UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was optimistic that a Brexit deal could be reached as he prepared for talks on Saturday with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to determine the next steps in the fraught negotiations.

The comments came&nbsp;ahead of a videoconference with von der Leyen to take stock of progress made in the latest round of talks.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Johnson said the prospects of a year-end deal to avoid an abrupt Brexit separation "are very good if everybody just exercises some common sense and looks at the deal that is there to be done".&nbsp;

British and EU negotiators said Friday trade discussions remained deadlocked on key areas, with London urging Brussels to give ground to avoid a damaging "no-deal" at the end of the year.

Both sides have pinpointed a European summit on October 15 as the latest an agreement could be reached for it to be ratified in time for it take effect at the end of December.

But von der Leyen has already warned against a deal "at any price".

After the ninth round of talks in the tortuous process broke up in Brussels, with renewed commitments to find a way out of the impasse, there was clear acknowledgement the clock was ticking.

Despite indicating there were signs of agreement in a number of areas, UK negotiator David Frost warned disagreements over competition rules and fishing may be "impossible" to overcome without the EU giving ground.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she believed a deal was still possible, though she said that the next days would be crucial.

The von der Leyen and Johnson call also follows the launch of legal action by Brussels in response to the British government's attempt to overturn parts of the Brexit withdrawal agreement.

On Tuesday, British MPs backed a bill to regulate the UK's internal market from January 1, when Britain completes its post-Brexit transition period and leaves the EU single market and customs union.

Johnson has pushed on with the legislation despite concerns in his own party and a warning from Washington that it puts Irish peace at risk.

(with inputs)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was optimistic that a Brexit deal could be reached as he prepared for talks on Saturday with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to determine the next steps in the fraught negotiations.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was optimistic that a Brexit deal could be reached as he prepared for talks on Saturday with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen to determine the next steps in the fraught negotiations. The comments came ahead of a videoconference with von der Leyen to take stock of progress made in the latest round of talks. According to The Daily Telegraph, Johnson said the prospects of a year-end deal to avoid an abrupt Brexit separation "are very good if everybody just exercises some common sense and looks at the deal that is there to be done". British and EU negotiators said Friday trade discussions remained deadlocked on key areas, with London urging Brussels to give ground to avoid a damaging "no-deal" at the end of the year. Both sides have pinpointed a European summit on October 15 as the latest an agreement could be reached for it to be ratified in time for it take effect at the end of December. But von der Leyen has already warned against a deal "at any price". After the ninth round of talks in the tortuous process broke up in Brussels, with renewed commitments to find a way out of the impasse, there was clear acknowledgement the clock was ticking. Despite indicating there were signs of agreement in a number of areas, UK negotiator David Frost warned disagreements over competition rules and fishing may be "impossible" to overcome without the EU giving ground. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she believed a deal was still possible, though she said that the next days would be crucial. The von der Leyen and Johnson call also follows the launch of legal action by Brussels in response to the British government's attempt to overturn parts of the Brexit withdrawal agreement. On Tuesday, British MPs backed a bill to regulate the UK's internal market from January 1, when Britain completes its post-Brexit transition period and leaves the EU single market and customs union. Johnson has pushed on with the legislation despite concerns in his own party and a warning from Washington that it puts Irish peace at risk. (with inputs)

UK PM Johnson 'optimistic' over Brexit deal ahead of talks with EU chief

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday threw the onus back on the European Union to unblock a trade deal and avoid an abrupt Brexit separation at the end of this year. 
 
"I hope that we get a deal, it's up to our friends," he told the BBC, after the two sides concluded a week of talks with warnings that serious differences were holding up agreement by a mid-October deadline. 
 
"They've done a (free trade) deal with Canada of a kind that we want, why shouldn't they do it with us?" Johnson said. 
 
"We're so near, we've been (EU) members for 45 years. It's all there, it's just up to them," he added, insisting there was "every chance to get a deal" if the EU were "common-sensical".

The British government is concerned&nbsp;that time was running out for a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union before a mid-October deadline.

Britain's chief negotiator David Frost said on Friday&nbsp;"outlines of an agreement are visible" in many areas but there was "limited progress" on fair competition and state subsidy rules, and a deal on fisheries looked "impossible" without EU movement.

"I am concerned that there is very little time now to resolve these issues ahead of the European Council (EU summit) on 15 October," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-eu-takes-legal-action-against-uk-over-internal-market-bill-331695" hreflang="en">Brexit: EU takes legal action against UK over Internal Market Bill</a>

The European Union launched a legal case against the United Kingdom on Thursday for undercutting their earlier divorce deal and a senior UK minister said differences remained in talks on a post-Brexit&nbsp;trade agreement.

Controversy over the UK's new Internal Market Bill has thrown the tortuous&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;process into a fresh crisis while disagreements over corporate subsidies, fisheries and ways to solve disputes are overshadowing parallel trade negotiations.

"We had invited our British friends to remove the problematic parts of their draft Internal Market Bill by the end of September," the head of the EU's executive Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said. "The deadline lapsed yesterday."

With London not budging, she said the Commission started a so-called infringement, an EU legal procedure against countries that violate the bloc's laws, while continuing to work towards implementing the divorce deal, or Withdrawal Agreement.

he United Kingdom says its nations cannot trade freely with each other after&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;if there is no new trade deal with the EU without breaking the divorce deal provisions on the sensitive Irish border. A government spokesman said on Thursday it had made that clear.

The EU is adamant, however, that it would not implement any new UK deal as long as London undermines the divorce treaty.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday threw the onus back on the European Union to unblock a trade deal and avoid an abrupt Brexit separation at the end of this year.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday threw the onus back on the European Union to unblock a trade deal and avoid an abrupt Brexit separation at the end of this year. "I hope that we get a deal, it's up to our friends," he told the BBC, after the two sides concluded a week of talks with warnings that serious differences were holding up agreement by a mid-October deadline. "They've done a (free trade) deal with Canada of a kind that we want, why shouldn't they do it with us?" Johnson said. "We're so near, we've been (EU) members for 45 years. It's all there, it's just up to them," he added, insisting there was "every chance to get a deal" if the EU were "common-sensical". The British government is concerned that time was running out for a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union before a mid-October deadline. Britain's chief negotiator David Frost said on Friday "outlines of an agreement are visible" in many areas but there was "limited progress" on fair competition and state subsidy rules, and a deal on fisheries looked "impossible" without EU movement. "I am concerned that there is very little time now to resolve these issues ahead of the European Council (EU summit) on 15 October," he added. Also read: Brexit: EU takes legal action against UK over Internal Market Bill The European Union launched a legal case against the United Kingdom on Thursday for undercutting their earlier divorce deal and a senior UK minister said differences remained in talks on a post-Brexit trade agreement. Controversy over the UK's new Internal Market Bill has thrown the tortuous Brexit process into a fresh crisis while disagreements over corporate subsidies, fisheries and ways to solve disputes are overshadowing parallel trade negotiations. "We had invited our British friends to remove the problematic parts of their draft Internal Market Bill by the end of September," the head of the EU's executive Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said. "The deadline lapsed yesterday." With London not budging, she said the Commission started a so-called infringement, an EU legal procedure against countries that violate the bloc's laws, while continuing to work towards implementing the divorce deal, or Withdrawal Agreement. he United Kingdom says its nations cannot trade freely with each other after Brexit if there is no new trade deal with the EU without breaking the divorce deal provisions on the sensitive Irish border. A government spokesman said on Thursday it had made that clear. The EU is adamant, however, that it would not implement any new UK deal as long as London undermines the divorce treaty.

UK PM Johnson says Brexit trade deal 'up to European Union'

The&nbsp;European Union on Thursday&nbsp;launched a legal case against Britain over its new Internal Market Bill that would breach parts of the legally binding divorce agreement the two sides reached late last year.

The&nbsp;action underscored EU's worsening relations with Britain, which was a member of the bloc until January 31.

Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the fight over the controversial UK Internal Market bill has soured relations this month.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-bill-would-break-international-law-in-a-specific-and-limited-way-minister-says-326041">UK bill would break international law 'in a specific and limited way', minister says</a>

The EU had given London until Wednesday to withdraw the bill but instead UK&nbsp;lawmakers voted 340-256 Tuesday to push the legislation past its last major House of Commons hurdle.

It must also be approved by the House of Lords, where it is sure to meet strong opposition because it breaches international law. 
At the same time, EU and UK officials were continuing talks on a trade deal, going into detailed negotiations over everything from fisheries rights, state aid rules and legal oversight in case of disputes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-provisions-to-stay-in-internal-market-bill-as-uk-shows-no-indication-of-withdrawal-330985">Brexit provisions to stay in Internal Market Bill as UK shows 'no indication' of withdrawal</a>

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the draft bill was a "breach of obligation of good faith" established in the Withdrawal Agreement, and would contradict the protocol of Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Such so-called infringements could lead to hefty fines being imposed by the&nbsp;EU's top court but that takes years, leaving plenty of time for the UK to change tack.

London now has one month now to reply to a formal letter of complaint from the Commission, which will then assess whether the answer is satisfactory and can then request that the UK falls back in line. If that fails, it can sue at the Luxembourg-based&nbsp;European Court of Justice.

The move comes as British and&nbsp;EU&nbsp;negotiators struggle to close the gap on state aid in parallel trade negotiations that have been overshadowed by the new controversy over the Internal Market Bill.

The European Union on Thursday launched a legal case against Britain over its new Internal Market Bill that would breach parts of the legally binding divorce agreement the two sides reached late last year.

The European Union on Thursday launched a legal case against Britain over its new Internal Market Bill that would breach parts of the legally binding divorce agreement the two sides reached late last year. The action underscored EU's worsening relations with Britain, which was a member of the bloc until January 31. Both sides are trying to forge a rudimentary free trade agreement before the end of the year, but the fight over the controversial UK Internal Market bill has soured relations this month. Also read: UK bill would break international law 'in a specific and limited way', minister says The EU had given London until Wednesday to withdraw the bill but instead UK lawmakers voted 340-256 Tuesday to push the legislation past its last major House of Commons hurdle. It must also be approved by the House of Lords, where it is sure to meet strong opposition because it breaches international law. At the same time, EU and UK officials were continuing talks on a trade deal, going into detailed negotiations over everything from fisheries rights, state aid rules and legal oversight in case of disputes. Also read: Brexit provisions to stay in Internal Market Bill as UK shows 'no indication' of withdrawal European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the draft bill was a "breach of obligation of good faith" established in the Withdrawal Agreement, and would contradict the protocol of Ireland/Northern Ireland. Such so-called infringements could lead to hefty fines being imposed by the EU's top court but that takes years, leaving plenty of time for the UK to change tack. London now has one month now to reply to a formal letter of complaint from the Commission, which will then assess whether the answer is satisfactory and can then request that the UK falls back in line. If that fails, it can sue at the Luxembourg-based European Court of Justice. The move comes as British and EU negotiators struggle to close the gap on state aid in parallel trade negotiations that have been overshadowed by the new controversy over the Internal Market Bill.

Brexit: EU takes legal action against UK over Internal Market Bill

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday was scolded by the speaker of parliament for showing contempt towards lawmakers. The PM was reprimanded for hurrying through COVID-19 restrictions without taking into account all the factors.

The chief officer of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle told Johnson that he had made rules in a “totally unsatisfactory” way, marking a rare intervention by the speaker.

The PM is set to hold a news conference with the government’s chief scientists today, as the country grapples with a second-wave of COVID-19 infections. Citizens have displayed anger at the idea of reintroducing restrictions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/boris-johnson-starts-shutting-down-britain-again-as-coronavirus-spreads-329383" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson starts shutting down Britain again as coronavirus spreads</a>

"The way in which the government has exercised its powers to make secondary legislation during this crisis has been totally unsatisfactory," Hoyle told parliament.

Hoyle is the highest authority in the House of Commons and moderates debates as the speaker. She said that the government should no longer “treat it with the contempt that it has shown”.

Britain has the worst death toll in all of Europe, and recorded 7,143 new infections on Tuesday, the single highest number of infections so far.

In total, 42,072 people have died in the UK, which the world’s fifth-highest death tally. The UK is looking at new restrictions in the face of rising cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-faces-rebellion-over-plan-to-break-brexit-treaty-327474" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson faces rebellion over plan to break Brexit treaty</a>

Johnson had to apologise after the growing anger due to the local lockdown rules, which have caused confusion across the country, and destroyed businesses in the process.

Lawmakers belonging to the Conservative party have threatened to rebel against the government in light of the situation.

"We will do everything we can to save every job," Johnson said.&nbsp; In the second quarter of 2020, the UK’s economy shrank by a record 19.8 per cent.

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday was scolded by the speaker of parliament for showing contempt towards lawmakers. The PM was reprimanded for hurrying through COVID-19 restrictions without taking into account all the factors.

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday was scolded by the speaker of parliament for showing contempt towards lawmakers. The PM was reprimanded for hurrying through COVID-19 restrictions without taking into account all the factors. The chief officer of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle told Johnson that he had made rules in a “totally unsatisfactory” way, marking a rare intervention by the speaker. The PM is set to hold a news conference with the government’s chief scientists today, as the country grapples with a second-wave of COVID-19 infections. Citizens have displayed anger at the idea of reintroducing restrictions. Also read: Boris Johnson starts shutting down Britain again as coronavirus spreads "The way in which the government has exercised its powers to make secondary legislation during this crisis has been totally unsatisfactory," Hoyle told parliament. Hoyle is the highest authority in the House of Commons and moderates debates as the speaker. She said that the government should no longer “treat it with the contempt that it has shown”. Britain has the worst death toll in all of Europe, and recorded 7,143 new infections on Tuesday, the single highest number of infections so far. In total, 42,072 people have died in the UK, which the world’s fifth-highest death tally. The UK is looking at new restrictions in the face of rising cases. Also read: UK PM Boris Johnson faces rebellion over plan to break Brexit treaty Johnson had to apologise after the growing anger due to the local lockdown rules, which have caused confusion across the country, and destroyed businesses in the process. Lawmakers belonging to the Conservative party have threatened to rebel against the government in light of the situation. "We will do everything we can to save every job," Johnson said. In the second quarter of 2020, the UK’s economy shrank by a record 19.8 per cent.

UK PM Boris Johnson reprimanded for 'contempt' of parliament

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a news conference on COVID-19 on Wednesday as he grapples with a swiftly spreading second wave of the novel coronavirus outbreak and growing anger in his own party over restrictions imposed on citizens.

Britain, which has the worst official death toll in Europe, reported 7,143 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, the highest single figure to date, and 71 deaths, the worst daily toll since July.

Johnson, who has had to apologise after muddling local lockdown rules, is facing growing anger within his own Conservative Party over the most severe restrictions in peacetime history that are destroying swathes of the economy.

"The price we will not pay is that we will not surrender parliamentary democracy and the rule of law in order to fight this virus - these things are too important," said Steve Baker, one prominent rebel lawmaker in the party.

"We need prior approval of measures, major measures on a national scale and indeed a regional scale which take away people's liberties," Baker told the BBC ahead of a debate in the House of Commons on Johnson's COVID-19 measures.

Large swathes of the United Kingdom and tens of millions of citizens are subject to local restrictions brought in to try to slow the second wave of COVID-19 infections. The country has reported more than 42,072 deaths from the virus - the world's fifth highest number of fatalities.

As Johnson grapples with both COVID-19 and dissent in party ranks, the economic damage was laid bare: the United Kingdom's economy shrank by a record 19.8% in the second quarter of 2020 - more than any other major advanced economy.[nL8N2GR198]

The United Kingdom is borrowing more than at any time since World War Two while unemployment is rising and some businesses have complained that Johnson's restrictions are killing their livelihoods.

Johnson, who fell gravely ill himself earlier this year with COVID-19, says the virus must be brought under control otherwise the death and economic damage it will inflict will be much more serious.

But a series of missteps by the government, a lack of enforcement and growing fatigue with the regulations have prompted growing unease - and even some confusion - over the COVID-19 restrictions.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a news conference on COVID-19 on Wednesday as he grapples with a swiftly spreading second wave of the novel coronavirus outbreak and growing anger in his own party over restrictions imposed on citizens.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a news conference on COVID-19 on Wednesday as he grapples with a swiftly spreading second wave of the novel coronavirus outbreak and growing anger in his own party over restrictions imposed on citizens. Britain, which has the worst official death toll in Europe, reported 7,143 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, the highest single figure to date, and 71 deaths, the worst daily toll since July. Johnson, who has had to apologise after muddling local lockdown rules, is facing growing anger within his own Conservative Party over the most severe restrictions in peacetime history that are destroying swathes of the economy. "The price we will not pay is that we will not surrender parliamentary democracy and the rule of law in order to fight this virus - these things are too important," said Steve Baker, one prominent rebel lawmaker in the party. "We need prior approval of measures, major measures on a national scale and indeed a regional scale which take away people's liberties," Baker told the BBC ahead of a debate in the House of Commons on Johnson's COVID-19 measures. Large swathes of the United Kingdom and tens of millions of citizens are subject to local restrictions brought in to try to slow the second wave of COVID-19 infections. The country has reported more than 42,072 deaths from the virus - the world's fifth highest number of fatalities. As Johnson grapples with both COVID-19 and dissent in party ranks, the economic damage was laid bare: the United Kingdom's economy shrank by a record 19.8% in the second quarter of 2020 - more than any other major advanced economy.[nL8N2GR198] The United Kingdom is borrowing more than at any time since World War Two while unemployment is rising and some businesses have complained that Johnson's restrictions are killing their livelihoods. Johnson, who fell gravely ill himself earlier this year with COVID-19, says the virus must be brought under control otherwise the death and economic damage it will inflict will be much more serious. But a series of missteps by the government, a lack of enforcement and growing fatigue with the regulations have prompted growing unease - and even some confusion - over the COVID-19 restrictions.

UK PM Johnson to speak on COVID-19 as anger mounts towards curbs

Britain stood by its provocative bid to change the terms of its EU divorce deal on Monday, as a make-or-break week of post-Brexit trade talks began under a storm cloud.&nbsp;

Britain's Brexit supremo, Michael Gove, said on Monday&nbsp;that the clauses of the Internal Market Bill that undercut the Withdrawal Treaty would remain, despite a demand from the European Union that London scrap them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-us-uk-trade-deal-if-brexit-risks-northern-irish-peace-deal-biden-to-johnson-328182">No US-UK trade deal if Brexit risks Northern Irish peace deal: Biden to Johnson</a>

The British government unveiled an "Internal Markets Bill" last month which is&nbsp;now winding its way through parliament and would override parts of the Brexit treaty that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson struck with the European Union last year.

Johnson argues it will provide a "safety net" against what he claimed are EU threats to impose tariffs on UK internal trade and even stop food going from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland,&nbsp;although his government has admitted that in overwriting a treaty it breaks international law.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-will-the-post-brexit-britain-look-like-330896/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The proposed law has infuriated the Europeans, who had demanded that it be withdrawn or amended before a deadline of Wednesday this week,&nbsp;but, after his meeting in Brussels with Sefcovic, Gove insisted it would not be changed.

"We want to make sure that the Withdrawal Agreement is implemented in full," Gove told reporters after talks in Brussels with European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic.

"But those clauses are there, they're in legislation, supported by the House of Commons, as a safety net, if need be. And those clauses will remain in that bill."

Gove said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been very clear that there needed to be progress in trade talks between chief negotiators Michel Barnier and David Frost for the process to conclude in time.

After talks with Sefcovic on the implementation of the 2020 Brexit divorce treaty, Gove said: "We had a constructive meeting. We both were clear with each other where we were still some distance apart but we were both also clear that we wanted to bridge that gap."

He added: "Maros Sefcovic and I are committed to using every moment available: every second, every minute, every hour, in order to reach agreement and I'm confident that we will."

'Big trouble'

The last scheduled round of trade talks begins on Tuesday as scores of officials meet in Brussels in talks presided by Europe's Michel Barnier and his counterpart David Frost.

"This is the final formal round of negotiations but we expect discussion to continue in the run up to the European council, which is taking place on 15 to 16 October," a Downing Street spokesman said.

"Significant gaps remain&nbsp;as the EU still needs to adopt more realistic policy positions, but we are ready to work as hard as necessary to move things forward this week."

Both London and Brussels say a deal on a free trade agreement must be struck by mid-October to allow time for it to be ratified before coming into force from January 1 next year.

Failure to do so would see trade conducted on World Trade Organization rules, with higher tariffs and quotas and almost certain economic chaos for Britain and Europe.

Britain stood by its provocative bid to change the terms of its EU divorce deal on Monday, as a make-or-break week of post-Brexit trade talks began under a storm cloud.

Britain stood by its provocative bid to change the terms of its EU divorce deal on Monday, as a make-or-break week of post-Brexit trade talks began under a storm cloud. Britain's Brexit supremo, Michael Gove, said on Monday that the clauses of the Internal Market Bill that undercut the Withdrawal Treaty would remain, despite a demand from the European Union that London scrap them. Also read: No US-UK trade deal if Brexit risks Northern Irish peace deal: Biden to Johnson The British government unveiled an "Internal Markets Bill" last month which is now winding its way through parliament and would override parts of the Brexit treaty that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson struck with the European Union last year. Johnson argues it will provide a "safety net" against what he claimed are EU threats to impose tariffs on UK internal trade and even stop food going from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland, although his government has admitted that in overwriting a treaty it breaks international law. The proposed law has infuriated the Europeans, who had demanded that it be withdrawn or amended before a deadline of Wednesday this week, but, after his meeting in Brussels with Sefcovic, Gove insisted it would not be changed. "We want to make sure that the Withdrawal Agreement is implemented in full," Gove told reporters after talks in Brussels with European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic. "But those clauses are there, they're in legislation, supported by the House of Commons, as a safety net, if need be. And those clauses will remain in that bill." Gove said that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been very clear that there needed to be progress in trade talks between chief negotiators Michel Barnier and David Frost for the process to conclude in time. After talks with Sefcovic on the implementation of the 2020 Brexit divorce treaty, Gove said: "We had a constructive meeting. We both were clear with each other where we were still some distance apart but we were both also clear that we wanted to bridge that gap." He added: "Maros Sefcovic and I are committed to using every moment available: every second, every minute, every hour, in order to reach agreement and I'm confident that we will." 'Big trouble' The last scheduled round of trade talks begins on Tuesday as scores of officials meet in Brussels in talks presided by Europe's Michel Barnier and his counterpart David Frost. "This is the final formal round of negotiations but we expect discussion to continue in the run up to the European council, which is taking place on 15 to 16 October," a Downing Street spokesman said. "Significant gaps remain as the EU still needs to adopt more realistic policy positions, but we are ready to work as hard as necessary to move things forward this week." Both London and Brussels say a deal on a free trade agreement must be struck by mid-October to allow time for it to be ratified before coming into force from January 1 next year. Failure to do so would see trade conducted on World Trade Organization rules, with higher tariffs and quotas and almost certain economic chaos for Britain and Europe.

Brexit provisions to stay in Internal Market Bill as UK shows 'no indication' of withdrawal

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday urged world leaders to unite against the coronavirus pandemic, adding it has frayed the bonds between nations.

Johnson, who made the remarks in a pre-recorded speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said that, nine months into the pandemic, "the very notion of the international community looks tattered."&nbsp;

He also announced a "five-point" plan to tackle future pandemics in his address to the UN General Assembly. He also announced new funding to international vaccine efforts and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The prime minister, who required intensive care treatment after catching the virus in March, has faced criticism at home for his own handling of the crisis.

At the UNGA, Johnson set out a plan for preventing another global pandemic, including a network of zoonotic research labs around the world to identify dangerous pathogens before they leap from animals to humans.

He also committed 500 million pounds (USD 636 million) through the global COVAX vaccine-procurement pool to help 92 of the world's poorest countries obtain a coronavirus vaccine, should one become available.

He pledged £340 million ($433 million, 372 million euros) over the next four years to the WHO -- a 30 percent increase.

"Never again must we wage 193 separate campaigns against the same enemy," he said.

"Never in the history of our species, not since the Almighty felled the Tower of Babel, has the human race been obsessed with one single topic of conversation," Johnson told the Assembly in a virtual address.

He said the pandemic had "united humanity as never before" but had also been an "extraordinary force of division" as nations vied with each other over supplies of medical equipment.

"After nine months of fighting Covid, the very notion of the international community looks tattered," he added.

"Unless we unite and turn our fire against our common foe, we know that everyone will lose.

"Now is the time therefore... for humanity to reach across borders and repair these ugly rifts."

He pledged to use Britain's upcoming presidency of the G7 next year to "bring the world back together after Covid".

Johnson's new funding plan has been developed in consultation with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the British scientific research charity the Wellcome Trust.

It includes a proposal to develop a worldwide network of hubs to identify pathogens before they leap from animals to humans.

Other measures include boosting capacity for treatments and vaccines, improving early warning systems and agreeing international protocols for health crises.

"There is a moral imperative for humanity to be honest and reach a joint understanding of how the pandemic began, how it was able to spread," he said.

"I simply believe as a former Covid patient that we all have a right to know so that we can collectively do our best to prevent another recurrence."

Britain hosted a conference in June which saw $8.8 million pledged for the global vaccines alliance Gavi to help immunisation programmes disrupted by the pandemic.

"However great the need for reform, the WHO is still the one body that marshalls humanity against the legions of disease," he said.

"The pandemic has been an immense psychic shock to the human race.

"Never again must we launch 193 different campaigns against the same enemy," added Johnson, insisting that Britain was "the right country to give that lead and we will do so in 2021".&nbsp;

Almost 42,000 people testing positive for the virus in Britain have died, and Johnson this week announced further restrictions following a sharp rise in cases.

(with inputs)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday urged world leaders to unite against the coronavirus pandemic, adding it has frayed the bonds between nations. Johnson, who made the remarks in a pre-recorded speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said that, nine months into the pandemic, "the very notion of the international community looks tattered.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday urged world leaders to unite against the coronavirus pandemic, adding it has frayed the bonds between nations. Johnson, who made the remarks in a pre-recorded speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), said that, nine months into the pandemic, "the very notion of the international community looks tattered." He also announced a "five-point" plan to tackle future pandemics in his address to the UN General Assembly. He also announced new funding to international vaccine efforts and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The prime minister, who required intensive care treatment after catching the virus in March, has faced criticism at home for his own handling of the crisis. At the UNGA, Johnson set out a plan for preventing another global pandemic, including a network of zoonotic research labs around the world to identify dangerous pathogens before they leap from animals to humans. He also committed 500 million pounds (USD 636 million) through the global COVAX vaccine-procurement pool to help 92 of the world's poorest countries obtain a coronavirus vaccine, should one become available. He pledged £340 million ($433 million, 372 million euros) over the next four years to the WHO -- a 30 percent increase. "Never again must we wage 193 separate campaigns against the same enemy," he said. "Never in the history of our species, not since the Almighty felled the Tower of Babel, has the human race been obsessed with one single topic of conversation," Johnson told the Assembly in a virtual address. He said the pandemic had "united humanity as never before" but had also been an "extraordinary force of division" as nations vied with each other over supplies of medical equipment. "After nine months of fighting Covid, the very notion of the international community looks tattered," he added. "Unless we unite and turn our fire against our common foe, we know that everyone will lose. "Now is the time therefore... for humanity to reach across borders and repair these ugly rifts." He pledged to use Britain's upcoming presidency of the G7 next year to "bring the world back together after Covid". Johnson's new funding plan has been developed in consultation with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the British scientific research charity the Wellcome Trust. It includes a proposal to develop a worldwide network of hubs to identify pathogens before they leap from animals to humans. Other measures include boosting capacity for treatments and vaccines, improving early warning systems and agreeing international protocols for health crises. "There is a moral imperative for humanity to be honest and reach a joint understanding of how the pandemic began, how it was able to spread," he said. "I simply believe as a former Covid patient that we all have a right to know so that we can collectively do our best to prevent another recurrence." Britain hosted a conference in June which saw $8.8 million pledged for the global vaccines alliance Gavi to help immunisation programmes disrupted by the pandemic. "However great the need for reform, the WHO is still the one body that marshalls humanity against the legions of disease," he said. "The pandemic has been an immense psychic shock to the human race. "Never again must we launch 193 different campaigns against the same enemy," added Johnson, insisting that Britain was "the right country to give that lead and we will do so in 2021". Almost 42,000 people testing positive for the virus in Britain have died, and Johnson this week announced further restrictions following a sharp rise in cases. (with inputs)

UK PM Johnson at UNGA calls for global unity against coronavirus pandemic

Several Indian students are among over 200 overseas student signatories of a letter delivered to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street in London on Thursday, seeking justice in the wake of being accused of cheating in a compulsory English language test six years ago.

The scandal, believed to have impacted around 34,000 international students, relates to the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), a compulsory requirement in some student visa cases.

Many of the students caught up in the row are Indian and have consistently maintained their innocence and have been lobbying the government for a chance to prove their innocence.

''We were innocent but our visas were refused or revoked and the government gave us no way to defend ourselves. Our futures were destroyed and we were left to fight a years-long legal battle costing each of us tens of thousands of pounds,''&nbsp;reads the letter.

''We write to you because it is within your power to right this wrong, to put an end to our detention, deportation and humiliation. Allow us to prove our innocence by establishing a free and transparent scheme&nbsp;independent of the Home Office&nbsp;through which we can get our cases to be reviewed and clear our names,''&nbsp;they wrote in a direct appeal to Johnson.

The group has been supported in its long-running campaign by Migrant Voice activists and several parliamentarians including Labour Party MP Stephen Timms, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on TOEIC. In the letter to the UK PM this week, they also sought to highlight how their plight has been magnified during the coronavirus pandemic.

''The coronavirus pandemic has made our situation even worse. Our support networks have collapsed, the charities we rely on have been closed, our friends and families are unable to help as they are struggling themselves. We are terrified of catching the virus and being hospitalised, or dying with a black mark still against our names. This is not the future we wanted or worked for,''&nbsp;they write.

Several reports over the years, including by the UK's National Audit Office and House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), have flagged. flawed&nbsp;evidence used by the Home Office against the affected students and raised serious doubts over the decision to revoke or refuse tens of thousands of visas.

''These students have been living a nightmare for six years. Stripped of their rights and their futures destroyed, many are destitute and suffering severe mental health problems. There is a mountain of evidence that proves they are victims of a mammoth injustice ? and the government can ignore this no longer,''&nbsp;said Nazek Ramadan, Director of Migrant Voice.

The issue dates back to February 2014, when BBC's ?Panorama' investigation uncovered evidence of organised cheating in two English language test centres run on behalf of the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

This included providing English-speakers to take speaking tests instead of the real candidates and staff reading out multiple choice answers for other tests. The UK Home Office responded vigorously, investigating colleges, test centres and students and cancelled thousands of visas in the wake of the expose.

It has maintained that the courts, consistently,&nbsp;found that the evidence it had at the time was sufficient to take action and that the 2014 investigation into the abuse of English language testing revealed "systemic cheating".

Last year, the influential PAC parliamentary body had issued a harsh rebuke of the government's reaction to the scandal.

''The Home Office's pace of response to the issue of cheating has either been 'full throttle' or 'too slow', with no middle ground. It has been quick to act on imperfect evidence, but slow in responding to indications that innocent people may have been caught up in its actions,''&nbsp;noted the report titled 'English Language Tests: A Systemic Failure Affecting Thousands'.

"We are staggered that the Department thinks it is acceptable to have so little regard for the impact its actions might have on innocent people,? it said.&nbsp;

Several Indian students are among over 200 overseas student signatories of a letter delivered to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street in London on Thursday, seeking justice in the wake of being accused of cheating in a compulsory English language test six years ago.

Several Indian students are among over 200 overseas student signatories of a letter delivered to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street in London on Thursday, seeking justice in the wake of being accused of cheating in a compulsory English language test six years ago. The scandal, believed to have impacted around 34,000 international students, relates to the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), a compulsory requirement in some student visa cases. Many of the students caught up in the row are Indian and have consistently maintained their innocence and have been lobbying the government for a chance to prove their innocence. ''We were innocent but our visas were refused or revoked and the government gave us no way to defend ourselves. Our futures were destroyed and we were left to fight a years-long legal battle costing each of us tens of thousands of pounds,'' reads the letter. ''We write to you because it is within your power to right this wrong, to put an end to our detention, deportation and humiliation. Allow us to prove our innocence by establishing a free and transparent scheme independent of the Home Office through which we can get our cases to be reviewed and clear our names,'' they wrote in a direct appeal to Johnson. The group has been supported in its long-running campaign by Migrant Voice activists and several parliamentarians including Labour Party MP Stephen Timms, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on TOEIC. In the letter to the UK PM this week, they also sought to highlight how their plight has been magnified during the coronavirus pandemic. ''The coronavirus pandemic has made our situation even worse. Our support networks have collapsed, the charities we rely on have been closed, our friends and families are unable to help as they are struggling themselves. We are terrified of catching the virus and being hospitalised, or dying with a black mark still against our names. This is not the future we wanted or worked for,'' they write. Several reports over the years, including by the UK's National Audit Office and House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC), have flagged. flawed evidence used by the Home Office against the affected students and raised serious doubts over the decision to revoke or refuse tens of thousands of visas. ''These students have been living a nightmare for six years. Stripped of their rights and their futures destroyed, many are destitute and suffering severe mental health problems. There is a mountain of evidence that proves they are victims of a mammoth injustice ? and the government can ignore this no longer,'' said Nazek Ramadan, Director of Migrant Voice. The issue dates back to February 2014, when BBC's ?Panorama' investigation uncovered evidence of organised cheating in two English language test centres run on behalf of the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This included providing English-speakers to take speaking tests instead of the real candidates and staff reading out multiple choice answers for other tests. The UK Home Office responded vigorously, investigating colleges, test centres and students and cancelled thousands of visas in the wake of the expose. It has maintained that the courts, consistently, found that the evidence it had at the time was sufficient to take action and that the 2014 investigation into the abuse of English language testing revealed "systemic cheating". Last year, the influential PAC parliamentary body had issued a harsh rebuke of the government's reaction to the scandal. ''The Home Office's pace of response to the issue of cheating has either been 'full throttle' or 'too slow', with no middle ground. It has been quick to act on imperfect evidence, but slow in responding to indications that innocent people may have been caught up in its actions,'' noted the report titled 'English Language Tests: A Systemic Failure Affecting Thousands'. "We are staggered that the Department thinks it is acceptable to have so little regard for the impact its actions might have on innocent people,? it said.

Indian students appeal to Boris Johnson in historic English test visa row

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that as he set out a raft of new coronavirus restrictions for England which could last for up to six months. Watch report.

Boris Johnson announces new COVID-19 restrictions for UK

Boris Johnson warned on Tuesday that sweeping new measures to control coronavirus could be in place for six months, as he abandoned attempts to persuade Britons to return to the office.

WION Dispatch: Johnson starts shutting down Britain again as COVID spreads

Masks will become mandatory for retail and hospitality staff – as well as for passengers in taxis

UK PM Boris Johnson sets out new COVID-19 restrictions

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to impose 'work from home' guidelines wherever possible, and to curb timings for bars and restaurants to tackle a fast-spreading second coronavirus wave, but the opposition accused him of losing control.

Notably, the United Kingdom is already under some form of COVID-19 restriction, and Johnson will tighten measures while stopping short of another full lockdown like he imposed in March, according to Reuters.

Johnson will hold emergency meetings with ministers to zero in on more possibilities.

Reuters says Johnson will now advise them to stay at home if they can. He will also order all pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality sites across England to start closing at 10 pm from Thursday.

The new curbs will restrict the hospitality sector to table service only, though Gove said he wanted those who could not work from home - for example in manufacturing, construction and retail - to continue to work from COVID-secure workplaces.

It was unclear if the measures would be enough to tackle Britain's second wave, which government scientists warned could reach 50,000 new cases per day by mid-October.

The United Kingdom already has the biggest official COVID-19 death toll in Europe - and the fifth largest in the world - while it is borrowing record amounts to pump emergency money through the damaged economy. 
&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to impose 'work from home' guidelines wherever possible, and to curb timings for bars and restaurants to tackle a fast-spreading second coronavirus wave, but the opposition accused him of losing control.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided to impose 'work from home' guidelines wherever possible, and to curb timings for bars and restaurants to tackle a fast-spreading second coronavirus wave, but the opposition accused him of losing control. Notably, the United Kingdom is already under some form of COVID-19 restriction, and Johnson will tighten measures while stopping short of another full lockdown like he imposed in March, according to Reuters. Johnson will hold emergency meetings with ministers to zero in on more possibilities. Reuters says Johnson will now advise them to stay at home if they can. He will also order all pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality sites across England to start closing at 10 pm from Thursday. The new curbs will restrict the hospitality sector to table service only, though Gove said he wanted those who could not work from home - for example in manufacturing, construction and retail - to continue to work from COVID-secure workplaces. It was unclear if the measures would be enough to tackle Britain's second wave, which government scientists warned could reach 50,000 new cases per day by mid-October. The United Kingdom already has the biggest official COVID-19 death toll in Europe - and the fifth largest in the world - while it is borrowing record amounts to pump emergency money through the damaged economy.

Boris Johnson starts shutting down Britain again as coronavirus spreads

Rule breakers in the United Kingdom will have to face a heavy fine if caught. The fine is specifically for the people who will defy the coronavirus-related rules.

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that anyone who is caught defying the self-isolation rules will have to pay a fine upto&nbsp;£10,000&nbsp;($12,914).

This will include the people who have been told to self-isolate themselves after coming in contact with someone who has been infected by the virus.

The rule will come in place from September 28.&nbsp;“People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines,” Johnson said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-says-second-wave-of-virus-inevitable-new-restrictions-possible-328559">Also read: UK PM Johnson says second wave of virus inevitable, new restrictions possible</a>

The first-time offender will have to pay&nbsp;£1,000, and the amount will keep rising with the number of repeated offenses.

New rule will also include the companies who have been threatening their employees about firing them if they do not report to the ofice.

As per the existing rules, people have been told to stay at home for 14 days if they show symptoms of the novel coronavirus.

This rule has come after the UK saw a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases. Some have even termed it as the second wave. Many counties are now re-imposing lockdowns.

In addition to this,&nbsp;some low-income workers who suffer a loss of earnings will receive a support payment of £500 along with other benefits&nbsp;such as sick pay to which they may be entitled.

Rule breakers in the United Kingdom will have to face a heavy fine if caught. The fine is specifically for the people who will defy the coronavirus-related rules.

Rule breakers in the United Kingdom will have to face a heavy fine if caught. The fine is specifically for the people who will defy the coronavirus-related rules. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that anyone who is caught defying the self-isolation rules will have to pay a fine upto £10,000 ($12,914). This will include the people who have been told to self-isolate themselves after coming in contact with someone who has been infected by the virus. The rule will come in place from September 28. “People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines,” Johnson said in a statement. Also read: UK PM Johnson says second wave of virus inevitable, new restrictions possible The first-time offender will have to pay £1,000, and the amount will keep rising with the number of repeated offenses. New rule will also include the companies who have been threatening their employees about firing them if they do not report to the ofice. As per the existing rules, people have been told to stay at home for 14 days if they show symptoms of the novel coronavirus. This rule has come after the UK saw a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases. Some have even termed it as the second wave. Many counties are now re-imposing lockdowns. In addition to this, some low-income workers who suffer a loss of earnings will receive a support payment of £500 along with other benefits such as sick pay to which they may be entitled.

UK: People who defy coronavirus rules will pay fines upto £10,000

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that it was inevitable that the country would see a second wave of coronavirus and that while he did not want a second national lockdown, the government may need to introduce new restrictions.

Britain was reported to be considering whether to impose a new lockdown across the country, after new COVID-19 cases almost doubled to 6,000 per day, hospital admissions rose and infection rates soared across parts of northern England and London.

“We are now seeing a second wave coming in...It is absolutely, I’m afraid, inevitable, that we will see it in this country,” he said.

The sharp rise in the number of cases in the country meant that the government needed to keep everything under review and he did not rule out further measures being introduced.

“I don’t want to get into a second national lockdown at all,” he said, but added: “When you look at what is happening, you’ve got to wonder whether we need to go further.”

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that it was inevitable that the country would see a second wave of coronavirus and that while he did not want a second national lockdown, the government may need to introduce new restrictions.

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that it was inevitable that the country would see a second wave of coronavirus and that while he did not want a second national lockdown, the government may need to introduce new restrictions. Britain was reported to be considering whether to impose a new lockdown across the country, after new COVID-19 cases almost doubled to 6,000 per day, hospital admissions rose and infection rates soared across parts of northern England and London. “We are now seeing a second wave coming in...It is absolutely, I’m afraid, inevitable, that we will see it in this country,” he said. The sharp rise in the number of cases in the country meant that the government needed to keep everything under review and he did not rule out further measures being introduced. “I don’t want to get into a second national lockdown at all,” he said, but added: “When you look at what is happening, you’ve got to wonder whether we need to go further.”

UK PM Johnson says second wave of virus inevitable, new restrictions possible

Residents in these areas should not socialise with people outside their households from midnight on Thursday. This includes meeting people indoors, outdoors, or in social venues such as restaurants, bars and pubs

COVID-19: UK announces lockdown in parts of North-east

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-possibility-of-war-taiwan-calls-for-global-coalition-against-china-328167">'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China</a>

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Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Thursday asked for the help of international community to&nbsp;defend his country against China's increasing military interference, fearing a ''real possibility of war''. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-possibility-of-war-taiwan-calls-for-global-coalition-against-china-328167">Read more</a>

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US&nbsp;Democratic presidential candidate&nbsp;Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;warned the United Kingdom that it must honour the Northern Irish peace deal as it extracts itself from the European Union or there would be no US&nbsp;trade deal. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-us-uk-trade-deal-if-brexit-risks-northern-irish-peace-deal-biden-to-johnson-328182">Read more</a>

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North Korea has passed a law according to which pre-school children must spend 90 minutes a day to learn about the country leader Kim Jong-un as a part of their&nbsp;curriculum. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-has-just-passed-this-bizarre-order-about-kim-jong-un-328154">Read more</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-alarming-rates-of-transmission-in-europe-as-uk-imposes-restrictions-in-northeast-england-328185">WHO warns Europe over virus as UK imposes restrictions in northeast England</a>

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World Health Organisation's(WHO)&nbsp;Europe unit warned countries in Europe&nbsp;against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of&nbsp;transmission across Europe". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-alarming-rates-of-transmission-in-europe-as-uk-imposes-restrictions-in-northeast-england-328185">Read more</a>

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World Health Organisation's top emergency expert Mike Ryan stressed the need for countries to have "consistent messaging" for the public in order to combat coronavirus pandemic effectively.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-cdc-make-contradictory-claim-over-vaccine-rollout-timeline-in-us-328168">Read more</a>

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China has now published a white paper&nbsp;defending its policy in the region, saying the vocational training has improved workforce quality.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-publishes-white-paper-applauding-employment-generated-in-xinjiang-328090">Read more</a>

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Wealthy nations that have just 13 per cent of the global population have already bought half of the potential drugs that are leading the Covid-19 vaccines race, a report by Oxfam claimed. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rich-nations-with-13-population-signed-deals-for-getting-over-half-of-covid-19-vaccines-study-328070">Read more</a>

&nbsp;

'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Thursday asked for the help of international community to defend his country against China's increasing military interference, fearing a ''real possibility of war''.

'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Thursday asked for the help of international community to defend his country against China's increasing military interference, fearing a ''real possibility of war''. Read more No US-UK trade deal if Brexit risks peace in Ireland: Biden warns Johnson US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden warned the United Kingdom that it must honour the Northern Irish peace deal as it extracts itself from the European Union or there would be no US trade deal. Read more North Korea has just passed this bizarre order about Kim Jong-un North Korea has passed a law according to which pre-school children must spend 90 minutes a day to learn about the country leader Kim Jong-un as a part of their curriculum. Read more WHO warns Europe over virus as UK imposes restrictions in northeast England World Health Organisation's(WHO) Europe unit warned countries in Europe against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of transmission across Europe". Read more Trump, CDC make contradictory claim over vaccine rollout timeline in US World Health Organisation's top emergency expert Mike Ryan stressed the need for countries to have "consistent messaging" for the public in order to combat coronavirus pandemic effectively. Read more We don't recognise Lukashenko as legitimate president: European Union A day after the Belarusian leader was welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, European Union’s diplomatic chief has said that the European Union does not recognize Alexander Lukashenko as the legitimate president of Belarus. Read more Navalny's team claims he was poisoned through water bottle found in hotel Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who was allegedly poisoned by the Russian authority, has claimed that he was poisoned in his hotel room, and not on the airport. Read more ByteDance says China will have to approve its US TikTok deal China will need to approve ByteDance`s proposed deal with Oracle Corp for its TikTok app, the Chinese company said on Thursday, indicating how its bid to stave off a ban in the United States could be further complicated. Read more China publishes white paper applauding employment generated in Xinjiang China has now published a white paper defending its policy in the region, saying the vocational training has improved workforce quality. Read more Rich nations with 13% population signed deals for getting over half of Covid-19 vaccines: Study Wealthy nations that have just 13 per cent of the global population have already bought half of the potential drugs that are leading the Covid-19 vaccines race, a report by Oxfam claimed. Read more

Top 10 world news today: Taiwan on global coalition against China, Trump's row with CDC and more!

US&nbsp;Democratic presidential candidate&nbsp;Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;warned the United Kingdom that it must honour the Northern Irish peace deal as it extracts itself from the European Union or there would be no US&nbsp;trade deal.

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We can’t allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit. 
 
Any trade deal between the U.S. and U.K. must be contingent upon respect for the Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period. <a href="https://t.co/Ecu9jPrcHL">https://t.co/Ecu9jPrcHL</a>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1306334039557586944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sees-a-way-through-parliamentary-maze-for-brexit-treaty-breach-bill-327894" hreflang="en">UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill</a>

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's move to break parts of the EU divorce deal relating to Northern Ireland has triggered fears it could undermine the 1998 Good Friday peace accord that ended decades of violence between Irish nationalists and British unionists.

The Good Friday Agreement refers to a pair of deals signed on April 1998 that ended most of the violence of the Troubles, a political conflict in Northern Ireland that had been ongoing since the 1960s.

Johnson&nbsp;says the United Kingdom has to have the ability to break parts of the 2020 Brexit treaty he signed to uphold London's commitments under the 1998 peace deal which ended three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland between pro-British Protestant unionists and Irish Catholic nationalists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-pm-urges-britons-to-flatten-pandemics-second-hump-328140" hreflang="en">UK's PM urges Britons to flatten pandemic's 'second hump'</a>

The EU says any breach of the Brexit treaty could sink trade talks, propel the United Kingdom towards a messy exit when it finally leaves informal membership at the end of the year and thus complicate the border between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland.

Britain and the EU jointly promised in the Brexit agreement to ensure there are no customs posts or other obstacles on the Northern Ireland-Ireland border. The open border is key to the stability that underpins the peace settlement.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is in Washington this week, and has been trying to assuage American concerns that a pending government bill would undermine Northern Ireland peace, if passed by lawmakers.

No deal?

The EU's Brexit negotiator told the bloc's 27 national envoys that he still hoped a trade deal with Britain was possible, stressing that the coming days would be decisive.

Michel Barnier addressed the gathering on Wednesday and the three sources either participated in the discussion behind closed doors or were briefed on its content.

"Barnier still believes a deal is possible though the next days are key," said one of the EU diplomatic sources.

Johnson told The Sun that the EU was being "abusive" to Britain and risking four decades of partnership.

He said the UK must "ring-fence" the Brexit deal "to put in watertight bulkheads that will stop friends and partners making abusive or extreme interpretations of the provisions."

Societe Generale analysts said on Thursday they now see an 80 per cent&nbsp;chance that Britain and the EU will fail to strike a trade deal before the end of the year.

Biden, who has talked about the importance of his Irish heritage, retweeted a letter from Eliot Engel, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives, to Johnson calling on the British leader to honour the 1998 Good Friday peace deal.

Engel urged Johnson to "abandon any and all legally questionable and unfair efforts to flout the Northern Ireland protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement."

He called on Johnson to "ensure that Brexit negotiations do not undermine the decades of progress to bring peace to Northern Ireland and future options for the bilateral relationship between our two countries."

Engel said Congress would not support a free trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom if Britain failed to uphold its commitments with Northern Ireland.

The letter was signed by Representatives Richard Neal, William Keating and Peter King.

Johnson is pushing ahead with his plan.

His government reached a deal on Wednesday to avert a rebellion in his own party, giving parliament a say over the use of post-Brexit powers within its proposed Internal Market Bill that breaks international law.

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden warned the United Kingdom that it must honour the Northern Irish peace deal as it extracts itself from the European Union or there would be no US trade deal.

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden warned the United Kingdom that it must honour the Northern Irish peace deal as it extracts itself from the European Union or there would be no US trade deal. We can’t allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit. Any trade deal between the U.S. and U.K. must be contingent upon respect for the Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period. https://t.co/Ecu9jPrcHL — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 16, 2020 × Also read: UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill Prime Minister Boris Johnson's move to break parts of the EU divorce deal relating to Northern Ireland has triggered fears it could undermine the 1998 Good Friday peace accord that ended decades of violence between Irish nationalists and British unionists. The Good Friday Agreement refers to a pair of deals signed on April 1998 that ended most of the violence of the Troubles, a political conflict in Northern Ireland that had been ongoing since the 1960s. Johnson says the United Kingdom has to have the ability to break parts of the 2020 Brexit treaty he signed to uphold London's commitments under the 1998 peace deal which ended three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland between pro-British Protestant unionists and Irish Catholic nationalists. Also read: UK's PM urges Britons to flatten pandemic's 'second hump' The EU says any breach of the Brexit treaty could sink trade talks, propel the United Kingdom towards a messy exit when it finally leaves informal membership at the end of the year and thus complicate the border between Northern Ireland and EU-member Ireland. Britain and the EU jointly promised in the Brexit agreement to ensure there are no customs posts or other obstacles on the Northern Ireland-Ireland border. The open border is key to the stability that underpins the peace settlement. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is in Washington this week, and has been trying to assuage American concerns that a pending government bill would undermine Northern Ireland peace, if passed by lawmakers. No deal? The EU's Brexit negotiator told the bloc's 27 national envoys that he still hoped a trade deal with Britain was possible, stressing that the coming days would be decisive. Michel Barnier addressed the gathering on Wednesday and the three sources either participated in the discussion behind closed doors or were briefed on its content. "Barnier still believes a deal is possible though the next days are key," said one of the EU diplomatic sources. Johnson told The Sun that the EU was being "abusive" to Britain and risking four decades of partnership. He said the UK must "ring-fence" the Brexit deal "to put in watertight bulkheads that will stop friends and partners making abusive or extreme interpretations of the provisions." Societe Generale analysts said on Thursday they now see an 80 per cent chance that Britain and the EU will fail to strike a trade deal before the end of the year. Biden, who has talked about the importance of his Irish heritage, retweeted a letter from Eliot Engel, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives, to Johnson calling on the British leader to honour the 1998 Good Friday peace deal. Engel urged Johnson to "abandon any and all legally questionable and unfair efforts to flout the Northern Ireland protocol of the Withdrawal Agreement." He called on Johnson to "ensure that Brexit negotiations do not undermine the decades of progress to bring peace to Northern Ireland and future options for the bilateral relationship between our two countries." Engel said Congress would not support a free trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom if Britain failed to uphold its commitments with Northern Ireland. The letter was signed by Representatives Richard Neal, William Keating and Peter King. Johnson is pushing ahead with his plan. His government reached a deal on Wednesday to avert a rebellion in his own party, giving parliament a say over the use of post-Brexit powers within its proposed Internal Market Bill that breaks international law.

No US-UK trade deal if Brexit risks Northern Irish peace deal: Biden to Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday he could close pubs earlier to "stop the second hump" of coronavirus cases, comparing the country's trajectory of resurgent transmission to a camel's profile.

His government is set to unveil new restrictions in England, which could also include greater social curbs, later on Thursday, initially targeting the northeast region where Covid-19 cases are surging.

It already imposed rules across England on Monday limiting socialising to groups of six people or fewer, as daily cases reach levels not seen since early May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sees-a-way-through-parliamentary-maze-for-brexit-treaty-breach-bill-327894">Also read:&nbsp;UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill</a>

In an interview with The Sun newspaper, Johnson said new measures may be needed as "the only way to make sure the country is able to enjoy Christmas" and an alternative to another full lockdown.&nbsp;

"What I don't want to be doing is locking down sections of the economy," he said.

"We can grip it now, stop the surge, arrest the spike, stop the second hump of the dromedary, flatten the second hump," Johnson told the tabloid, before musing on his metaphor.

"Dromedary or camel? I can't remember if it is a dromedary or a camel that has two humps? Umm. Please check."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-faces-rebellion-over-plan-to-break-brexit-treaty-327474">Also read: UK PM Boris Johnson faces rebellion over plan to break Brexit treaty</a>

Dromedaries are Arabian camels which have only one hump.

Johnson had compared Britain's first wave of virus cases to a sombrero hat, imploring people to "squash it" by obeying the nationwide lockdown in place from late March until June.

But the prime minister has faced stinging criticism this week over the failure to achieve the "world-beating" testing and tracing system he promised by the summer.

The government admits that increasing demand for virus tests is posing problems, after hospital bosses warned delays in the system were jeopardising healthcare services.

It has blamed people who do not need tests overburdening the system, with ministers vowing to unveil new prioritisation rules in the coming days.

"I really sympathise for those that can't get the test that they want," Johnson added, conceding "the system is really struggling with the real weight of demand".

"Often, and I don't in any way reproach people for doing this, but it's a fact, a significant proportion of those people are asymptomatic."

Johnson vowed to "continue to ramp it up" and has promised to have the capacity to test 500,000 people a day in place by October.

Britain has been the worst-hit country in Europe from the pandemic, with the government registering nearly 42,000 deaths.

The Office of National Statistics, which uses broader criteria for counting Covid-19 fatalities, has said closer to 58,000 Britons have died from the virus.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday he could close pubs earlier to "stop the second hump" of coronavirus cases, comparing the country's trajectory of resurgent transmission to a camel's profile.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday he could close pubs earlier to "stop the second hump" of coronavirus cases, comparing the country's trajectory of resurgent transmission to a camel's profile. His government is set to unveil new restrictions in England, which could also include greater social curbs, later on Thursday, initially targeting the northeast region where Covid-19 cases are surging. It already imposed rules across England on Monday limiting socialising to groups of six people or fewer, as daily cases reach levels not seen since early May. Also read: UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill In an interview with The Sun newspaper, Johnson said new measures may be needed as "the only way to make sure the country is able to enjoy Christmas" and an alternative to another full lockdown. "What I don't want to be doing is locking down sections of the economy," he said. "We can grip it now, stop the surge, arrest the spike, stop the second hump of the dromedary, flatten the second hump," Johnson told the tabloid, before musing on his metaphor. "Dromedary or camel? I can't remember if it is a dromedary or a camel that has two humps? Umm. Please check." Also read: UK PM Boris Johnson faces rebellion over plan to break Brexit treaty Dromedaries are Arabian camels which have only one hump. Johnson had compared Britain's first wave of virus cases to a sombrero hat, imploring people to "squash it" by obeying the nationwide lockdown in place from late March until June. But the prime minister has faced stinging criticism this week over the failure to achieve the "world-beating" testing and tracing system he promised by the summer. The government admits that increasing demand for virus tests is posing problems, after hospital bosses warned delays in the system were jeopardising healthcare services. It has blamed people who do not need tests overburdening the system, with ministers vowing to unveil new prioritisation rules in the coming days. "I really sympathise for those that can't get the test that they want," Johnson added, conceding "the system is really struggling with the real weight of demand". "Often, and I don't in any way reproach people for doing this, but it's a fact, a significant proportion of those people are asymptomatic." Johnson vowed to "continue to ramp it up" and has promised to have the capacity to test 500,000 people a day in place by October. Britain has been the worst-hit country in Europe from the pandemic, with the government registering nearly 42,000 deaths. The Office of National Statistics, which uses broader criteria for counting Covid-19 fatalities, has said closer to 58,000 Britons have died from the virus.

UK's PM urges Britons to flatten pandemic's 'second hump'

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government sees a 'way through' the parliamentary maze for his bill that would break the Brexit divorce treaty as it talks with rebels in the Conservative Party, a minister said on Wednesday.

Johnson's Internal Market Bill, which the EU has demanded he scrap by the end of September, is currently being debated in parliament, though he is facing a rebellion by some members of his Conservative Party.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-faces-rebellion-over-plan-to-break-brexit-treaty-327474" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson faces rebellion over plan to break Brexit treaty</a>

"I believe there is a way through," Robert Buckland told the BBC when asked about negotiations with rebels in parliament over the bill, adding that London wanted a deal with the EU.

"In terms of shared understanding, I have already seen quite a difference," he said when asked about a possible compromise in parliament.

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Asked if he had been involved in negotiations with Bob Neill, a Conservative lawmaker, Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said: "There are lots of discussions going on with all MPs from all parts of the debate, not just Bob Neill."

"We want to get this bill through, we want to make sure that we are ready for any disagreements or disputes that might arise if we don't get agreement in the joint committee," he said. "For me, I just want Brexit sorted."

Buckland told Times Radio that the bill was needed as an insurance policy in case the EU made a "material breach" of their obligations but that the talks were not yet at that stage and that London would use current mechanisms to find a compromise.

The EU says Johnson's bill could collapse trade talks and propel the United Kingdom towards a messy Brexit while former British leaders have warned that breaking the law is a step too far that undermines the country's image.

Johnson said it was essential to counter "absurd" threats from Brussels including that London put up trade barriers between Britain and Northern Ireland and impose a food blockade - steps he said threatened the United Kingdom's unity.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government sees a 'way through' the parliamentary maze for his bill that would break the Brexit divorce treaty as it talks with rebels in the Conservative Party, a minister said on Wednesday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government sees a 'way through' the parliamentary maze for his bill that would break the Brexit divorce treaty as it talks with rebels in the Conservative Party, a minister said on Wednesday. Johnson's Internal Market Bill, which the EU has demanded he scrap by the end of September, is currently being debated in parliament, though he is facing a rebellion by some members of his Conservative Party. Also read: UK PM Boris Johnson faces rebellion over plan to break Brexit treaty "I believe there is a way through," Robert Buckland told the BBC when asked about negotiations with rebels in parliament over the bill, adding that London wanted a deal with the EU. "In terms of shared understanding, I have already seen quite a difference," he said when asked about a possible compromise in parliament. Also read: Britain warns citizens of risk of arbitrary detention in China Asked if he had been involved in negotiations with Bob Neill, a Conservative lawmaker, Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said: "There are lots of discussions going on with all MPs from all parts of the debate, not just Bob Neill." "We want to get this bill through, we want to make sure that we are ready for any disagreements or disputes that might arise if we don't get agreement in the joint committee," he said. "For me, I just want Brexit sorted." Buckland told Times Radio that the bill was needed as an insurance policy in case the EU made a "material breach" of their obligations but that the talks were not yet at that stage and that London would use current mechanisms to find a compromise. The EU says Johnson's bill could collapse trade talks and propel the United Kingdom towards a messy Brexit while former British leaders have warned that breaking the law is a step too far that undermines the country's image. Johnson said it was essential to counter "absurd" threats from Brussels including that London put up trade barriers between Britain and Northern Ireland and impose a food blockade - steps he said threatened the United Kingdom's unity.

UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has a majority of 80 in the lower house of parliament, is facing a growing revolt over a bill that would break international law by breaching parts of the Brexit divorce deal and that Brussels says will wreck trade talks. He has been trying to persuade rebellious lawmakers in his party to vote for the bill.

The House of Commons will debate the Internal Market Bill, which the EU has demanded Johnson scrap by the end of September, in the latest brinkmanship of a four-year saga since Britain voted narrowly to leave the bloc.

After the debate, lawmakers will decide if the bill should go to the next stage.

Johnson's plan to explicitly break international law has plunged Brexit back into crisis less than four months before Britain is finally due to leave the EU's orbit at the end of a transition period, and jeopardised trade talks.

EU diplomats and officials said the bloc could take legal action against Britain, though there would be no resolution before the end-of-year deadline for its full exit.

The EU has ramped up preparations for a no-deal Brexit, which would be chaotic for business, markets and nearly $1 trillion in annual trade.

All of Britain's living former prime ministers have expressed concern about his plan as have many senior figures in his Conservative Party.

Meanwhile, British ministers say the bill, which explicitly states that it could be inconsistent with a host of international laws, is intended to clarify ambiguities -- particularly over Northern Ireland -- and act as a safeguard in case trade talks fall.

But some EU diplomats believe London is playing a game of chicken, inviting the collapse of trade talks to either get the deal it wants or leave without a deal.

The EU says it cannot trust those who break agreements and that if the bill is not effectively scrapped there will be no trade deal to cover everything from car parts to food.

The pound fell 3% last week on fears of a no-deal Brexit.

If, as expected, it is passed in its second reading on Monday, there will be four more days of debate on the bill`s fine print - lasting into Tuesday of next week.

If the bill passes the lower house, it will undergo scrutiny in the House of Lords where opposition from Conservative members is expected to be even stronger. 
&nbsp;

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has a majority of 80 in the lower house of parliament, is facing a growing revolt over a bill that would break international law by breaching parts of the Brexit divorce deal and that Brussels says will wreck trade talks.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has a majority of 80 in the lower house of parliament, is facing a growing revolt over a bill that would break international law by breaching parts of the Brexit divorce deal and that Brussels says will wreck trade talks. He has been trying to persuade rebellious lawmakers in his party to vote for the bill. The House of Commons will debate the Internal Market Bill, which the EU has demanded Johnson scrap by the end of September, in the latest brinkmanship of a four-year saga since Britain voted narrowly to leave the bloc. After the debate, lawmakers will decide if the bill should go to the next stage. Johnson's plan to explicitly break international law has plunged Brexit back into crisis less than four months before Britain is finally due to leave the EU's orbit at the end of a transition period, and jeopardised trade talks. EU diplomats and officials said the bloc could take legal action against Britain, though there would be no resolution before the end-of-year deadline for its full exit. The EU has ramped up preparations for a no-deal Brexit, which would be chaotic for business, markets and nearly $1 trillion in annual trade. All of Britain's living former prime ministers have expressed concern about his plan as have many senior figures in his Conservative Party. Meanwhile, British ministers say the bill, which explicitly states that it could be inconsistent with a host of international laws, is intended to clarify ambiguities -- particularly over Northern Ireland -- and act as a safeguard in case trade talks fall. But some EU diplomats believe London is playing a game of chicken, inviting the collapse of trade talks to either get the deal it wants or leave without a deal. The EU says it cannot trust those who break agreements and that if the bill is not effectively scrapped there will be no trade deal to cover everything from car parts to food. The pound fell 3% last week on fears of a no-deal Brexit. If, as expected, it is passed in its second reading on Monday, there will be four more days of debate on the bill`s fine print - lasting into Tuesday of next week. If the bill passes the lower house, it will undergo scrutiny in the House of Lords where opposition from Conservative members is expected to be even stronger.

UK PM Boris Johnson faces rebellion over plan to break Brexit treaty

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Former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major came together to launch an unprecedented attack on current UK PM Boris Johnson and said that his government's actions were 'shaming the nation'.

Blair and Major who were fierce rivals in the 90s joined forces to criticise new legislation that seeks to override the Brexit deal struck with the European Union. They targeted Johnson in a joint article in The Sunday Times.

The British government said explicitly last week that it plans to break international law by breaching parts of the Withdrawal Agreement treaty that it signed in January when it formally left the EU.

"What is being proposed now is shocking," said Major and Blair.

Both John Major and Tony Blair were opposed to Brexit said that they accepted that it was happening now. But they expressed displeasure as they said the Boris Johnson's actions were diminishing UK's image as a trustworthy negotiation partner.

"This government's action is shaming itself and embarrassing the nation," they said.

Theresa May, current Prime Minister Boris Johnson's predecessor, has also questioned whether international partners would be able to trust Britain in future.

Johnson says the new legislation is needed to clarify the Northern Ireland protocol element of the Brexit deal, to protect free trade between the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Sunday that the Withdrawal Agreement on Northern Ireland "is not a threat to the integrity of the UK", and had been agreed by the two sides to protect peace on the island of Ireland.

"We could not have been clearer about the consequences of Brexit," Barnier said on Twitter.

Earlier on Sunday, British Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told Sky News the legislation is "Brexit-critical" and must be passed by parliament, which is due to debate the bill on Monday.

Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, described the legislation as wrong on Sunday.

"We have broken the trust of our international partners," Starmer wrote in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, adding that his party would oppose the bill in parliament unless changes were made.

European lawmakers have warned they would not approve any new trade deal unless the withdrawal agreement was fully implemented, while there is also talk of possible legal action.

(With Reuters inputs)

Former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major came together to launch an unprecedented attack on current UK PM Boris Johnson and said that his government's actions were 'shaming the nation'.

Former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major came together to launch an unprecedented attack on current UK PM Boris Johnson and said that his government's actions were 'shaming the nation'. Blair and Major who were fierce rivals in the 90s joined forces to criticise new legislation that seeks to override the Brexit deal struck with the European Union. They targeted Johnson in a joint article in The Sunday Times. The British government said explicitly last week that it plans to break international law by breaching parts of the Withdrawal Agreement treaty that it signed in January when it formally left the EU. "What is being proposed now is shocking," said Major and Blair. Both John Major and Tony Blair were opposed to Brexit said that they accepted that it was happening now. But they expressed displeasure as they said the Boris Johnson's actions were diminishing UK's image as a trustworthy negotiation partner. "This government's action is shaming itself and embarrassing the nation," they said. Theresa May, current Prime Minister Boris Johnson's predecessor, has also questioned whether international partners would be able to trust Britain in future. Johnson says the new legislation is needed to clarify the Northern Ireland protocol element of the Brexit deal, to protect free trade between the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom. EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Sunday that the Withdrawal Agreement on Northern Ireland "is not a threat to the integrity of the UK", and had been agreed by the two sides to protect peace on the island of Ireland. "We could not have been clearer about the consequences of Brexit," Barnier said on Twitter. Earlier on Sunday, British Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told Sky News the legislation is "Brexit-critical" and must be passed by parliament, which is due to debate the bill on Monday. Keir Starmer, leader of the opposition Labour Party, described the legislation as wrong on Sunday. "We have broken the trust of our international partners," Starmer wrote in the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, adding that his party would oppose the bill in parliament unless changes were made. European lawmakers have warned they would not approve any new trade deal unless the withdrawal agreement was fully implemented, while there is also talk of possible legal action. (With Reuters inputs)

Brexit: Former PMs Tony Blair, John Major slam Boris Johnson for 'shaming' UK

Opposition leader Kier Starmer is becoming a series player. The former human rights lawyer knows how to grill the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, particularly on government's handling of COVID-19 & brexit. Now there is another threat to Boris Johnson that comes from within the tory party, Watch to know more.

Boris Johnson new threat within tory party, Starmer accuses PM of being incompetent

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked the European Union to not threaten his country, saying a bill which would breach a divorce treaty with the bloc was needed to protect the country's integrity.

With the EU stepping up planning for talks on trade to end without a deal, Johnson has accused its negotiators of threatening to impose a food blockade between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland.

"Let's make the EU take their threats off the table", Johnson said on Twitter on Saturday. "And let's get this Bill through, back up our negotiators, and protect our country."

British lawmakers will on Monday begin debating the Internal Markets Bill, which one minister has said would breach international law "in a very specific and limited way".

The government says it is needed to clarify the Northern Ireland protocol element of the Brexit deal it signed in January to protect free trade between the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom.

But European lawmakers said on Friday they would not approve any new trade deal unless the withdrawal agreement was fully implemented, while there is also talk of possible legal action.

Both sides have set a deadline of the end of October for a deal, raising the prospect that nearly $1 trillion in trade between the EU and Britain could be thrown into confusion at the start of 2021 when a transition period ends.

Johnson's bill also faces opposition from senior figures in his Conservative Party and some of his own lawmakers who are unhappy at the prospect of infringing international law.

In a video conference call with his lawmakers on Friday he appealed for support for his bill and for them to avoid repeating the "squabbling" over the Brexit divorce deal which saw some quit the party and others thrown out.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked the European Union to not threaten his country, saying a bill which would breach a divorce treaty with the bloc was needed to protect the country's integrity.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked the European Union to not threaten his country, saying a bill which would breach a divorce treaty with the bloc was needed to protect the country's integrity. With the EU stepping up planning for talks on trade to end without a deal, Johnson has accused its negotiators of threatening to impose a food blockade between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland. "Let's make the EU take their threats off the table", Johnson said on Twitter on Saturday. "And let's get this Bill through, back up our negotiators, and protect our country." British lawmakers will on Monday begin debating the Internal Markets Bill, which one minister has said would breach international law "in a very specific and limited way". The government says it is needed to clarify the Northern Ireland protocol element of the Brexit deal it signed in January to protect free trade between the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom. But European lawmakers said on Friday they would not approve any new trade deal unless the withdrawal agreement was fully implemented, while there is also talk of possible legal action. Both sides have set a deadline of the end of October for a deal, raising the prospect that nearly $1 trillion in trade between the EU and Britain could be thrown into confusion at the start of 2021 when a transition period ends. Johnson's bill also faces opposition from senior figures in his Conservative Party and some of his own lawmakers who are unhappy at the prospect of infringing international law. In a video conference call with his lawmakers on Friday he appealed for support for his bill and for them to avoid repeating the "squabbling" over the Brexit divorce deal which saw some quit the party and others thrown out.

Boris Johnson tells EU to not threaten Britain over trade row

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused the European Union of threatening to impose a food "blockade" between Britain and Northern Ireland that could tear the UK apart, throwing new fuel on the fire of simmering Brexit talks.

Writing in Saturday's Daily Telegraph newspaper, Johnson said the EU's stance justified his government's introduction of new legislation to rewrite its Brexit withdrawal treaty -- a bill that is causing deep alarm among his own MPs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-trade-deal-brits-do-not-understand-says-french-foreign-minister-325567">Also read|&nbsp;Brexit trade deal: Brits 'do not understand', says French foreign minister</a>

Talks between London and Brussels on a future trading relationship are deadlocked. Absent a deal by the end of this year, when the full force of Brexit kicks in, Johnson said the EU was bent on an "extreme interpretation" of rules for Northern Ireland.

"We are being told that the EU will not only impose tariffs on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, but that they might actually stop the transport of food products from GB to NI," he wrote.

"I have to say that we never seriously believed that the EU would be willing to use a treaty, negotiated in good faith, to blockade one part of the UK, to cut it off, or that they would actually threaten to destroy the economic and territorial integrity of the UK."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-wont-blink-first-uk-warns-the-eu-on-brexit-trade-negotiations-325513">Also read|&nbsp;'We won't blink first': UK warns the EU on Brexit trade negotiations</a>

The food dispute centres on the EU's refusal so far to grant Britain "third country" status, which acknowledges that nations meet basic requirements to export their foodstuffs to Europe.

Under Britain's EU withdrawal treaty, Northern Ireland will enjoy a special status to ensure no return of a border with EU member Ireland, in line with a 1998 peace pact that ended three decades of bloodshed.

The EU is worried that post-Brexit Britain could undercut its own food standards, as well as rules on state aid for companies, to send goods into its single market via Northern Ireland.

After another difficult round of trade talks this week in London, chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier said "many uncertainties" remained about Britain's food export regime after January 1.

'Legal safety net'

"More clarity is needed for the EU to do the assessment for the third-country listing of the UK," he said in a statement.

Johnson said his government remained committed to finding agreement with the EU by the end of the year.

"But we cannot leave the theoretical power to carve up our country -– to divide it -– in the hands of an international organisation," he wrote, calling the new UK Internal Market Bill a "legal safety net".

The prime minister's article appeared after he held a chaotic videoconference on Friday evening with mutinous Conservative MPs who are aghast at the prospect of the government tearing up an international treaty.

"We must get this bill through," Johnson wrote, ahead of a debate in parliament on Monday. "So I say to my fellow parliamentarians that we cannot go back to the dark days of last year -– the squabbling that so undermined our negotiators."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused the European Union of threatening to impose a food "blockade" between Britain and Northern Ireland that could tear the UK apart, throwing new fuel on the fire of simmering Brexit talks.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused the European Union of threatening to impose a food "blockade" between Britain and Northern Ireland that could tear the UK apart, throwing new fuel on the fire of simmering Brexit talks. Writing in Saturday's Daily Telegraph newspaper, Johnson said the EU's stance justified his government's introduction of new legislation to rewrite its Brexit withdrawal treaty -- a bill that is causing deep alarm among his own MPs. Also read| Brexit trade deal: Brits 'do not understand', says French foreign minister Talks between London and Brussels on a future trading relationship are deadlocked. Absent a deal by the end of this year, when the full force of Brexit kicks in, Johnson said the EU was bent on an "extreme interpretation" of rules for Northern Ireland. "We are being told that the EU will not only impose tariffs on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, but that they might actually stop the transport of food products from GB to NI," he wrote. "I have to say that we never seriously believed that the EU would be willing to use a treaty, negotiated in good faith, to blockade one part of the UK, to cut it off, or that they would actually threaten to destroy the economic and territorial integrity of the UK." Also read| 'We won't blink first': UK warns the EU on Brexit trade negotiations The food dispute centres on the EU's refusal so far to grant Britain "third country" status, which acknowledges that nations meet basic requirements to export their foodstuffs to Europe. Under Britain's EU withdrawal treaty, Northern Ireland will enjoy a special status to ensure no return of a border with EU member Ireland, in line with a 1998 peace pact that ended three decades of bloodshed. The EU is worried that post-Brexit Britain could undercut its own food standards, as well as rules on state aid for companies, to send goods into its single market via Northern Ireland. After another difficult round of trade talks this week in London, chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier said "many uncertainties" remained about Britain's food export regime after January 1. 'Legal safety net' "More clarity is needed for the EU to do the assessment for the third-country listing of the UK," he said in a statement. Johnson said his government remained committed to finding agreement with the EU by the end of the year. "But we cannot leave the theoretical power to carve up our country -– to divide it -– in the hands of an international organisation," he wrote, calling the new UK Internal Market Bill a "legal safety net". The prime minister's article appeared after he held a chaotic videoconference on Friday evening with mutinous Conservative MPs who are aghast at the prospect of the government tearing up an international treaty. "We must get this bill through," Johnson wrote, ahead of a debate in parliament on Monday. "So I say to my fellow parliamentarians that we cannot go back to the dark days of last year -– the squabbling that so undermined our negotiators."

Johnson accuses EU of plotting food 'blockade' on UK

Ahead of a crucial round of talks between London and Brussels over the future trading relationship between the UK and the European Union, the British government made a startling admission: 'That it would be prepared to break the terms of an international treaty'.

UK might break international law on Brexit: Fear of 'no deal' Brexit returns to UK

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced at a coronavirus briefing a “moonshot plan” for UK. Announcing the details the PM urged people to abide by new restrictions that outlaw gatherings of more than six people indoors and out, and said they were imperative if the country was to avoid further toughening of the rules.

WION Fineprint: What is UK PM's new 'Moonshot Plan'?

Netizens are trolling the&nbsp;'COVID secure marshals' introduced by the Prime Minister of United Kingdom Boris Johnson on Wednesday.

In a news conference, Johnson said&nbsp;the aim behind the step was to ''boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities'' and to&nbsp;to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres, and by setting up a register of environmental health officers that local authorities can draw upon for support."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-unveils-moonshot-plan-rule-of-six-amid-spike-in-covid-19-cases-326388">PM Johnson unveils 'moonshot' plan, 'rule of six' amid spike in COVID-19 cases</a>

According to the plan, an army&nbsp;of marshals will be sent to towns and cities across the country to enforce new coronavirus laws.

Under the&nbsp;"rule of six", marshals will break&nbsp;groups of more than six in town centres and alert police if fines need to be handed out.

The new rules will not apply to workplaces or schools, and there will be exemptions for weddings, funerals and some organised team sports. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own lockdown policies.

Social media users did not like the initiative and mocked it by sharing a flurry of memes.

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Anyone else thinking about possible people to be Covid secure marshals? <a href="https://t.co/PnWNy77nS9">pic.twitter.com/PnWNy77nS9</a>
— Mark Brandreth (@mbrandreth) <a href="https://twitter.com/mbrandreth/status/1303719014766727174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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SIX months on 
UK curve flattened 
NHS capacity "protected" 
 
SIX months on 
No working track &amp; trace app 
No reliable testing capacity 
 
SIX months on 
Police will arrest you (BLM/XR/Dinghyboaters excepted) if the new "Covid secure marshals" don't get you 1st 
Seriously <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a>...
— Aman Bhogal 🇬🇧 🇮🇳 (@AmandeepBhogal) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmandeepBhogal/status/1303736203020251138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Where, in God’s name, are these ‘Covid-secure marshals’ being conjured from?? Welcome to the Wild West!
— nigel waugh (@nglwaug) <a href="https://twitter.com/nglwaug/status/1303727173048635398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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‘Covid secure Marshals’!? ... WE’RE LIVING IN THE HANDMAIDS TALE.
— Sweetness and Life. (@katy_red) <a href="https://twitter.com/katy_red/status/1303714210539593728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Netizens are trolling the 'COVID secure marshals' introduced by the Prime Minister of United Kingdom Boris Johnson on Wednesday. In a news conference, Johnson said the aim behind the step was to ''boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities'' and to to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres, and by setting up a register of environmental health officers that local authorities can draw upon for support.

Netizens are trolling the 'COVID secure marshals' introduced by the Prime Minister of United Kingdom Boris Johnson on Wednesday. In a news conference, Johnson said the aim behind the step was to ''boost the enforcement capacity of local authorities'' and to to help ensure social distancing in town and city centres, and by setting up a register of environmental health officers that local authorities can draw upon for support." Also read: PM Johnson unveils 'moonshot' plan, 'rule of six' amid spike in COVID-19 cases According to the plan, an army of marshals will be sent to towns and cities across the country to enforce new coronavirus laws. Under the "rule of six", marshals will break groups of more than six in town centres and alert police if fines need to be handed out. The new rules will not apply to workplaces or schools, and there will be exemptions for weddings, funerals and some organised team sports. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own lockdown policies. Social media users did not like the initiative and mocked it by sharing a flurry of memes. Anyone else thinking about possible people to be Covid secure marshals? pic.twitter.com/PnWNy77nS9 — Mark Brandreth (@mbrandreth) September 9, 2020 × SIX months on UK curve flattened NHS capacity "protected" SIX months on No working track & trace app No reliable testing capacity SIX months on Police will arrest you (BLM/XR/Dinghyboaters excepted) if the new "Covid secure marshals" don't get you 1st Seriously @BorisJohnson... — Aman Bhogal 🇬🇧 🇮🇳 (@AmandeepBhogal) September 9, 2020 × Where, in God’s name, are these ‘Covid-secure marshals’ being conjured from?? Welcome to the Wild West! — nigel waugh (@nglwaug) September 9, 2020 × ‘Covid secure Marshals’!? ... WE’RE LIVING IN THE HANDMAIDS TALE. — Sweetness and Life. (@katy_red) September 9, 2020 ×

Netizens ridicule UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's army of 'COVID secure marshals'

UK PM Boris Johnson's new 'moonshot plan': Plan to combat coronavirus rising cases

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