The Duke of York, Prince Andrew could be stripped off his round-the-clock armed police protection&nbsp;services&nbsp;after he withdrew from public duties but the final decision still rests in the hands of the home secretary, Priti Patil and the prime minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/devil-is-in-the-detail-eu-says-will-check-us-china-deal-274760">Boris Johnson</a>.

The Home Office is recommending a major downgrade of the security given to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/harry-meghan-and-a-right-royal-battle-for-control-274442">Prince Andrew</a> but only after receiving a review by the Metropolitan Police.&nbsp;

This comes at a time when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/royal-mess-all-the-controversies-that-british-monarchy-has-faced-till-date-274729">Buckingham Palace</a> is very much involved in discussions over security measures for the Sussexes in their forwarding roles in UK and Canada.

According to a senior source, the Metropolitan Police had completed the review and ‘conclusions have been reached and recommendations made.’

However, the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police Service have refused to give any comments on the claims made. Buckingham Palace policy is not to 'comment' on security measures.

Prince Andrew, 59, was effectively forced to step down from royal engagements and quit his royal duties following his disastrous BBC Newsnight interview over his links with the late financier and convicted sex offender <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epsteins-first-apparent-suicide-video-deleted-273351">Jeffrey Epstein</a>.

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A statement by His Royal Highness The Duke of York KG. <a href="https://t.co/solPHzEzzp">pic.twitter.com/solPHzEzzp</a>
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“A review was ordered into the Met’s protection of HRH The Duke of York once it was announced that he was stepping down from royal duties in November,” a source said.

Prince Andrew and Duke and Duchess of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/discussions-are-going-on-canadian-pm-trudeau-on-harry-and-meghans-security-cost-274284">Sussex</a> until now were internationally protected people. It would also mean that the prince either having no bodyguards or having to pay for them himself.&nbsp;

The Duke of York, Prince Andrew could be stripped off his round-the-clock armed police protection services after he withdrew from public duties but the final decision still rests in the hands of the home secretary, Priti Patil and the prime minister, Boris Johnson.

The Duke of York, Prince Andrew could be stripped off his round-the-clock armed police protection services after he withdrew from public duties but the final decision still rests in the hands of the home secretary, Priti Patil and the prime minister, Boris Johnson. The Home Office is recommending a major downgrade of the security given to Prince Andrew but only after receiving a review by the Metropolitan Police. This comes at a time when Buckingham Palace is very much involved in discussions over security measures for the Sussexes in their forwarding roles in UK and Canada. According to a senior source, the Metropolitan Police had completed the review and ‘conclusions have been reached and recommendations made.’ However, the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police Service have refused to give any comments on the claims made. Buckingham Palace policy is not to 'comment' on security measures. Prince Andrew, 59, was effectively forced to step down from royal engagements and quit his royal duties following his disastrous BBC Newsnight interview over his links with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A statement by His Royal Highness The Duke of York KG. pic.twitter.com/solPHzEzzp — The Duke of York (@TheDukeOfYork) November 20, 2019 × “A review was ordered into the Met’s protection of HRH The Duke of York once it was announced that he was stepping down from royal duties in November,” a source said. Prince Andrew and Duke and Duchess of Sussex until now were internationally protected people. It would also mean that the prince either having no bodyguards or having to pay for them himself.

Prince Andrew may lose armed protection in major 'security downgrade'

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nireland-government-returns-after-three-year-suspension-273609">Boris Johnson</a> on Tuesday proposed a&nbsp;crowdfunding&nbsp;campaign to&nbsp;allow&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;bell in parliament’s landmark clock tower to ring out when Britain is due to leave the European Union.

The 13.7-tonne bell has been largely silent since 2017 while renovation work is carried out on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-i-are-separate-entities-prince-william-273926">Elizabeth Tower</a> which houses it, sounding only for important events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The prime minister was speaking after a House of Commons Commission dismissed the proposal for the bell to sound for&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;because it would be too expensive.

Johnson said it would cost 500,000 pounds ($648,450) to&nbsp;allow&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;to sound at 2300 GMT on January&nbsp;31, the moment&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;is officially due to take place. But he said people could donate cash to pay for it.

"We are working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;bong," Johnson told the BBC in an interview.

"As everybody knows,&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;is being refurbished, they seem to have taken the clapper away. So we need to restore the clapper in order to&nbsp;bong&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;on&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;night. And that is expensive."

The prime minister's suggestion comes after a group of pro-Brexit&nbsp;members of parliament spearheaded a campaign to chime <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/independence-day-queen-elizabeth-ii-agrees-grandson-harry-wife-meghan-can-exit-senior-royal-role-274105">Britain</a> out of the EU, sounding the death knell for almost half a century of integration with the bloc.

But an attempt to have it enshrined in law that&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;would chime for&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;failed last week.

The celebrations for&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;day are set to divide Britain once again, a fitting conclusion to more than three years of angry debate about whether to leave the world’s largest trading bloc.

While supporters of leaving the bloc will celebrate with parties, there will be little joy in homes of pro-Europeans.

Brexit&nbsp;Party leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-enthusiastic-about-boris-johnsons-victory-but-it-wont-be-smooth-sailing-for-them-269348">Nigel Farage</a> is planning to host a party in Parliament Square on January 31 where supporters of leaving the EU would be able to hear&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;ring out.

More than 12,000 people applied for tickets in the first day after they were advertised last week.

Big&nbsp;Ben's tower, in the Palace of Westminster, has been under renovation since 2017 and the work is not due to be completed until 2021.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday proposed a crowdfunding campaign to allow Big Ben bell in parliament’s landmark clock tower to ring out when Britain is due to leave the European Union.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday proposed a crowdfunding campaign to allow Big Ben bell in parliament’s landmark clock tower to ring out when Britain is due to leave the European Union. The 13.7-tonne bell has been largely silent since 2017 while renovation work is carried out on the Elizabeth Tower which houses it, sounding only for important events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations. The prime minister was speaking after a House of Commons Commission dismissed the proposal for the bell to sound for Brexit because it would be too expensive. Johnson said it would cost 500,000 pounds ($648,450) to allow Big Ben to sound at 2300 GMT on January 31, the moment Brexit is officially due to take place. But he said people could donate cash to pay for it. "We are working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong," Johnson told the BBC in an interview. "As everybody knows, Big Ben is being refurbished, they seem to have taken the clapper away. So we need to restore the clapper in order to bong Big Ben on Brexit night. And that is expensive." The prime minister's suggestion comes after a group of pro-Brexit members of parliament spearheaded a campaign to chime Britain out of the EU, sounding the death knell for almost half a century of integration with the bloc. But an attempt to have it enshrined in law that Big Ben would chime for Brexit failed last week. The celebrations for Brexit day are set to divide Britain once again, a fitting conclusion to more than three years of angry debate about whether to leave the world’s largest trading bloc. While supporters of leaving the bloc will celebrate with parties, there will be little joy in homes of pro-Europeans. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage is planning to host a party in Parliament Square on January 31 where supporters of leaving the EU would be able to hear Big Ben ring out. More than 12,000 people applied for tickets in the first day after they were advertised last week. Big Ben's tower, in the Palace of Westminster, has been under renovation since 2017 and the work is not due to be completed until 2021.

PM Boris Johnson proposes crowdfunding to allow Big Ben to bong for Brexit

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-at-mercy-of-politics-in-2020-experts-warn-273582">Brexit</a>.

The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme.

Numerous rounds of increasingly acrimonious negotiations failed to reach a solution and basic services were left unattended.

Pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionists were pushed into an&nbsp;agreement on Friday by the threat of a new regional election if they missed a looming deadline on Monday.

The UK government in London also promised a large cash infusion into the tiny but strategically vital region if the republican <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-general-election-a-look-at-possible-outcomes-of-the-uk-vote-267764">Sinn Fein</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-britain-heads-to-polls-a-glance-at-last-three-elections-267767">Democratic Unionist Party</a> (DUP) came to terms.

"Sinn Fein has taken the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institution and nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive," party leader Mary Lou McDonald told reporters.

"We're ready to do business," she said.

DUP leader Arlene Foster earlier called the draft power-sharing agreement "fair and balanced".

"We are ready to go back into the assembly," Foster said.

The executive will meet on Saturday afternoon to select new ministers and assign various portfolios

The Belfast Telegraph newspaper reported that the DUP's Foster would be reinstalled as first minister and effective head of the government.

Sources told the paper that top Sinn Fein member Michelle O'Neill&nbsp;would serve as her deputy in a new executive that features several prominent women.

European Commission President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-years-of-arguments-british-mps-set-to-finally-seal-brexit-deal-273199">Ursula von der Leyen</a> hailed the agreement&nbsp;as "an extremely positive development for the people of Northern Ireland". &nbsp;

Friday's deal came with thousands of the region's healthcare workers on strike.

The latest talks were launched in the wake of a December 12 UK general election that saw both the DUP and Sinn Fein lose votes to smaller groups.

Analysts attributed the main parties' losses to voter frustration at their inability to reach a compromise that could let a government in Belfast take care of the region's daily needs.

A 1998 peace accord that ended three decades of violence over British rule of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-scrutinise-brexit-deal-as-january-31-deadline-nears-272604">Northern Ireland</a> in which thousands died requires the two main parties to share power.

The lack of an executive is especially fraught with danger for the region because of historic changes to its trade rules being imposed by Britain's pending withdrawal from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-iran-nuclear-deal-may-collapse-273585">European Union</a>.

Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland to the south provides the only UK-EU land frontier.

UK Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-evidence-indicates-boeing-airliner-was-shot-down-by-iranian-surface-to-air-missile-trudeau-273282">Boris Johnson's</a> EU withdrawal agreement puts pressure on local authorities to maintain frictionless trade while preserving an open border on the island of Ireland.

Negotiations to revive Stormont have been stuck on disagreements over the use of the Irish language and a mechanism giving minority governments veto rights.

The draft requires the executive "to provide official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland" and "respect the freedom of all persons to choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity".

It also eliminates the veto mechanism and compels the parties to build consensus on issues of dispute.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-possible-move-might-affect-canadian-taxpayers-273290">UK government</a> additionally promises to deliver a new financial package for the region that allows outstanding public sector salaries to be paid.

Downing Street called the draft deal "a balanced package" and that the precise amount of new funding would be spelt out when the agreement was reached.

"History is being made today," Irish Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-british-take-it-or-leave-it-approach-amounts-to-no-deal-254585">Simon Coveney</a> after both sides confirmed their support for the devolved government.

It can help "show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together," he said.

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of Brexit.

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of Brexit. The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme. Numerous rounds of increasingly acrimonious negotiations failed to reach a solution and basic services were left unattended. Pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionists were pushed into an agreement on Friday by the threat of a new regional election if they missed a looming deadline on Monday. The UK government in London also promised a large cash infusion into the tiny but strategically vital region if the republican Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) came to terms. "Sinn Fein has taken the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institution and nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive," party leader Mary Lou McDonald told reporters. "We're ready to do business," she said. DUP leader Arlene Foster earlier called the draft power-sharing agreement "fair and balanced". "We are ready to go back into the assembly," Foster said. The executive will meet on Saturday afternoon to select new ministers and assign various portfolios The Belfast Telegraph newspaper reported that the DUP's Foster would be reinstalled as first minister and effective head of the government. Sources told the paper that top Sinn Fein member Michelle O'Neill would serve as her deputy in a new executive that features several prominent women. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the agreement as "an extremely positive development for the people of Northern Ireland". Friday's deal came with thousands of the region's healthcare workers on strike. The latest talks were launched in the wake of a December 12 UK general election that saw both the DUP and Sinn Fein lose votes to smaller groups. Analysts attributed the main parties' losses to voter frustration at their inability to reach a compromise that could let a government in Belfast take care of the region's daily needs. A 1998 peace accord that ended three decades of violence over British rule of Northern Ireland in which thousands died requires the two main parties to share power. The lack of an executive is especially fraught with danger for the region because of historic changes to its trade rules being imposed by Britain's pending withdrawal from the European Union. Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland to the south provides the only UK-EU land frontier. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's EU withdrawal agreement puts pressure on local authorities to maintain frictionless trade while preserving an open border on the island of Ireland. Negotiations to revive Stormont have been stuck on disagreements over the use of the Irish language and a mechanism giving minority governments veto rights. The draft requires the executive "to provide official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland" and "respect the freedom of all persons to choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity". It also eliminates the veto mechanism and compels the parties to build consensus on issues of dispute. The UK government additionally promises to deliver a new financial package for the region that allows outstanding public sector salaries to be paid. Downing Street called the draft deal "a balanced package" and that the precise amount of new funding would be spelt out when the agreement was reached. "History is being made today," Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney after both sides confirmed their support for the devolved government. It can help "show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together," he said.

Northern Ireland government returns after three-year suspension

Germany said Friday it still wanted "to save" the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, rejecting US President Donald Trump's plea for Europeans to quit the hard-won pact.

"Our goal is still to save the agreement because we remain convinced that it's the right instrument to prevent Iran from possible nuclear armament," foreign ministry spokesman Rainer Breul said in Berlin.

His comments echoed those by Britain and France, who have also stressed their continued commitment to the deal.

Trump on Wednesday pulled back from the brink of war with Iran, but said "the time had come" for fellow signatories to "break away from the remnants" of the nuclear accord.

"We want to use all the possibilities offered by the (deal) to move towards a diplomatic solution," Breul told reporters.

He urged Tehran "to return its commitments" under the 2015 agreement struck with the US, Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China.

The deal has been unravelling ever since Trump withdrew the United States from the pact in 2018.

After the US reimposed sanctions on Iran, Tehran started breaching some aspects of the accord and on Sunday announced it no longer felt compelled to stick to any limits for making the enriched uranium needed for nuclear power.

The European signatories must decide in the coming days whether to take action against Tehran for reneging on its commitments which could lead to renewed UN sanctions.

France on Thursday said it remained "committed to the framework of the Vienna Iran nuclear accord".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the deal remained "the best arrangement currently available".

Germany said Friday it still wanted "to save" the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, rejecting US President Donald Trump's plea for Europeans to quit the hard-won pact.

Germany said Friday it still wanted "to save" the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, rejecting US President Donald Trump's plea for Europeans to quit the hard-won pact. "Our goal is still to save the agreement because we remain convinced that it's the right instrument to prevent Iran from possible nuclear armament," foreign ministry spokesman Rainer Breul said in Berlin. His comments echoed those by Britain and France, who have also stressed their continued commitment to the deal. Trump on Wednesday pulled back from the brink of war with Iran, but said "the time had come" for fellow signatories to "break away from the remnants" of the nuclear accord. "We want to use all the possibilities offered by the (deal) to move towards a diplomatic solution," Breul told reporters. He urged Tehran "to return its commitments" under the 2015 agreement struck with the US, Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China. The deal has been unravelling ever since Trump withdrew the United States from the pact in 2018. After the US reimposed sanctions on Iran, Tehran started breaching some aspects of the accord and on Sunday announced it no longer felt compelled to stick to any limits for making the enriched uranium needed for nuclear power. The European signatories must decide in the coming days whether to take action against Tehran for reneging on its commitments which could lead to renewed UN sanctions. France on Thursday said it remained "committed to the framework of the Vienna Iran nuclear accord". British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the deal remained "the best arrangement currently available".

Germany rejects Trump call to ditch Iran nuclear pact

Amid row over the crash of Ukrainian plane in Tehran, Iran's civil aviation chief Ali Abedzadeh said on Friday he was "certain" that the aircraft was not hit by a missile.&nbsp;

"One thing is for certain, this airplane was not hit by a missile," Abedzadeh said in a press conference.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-evidence-indicates-boeing-airliner-was-shot-down-by-iranian-surface-to-air-missile-trudeau-273282">Intelligence evidence indicates Boeing airliner was shot down by Iranian surface-to-air missile: Trudeau</a>

Iran's civil aviation chief's statements came after Britain and Canada claimed that intelligence sources suggested a catastrophic error by Iranian air defence batteries had crashed the aircraft.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-iran-shoot-down-the-ukrainian-jet-273279/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-rumours-missile-caused-plane-crash-make-no-sense-273278">Iran says rumours missile caused plane crash make 'no sense'</a>

Abedzadeh also said that "any remarks made before the data is extracted ... is not an expert opinion."

Earlier, a video was surfaced that showed the moment the airliner was hit.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-us-plane-crash-news-updates-iran-formally-invites-us-transport-board-to-investigate-boeing-airliner-crash-273301">Iran plane crash news: Iran formally invites US transport board to investigate Boeing airliner crash</a>

New York Times claimed that it has verified the footage, which shows a rapidly-moving object rising to an angle into the sky before a flash is noticed, which dims and continues moving forward. After several seconds, an explosion is heard.&nbsp;

"We have seen some videos. We confirm that the airplane was on fire for 60 to 70 seconds," Abedzadeh said.&nbsp;

But to say "that it was hit by something cannot be scientifically correct," the aviation chief added.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that probe from multiple agencies showed that the plane was crashed after it was shot down by an Iranian missile.

63 Canadians were amongst the 176 people that were killed in the crash.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also backed Trudeau's claims and said that the missile targetting the aircraft "may well have been unintentional."

The Ukranian airlines' Boeing 737 crashed after taking off from Tehran on Wednesday, nearly at the same time when Iran claimed it fired two missiles on US airbases in Iraq.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Amid row over the crash of Ukrainian plane in Tehran, Iran's civil aviation chief Ali Abedzadeh said on Friday he was "certain" that the aircraft was not hit by a missile.

Amid row over the crash of Ukrainian plane in Tehran, Iran's civil aviation chief Ali Abedzadeh said on Friday he was "certain" that the aircraft was not hit by a missile. "One thing is for certain, this airplane was not hit by a missile," Abedzadeh said in a press conference. Also read: Intelligence evidence indicates Boeing airliner was shot down by Iranian surface-to-air missile: Trudeau Iran's civil aviation chief's statements came after Britain and Canada claimed that intelligence sources suggested a catastrophic error by Iranian air defence batteries had crashed the aircraft. Watch: Also read: Iran says rumours missile caused plane crash make 'no sense' Abedzadeh also said that "any remarks made before the data is extracted ... is not an expert opinion." Earlier, a video was surfaced that showed the moment the airliner was hit. Also read: Iran plane crash news: Iran formally invites US transport board to investigate Boeing airliner crash New York Times claimed that it has verified the footage, which shows a rapidly-moving object rising to an angle into the sky before a flash is noticed, which dims and continues moving forward. After several seconds, an explosion is heard. "We have seen some videos. We confirm that the airplane was on fire for 60 to 70 seconds," Abedzadeh said. But to say "that it was hit by something cannot be scientifically correct," the aviation chief added. On Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed that probe from multiple agencies showed that the plane was crashed after it was shot down by an Iranian missile. 63 Canadians were amongst the 176 people that were killed in the crash. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also backed Trudeau's claims and said that the missile targetting the aircraft "may well have been unintentional." The Ukranian airlines' Boeing 737 crashed after taking off from Tehran on Wednesday, nearly at the same time when Iran claimed it fired two missiles on US airbases in Iraq. (with inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian aircraft was not hit by a missile: Iran's civil aviation chief

Britain's parliament finally approved Brexit on Thursday, allowing it to become the first country to leave the European Union by the end of this month, ending years of arguments that toppled two governments and divided a nation.

The House of Commons erupted in cheers after MPs ratified Prime Minister Boris Johnson's divorce deal with Brussels 330 votes to 231, drawing a line under an extraordinary era of political drama and chaos.

For much of the time since the 2016 Brexit referendum, lawmakers have been at each others' throats over how, when or even if Britain should leave its closest trading partners after nearly 50 years.

Some viewed Brexit with horror, fearing that it stripped them of their European identities and turned Britain into an insular, less important nation.

Others embraced it with fervour, viewing it as a chance to "take back control" from officials in Brussels and see Britain regain some of its past might.

Businesses and governments in Europe, puzzled by Britain's struggles over what they viewed as a self-inflicted wound, hoped that Brexit could still somehow be undone.

But Johnson's comprehensive victory in last month's general election brought an abrupt end to the turmoil, giving his Conservatives a parliamentary majority with which to push it through.

MPs gave their initial blessing to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill before Christmas, and the government set aside just three days this week for detailed scrutiny of the complex text.

But few MPs even bothered to turn up on Tuesday and Wednesday, with both sessions ending early, while the government easily saw off opposition attempts to amend the text.

The momentous day on which Johnson effectively gets permission to abandon the European integration project was all but ignored in Thursday's media.

Instead, it became a footnote to Prince Harry and his wife Meghan's decision to quit royal front-line duties -- &nbsp;christened "Megxit" and shaping up to be equally complicated and divisive.

"We will be leaving the EU on January 31. We will have delivered on the PM's commitment to get Brexit done," a government spokesman said, echoing Johnson's election mantra.

Britain's main opposition Labour party, bruised by its worst beating at the polls since 1935, voted against Brexit on Thursday knowing the battle had been lost.

We "may not win many votes in parliament just now, but we can win the moral argument", said Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer, a potential successor to Jeremy Corbyn as party leader.

"Whatever (Johnson) says about the wider issues, he must know the government have got this wrong."

The Brexit bill must still be passed by the unelected House of Lords and the European Parliament, which is seen as a formality.

Turning to trade

All eyes are now on another major challenge: the negotiation of a new relationship between Britain and the remaining 27 EU nations, which form the world's largest single market.

The Brexit deal covers separation issues such as EU citizens' rights and Britain's financial settlement and sets out an 11-month transition period in which to agree a wider partnership.

Brussels warns the current deadline of December 31 this year is extremely tight, and has given London the option to ask for more time.

But Johnson insists there will be no extension of the transition period, saying that Britain must be free of EU rules as soon as possible.

Ahead of talks with Johnson on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it would be "basically impossible" to agree everything within London's timeframe.

"We will have to prioritise," she said in a speech to the London School of Economics University, warning of "tough talks ahead".

In response, Johnson's office indicated that it could accept a partial trade deal.

London did not want the EU's longstanding policy that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed" -- intended to stop one side cherry-picking bits of a deal they like -- to define the coming negotiations, a spokesman said.

"We are very clear we want to get on in terms of negotiating a deal," he said.

Britain's parliament finally approved Brexit on Thursday, allowing it to become the first country to leave the European Union by the end of this month, ending years of arguments that toppled two governments and divided a nation.

Britain's parliament finally approved Brexit on Thursday, allowing it to become the first country to leave the European Union by the end of this month, ending years of arguments that toppled two governments and divided a nation. The House of Commons erupted in cheers after MPs ratified Prime Minister Boris Johnson's divorce deal with Brussels 330 votes to 231, drawing a line under an extraordinary era of political drama and chaos. For much of the time since the 2016 Brexit referendum, lawmakers have been at each others' throats over how, when or even if Britain should leave its closest trading partners after nearly 50 years. Some viewed Brexit with horror, fearing that it stripped them of their European identities and turned Britain into an insular, less important nation. Others embraced it with fervour, viewing it as a chance to "take back control" from officials in Brussels and see Britain regain some of its past might. Businesses and governments in Europe, puzzled by Britain's struggles over what they viewed as a self-inflicted wound, hoped that Brexit could still somehow be undone. But Johnson's comprehensive victory in last month's general election brought an abrupt end to the turmoil, giving his Conservatives a parliamentary majority with which to push it through. MPs gave their initial blessing to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill before Christmas, and the government set aside just three days this week for detailed scrutiny of the complex text. But few MPs even bothered to turn up on Tuesday and Wednesday, with both sessions ending early, while the government easily saw off opposition attempts to amend the text. The momentous day on which Johnson effectively gets permission to abandon the European integration project was all but ignored in Thursday's media. Instead, it became a footnote to Prince Harry and his wife Meghan's decision to quit royal front-line duties -- christened "Megxit" and shaping up to be equally complicated and divisive. "We will be leaving the EU on January 31. We will have delivered on the PM's commitment to get Brexit done," a government spokesman said, echoing Johnson's election mantra. Britain's main opposition Labour party, bruised by its worst beating at the polls since 1935, voted against Brexit on Thursday knowing the battle had been lost. We "may not win many votes in parliament just now, but we can win the moral argument", said Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer, a potential successor to Jeremy Corbyn as party leader. "Whatever (Johnson) says about the wider issues, he must know the government have got this wrong." The Brexit bill must still be passed by the unelected House of Lords and the European Parliament, which is seen as a formality. Turning to trade All eyes are now on another major challenge: the negotiation of a new relationship between Britain and the remaining 27 EU nations, which form the world's largest single market. The Brexit deal covers separation issues such as EU citizens' rights and Britain's financial settlement and sets out an 11-month transition period in which to agree a wider partnership. Brussels warns the current deadline of December 31 this year is extremely tight, and has given London the option to ask for more time. But Johnson insists there will be no extension of the transition period, saying that Britain must be free of EU rules as soon as possible. Ahead of talks with Johnson on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it would be "basically impossible" to agree everything within London's timeframe. "We will have to prioritise," she said in a speech to the London School of Economics University, warning of "tough talks ahead". In response, Johnson's office indicated that it could accept a partial trade deal. London did not want the EU's longstanding policy that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed" -- intended to stop one side cherry-picking bits of a deal they like -- to define the coming negotiations, a spokesman said. "We are very clear we want to get on in terms of negotiating a deal," he said.

Finally, British lawmakers approve historic Brexit deal

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for an "end to hostilities" on Thursday as he urged&nbsp;Iran's Hassan Rouhani to end the standoff with the United States.

During the 20-minutes call, Johnson also underlined Britain's commitment to Tehran's nuclear agreement.

Britain viewed the 2015 nuclear deal as "the best arrangement currently available to deliver on our goal of stopping Iran from having a nuclear weapon", Johnson's&nbsp;spokesperson&nbsp;said in a statement.

The statement also said that&nbsp;Johnson wanted to "deliver the clear message" to Iran that "there is an urgent need for de-escalation".

The tension between US and Iran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran' top military commander, General&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-general-soleimanis-killing-was-self-defense-us-ambassador-kelly-craft-to-un-273117">Qasem Soleimani</a>&nbsp;in a strike in Baghdad International Airport.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, in retaliation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-iraq-272811">Iran&nbsp;fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq&nbsp;</a>targeting Al-Asad and Irbil.

Following the attack, Trump addressed the nation from White House and&nbsp;said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he showed as Tehran wanting&nbsp;to de-escalate the&nbsp;standoff.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Trump during the televised address said,&nbsp;"the time has come" for Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China to follow Washington's lead and abandon the 2015 nuclear agreement, which sets limits on Iran's enrichment levels.

Iran began breaking the deal's rules once Trump pulled the US out in 2018, resulting in a new wave of tension.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for an "end to hostilities" on Thursday as he urged Iran's Hassan Rouhani to end the standoff with the United States. During the 20-minutes call, Johnson also underlined Britain's commitment to Tehran's nuclear agreement.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for an "end to hostilities" on Thursday as he urged Iran's Hassan Rouhani to end the standoff with the United States. During the 20-minutes call, Johnson also underlined Britain's commitment to Tehran's nuclear agreement. Britain viewed the 2015 nuclear deal as "the best arrangement currently available to deliver on our goal of stopping Iran from having a nuclear weapon", Johnson's spokesperson said in a statement. The statement also said that Johnson wanted to "deliver the clear message" to Iran that "there is an urgent need for de-escalation". The tension between US and Iran saw a dramatic escalation last week after the US killed Iran' top military commander, General Qasem Soleimani in a strike in Baghdad International Airport. On Wednesday, in retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles on US airbases in Iraq targeting Al-Asad and Irbil. Following the attack, Trump addressed the nation from White House and said that these missile attacks did not harm any US troops and the damage was minimal, an outcome he showed as Tehran wanting to de-escalate the standoff. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Trump during the televised address said, "the time has come" for Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China to follow Washington's lead and abandon the 2015 nuclear agreement, which sets limits on Iran's enrichment levels. Iran began breaking the deal's rules once Trump pulled the US out in 2018, resulting in a new wave of tension. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's Boris Johnson calls for 'end to hostilities' with US in call to Iran's Rouhani

After years of angry arguments that toppled two governments, Britain's parliament Thursday will finally approve the terms of Brexit, clearing the divided country's exit from the European Union on January 31.

The House of Commons will rush through a final day of hearings and ratify <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnsons-brexit-deal-wins-first-vote-in-new-parliament-269404">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s divorce deal with Brussels, drawing a line under an extraordinary period of political chaos.

For much of the time since the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-promises-to-wrap-up-brexit-for-christmas-parliament-to-vote-269264"> 2016 Brexit referendum</a>, lawmakers have been deadlocked over how, when and even if Britain should leave its closest trading partners after nearly 50 years.

Some viewed Brexit with horror, fearing that it stripped them of their European identities and turned Britain into an insular, slightly smaller, and somewhat less important nation.

Others embraced it with fervour, viewing it as a chance to "take back control" from unelected officials in Brussels and see Britain regain some of its past might.

Businesses and governments in Europe, puzzled with Britain's struggles over what they viewed as a self-inflicted wound, hoped that Brexit could still somehow be undone.

But Johnson's comprehensive victory in last month's general election brought an abrupt end to the turmoil, giving his Conservatives a parliamentary majority with which to push Brexit through.

Watch | Few unscripted comments came out during UK PMs quest to get Brexit done

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MPs gave their initial blessing to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill before Christmas, and the government set aside just three days this week for detailed scrutiny of the complex text.

But few MPs even bothered to turn up on Tuesday and Wednesday, with both sessions ending early, while the government easily saw off opposition attempts to amend the text.

The momentous day on which Johnson effectively gets his divorce deal to leave the EU sanctioned was all but ignored in Thursday's media.

Instead, it became a footnote to Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to quit royal front-line duties.&nbsp;

In a striking contrast to much of last year, when every Brexit vote risked bringing down the previous government and eventually did, Commons approval on Thursday is now a done deal.

The Brexit bill must still be passed by the unelected House of Lords and the European Parliament, but this is expected before January 31.

Turning to trade

All eyes are now on another major challenge: the negotiation of a new relationship between Britain and the remaining 27 EU nations, which form the world's largest single market.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-scrutinise-brexit-deal-as-january-31-deadline-nears-272604">Brexit deal</a> covers separation issues such as EU citizens' rights and Britain's financial settlement and sets out an 11-month transition period in which to agree a wider partnership.

Brussels warns the current deadline of December 31 is extremely tight, and has given London the option to ask for more time.

But Johnson insists there will be no extension of the transition period, saying that Britain must be free of EU rules as soon as possible.

Ahead of talks with Johnson on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it would be "basically impossible" to agree everything within London's timeframe.

"We will have to prioritise," she said in a speech to the London School of Economics University, warning of "tough talks ahead".

In response, Johnson's office indicated that it could accept a partial trade deal.

London did not want the EU's longstanding policy that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed" -- intended to stop one side cherry-picking bits of a deal they like -- to define the coming negotiations, a spokesman said.

"We are very clear we want to get on in terms of negotiating a deal," he said.

But before they do, Britain must still decide the outstanding issue of Big Ben.

The great bell on parliament's Elizabeth Tower has been mostly silent since restoration work on it began in 2017.&nbsp;

Brexit backing MPs want Big Ben to bong the moment Brexit strikes at 2300 GMT on October 31, celebrating what Conservative Mark Francois described as the moment "we are again a free country".

Parliament has shied away from a formal debate on the bell, there is no law preventing it from being chimed.

After years of angry arguments that toppled two governments, Britain's parliament Thursday will finally approve the terms of Brexit, clearing the divided country's exit from the European Union on January 31.

After years of angry arguments that toppled two governments, Britain's parliament Thursday will finally approve the terms of Brexit, clearing the divided country's exit from the European Union on January 31. The House of Commons will rush through a final day of hearings and ratify Prime Minister Boris Johnson's divorce deal with Brussels, drawing a line under an extraordinary period of political chaos. For much of the time since the 2016 Brexit referendum, lawmakers have been deadlocked over how, when and even if Britain should leave its closest trading partners after nearly 50 years. Some viewed Brexit with horror, fearing that it stripped them of their European identities and turned Britain into an insular, slightly smaller, and somewhat less important nation. Others embraced it with fervour, viewing it as a chance to "take back control" from unelected officials in Brussels and see Britain regain some of its past might. Businesses and governments in Europe, puzzled with Britain's struggles over what they viewed as a self-inflicted wound, hoped that Brexit could still somehow be undone. But Johnson's comprehensive victory in last month's general election brought an abrupt end to the turmoil, giving his Conservatives a parliamentary majority with which to push Brexit through. Watch | Few unscripted comments came out during UK PMs quest to get Brexit done × MPs gave their initial blessing to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill before Christmas, and the government set aside just three days this week for detailed scrutiny of the complex text. But few MPs even bothered to turn up on Tuesday and Wednesday, with both sessions ending early, while the government easily saw off opposition attempts to amend the text. The momentous day on which Johnson effectively gets his divorce deal to leave the EU sanctioned was all but ignored in Thursday's media. Instead, it became a footnote to Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to quit royal front-line duties. In a striking contrast to much of last year, when every Brexit vote risked bringing down the previous government and eventually did, Commons approval on Thursday is now a done deal. The Brexit bill must still be passed by the unelected House of Lords and the European Parliament, but this is expected before January 31. Turning to trade All eyes are now on another major challenge: the negotiation of a new relationship between Britain and the remaining 27 EU nations, which form the world's largest single market. The Brexit deal covers separation issues such as EU citizens' rights and Britain's financial settlement and sets out an 11-month transition period in which to agree a wider partnership. Brussels warns the current deadline of December 31 is extremely tight, and has given London the option to ask for more time. But Johnson insists there will be no extension of the transition period, saying that Britain must be free of EU rules as soon as possible. Ahead of talks with Johnson on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it would be "basically impossible" to agree everything within London's timeframe. "We will have to prioritise," she said in a speech to the London School of Economics University, warning of "tough talks ahead". In response, Johnson's office indicated that it could accept a partial trade deal. London did not want the EU's longstanding policy that "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed" -- intended to stop one side cherry-picking bits of a deal they like -- to define the coming negotiations, a spokesman said. "We are very clear we want to get on in terms of negotiating a deal," he said. But before they do, Britain must still decide the outstanding issue of Big Ben. The great bell on parliament's Elizabeth Tower has been mostly silent since restoration work on it began in 2017. Brexit backing MPs want Big Ben to bong the moment Brexit strikes at 2300 GMT on October 31, celebrating what Conservative Mark Francois described as the moment "we are again a free country". Parliament has shied away from a formal debate on the bell, there is no law preventing it from being chimed.

After years of arguments, British MPs set to finally seal Brexit deal

International leaders have called for restraint and de-escalation following the assassination of Iran’s top general, ordered by US President Donald Trump, as Iran’s allies warned the killing could lead to conflict.

Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran

Britain is urgently speaking to parties across the globe about&nbsp;Iran's recent&nbsp;announcement&nbsp;which indicates that it will abandon limitations on enriching uranium which is extremely concerning, a spokesman for Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-exclaimed-with-f-word-in-reaction-to-soleimanis-killing-in-us-airstrikes-272225">Boris Johnson</a> said on Monday.

The spokesman also said there were international conventions in place to prevent the destruction of cultural heritage after US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-iran-strike-us-will-quickly-strike-back-says-trump-272374">Donald Trump</a> threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites, including targets important to Iranian culture, if Tehran attacks Americans or US&nbsp;assets.

Watch:&nbsp;Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran

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"Iran's announcement is clearly extremely concerning. It is in everyone's interests that the deal remains in place. It makes the world safer by taking the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran firmly off the table," the spokesman told reporters.

"We have always said the nuclear deal is a reciprocal deal, and in light of Iran's announcement we are urgently speaking to partners about next steps."

On Trump's threat to strike Iranian sites, the spokesman said,&nbsp;"There are international conventions in place which prevent the destruction of cultural heritage.

Britain is urgently speaking to parties across the globe about Iran's recent announcement which indicates that it will abandon limitations on enriching uranium which is extremely concerning, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Britain is urgently speaking to parties across the globe about Iran's recent announcement which indicates that it will abandon limitations on enriching uranium which is extremely concerning, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. The spokesman also said there were international conventions in place to prevent the destruction of cultural heritage after US President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites, including targets important to Iranian culture, if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets. Watch: Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran × "Iran's announcement is clearly extremely concerning. It is in everyone's interests that the deal remains in place. It makes the world safer by taking the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran firmly off the table," the spokesman told reporters. "We have always said the nuclear deal is a reciprocal deal, and in light of Iran's announcement we are urgently speaking to partners about next steps." On Trump's threat to strike Iranian sites, the spokesman said, "There are international conventions in place which prevent the destruction of cultural heritage.

Britain alarmed by Iran nuclear announcement: PM Boris Johnson's spokesman

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimanis-killing-uk-pm-boris-johnson-under-pressure-to-cut-short-caribbean-vacation-272084">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>, reportedly, uttered the four-letter 'F' word in an outburst after learning about the US airstrikes at Baghdad International Airport that killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3.&nbsp;

As per reports, while US ally Israel was communicated about the airstrike and Soleimani's killing, the United Kingdom was caught unaware.&nbsp;

The UK has around 400 troops stationed in the Middle East and works alongside US forces in the region.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, according to British media, the British prime minister is being criticised for not cutting short his Caribbean vacation amid Soleimani's killing and escalating tensions between the Middle East and the West.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meatloaf-and-ice-cream-trump-savoured-an-all-american-meal-as-pentagon-confirmed-soleimanis-killing-272061">Meatloaf and ice cream - Trump savoured an all-American meal as Pentagon confirmed Soleimani's killing</a>

In Johnson's absence, foreign minister Dominic&nbsp;Raab issued a statement on Soleimani's assassination and called for de-escalation.

"We have always recognised the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani. Following his death, we urge all parties to de-escalate. Further conflict is in none of our interests," Raab said as reported by news agency Reuters. &nbsp;

UK PM Boris Johnson is on a vacation with girlfriend&nbsp;Carrie Symonds in the Caribbean&nbsp;ahead of the resumption of Parliament's winter recess.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reportedly, uttered the four-letter 'F' word in an outburst after learning about the US airstrikes at Baghdad International Airport that killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, reportedly, uttered the four-letter 'F' word in an outburst after learning about the US airstrikes at Baghdad International Airport that killed top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3. As per reports, while US ally Israel was communicated about the airstrike and Soleimani's killing, the United Kingdom was caught unaware. The UK has around 400 troops stationed in the Middle East and works alongside US forces in the region. Meanwhile, according to British media, the British prime minister is being criticised for not cutting short his Caribbean vacation amid Soleimani's killing and escalating tensions between the Middle East and the West. Also read: Meatloaf and ice cream - Trump savoured an all-American meal as Pentagon confirmed Soleimani's killing In Johnson's absence, foreign minister Dominic Raab issued a statement on Soleimani's assassination and called for de-escalation. "We have always recognised the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani. Following his death, we urge all parties to de-escalate. Further conflict is in none of our interests," Raab said as reported by news agency Reuters. UK PM Boris Johnson is on a vacation with girlfriend Carrie Symonds in the Caribbean ahead of the resumption of Parliament's winter recess.

UK PM Boris Johnson exclaimed with 'F' word in reaction to Soleimani's killing in US airstrikes

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson may feel the heat of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/soleimanis-killing-how-was-the-operation-carried-out-and-what-are-the-consequences-272077">Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani's killing</a> and cut short his ongoing Caribbean vacation.&nbsp;

British media reports that the UK was not intimated by the US on Baghdad Airport airstrikes that killed Iran Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom has around 400 troops stationed in the Middle East and works along with the American forces in the region.&nbsp;

In Johnson's absence, British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab issued a statement on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-contributed-to-plotting-terror-attacks-in-new-delhi-london-trump-272027">Soleimani's killing</a> and called for de-escalation, adding that further conflict is not in UK's interest.&nbsp;

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"We have always recognised the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani. Following his death, we urge all parties to de-escalate. Further conflict is in none of our interests," Raab said as reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, opposition Labour Party's leader Jeremy Corbyn slammed the United States for Soleimani's killing calling it "belligerent actions and rhetoric coming from the United States".&nbsp;

UK PM Johnson has been enjoying a vacation in the Caribbean ahead of the resumption of Parliament's winter recess.

&nbsp;(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson may feel the heat of Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani's killing and cut short his ongoing Caribbean vacation. British media reports that the UK was not intimated by the US on Baghdad Airport airstrikes that killed Iran Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson may feel the heat of Iran's top commander Qasem Soleimani's killing and cut short his ongoing Caribbean vacation. British media reports that the UK was not intimated by the US on Baghdad Airport airstrikes that killed Iran Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani on January 3. The United Kingdom has around 400 troops stationed in the Middle East and works along with the American forces in the region. In Johnson's absence, British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab issued a statement on Soleimani's killing and called for de-escalation, adding that further conflict is not in UK's interest. × "We have always recognised the aggressive threat posed by the Iranian Quds force led by Qasem Soleimani. Following his death, we urge all parties to de-escalate. Further conflict is in none of our interests," Raab said as reported by news agency Reuters. Meanwhile, opposition Labour Party's leader Jeremy Corbyn slammed the United States for Soleimani's killing calling it "belligerent actions and rhetoric coming from the United States". UK PM Johnson has been enjoying a vacation in the Caribbean ahead of the resumption of Parliament's winter recess. (With inputs from Reuters)

Soleimani's killing: UK PM Boris Johnson under pressure to cut short Caribbean vacation? 

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumers-up-borrowing-at-slowest-rates-in-uk-bank-of-england-271888">Boris Johnson's</a> chief adviser is calling for "weirdos and misfits" to apply for jobs in Downing Street, as part of a shake-up of how Britain's government does business.

Dominic Cummings outlined what he said was the need to diversify the skills and backgrounds of policymakers and advisers, in a nearly 3,000-word post on his blog on Thursday.

The special adviser, who headed the referendum campaign for Britain to leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-regime-must-halt-escalation-of-violence-european-union-270860">European Union</a>, said the government wanted to hire "an unusual set of people with different skills and backgrounds".

They included data scientists, software developers, economists, policy experts, project managers, communications experts, as well as "weirdos and misfits with odd skills".

He said the need to change was because of "profound problems at the core of how the British state makes decisions", such as not having civil servants with dedicated, long-term expertise.

It was also because Brexit required large policy and decision-making structure changes, he added.

Johnson, who won a comfortable majority in a general election last month, has reportedly promised "seismic changes" to the civil service.

Cummings believes it needs to have fewer arts graduates educated, like him, at private schools and "Oxbridge" &nbsp;the leading universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Instead, he wants "super-talented weirdos" and "some true wild cards, artists, people who never went to university and fought their way out of an appalling hell hole".

"If you want to figure out what characters around Putin might do, or how international criminal gangs might exploit holes in our border security, you don't want more Oxbridge English graduates who chat about Lacan at dinner parties with TV producers and spread fake news about fake news," he wrote.

One of the new recruits encouraged to apply would become his assistant, said Cummings.

The head of the FDA civil service union, Dave Penman, told BBC radio that "merit, not patronage" was key to recruitment and was essential in order for ministers to receive impartial advice.

"It would be ironic if, in an attempt to bring in radical new thinking, Cummings was to surround himself with like-minded individuals -- recruited for what they believe, not what they can do -- and less able to provide the robust advice a minister may need, rather than simply the advice they want."

He also said current government pay rates could put off world-class experts from joining.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's chief adviser is calling for "weirdos and misfits" to apply for jobs in Downing Street, as part of a shake-up of how Britain's government does business.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's chief adviser is calling for "weirdos and misfits" to apply for jobs in Downing Street, as part of a shake-up of how Britain's government does business. Dominic Cummings outlined what he said was the need to diversify the skills and backgrounds of policymakers and advisers, in a nearly 3,000-word post on his blog on Thursday. The special adviser, who headed the referendum campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, said the government wanted to hire "an unusual set of people with different skills and backgrounds". They included data scientists, software developers, economists, policy experts, project managers, communications experts, as well as "weirdos and misfits with odd skills". He said the need to change was because of "profound problems at the core of how the British state makes decisions", such as not having civil servants with dedicated, long-term expertise. It was also because Brexit required large policy and decision-making structure changes, he added. Johnson, who won a comfortable majority in a general election last month, has reportedly promised "seismic changes" to the civil service. Cummings believes it needs to have fewer arts graduates educated, like him, at private schools and "Oxbridge" the leading universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Instead, he wants "super-talented weirdos" and "some true wild cards, artists, people who never went to university and fought their way out of an appalling hell hole". "If you want to figure out what characters around Putin might do, or how international criminal gangs might exploit holes in our border security, you don't want more Oxbridge English graduates who chat about Lacan at dinner parties with TV producers and spread fake news about fake news," he wrote. One of the new recruits encouraged to apply would become his assistant, said Cummings. The head of the FDA civil service union, Dave Penman, told BBC radio that "merit, not patronage" was key to recruitment and was essential in order for ministers to receive impartial advice. "It would be ironic if, in an attempt to bring in radical new thinking, Cummings was to surround himself with like-minded individuals -- recruited for what they believe, not what they can do -- and less able to provide the robust advice a minister may need, rather than simply the advice they want." He also said current government pay rates could put off world-class experts from joining.

From economists to experts to 'weirdos and misfits': Britain wants you!

China&nbsp;has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London&nbsp;stock&nbsp;exchanges because of&nbsp;political&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;with Britain.

Suspending the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/experts-optimistic-about-chinas-capital-market-249642">Shanghai-London&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Connect</a> scheme casts a shadow&nbsp;over&nbsp;the future of a project meant to build ties between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Britain and&nbsp;China</a>, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies.

The sources, who include public officials and people working on potential <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/made-up-china-denies-allegations-of-forced-labour-at-shanghai-prison-269719">Shanghai-London deals</a>, all said that politics was behind the suspension.

Two of them highlighted Britain's stance&nbsp;over&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protests-severely-challenged-one-country-two-systems-principle-xi-in-his-new-year-address-271325">Hong Kong protests</a> and one pointed to remarks&nbsp;over&nbsp;the detention of a now former staff member at its consulate in Hong Kong.

All five sources have been involved in talks with Chinese officials and spoke&nbsp;on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak about the matter publicly.

British&nbsp;companies and banks involved in the scheme are watching closely how recently-elected Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-new-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-ps872-271242">Boris Johnson</a> approaches relations with Beijing and what stance he takes on Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests.

China&nbsp;blames the Hong Kong unrest, heavily supported by an anti-government movement seeking to curb controls by Beijing, on interference by foreign governments including the United States and Britain.

The&nbsp;China&nbsp;Securities Regulatory Commission and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-china-lifts-asian-shares-oil-up-on-drawdowns-mideast-tensions-270929">Shanghai&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Exchange</a> did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the London&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Exchange and a spokeswoman for the UK's finance ministry declined to comment.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a faxed statement that it is not aware of the specifics, but added that it "hopes the UK can provide a fair and unbiased business environment for Chinese companies that invest in the UK and create the appropriate conditions for both countries to carry out practical cooperation smoothly in various fields".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/alibabas-hong-kong-shares-rise-66-on-debut-in-heavy-volume-264639">Stock&nbsp;Connect</a>, which began operating last year, was devised as a way of improving Britain's relationship with the world's second-biggest economy and was seen as a major step by&nbsp;China&nbsp;to open up its capital markets as well as&nbsp;linking them globally.

Huatai Securities was the first Chinese company to use the scheme in May, with SDIC Power set to become the second in December with a listing of global depository receipts (GDRs) in London representing 10 per cent&nbsp;of its share capital.

However, the alternative energy operator's deal was postponed at an advanced stage, with SDIC Power citing market conditions as the main reason.

Five sources told media SDIC Power's deal was halted because of Beijing's suspension of&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Connect.

Other hopefuls such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-buoyed-by-wall-st-rally-but-china-worry-caps-gains-267070">China&nbsp;Pacific Insurance</a>, which one of the sources said could have launched a deal as early as the first quarter of 2020, have also been told to put their cross-border listing plans on ice, they added.

SDIC Power and&nbsp;China&nbsp;Pacific Insurance did not respond to requests for comment.

"It's not only a big blow to the companies looking to broaden the investor base via listings in London, but also to&nbsp;China's&nbsp;links with global markets," one source, who has worked on one of the GDR deals.

Trouble with the scheme comes at a bad time for Britain, which is keen to build ties with non-European Union countries as it prepares to leave the bloc, and the LSE.

The London exchange was set for its worst year in terms of new listings in a decade as of December&nbsp;4, Refinitiv data showed, with&nbsp;political&nbsp;volatility and concerns&nbsp;over&nbsp;Britain's EU divorce crimping&nbsp;stock&nbsp;market fundraisings.

China has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges because of political tensions with Britain. Suspending the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme casts a shadow over the future of a project meant to build ties between Britain and China, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies.

China has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges because of political tensions with Britain. Suspending the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme casts a shadow over the future of a project meant to build ties between Britain and China, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies. The sources, who include public officials and people working on potential Shanghai-London deals, all said that politics was behind the suspension. Two of them highlighted Britain's stance over the Hong Kong protests and one pointed to remarks over the detention of a now former staff member at its consulate in Hong Kong. All five sources have been involved in talks with Chinese officials and spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak about the matter publicly. British companies and banks involved in the scheme are watching closely how recently-elected Prime Minister Boris Johnson approaches relations with Beijing and what stance he takes on Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests. China blames the Hong Kong unrest, heavily supported by an anti-government movement seeking to curb controls by Beijing, on interference by foreign governments including the United States and Britain. The China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Shanghai Stock Exchange did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the London Stock Exchange and a spokeswoman for the UK's finance ministry declined to comment. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a faxed statement that it is not aware of the specifics, but added that it "hopes the UK can provide a fair and unbiased business environment for Chinese companies that invest in the UK and create the appropriate conditions for both countries to carry out practical cooperation smoothly in various fields". Stock Connect, which began operating last year, was devised as a way of improving Britain's relationship with the world's second-biggest economy and was seen as a major step by China to open up its capital markets as well as linking them globally. Huatai Securities was the first Chinese company to use the scheme in May, with SDIC Power set to become the second in December with a listing of global depository receipts (GDRs) in London representing 10 per cent of its share capital. However, the alternative energy operator's deal was postponed at an advanced stage, with SDIC Power citing market conditions as the main reason. Five sources told media SDIC Power's deal was halted because of Beijing's suspension of Stock Connect. Other hopefuls such as China Pacific Insurance, which one of the sources said could have launched a deal as early as the first quarter of 2020, have also been told to put their cross-border listing plans on ice, they added. SDIC Power and China Pacific Insurance did not respond to requests for comment. "It's not only a big blow to the companies looking to broaden the investor base via listings in London, but also to China's links with global markets," one source, who has worked on one of the GDR deals. Trouble with the scheme comes at a bad time for Britain, which is keen to build ties with non-European Union countries as it prepares to leave the bloc, and the LSE. The London exchange was set for its worst year in terms of new listings in a decade as of December 4, Refinitiv data showed, with political volatility and concerns over Britain's EU divorce crimping stock market fundraisings.

China halts listings between Shanghai, London due to tensions: Sources

New Year 2020:  From Trump to Trudeau - Wishes pour in from world leaders

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">Brexit deal</a> on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory.

After suffering several heavy defeats in the previous parliament, Johnson now enjoys a large majority and should face little opposition in passing the bill to implement Britain's biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years.

More than three years since Britain voted to exit the European Union in a 2016 referendum, the deep uncertainty over Brexit has been replaced by the firm deadline of January&nbsp;31.

"Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas," Johnson said before the vote, expected to take place at around 1430 GMT.

"Then, at the beginning of the new decade, at the beginning of a new dawn for our country, our parliamentarians will return to Westminster to immediately finish the job, take us out of the EU on the 31st January and move this country forward."

The final stages of ratification will take place after Christmas, but Johnson wants to hold a vote before then as a sign of his intent.

After leaving, Britain will need to secure new trading arrangements with the EU. The so-called withdrawal agreement bill seeks to make sure that there can be no legal chance of extending those talks beyond the end of next year.

Also Watch:&nbsp;The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda

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Just a week after he won the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson has set out an ambitious government programme with securing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-and-health-britains-johnson-sets-out-priorities-in-queens-speech-269050">Brexit at the top</a> of his agenda to repay the trust of voters.

Hoping to satisfy the demands of voters in northern and central England who broke their tradition of backing the opposition Labour Party to support him, he has also pledged more funding to the state health service, education and policing.

"After years of delay and rancour in parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future," he said.

"Next year will be a great year for our country."

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory.

The British parliament will vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal on Friday, a move the prime minister described as delivering on his promise to "get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas" following his landslide election victory. After suffering several heavy defeats in the previous parliament, Johnson now enjoys a large majority and should face little opposition in passing the bill to implement Britain's biggest foreign and trade policy shift in more than 40 years. More than three years since Britain voted to exit the European Union in a 2016 referendum, the deep uncertainty over Brexit has been replaced by the firm deadline of January 31. "Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas," Johnson said before the vote, expected to take place at around 1430 GMT. "Then, at the beginning of the new decade, at the beginning of a new dawn for our country, our parliamentarians will return to Westminster to immediately finish the job, take us out of the EU on the 31st January and move this country forward." The final stages of ratification will take place after Christmas, but Johnson wants to hold a vote before then as a sign of his intent. After leaving, Britain will need to secure new trading arrangements with the EU. The so-called withdrawal agreement bill seeks to make sure that there can be no legal chance of extending those talks beyond the end of next year. Also Watch: The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda × Just a week after he won the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson has set out an ambitious government programme with securing Brexit at the top of his agenda to repay the trust of voters. Hoping to satisfy the demands of voters in northern and central England who broke their tradition of backing the opposition Labour Party to support him, he has also pledged more funding to the state health service, education and policing. "After years of delay and rancour in parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future," he said. "Next year will be a great year for our country."

PM Boris Johnson promises to wrap up Brexit for Christmas, parliament to vote

State opening of the U.K. Parliament after the victory of Boris Johnson in recent elections.

Gravitas: The queen outlines Boris Johnson government's agenda

In the first step towards fulfilling the Brexit promise, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-promises-to-wrap-up-brexit-for-christmas-parliament-to-vote-269264">Boris Johnson </a>won approval for his Brexit deal in parliament on Friday.

The MPs voted by 358 to 234 to clear the Withdrawal Agreement Bill through its first hurdle in the House of Commons.

The latest win paved the way for Johnson for his general election promise to "get Brexit done" by January 31.

A snap poll last week gave Johnson's pro-Brexit Conservatives a commanding majority of 365 seats in the 650-member lower House of Commons.

The main opposition Labour party -- out of power since 2010 and riven by internal conflicts over Britain's place in the world -- was relegated to its worst defeat since 1935.

Johnson's triumph dispelled any doubts over whether Britain would follow through on the results of its 2016 referendum and become the first nation to leave the bloc, ending almost half a century of EU membership.

Britain's formal departure on January 31 is due to be followed by an 11-month transition period during which things are to stay pretty much as now.

London and Brussels are supposed to use the time to negotiate a comprehensive new agreement covering everything from trade to security and data protection.

Just a week after he won the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson has set out an ambitious government programme with securing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-and-health-britains-johnson-sets-out-priorities-in-queens-speech-269050">Brexit at the top</a> of his agenda to repay the trust of voters.

Hoping to satisfy the demands of voters in northern and central England who broke their tradition of backing the opposition Labour Party to support him, he has also pledged more funding to the state health service, education and policing.

"After years of delay and rancour in parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future," he said.

"Next year will be a great year for our country."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the first step towards fulfilling the Brexit promise, Prime Minister Boris Johnson won approval for his Brexit deal in parliament on Friday. The MPs voted by 358 to 234 to clear the Withdrawal Agreement Bill through its first hurdle in the House of Commons.

In the first step towards fulfilling the Brexit promise, Prime Minister Boris Johnson won approval for his Brexit deal in parliament on Friday. The MPs voted by 358 to 234 to clear the Withdrawal Agreement Bill through its first hurdle in the House of Commons. The latest win paved the way for Johnson for his general election promise to "get Brexit done" by January 31. A snap poll last week gave Johnson's pro-Brexit Conservatives a commanding majority of 365 seats in the 650-member lower House of Commons. The main opposition Labour party -- out of power since 2010 and riven by internal conflicts over Britain's place in the world -- was relegated to its worst defeat since 1935. Johnson's triumph dispelled any doubts over whether Britain would follow through on the results of its 2016 referendum and become the first nation to leave the bloc, ending almost half a century of EU membership. Britain's formal departure on January 31 is due to be followed by an 11-month transition period during which things are to stay pretty much as now. London and Brussels are supposed to use the time to negotiate a comprehensive new agreement covering everything from trade to security and data protection. Just a week after he won the largest Conservative majority since Margaret Thatcher in 1987, Johnson has set out an ambitious government programme with securing Brexit at the top of his agenda to repay the trust of voters. Hoping to satisfy the demands of voters in northern and central England who broke their tradition of backing the opposition Labour Party to support him, he has also pledged more funding to the state health service, education and policing. "After years of delay and rancour in parliament, we will deliver certainty, and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future," he said. "Next year will be a great year for our country." (With inputs from agencies)

British PM Boris Johnson's Brexit deal wins first vote in new Parliament

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday outlined plans for a new independence referendum, arguing there was now a clear "constitutional and democratic case" for a fresh vote.

Her Scottish National Party won a landslide north of the border with England in last week's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">UK-wide election</a>, securing 47 of the 59 seats and nearly half the vote.

That result, and previous SNP majorities at previous general elections in 2015 and 2017, made the case for another referendum "unarguable", she told a news conference in Edinburgh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnson-promises-to-wrap-up-brexit-for-christmas-parliament-to-vote-269264">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s Conservatives won a sweeping majority countrywide but lost more than half their seats in Scotland after campaigning against a new independence vote.

"Scotland made it very clear last week it does not want a Tory government led by Boris Johnson, taking us out of the European Union," Sturgeon told reporters.

"That is the future we face if we do not have the opportunity to consider the alternative of independence."

Scots voted against independence by 55 percent in 2014 in what was described as a "once-in-a-generation" vote to determine the country's future.

Pro-independence campaigners said they would not seek another vote unless there was a "material change in circumstances" in Scotland's relations with the rest of the United Kingdom.

But with Johnson set to take Britain out of the EU by the end of next month, nationalists say <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-and-health-britains-johnson-sets-out-priorities-in-queens-speech-269050">Brexit</a> is that change, as Scots voted by a majority to remain in the bloc in 2016.

The future Scots chose three years ago "is simply no longer available to them", said Sturgeon. "That is not a union worthy of the name and it is not of equals," she added.

She called on the British government in London to transfer powers allowing the devolved administration in Edinburgh to hold the so-called "indyref2".

The first minister has previously said she would request a section 30 order from the British government, allowing her to hold another referendum, before the end of this year.

She has also indicated she wants a referendum in 2020.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday outlined plans for a new independence referendum, arguing there was now a clear "constitutional and democratic case" for a fresh vote.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Thursday outlined plans for a new independence referendum, arguing there was now a clear "constitutional and democratic case" for a fresh vote. Her Scottish National Party won a landslide north of the border with England in last week's UK-wide election, securing 47 of the 59 seats and nearly half the vote. That result, and previous SNP majorities at previous general elections in 2015 and 2017, made the case for another referendum "unarguable", she told a news conference in Edinburgh. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservatives won a sweeping majority countrywide but lost more than half their seats in Scotland after campaigning against a new independence vote. "Scotland made it very clear last week it does not want a Tory government led by Boris Johnson, taking us out of the European Union," Sturgeon told reporters. "That is the future we face if we do not have the opportunity to consider the alternative of independence." Scots voted against independence by 55 percent in 2014 in what was described as a "once-in-a-generation" vote to determine the country's future. Pro-independence campaigners said they would not seek another vote unless there was a "material change in circumstances" in Scotland's relations with the rest of the United Kingdom. But with Johnson set to take Britain out of the EU by the end of next month, nationalists say Brexit is that change, as Scots voted by a majority to remain in the bloc in 2016. The future Scots chose three years ago "is simply no longer available to them", said Sturgeon. "That is not a union worthy of the name and it is not of equals," she added. She called on the British government in London to transfer powers allowing the devolved administration in Edinburgh to hold the so-called "indyref2". The first minister has previously said she would request a section 30 order from the British government, allowing her to hold another referendum, before the end of this year. She has also indicated she wants a referendum in 2020.

New Scottish independence vote 'unarguable': First minister Nicola Sturgeon

By David Hastings Dunn

Boris Johnson has taken the scale of the Conservative Party’s election victory as an emphatic mandate to leave the European Union in 2020. But what of the implications of the vote for the UK-US relationship? Despite enthusiastic tweets from President Donald Trump, the longer-term consequences of Johnson’s 80-seat majority for the “special relationship” may point in a different direction to the short-term lessons.

In the immediate aftermath of the election, the Trump White House will be relieved that it doesn’t have to deal with Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister, a man who has spent his life railing against American imperialism and opposing US foreign and security policies on almost all issues. For the rest of his tenure, whether re-elected or not, Trump can look forward to dealing with Johnson.

I have researched the US-UK relationship and how it has evolved under different presidencies. Although Corbyn was looked on with more suspicion by Trump, in practice, the UK’s departure from the EU is the more seismic disruption to transatlantic relations.

In the short term, Trump will see positive implications in the Conservative victory for his own re-election in November 2020. The defeat of big government socialism by populist nationalism will encourage Trump in the belief that he can repeat the success of the “Britain Trump”.

Corbyn’s defeat has also been seized upon in the Democratic leadership contest with presidential candidate Joe Biden warning: “Look what happens when the Labour Party moves so, so far to the left.” There are lessons to be drawn for both parties about the importance of embracing a leadership candidate who appears credible and popular to swing voters.

Deals brewing

Trump will also be pleased that Britain will be leaving the EU, which he sees mainly as a competitor trading block rather than a promoter of liberal values and rules-based international order. What weakens the EU and its progressive agenda will be welcomed by Trump. For the “America first” president, however, Brexit is mainly seen as an opportunity to “strike a massive new trade deal” with “the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU”.

With the UK sending 45 per cent of its exports of goods and services to the EU in 2018 as opposed to 19 per cent&nbsp;to the US, this would represent quite a change in trade policy. For such a change to occur, a “clean break Brexit” is necessary where regulatory alignment with the EU ends so that trade policy could come into line with US food and manufacturing standards. This is the line that Nigel Farage and his Brexit Party advocate to accelerate the transition to such a US trade deal.

The scale of Johnson’s victory, however, means that he can now choose the Brexit he wants, unbeholden to the more extreme wing of his party represented by MPs from the European Research Group. Eager to hang on to the new coalition of working-class voters in the north and Midlands, Johnson may seek a Brexit deal with the EU that is less disruptive and damaging to existing trade policies than that advocated by Farage and Trump. Certainly, the extent to which any aspect of the health sector is opened up to the US market will be greatly scrutinised by the opposition and press. Under these circumstances, Trump may not get the deal he wants.

Questions of power

After the UK leaves the EU, the US will also miss its main source of influence in Brussels. The US embassy in London is the largest in Europe because the UK is seen as the best way of persuading the EU to act in concert with Washington. It is through this link, for example, that the US has historically orchestrated common positions on sanctions policies and relations with Russia. With the UK out of the EU, the US will have less influence in Brussels and the UK will correspondingly be of less value to Washington.

Without the dissenting and cautionary voice of the UK in the EU, the block will also be free to pursue greater integration on defence and security and a more independent European voice in foreign and trade policies. The bridging role that London played in persuading the EU to take a common line with Washington on arms sales to China, or sanctions on Russia will not be easily replaced.

The role that the UK formerly played within Europe as a voice for liberal internationalism has now also been replaced with a government that is seen as a role model for populist nationalism in Europe. Rather than fulfilling a unifying role, post-Brexit Britain will add to the divisions within the west.

The UK’s ability to maintain its place as a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council will also be questioned once it leaves the EU. Having justified this position for the last 20 years because it represents, along with fellow permanent member France, 500 million Europeans, it will now be difficult to argue that its seat should be maintained to speak for Britain alone.

Trump can probably expect a more obsequious disposition from the UK towards the US as it pursues a new trading relationship with Washington. But future US administrations may come to regret the consequences of this election result and the Brexit that follows on their influence in Europe and the unity of the West in general.

(David Hastings Dunn is Professor of International Politics in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/donald-trump-enthusiastic-about-boris-johnsons-victory-but-it-wont-be-smooth-sailing-for-the-special-relationship-128727">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By David Hastings Dunn Boris Johnson has taken the scale of the Conservative Party’s election victory as an emphatic mandate to leave the European Union in 2020.

By David Hastings Dunn Boris Johnson has taken the scale of the Conservative Party’s election victory as an emphatic mandate to leave the European Union in 2020. But what of the implications of the vote for the UK-US relationship? Despite enthusiastic tweets from President Donald Trump, the longer-term consequences of Johnson’s 80-seat majority for the “special relationship” may point in a different direction to the short-term lessons. In the immediate aftermath of the election, the Trump White House will be relieved that it doesn’t have to deal with Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister, a man who has spent his life railing against American imperialism and opposing US foreign and security policies on almost all issues. For the rest of his tenure, whether re-elected or not, Trump can look forward to dealing with Johnson. I have researched the US-UK relationship and how it has evolved under different presidencies. Although Corbyn was looked on with more suspicion by Trump, in practice, the UK’s departure from the EU is the more seismic disruption to transatlantic relations. In the short term, Trump will see positive implications in the Conservative victory for his own re-election in November 2020. The defeat of big government socialism by populist nationalism will encourage Trump in the belief that he can repeat the success of the “Britain Trump”. Corbyn’s defeat has also been seized upon in the Democratic leadership contest with presidential candidate Joe Biden warning: “Look what happens when the Labour Party moves so, so far to the left.” There are lessons to be drawn for both parties about the importance of embracing a leadership candidate who appears credible and popular to swing voters. Deals brewing Trump will also be pleased that Britain will be leaving the EU, which he sees mainly as a competitor trading block rather than a promoter of liberal values and rules-based international order. What weakens the EU and its progressive agenda will be welcomed by Trump. For the “America first” president, however, Brexit is mainly seen as an opportunity to “strike a massive new trade deal” with “the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the EU”. With the UK sending 45 per cent of its exports of goods and services to the EU in 2018 as opposed to 19 per cent to the US, this would represent quite a change in trade policy. For such a change to occur, a “clean break Brexit” is necessary where regulatory alignment with the EU ends so that trade policy could come into line with US food and manufacturing standards. This is the line that Nigel Farage and his Brexit Party advocate to accelerate the transition to such a US trade deal. The scale of Johnson’s victory, however, means that he can now choose the Brexit he wants, unbeholden to the more extreme wing of his party represented by MPs from the European Research Group. Eager to hang on to the new coalition of working-class voters in the north and Midlands, Johnson may seek a Brexit deal with the EU that is less disruptive and damaging to existing trade policies than that advocated by Farage and Trump. Certainly, the extent to which any aspect of the health sector is opened up to the US market will be greatly scrutinised by the opposition and press. Under these circumstances, Trump may not get the deal he wants. Questions of power After the UK leaves the EU, the US will also miss its main source of influence in Brussels. The US embassy in London is the largest in Europe because the UK is seen as the best way of persuading the EU to act in concert with Washington. It is through this link, for example, that the US has historically orchestrated common positions on sanctions policies and relations with Russia. With the UK out of the EU, the US will have less influence in Brussels and the UK will correspondingly be of less value to Washington. Without the dissenting and cautionary voice of the UK in the EU, the block will also be free to pursue greater integration on defence and security and a more independent European voice in foreign and trade policies. The bridging role that London played in persuading the EU to take a common line with Washington on arms sales to China, or sanctions on Russia will not be easily replaced. The role that the UK formerly played within Europe as a voice for liberal internationalism has now also been replaced with a government that is seen as a role model for populist nationalism in Europe. Rather than fulfilling a unifying role, post-Brexit Britain will add to the divisions within the west. The UK’s ability to maintain its place as a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council will also be questioned once it leaves the EU. Having justified this position for the last 20 years because it represents, along with fellow permanent member France, 500 million Europeans, it will now be difficult to argue that its seat should be maintained to speak for Britain alone. Trump can probably expect a more obsequious disposition from the UK towards the US as it pursues a new trading relationship with Washington. But future US administrations may come to regret the consequences of this election result and the Brexit that follows on their influence in Europe and the unity of the West in general. (David Hastings Dunn is Professor of International Politics in the Department of Political Science and International Studies, University of Birmingham) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Donald Trump enthusiastic about Boris Johnson’s victory – but it won’t be smooth sailing for them

On December 19 Queen Elizabeth II formally opened a new session of Britain's Parliament with a speech laying out Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plans to use his commanding majority to take the U.K. out of the European Union and shake up the country's public services. #UKParliament #UKElections

State opening of the UK Parliament, Queen lays out Boris Johnson's Brexit Plans

In a ceremony that marks a new parliament, Queen Elizabeth will read&nbsp;out&nbsp;the laws which the government wants the House of Commons to approve and will pinpoint&nbsp;Johnson's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-set-out-pm-johnsons-agenda-on-thursday-268326">priorities</a>&nbsp;after winning a commanding majority at last week's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">national election</a>.

The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and will move to fulfil his pledge to "get&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;done".

The&nbsp;Queen's&nbsp;Speech&nbsp;will include new legislation needed to implement the future relationship&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;has promised to agree with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stop-brexit-uks-johnson-gets-down-to-work-268636">EU</a> by the end of 2020. He plans to pass the laws needed to finalise the divorce agreement by Jan. 31.

He will also cement his commitment to spend more on&nbsp;Britain's&nbsp;much-loved but struggling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-set-out-pm-johnsons-agenda-on-thursday-268326">National&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Service</a> by prioritising legislation to guarantee funding increases, rising to an extra 33.9 billion pounds per year by 2023-24.

"The NHS is the single greatest institution in this country," he told a reception of&nbsp;health&nbsp;workers late on Wednesday. "We are now putting the biggest investment in the NHS in living memory. We have to keep that investment going."

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told his top team of ministers that they "ain't seen nothing yet folks", warning them that there was much to do to pay back the trust offered his government in the election on Dec. 12 when he won a majority of 80.

After more than three years of debate over&nbsp;Brexit,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should leave the EU. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured.

His aides say he is also determined to try to keep the support of those voters in northern and central England, many of whom voted for the governing Conservatives for the first time, by trying to make their lives better.

With a&nbsp;healthy majority, he should be able to fulfil his priority to "get&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;done" and is expected to announce that the divorce agreement, or Withdrawal Agreement Bill, is brought back to parliament before Christmas and then passed quickly.

He will also offer some insight into how he wants to tackle the domestic concerns highlighted in the election campaign.

Beyond increased funding for the NHS, he is also expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-business-seeks-brexit-assurances-after-johnson-win-268132">outline measures</a> to strengthen the justice system, improve transport, better protect those people who rent their homes and kickstart talks to restore the government in Northern Ireland.

In a ceremony that marks a new parliament, Queen Elizabeth will read out the laws which the government wants the House of Commons to approve and will pinpoint Johnson's priorities after winning a commanding majority at last week's national election.

In a ceremony that marks a new parliament, Queen Elizabeth will read out the laws which the government wants the House of Commons to approve and will pinpoint Johnson's priorities after winning a commanding majority at last week's national election. The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and will move to fulfil his pledge to "get Brexit done". The Queen's Speech will include new legislation needed to implement the future relationship Johnson has promised to agree with the EU by the end of 2020. He plans to pass the laws needed to finalise the divorce agreement by Jan. 31. He will also cement his commitment to spend more on Britain's much-loved but struggling National Health Service by prioritising legislation to guarantee funding increases, rising to an extra 33.9 billion pounds per year by 2023-24. "The NHS is the single greatest institution in this country," he told a reception of health workers late on Wednesday. "We are now putting the biggest investment in the NHS in living memory. We have to keep that investment going." On Tuesday, Johnson told his top team of ministers that they "ain't seen nothing yet folks", warning them that there was much to do to pay back the trust offered his government in the election on Dec. 12 when he won a majority of 80. After more than three years of debate over Brexit, Johnson wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should leave the EU. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured. His aides say he is also determined to try to keep the support of those voters in northern and central England, many of whom voted for the governing Conservatives for the first time, by trying to make their lives better. With a healthy majority, he should be able to fulfil his priority to "get Brexit done" and is expected to announce that the divorce agreement, or Withdrawal Agreement Bill, is brought back to parliament before Christmas and then passed quickly. He will also offer some insight into how he wants to tackle the domestic concerns highlighted in the election campaign. Beyond increased funding for the NHS, he is also expected to outline measures to strengthen the justice system, improve transport, better protect those people who rent their homes and kickstart talks to restore the government in Northern Ireland.

Brexit and health, Britain's Johnson sets out priorities in Queen's Speech

British <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-uks-boris-johnson-pm-modi-resolves-to-work-closely-together-269028">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s main priority is to deliver Brexit on January 31 and then negotiate a free trade deal with the European Union and other leading global economies, Queen Elizabeth said on Thursday, outlining his plans.

In a ceremony marking the opening of the new parliament after Johnson won a national election last week, Elizabeth listed his government's programme.

"My government's priority is to deliver the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on the 31st of January," she told members of the upper and lower houses of parliament.

"Thereafter my ministers will seek a future relationship with the European Union based on a free trade agreement that benefits the whole of the United Kingdom. They will also begin trade negotiations with other leading global economies."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's main priority is to deliver Brexit on January 31 and then negotiate a free trade deal with the European Union and other leading global economies, Queen Elizabeth said on Thursday, outlining his plans.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's main priority is to deliver Brexit on January 31 and then negotiate a free trade deal with the European Union and other leading global economies, Queen Elizabeth said on Thursday, outlining his plans. In a ceremony marking the opening of the new parliament after Johnson won a national election last week, Elizabeth listed his government's programme. "My government's priority is to deliver the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union on the 31st of January," she told members of the upper and lower houses of parliament. "Thereafter my ministers will seek a future relationship with the European Union based on a free trade agreement that benefits the whole of the United Kingdom. They will also begin trade negotiations with other leading global economies."

Britain's Johnson sets Brexit on January 31 as top priority: Queen

Asian stocks camped out at 18-month peaks on Wednesday having climbed for five straight sessions, while the British pound was licking fresh wounds as revived Brexit fears came back to bite it.

MSCI's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/it-stocks-propel-indian-shares-to-all-time-peaks-268818">broadest index</a> of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan inched up 0.1 per cent to its highest since June last year. Japan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-rallies-by-413-points-to-scale-new-high-nifty-closes-at-12165-268755">Nikkei</a> dipped 0.3 per cent&nbsp;and off a 2019 top.

Shanghai blue chips added 0.3 per cent, after hitting an eight-month peak on Tuesday, as Beijing trimmed another short-term interest rate.

E-Mini futures for the S&amp;P 500 were little changed, while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">EUROSTOXX 50</a> futures fell 0.1 per cent.

Upbeat economic news had helped the S&amp;P 500 reach a record for the fourth straight session, building on its 27 per cent&nbsp;gain this year. The Dow ended Tuesday up 0.19 per cent, while the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.07 per cent&nbsp;and the Nasdaq 0.11 per cent.

U.S. housing starts were surprisingly strong in November, and building permits rose to the highest level since May 2007. Manufacturing output picked up more than expected as a strike at General Motors Co ended.

A run of better data recently has helped calm fears of recession while the "phase one" Sino-US&nbsp;deal on trade seems to have lifted some of the uncertainty on the&nbsp;global&nbsp;outlook.

The sea change was clear in BofA&nbsp;Global&nbsp;Research's latest survey of fund managers with recession concerns diving 33 per cent points to a net 68 per cent&nbsp;of investors saying a recession is now unlikely in 2020.

Global&nbsp;growth expectations jumped 22 per cent points, marking the biggest 2-month rise on record. As a result, funds' allocation to&nbsp;global&nbsp;equities climbed 10 per cent points to a net 31 per cent&nbsp;overweight, the highest level in a year.

Yet it might be too soon to declare an all-clear on the political front with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson upsetting&nbsp;markets&nbsp;by taking a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">hard line</a> on Brexit talks.

Johnson will use the prospect of a Brexit cliff-edge at the end of 2020 to demand the EU give him a comprehensive free trade deal in less than 11 months.

The threat of a hard exit sent shivers through sterling, which slid 1.5 per cent&nbsp;in its largest one-day fall this year.

The pound was down another 0.4 per cent&nbsp;on Wednesday at $1.3075 having shed all the gains made during the Conservative Party's big election win.

"Johnson's move aimed at cancelling the possibility of an extension, has essentially increase the possibility of a no deal Brexit," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-markets-rally-as-trump-says-trade-talks-going-very-well-255147">Rodrigo Catril</a>, a senior FX strategist at NAB.

"It suggests sterling's path in 2020 looks set to be a volatile one, a hard Brexit cannot be ruled out, but the probability of a positive Brexit resolution has also increased."

Sterling's slide gave the dollar index a lift to 97.243 against a basket of currencies, extending a bounce from last week's five-month low of 96.588.

The euro also surged on the pound and was steady on the dollar at $1.1140. The yen was little changed at 109.46 per dollar.

Spot gold idled at $1,475.24 per ounce, after a couple of very quiet sessions.

Oil prices eased from three-month highs as data showed US crude stocks rose unexpectedly in the most recent week.

US&nbsp;crude fell 38 cents to $60.56 a barrel, while Brent crude futures lost 29 cents to $65.81.

Asian stocks camped out at 18-month peaks on Wednesday having climbed for five straight sessions, while the British pound was licking fresh wounds as revived Brexit fears came back to bite it.

Asian stocks camped out at 18-month peaks on Wednesday having climbed for five straight sessions, while the British pound was licking fresh wounds as revived Brexit fears came back to bite it. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan inched up 0.1 per cent to its highest since June last year. Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.3 per cent and off a 2019 top. Shanghai blue chips added 0.3 per cent, after hitting an eight-month peak on Tuesday, as Beijing trimmed another short-term interest rate. E-Mini futures for the S&P 500 were little changed, while EUROSTOXX 50 futures fell 0.1 per cent. Upbeat economic news had helped the S&P 500 reach a record for the fourth straight session, building on its 27 per cent gain this year. The Dow ended Tuesday up 0.19 per cent, while the S&P 500 gained 0.07 per cent and the Nasdaq 0.11 per cent. U.S. housing starts were surprisingly strong in November, and building permits rose to the highest level since May 2007. Manufacturing output picked up more than expected as a strike at General Motors Co ended. A run of better data recently has helped calm fears of recession while the "phase one" Sino-US deal on trade seems to have lifted some of the uncertainty on the global outlook. The sea change was clear in BofA Global Research's latest survey of fund managers with recession concerns diving 33 per cent points to a net 68 per cent of investors saying a recession is now unlikely in 2020. Global growth expectations jumped 22 per cent points, marking the biggest 2-month rise on record. As a result, funds' allocation to global equities climbed 10 per cent points to a net 31 per cent overweight, the highest level in a year. Yet it might be too soon to declare an all-clear on the political front with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson upsetting markets by taking a hard line on Brexit talks. Johnson will use the prospect of a Brexit cliff-edge at the end of 2020 to demand the EU give him a comprehensive free trade deal in less than 11 months. The threat of a hard exit sent shivers through sterling, which slid 1.5 per cent in its largest one-day fall this year. The pound was down another 0.4 per cent on Wednesday at $1.3075 having shed all the gains made during the Conservative Party's big election win. "Johnson's move aimed at cancelling the possibility of an extension, has essentially increase the possibility of a no deal Brexit," said Rodrigo Catril, a senior FX strategist at NAB. "It suggests sterling's path in 2020 looks set to be a volatile one, a hard Brexit cannot be ruled out, but the probability of a positive Brexit resolution has also increased." Sterling's slide gave the dollar index a lift to 97.243 against a basket of currencies, extending a bounce from last week's five-month low of 96.588. The euro also surged on the pound and was steady on the dollar at $1.1140. The yen was little changed at 109.46 per dollar. Spot gold idled at $1,475.24 per ounce, after a couple of very quiet sessions. Oil prices eased from three-month highs as data showed US crude stocks rose unexpectedly in the most recent week. US crude fell 38 cents to $60.56 a barrel, while Brent crude futures lost 29 cents to $65.81.

Global Markets: Asia shares eke out another peak, pound fears Brexit redux

The&nbsp;pound&nbsp;extended its slide on Wednesday, as Britain's fixing of a fresh Brexit deadline rekindled fears of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/welcoming-new-lawmakers-pm-johnson-vows-a-speedy-brexit-268619">chaotic exit</a> from the European Union, while the dollar won back lost ground.

Sterling has collapsed more than 3 per cent&nbsp;since it peaked at an 18-month high of $1.3516 after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's landslide electoral victory last week.

His government, which campaigned to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">get Brexit done</a>," on Tuesday set the end of 2020 as an immovable deadline.

"With the level of frothiness in positioning, I think people had priced in very smooth sailing throughout 2020," said Chris Weston, head of research at Melbourne brokerage Pepperstone.

"This has given us a snap back to&nbsp;reality. If you thought Brexit was solved, and we're going to see very, very smooth times ahead, then that's not quite going to be the case."

Sterling last traded at $1.3102, below where it sat before polling day and 0.2 per cent&nbsp;lower for the session.

Asked if the government would legislate to rule out any extension of the transition beyond 2020, one of Johnson's most senior ministers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gove-says-united-kingdom-will-leave-european-union-by-october-31-farage-calls-for-general-election-257092">Michael Gove</a>, said "Exactly, absolutely."

In Brussels, officials said the timetable was "rigid" and likely to limit the scope of any deal.

Against the euro, the&nbsp;pound&nbsp;hit a two-week low of 85.17 pence per euro. The currency approaches another hurdle with inflation data due at 0930 GMT.

Focus will also be on German business sentiment data due later on Wednesday, along with a speech from European Central Bank Chief Christine Lagarde at 0830 GMT and remarks from US&nbsp;Federal Reserve Chicago President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-uncertainty-to-trim-850-billion-global-output-fed-paper-247964">Charles Evans</a> at 1740 GMT.

Split Milk

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sterling-rebounds-on-eve-of-uk-election-267749">Sterling's </a>slide supported the dollar to its highest in a week against a basket of currencies at 97.320.

Elsewhere, moves were slight as trading slows down into the holiday season and as the currency market waits for details on the Sino-US&nbsp;trade deal.

In the absence of fresh news, the Chinese yuan slipped back to the weaker side of 7-per-dollar at 7.0061.

"It is a slightly more generalised firmer US&nbsp;dollar. I don't think this is news or fundamentally driven flows," said Ray Attrill, Head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank.

The greenback was a little weaker on the euro at $1.1131. The kiwi&nbsp;was knocked by an unexpectedly steep drop in dairy prices, the top national export, pushing the currency to a week low of $0.6555.

The Australian dollar&nbsp;held near its lowest in a week as well ahead of crucial employment data due on Thursday. A disappointment could bring forward another rate cut, especially after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) foreshadowed possible easing in December meeting minutes released on Tuesday.

"The RBA minutes struck a more dovish tone than the statement on the day, specifically citing the February meeting as a suitable time to reassess the (currently upbeat) outlook," Westpac analysts said in a note.

Futures markets have priced an even chance of a benchmark rate cut from an already record low 0.75 per cent.

The pound extended its slide on Wednesday, as Britain's fixing of a fresh Brexit deadline rekindled fears of a chaotic exit from the European Union, while the dollar won back lost ground.

The pound extended its slide on Wednesday, as Britain's fixing of a fresh Brexit deadline rekindled fears of a chaotic exit from the European Union, while the dollar won back lost ground. Sterling has collapsed more than 3 per cent since it peaked at an 18-month high of $1.3516 after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's landslide electoral victory last week. His government, which campaigned to "get Brexit done," on Tuesday set the end of 2020 as an immovable deadline. "With the level of frothiness in positioning, I think people had priced in very smooth sailing throughout 2020," said Chris Weston, head of research at Melbourne brokerage Pepperstone. "This has given us a snap back to reality. If you thought Brexit was solved, and we're going to see very, very smooth times ahead, then that's not quite going to be the case." Sterling last traded at $1.3102, below where it sat before polling day and 0.2 per cent lower for the session. Asked if the government would legislate to rule out any extension of the transition beyond 2020, one of Johnson's most senior ministers, Michael Gove, said "Exactly, absolutely." In Brussels, officials said the timetable was "rigid" and likely to limit the scope of any deal. Against the euro, the pound hit a two-week low of 85.17 pence per euro. The currency approaches another hurdle with inflation data due at 0930 GMT. Focus will also be on German business sentiment data due later on Wednesday, along with a speech from European Central Bank Chief Christine Lagarde at 0830 GMT and remarks from US Federal Reserve Chicago President Charles Evans at 1740 GMT. Split Milk Sterling's slide supported the dollar to its highest in a week against a basket of currencies at 97.320. Elsewhere, moves were slight as trading slows down into the holiday season and as the currency market waits for details on the Sino-US trade deal. In the absence of fresh news, the Chinese yuan slipped back to the weaker side of 7-per-dollar at 7.0061. "It is a slightly more generalised firmer US dollar. I don't think this is news or fundamentally driven flows," said Ray Attrill, Head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank. The greenback was a little weaker on the euro at $1.1131. The kiwi was knocked by an unexpectedly steep drop in dairy prices, the top national export, pushing the currency to a week low of $0.6555. The Australian dollar held near its lowest in a week as well ahead of crucial employment data due on Thursday. A disappointment could bring forward another rate cut, especially after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) foreshadowed possible easing in December meeting minutes released on Tuesday. "The RBA minutes struck a more dovish tone than the statement on the day, specifically citing the February meeting as a suitable time to reassess the (currently upbeat) outlook," Westpac analysts said in a note. Futures markets have priced an even chance of a benchmark rate cut from an already record low 0.75 per cent.

Reality bites pound as Brexit fears return

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. PM Modi congratulated Johnson on his victory in the recently conducted general elections. &nbsp;

The two leaders resolved to continue working closely together on issues such as trade, security and defence and to step up our cooperation on climate change ahead of next year’s COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, news agency ANI reported citing the UK government.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last week, took to Twitter and posted a congratulatory message on Johnson's electoral victory.&nbsp;

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UK Government: The two leaders resolved to continue working closely together on issues such as trade, security and defence, and to step up our cooperation on climate change ahead of next year’s COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. <a href="https://t.co/eLFQ3D7tsF">https://t.co/eLFQ3D7tsF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1207341895598272512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties," Modi's tweet read.&nbsp;

Johnson, last week, thanked the voters for the landslide victory in the general election, securing Britain's exit from the European Union on January 31.

During his speech at Downing Street at London, Johnson thanked the voters "for the trust" placed in his party.&nbsp;

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Many congratulations to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. <a href="https://t.co/D95Z7XXRml">pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1205360968810803200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We have a strong mandate for Brexit," he said while calling on Britain move on from Brexit.

"I urge everyone to find closure and let the healing begin," he said.

Johnson's Conservative party has won 365 of 650 seats in parliament, giving it a majority of 80, final results of the general election showed.

The main opposition Labour party won 203 of the remaining seats, while the Scottish National Party was third on 48. The anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats won 11 seats. Other parties took 23.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. PM Modi congratulated Johnson on his victory in the recently conducted general elections.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. PM Modi congratulated Johnson on his victory in the recently conducted general elections. The two leaders resolved to continue working closely together on issues such as trade, security and defence and to step up our cooperation on climate change ahead of next year’s COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, news agency ANI reported citing the UK government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last week, took to Twitter and posted a congratulatory message on Johnson's electoral victory. UK Government: The two leaders resolved to continue working closely together on issues such as trade, security and defence, and to step up our cooperation on climate change ahead of next year’s COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. https://t.co/eLFQ3D7tsF — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2019 × "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties," Modi's tweet read. Johnson, last week, thanked the voters for the landslide victory in the general election, securing Britain's exit from the European Union on January 31. During his speech at Downing Street at London, Johnson thanked the voters "for the trust" placed in his party. Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2019 × "We have a strong mandate for Brexit," he said while calling on Britain move on from Brexit. "I urge everyone to find closure and let the healing begin," he said. Johnson's Conservative party has won 365 of 650 seats in parliament, giving it a majority of 80, final results of the general election showed. The main opposition Labour party won 203 of the remaining seats, while the Scottish National Party was third on 48. The anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats won 11 seats. Other parties took 23.

In talks with UK's Boris Johnson, PM Modi resolves to work closely together

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-opposition-chief-corbyn-sorry-for-election-wipeout-268383">Jeremy Corbyn</a>.

Thursday's defeat was Labour's worst since 1935, and a battle for control is now underway between moderates and Corbyn's hard-left allies.

Blair won three elections for Labour by hauling it towards a business-friendly centrist platform and was premier from 1997 to 2007. But he lost favour in part by sending British forces to back the US&nbsp;President George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Corbyn's supporters say Blair both betrayed the working classes and undermined faith in politicians, and "Blairism" remains badly tarnished, both inside and outside Labour.

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stop-brexit-uks-johnson-gets-down-to-work-268636">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>'s party swept up long-standing Labour constituencies in working-class areas of northern and central England, including Blair's old seat, the ex-premier said few would now bet against another decade of Conservative rule.

"The takeover of the Labour Party by the far left turned it into a glorified protest movement with cult trimmings, utterly incapable of being a credible government," Blair said. "The result has brought shame on us."

Labour won just 203 seats, down 59, and saw its vote fall by 7.8 percentage points to 32.2 per cent, while the Conservatives won 365 seats, up 47, on 43.6 per cent&nbsp;of the vote.

Also watch:&nbsp;UK's PM welcomes 109 lawmakers after a landslide victory

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Corbyn is standing down in the new year and prominent Labour lawmakers including Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer are considering running to replace him as the leader.

Blair said Labour must now "renew itself as the serious, progressive, non-Conservative competitor for power in British politics, or retreat from such an ambition, in which case over time it will be replaced".

He said Corbyn had personified "an idea, a brand, of quasi-revolutionary socialism, mixing far-left economic policy with deep hostility to Western foreign policy", and that voters had found his "combination of misguided ideology and terminal ineptitude" insulting.

"To win power we need self-discipline, not self-indulgence," he said.

Corbyn had promised a radical socialist programme of higher public spending, sweeping nationalisation and taxes on the wealthy.

Blair said this "wish list" would have caused chaos if implemented.

"Any fool can promise everything for free but the people weren't fooled," he said. "They know life isn't like that."

Blair also said that Corbyn's complicated and equivocal stance on leaving the EU - while Johnson endlessly promised to "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">Get Brexit done</a>" - had displeased both opponents and advocates of Brexit. Always ambiguous on EU membership, Corbyn promised voters a second EU referendum, in which he would remain neutral.

"We pursued a path of almost comic indecision, alienated both sides of the debate," Blair said.

"The absence of leadership on what was obviously the biggest question facing the country then reinforced all the other doubts about Jeremy Corbyn."

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, Labour's most successful leader, on Wednesday urged the party to rebuild from electoral humiliation by rejecting the "protest movement with cult trimmings" created by outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn. Thursday's defeat was Labour's worst since 1935, and a battle for control is now underway between moderates and Corbyn's hard-left allies. Blair won three elections for Labour by hauling it towards a business-friendly centrist platform and was premier from 1997 to 2007. But he lost favour in part by sending British forces to back the US President George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003. Corbyn's supporters say Blair both betrayed the working classes and undermined faith in politicians, and "Blairism" remains badly tarnished, both inside and outside Labour. After Prime Minister Boris Johnson's party swept up long-standing Labour constituencies in working-class areas of northern and central England, including Blair's old seat, the ex-premier said few would now bet against another decade of Conservative rule. "The takeover of the Labour Party by the far left turned it into a glorified protest movement with cult trimmings, utterly incapable of being a credible government," Blair said. "The result has brought shame on us." Labour won just 203 seats, down 59, and saw its vote fall by 7.8 percentage points to 32.2 per cent, while the Conservatives won 365 seats, up 47, on 43.6 per cent of the vote. Also watch: UK's PM welcomes 109 lawmakers after a landslide victory × Corbyn is standing down in the new year and prominent Labour lawmakers including Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer are considering running to replace him as the leader. Blair said Labour must now "renew itself as the serious, progressive, non-Conservative competitor for power in British politics, or retreat from such an ambition, in which case over time it will be replaced". He said Corbyn had personified "an idea, a brand, of quasi-revolutionary socialism, mixing far-left economic policy with deep hostility to Western foreign policy", and that voters had found his "combination of misguided ideology and terminal ineptitude" insulting. "To win power we need self-discipline, not self-indulgence," he said. Corbyn had promised a radical socialist programme of higher public spending, sweeping nationalisation and taxes on the wealthy. Blair said this "wish list" would have caused chaos if implemented. "Any fool can promise everything for free but the people weren't fooled," he said. "They know life isn't like that." Blair also said that Corbyn's complicated and equivocal stance on leaving the EU - while Johnson endlessly promised to "Get Brexit done" - had displeased both opponents and advocates of Brexit. Always ambiguous on EU membership, Corbyn promised voters a second EU referendum, in which he would remain neutral. "We pursued a path of almost comic indecision, alienated both sides of the debate," Blair said. "The absence of leadership on what was obviously the biggest question facing the country then reinforced all the other doubts about Jeremy Corbyn."

Former PM Blair tells Britain's Labour Party: change or you will disappear

Britain stands to lose more than the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-agrees-on-2050-climate-neutrality-without-poland-268400">European Union</a> if the two fail to strike a trade deal by the end of next year, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Britain set a hard <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-uses-threat-of-brexit-cliff-edge-to-demand-eu-trade-deal-by-end-of-2020-268681">deadline of December 2020</a> on Tuesday to reach a new trade deal with the European Union, betting that the prospect of another Brexit cliff-edge would force Brussels to move quickly to seal an accord.

"The timetable ahead of us is extremely challenging," Von der Leyen said. "It ends by December 2020. It leaves us very little time. In case we cannot conclude an agreement by the end of 2020 we will face again a cliff-edge situation," she said.

"This would clearly harm our interests, but it would impact the UK more than us as the European Union will continue benefiting from its single market, its customs union and the 70 international agreements we have signed with our partners," she said.

Britain stands to lose more than the European Union if the two fail to strike a trade deal by the end of next year, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday.

Britain stands to lose more than the European Union if the two fail to strike a trade deal by the end of next year, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday. Britain set a hard deadline of December 2020 on Tuesday to reach a new trade deal with the European Union, betting that the prospect of another Brexit cliff-edge would force Brussels to move quickly to seal an accord. "The timetable ahead of us is extremely challenging," Von der Leyen said. "It ends by December 2020. It leaves us very little time. In case we cannot conclude an agreement by the end of 2020 we will face again a cliff-edge situation," she said. "This would clearly harm our interests, but it would impact the UK more than us as the European Union will continue benefiting from its single market, its customs union and the 70 international agreements we have signed with our partners," she said.

Britain stands to lose more than European Union from lack of trade deal by end-2020: EU

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has finally approved a controversial report on Russian interference in the UK that he blocked before the election.

UK PM Boris Johnson approves release of Russian interference report following election win

British <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service.

After securing a commanding majority in last week's vote,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will seek to speed up approval by parliament of his withdrawal agreement with the European Union, and start ploughing money into health, education and the police.

The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and "repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done".

"This election and the new generation of MPs (members of parliament) that have resulted from Labour towns turning blue will help change our politics for the better," said a source in&nbsp;Johnson's Downing Street official residence.

"The PM has been very clear that we have a responsibility to deliver a better future for our country and that we must repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done."

Also watch:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31

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The government will bring the Withdrawal Agreement Bill back to parliament on Friday, but it is not yet clear whether there will be a vote because it needs the agreement of the House of Commons' new speaker.

But with such a large majority, he is expected to get the bill through parliament by his deadline.

The priority is to leave the EU on January&nbsp;31 and then secure a trade agreement with the bloc before the end of next year,&nbsp;Johnson's spokesman said.

"We plan to start the process before Christmas and we will do so in the proper constitutional way in discussion with the speaker," he said, adding that the Brexit bill would reflect the agreement made with the EU.

In a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-to-set-out-pm-johnsons-agenda-on-thursday-268326">Queen's Speech</a> on Thursday setting out his government's programme,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will also promise more funds for Britain's much-loved but struggling public health service - a pledge he plans to enshrine in law.

After more than three years of debate over Brexit,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-urges-healing-for-brexit-bound-britain-268237">leave the EU</a>. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured.

Brexit has also scrambled traditional party loyalties, with&nbsp;Johnson's Conservatives going into Thursday's election pledging a swift Brexit, in stark contrast to Jeremy Corbyn's Labour, which promised a second referendum on EU membership.

The election saw Labour suffer its worst result since 1935 as many of its supporters who wanted to leave the EU switched to the Conservatives. The opposition party is expected to appoint a new leader by early next year.

Johnson&nbsp;is keen to hold on to those voters who supported the Conservatives, many for the first time, and is likely to retool his government next year to deliver his election promises.

For now, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-will-repay-your-trust-uk-pm-johnson-tells-ex-labour-voters-on-trip-to-north-268312">prime minister</a> will appoint three new ministers to fill vacant positions and keep any changes to a minimum before Britain leaves the EU on January&nbsp;31.

"By getting Brexit done, this One Nation Conservative government will help this country move forward," the source said. "Our job is to serve the people of this country, and the people's government will deliver on the people's priorities."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will welcome 109 new Conservative lawmakers to parliament on Monday, promising to honour his election-winning pledges to get Brexit done as soon as possible and boost funding for the state health service. After securing a commanding majority in last week's vote, Johnson will seek to speed up approval by parliament of his withdrawal agreement with the European Union, and start ploughing money into health, education and the police. The prime minister, who won over many traditional supporters of the main opposition Labour Party in northern and central England, has proclaimed he will lead a "people's government" and "repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done". "This election and the new generation of MPs (members of parliament) that have resulted from Labour towns turning blue will help change our politics for the better," said a source in Johnson's Downing Street official residence. "The PM has been very clear that we have a responsibility to deliver a better future for our country and that we must repay the public's trust by getting Brexit done." Also watch: UK PM Boris Johnson promises the speedy Brexit, to happen before January 31 × The government will bring the Withdrawal Agreement Bill back to parliament on Friday, but it is not yet clear whether there will be a vote because it needs the agreement of the House of Commons' new speaker. But with such a large majority, he is expected to get the bill through parliament by his deadline. The priority is to leave the EU on January 31 and then secure a trade agreement with the bloc before the end of next year, Johnson's spokesman said. "We plan to start the process before Christmas and we will do so in the proper constitutional way in discussion with the speaker," he said, adding that the Brexit bill would reflect the agreement made with the EU. In a Queen's Speech on Thursday setting out his government's programme, Johnson will also promise more funds for Britain's much-loved but struggling public health service - a pledge he plans to enshrine in law. After more than three years of debate over Brexit, Johnson wants to move quickly to try to unite a country riven by disagreements over how, when or whether Britain should leave the EU. Towns, villages and even families have been fractured. Brexit has also scrambled traditional party loyalties, with Johnson's Conservatives going into Thursday's election pledging a swift Brexit, in stark contrast to Jeremy Corbyn's Labour, which promised a second referendum on EU membership. The election saw Labour suffer its worst result since 1935 as many of its supporters who wanted to leave the EU switched to the Conservatives. The opposition party is expected to appoint a new leader by early next year. Johnson is keen to hold on to those voters who supported the Conservatives, many for the first time, and is likely to retool his government next year to deliver his election promises. For now, the prime minister will appoint three new ministers to fill vacant positions and keep any changes to a minimum before Britain leaves the EU on January 31. "By getting Brexit done, this One Nation Conservative government will help this country move forward," the source said. "Our job is to serve the people of this country, and the people's government will deliver on the people's priorities."

Welcoming new lawmakers, PM Johnson vows a speedy Brexit

Watch in WION Dispatch: 109 Conservative MPs return to Westminister after Johnson's landslide victory. Watch this video as Mandy Clark, London Bureau Chief tells you more on this. #WIONDispatch #WION

WION Dispatch: 109 Conservative MPs return to Westminister after Johnson's landslide victory

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