possible option to get this virus under control at a local level," he said.

The ramped-up response came as Britain surpassed one million cases, while its number of coronavirus-related deaths is nearing 47,000, the worst toll in Europe.

Last orders

The government is extending a UK-wide furlough scheme to support staff wages in shut-down businesses that was due to expire on October 31.

Lisa Wright, who runs the King's Arms pub in the Yorkshire village of Askrigg, welcomed the furlough move and said another national lockdown was "inevitable".

"But it's still very sad," she told AFP.

"You know, we're here to offer a service. We're here to give people some relaxation time, and that's got to stop again. And that's quite hard to take as a business."

From Thursday, non-essential retailers in England will close, including hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants, except for takeaways.&nbsp;

Restive members of&nbsp;Johnson's Conservative party, warning of more damage to the reeling economy, threatened to defy the prime minister in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Tory backbencher Charles Walker said he would be voting against a "drift further into an authoritarian, coercive state", but the restrictions will still pass with support from opposition parties.

'Catalogue of mistakes'&nbsp;

Labour's Starmer pointed out that government scientists had, in late September, urged a two-week "circuit-break" during October's half-term school holidays.

Johnson&nbsp;rejected that proposal at the time, and just a fortnight ago he said calls for another national lockdown were the "height of absurdity".

"I can't forgive the catalogue of mistakes that have cost lives and livelihoods," Starmer told a virtual annual meeting of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

"The central lesson of the first wave was ignored: that if you are to control this virus you have to act early and decisively, and that if you don't, the cost to people's health and the health of the economy is much, much worse."

CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn said the measures will be "truly devastating for businesses".

But professor Andrew Hayward, one of the scientists advising the government on its coronavirus planning, said the September proposal would have caused much less harm.

"I think if we had chosen a two-week circuit-break at that time, we would definitely have saved thousands of lives," he told BBC radio.

"And we would clearly have inflicted substantially less damage on our economy than the proposed four-week lockdown will do."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday defended his belated decision to impose a second coronavirus lockdown as critics claimed he could have saved "thousands" of lives by acting sooner.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday defended his belated decision to impose a second coronavirus lockdown as critics claimed he could have saved "thousands" of lives by acting sooner. After persisting for weeks with local and regional restrictions, Johnson announced at the weekend that a new nationwide lockdown would come into force from Thursday and end on December 2, bringing England into line with other parts of the UK and Europe. Scientific models show that, without immediate action, the number of deaths over the winter months could double those in the first wave earlier this year, and hospitals would soon be overwhelmed, Johnson told the House of Commons. "I am truly sorry for the anguish these measures will impose, particularly for businesses that had just got back on their feet," he said. "But it's now clear that we must do more together." Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of a "catastrophic failure of leadership", but Johnson vowed "no apologies" for resisting an earlier national lockdown, given the impact on lives, mental health and livelihoods. "I believe it was right to try every possible option to get this virus under control at a local level," he said. The ramped-up response came as Britain surpassed one million cases, while its number of coronavirus-related deaths is nearing 47,000, the worst toll in Europe. Last orders The government is extending a UK-wide furlough scheme to support staff wages in shut-down businesses that was due to expire on October 31. Lisa Wright, who runs the King's Arms pub in the Yorkshire village of Askrigg, welcomed the furlough move and said another national lockdown was "inevitable". "But it's still very sad," she told AFP. "You know, we're here to offer a service. We're here to give people some relaxation time, and that's got to stop again. And that's quite hard to take as a business." From Thursday, non-essential retailers in England will close, including hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants, except for takeaways. Restive members of Johnson's Conservative party, warning of more damage to the reeling economy, threatened to defy the prime minister in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday. Tory backbencher Charles Walker said he would be voting against a "drift further into an authoritarian, coercive state", but the restrictions will still pass with support from opposition parties. 'Catalogue of mistakes' Labour's Starmer pointed out that government scientists had, in late September, urged a two-week "circuit-break" during October's half-term school holidays. Johnson rejected that proposal at the time, and just a fortnight ago he said calls for another national lockdown were the "height of absurdity". "I can't forgive the catalogue of mistakes that have cost lives and livelihoods," Starmer told a virtual annual meeting of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). "The central lesson of the first wave was ignored: that if you are to control this virus you have to act early and decisively, and that if you don't, the cost to people's health and the health of the economy is much, much worse." CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn said the measures will be "truly devastating for businesses". But professor Andrew Hayward, one of the scientists advising the government on its coronavirus planning, said the September proposal would have caused much less harm. "I think if we had chosen a two-week circuit-break at that time, we would definitely have saved thousands of lives," he told BBC radio. "And we would clearly have inflicted substantially less damage on our economy than the proposed four-week lockdown will do."

UK's Johnson under fire as new lockdown looms for England

Germany said Thursday that Britain should give ground in Brexit trade talks and help break a stalemate in which both sides are dug into their positions.

While an agreement is possible, German EU ambassador Michael Clauss insists London will have to show "a more realistic approach" to reach one by the end of the year.

It was not possible for Britain to have "full sovereignty and at the same time full access to the EU's internal market," Clauss told a panel at the European Policy Centre think tank.

The EU and Britain are holding a fourth round of virtual talks on their future relations following the UK's split from the bloc after 40 years of membership.

Britain left the European Union on January 31 and is now in a transition period until the end of the year during which it enjoys the benefits of EU membership.&nbsp;

A meeting is planned for later in June between Prime Minister Boris Johnson, EU Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take stock of the situation.

Clauss said that the EU was working on the assumption that Britain would "not demand an extension" of the transition period beyond the end of the year.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chief-characters-in-britains-brexit-saga-277805">Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga</a>

Both sides are working towards establishing zero-tariff trade ties, but neither side have budged from their red lines.

Turning to other subjects, Clauss said a deal to establish a 750 billion euro&nbsp;recovery fund for Europe was possible this summer, but would be difficult.

Germany takes over the EU's six-month rotating presidency on July 1 and will be key to finding consensus among the 27 member states to approve the rescue plan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-years-of-arguments-british-mps-set-to-finally-seal-brexit-deal-273199">After years of arguments, British MPs set to finally seal Brexit deal</a>

EU leaders are to hold a virtual meeting on June 19 to advance on the matter, but a European official on Wednesday said a deal would require a face-to-face summit, hopefully in July.

Germany said Thursday that Britain should give ground in Brexit trade talks and help break a stalemate in which both sides are dug into their positions. While an agreement is possible, German EU ambassador Michael Clauss insists London will have to show "a more realistic approach" to reach one by the end of the year.

Germany said Thursday that Britain should give ground in Brexit trade talks and help break a stalemate in which both sides are dug into their positions. While an agreement is possible, German EU ambassador Michael Clauss insists London will have to show "a more realistic approach" to reach one by the end of the year. It was not possible for Britain to have "full sovereignty and at the same time full access to the EU's internal market," Clauss told a panel at the European Policy Centre think tank. The EU and Britain are holding a fourth round of virtual talks on their future relations following the UK's split from the bloc after 40 years of membership. Britain left the European Union on January 31 and is now in a transition period until the end of the year during which it enjoys the benefits of EU membership. A meeting is planned for later in June between Prime Minister Boris Johnson, EU Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take stock of the situation. Clauss said that the EU was working on the assumption that Britain would "not demand an extension" of the transition period beyond the end of the year. Also see: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga Both sides are working towards establishing zero-tariff trade ties, but neither side have budged from their red lines. Turning to other subjects, Clauss said a deal to establish a 750 billion euro recovery fund for Europe was possible this summer, but would be difficult. Germany takes over the EU's six-month rotating presidency on July 1 and will be key to finding consensus among the 27 member states to approve the rescue plan. Also read: After years of arguments, British MPs set to finally seal Brexit deal EU leaders are to hold a virtual meeting on June 19 to advance on the matter, but a European official on Wednesday said a deal would require a face-to-face summit, hopefully in July.

Germany asks UK for 'more realistic' approach in Brexit talks

Local community members delivered hundreds of Christmas presents to volunteer firefighters and people who recently lost their homes to bushfires on December 24 in New South Wales. Volunteer firefighter Andrew Johnson was brought to tears when he received the gifts. On the other hand four generations of Britain's royal family were filmed getting into festive spirit on December 22 by preparing Christmas treats to support the Royal British Legion.Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George set up shop in the music room at Buckingham Palace to make a special Christmas pudding as part of the British Legion's "Together at Christmas" initiative. #AustraliaBushfires #Christmas #Queen #RoyalChristmas

Christmas presents for Australian firefighters, Royal baking session on Christmas

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/baby-diana-or-little-arthur-bets-on-for-royal-baby-name-for-harry-and-meghans-firstborn-204477">William Hill</a> plans to close 700 of its 2,300 British betting shops, putting about 4,500 jobs, a third of its workforce, at risk after the government cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to tackle problem gambling.

The cut in the maximum stake to 2 pounds ($2.62) followed complaints that the machines, which had allowed gamblers to bet up to 100 pounds every 20 seconds, were highly addictive and allowed players to rapidly lose large sums of money.

William Hill, which last year warned that about 900 shops could be shut, as a result, said on Thursday it had suffered a significant fall in gaming machine revenues since the change was introduced in April, adding that the closures were likely to begin before the end of the year.

The British government had rejected industry suggestions when it brought in the stake cut that such a big reduction in the maximum stake could cost thousands of jobs.

Rival GVC Holdings has warned the restrictions would lead to the closure of up to a 1,000 shops and cut its 2019 core profit by about 135 million pounds ($170 million).

William Hill's retail business has about 2,300 licensed betting shops and is its largest division, generating 56% of its net revenue in 2018 and employing around 12,500 people in Britain, which accounts for about 90% of its business.

The company said in January that it would remodel its retail business after a performance at it was hit by tighter regulations, particularly on lucrative FOBTs.

In May William Hill, which has betting shops, sports books and online and mobile channels in eight countries, said that UK retail gaming net revenue was down 15%.

William Hill's Chief Executive Officer Philip Bowcock had earlier said that the introduction of the 2-pound stake limit was in line with expectations and that the company was confident in its plan to manage the change.

William Hill plans to close 700 of its 2,300 British betting shops, putting about 4,500 jobs, a third of its workforce, at risk after the government cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to tackle problem gambling.

William Hill plans to close 700 of its 2,300 British betting shops, putting about 4,500 jobs, a third of its workforce, at risk after the government cut the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals to tackle problem gambling. The cut in the maximum stake to 2 pounds ($2.62) followed complaints that the machines, which had allowed gamblers to bet up to 100 pounds every 20 seconds, were highly addictive and allowed players to rapidly lose large sums of money. William Hill, which last year warned that about 900 shops could be shut, as a result, said on Thursday it had suffered a significant fall in gaming machine revenues since the change was introduced in April, adding that the closures were likely to begin before the end of the year. The British government had rejected industry suggestions when it brought in the stake cut that such a big reduction in the maximum stake could cost thousands of jobs. Rival GVC Holdings has warned the restrictions would lead to the closure of up to a 1,000 shops and cut its 2019 core profit by about 135 million pounds ($170 million). William Hill's retail business has about 2,300 licensed betting shops and is its largest division, generating 56% of its net revenue in 2018 and employing around 12,500 people in Britain, which accounts for about 90% of its business. The company said in January that it would remodel its retail business after a performance at it was hit by tighter regulations, particularly on lucrative FOBTs. In May William Hill, which has betting shops, sports books and online and mobile channels in eight countries, said that UK retail gaming net revenue was down 15%. William Hill's Chief Executive Officer Philip Bowcock had earlier said that the introduction of the 2-pound stake limit was in line with expectations and that the company was confident in its plan to manage the change.

William Hill to shut 700 betting shops, putting 4,500 jobs at risk

Britain's leadership contest starts a month-long nationwide tour on Saturday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt</a> each seek to win over grassroots Conservatives in their bid to become prime minister.

After five rounds of secret voting by MPs in the governing Conservative Party, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-wins-fourth-ballot-sajid-javed-eliminated-228981">former London mayor Johnson</a> and Foreign Secretary Hunt are the two final contenders out of an original field of 13 hopefuls.

The main task of runaway favourite Johnson will now be to avoid making any major blunders while out on the campaign trail, while Hunt will need to pull off a huge upset if he is to win.&nbsp;

Whoever takes the Tory party leadership in the week beginning July 22 and therefore becomes prime minister will then face the looming Brexit deadline of October 31.&nbsp;

The battle is likely to feature pledges from both contenders to get Britain out of the European Union safely and in one piece, succeeding where outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May repeatedly failed.

But the race might ultimately turn into a popularity contest between Johnson, pugnacious but affable with a tendency for gaffes and the more diplomatic and low-key Hunt.

"Mr. Johnson may stumble. His challenger must attack. It's an outside chance. But there's no other way," The Times newspaper columnist Matthew Parris wrote.

"A challenger will never win on policy," said the former Conservative MP.

&nbsp;Fearing Farage&nbsp;

The 160,000 or so paid-up Conservative members who select the center-right party's next leader are generally older and whiter than the majority of Britain's 66 million citizens.

According to commentator Parris, the group comprises "classic shire Tories", as well as poorer urban workers who are anti-European and more populist in their views.

"Finally, you have young Conservatives, including students. They are predominantly men and boys," Parris wrote.

They might be tempted to veer to the right following the drubbing the Conservatives suffered in last month's European Parliament elections at the hands of Nigel Farage's newly-formed Brexit Party.

Farage and Johnson were the two main promoters of "Leave" in the 2016 EU membership referendum that unleashed the Brexit chaos which May's successor must settle.

The political deadlock might yet have to be broken by a snap general election and Johnson is widely viewed as the one Conservative who can stand up to Farage in a battle of Brexit diehards.

A poll for The Daily Telegraph the paper for which Johnson writes a column showed six out of 10 Brexit Party backers jumping over to the Conservatives should the man known simply as Boris take charge.

The same survey showed the Conservatives losing yet more voters to Farage under Hunt's leadership.

Hunt and Johnson will appear Saturday in Birmingham, central England, for the first of 16 "hustings", &nbsp;occasionally rowdy events where candidates field audience questions three days before the third anniversary of the Brexit vote.

Impossible Brexit promises&nbsp;

But also seeking answers will be the 27 EU leaders who signed the divorce deal May failed three times to ram through parliament.

Both Johnson and Hunt have vowed to get better terms from Brussels or walk away without any strings attached.

It is a game of brinkmanship designed to stoke European fears of mutual economic destruction should the sides break up without a plan for future trade.

There have been few signs that it will ever work.

"Maybe the process of Brexit will be even more exciting than before because of some personnel decisions in London, but nothing has changed when it comes to our position," European Council President Donald Tusk said.

Johnson is also coming under attack from British economic policy-makers for post-Brexit promises they think are impossible to meet.

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney on Thursday took apart Johnson's claim that a "no-deal Brexit" could see Britain keep its current European trade arrangement under World Trade Organization rules.

Carney noted that the EU bloc would have to lower tariffs to the rest of the world under such an arrangement.

"We should be clear that no deal means no deal," Carney said.

Britain's leadership contest starts a month-long nationwide tour on Saturday as Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt each seek to win over grassroots Conservatives in their bid to become prime minister.

Britain's leadership contest starts a month-long nationwide tour on Saturday as Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt each seek to win over grassroots Conservatives in their bid to become prime minister. After five rounds of secret voting by MPs in the governing Conservative Party, former London mayor Johnson and Foreign Secretary Hunt are the two final contenders out of an original field of 13 hopefuls. The main task of runaway favourite Johnson will now be to avoid making any major blunders while out on the campaign trail, while Hunt will need to pull off a huge upset if he is to win. Whoever takes the Tory party leadership in the week beginning July 22 and therefore becomes prime minister will then face the looming Brexit deadline of October 31. The battle is likely to feature pledges from both contenders to get Britain out of the European Union safely and in one piece, succeeding where outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May repeatedly failed. But the race might ultimately turn into a popularity contest between Johnson, pugnacious but affable with a tendency for gaffes and the more diplomatic and low-key Hunt. "Mr. Johnson may stumble. His challenger must attack. It's an outside chance. But there's no other way," The Times newspaper columnist Matthew Parris wrote. "A challenger will never win on policy," said the former Conservative MP. Fearing Farage The 160,000 or so paid-up Conservative members who select the center-right party's next leader are generally older and whiter than the majority of Britain's 66 million citizens. According to commentator Parris, the group comprises "classic shire Tories", as well as poorer urban workers who are anti-European and more populist in their views. "Finally, you have young Conservatives, including students. They are predominantly men and boys," Parris wrote. They might be tempted to veer to the right following the drubbing the Conservatives suffered in last month's European Parliament elections at the hands of Nigel Farage's newly-formed Brexit Party. Farage and Johnson were the two main promoters of "Leave" in the 2016 EU membership referendum that unleashed the Brexit chaos which May's successor must settle. The political deadlock might yet have to be broken by a snap general election and Johnson is widely viewed as the one Conservative who can stand up to Farage in a battle of Brexit diehards. A poll for The Daily Telegraph the paper for which Johnson writes a column showed six out of 10 Brexit Party backers jumping over to the Conservatives should the man known simply as Boris take charge. The same survey showed the Conservatives losing yet more voters to Farage under Hunt's leadership. Hunt and Johnson will appear Saturday in Birmingham, central England, for the first of 16 "hustings", occasionally rowdy events where candidates field audience questions three days before the third anniversary of the Brexit vote. Impossible Brexit promises But also seeking answers will be the 27 EU leaders who signed the divorce deal May failed three times to ram through parliament. Both Johnson and Hunt have vowed to get better terms from Brussels or walk away without any strings attached. It is a game of brinkmanship designed to stoke European fears of mutual economic destruction should the sides break up without a plan for future trade. There have been few signs that it will ever work. "Maybe the process of Brexit will be even more exciting than before because of some personnel decisions in London, but nothing has changed when it comes to our position," European Council President Donald Tusk said. Johnson is also coming under attack from British economic policy-makers for post-Brexit promises they think are impossible to meet. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney on Thursday took apart Johnson's claim that a "no-deal Brexit" could see Britain keep its current European trade arrangement under World Trade Organization rules. Carney noted that the EU bloc would have to lower tariffs to the rest of the world under such an arrangement. "We should be clear that no deal means no deal," Carney said.

United Kingdom leadership race finalists woo Tory grassroots

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