Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called off his visit to the UK next month for an in-person visit to Britain to attend the G-7 summit.

PM Modi won’t travel to UK for G7 summit due to Covid situation

Prime Minister Boris Johnson hoped to use the opening of Britain’s Parliament on Tuesday to galvanize his government’s agenda after a striking series of victories in regional elections in England last week. But the spotlight shone brightest on Queen Elizabeth II, who appeared in public for the first time since burying her husband, Prince Philip, to handle the age-old pageantry.

Squired by her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, the queen presided over a ceremony she had attended for decades with Philip. Now a widow, and three weeks after turning 95, her voice was firm and steady as she read the Queen’s Speech, in which Johnson’s government laid out an ambitious agenda to “level up” the economically depressed north of England with the more prosperous south.

It was the queen’s 67th opening of Parliament, a reassuring sign of continuity for Britain’s constitutional monarchy after a turbulent period for the royal family. For Johnson, it was a chance to bring normalcy back to politics, after the turmoil of Brexit and a pandemic that paralyzed the country, leaving more than 127,000 people dead.

Johnson signaled that he intended to keep playing a dominant role in the political arena, proposing to scrap a law that restricts his ability to call general elections. With the government reaping credit for Britain’s swift rollout of vaccines and the prospect of a post-lockdown economic boom, Johnson might decide to call an election a year early, in 2023, to take better advantage of the good news.

The government also proposed that voters be required to show photo identification at polling places in general elections, which it defended as a means to prevent fraud. But opposition parties criticized the move as unnecessary, and said it could suppress turnout, particularly among ethnic minorities — an argument often made about voter ID laws that have been passed by several American states.

“Voter ID is a disgraceful piece of chicanery,” said Baroness Rosalind Scott, a member of the House of Lords and a former president of the Liberal Democrats. “Voter fraud is very rare here, so it’s a solution in search of a problem.”

It was one of a handful of right-leaning measures — including a crime bill that would allow police to sharply restrict demonstrations and legislation to protect speech on university campuses — that served as a reminder that, for all its Social Democratic-style spending, Johnson’s party is still conservative.

The policing legislation has ignited angry “Kill the Bill” protests in London and other cities, where demonstrators view it as a way to crack down on legitimate gatherings. In Bristol, protesters lobbed rocks and fireworks at police, which some warned would backfire by stoking public support for the measures.

“Johnson’s going for what’s long been the sweet spot in British politics,” said Timothy Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University in London. “Just to the left of center on economics and public provision; quite a long way to the right on pretty much everything else, especially if it has to do with law and order, immigration and now anything that smacks of political correctness gone mad.”

Much of the speech, however, was on more familiar, conciliatory ground. The government promised to “deliver a national recovery from the pandemic that makes the United Kingdom stronger, healthier and more prosperous than before.”

Reading a text prepared by Downing Street, the queen spoke fluently of Johnson’s plans to roll out “5G mobile coverage and gigabit capable broadband” throughout the country. The government will plow money into the National Health Service, a popular measure after it withstood a year of unrelenting pressure from the pandemic and overhaul planning regulations to encourage more construction of single-family houses.

The speech did not directly address perhaps the thorniest challenge facing Johnson: pressure for a second independence referendum in Scotland, where pro-independence parties expanded their majority in the regional Parliament in last week’s election.

The government said only that it would “promote the strength and integrity of the union” — a pledge that is likely to involve pouring more public money into Scotland and putting off the Scottish National Party’s demands to allow a vote.

“The question is, is Boris Johnson right to think that delaying it might help him?” said Jonathan Powell, who served as chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair. “This will be the dominating issue of British politics for the next four or five years.”

With strict social distancing rules in place, the ceremony was scaled back and stripped down. The queen was driven from Buckingham Palace in a Range Rover rather than a gilded carriage. She shunned the 18-foot velvet cape and imperial crown that she once wore at state openings in favor of a more sensible lilac coat and hat.

The recent death of Philip also lent the proceedings a wistful atmosphere, even though he had turned over the duties of escorting the queen to Charles a few years ago, after his retirement. Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, watched from the sidelines as Elizabeth sat on a carved wooden throne.

Although missing hundreds of jockeying lawmakers and VIP guests, the ceremony still had its share of otherworldly pomp. The crown, which normally resides in the Tower of London, was paraded through the echoing hallways of the Palace of Westminster on a red velvet pillow rather than on the queen’s head.

Lawmakers were summoned from the House of Commons by the Lady Usher of the Black Rod, who first had the door slammed in her face as a sign of its members’ independence. Johnson and the leader of the opposition, Keir Starmer, said nothing to each other as they walked, single file and masked, to the House of Lords.

Last week’s elections left the Labour Party in disarray, as Johnson’s Conservative Party made further inroads into Labour’s stronghold in working-class districts in the Midlands and the north of England.

Starmer tried to regain his footing in the debate that followed the ceremony, excoriating the government for not introducing legislation to bolster Britain’s care for older people and those with disabilities. Johnson, he said, had promised to do so 657 days ago.

“Failure to act after a pandemic is nothing short of an insult to a whole nation,” Starmer declared.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson hoped to use the opening of Britain’s Parliament on Tuesday to galvanize his government’s agenda after a striking series of victories in regional elections in England last week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson hoped to use the opening of Britain’s Parliament on Tuesday to galvanize his government’s agenda after a striking series of victories in regional elections in England last week. But the spotlight shone brightest on Queen Elizabeth II, who appeared in public for the first time since burying her husband, Prince Philip, to handle the age-old pageantry. Squired by her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, the queen presided over a ceremony she had attended for decades with Philip. Now a widow, and three weeks after turning 95, her voice was firm and steady as she read the Queen’s Speech, in which Johnson’s government laid out an ambitious agenda to “level up” the economically depressed north of England with the more prosperous south. It was the queen’s 67th opening of Parliament, a reassuring sign of continuity for Britain’s constitutional monarchy after a turbulent period for the royal family. For Johnson, it was a chance to bring normalcy back to politics, after the turmoil of Brexit and a pandemic that paralyzed the country, leaving more than 127,000 people dead. Johnson signaled that he intended to keep playing a dominant role in the political arena, proposing to scrap a law that restricts his ability to call general elections. With the government reaping credit for Britain’s swift rollout of vaccines and the prospect of a post-lockdown economic boom, Johnson might decide to call an election a year early, in 2023, to take better advantage of the good news. The government also proposed that voters be required to show photo identification at polling places in general elections, which it defended as a means to prevent fraud. But opposition parties criticized the move as unnecessary, and said it could suppress turnout, particularly among ethnic minorities — an argument often made about voter ID laws that have been passed by several American states. “Voter ID is a disgraceful piece of chicanery,” said Baroness Rosalind Scott, a member of the House of Lords and a former president of the Liberal Democrats. “Voter fraud is very rare here, so it’s a solution in search of a problem.” It was one of a handful of right-leaning measures — including a crime bill that would allow police to sharply restrict demonstrations and legislation to protect speech on university campuses — that served as a reminder that, for all its Social Democratic-style spending, Johnson’s party is still conservative. The policing legislation has ignited angry “Kill the Bill” protests in London and other cities, where demonstrators view it as a way to crack down on legitimate gatherings. In Bristol, protesters lobbed rocks and fireworks at police, which some warned would backfire by stoking public support for the measures. “Johnson’s going for what’s long been the sweet spot in British politics,” said Timothy Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University in London. “Just to the left of center on economics and public provision; quite a long way to the right on pretty much everything else, especially if it has to do with law and order, immigration and now anything that smacks of political correctness gone mad.” Much of the speech, however, was on more familiar, conciliatory ground. The government promised to “deliver a national recovery from the pandemic that makes the United Kingdom stronger, healthier and more prosperous than before.” Reading a text prepared by Downing Street, the queen spoke fluently of Johnson’s plans to roll out “5G mobile coverage and gigabit capable broadband” throughout the country. The government will plow money into the National Health Service, a popular measure after it withstood a year of unrelenting pressure from the pandemic and overhaul planning regulations to encourage more construction of single-family houses. The speech did not directly address perhaps the thorniest challenge facing Johnson: pressure for a second independence referendum in Scotland, where pro-independence parties expanded their majority in the regional Parliament in last week’s election. The government said only that it would “promote the strength and integrity of the union” — a pledge that is likely to involve pouring more public money into Scotland and putting off the Scottish National Party’s demands to allow a vote. “The question is, is Boris Johnson right to think that delaying it might help him?” said Jonathan Powell, who served as chief of staff to Prime Minister Tony Blair. “This will be the dominating issue of British politics for the next four or five years.” With strict social distancing rules in place, the ceremony was scaled back and stripped down. The queen was driven from Buckingham Palace in a Range Rover rather than a gilded carriage. She shunned the 18-foot velvet cape and imperial crown that she once wore at state openings in favor of a more sensible lilac coat and hat. The recent death of Philip also lent the proceedings a wistful atmosphere, even though he had turned over the duties of escorting the queen to Charles a few years ago, after his retirement. Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, watched from the sidelines as Elizabeth sat on a carved wooden throne. Although missing hundreds of jockeying lawmakers and VIP guests, the ceremony still had its share of otherworldly pomp. The crown, which normally resides in the Tower of London, was paraded through the echoing hallways of the Palace of Westminster on a red velvet pillow rather than on the queen’s head. Lawmakers were summoned from the House of Commons by the Lady Usher of the Black Rod, who first had the door slammed in her face as a sign of its members’ independence. Johnson and the leader of the opposition, Keir Starmer, said nothing to each other as they walked, single file and masked, to the House of Lords. Last week’s elections left the Labour Party in disarray, as Johnson’s Conservative Party made further inroads into Labour’s stronghold in working-class districts in the Midlands and the north of England. Starmer tried to regain his footing in the debate that followed the ceremony, excoriating the government for not introducing legislation to bolster Britain’s care for older people and those with disabilities. Johnson, he said, had promised to do so 657 days ago. “Failure to act after a pandemic is nothing short of an insult to a whole nation,” Starmer declared.

In a firm voice, Queen Elizabeth opens her 67th parliament

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday his government had an "historic opportunity" to change Britain in a written introduction to the Queen`s Speech which sets out his agenda to tackle inequality and "level up" the country. 
 
"The crisis has in no way diminished the government`s ambition or appetite for change," he said in the written introduction to his legislative agenda for the next year. 
 
"We have been given an historic opportunity to change things for the better, level up opportunities across the whole of the United Kingdom and address the problems that have constrained us far too often before."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday his government had an "historic opportunity" to change Britain in a written introduction to the Queen`s Speech which sets out his agenda to tackle inequality and "level up" the country.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday his government had an "historic opportunity" to change Britain in a written introduction to the Queen`s Speech which sets out his agenda to tackle inequality and "level up" the country. "The crisis has in no way diminished the government`s ambition or appetite for change," he said in the written introduction to his legislative agenda for the next year. "We have been given an historic opportunity to change things for the better, level up opportunities across the whole of the United Kingdom and address the problems that have constrained us far too often before."

Time for change, says PM Johnson setting out his agenda for Britain

Britain's parliamentary standards watchdog confirmed Monday it is investigating Prime Minister Boris Johnson over how he paid for a luxury Caribbean holiday, the latest of multiple probes into his conduct.

Kathryn Stone, the current Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, is looking into the controversial trip to the privately owned island of Mustique over Christmas 2019 by the UK leader and his fiancee Carrie Symonds.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/watchdog-launches-formal-investigation-into-boris-johnsons-flat-refurbishment-381129/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson, who was buoyed by successful local election results in England last week, has long been dogged by questions about the holiday.

In the register of MPs' interests, he claimed the £15,000 ($21,200, 17,400 euros) trip was provided by David Ross, a businessman and donor to his ruling Conservative party.

However there was confusion after Ross initially denied handing over any money, and later clarified that it was a "benefit in kind".

Johnson's spokesman reiterated Monday that the British premier had followed the rules throughout.

"The prime minister transparently declared this benefit in kind in the Commons register of interests," he said.&nbsp;

"Clearly the rules are set out and it's important that everyone abides by them."

Meanwhile a spokesman for Ross said in a statement he had "facilitated accommodation" for Johnson on Mustique which was valued at £15,000.

"Therefore this is a benefit in kind from Mr Ross to Mr Johnson, and Mr Johnson's declaration to the House of Commons is correct."

<h2>'Lavish lifestyle'&nbsp;</h2>

The luxury trip is one of a host of controversies swirling around the British leader that have sparked multiple investigations by watchdogs and scrutiny agencies.

They include a probe by the Electoral Commission, which regulates the accounts of political parties, into who initially footed the bill for a reported £200,000 (230,000 euros) refurbishment of Johnson's Downing Street flat.

The parliamentary commissioner -- an independent figure -- investigates allegations that MPs have breached parliamentary code of conduct rules, which include correctly declaring financial interests and gifts.

Stone, who confirmed the Johnson probe is one of nine current investigations into lawmakers for possible breaches, can refer serious offences to parliament's Committee on Standards for sanctioning.

The main opposition Labour Party -- which is still reeling from a disappointing performance in last Thursday's local elections -- seized on the latest probe as further evidence of "sleaze" within Johnson's government.

"We need to know what these donors were promised or expected in return for their generosity," said Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner.&nbsp;

"Boris Johnson needs to stop using the office of Prime Minister as an opportunity to fund his lavish lifestyle and enrich his mates." 
&nbsp;

Britain's parliamentary standards watchdog confirmed Monday it is investigating Prime Minister Boris Johnson over how he paid for a luxury Caribbean holiday, the latest of multiple probes into his conduct.

Britain's parliamentary standards watchdog confirmed Monday it is investigating Prime Minister Boris Johnson over how he paid for a luxury Caribbean holiday, the latest of multiple probes into his conduct. Kathryn Stone, the current Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, is looking into the controversial trip to the privately owned island of Mustique over Christmas 2019 by the UK leader and his fiancee Carrie Symonds. Watch | Johnson, who was buoyed by successful local election results in England last week, has long been dogged by questions about the holiday. In the register of MPs' interests, he claimed the £15,000 ($21,200, 17,400 euros) trip was provided by David Ross, a businessman and donor to his ruling Conservative party. However there was confusion after Ross initially denied handing over any money, and later clarified that it was a "benefit in kind". Johnson's spokesman reiterated Monday that the British premier had followed the rules throughout. "The prime minister transparently declared this benefit in kind in the Commons register of interests," he said. "Clearly the rules are set out and it's important that everyone abides by them." Meanwhile a spokesman for Ross said in a statement he had "facilitated accommodation" for Johnson on Mustique which was valued at £15,000. "Therefore this is a benefit in kind from Mr Ross to Mr Johnson, and Mr Johnson's declaration to the House of Commons is correct." 'Lavish lifestyle' The luxury trip is one of a host of controversies swirling around the British leader that have sparked multiple investigations by watchdogs and scrutiny agencies. They include a probe by the Electoral Commission, which regulates the accounts of political parties, into who initially footed the bill for a reported £200,000 (230,000 euros) refurbishment of Johnson's Downing Street flat. The parliamentary commissioner -- an independent figure -- investigates allegations that MPs have breached parliamentary code of conduct rules, which include correctly declaring financial interests and gifts. Stone, who confirmed the Johnson probe is one of nine current investigations into lawmakers for possible breaches, can refer serious offences to parliament's Committee on Standards for sanctioning. The main opposition Labour Party -- which is still reeling from a disappointing performance in last Thursday's local elections -- seized on the latest probe as further evidence of "sleaze" within Johnson's government. "We need to know what these donors were promised or expected in return for their generosity," said Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner. "Boris Johnson needs to stop using the office of Prime Minister as an opportunity to fund his lavish lifestyle and enrich his mates."

UK's Johnson faces watchdog probe over luxury Caribbean holiday in 2020

British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will set out on Monday the next phase of lockdown easing in England, giving the green light to "cautious hugging" and allowing pubs to serve customers pints inside after months of strict measures.

Aided by one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the world, Britain's daily case and death numbers have dropped sharply - reporting just two fatalities on Sunday - enabling it to emerge from a lockdown imposed in January to tackle a second wave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine">UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine</a>

The government set out plans on Friday to slowly reopen international travel and&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;is expected on Monday to confirm that the next set of easing will come into force on May 17, with pubs, restaurants and cinemas opening indoors.

People should also be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors, while six people or two households can meet indoors. The government is also expected to say whether the rules around social distancing with friends and family can ease, prompting headlines about "cautious hugging".

"It does look as if the roadmap is on course," junior minister Nadine Dorries told Sky News. "The prime minister will be making an announcement later this afternoon and he will be detailing how we're going to unlock and when."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="UK returns to normalcy as restrictions ease ">UK returns to normalcy as restrictions ease&nbsp;</a>

Asked by the BBC if people would be told to cautiously cuddle, Dorries replied: "I don't think you can cautiously cuddle but the prime minister is going to make the announcement this afternoon."

That reopening will apply to England only, with the devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales setting out their own rules.

Dorries, the minister for mental health, said the government needed to be careful that society did not reopen too quickly however because variants of the coronavirus have been circulating.

According to Johns Hopkins data, Britain has the fifth highest death toll in the world from COVID-19 with 127,605 fatalities. Two thirds of adults in the United Kingdom have had a first vaccine and one third have had both doses.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out on Monday the next phase of lockdown easing in England, giving the green light to "cautious hugging" and allowing pubs to serve customers pints inside after months of strict measures.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out on Monday the next phase of lockdown easing in England, giving the green light to "cautious hugging" and allowing pubs to serve customers pints inside after months of strict measures. Aided by one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the world, Britain's daily case and death numbers have dropped sharply - reporting just two fatalities on Sunday - enabling it to emerge from a lockdown imposed in January to tackle a second wave. Also read | UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine The government set out plans on Friday to slowly reopen international travel and Johnson is expected on Monday to confirm that the next set of easing will come into force on May 17, with pubs, restaurants and cinemas opening indoors. People should also be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors, while six people or two households can meet indoors. The government is also expected to say whether the rules around social distancing with friends and family can ease, prompting headlines about "cautious hugging". "It does look as if the roadmap is on course," junior minister Nadine Dorries told Sky News. "The prime minister will be making an announcement later this afternoon and he will be detailing how we're going to unlock and when." Also read | UK returns to normalcy as restrictions ease Asked by the BBC if people would be told to cautiously cuddle, Dorries replied: "I don't think you can cautiously cuddle but the prime minister is going to make the announcement this afternoon." That reopening will apply to England only, with the devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales setting out their own rules. Dorries, the minister for mental health, said the government needed to be careful that society did not reopen too quickly however because variants of the coronavirus have been circulating. According to Johns Hopkins data, Britain has the fifth highest death toll in the world from COVID-19 with 127,605 fatalities. Two thirds of adults in the United Kingdom have had a first vaccine and one third have had both doses.

'Cautious hugging' and pints: UK PM Johnson to ease England's lockdown

Scottish leader&nbsp;Nicola&nbsp;Sturgeon&nbsp;told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday that another referendum on independence was inevitable after her party won a resounding election victory.

Johnson and his Conservative Party, which is in opposition in Scotland, strongly oppose a referendum, saying the issue was settled in 2014 when Scots voted against independence by 55% to 45%.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win">Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win</a>

But pro-independence parties won a majority in the Scottish parliament in elections held on Thursday, which&nbsp;Sturgeon&nbsp;said gave her a mandate to push ahead with plans for a second referendum after the COVID-19 crisis.

"The First Minister reiterated her intention to ensure that the people of Scotland can choose our own future when the crisis is over,"&nbsp;Sturgeon's media office said in a statement after she spoke to Johnson on the phone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority">Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority</a>

"(She) made clear that the question of a referendum is now a matter of when - not if."

A statement from Johnson's Downing Street office after his talk with&nbsp;Sturgeon&nbsp;made no mention of the referendum issue, instead emphasising "the importance of focusing on COVID recovery at this time".

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/video-scotlands-road-to-independence-383919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sturgeon's Scottish National Party (SNP) won 64 seats in the Scottish parliament, just one short of an overall majority. With its Green allies, who won eight and also favour independence, it is in control of the political agenda in Scotland.

Speculation has been mounting that when the Scottish parliament legislated for a referendum, the British government would go to court to stop it. But senior minister Michael Gove sidestepped repeated questions about that earlier on Sunday.

"We're not going to go there," he said on Sky News.

"To start speculating about this type of legislation or that type of court hearing and all the rest of it, it's just a massive distraction," he said.

Sturgeon&nbsp;told the BBC it would be "absurd and completely outrageous" for the British government to take legal action to stop a referendum.

She argued that for London to use "force of law" to prevent a vote would amount to saying that the 300-year-old union between England and Scotland was no longer based on consent.

"I don't think we will get there," she said.

Under the 1998 Scotland Act - which created the Scottish parliament and devolved some powers to Edinburgh from London - all matters relating to the "Union of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England" are reserved to the UK parliament.

Under the act, the UK parliament can grant the Scottish government the authority to hold a referendum, a process that was used to allow the 2014 plebiscite to go ahead and which&nbsp;Sturgeon&nbsp;said should unfold again for a new referendum.

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday that another referendum on independence was inevitable after her party won a resounding election victory.

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday that another referendum on independence was inevitable after her party won a resounding election victory. Johnson and his Conservative Party, which is in opposition in Scotland, strongly oppose a referendum, saying the issue was settled in 2014 when Scots voted against independence by 55% to 45%. Also read | Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win But pro-independence parties won a majority in the Scottish parliament in elections held on Thursday, which Sturgeon said gave her a mandate to push ahead with plans for a second referendum after the COVID-19 crisis. "The First Minister reiterated her intention to ensure that the people of Scotland can choose our own future when the crisis is over," Sturgeon's media office said in a statement after she spoke to Johnson on the phone. Also read | Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority "(She) made clear that the question of a referendum is now a matter of when - not if." A statement from Johnson's Downing Street office after his talk with Sturgeon made no mention of the referendum issue, instead emphasising "the importance of focusing on COVID recovery at this time". Watch | Sturgeon's Scottish National Party (SNP) won 64 seats in the Scottish parliament, just one short of an overall majority. With its Green allies, who won eight and also favour independence, it is in control of the political agenda in Scotland. Speculation has been mounting that when the Scottish parliament legislated for a referendum, the British government would go to court to stop it. But senior minister Michael Gove sidestepped repeated questions about that earlier on Sunday. "We're not going to go there," he said on Sky News. "To start speculating about this type of legislation or that type of court hearing and all the rest of it, it's just a massive distraction," he said. Sturgeon told the BBC it would be "absurd and completely outrageous" for the British government to take legal action to stop a referendum. She argued that for London to use "force of law" to prevent a vote would amount to saying that the 300-year-old union between England and Scotland was no longer based on consent. "I don't think we will get there," she said. Under the 1998 Scotland Act - which created the Scottish parliament and devolved some powers to Edinburgh from London - all matters relating to the "Union of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England" are reserved to the UK parliament. Under the act, the UK parliament can grant the Scottish government the authority to hold a referendum, a process that was used to allow the 2014 plebiscite to go ahead and which Sturgeon said should unfold again for a new referendum.

Scottish leader to London: Independence vote a matter of 'when, not if'

Britain's main opposition Labour Party was split over future strategy and embroiled in political infighting on Sunday after suffering huge losses in local polls.

Keir Starmer, Labour's leader since 2020, sacked the chair of the party Angela Rayner on Saturday evening after saying he was "bitterly disappointed" by the results.&nbsp;

Starmer was reportedly set to launch a reshuffle of his shadow cabinet, while speculation mounted over his own future as leader.

The Times wrote that Starmer's reshuffle "could begin as early as Monday".

Supporters of the previous leader Jeremy Corbyn led criticism of Starmer, with Corbyn's close ally, Labour MP Diane Abbott, telling Sky News it was "in many ways a disappointing result".

"I think sacking Angela Rayner was not a forward-thinking thing to do," she added.

John McDonnell, former Shadow Chancellor under Corbyn, in a BBC interview, accused Starmer of failing to create attractive policies.

"You can't send candidates into the field like that naked, without any policy," he said.

Under hard-left Corbyn, Labour was damaged by accusations of antisemitism and had a disastrous general election showing in 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-vote-is-likely-to-back-johnson-and-an-independent-scotland-383052">UK vote is likely to back Johnson, and an independent Scotland</a>

Starmer, formerly a human rights lawyer and public director of prosecutions, was elected leader in April 2020, promising to "re-connect" with voters.

"On last week’s showing, he has spectacularly failed", The Times said.

However, Ian Stewart, Shadow Secretary for Scotland, told Sky News that Starmer "needs time" to turn the situation around.

"We've got to have a positive policy platform and that's what Keir Starmer is determined to do," he said.

Labour performed poorly in Thursday's council elections in England and lost to the Tories in a key by-election in Hartlepool in northeastern England, a Labour heartland since the 1970s.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnsons-party-sweeps-aside-labour-in-northern-english-town-383549">PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town</a>

In Scotland, Labour dropped two seats in the devolved parliament under new leader Anas Sarwar, who took over in February.

It counted successes in Wales, holding onto power in the devolved parliament and in several mayoral races including London, where Sadiq Khan won a second term.

Andy Burnham, who easily won re-election as a popular mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England appeared to issue a veiled challenge to Starmer's leadership, telling Sky News: "If the party were ever to feel they needed me, I'm here".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scottish-national-party-projected-to-fall-short-of-majority-383753">Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority</a>

The results in England appeared to be a vote of confidence in Johnson's leadership post-Brexit and the UK's successful vaccine rollout, despite the country's death toll remaining the highest in Europe.

Britain's main opposition Labour Party was split over future strategy and embroiled in political infighting on Sunday after suffering huge losses in local polls.

Britain's main opposition Labour Party was split over future strategy and embroiled in political infighting on Sunday after suffering huge losses in local polls. Keir Starmer, Labour's leader since 2020, sacked the chair of the party Angela Rayner on Saturday evening after saying he was "bitterly disappointed" by the results. Starmer was reportedly set to launch a reshuffle of his shadow cabinet, while speculation mounted over his own future as leader. The Times wrote that Starmer's reshuffle "could begin as early as Monday". Supporters of the previous leader Jeremy Corbyn led criticism of Starmer, with Corbyn's close ally, Labour MP Diane Abbott, telling Sky News it was "in many ways a disappointing result". "I think sacking Angela Rayner was not a forward-thinking thing to do," she added. John McDonnell, former Shadow Chancellor under Corbyn, in a BBC interview, accused Starmer of failing to create attractive policies. "You can't send candidates into the field like that naked, without any policy," he said. Under hard-left Corbyn, Labour was damaged by accusations of antisemitism and had a disastrous general election showing in 2019. Also read | UK vote is likely to back Johnson, and an independent Scotland Starmer, formerly a human rights lawyer and public director of prosecutions, was elected leader in April 2020, promising to "re-connect" with voters. "On last week’s showing, he has spectacularly failed", The Times said. However, Ian Stewart, Shadow Secretary for Scotland, told Sky News that Starmer "needs time" to turn the situation around. "We've got to have a positive policy platform and that's what Keir Starmer is determined to do," he said. Labour performed poorly in Thursday's council elections in England and lost to the Tories in a key by-election in Hartlepool in northeastern England, a Labour heartland since the 1970s. Also read | PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town In Scotland, Labour dropped two seats in the devolved parliament under new leader Anas Sarwar, who took over in February. It counted successes in Wales, holding onto power in the devolved parliament and in several mayoral races including London, where Sadiq Khan won a second term. Andy Burnham, who easily won re-election as a popular mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England appeared to issue a veiled challenge to Starmer's leadership, telling Sky News: "If the party were ever to feel they needed me, I'm here". Also read | Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority The results in England appeared to be a vote of confidence in Johnson's leadership post-Brexit and the UK's successful vaccine rollout, despite the country's death toll remaining the highest in Europe.

UK election setback sparks Labour infighting

Senior British minister Michael Gove refused to say on Sunday how the government would react if the Scottish parliament were to pass a bill calling for a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom.

Pro-independence parties won an overall majority in the Scottish parliament in elections held on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win">Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win</a>

First Minister and Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon said after her election win that she would push ahead with plans for a new independence referendum.

The British government strongly opposes a referendum, saying the issue was settled in 2014 when Scots voted against independence by 55-45 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls">Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls</a>

Repeatedly asked on Sky News on Sunday whether the government would go to court to stop a referendum, Gove refused to say.

"We're not going to go there," he said.

"To start speculating about this type of legislation or that type of court hearing and all the rest of it, it's just a massive distraction," he said.

Senior British minister Michael Gove refused to say on Sunday how the government would react if the Scottish parliament were to pass a bill calling for a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom.

Senior British minister Michael Gove refused to say on Sunday how the government would react if the Scottish parliament were to pass a bill calling for a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom. Pro-independence parties won an overall majority in the Scottish parliament in elections held on Thursday. Also read | Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win First Minister and Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon said after her election win that she would push ahead with plans for a new independence referendum. The British government strongly opposes a referendum, saying the issue was settled in 2014 when Scots voted against independence by 55-45 per cent. Also read | Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls Repeatedly asked on Sky News on Sunday whether the government would go to court to stop a referendum, Gove refused to say. "We're not going to go there," he said. "To start speculating about this type of legislation or that type of court hearing and all the rest of it, it's just a massive distraction," he said.

UK's Gove refuses to say how London will handle Scottish independence drive

Britain`s governing Conservative Party won a new seat in parliament on Friday, ousting the Labour Party in the northern English town of Hartlepool with a sweeping victory that tightens its grip on traditional opposition-voting areas.

Conservative Jill Mortimer beat Labour`s candidate by 15,529 votes to 8,589, securing what less than a decade ago would have been seen as an impossible feat of dislodging the main opposition party from one of its heartland seats. 
The overwhelming victory in the former industrial port town gives Prime Minister Boris Johnson an even larger majority in parliament and increases pressure on Labour leader Keir Starmer, who faces criticism for not fulfilling a pledge to revive his party`s fortunes after a 2019 election disaster.

The triumph in Thursday`s vote is a boost for Johnson and his strategy during the COVID-19 crisis. A furore over the financing of a lavish refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment had no obvious impact on the result.

"There`s no hiding from the fact this is a shattering result for Labour, absolutely shattering," Labour lawmaker Steve Reed, a member of Starmer`s top team, told the BBC.

"It tells us that the pace of change in the Labour Party has not been fast enough. We need to quicken it up." 
The Conservatives described it as a historic day.

The by-election, which takes place outside the normal parliamentary election cycle, was triggered by the resignation of a Labour lawmaker in March and is one of the dozens of votes which took place on Thursday.

Labour had held Hartlepool for decades. Election analysts said it was the biggest swing of votes to the governing party at a by-election since World War Two.

"It`s quite a spectacular turnaround in a seat that Labour should really have saved and defended," politics professor Michael Thrasher told Sky News.

Red Wall

Voters on Thursday were also electing local councils and parliaments in Scotland and Wales, gauging support for Britain`s two main parties and in Scotland`s case, the depth of backing for its leading party`s push for independence. 
The results of the other contests will be released over several days because COVID-19 restrictions have complicated the counts. Early results indicated the Conservatives had gained seats on English councils, which look after local services.

The Hartlepool result continues a trend set by Johnson in the 2019 parliamentary election when he struck directly at Labour`s heartlands, the "Red Wall" areas of northern and central England, to win a commanding majority in parliament.

Labour had tried to manage expectations over the vote, saying that Thursday`s elections would always be difficult at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, which has boosted support for the government because of its rapid vaccine rollout.

But the loss is painful for Starmer, who has struggled to increase his appeal to the electorate despite heavy criticism of the Conservative government over its initially sluggish response to the COVID-19 crisis and possible conflicts of interest.

He has accused Johnson and his party of cronyism, questioning the financing of the prime minister`s apartment, which an election watchdog is investigating. Johnson says he paid for the refurbishment and followed all the rules.

Starmer has tried to shift his party towards the centre ground after two defeats under the left-wing leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. But the Hartlepool defeat drew immediate criticism from some members of the party`s leftist faction.

"Not possible to blame Jeremy Corbyn for this result," said lawmaker Diane Abbott, a Corbyn ally. "Keir Starmer must think again about his strategy."

Britain`s governing Conservative Party won a new seat in parliament on Friday, ousting the Labour Party in the northern English town of Hartlepool with a sweeping victory that tightens its grip on traditional opposition-voting areas.

Britain`s governing Conservative Party won a new seat in parliament on Friday, ousting the Labour Party in the northern English town of Hartlepool with a sweeping victory that tightens its grip on traditional opposition-voting areas. Conservative Jill Mortimer beat Labour`s candidate by 15,529 votes to 8,589, securing what less than a decade ago would have been seen as an impossible feat of dislodging the main opposition party from one of its heartland seats. The overwhelming victory in the former industrial port town gives Prime Minister Boris Johnson an even larger majority in parliament and increases pressure on Labour leader Keir Starmer, who faces criticism for not fulfilling a pledge to revive his party`s fortunes after a 2019 election disaster. The triumph in Thursday`s vote is a boost for Johnson and his strategy during the COVID-19 crisis. A furore over the financing of a lavish refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment had no obvious impact on the result. "There`s no hiding from the fact this is a shattering result for Labour, absolutely shattering," Labour lawmaker Steve Reed, a member of Starmer`s top team, told the BBC. "It tells us that the pace of change in the Labour Party has not been fast enough. We need to quicken it up." The Conservatives described it as a historic day. The by-election, which takes place outside the normal parliamentary election cycle, was triggered by the resignation of a Labour lawmaker in March and is one of the dozens of votes which took place on Thursday. Labour had held Hartlepool for decades. Election analysts said it was the biggest swing of votes to the governing party at a by-election since World War Two. "It`s quite a spectacular turnaround in a seat that Labour should really have saved and defended," politics professor Michael Thrasher told Sky News. Red Wall Voters on Thursday were also electing local councils and parliaments in Scotland and Wales, gauging support for Britain`s two main parties and in Scotland`s case, the depth of backing for its leading party`s push for independence. The results of the other contests will be released over several days because COVID-19 restrictions have complicated the counts. Early results indicated the Conservatives had gained seats on English councils, which look after local services. The Hartlepool result continues a trend set by Johnson in the 2019 parliamentary election when he struck directly at Labour`s heartlands, the "Red Wall" areas of northern and central England, to win a commanding majority in parliament. Labour had tried to manage expectations over the vote, saying that Thursday`s elections would always be difficult at the time of the coronavirus pandemic, which has boosted support for the government because of its rapid vaccine rollout. But the loss is painful for Starmer, who has struggled to increase his appeal to the electorate despite heavy criticism of the Conservative government over its initially sluggish response to the COVID-19 crisis and possible conflicts of interest. He has accused Johnson and his party of cronyism, questioning the financing of the prime minister`s apartment, which an election watchdog is investigating. Johnson says he paid for the refurbishment and followed all the rules. Starmer has tried to shift his party towards the centre ground after two defeats under the left-wing leadership of Jeremy Corbyn. But the Hartlepool defeat drew immediate criticism from some members of the party`s leftist faction. "Not possible to blame Jeremy Corbyn for this result," said lawmaker Diane Abbott, a Corbyn ally. "Keir Starmer must think again about his strategy."

PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives scored a stunning election victory in an&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;stronghold&nbsp;Friday, after Britain held its first major ballot box test since Brexit and the coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

The "Super Thursday" regional and local elections could reshape the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;as pro-independence forces in Scotland, where voting for the devolved parliament was also held, bid to break away.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls">Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls</a>

Results in Scotland are due on Saturday.

But early results from England on Friday showed that the Conservatives had won a landslide in the parliamentary seat of Hartlepool in the northeast, a bitter blow to the&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;Party&nbsp;and its leader Keir Starmer.

Hartlepool, a rust-belt constituency deep in traditional Labour heartlands which has never voted Conservative since its creation in 1974, saw a 16 percent swing to the

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives scored a stunning election victory in an opposition stronghold Friday, after Britain held its first major ballot box test since Brexit and the coronavirus crisis.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives scored a stunning election victory in an opposition stronghold Friday, after Britain held its first major ballot box test since Brexit and the coronavirus crisis. The "Super Thursday" regional and local elections could reshape the UK as pro-independence forces in Scotland, where voting for the devolved parliament was also held, bid to break away. Also read: Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls Results in Scotland are due on Saturday. But early results from England on Friday showed that the Conservatives had won a landslide in the parliamentary seat of Hartlepool in the northeast, a bitter blow to the opposition Labour Party and its leader Keir Starmer. Hartlepool, a rust-belt constituency deep in traditional Labour heartlands which has never voted Conservative since its creation in 1974, saw a 16 percent swing to the

UK ruling party scores crushing win in opposition stronghold

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent two Navy patrol vessels to Jersey over concerns that French fishermen could blockade its main port in an escalating post-Brexit row. France has threatened to cut off electricity to the island, which began issuing licences to French boats under a new system last week.

UK sending Navy ships to Jersey amid post-Brexit fishing rights row

Around 50 French fishing boats gathered to protest at the main port of the UK island of Jersey on Thursday amid fresh tensions between France and Britain over fishing.&nbsp;

The boats massed in front of the port of Saint Helier to draw attention to what they see as unfair restrictions on their ability to fish in UK waters after Brexit, an AFP photographer at the scene said.&nbsp;

It was unclear if they intended to blockade the port, or if they would allow other boats in and out.

"It's incredible to have succeeded in getting everyone together," fisherman Camille Lecureuil told AFP onboard his boat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-sends-royal-navy-ships-to-patrol-jersey-port-383170">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-sends-royal-navy-ships-to-patrol-jersey-port-383170/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Lecureuil, from the port of Carteret on the French coast opposite Jersey, said a cargo ship was due to leave Saint Helier.&nbsp;

"Everyone seems to have decided to stop it from leaving. Fishing boats are moving into position at the entrance of the port," he said.&nbsp;

"It's a peaceful protest. There's no reason for it to degenerate."

France warned Tuesday that it was weighing its response after the UK imposed rules governing access for French fishing boats near the Channel Islands.

France's Maritime Minister Annick Girardin even suggested that France could cut electricity to the island as a last resort.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday sent two Navy patrol vessels to Jersey over concerns about a blockade at Saint Helier.

Around 50 French fishing boats gathered to protest at the main port of the UK island of Jersey on Thursday amid fresh tensions between France and Britain over fishing.

Around 50 French fishing boats gathered to protest at the main port of the UK island of Jersey on Thursday amid fresh tensions between France and Britain over fishing. The boats massed in front of the port of Saint Helier to draw attention to what they see as unfair restrictions on their ability to fish in UK waters after Brexit, an AFP photographer at the scene said. It was unclear if they intended to blockade the port, or if they would allow other boats in and out. "It's incredible to have succeeded in getting everyone together," fisherman Camille Lecureuil told AFP onboard his boat. Watch | Lecureuil, from the port of Carteret on the French coast opposite Jersey, said a cargo ship was due to leave Saint Helier. "Everyone seems to have decided to stop it from leaving. Fishing boats are moving into position at the entrance of the port," he said. "It's a peaceful protest. There's no reason for it to degenerate." France warned Tuesday that it was weighing its response after the UK imposed rules governing access for French fishing boats near the Channel Islands. France's Maritime Minister Annick Girardin even suggested that France could cut electricity to the island as a last resort. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday sent two Navy patrol vessels to Jersey over concerns about a blockade at Saint Helier.

Post-Brexit fishing row: Around 50 French boats protest at UK's Jersey port

Boris Johnson sends Royal Navy ships to patrol Jersey port

<article>
For an ordinary politician, heading into midterm elections on an unsavory plume of scandal over cellphone contacts with billionaires and a suspiciously funded apartment makeover might seem like the recipe for a thumping. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain is not an ordinary politician.

As voters in the country go to the polls Thursday for regional and local elections that have been swollen by races postponed from last year because of the pandemic, Johnson’s Conservative Party stands to make gains against a Labour Party that has struggled to make the ethical accusations against him stick.

Far from humbling a wayward prime minister, the elections could extend a realignment in British politics that began in 2019 when the Conservative Party won a landslide general election victory. That would put the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, on the back foot and ratify Johnson’s status as a kind of political unicorn.

“No politician in the democratic West can escape the consequences of political gravity forever, but Boris Johnson has shown a greater capacity to do it than most,” said Tony Travers, a professor of politics at the London School of Economics. “People see his behavior as evidence of his authenticity.”

Yet there is peril as well as promise for Johnson in the elections, which will decide thousands of seats, including that of London’s mayor, and which the British press has perhaps inevitably nicknamed “Super Thursday.”

In Scotland, the Scottish National Party could win a clear majority in Scotland’s Parliament that the nationalists would brandish as a powerful mandate to demand another referendum on independence from the United Kingdom after an earlier one was defeated in 2014.

In the English elections, the big prize is Hartlepool, a struggling northern port city and Labour bastion where a new poll suggests that the Conservatives could win a bellwether seat in a parliamentary by-election. The Tories could make further inroads in other Labour cities and towns in the industrial Midlands and North, where they picked off dozens of seats in 2019, running on Johnson’s promise to “Get Brexit Done.”

The prime minister did get Brexit done, as of January. Yet while the split with the European Union brought predicted chaos in shipments of British seafood and higher customs fees on European goods, its effects have been eclipsed by the pandemic — a twist that ended up working to the government’s benefit.

Although the pandemic began as a negative story for Johnson, with a dilatory response to the first wave of infections that left Britain with the highest death toll in Europe, it turned around with the nation’s rapid rollout of vaccines.

As new cases, hospitalisations and deaths have plunged, voters have rediscovered their affection for Johnson. His poll numbers rebounded from their lows last fall and show little damage from the charges and countercharges about his conduct, even though those have riveted London’s political circles.

More important, Johnson’s message of “leveling up” the economically blighted Midlands and North with the more prosperous south still seems to resonate with people, including many who traditionally voted for Labour. And the government’s free-spending response to the pandemic has pulled the Conservative Party even further from its roots as the party of fiscal austerity.

“The party of Margaret Thatcher is becoming the party of a big state and higher taxes, which can quite easily become the party of economic nationalism and ‘Buy British,’” said Travers, the London School of Economics professor.

For Starmer, the Labour leader, this shape shifting has been confounding. A disciplined former prosecutor who lacks Johnson’s raffish manner, he has found it difficult to attack the government on its pandemic response, particularly the vaccine rollout, which is the largest peacetime mobilisation in British history.

Instead, Starmer has grilled Johnson in Parliament weekly about who picked up the initial bill for the upgrade of his apartment and why he was texting the billionaire James Dyson about the tax status of his employees, when the two were discussing a plan for Dyson’s company to manufacture ventilators.

But there is little evidence that voters are particularly surprised or concerned that Johnson does not play by the rules. As political commentators have taken to saying this week, the prime minister’s behaviour is “priced in.”

The same is not true of Scottish independence. Analysts say Johnson’s government is not prepared for the wall of pressure it will face if the Scottish National Party wins a majority. The last time the party achieved that, in 2011, Britain’s then-prime minister, David Cameron, yielded to demands for a referendum. In 2014, Scots voted against leaving Britain by 55% to 44%.

Polls now put the split at roughly 50-50, after a stretch in which the pro-independence vote was solidly above 50%. Analysts attribute the slight softening of support to both the vaccine rollout, which showed the merits of staying in the union, as well as an ugly political dispute within Scottish nationalist ranks.

Johnson holds a trump card of sorts. To be legally binding, an independence referendum would almost certainly have to gain the assent of the British government, so the prime minister can simply say no and hope the problem goes away. But that strategy can work for only so long before becoming untenable.

“I don’t see any way in the world that Boris Johnson turns around the day after the election and says, ‘OK, you can have a referendum,’” said Nicola McEwen, a professor of politics at the University of Edinburgh.

And yet the calls could only grow. “If they manage to peel off a single-party majority,” she said, “it does put pressure on the UK&nbsp;to answer the question, ‘If a democratic vote isn’t a mandate for independence, then what is?’”
</article>

For an ordinary politician, heading into midterm elections on an unsavory plume of scandal over cellphone contacts with billionaires and a suspiciously funded apartment makeover might seem like the recipe for a thumping.

For an ordinary politician, heading into midterm elections on an unsavory plume of scandal over cellphone contacts with billionaires and a suspiciously funded apartment makeover might seem like the recipe for a thumping. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain is not an ordinary politician. As voters in the country go to the polls Thursday for regional and local elections that have been swollen by races postponed from last year because of the pandemic, Johnson’s Conservative Party stands to make gains against a Labour Party that has struggled to make the ethical accusations against him stick. Far from humbling a wayward prime minister, the elections could extend a realignment in British politics that began in 2019 when the Conservative Party won a landslide general election victory. That would put the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, on the back foot and ratify Johnson’s status as a kind of political unicorn. “No politician in the democratic West can escape the consequences of political gravity forever, but Boris Johnson has shown a greater capacity to do it than most,” said Tony Travers, a professor of politics at the London School of Economics. “People see his behavior as evidence of his authenticity.” Yet there is peril as well as promise for Johnson in the elections, which will decide thousands of seats, including that of London’s mayor, and which the British press has perhaps inevitably nicknamed “Super Thursday.” In Scotland, the Scottish National Party could win a clear majority in Scotland’s Parliament that the nationalists would brandish as a powerful mandate to demand another referendum on independence from the United Kingdom after an earlier one was defeated in 2014. In the English elections, the big prize is Hartlepool, a struggling northern port city and Labour bastion where a new poll suggests that the Conservatives could win a bellwether seat in a parliamentary by-election. The Tories could make further inroads in other Labour cities and towns in the industrial Midlands and North, where they picked off dozens of seats in 2019, running on Johnson’s promise to “Get Brexit Done.” The prime minister did get Brexit done, as of January. Yet while the split with the European Union brought predicted chaos in shipments of British seafood and higher customs fees on European goods, its effects have been eclipsed by the pandemic — a twist that ended up working to the government’s benefit. Although the pandemic began as a negative story for Johnson, with a dilatory response to the first wave of infections that left Britain with the highest death toll in Europe, it turned around with the nation’s rapid rollout of vaccines. As new cases, hospitalisations and deaths have plunged, voters have rediscovered their affection for Johnson. His poll numbers rebounded from their lows last fall and show little damage from the charges and countercharges about his conduct, even though those have riveted London’s political circles. More important, Johnson’s message of “leveling up” the economically blighted Midlands and North with the more prosperous south still seems to resonate with people, including many who traditionally voted for Labour. And the government’s free-spending response to the pandemic has pulled the Conservative Party even further from its roots as the party of fiscal austerity. “The party of Margaret Thatcher is becoming the party of a big state and higher taxes, which can quite easily become the party of economic nationalism and ‘Buy British,’” said Travers, the London School of Economics professor. For Starmer, the Labour leader, this shape shifting has been confounding. A disciplined former prosecutor who lacks Johnson’s raffish manner, he has found it difficult to attack the government on its pandemic response, particularly the vaccine rollout, which is the largest peacetime mobilisation in British history. Instead, Starmer has grilled Johnson in Parliament weekly about who picked up the initial bill for the upgrade of his apartment and why he was texting the billionaire James Dyson about the tax status of his employees, when the two were discussing a plan for Dyson’s company to manufacture ventilators. But there is little evidence that voters are particularly surprised or concerned that Johnson does not play by the rules. As political commentators have taken to saying this week, the prime minister’s behaviour is “priced in.” The same is not true of Scottish independence. Analysts say Johnson’s government is not prepared for the wall of pressure it will face if the Scottish National Party wins a majority. The last time the party achieved that, in 2011, Britain’s then-prime minister, David Cameron, yielded to demands for a referendum. In 2014, Scots voted against leaving Britain by 55% to 44%. Polls now put the split at roughly 50-50, after a stretch in which the pro-independence vote was solidly above 50%. Analysts attribute the slight softening of support to both the vaccine rollout, which showed the merits of staying in the union, as well as an ugly political dispute within Scottish nationalist ranks. Johnson holds a trump card of sorts. To be legally binding, an independence referendum would almost certainly have to gain the assent of the British government, so the prime minister can simply say no and hope the problem goes away. But that strategy can work for only so long before becoming untenable. “I don’t see any way in the world that Boris Johnson turns around the day after the election and says, ‘OK, you can have a referendum,’” said Nicola McEwen, a professor of politics at the University of Edinburgh. And yet the calls could only grow. “If they manage to peel off a single-party majority,” she said, “it does put pressure on the UK to answer the question, ‘If a democratic vote isn’t a mandate for independence, then what is?’”

UK vote is likely to back Johnson, and an independent Scotland

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual summit with his British counterpart Boris Johnson. Both leaders had substantive discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral ties and exchanged their views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

India-UK Virtual Summit: Modi, Johnson unveil roadmap for next decade

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will be doing all his meetings virtually in London after he was exposed to possible Covid positive cases.

The EAM is in London for the G7 foreign ministers meet where India has been invited as a guest along with India, Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It has been reported that some members of the Indian delegation have been confirmed covid positive.

EAM tweeted, "Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well."

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Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1389854062762409987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Indian delegation had tested Covid negative when they had left for the UK on Sunday. In fact, some members of the delegation have been vaccinated as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sources said, "Working out with UK health authorities and what needs to be done."&nbsp;As of now, the entire Indian delegation has isolated and healthy.&nbsp;The Indian foreign minister is in the UK from&nbsp;May 3 to&nbsp;6, and he is expected to come back towards the end of the week.

Today was the last day of the G7, but it was important since the focus was on the invited guest countries. Along with guest countries, foreign ministers in the G7 summit&nbsp;are discussing issues like n Open Societies, Vaccines/Health, Climate/Girl’s Education. EAM joined all the meetings virtually and will also call on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson virtually.

UK PM said, "I think it is very important to try to continue as much business as you can as a government. We have a very important relationship with India, with our G7 partners. As I understand, what's happened is that the individual concerned they are all isolating now. I will be seeing the Indian foreign minister later on this afternoon but that will be a zoom exchange".

In his London visit, EAM so far has met South Africa's FM Dr. Naledi Pandor, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, US Secretary of state Antony Blinken. He also had a conversation with EU FM Josep Borrell and a trilateral with French FM Jean-Yves Le Drian and Australian FM Marise Payne, but no pictures were released of the meeting.&nbsp;

G7 FMs meet, along with guest countries was the biggest in-person gathering of foreign ministers amid the covid pandemic, and such physical meet is happening after a gap of over two&nbsp;and half years. The last meeting happened in France.

India is being invited since 2019 on a continuous basis for G7 meets, first by France, then by the US, and this year by the British. Indian PM has been invited for the leader's summit that will take place in the UK later physically, which could also see the first in-person Quad meetings as well.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will be doing all his meetings virtually in London after he was exposed to possible Covid positive cases. The EAM is in London for the G7 foreign ministers meet where India has been invited as a guest along with India, Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will be doing all his meetings virtually in London after he was exposed to possible Covid positive cases. The EAM is in London for the G7 foreign ministers meet where India has been invited as a guest along with India, Australia, South Korea, South Africa, and the secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It has been reported that some members of the Indian delegation have been confirmed covid positive. EAM tweeted, "Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well." Was made aware yesterday evening of exposure to possible Covid positive cases. As a measure of abundant caution and also out of consideration for others, I decided to conduct my engagements in the virtual mode. That will be the case with the G7 Meeting today as well. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 5, 2021 × The Indian delegation had tested Covid negative when they had left for the UK on Sunday. In fact, some members of the delegation have been vaccinated as well. Sources said, "Working out with UK health authorities and what needs to be done." As of now, the entire Indian delegation has isolated and healthy. The Indian foreign minister is in the UK from May 3 to 6, and he is expected to come back towards the end of the week. Today was the last day of the G7, but it was important since the focus was on the invited guest countries. Along with guest countries, foreign ministers in the G7 summit are discussing issues like n Open Societies, Vaccines/Health, Climate/Girl’s Education. EAM joined all the meetings virtually and will also call on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson virtually. UK PM said, "I think it is very important to try to continue as much business as you can as a government. We have a very important relationship with India, with our G7 partners. As I understand, what's happened is that the individual concerned they are all isolating now. I will be seeing the Indian foreign minister later on this afternoon but that will be a zoom exchange". In his London visit, EAM so far has met South Africa's FM Dr. Naledi Pandor, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, US Secretary of state Antony Blinken. He also had a conversation with EU FM Josep Borrell and a trilateral with French FM Jean-Yves Le Drian and Australian FM Marise Payne, but no pictures were released of the meeting. G7 FMs meet, along with guest countries was the biggest in-person gathering of foreign ministers amid the covid pandemic, and such physical meet is happening after a gap of over two and half years. The last meeting happened in France. India is being invited since 2019 on a continuous basis for G7 meets, first by France, then by the US, and this year by the British. Indian PM has been invited for the leader's summit that will take place in the UK later physically, which could also see the first in-person Quad meetings as well.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's participation at G7 summit goes virtual over Covid worries

The United Kingdom and India have finalised a deal that would allow citizens of the two countries to work and live in each other's country for a period of two years, a report said.&nbsp;

The Home Office said the scheme for people in the age group of 18- 30 would allow "the brightest and best" to come to Britain based on "skills and talent", BBC reported.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-investment-to-create-over-6500-jobs-in-uk-382780/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It added that the two countries would also encourage a "crackdown" on illegal migration.&nbsp;

The Young Professionals Scheme will allow a maximum of 3,000 people each from India and the UK every year to the other country.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-brexit-roadmap-key-takeaways-from-uk-india-trade-deal-382811">Post-Brexit roadmap: Key takeaways from UK-India trade deal</a>

Both countries can decide to increase or reduce the limit agreed upon.&nbsp;

"This landmark agreement with our close partners in the government of India will provide new opportunities to thousands of young people in the UK and India seeking to live, work and experience each other's cultures," Home Secretary Priti Patel said.&nbsp;

The agreement comes as British PM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/boris-johnson">Boris Johnson </a>and his Indian counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>held a virtual meeting on Tuesday in which both leaders agreed on a "2030 Roadmap" as a framework for strengthening relations across fields including health, climate, trade, education, and science and technology.&nbsp;

Britain and India will also start formal free trade deal talks later this year, the UK government confirmed on Tuesday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United Kingdom and India have finalised a deal that would allow citizens of the two countries to work and live in each other's country for a period of two years, a report said.

The United Kingdom and India have finalised a deal that would allow citizens of the two countries to work and live in each other's country for a period of two years, a report said. The Home Office said the scheme for people in the age group of 18- 30 would allow "the brightest and best" to come to Britain based on "skills and talent", BBC reported. Watch | It added that the two countries would also encourage a "crackdown" on illegal migration. The Young Professionals Scheme will allow a maximum of 3,000 people each from India and the UK every year to the other country. Also read | Post-Brexit roadmap: Key takeaways from UK-India trade deal Both countries can decide to increase or reduce the limit agreed upon. "This landmark agreement with our close partners in the government of India will provide new opportunities to thousands of young people in the UK and India seeking to live, work and experience each other's cultures," Home Secretary Priti Patel said. The agreement comes as British PM Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting on Tuesday in which both leaders agreed on a "2030 Roadmap" as a framework for strengthening relations across fields including health, climate, trade, education, and science and technology. Britain and India will also start formal free trade deal talks later this year, the UK government confirmed on Tuesday.

India, UK agree deal to allow young people work and live in each other's countries

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday had a virtual summit that saw a slew of outcomes, including the launch of a trade partnership;&nbsp;an enhanced trade partnership that aims to double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030.

Under the partnership,&nbsp;Sandeep Chakravorty&nbsp;Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs said, the aim is to "seize them and unlock the true potential" of trade and "to negotiate a comprehensive and balanced FTA including consideration of an Interim Trade Agreement for delivering early gains."

The summit happened at a time when External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is in London to take part in the G7 foreign ministers' meet. Earlier today he signed the&nbsp;MoU on India-UK Migration and Mobility Partnership with UK Home Secretary Priti Patel.

The pact will allow 3,000 young Indian professionals the opportunity to work in the UK for a two-year period without being subject to labour market test while India will take back any of its citizens living illegally in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-announces-14-billion-trade-deal-with-india-382740" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India</a>

During the talks&nbsp;that started at 5 pm IST, both leaders also discussed the extradition of economic offenders like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. In response to a WION question,&nbsp;Sandeep Chakravorty said, "Yes they discussed the issue of the economic offender, PM said that economic offenders should be sent back to India for trial", elaborating, "PM Johnson said that he faced certain legal hurdles because of the nature of the criminal justice system in the UK but he was aware of it and they will do whatever possible to make that these people are extradited at the earliest".

Both Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi have been given a go-ahead on extradition by the British government, but in case of Mallya, some formalities are&nbsp;still left. In the case of Nirav Modi, it is possible that he&nbsp;could further appeal in his case.&nbsp;

The summit saw&nbsp;both the leaders discuss&nbsp;a range of issues like the Indo-pacific, climate change. They agreed to strengthen defence and security ties, including in the maritime, counter-terrorism and cyberspace domains. The Indian PM Modi also thanked the British PM for the medical assistance sent by the UK in the backdrop of the Covid crisis that brought unimaginable devastation to the country. The UK was the first country to send assistance to India last week even as more support is expected to come.

Earlier today, the UK prime minister announced one billion pounds of India-UK trade deals, of which £240 million investment is by the Serum Institute of India into the country. The biggest vaccine manufacturer of the world will produce vaccines in the UK and also establish a new sales office in the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday had a virtual summit that saw a slew of outcomes, including the launch of a trade partnership; an enhanced trade partnership that aims to double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Boris Johnson on Tuesday had a virtual summit that saw a slew of outcomes, including the launch of a trade partnership; an enhanced trade partnership that aims to double bilateral trade between the two countries by 2030. Under the partnership, Sandeep Chakravorty Joint Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs said, the aim is to "seize them and unlock the true potential" of trade and "to negotiate a comprehensive and balanced FTA including consideration of an Interim Trade Agreement for delivering early gains." The summit happened at a time when External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is in London to take part in the G7 foreign ministers' meet. Earlier today he signed the MoU on India-UK Migration and Mobility Partnership with UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. The pact will allow 3,000 young Indian professionals the opportunity to work in the UK for a two-year period without being subject to labour market test while India will take back any of its citizens living illegally in the country. Also read: UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India During the talks that started at 5 pm IST, both leaders also discussed the extradition of economic offenders like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya. In response to a WION question, Sandeep Chakravorty said, "Yes they discussed the issue of the economic offender, PM said that economic offenders should be sent back to India for trial", elaborating, "PM Johnson said that he faced certain legal hurdles because of the nature of the criminal justice system in the UK but he was aware of it and they will do whatever possible to make that these people are extradited at the earliest". Both Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi have been given a go-ahead on extradition by the British government, but in case of Mallya, some formalities are still left. In the case of Nirav Modi, it is possible that he could further appeal in his case. The summit saw both the leaders discuss a range of issues like the Indo-pacific, climate change. They agreed to strengthen defence and security ties, including in the maritime, counter-terrorism and cyberspace domains. The Indian PM Modi also thanked the British PM for the medical assistance sent by the UK in the backdrop of the Covid crisis that brought unimaginable devastation to the country. The UK was the first country to send assistance to India last week even as more support is expected to come. Earlier today, the UK prime minister announced one billion pounds of India-UK trade deals, of which £240 million investment is by the Serum Institute of India into the country. The biggest vaccine manufacturer of the world will produce vaccines in the UK and also establish a new sales office in the country.

India-UK summit: Modi-Boris launch trade partnership; discuss extradition of Mallya, Nirav Modi

India and the UK enjoy long standing friendly ties and share a Strategic Partnership underpinned by mutual commitment to democracy, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, strong complementarities and growing convergences.

Indian investment to create over 6500 jobs in UK

Ahead of the India UK virtual summit to be chaired by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Indian PM Narendra Modi, the former has announced trade deal worth £1 billion. This deal includes an investment of 240 million pounds by Pune based Serum institute of India or SII.

India-UK finalise enhanced trade partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual Summit with his British counterpart Boris Johnson today.

PM Modi to hold virtual Summit with British counterpart Boris Johnson today

The British government has finalised £1 billion ($1.4 billion) worth of trade and investment with India, creating over 6,500 jobs in Britain, ahead of the virtual summit between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

The investments confirmed by Downing Street on Monday evening form part of an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), which the two leaders will formally sign off during their talks.

The ETP will set the ambition to double the value of UK-India trade by 2030 and declare a shared intent to begin work towards a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

''Like every aspect of the UK-India relationship, the economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer,''&nbsp;said Johnson.

''Each and every one of the more than 6,500 jobs we have announced today will help families and communities build back from coronavirus and boost the British and Indian economies. In the decade ahead, with the help of (the) new partnership signed today and a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, we will double the value of our trading partnership with India and take the relationship between our two countries to new highs,''&nbsp;he said.

The trade and investment package unveiled by the British government contains over £533 million of new Indian investment into the UK, covering areas such as healthcare and technology.

This includes a GBP 240 million investment by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in the UK into its vaccine business and a new sales office in the country, expected to generate new business worth over $1 billion.

Serum Institute's investment will support clinical trials, research and development, and "possibly" manufacturing of vaccines, to help the UK and the world defeat the coronavirus pandemic and other deadly diseases, Downing Street said.

British businesses have also secured new export deals with India worth more than £446 million, which is expected to create more than 400 British jobs.

This includes CMR Surgical exporting its next-generation 'Versius'&nbsp;surgical robotic system, which helps surgeons perform minimal access surgery being rolled out to hospitals in India.

This export deal is worth £200 million and will result in the creation of 100 new jobs in the UK.

''With almost 1.4 billion people, India's population is bigger than the EU and US combined and by far the largest market the UK has committed to negotiating a trade deal with to date,''&nbsp;Downing Street said.

The ETP agreed between India and the UK is said to create immediate opportunities for British businesses in India across industries including food and drink, life sciences and the service sector.

Non-tariff barriers on fruit and medical devices will be lowered, allowing British businesses to export more of their products to India and boosting UK growth and jobs.

It also commits both sides to addressing immediate market access barriers as well as continuing to seek further opportunities on the road to an FTA.

''The trade barriers addressed by the ETP include lifting restrictions to enable fruit producers across the UK to export British apples, pears and quince to India for the first time and improved access for medical devices through the acceptance of UK Certificates of Free Sale in India, removing the requirement for additional accreditation of UK medical devices when exporting to the Indian market before they can be sold.

There is also a commitment to deepening cooperation in educational services and concluding work on the recognition of UK higher education qualifications, which will encourage an increase in student flows, skills transfer and knowledge sharing between the UK and India.

It has also been agreed for both sides to work on removing barriers in the Indian legal services sector preventing UK lawyers from practising international and foreign law in India, a step that Downing Street could 'significantly increase'&nbsp;UK legal services exports and UK legal services imports from India.

According to official statistics, trade between the UK and India is already worth around&nbsp;£23 billion a year, supporting more than half a million jobs. 
Last week, Johnson spoke to Indian business leaders from companies Infosys and HCL and the software majors are among the Indian firms listed as part of a series of investment deals, set to create 1,000 jobs each in the UK.

Some of the others on the list include the likes of biotech firm Global Gene Corp, TVS Motors and Goila Butter Chicken.

The UK companies clinching export deals with India include Morningside Pharmaceuticals with an R&amp;D pact, Kloudpad with a data centres deal, BP in a partnership with Infosys, and GoZero Mobility with an e-bicycles deal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The British government has finalised £1 billion ($1.4 billion) worth of trade and investment with India, creating over 6,500 jobs in Britain, ahead of the virtual summit between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

The British government has finalised £1 billion ($1.4 billion) worth of trade and investment with India, creating over 6,500 jobs in Britain, ahead of the virtual summit between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Tuesday. The investments confirmed by Downing Street on Monday evening form part of an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), which the two leaders will formally sign off during their talks. The ETP will set the ambition to double the value of UK-India trade by 2030 and declare a shared intent to begin work towards a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA). ''Like every aspect of the UK-India relationship, the economic links between our countries make our people stronger and safer,'' said Johnson. ''Each and every one of the more than 6,500 jobs we have announced today will help families and communities build back from coronavirus and boost the British and Indian economies. In the decade ahead, with the help of (the) new partnership signed today and a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, we will double the value of our trading partnership with India and take the relationship between our two countries to new highs,'' he said. The trade and investment package unveiled by the British government contains over £533 million of new Indian investment into the UK, covering areas such as healthcare and technology. This includes a GBP 240 million investment by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in the UK into its vaccine business and a new sales office in the country, expected to generate new business worth over $1 billion. Serum Institute's investment will support clinical trials, research and development, and "possibly" manufacturing of vaccines, to help the UK and the world defeat the coronavirus pandemic and other deadly diseases, Downing Street said. British businesses have also secured new export deals with India worth more than £446 million, which is expected to create more than 400 British jobs. This includes CMR Surgical exporting its next-generation 'Versius' surgical robotic system, which helps surgeons perform minimal access surgery being rolled out to hospitals in India. This export deal is worth £200 million and will result in the creation of 100 new jobs in the UK. ''With almost 1.4 billion people, India's population is bigger than the EU and US combined and by far the largest market the UK has committed to negotiating a trade deal with to date,'' Downing Street said. The ETP agreed between India and the UK is said to create immediate opportunities for British businesses in India across industries including food and drink, life sciences and the service sector. Non-tariff barriers on fruit and medical devices will be lowered, allowing British businesses to export more of their products to India and boosting UK growth and jobs. It also commits both sides to addressing immediate market access barriers as well as continuing to seek further opportunities on the road to an FTA. ''The trade barriers addressed by the ETP include lifting restrictions to enable fruit producers across the UK to export British apples, pears and quince to India for the first time and improved access for medical devices through the acceptance of UK Certificates of Free Sale in India, removing the requirement for additional accreditation of UK medical devices when exporting to the Indian market before they can be sold. There is also a commitment to deepening cooperation in educational services and concluding work on the recognition of UK higher education qualifications, which will encourage an increase in student flows, skills transfer and knowledge sharing between the UK and India. It has also been agreed for both sides to work on removing barriers in the Indian legal services sector preventing UK lawyers from practising international and foreign law in India, a step that Downing Street could 'significantly increase' UK legal services exports and UK legal services imports from India. According to official statistics, trade between the UK and India is already worth around £23 billion a year, supporting more than half a million jobs. Last week, Johnson spoke to Indian business leaders from companies Infosys and HCL and the software majors are among the Indian firms listed as part of a series of investment deals, set to create 1,000 jobs each in the UK. Some of the others on the list include the likes of biotech firm Global Gene Corp, TVS Motors and Goila Butter Chicken. The UK companies clinching export deals with India include Morningside Pharmaceuticals with an R&D pact, Kloudpad with a data centres deal, BP in a partnership with Infosys, and GoZero Mobility with an e-bicycles deal. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson announces $1.4 billion trade deal with India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual summit with his British counterpart Boris Johnson on May 4 during which they will unveil a 10-year roadmap to further broad base bilateral ties.

Indian PM Modi to hold virtual summit with British counterpart Johnson on May 4

UK Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/boris-johnson">Boris Johnson</a> will hold a virtual summit with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi on May 4.

This virtual summit will act as a replacement for Boris Johnson’s trip, which was recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-pm-boris-johnson-cancels-visit-to-india-over-covid-surge-for-the-second-time-378586">cancelled</a> due to the Covid crisis in the South Asian country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-pms-let-the-bodies-pile-high-comment-creates-uproar-380851" hreflang="en">COVID-19: UK PM’s ‘let the bodies pile high’ comment creates uproar</a>

The aim of this summit will be to further expand the India-UK cooperation over the next decade across five key areas, namely people-to-people relationship, trade and prosperity, defence and security, climate action, and healthcare.

Both leaders will also use this opportunity to discuss the need for global measures to fight the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-adds-india-to-covid-19-travel-red-list-after-boris-johnson-cancels-tour-378715" hreflang="en">UK adds India to COVID-19 travel 'red list' after Boris Johnson cancels tour</a>

"The Summit will be an important opportunity to elevate our multi-faceted strategic ties and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both leaders will also discuss Covid19 cooperation and the global efforts to fight the pandemic," a statement from the ministry of external affairs read.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a virtual summit with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi on May 4. This virtual summit will act as a replacement for Boris Johnson’s trip, which was recently cancelled due to the Covid crisis in the South Asian country.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a virtual summit with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi on May 4. This virtual summit will act as a replacement for Boris Johnson’s trip, which was recently cancelled due to the Covid crisis in the South Asian country. Also read | COVID-19: UK PM’s ‘let the bodies pile high’ comment creates uproar The aim of this summit will be to further expand the India-UK cooperation over the next decade across five key areas, namely people-to-people relationship, trade and prosperity, defence and security, climate action, and healthcare. Both leaders will also use this opportunity to discuss the need for global measures to fight the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Also read | UK adds India to COVID-19 travel 'red list' after Boris Johnson cancels tour "The Summit will be an important opportunity to elevate our multi-faceted strategic ties and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both leaders will also discuss Covid19 cooperation and the global efforts to fight the pandemic," a statement from the ministry of external affairs read.

Narendra Modi, Boris Johnson to hold virtual summit on May 4

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced more allegations on Sunday about his expenditure on the refurbishment of his apartment and on childcare for his young son, which his foreign minister dismissed as baseless gossip. 
 
Johnson has repeatedly weathered gaffes, crises over Brexit and disclosures of his adultery, but the revelation that he and his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, spent lavishly to redecorate their residence with a designer feted by royalty has touched a nerve. 
 
One of the leaders of the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, Johnson is grappling with a stream of allegations about both his expenditure and the management of his core team at the centre of the British government that opponents say show he is unfit for office. 
 
Johnson has repeatedly said that he paid for the refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment, but the Electoral Commission says it has grounds to suspect an offence has been committed in the funding of the work. 
 
The Sunday Times said the total cost of the work was around 200,000 pounds ($276,000) and that one invoice was settled by a Conservative Party donor directly - a benefit-in-kind that would need to be declared to tax authorities. 
 
The newspaper also reported that a Conservative Party donor had been asked to pay for a nanny for Johnson`s young son, Wilfred. 
 
"I don`t mind paying for leaflets but I resent being asked to pay to literally wipe the prime minister`s baby`s bottom," the unidentified donor was quoted as saying. 
 
Johnson`s Downing Street office did not address the reported refurbishment costs, but said in a statement: "The Prime Minister has covered the costs of all childcare." 
 
The Conservative Party declined to comment on the report. 
 
`TITTLE TATTLE` 
 
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab declined to answer directly who initially paid for the work and said he had "no idea" if a donor had been asked to pay for Johnson`s childcare. 
 
"The last issue you asked about is an example of tittle tattle," Raab told Sky TV. He said Johnson had been "crystal clear" about the expenditure on the refurbishment of the apartment. 
 
Before local elections on Thursday across most of Britain, some opinion surveys show Johnson`s ratings have dipped. His party also faces a parliamentary by-election in Hartlepool, northern England, which the opposition Labour Party has controlled for decades. 
 
Such is uproar over the cost of the Downing Street refurbishment that Johnson last week even expressed his "love" for John Lewis, a retailer adored by millions of British voters. 
 
Tatler magazine had cited an unidentified source as saying the work had improved the apartment after the "John Lewis furniture nightmare" inherited from former Prime Minister Theresa May.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced more allegations on Sunday about his expenditure on the refurbishment of his apartment and on childcare for his young son, which his foreign minister dismissed as baseless gossip.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced more allegations on Sunday about his expenditure on the refurbishment of his apartment and on childcare for his young son, which his foreign minister dismissed as baseless gossip. Johnson has repeatedly weathered gaffes, crises over Brexit and disclosures of his adultery, but the revelation that he and his fiancee, Carrie Symonds, spent lavishly to redecorate their residence with a designer feted by royalty has touched a nerve. One of the leaders of the 2016 campaign to leave the European Union, Johnson is grappling with a stream of allegations about both his expenditure and the management of his core team at the centre of the British government that opponents say show he is unfit for office. Johnson has repeatedly said that he paid for the refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment, but the Electoral Commission says it has grounds to suspect an offence has been committed in the funding of the work. The Sunday Times said the total cost of the work was around 200,000 pounds ($276,000) and that one invoice was settled by a Conservative Party donor directly - a benefit-in-kind that would need to be declared to tax authorities. The newspaper also reported that a Conservative Party donor had been asked to pay for a nanny for Johnson`s young son, Wilfred. "I don`t mind paying for leaflets but I resent being asked to pay to literally wipe the prime minister`s baby`s bottom," the unidentified donor was quoted as saying. Johnson`s Downing Street office did not address the reported refurbishment costs, but said in a statement: "The Prime Minister has covered the costs of all childcare." The Conservative Party declined to comment on the report. `TITTLE TATTLE` Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab declined to answer directly who initially paid for the work and said he had "no idea" if a donor had been asked to pay for Johnson`s childcare. "The last issue you asked about is an example of tittle tattle," Raab told Sky TV. He said Johnson had been "crystal clear" about the expenditure on the refurbishment of the apartment. Before local elections on Thursday across most of Britain, some opinion surveys show Johnson`s ratings have dipped. His party also faces a parliamentary by-election in Hartlepool, northern England, which the opposition Labour Party has controlled for decades. Such is uproar over the cost of the Downing Street refurbishment that Johnson last week even expressed his "love" for John Lewis, a retailer adored by millions of British voters. Tatler magazine had cited an unidentified source as saying the work had improved the apartment after the "John Lewis furniture nightmare" inherited from former Prime Minister Theresa May.

UK's Johnson faces more questions over personal spending

Revelations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's personal mobile&nbsp;number&nbsp;has been circulating&nbsp;online&nbsp;for 15 years raised national security concerns Friday, amid a raft of probes into his conduct.

The&nbsp;phone&nbsp;number&nbsp;appeared on a press release from 2006 when Johnson was an opposition MP, and he was reportedly still using it this week.

When called on Friday, there was an automated message indicating that the&nbsp;phone&nbsp;was switched off. "Please try later, or send a text," the message said.

British ministers are issued a government&nbsp;phone&nbsp;for official business, and receive security briefings from intelligence agencies on protecting their communications.

Johnson's liberal sharing of his personal&nbsp;number&nbsp;with politicians, business tycoons and foreign leaders had already prompted Britain's top civil servant to urge him to change it, according to recent reports.

Downing Street did not deny those reports. It did not immediately comment on the latest revelation, first reported by the gossip website Popbitch late on Thursday.

It comes as Johnson is under scrutiny over a lavish makeover of his Downing Street flat and over text messages, he exchanged last year with both industrialist James Dyson and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Former national security adviser Peter Ricketts told the BBC that hostile states and criminal gangs could have access to Johnson's contact details.

It was an "elementary security precaution these days" for a leader to change their&nbsp;number, he said.

Rachel Hopkins, an MP with the main opposition Labour party, noted she had raised concerns about Johnson's&nbsp;number&nbsp;being in wide distribution at a parliamentary hearing this week.&nbsp;

That was "for obvious security and lobbying implications, but also risk of blackmail", she said&nbsp;on Twitter.

But Victoria Atkins, a junior minister in the interior ministry, said the prime minister, "more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security".

Ahead of local elections next Thursday, Atkins told Times Radio that she believed the public was not "particularly interested" in the issue.

'Farrago of nonsense'&nbsp;

The ruling Conservatives were buoyed overnight by a&nbsp;new&nbsp;YouGov poll showing the party maintaining an 11-point gap over Labour, 44 per cent to 33 per cent, despite days of allegations over Johnson's flat refurbishment and allegations of sleaze and favouritism during the pandemic.

"Labour has focused much of its campaign on sleaze and it hasn't cut through. That doesn't mean to say it won't," YouGov director of political research Anthony Wells told The Times newspaper, which commissioned the poll.

"Boris Johnson was elected with people knowing he has said unfortunate things and used colourful language and led a colourful life. People didn't expect him to be the cleanest of the clean," he said.

Despite his strenuous denials, half of the respondents believed Johnson did make the reported comment that he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown.

Johnson is also under pressure to explain who initially footed the bill for a reported £200,000 ($278,000, 230,000-euro) refurbishment of his Downing Street flat, in a scandal variously dubbed "wallpaper-gate" and "cash for curtains".

The Electoral Commission announced Wednesday it was opening an investigation into the issue, which could potentially involve the police, on top of two internal Downing Street probes.

Labour now wants the fourth investigation into the controversy, by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, who can impose separate sanctions on individual MPs.

Commissioner Kathryn Stone said she would not reveal the names of any MPs under investigation until&nbsp;after&nbsp;next week's elections.

Johnson on Thursday called the row over his and fiancee Carrie Symonds' refurbishment a "farrago of nonsense".

Revelations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's personal mobile number has been circulating online for 15 years raised national security concerns Friday, amid a raft of probes into his conduct.

Revelations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's personal mobile number has been circulating online for 15 years raised national security concerns Friday, amid a raft of probes into his conduct. The phone number appeared on a press release from 2006 when Johnson was an opposition MP, and he was reportedly still using it this week. When called on Friday, there was an automated message indicating that the phone was switched off. "Please try later, or send a text," the message said. British ministers are issued a government phone for official business, and receive security briefings from intelligence agencies on protecting their communications. Johnson's liberal sharing of his personal number with politicians, business tycoons and foreign leaders had already prompted Britain's top civil servant to urge him to change it, according to recent reports. Downing Street did not deny those reports. It did not immediately comment on the latest revelation, first reported by the gossip website Popbitch late on Thursday. It comes as Johnson is under scrutiny over a lavish makeover of his Downing Street flat and over text messages, he exchanged last year with both industrialist James Dyson and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Former national security adviser Peter Ricketts told the BBC that hostile states and criminal gangs could have access to Johnson's contact details. It was an "elementary security precaution these days" for a leader to change their number, he said. Rachel Hopkins, an MP with the main opposition Labour party, noted she had raised concerns about Johnson's number being in wide distribution at a parliamentary hearing this week. That was "for obvious security and lobbying implications, but also risk of blackmail", she said on Twitter. But Victoria Atkins, a junior minister in the interior ministry, said the prime minister, "more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security". Ahead of local elections next Thursday, Atkins told Times Radio that she believed the public was not "particularly interested" in the issue. 'Farrago of nonsense' The ruling Conservatives were buoyed overnight by a new YouGov poll showing the party maintaining an 11-point gap over Labour, 44 per cent to 33 per cent, despite days of allegations over Johnson's flat refurbishment and allegations of sleaze and favouritism during the pandemic. "Labour has focused much of its campaign on sleaze and it hasn't cut through. That doesn't mean to say it won't," YouGov director of political research Anthony Wells told The Times newspaper, which commissioned the poll. "Boris Johnson was elected with people knowing he has said unfortunate things and used colourful language and led a colourful life. People didn't expect him to be the cleanest of the clean," he said. Despite his strenuous denials, half of the respondents believed Johnson did make the reported comment that he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown. Johnson is also under pressure to explain who initially footed the bill for a reported £200,000 ($278,000, 230,000-euro) refurbishment of his Downing Street flat, in a scandal variously dubbed "wallpaper-gate" and "cash for curtains". The Electoral Commission announced Wednesday it was opening an investigation into the issue, which could potentially involve the police, on top of two internal Downing Street probes. Labour now wants the fourth investigation into the controversy, by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, who can impose separate sanctions on individual MPs. Commissioner Kathryn Stone said she would not reveal the names of any MPs under investigation until after next week's elections. Johnson on Thursday called the row over his and fiancee Carrie Symonds' refurbishment a "farrago of nonsense".

UK PM faces new questions after phone number found online

As the UN urged countries to not pull back funding amid the coronavirus pandemic, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has slashed funding for the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA).

Johnson has decided to impose a huge cut to the funding made to the UN agency that helps women fight against violence and sexual and reproductive problems.

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The UK will be implementing a nearly 85 per cent cut to UNFPA’s flagship programme for family planning. The funding will be slashed from £154 million to £23 million this year.

These cuts have brought a ‘devastating’ effect in the working of the agency’s programmes, the agency authorities said.

"These cuts will be devastating for women and girls and their families across the world," UNFPA said in a statement. "With the now-withdrawn £130 million, the UNFPA Supplies Partnership would have helped prevent around 250,000 maternal and child deaths, 14.6 million unintended pregnancies, and 4.3 million unsafe abortions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-boris-johnson-let-the-bodies-pile-high-380948">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-boris-johnson-let-the-bodies-pile-high-380948/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Boris Johnson, however, has asked people and agencies to ‘understand’ the situation and has blamed the pandemic for fund cuts.

"We are still one of the biggest donors in the world and I think people in this country should be very proud of that," Johnson said. "But I also think that they will understand, and I know that other countries around the world understand, the particular pressures of the pandemic that means we have to economise in that way."

Responding to Johnson'&nbsp;statement, UNFPA said that while it understands "the challenging situation facing many donor governments", the agency is also "deeply regrets the decision of our longstanding partner".

"The truth is that when funding stops, women and girls suffer, especially the poor, those living in remote, underserved communities and those living through humanitarian crises," UNFPA said.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the UN urged countries to not pull back funding amid the coronavirus pandemic, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has slashed funding for the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA).

As the UN urged countries to not pull back funding amid the coronavirus pandemic, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has slashed funding for the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency (UNFPA). Johnson has decided to impose a huge cut to the funding made to the UN agency that helps women fight against violence and sexual and reproductive problems. Also read | Unease rising about AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in UK The UK will be implementing a nearly 85 per cent cut to UNFPA’s flagship programme for family planning. The funding will be slashed from £154 million to £23 million this year. These cuts have brought a ‘devastating’ effect in the working of the agency’s programmes, the agency authorities said. "These cuts will be devastating for women and girls and their families across the world," UNFPA said in a statement. "With the now-withdrawn £130 million, the UNFPA Supplies Partnership would have helped prevent around 250,000 maternal and child deaths, 14.6 million unintended pregnancies, and 4.3 million unsafe abortions." Watch | Boris Johnson, however, has asked people and agencies to ‘understand’ the situation and has blamed the pandemic for fund cuts. "We are still one of the biggest donors in the world and I think people in this country should be very proud of that," Johnson said. "But I also think that they will understand, and I know that other countries around the world understand, the particular pressures of the pandemic that means we have to economise in that way." Responding to Johnson' statement, UNFPA said that while it understands "the challenging situation facing many donor governments", the agency is also "deeply regrets the decision of our longstanding partner". "The truth is that when funding stops, women and girls suffer, especially the poor, those living in remote, underserved communities and those living through humanitarian crises," UNFPA said. (With inputs from agencies)

As UN agency laments aid fund cuts, UK PM Boris Johnson pleads people to 'understand'

Reports in British media revealed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would 'let the bodies pile high in their thousands' than impose a third lockdown. While Johnson's remarks have garnered criticism, WION's Palki tells you how other world leaders have balanced the choice between life and livelihood.

Gravitas | Boris Johnson: Let the bodies pile high

President Joe Biden said that the United States is sending a whole series of help that India needs in its battle against COVID-19, reiterating that New Delhi had done the same when his country was in need last year.

World leaders reaffirms commitment to helping India

The Prime Minister’s troubles over the renovations dramatically deepened on Wednesday when the commission said it would begin a “formal investigation” to see if any rules had been broken.

Watchdog launches formal investigation into Boris Johnson’s flat refurbishment

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