Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi demanded Johnson apologise for the language he used regarding Muslim women in a 2018 newspaper column. Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson criticised Johnson for his failure to apologise in response to Dhesi and and for his "carelessness with language".

Tanmanjeet Singh takes Johnson to task, demands apology from Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson failed on Wednesday, September 4 to win the approval of enough lawmakers to go ahead with his plan to hold an early election. He needed to win the backing of at least 434 lawmakers, but only 298 voted in favour of an election while 56 voted against. The opposition Labour Party instructed its lawmakers to abstain on the vote.

UK PM faces two setbacks in one day

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged world powers on Thursday not to open a dialogue with Iran, after US President Donald Trump said he may meet his Iranian counterpart to resolve a crisis over Tehran's nuclear project and sanctions against it.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged world powers on Thursday not to open a dialogue with Iran, after US President Donald Trump said he may meet his Iranian counterpart to resolve a crisis over Tehran's nuclear project and sanctions against it. "This is not the time to hold talks with Iran. This is the time to increase the pressure on Iran," Netanyahu told reporters en route to London, where he was hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and was later scheduled to confer with US Defense Secretary Mark Esper. Netanyahu's comments marked rare public discord between the right-wing Israeli leader and Trump on the Iranian nuclear issue. Netanyahu had previously counselled France against its own outreach to Iran. The Israeli leader, who is fighting for his political life in an election on September 17, regularly touts his influence with Western leaders, especially fellow rightwingers such as Trump and Johnson, as vital for Israeli security. His opponents say his closeness to rightwing figures abroad hurts Israel by making support for it a partisan issue in friendly countries. On Wednesday, Trump left the door open to a possible meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the upcoming U.N. General Assembly in New York, saying: "Anything's possible. They would like to be able to solve their problem." Tehran has rejected any negotiations with Washington unless Trump drops sanctions he imposed after quitting the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, an agreement Netanyahu had savaged as inadequate. Iran has said that, starting on Friday, it would begin developing centrifuges to speed up the enrichment of uranium, which can produce fuel for power plants or for atomic bombs. The Iranians deny seeking nuclear weapons. The centrifuge move would be Iran's latest reduction of its commitments to restrict nuclear projects under the 2015 deal. Netanyahu called this "another violation, another provocation by Iran, this time in the realm of its quest for nuclear weaponry". Meeting Johnson at 10 Downing Street, Netanyahu praised the politically embattled British leader for his "staunch stance against anti-Semitism and ... support for Israel's security". "We have the challenge of Iran's aggression and terrorism, and I'd like to talk to you about how we can work together to counter these things for the benefit of peace," Netanyahu told Johnson, according to an official Israeli transcript. Like other European partners to the Iran nuclear deal, Britain was worried by the U.S. withdrawal. Johnson, while openly sympathetic to Israel, wants to preserve a vision of Palestinian statehood that has eroded under Netanyahu's tenure. Netanyahu - who has doubled as defence minister for the past 10 months, a period of stepped-up Israeli operations against Iranian targets in the region - brought his air force chief and top military mission planner for the London meeting with Esper. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz told Ynet TV that Netanyahu and Esper would discuss "everything that happens in the space between Syria, Lebanon, Iraq," an allusion to the often clandestine Israeli military campaign.

Netanyahu opposes Iran talks after Trump moots meeting Rouhani

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government was<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-lawmakers-vote-to-block-no-deal-brexit-in-fresh-blow-to-pm-johnson-247639"> left in limbo </a>on Wednesday after MPs voted to derail his Brexit plan and rejected his call for an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-absolutely-ready-to-fight-elections-british-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-247444">early election to break the political deadlock</a>.

Just six weeks after taking office, Johnson lost his majority in the House of Commons as his own MPs joined opposition parties to stop him taking Britain out of the EU next month without a deal.

On Wednesday evening, they approved a bill that could force Johnson to delay Brexit to January or even later if he cannot agree exit terms with Brussels in time.

Johnson says he does not want a "no-deal" exit on October 31 but says he must keep that option open in order to get an agreement.

Watch: 'No deal' Brexit would cost at least $16 billion in UK sales to the EU, says UN

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He said the bill, which was being debated in the upper House of Lords into the night, "destroys the ability of government to negotiate" -- and said he had no option to call an election to win a new mandate.

"If I'm still prime minister after (the vote on) Tuesday, October 15 then we will leave on October 31 with, I hope, a much better deal," he told MPs.

Labour rejects 'cynical' move

But in yet another twist in the tortuous Brexit process, the opposition Labour Party refused to vote for the election, which requires the backing of two-thirds of MPs.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that while he wanted an election, he would not support the prime minister's "cynical" call until the law blocking "no deal" was implemented.

The default legal position is that Britain will leave the EU on October 31 unless it delays or asks to stay in the bloc.

Corbyn said: "Let this bill pass, then gain royal assent, then we will back an election so we do not crash out with a no-deal exit from the European Union."

Johnson accused Corbyn of being frightened of losing but urged the opposition to reconsider over the next few days.

For now, he is unable to pursue his Brexit plan -- the central focus of his leadership -- or call an election that might change the situation.

Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump earlier offered his support, telling reporters: "Boris knows how to win. Don't worry about him. He's going to be OK."

'Sham' negotiations

Johnson took office in July, three years after the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU, promising to deliver Brexit whatever happens.

He says he wants to renegotiate the divorce deal his predecessor Theresa May agreed with Brussels, while at the same time stepping up preparations for a disorderly exit.

Johnson insisted his team was making "substantial progress".

But the bloc has so far refused to reopen the text, and a senior EU source poured cold water on the idea that a deal could be struck at next month's Brussels summit.

The European Commission says Britain has yet to come up with any alternative for the most controversial element of the current deal, the so-called "backstop" plan for the Irish border.

Corbyn said the negotiations Johnson talked about "are a sham -- all he's doing is running down the clock".

The European Commission also said the risk of a "no-deal" exit has increased, a prospect many fear because of the economic damage risked by severing 46 years of UK-EU ties overnight.

'Hand power to the EU'

MPs only returned from their summer holiday on Tuesday but had to move fast as Johnson has controversially decided to suspend parliament next week until October 14.

They first had to vote to make time in the Commons to debate their legislation, which they then forced through on Wednesday afternoon in only five hours with the support of rebel Conservatives.

The bill would require the government to delay Brexit until January 31 unless it has agreed an exit deal or secured MPs' approval for "no-deal" by October 19.

Johnson said it would "take away the right of this country to decide how long it must remain in the EU and hand that power to the EU".

To take effect, the bill must now be approved by the Lords, who were braced for a rare overnight sitting on Wednesday, with some bringing sleeping bags into the chamber.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government was left in limbo on Wednesday after MPs voted to derail his Brexit plan and rejected his call for an early election to break the political deadlock.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government was left in limbo on Wednesday after MPs voted to derail his Brexit plan and rejected his call for an early election to break the political deadlock. Just six weeks after taking office, Johnson lost his majority in the House of Commons as his own MPs joined opposition parties to stop him taking Britain out of the EU next month without a deal. On Wednesday evening, they approved a bill that could force Johnson to delay Brexit to January or even later if he cannot agree exit terms with Brussels in time. Johnson says he does not want a "no-deal" exit on October 31 but says he must keep that option open in order to get an agreement. Watch: 'No deal' Brexit would cost at least $16 billion in UK sales to the EU, says UN × He said the bill, which was being debated in the upper House of Lords into the night, "destroys the ability of government to negotiate" -- and said he had no option to call an election to win a new mandate. "If I'm still prime minister after (the vote on) Tuesday, October 15 then we will leave on October 31 with, I hope, a much better deal," he told MPs. Labour rejects 'cynical' move But in yet another twist in the tortuous Brexit process, the opposition Labour Party refused to vote for the election, which requires the backing of two-thirds of MPs. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that while he wanted an election, he would not support the prime minister's "cynical" call until the law blocking "no deal" was implemented. The default legal position is that Britain will leave the EU on October 31 unless it delays or asks to stay in the bloc. Corbyn said: "Let this bill pass, then gain royal assent, then we will back an election so we do not crash out with a no-deal exit from the European Union." Johnson accused Corbyn of being frightened of losing but urged the opposition to reconsider over the next few days. For now, he is unable to pursue his Brexit plan -- the central focus of his leadership -- or call an election that might change the situation. Across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump earlier offered his support, telling reporters: "Boris knows how to win. Don't worry about him. He's going to be OK." 'Sham' negotiations Johnson took office in July, three years after the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU, promising to deliver Brexit whatever happens. He says he wants to renegotiate the divorce deal his predecessor Theresa May agreed with Brussels, while at the same time stepping up preparations for a disorderly exit. Johnson insisted his team was making "substantial progress". But the bloc has so far refused to reopen the text, and a senior EU source poured cold water on the idea that a deal could be struck at next month's Brussels summit. The European Commission says Britain has yet to come up with any alternative for the most controversial element of the current deal, the so-called "backstop" plan for the Irish border. Corbyn said the negotiations Johnson talked about "are a sham -- all he's doing is running down the clock". The European Commission also said the risk of a "no-deal" exit has increased, a prospect many fear because of the economic damage risked by severing 46 years of UK-EU ties overnight. 'Hand power to the EU' MPs only returned from their summer holiday on Tuesday but had to move fast as Johnson has controversially decided to suspend parliament next week until October 14. They first had to vote to make time in the Commons to debate their legislation, which they then forced through on Wednesday afternoon in only five hours with the support of rebel Conservatives. The bill would require the government to delay Brexit until January 31 unless it has agreed an exit deal or secured MPs' approval for "no-deal" by October 19. Johnson said it would "take away the right of this country to decide how long it must remain in the EU and hand that power to the EU". To take effect, the bill must now be approved by the Lords, who were braced for a rare overnight sitting on Wednesday, with some bringing sleeping bags into the chamber.

British PM Boris Johnson in limbo after MPs reject his Brexit plan, elections

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance.

By about 1020 GMT, sterling had surged to $1.2347, the highest level since July 29 having plunged to multi-year lows Tuesday.

Asian and European stock markets mainly rose Thursday, but London was hit by the strong pound that hurts multinationals whose earnings are mostly in foreign currencies.

Parliament is currently rushing through legislation designed to keep Johnson from breaking Britain off from the European Union without a trade deal.

They appeared on course to do so by Monday a victory that would be accomplished just ahead of the five-week shutdown of parliament Johnson controversially ordered last month.

'Fresh legs on the pound'

"News that the bill to stop a no-deal Brexit should complete its passage through the House of Lords by Friday afternoon has put fresh legs on the pound's rally," City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta told AFP.

"After a volatile start, sterling has now pushed over $1.23 as Britain moves further back from the brink of a no-deal Brexit.

"Whilst there are clearly some hurdles still to be overcome, pound traders are feeling significantly more optimistic about the UK's eventual exit from the EU," she added.

The embattled British currency had tanked on Tuesday to $1.1959 which was the pound's weakest level since 1985 except for a 2016 "flash crash".

Yet it has since rallied on rising hopes that Britain will not quit the European Union without a trade deal on October 31.

"The pound has been behaving as a tidy barometer of the odds of a no-deal Brexit," Rabobank analyst Jane Foley told AFP.

"Just as fears of a no-deal Brexit pushed the pound below $1.20 earlier this week, expectations that MPs will succeed in delaying Brexit beyond October 31 have resulting in a relief rally back to $1.23.

"The pound is clearly not out of the woods with political uncertainty still at very elevated levels&nbsp;but the risk of a disorderly Brexit next month at least looks set to be pushed off the table," Foley added.

The bill would force Johnson to seek a three-month Brexit extension until January 31 should no deal emerge from an EU summit in Brussels on October 17-18.

Stocks mainly climb

Elsewhere, equities mostly rose, building on the previous day's advance as investors were cheered by a number of positive developments on trade, Hong Kong and Europe.

Markets were already on an upward trajectory after the leader of Hong Kong on Wednesday withdrew a controversial extradition bill that had sparked months of sometimes violent protests in the financial hub.

But the good news kept coming as the day wore on, with news that Italy had formed a new moderate, pro-European government, while British MPs moved closer to preventing a no-deal Brexit.

Then on Thursday morning, China announced it would resume trade talks with the United States in Washington next month.

However, Hong Kong ended with marginal losses.&nbsp;

Having soared almost four per cent on Wednesday on the back of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's shock decision, profit-takers moved in.

Lam on Thursday urged pro-democracy protesters to end their demonstrations but her surprise decision to bow to one of their key demands was condemned as too little, too late.

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance.

The British pound topped $1.23 on Thursday, hitting a one-month peak on fading prospects of a "no-deal" Brexit after a series of parliamentary votes tore up Prime Minister Boris Johnson's hardline stance. By about 1020 GMT, sterling had surged to $1.2347, the highest level since July 29 having plunged to multi-year lows Tuesday. Asian and European stock markets mainly rose Thursday, but London was hit by the strong pound that hurts multinationals whose earnings are mostly in foreign currencies. Parliament is currently rushing through legislation designed to keep Johnson from breaking Britain off from the European Union without a trade deal. They appeared on course to do so by Monday a victory that would be accomplished just ahead of the five-week shutdown of parliament Johnson controversially ordered last month. 'Fresh legs on the pound' "News that the bill to stop a no-deal Brexit should complete its passage through the House of Lords by Friday afternoon has put fresh legs on the pound's rally," City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta told AFP. "After a volatile start, sterling has now pushed over $1.23 as Britain moves further back from the brink of a no-deal Brexit. "Whilst there are clearly some hurdles still to be overcome, pound traders are feeling significantly more optimistic about the UK's eventual exit from the EU," she added. The embattled British currency had tanked on Tuesday to $1.1959 which was the pound's weakest level since 1985 except for a 2016 "flash crash". Yet it has since rallied on rising hopes that Britain will not quit the European Union without a trade deal on October 31. "The pound has been behaving as a tidy barometer of the odds of a no-deal Brexit," Rabobank analyst Jane Foley told AFP. "Just as fears of a no-deal Brexit pushed the pound below $1.20 earlier this week, expectations that MPs will succeed in delaying Brexit beyond October 31 have resulting in a relief rally back to $1.23. "The pound is clearly not out of the woods with political uncertainty still at very elevated levels but the risk of a disorderly Brexit next month at least looks set to be pushed off the table," Foley added. The bill would force Johnson to seek a three-month Brexit extension until January 31 should no deal emerge from an EU summit in Brussels on October 17-18. Stocks mainly climb Elsewhere, equities mostly rose, building on the previous day's advance as investors were cheered by a number of positive developments on trade, Hong Kong and Europe. Markets were already on an upward trajectory after the leader of Hong Kong on Wednesday withdrew a controversial extradition bill that had sparked months of sometimes violent protests in the financial hub. But the good news kept coming as the day wore on, with news that Italy had formed a new moderate, pro-European government, while British MPs moved closer to preventing a no-deal Brexit. Then on Thursday morning, China announced it would resume trade talks with the United States in Washington next month. However, Hong Kong ended with marginal losses. Having soared almost four per cent on Wednesday on the back of Chief Executive Carrie Lam's shock decision, profit-takers moved in. Lam on Thursday urged pro-democracy protesters to end their demonstrations but her surprise decision to bow to one of their key demands was condemned as too little, too late.

Pound tops $1.23 on fading no-deal Brexit prospect

British PM Boris Johnson's brother Jo Johnson quits as MP. Watch video to know more.

British PM Boris Johnson's brother Jo Johnson quits as MP

UK PM faces two setbacks in one day. Watch video to know more.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's younger brother, Jo, has resigned as a junior minister and said he would also step down as a lawmaker, citing a conflict between family loyalty and the national interest.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's younger brother, Jo, has resigned as a junior minister and said he would also step down as a lawmaker, citing a conflict between family loyalty and the national interest. His surprise resignation comes days after the prime minister expelled 21 Conservative lawmakers from the party for failing to back his Brexit strategy, including Winston Churchill's grandson and a former finance minister. Since taking office in July, Boris Johnson has tried to corral the Conservative Party, which is deeply divided over Brexit, behind his strategy of leaving the European Union on Oct. 31, with or without a deal. Jo Johnson, 47, had previously expressed backing for a second referendum on whether Britain should leave the EU, but accepted a job as a junior minister in the business and education departments when his brother became prime minister. "It’s been an honour to represent Orpington for 9 years & to serve as a minister under three PMs (Prime Ministers)," Jo Johnson said on Twitter. "In recent weeks I’ve been torn between family loyalty and the national interest - it’s an unresolvable tension & time for others to take on my roles as MP (Member of Parliament) & Minister," he said. It was not immediately clear whether he would resign as a Member of Parliament immediately, or simply not stand for re-election. He had been an MP for the Orpington constituency in Kent, south east England, since 2010, serving in several ministerial roles. Boris Johnson's "do or die" Brexit strategy, and his hardline approach to enforcing it, is causing a realignment in the ruling party, with several senior, more pro-European members announcing they will not seek re-election. The Johnson family itself is notoriously split over Brexit with his sister Rachel having represented different parties opposed to Brexit, and his father Stanley being a committed europhile and former European Commission official. It is also not the first time Jo Johnson, a former Financial Times journalist and a much less flamboyant character than his brother, has caught the government by surprise with a resignation notice. Last year, he quit then-prime minister Theresa May's government, calling in a withering critique for another referendum to avoid her Brexit plans unleashing Britain's greatest crisis since World War Two.

UK PM Johnson's brother, Jo, resigns, citing family vs national interest conflict

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-in-limbo-after-mps-reject-his-brexit-plan-elections-247654">Boris Johnson's government</a> abandoned attempts in the upper house of parliament to block a law aimed at stopping the country from leaving the European Union without a deal.

The move paved the way for Johnson being required to ask the EU for a three-month extension to the Brexit deadline, if he fails to reach a renegotiated transition deal with the bloc by the middle of October.

Johnson has said he is opposed to an extension and that he is prepared to take Britain out of the EU without a deal if necessary.

Conservative Party members of the upper house of parliament had tabled a series of amendments in an attempt to run down the clock on the delay bill and prevent it being passed before parliament is suspended on Monday.

But in the early hours of Thursday, the government in the upper house, known as the House of Lords, announced it was dropping its opposition to the legislation.

Richard Newby, an opposition member of the Lords, who had taken his duvet to parliament in preparation to spend the night discussing the law, said the government dropped its opposition after suffering heavy defeats on some of the proposed amendments.

"There was a realisation by those on the other side that this was more than usually stupid, and they were looking stupid, and we needed to find a way forward," he told BBC Radio.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government abandoned attempts in the upper house of parliament to block a law aimed at stopping the country from leaving the European Union without a deal.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government abandoned attempts in the upper house of parliament to block a law aimed at stopping the country from leaving the European Union without a deal. The move paved the way for Johnson being required to ask the EU for a three-month extension to the Brexit deadline, if he fails to reach a renegotiated transition deal with the bloc by the middle of October. Johnson has said he is opposed to an extension and that he is prepared to take Britain out of the EU without a deal if necessary. Conservative Party members of the upper house of parliament had tabled a series of amendments in an attempt to run down the clock on the delay bill and prevent it being passed before parliament is suspended on Monday. But in the early hours of Thursday, the government in the upper house, known as the House of Lords, announced it was dropping its opposition to the legislation. Richard Newby, an opposition member of the Lords, who had taken his duvet to parliament in preparation to spend the night discussing the law, said the government dropped its opposition after suffering heavy defeats on some of the proposed amendments. "There was a realisation by those on the other side that this was more than usually stupid, and they were looking stupid, and we needed to find a way forward," he told BBC Radio.

UK government gives up trying to stop Brexit delay bill in parliament

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-loses-parliamentary-majority-ahead-of-brexit-vote-247433">British lawmakers defeated Boris Johnson in parliament</a> on Tuesday in a bid to prevent him taking Britain out of the EU without a divorce agreement, prompting the prime minister to announce that he would immediately push for a snap election.

The government was defeated by 328 to 301 on a motion put forward by opposition parties and rebel lawmakers in Johnson`s party - who had been warned they would be kicked out of the Conservative Party if they defied the government.

More than three years after the United Kingdom voted in a referendum to leave the European Union, the defeat leaves the course of Brexit unresolved, with possible outcomes still ranging from a turbulent `no-deal` exit to abandoning the whole endeavour.

Watch-- Brexit: Johnson government loses working majority ahead of crucial vote

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Tuesday`s victory is only the first hurdle for lawmakers, enabling them to take control of parliamentary business.

On Wednesday they will seek to pass a law forcing Johnson to ask the EU to delay Brexit - for a third time - until January&nbsp;31 unless he has a deal approved by parliament beforehand on the terms and manner of the exit.

It puts Johnson in a similar bind to that faced by his predecessor Theresa May, who failed three times to get the backing of lawmakers for the Withdrawal Agreement that she had negotiated with the EU. Johnson took over from her six weeks ago with a promise that his more robust approach would force a better deal out of the EU that would satisfy parliament.&nbsp;

The 21 Conservative rebels who now face expulsion from the party include Nicholas Soames, the grandson of Britain`s World War Two leader Winston Churchill, and two former finance ministers - Philip Hammond and Kenneth Clarke.&nbsp;

"I don`t want an election, but if MPs vote tomorrow to stop negotiations and compel another pointless delay to Brexit, potentially for years, then that would be the only way to resolve this," Johnson told parliament after the vote.

"I can confirm that we are tonight tabling a motion under the Fixed Term Parliament Act."

Economic Disruption

In an historic showdown between prime minister and parliament, Johnson`s opponents said they wanted to prevent him playing Russian roulette with a country once touted as a confident pillar of Western economic and political stability.

They argue that nothing can justify the risk of a `no-deal` Brexit that would cut economic ties overnight with Britain`s biggest export market and inevitably bring huge economic dislocation.

Johnson cast the challenge as an attempt to force Britain to surrender to the EU just as he hopes to secure concessions on the terms of the divorce, helped by the threat to walk out without one. Ahead of the vote, he said would never accept another delay to Brexit beyond October&nbsp;31.&nbsp;

"Parliament is on the brink of wrecking any deal we might be able to strike in Brussels," Johnson said. "Because tomorrow’s bill would hand control of the negotiations to the EU."

Johnson`s government will now seek to hold a vote on Wednesday to approve an early election, most likely on October 14. This would pit the avowed Brexiteer against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a veteran socialist.&nbsp;

In the Brexit maelstrom, though, it was unclear whether opposition parties would support such a move - which requires the support of two-thirds of the 650-seat House of Commons.

Corbyn has long demanded an election as the best way out of the crisis, but many of those seeking to prevent a `no-deal` Brexit say Johnson could time the poll to ensure that parliament cannot prevent an October 31 departure - with or without a deal.

After the vote, Corbyn told Johnson that he must get the Brexit delay bill that will be discussed on Wednesday passed before trying to call an election. 
Divided Kingdom.

The 2016 Brexit referendum showed a United Kingdom divided about much more than the European Union, and has fuelled soul-searching about everything from secession and immigration to capitalism, empire and modern Britishness.

It has also triggered civil war inside both of Britain`s main political parties as dozens of lawmakers put what they see as the United Kingdom`s fate above that of party loyalty.

Just as Johnson began speaking, he lost his working majority in parliament when one of his own Conservative lawmakers, Phillip Lee, crossed the floor of the House of Commons to join the pro-EU Liberal Democrats.

The pound, which has gyrated to the twists and turns of Brexit since the 2016 referendum and is highly sensitive to the prospect of a `no-deal` exit, had briefly dipped as low as $1.1959 before the vote in parliament. Barring a minutes-long "flash crash" in October 2016, sterling has not regularly traded at such low levels since 1985.&nbsp;

Fears of a `no-deal` Brexit were rising elsewhere.

The European Commission said such a scenario was a "very distinct possibility" and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said it was the most likely scenario.

In a document seen by Reuters, the European Commission set out proposals to be published on Wednesday to provide financial help for EU businesses, workers and farmers if Britain crashes out of the bloc without any agreement.

It restated its view that a `no-deal` divorce would hit the British economy much harder than that of the EU.

The UN trade agency UNCTAD said it would cost Britain at least $16 billion in lost exports to the EU, plus a further substantial sum in indirect costs.

The US investment bank JPMorgan said an election would make a no-deal Brexit more likely.

British lawmakers defeated Boris Johnson in parliament on Tuesday in a bid to prevent him taking Britain out of the EU without a divorce agreement, prompting the prime minister to announce that he would immediately push for a snap election.

British lawmakers defeated Boris Johnson in parliament on Tuesday in a bid to prevent him taking Britain out of the EU without a divorce agreement, prompting the prime minister to announce that he would immediately push for a snap election. The government was defeated by 328 to 301 on a motion put forward by opposition parties and rebel lawmakers in Johnson`s party - who had been warned they would be kicked out of the Conservative Party if they defied the government. More than three years after the United Kingdom voted in a referendum to leave the European Union, the defeat leaves the course of Brexit unresolved, with possible outcomes still ranging from a turbulent `no-deal` exit to abandoning the whole endeavour. Watch-- Brexit: Johnson government loses working majority ahead of crucial vote × Tuesday`s victory is only the first hurdle for lawmakers, enabling them to take control of parliamentary business. On Wednesday they will seek to pass a law forcing Johnson to ask the EU to delay Brexit - for a third time - until January 31 unless he has a deal approved by parliament beforehand on the terms and manner of the exit. It puts Johnson in a similar bind to that faced by his predecessor Theresa May, who failed three times to get the backing of lawmakers for the Withdrawal Agreement that she had negotiated with the EU. Johnson took over from her six weeks ago with a promise that his more robust approach would force a better deal out of the EU that would satisfy parliament. The 21 Conservative rebels who now face expulsion from the party include Nicholas Soames, the grandson of Britain`s World War Two leader Winston Churchill, and two former finance ministers - Philip Hammond and Kenneth Clarke. "I don`t want an election, but if MPs vote tomorrow to stop negotiations and compel another pointless delay to Brexit, potentially for years, then that would be the only way to resolve this," Johnson told parliament after the vote. "I can confirm that we are tonight tabling a motion under the Fixed Term Parliament Act." Economic Disruption In an historic showdown between prime minister and parliament, Johnson`s opponents said they wanted to prevent him playing Russian roulette with a country once touted as a confident pillar of Western economic and political stability. They argue that nothing can justify the risk of a `no-deal` Brexit that would cut economic ties overnight with Britain`s biggest export market and inevitably bring huge economic dislocation. Johnson cast the challenge as an attempt to force Britain to surrender to the EU just as he hopes to secure concessions on the terms of the divorce, helped by the threat to walk out without one. Ahead of the vote, he said would never accept another delay to Brexit beyond October 31. "Parliament is on the brink of wrecking any deal we might be able to strike in Brussels," Johnson said. "Because tomorrow’s bill would hand control of the negotiations to the EU." Johnson`s government will now seek to hold a vote on Wednesday to approve an early election, most likely on October 14. This would pit the avowed Brexiteer against Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a veteran socialist. In the Brexit maelstrom, though, it was unclear whether opposition parties would support such a move - which requires the support of two-thirds of the 650-seat House of Commons. Corbyn has long demanded an election as the best way out of the crisis, but many of those seeking to prevent a `no-deal` Brexit say Johnson could time the poll to ensure that parliament cannot prevent an October 31 departure - with or without a deal. After the vote, Corbyn told Johnson that he must get the Brexit delay bill that will be discussed on Wednesday passed before trying to call an election. Divided Kingdom. The 2016 Brexit referendum showed a United Kingdom divided about much more than the European Union, and has fuelled soul-searching about everything from secession and immigration to capitalism, empire and modern Britishness. It has also triggered civil war inside both of Britain`s main political parties as dozens of lawmakers put what they see as the United Kingdom`s fate above that of party loyalty. Just as Johnson began speaking, he lost his working majority in parliament when one of his own Conservative lawmakers, Phillip Lee, crossed the floor of the House of Commons to join the pro-EU Liberal Democrats. The pound, which has gyrated to the twists and turns of Brexit since the 2016 referendum and is highly sensitive to the prospect of a `no-deal` exit, had briefly dipped as low as $1.1959 before the vote in parliament. Barring a minutes-long "flash crash" in October 2016, sterling has not regularly traded at such low levels since 1985. Fears of a `no-deal` Brexit were rising elsewhere. The European Commission said such a scenario was a "very distinct possibility" and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said it was the most likely scenario. In a document seen by Reuters, the European Commission set out proposals to be published on Wednesday to provide financial help for EU businesses, workers and farmers if Britain crashes out of the bloc without any agreement. It restated its view that a `no-deal` divorce would hit the British economy much harder than that of the EU. The UN trade agency UNCTAD said it would cost Britain at least $16 billion in lost exports to the EU, plus a further substantial sum in indirect costs. The US investment bank JPMorgan said an election would make a no-deal Brexit more likely.

Opponents of 'no-deal' Brexit defeat PM Johnson, who promises an election

British lawmakers defeated Boris Johnson in parliament on Tuesday in a bid to prevent him taking Britain out of the EU without a divorce agreement, prompting the prime minister to announce that he would immediately push for a snap election. Watch this video to know more.

Boris Johnson loses first key vote

Parliament continues the day after an alliance of opposition lawmakers backed by 21 rebels from Johnson's Conservative Party defeated the government on Tuesday on a motion allowing them to try to pass a law which would force a three-month extension to Britain's EU exit date.

Britain's parliament resumes the day after crucial 'no deal' vote

By Paul Whiteley and Harold D Clarke

After a showdown between prime minister Boris Johnson and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit, the UK appears on course for an election in a matter of weeks.

Much parliamentary action will now play out to determine exactly when the vote will take place. The government remains eager to ensure the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) by October 31. Oppositions parties are eager to ensure this does not happen in a no-deal scenario. But developments at Westminster mean an election at some point soon is almost certain. The key question, therefore, what might the outcome of such an election be in such unpredictable times?

We have considered the results across 138 polls conducted between November 4, 2018, and August 22 2019.

All polls contain a combination of information and noise, the latter resulting from errors in sampling, in interviewing and in other factors which are an inherent part of survey methodology. By “pooling the polls” the figure maximises the information and minimises the noise because the samples are very large and rogue polls which happen by chance do not dominate the picture.

Both Conservative and Labour support declined markedly in the run-up to the European Parliament elections on May 23. Since then, Conservative fortunes have partially revived, but party support is only in the low 30 per cent range – nearly 10 per cent less than its vote in the 2017 general election.

Labour is in even worse shape, languishing in the low to mid-20s. Polls on voting intentions go back as far as the 1930s, but it is safe to say that such a car crash in support for both major parties has never been seen before. So we are in uncharted territory.

The major parties’ poll numbers indicate that, in a two-party contest, the apparent “Boris bounce” in Conservative vote intentions would very likely deliver a majority in the House of Commons.

One important reason why Labour has fallen so far behind is the large decline in Jeremy Corbyn’s popularity since the 2017 general election. His approval ratings then were around 45 per cent. But by August this year they had fallen below 20 per cent and are now very stable from one poll to the next. A large majority of voters appear to have reached the conclusion that he is not up to the job of being prime minister. Negative public feelings about Corbyn are bound to be a drag on his party’s efforts to close the gap with the Conservatives.

Lib Dem Threat

The real problem for the Conservatives is not Labour but the continuing popularity of the Liberal Democrats and the Brexit Party. The Liberal Democrats are now consistently polling in the high teens – twice what previously had been typical. In the 2015 general election, the Liberal Democrats’ vote collapsed and the Conservatives took 27 seats from them. While the Liberal Democrats recovered a little in the subsequent 2017 general election, they still only had 12 MPs.

The situation has now completely changed. If the current surge in Liberal Democrat voting intentions holds, there is a good chance that the party will win back all of the seats it lost to the Conservatives in 2015. In addition, the Lib Dems are likely to win extra seats from disgruntled Conservative Remainers who will defect in response to the Conservative’s hard-line stance on Brexit.

It is true that the Liberal Democrats will take votes from Labour as well as the Conservatives, but the policy distance between the Lib Dems and Labour on relations with the EU is now much smaller than it is with the Conservatives. The danger for the Conservatives is that Remainers are likely to vote tactically as a result, supporting the Liberal Democrats in seats in the West Country, for example, and Labour in seats in the North-East and Merseyside.

What of the Brexit Party?

There is a narrative which suggests that Brexit Party support will collapse in a forthcoming election much like UKIP’s did in 2017. But this ignores a key difference between Brexit Party and Conservative supporters. In our national survey conducted shortly after the European elections, 78 per cent of Brexit Party identifiers wanted to leave the EU with no deal. This compared with only 46 per cent of Conservative identifiers who wanted this outcome.

In a rally in London, Nigel Farage committed his party to no deal. He was quick to point out that Johnson had voted for Theresa May’s agreement when it came up for the third time in parliament – and was therefore not to be trusted. The Prime Minister is taking a very hard line against Conservative rebels by threatening to remove the whip from them, but at the same time he is arguing that he wants a deal with the EU – something which is an anathema to the Brexit party supporters.

This lack of trust in the prime minister to deliver a no-deal Brexit puts him in a tricky situation – he needs most of the Brexit Party supporters to produce a no-deal outcome. Given his insistence that he is still seeking a deal with Brussels, Johnson is unlikely to win Brexit Party voters until there is actually a no-deal Brexit.

The Brexit Party will not take seats in a snap election, but it could easily stymie the Conservatives’ chances of winning.

The prime minister has had to seek an early election since the alternative was to stagger on without a majority and with parliamentary action to stop a no-deal Brexit becoming a reality. The campaign hasn’t formally begun yet, but the posturing is underway. The outcome, though, remains very difficult to predict.

(Paul Whiteley is Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex; Harold D Clarke is Ashbel Smith Professor, the University of Texas at Dallas)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/uk-general-election-if-so-heres-what-the-polls-are-telling-us-122759">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

By Paul Whiteley and Harold D Clarke After a showdown between prime minister Boris Johnson and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit, the UK appears on course for an election in a matter of weeks.

By Paul Whiteley and Harold D Clarke After a showdown between prime minister Boris Johnson and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit, the UK appears on course for an election in a matter of weeks. Much parliamentary action will now play out to determine exactly when the vote will take place. The government remains eager to ensure the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) by October 31. Oppositions parties are eager to ensure this does not happen in a no-deal scenario. But developments at Westminster mean an election at some point soon is almost certain. The key question, therefore, what might the outcome of such an election be in such unpredictable times? We have considered the results across 138 polls conducted between November 4, 2018, and August 22 2019. All polls contain a combination of information and noise, the latter resulting from errors in sampling, in interviewing and in other factors which are an inherent part of survey methodology. By “pooling the polls” the figure maximises the information and minimises the noise because the samples are very large and rogue polls which happen by chance do not dominate the picture. Both Conservative and Labour support declined markedly in the run-up to the European Parliament elections on May 23. Since then, Conservative fortunes have partially revived, but party support is only in the low 30 per cent range – nearly 10 per cent less than its vote in the 2017 general election. Labour is in even worse shape, languishing in the low to mid-20s. Polls on voting intentions go back as far as the 1930s, but it is safe to say that such a car crash in support for both major parties has never been seen before. So we are in uncharted territory. The major parties’ poll numbers indicate that, in a two-party contest, the apparent “Boris bounce” in Conservative vote intentions would very likely deliver a majority in the House of Commons. One important reason why Labour has fallen so far behind is the large decline in Jeremy Corbyn’s popularity since the 2017 general election. His approval ratings then were around 45 per cent. But by August this year they had fallen below 20 per cent and are now very stable from one poll to the next. A large majority of voters appear to have reached the conclusion that he is not up to the job of being prime minister. Negative public feelings about Corbyn are bound to be a drag on his party’s efforts to close the gap with the Conservatives. Lib Dem Threat The real problem for the Conservatives is not Labour but the continuing popularity of the Liberal Democrats and the Brexit Party. The Liberal Democrats are now consistently polling in the high teens – twice what previously had been typical. In the 2015 general election, the Liberal Democrats’ vote collapsed and the Conservatives took 27 seats from them. While the Liberal Democrats recovered a little in the subsequent 2017 general election, they still only had 12 MPs. The situation has now completely changed. If the current surge in Liberal Democrat voting intentions holds, there is a good chance that the party will win back all of the seats it lost to the Conservatives in 2015. In addition, the Lib Dems are likely to win extra seats from disgruntled Conservative Remainers who will defect in response to the Conservative’s hard-line stance on Brexit. It is true that the Liberal Democrats will take votes from Labour as well as the Conservatives, but the policy distance between the Lib Dems and Labour on relations with the EU is now much smaller than it is with the Conservatives. The danger for the Conservatives is that Remainers are likely to vote tactically as a result, supporting the Liberal Democrats in seats in the West Country, for example, and Labour in seats in the North-East and Merseyside. What of the Brexit Party? There is a narrative which suggests that Brexit Party support will collapse in a forthcoming election much like UKIP’s did in 2017. But this ignores a key difference between Brexit Party and Conservative supporters. In our national survey conducted shortly after the European elections, 78 per cent of Brexit Party identifiers wanted to leave the EU with no deal. This compared with only 46 per cent of Conservative identifiers who wanted this outcome. In a rally in London, Nigel Farage committed his party to no deal. He was quick to point out that Johnson had voted for Theresa May’s agreement when it came up for the third time in parliament – and was therefore not to be trusted. The Prime Minister is taking a very hard line against Conservative rebels by threatening to remove the whip from them, but at the same time he is arguing that he wants a deal with the EU – something which is an anathema to the Brexit party supporters. This lack of trust in the prime minister to deliver a no-deal Brexit puts him in a tricky situation – he needs most of the Brexit Party supporters to produce a no-deal outcome. Given his insistence that he is still seeking a deal with Brussels, Johnson is unlikely to win Brexit Party voters until there is actually a no-deal Brexit. The Brexit Party will not take seats in a snap election, but it could easily stymie the Conservatives’ chances of winning. The prime minister has had to seek an early election since the alternative was to stagger on without a majority and with parliamentary action to stop a no-deal Brexit becoming a reality. The campaign hasn’t formally begun yet, but the posturing is underway. The outcome, though, remains very difficult to predict. (Paul Whiteley is Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex; Harold D Clarke is Ashbel Smith Professor, the University of Texas at Dallas) (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)

UK general election? If so, here’s what the polls are telling us

Prime Minister Boris Johnson implicitly warned lawmakers on Monday that he would seek an election if they tied his hands on Brexit, ruling out ever countenancing a further delay to Britain's departure from the European Union.

Johnson's promise to take the United Kingdom out of the European Union on October 31 with or without a divorce deal has propelled the nation towards constitutional crisis and confrontation with the bloc's 27 other members.

With less than 60 days before a possible no-deal exit, an alliance of opposition lawmakers are plotting with rebels in Johnson's ruling Conservative Party to block that and force him to delay Brexit for three months.

But Johnson, who made his name as an EU-bashing journalist in Brussels before entering politics, said he would never do that, after his predecessor Theresa May twice postponed Brexit.

"I want everybody to know there are no circumstances in which I will ask Brussels to delay, we are leaving on 31st October, no ifs or buts," Johnson said in a hastily-organised statement at a lectern outside Number 10 Downing Street.

"We will not accept any attempt to go back on our promises," Johnson added. "I don't want an election. You don't want an election. Let's get on with the people's agenda."

Watch: Carrie Lam - Never tendered a resignation to Beijing

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Britain's Brexit dilemma is its most consequential political decision since World War Two.

Opponents of a no-deal exit say it would be a disaster for the economy, while Brexit supporters are eager to cut Britain free from what they see as a doomed experiment in integration that has seen Europe fall behind China and the United States.

Johnson, the face of the Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 referendum, said that if lawmakers voted to delay Brexit they would "plainly chop the legs out from under the UK position and make any further negotiation absolutely impossible".

If parliament defeats the government on Brexit, a vote on holding an election will be held on Wednesday with an election date of Oct. 14, according to a senior government source.

Big stakes

The intervention by Johnson was part of the high-stakes political chess game over Brexit ahead of parliament's return from its summer break on Tuesday.

Rebels and opponents of the government say Johnson is betting on an election that he will cast as being forced on him by opponents of Brexit in parliament.

Lawmakers opposed to a no-deal Brexit will seek on Tuesday to take control of parliamentary time on Wednesday to pass legislation which would force Johnson to seek a three-month delay to Brexit.

More than three years since the United Kingdom voted 52-48% to leave the EU, it is still unclear on what terms, or indeed whether, Brexit will take place.

After Johnson's enforcers warned rebels they would be kicked out of the party if they defied him, speculation mounted he would call for an election just days before an EU summit due on Oct. 17-18.

Under British law, two-thirds of lawmakers must support holding an early election, and Johnson is not certain to get that backing.

The United Kingdom has held a variety of extraordinary votes in recent years. In 2014, Scots rejected independence in a referendum; in 2015, then prime minister David Cameron won a surprise majority on a pledge to hold an EU referendum but lost the referendum the following year.

After winning the top job in the chaos following the referendum, May bet on a 2017 snap election but lost her majority. Johnson took over from May in July after she failed three times to get a Brexit deal through parliament.

No-deal Brexit closer?

The default position is that Britain will leave on October 31 without a deal unless a divorce agreement is struck with the bloc and ratified by the British parliament or legislation is passed to delay or revoke the departure notice.

JP Morgan said in a research note it believed Monday's developments made a no-deal more likely as it increased the chances of an election and opinion polls suggest Johnson could win an election campaigning for a no-deal mandate.

Johnson, 55, has cast rebels as EU "collaborators" who are undermining the government's negotiating hand in seeking a withdrawal agreement by blunting his threat of a no-deal Brexit.

"Their (the government's) strategy, to be honest, is to lose this week and then seek a general election," said David Gauke, a former justice minister who is one of the rebel Conservative lawmakers.

Johnson has a working majority of just one seat in the 650-seat lower house of parliament and British media suggested about 20 Conservative lawmakers were prepared to rebel against him.

An election would open up three main options: a Brexit-supporting government under Johnson, a Labour government led by veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn or a hung parliament that could lead to a coalition or minority government of some kind.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson implicitly warned lawmakers on Monday that he would seek an election if they tied his hands on Brexit, ruling out ever countenancing a further delay to Britain's departure from the European Union.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson implicitly warned lawmakers on Monday that he would seek an election if they tied his hands on Brexit, ruling out ever countenancing a further delay to Britain's departure from the European Union. Johnson's promise to take the United Kingdom out of the European Union on October 31 with or without a divorce deal has propelled the nation towards constitutional crisis and confrontation with the bloc's 27 other members. With less than 60 days before a possible no-deal exit, an alliance of opposition lawmakers are plotting with rebels in Johnson's ruling Conservative Party to block that and force him to delay Brexit for three months. But Johnson, who made his name as an EU-bashing journalist in Brussels before entering politics, said he would never do that, after his predecessor Theresa May twice postponed Brexit. "I want everybody to know there are no circumstances in which I will ask Brussels to delay, we are leaving on 31st October, no ifs or buts," Johnson said in a hastily-organised statement at a lectern outside Number 10 Downing Street. "We will not accept any attempt to go back on our promises," Johnson added. "I don't want an election. You don't want an election. Let's get on with the people's agenda." Watch: Carrie Lam - Never tendered a resignation to Beijing × Britain's Brexit dilemma is its most consequential political decision since World War Two. Opponents of a no-deal exit say it would be a disaster for the economy, while Brexit supporters are eager to cut Britain free from what they see as a doomed experiment in integration that has seen Europe fall behind China and the United States. Johnson, the face of the Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 referendum, said that if lawmakers voted to delay Brexit they would "plainly chop the legs out from under the UK position and make any further negotiation absolutely impossible". If parliament defeats the government on Brexit, a vote on holding an election will be held on Wednesday with an election date of Oct. 14, according to a senior government source. Big stakes The intervention by Johnson was part of the high-stakes political chess game over Brexit ahead of parliament's return from its summer break on Tuesday. Rebels and opponents of the government say Johnson is betting on an election that he will cast as being forced on him by opponents of Brexit in parliament. Lawmakers opposed to a no-deal Brexit will seek on Tuesday to take control of parliamentary time on Wednesday to pass legislation which would force Johnson to seek a three-month delay to Brexit. More than three years since the United Kingdom voted 52-48% to leave the EU, it is still unclear on what terms, or indeed whether, Brexit will take place. After Johnson's enforcers warned rebels they would be kicked out of the party if they defied him, speculation mounted he would call for an election just days before an EU summit due on Oct. 17-18. Under British law, two-thirds of lawmakers must support holding an early election, and Johnson is not certain to get that backing. The United Kingdom has held a variety of extraordinary votes in recent years. In 2014, Scots rejected independence in a referendum; in 2015, then prime minister David Cameron won a surprise majority on a pledge to hold an EU referendum but lost the referendum the following year. After winning the top job in the chaos following the referendum, May bet on a 2017 snap election but lost her majority. Johnson took over from May in July after she failed three times to get a Brexit deal through parliament. No-deal Brexit closer? The default position is that Britain will leave on October 31 without a deal unless a divorce agreement is struck with the bloc and ratified by the British parliament or legislation is passed to delay or revoke the departure notice. JP Morgan said in a research note it believed Monday's developments made a no-deal more likely as it increased the chances of an election and opinion polls suggest Johnson could win an election campaigning for a no-deal mandate. Johnson, 55, has cast rebels as EU "collaborators" who are undermining the government's negotiating hand in seeking a withdrawal agreement by blunting his threat of a no-deal Brexit. "Their (the government's) strategy, to be honest, is to lose this week and then seek a general election," said David Gauke, a former justice minister who is one of the rebel Conservative lawmakers. Johnson has a working majority of just one seat in the 650-seat lower house of parliament and British media suggested about 20 Conservative lawmakers were prepared to rebel against him. An election would open up three main options: a Brexit-supporting government under Johnson, a Labour government led by veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn or a hung parliament that could lead to a coalition or minority government of some kind.

UK PM Boris Johnson threatens election ahead of Brexit battle in parliament

Global stocks dropped on Tuesday, hurt by US-China trade frictions while the British pound fell to its lowest since January 2017 amid political uncertainty as Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to stymie lawmakers' efforts to stop a no-deal Brexit.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan shed 0.7 per cent. India, closed on Monday, led losses, with the benchmark dropping 1 per cent following worse-than-expected economic growth data on Friday.

China's mainland shares were fractionally lower while Japan's Nikkei inched up 0.1 per cent.

European shares are expected to dip, with pan-European Euro Stoxx 50 futures down 0.09 per cent.

In an escalation of their trade war, the United States on Sunday began imposing 15 per cent&nbsp;tariffs on a variety of Chinese goods, and China began imposing new duties on US crude oil.

Although US President Donald Trump has said both sides would still meet for talks later this month, tensions show little sign of abating.

China said on Monday it lodged a complaint against the United States at the World Trade Organisation over US import duties, trashing the latest tariff actions as violating the consensus reached by leaders of China and the United States in a meeting in Osaka.

"We have so many problems around the world, starting from the US-China trade war and Brexit. But investors appear to be getting used to be exposed to them," said Hiroyuki Ueno, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management

"No one really thinks Washington and Beijing will solve the issues. But as long as the US economy keeps going, stock prices will have limited downside," he said.

US manufacturing survey by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) due at 1400 GMT Tuesday is a major focus for investors.

Although US manufacturing activity has been slowing in recent months, the ISM's index has so far stayed above 50, pointing to growth in the sector.

US bond yields rose a tad on profit-taking after a market holiday in the United States on Monday.

The 10-year US Treasuries yield rose 2.5 basis points to 1.532 per cent, off a three-year low of 1.443 per cent touched last week. The yield dropped 51.5 basis points last month, the biggest monthly drop since August 2011.

In the currency market, sterling dropped as much as 0.58 per cent to $1.1993, its lowest level since January 2017, extending Monday's 0.85 per cent fall.

Prime Minister Johnson implicitly warned lawmakers on Monday that he would seek an election on Oct 14 if they tied his hands on Brexit, ruling out ever countenancing a further delay to Britain's departure from the European Union.

On Tuesday, lawmakers will decide whether to move Britain one step closer to a snap election when they vote on the first stage of their plan to block Johnson from pursuing a no-deal Brexit.

"Depending on further developments in UK politics, the pound could see sharp moves in the coming week or two. We think it could fall to as low as $1.13 this month," said Sumino Kamei, senior currency strategist at MUFG Bank.

Uncertainties over Brexit have already hit the UK economy, with a survey by the IHS Markit/CIPS showing British manufacturing contracted last month at the fastest rate in seven years.

The picture is not much better in Europe, and the European Central Bank is widely expected to cut interest rates further into negative levels next week to cushion the blow, pressuring the euro.

The common currency fell 0.25 per cent to a two-year low of $1.0939. The two-year German government bond yield has dipped to minus 0.919 per cent on Monday, near its record low around minus 0.964&nbsp; per cent&nbsp;hit in early 2017.

The offshore Chinese yuan dropped to a record low of 7.1975 per dollar on Tuesday morning while the Australian dollar

traded down 0.15 per cent at $0.6705, cutting some losses after the Reserve Bank of Australia kept interest rates on hold.

Still, the Aussie stayed within a stone's throw from a decade-low of $0.66775 hit last month.

Argentine bond prices fell to record lows on Monday and the official and black-market pesos diverged after the country imposed capital controls in a bid to stem a currency rout that is sharpening the risk of default.

The peso closed 0.88 per cent stronger in official markets but closed 0.79 per cent weaker in the black market at 63.5 per dollar.

Oil prices were also dented by concerns over the trade war. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude lost 0.47 per cent to $54.84 per barrel. International benchmark Brent futures dipped 0.05 per cent to $58.63 per barrel.

Global stocks dropped on Tuesday, hurt by US-China trade frictions while the British pound fell to its lowest since January 2017 amid political uncertainty as Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to stymie lawmakers' efforts to stop a no-deal Brexit.

Global stocks dropped on Tuesday, hurt by US-China trade frictions while the British pound fell to its lowest since January 2017 amid political uncertainty as Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to stymie lawmakers' efforts to stop a no-deal Brexit. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan shed 0.7 per cent. India, closed on Monday, led losses, with the benchmark dropping 1 per cent following worse-than-expected economic growth data on Friday. China's mainland shares were fractionally lower while Japan's Nikkei inched up 0.1 per cent. European shares are expected to dip, with pan-European Euro Stoxx 50 futures down 0.09 per cent. In an escalation of their trade war, the United States on Sunday began imposing 15 per cent tariffs on a variety of Chinese goods, and China began imposing new duties on US crude oil. Although US President Donald Trump has said both sides would still meet for talks later this month, tensions show little sign of abating. China said on Monday it lodged a complaint against the United States at the World Trade Organisation over US import duties, trashing the latest tariff actions as violating the consensus reached by leaders of China and the United States in a meeting in Osaka. "We have so many problems around the world, starting from the US-China trade war and Brexit. But investors appear to be getting used to be exposed to them," said Hiroyuki Ueno, senior strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management "No one really thinks Washington and Beijing will solve the issues. But as long as the US economy keeps going, stock prices will have limited downside," he said. US manufacturing survey by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) due at 1400 GMT Tuesday is a major focus for investors. Although US manufacturing activity has been slowing in recent months, the ISM's index has so far stayed above 50, pointing to growth in the sector. US bond yields rose a tad on profit-taking after a market holiday in the United States on Monday. The 10-year US Treasuries yield rose 2.5 basis points to 1.532 per cent, off a three-year low of 1.443 per cent touched last week. The yield dropped 51.5 basis points last month, the biggest monthly drop since August 2011. In the currency market, sterling dropped as much as 0.58 per cent to $1.1993, its lowest level since January 2017, extending Monday's 0.85 per cent fall. Prime Minister Johnson implicitly warned lawmakers on Monday that he would seek an election on Oct 14 if they tied his hands on Brexit, ruling out ever countenancing a further delay to Britain's departure from the European Union. On Tuesday, lawmakers will decide whether to move Britain one step closer to a snap election when they vote on the first stage of their plan to block Johnson from pursuing a no-deal Brexit. "Depending on further developments in UK politics, the pound could see sharp moves in the coming week or two. We think it could fall to as low as $1.13 this month," said Sumino Kamei, senior currency strategist at MUFG Bank. Uncertainties over Brexit have already hit the UK economy, with a survey by the IHS Markit/CIPS showing British manufacturing contracted last month at the fastest rate in seven years. The picture is not much better in Europe, and the European Central Bank is widely expected to cut interest rates further into negative levels next week to cushion the blow, pressuring the euro. The common currency fell 0.25 per cent to a two-year low of $1.0939. The two-year German government bond yield has dipped to minus 0.919 per cent on Monday, near its record low around minus 0.964 per cent hit in early 2017. The offshore Chinese yuan dropped to a record low of 7.1975 per dollar on Tuesday morning while the Australian dollar traded down 0.15 per cent at $0.6705, cutting some losses after the Reserve Bank of Australia kept interest rates on hold. Still, the Aussie stayed within a stone's throw from a decade-low of $0.66775 hit last month. Argentine bond prices fell to record lows on Monday and the official and black-market pesos diverged after the country imposed capital controls in a bid to stem a currency rout that is sharpening the risk of default. The peso closed 0.88 per cent stronger in official markets but closed 0.79 per cent weaker in the black market at 63.5 per dollar. Oil prices were also dented by concerns over the trade war. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude lost 0.47 per cent to $54.84 per barrel. International benchmark Brent futures dipped 0.05 per cent to $58.63 per barrel.

Asia stocks dented by trade war, Brexit showdown paralyses pound

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday said that his country stands shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terror while answering British MPs question on the developments of from the G7 summit that took place last month in France.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday said that his country stands shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terror while answering British MPs question on the developments of from the G7 summit that took place last month in France. Johnson met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the meet. He said,"I indeed have an extremely good conversation with PM Modi and we agreed to strengthen our cooperation not just on the security side where clearly UK and India stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight against terror but also on military cooperation in the Asia Pacific region where we share much interest and of course in free trade as well" Both leaders had a phone conversation in August during which PM Modi raised the violence by Pakistani diaspora, along with Khalistanis in front of the Indian mission in London on Indian Independence day. In his response, the British PM assuring the safety of the mission. The British Parliament also discussed Kashmir with British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab reiterating that it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. Raab said, "dispute over Kashmir between Pakistan and India is for them to resolve" UK Foreign Minister Dominic Raab spoke to EAM S Jaishankar on August 7 during which he raised concerns about the situation in Kashmir. Calling violence in front of Indian mission by Pakistani groups "deplorable" Raab said there is a need to "reduce tension" and allow proper dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Boris Johnson says India, UK stand shoulder to shoulder in fight against terror 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost his working <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-absolutely-ready-to-fight-elections-british-labour-leader-jeremy-corbyn-247444">parliamentary majority ahead </a>of a crucial Brexit vote on Tuesday after Conservative MP Phillip Lee defected to the pro-EU Liberal Democrats.

"The Liberal Democrats are delighted to announce that Bracknell MP Phillip Lee has joined the party," the Lib Dems said in a statement.

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After a great deal of thought, I have reached the conclusion that it is no longer possible to serve my constituents’ and country’s best interests as a Conservative Member of Parliament. My letter to the Prime Minister: <a href="https://t.co/0QreSbSdwR">pic.twitter.com/0QreSbSdwR</a>
— Dr Phillip Lee MP (@DrPhillipLeeMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrPhillipLeeMP/status/1168898191103864832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"After a great deal of thought, I have reached the conclusion that it is no longer possible to serve my constituents’ and country’s best interests as a Conservative member of Parliament," Lee said in his tweet while publishing his resignation letter.

"This Conservative government is aggressively pursuing a damaging <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-lose-16-billion-in-eu-exports-in-case-of-no-deal-brexit-un-247458">Brexit in unprincipled</a> ways," said Lee.

"It is using political manipulation, bullying and lies. And it is doing these things in a deliberate and considered way," he added.&nbsp;

Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson said she was "delighted" by the defection.

"He shares our commitment to prevent a disastrous No Deal Brexit, and to stop Brexit altogether," she said.&nbsp;

Addressing the British Parliament PM Johnson said: "We will deliver Brexit," adding," there will be no pointless delay."

"We need to respect the people's referendum," the British prime minister added.

"We will get the deal by October 31," Johnson assured Parliament.&nbsp;Johnson added that he would be making his first visit to Ireland on Monday.

"I will be discussing it with the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar when I see him in Dublin on Monday," Johnson told the British Parliament.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost his working parliamentary majority ahead of a crucial Brexit vote on Tuesday after Conservative MP Phillip Lee defected to the pro-EU Liberal Democrats.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost his working parliamentary majority ahead of a crucial Brexit vote on Tuesday after Conservative MP Phillip Lee defected to the pro-EU Liberal Democrats. "The Liberal Democrats are delighted to announce that Bracknell MP Phillip Lee has joined the party," the Lib Dems said in a statement. After a great deal of thought, I have reached the conclusion that it is no longer possible to serve my constituents’ and country’s best interests as a Conservative Member of Parliament. My letter to the Prime Minister: pic.twitter.com/0QreSbSdwR — Dr Phillip Lee MP (@DrPhillipLeeMP) September 3, 2019 × "After a great deal of thought, I have reached the conclusion that it is no longer possible to serve my constituents’ and country’s best interests as a Conservative member of Parliament," Lee said in his tweet while publishing his resignation letter. "This Conservative government is aggressively pursuing a damaging Brexit in unprincipled ways," said Lee. "It is using political manipulation, bullying and lies. And it is doing these things in a deliberate and considered way," he added. Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson said she was "delighted" by the defection. "He shares our commitment to prevent a disastrous No Deal Brexit, and to stop Brexit altogether," she said. Addressing the British Parliament PM Johnson said: "We will deliver Brexit," adding," there will be no pointless delay." "We need to respect the people's referendum," the British prime minister added. "We will get the deal by October 31," Johnson assured Parliament. Johnson added that he would be making his first visit to Ireland on Monday. "I will be discussing it with the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar when I see him in Dublin on Monday," Johnson told the British Parliament.

UK PM Johnson loses parliamentary majority ahead of Brexit vote

Britain could lose at least $16 billion annually on exports to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-loses-parliamentary-majority-ahead-of-brexit-vote-247433">European Union if it leaves</a> without a deal and possibly billions more on trade beyond the bloc, UN economists said Tuesday.

In a fresh report, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) found that "a loss of preferences in the EU market consequent to a no-deal Brexit will result in UK export losses of at least $16 billion" (14.6 billion euros), representing seven per cent of its overall exports to the bloc.

The economists said "this is a conservative estimate," since it only takes into account the raising of tariffs from the current zero per cent that Britain pays on exports within the EU.

"In reality, the losses would be much greater because of non-tariff measures, border controls and disruption of existing UK-EU production networks," they warned.

The UNCTAD economists said Britain's total merchandise exports last year stood at around $450 billion, and that its exports to other EU countries accounted for about half of that amount.

The report was released as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost his working majority in parliament ahead of a showdown with rebel MPs over fears he is steering the country towards a no-deal Brexit next month, which could lead to a snap election within weeks.

"The nearing Brexit deadline, along with increased uncertainty on outcomes, is problematic for UK exporters," UNCTAD said in a statement, urging London to quickly seek policy solutions to provide at least short-term relief to the "Brexit crunch".

The economists said that most of the British losses in the EU market would be concentrated in motor vehicles, which would take a $5-billion hit; meat and other animal products as well as the apparel and textile sector, which are both set to suffer losses of around $2 billion.

At the same time, the report cautioned that British exporters also stand to take a significant hit on trade beyond the EU.

Through its EU membership, Britain today is part of around 40 trade agreements offering members of the bloc preferential market access in about 70 countries.

"In the event &nbsp;of a no-deal Brexit, and in the absence of replacement agreements (rollover deals), the UK would abruptly lose preferential access to these markets and, by default, would have to export under World Trade Organization Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs," the report said.

Most of Britain's exports beyond the EU go to countries that do not currently give preferential treatment to the bloc, including China and the United States.

But about 20 per cent of the country's non-EU exports are at risk of facing higher tariffs from countries such as Turkey, South Africa, Canada and Mexico, UNCTAD said, estimating that this could cost the British economy nearly $2 billion in exports.

Britain could lose at least $16 billion annually on exports to the European Union if it leaves without a deal and possibly billions more on trade beyond the bloc, UN economists said Tuesday.

Britain could lose at least $16 billion annually on exports to the European Union if it leaves without a deal and possibly billions more on trade beyond the bloc, UN economists said Tuesday. In a fresh report, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) found that "a loss of preferences in the EU market consequent to a no-deal Brexit will result in UK export losses of at least $16 billion" (14.6 billion euros), representing seven per cent of its overall exports to the bloc. The economists said "this is a conservative estimate," since it only takes into account the raising of tariffs from the current zero per cent that Britain pays on exports within the EU. "In reality, the losses would be much greater because of non-tariff measures, border controls and disruption of existing UK-EU production networks," they warned. The UNCTAD economists said Britain's total merchandise exports last year stood at around $450 billion, and that its exports to other EU countries accounted for about half of that amount. The report was released as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson lost his working majority in parliament ahead of a showdown with rebel MPs over fears he is steering the country towards a no-deal Brexit next month, which could lead to a snap election within weeks. "The nearing Brexit deadline, along with increased uncertainty on outcomes, is problematic for UK exporters," UNCTAD said in a statement, urging London to quickly seek policy solutions to provide at least short-term relief to the "Brexit crunch". The economists said that most of the British losses in the EU market would be concentrated in motor vehicles, which would take a $5-billion hit; meat and other animal products as well as the apparel and textile sector, which are both set to suffer losses of around $2 billion. At the same time, the report cautioned that British exporters also stand to take a significant hit on trade beyond the EU. Through its EU membership, Britain today is part of around 40 trade agreements offering members of the bloc preferential market access in about 70 countries. "In the event of a no-deal Brexit, and in the absence of replacement agreements (rollover deals), the UK would abruptly lose preferential access to these markets and, by default, would have to export under World Trade Organization Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs," the report said. Most of Britain's exports beyond the EU go to countries that do not currently give preferential treatment to the bloc, including China and the United States. But about 20 per cent of the country's non-EU exports are at risk of facing higher tariffs from countries such as Turkey, South Africa, Canada and Mexico, UNCTAD said, estimating that this could cost the British economy nearly $2 billion in exports.

UK to lose $16 billion in EU exports in case of no-deal Brexit: UN

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday (September 2) he did not want an election, as he called on lawmakers not to vote for a further delay to Brexit. Lawmakers plan to try to seize parliamentary time on Wednesday (September 3) to pass legislation which would force Johnson to ask for an extension to Britain's exit from the European Union. Britain will leave the bloc on October 31 without a deal unless an agreement is struck with the EU and ratified by the British parliament, or legislation is passed to delay or revoke the departure notice.

UK PM Boris Johnson threatens a snap election

British opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Tuesday he was ready to fight an election and his priority was to prevent a no-deal Brexit, suggesting Labour could back any move by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-loses-parliamentary-majority-ahead-of-brexit-vote-247433">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> to call an early poll.

Corbyn has long said he wants an election to oust the governing Conservatives, but some in his party fear Johnson will use a threatened new poll to take Britain out of the European Union without a deal by by-passing parliament.

Corbyn, a long-standing critic of the EU, has said a general election and efforts to prevent a no-deal Brexit are not an "either or" choice, suggesting that Labour would press on with work to find ways to stop Britain from leaving the bloc without a deal even if an election campaign has begun.

After meeting leaders of other opposition parties, Corbyn said they were "united in our opposition to Boris Johnson's plans for a no-deal".

He added: "We are confident that the legislative route we have adopted has every chance of being successful and we are working on ways in which we can prevent Boris Johnson manipulating an election to force a no-deal Brexit.

"Labour wants to prevent a no-deal Brexit, and to have a general election, so we can end austerity and invest in our communities. I am confident we can have both, and we've been in discussions about a way to achieve this."

Earlier, Corbyn was careful not to explicitly say that Labour would support a possible attempt by Johnson to call an election.

"Let's see what happens after this legislation has gone through," he said. "And if an election is called, I am absolutely ready to fight it."

British opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Tuesday he was ready to fight an election and his priority was to prevent a no-deal Brexit, suggesting Labour could back any move by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to call an early poll.

British opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Tuesday he was ready to fight an election and his priority was to prevent a no-deal Brexit, suggesting Labour could back any move by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to call an early poll. Corbyn has long said he wants an election to oust the governing Conservatives, but some in his party fear Johnson will use a threatened new poll to take Britain out of the European Union without a deal by by-passing parliament. Corbyn, a long-standing critic of the EU, has said a general election and efforts to prevent a no-deal Brexit are not an "either or" choice, suggesting that Labour would press on with work to find ways to stop Britain from leaving the bloc without a deal even if an election campaign has begun. After meeting leaders of other opposition parties, Corbyn said they were "united in our opposition to Boris Johnson's plans for a no-deal". He added: "We are confident that the legislative route we have adopted has every chance of being successful and we are working on ways in which we can prevent Boris Johnson manipulating an election to force a no-deal Brexit. "Labour wants to prevent a no-deal Brexit, and to have a general election, so we can end austerity and invest in our communities. I am confident we can have both, and we've been in discussions about a way to achieve this." Earlier, Corbyn was careful not to explicitly say that Labour would support a possible attempt by Johnson to call an election. "Let's see what happens after this legislation has gone through," he said. "And if an election is called, I am absolutely ready to fight it."

I am absolutely ready to fight elections: British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave an ultimatum to his lawmakers to support his Brexit plan. If they won't support then he will conduct snap elections. Watch this video to know more.

UK PM gave ultimatum to his lawmakers to support his Brexit plan, Snap election if no support

British lawmakers opposed to a no-deal Brexit will attempt to pass a law this week to stop Prime Minister Boris Johnson from letting Britain crash out of the European Union on October&nbsp;31, the opposition Labour Party's Brexit spokesman said.

Senior minister Michael Gove refused, however, to guarantee the government would abide by any such legislation.

Johnson has pledged to deliver Brexit with or without a deal, but opposition lawmakers - and several from his own Conservatives - want to push through legislation to rule out no-deal before parliament is suspended in just over a week's time.

Labour Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said the plan, which will be published on Tuesday, had one "very simple" aim - to stop Johnson taking Britain out of the EU without a deal.

"Obviously, if we are at the 31st of October, that will require an extension," Starmer told the BBC's Andrew Marr on Sunday.

"But I think this should be a very short, simple exercise designed to ensure we don't crash out without a deal."

Gove, one of Johnson's key ministers who is coordinating no-deal contingency plans, said he believed a majority of lawmakers would back the prime minister and defeat the attempt.

"We know the prime minister is making progress with our European friends and allies in attempting to secure a deal, and I don't believe that people will want to erect a roadblock in his way," he said.

Asked whether the government would abide by any legislation passed to prevent a no-deal Brexit on October&nbsp;31, Gove said: "Let's see what the legislation is that (Starmer) puts forward."

Starmer said later it was "breathtaking" for ministers not to confirm the government would comply with legislation passed lawfully. "No government is above the law," he said on Twitter.

National interest

David Gauke, a former British justice secretary and a Johnson critic, said he would meet the prime minister on Monday to hear his plan to deliver a Brexit deal he could support.

But Gauke said he was prepared to disobey Conservative discipline and be expelled by the party if he was not persuaded.

"Sometimes there is a point where you have to judge between your own personal interests and the national interest, and the national interest has to come first," he told Sky News. "But I hope it doesn't come to that."

Sky News reported later on Sunday, however, that Johnson cancelled the meeting with Gauke because of a 'diary clash".

Johnson told the Sunday Times that those backing the opposition to no-deal risked there being no Brexit at all.

"Are you going to side with those who want to scrub the democratic verdict of the people — and plunge this country into chaos?" he said.

"Or are you going to side with those of us who want to get on, deliver on the mandate of the people and focus with absolute, laser-like precision on the domestic agenda? That's the choice."

Johnson has demanded the withdrawal agreement negotiated with the EU be changed to remove the Irish "backstop" - an insurance policy designed to maintain an open border between EU member Ireland and the UK's Northern Ireland.

Gove said German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron had indicated after talks with Johnson that the agreement - "which they had said was a block of marble that could not be altered" - was now capable of being changed.

But the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said the backstop had to stay to protect the integrity of the EU single market.

"The backstop is the maximum amount of flexibility that the EU can offer to a non-member state," he wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.

Gove said preparations for no-deal were progressing and that there would be no shortages of fresh food, although there could be price rises. "Some prices (of food) may go up, other prices will come down," he said.

The British Retail Consortium, a group representing the sector, said Gove's assertion was "categorically untrue".

"The availability of fresh foods will be impacted as a result of checks and delays at the border," the BRC said.

British lawmakers opposed to a no-deal Brexit will attempt to pass a law this week to stop Prime Minister Boris Johnson from letting Britain crash out of the European Union on October 31, the opposition Labour Party's Brexit spokesman said.

British lawmakers opposed to a no-deal Brexit will attempt to pass a law this week to stop Prime Minister Boris Johnson from letting Britain crash out of the European Union on October 31, the opposition Labour Party's Brexit spokesman said. Senior minister Michael Gove refused, however, to guarantee the government would abide by any such legislation. Johnson has pledged to deliver Brexit with or without a deal, but opposition lawmakers - and several from his own Conservatives - want to push through legislation to rule out no-deal before parliament is suspended in just over a week's time. Labour Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said the plan, which will be published on Tuesday, had one "very simple" aim - to stop Johnson taking Britain out of the EU without a deal. "Obviously, if we are at the 31st of October, that will require an extension," Starmer told the BBC's Andrew Marr on Sunday. "But I think this should be a very short, simple exercise designed to ensure we don't crash out without a deal." Gove, one of Johnson's key ministers who is coordinating no-deal contingency plans, said he believed a majority of lawmakers would back the prime minister and defeat the attempt. "We know the prime minister is making progress with our European friends and allies in attempting to secure a deal, and I don't believe that people will want to erect a roadblock in his way," he said. Asked whether the government would abide by any legislation passed to prevent a no-deal Brexit on October 31, Gove said: "Let's see what the legislation is that (Starmer) puts forward." Starmer said later it was "breathtaking" for ministers not to confirm the government would comply with legislation passed lawfully. "No government is above the law," he said on Twitter. National interest David Gauke, a former British justice secretary and a Johnson critic, said he would meet the prime minister on Monday to hear his plan to deliver a Brexit deal he could support. But Gauke said he was prepared to disobey Conservative discipline and be expelled by the party if he was not persuaded. "Sometimes there is a point where you have to judge between your own personal interests and the national interest, and the national interest has to come first," he told Sky News. "But I hope it doesn't come to that." Sky News reported later on Sunday, however, that Johnson cancelled the meeting with Gauke because of a 'diary clash". Johnson told the Sunday Times that those backing the opposition to no-deal risked there being no Brexit at all. "Are you going to side with those who want to scrub the democratic verdict of the people — and plunge this country into chaos?" he said. "Or are you going to side with those of us who want to get on, deliver on the mandate of the people and focus with absolute, laser-like precision on the domestic agenda? That's the choice." Johnson has demanded the withdrawal agreement negotiated with the EU be changed to remove the Irish "backstop" - an insurance policy designed to maintain an open border between EU member Ireland and the UK's Northern Ireland. Gove said German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron had indicated after talks with Johnson that the agreement - "which they had said was a block of marble that could not be altered" - was now capable of being changed. But the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said the backstop had to stay to protect the integrity of the EU single market. "The backstop is the maximum amount of flexibility that the EU can offer to a non-member state," he wrote in the Sunday Telegraph. Gove said preparations for no-deal were progressing and that there would be no shortages of fresh food, although there could be price rises. "Some prices (of food) may go up, other prices will come down," he said. The British Retail Consortium, a group representing the sector, said Gove's assertion was "categorically untrue". "The availability of fresh foods will be impacted as a result of checks and delays at the border," the BRC said.

UK lawmakers against no-deal Brexit to bring forward legislation

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson threatened to expel rebel lawmakers from his Conservative Party if they thwart his Brexit plans by voting to prevent a no-deal exit from the European Union.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson threatened to expel rebel lawmakers from his Conservative Party if they thwart his Brexit plans by voting to prevent a no-deal exit from the European Union. Johnson's promise to leave the EU on October 31 with or without a divorce agreement has propelled the United Kingdom towards a constitutional crisis and a showdown with the 27 other members of the bloc, with an election one of the possibilities. Conservative Party rebels are plotting with opposition parties to take control of parliament and tie the government's hands with legislation that would block a no-deal exit from the EU which they say would be ruinous to the economy. With just over 24 hours until parliament returns on Tuesday from its summer break, Johnson's enforcers warned rebels that if they voted against the government they would be giving control of parliament to Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. "If they fail to vote with the government on Tuesday they will be destroying the government’s negotiating position and handing control of parliament to Jeremy Corbyn," said a source in the whips office, which is responsible for party discipline. "Any Conservative MP (member of parliament) who does this will have the whip withdrawn and will not stand as Conservative candidates in an election," the source said. More than three years since the United Kingdom voted 52-48% in a referendum to leave the European Union, it is still unclear on what terms, or indeed whether, Brexit will take place. Corbyn, Labour's veteran socialist leader, will say on Monday he is ready to do everything possible to stop a no-deal Brexit, describing it as a final attempt to pull "our country back from the brink". Election? In the parliamentary chess game over Brexit, it is also unclear what Johnson's response will be if the alliance of rebel Conservative lawmakers and opposition parties succeed in defeating the government. Johnson, the face of the 2016 Vote Leave campaign, has cast rebels as EU "collaborators" who are undermining the government's negotiating hand by blunting his threat of a no-deal Brexit. "Their (the government's) strategy, to be honest, is to lose this week and then seek a general election," said David Gauke, a former justice minister who is one of the rebel Conservative lawmakers. An election is one of the options under consideration, BBC Political Editor Laura Kuenssberg said. House of Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said any wise party would prepare for an election and that the rebel legislation would be considered a matter of confidence in the government. "It is important for the government to establish the confidence of the House of Commons and this is essentially a confidence matter: Who should control the legislative agenda, Jeremy Corbyn or Boris Johnson?" Rees-Mogg said. An election would open up three main options: a Brexit-supporting government under Johnson, a Labour government led by Corbyn or a hung parliament that could lead to a coalition or minority government of some kind. After Johnson moved to suspend parliament ahead of Brexit, opponents of a no-deal exit are seeking to overturn his decision in the courts. Hearings are due on Sept. 3, Sept. 5 and Sept. 6. Nick Boles, a former Conservative who now sits as an independent member of parliament, said the rebels would seek to force the government to ask the EU for a Brexit delay if it was unable to ratify a revised Withdrawal Agreement by a certain date in October.

British PM Johnson threatens Brexit rebels with party expulsion

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-preparing-to-call-election-on-eve-of-brexit-showdown-with-parliament-247170">British PM preparing to call election on eve of Brexit showdown with parliament?</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to call an election, media reported on Monday, on the eve of an historic showdown with parliament over Brexit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-charge-daffaires-ahluwalia-meets-kulbhushan-jadhav-in-pakistan-jail-247139">Indian chargé d'affaires Ahluwalia meets Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan jail&nbsp;</a>

Indian chargé d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia held a two-hour meeting with Kulbhushan Jadhav at a sub-jail in Pakistan after the Indian national was granted consular access which has been one of the most prickly issues between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-students-rally-peacefully-after-weekend-of-protest-violence-247151">Hong Kong students rally peacefully after weekend of protest violence</a>

Thousands of Hong Kong university and school students boycotted class and rallied peacefully for democracy on Monday, the latest acts of defiance in an anti-government movement that has plunged the Chinese-ruled city into crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vikram-lander-successfully-separated-from-chandrayaan-2-isro-247122">Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2: ISRO</a>

The Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2 on Monday, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ghani-wants-us-to-share-details-of-draft-deal-with-all-leaders-spokesman-247163">Afghan president Ghani wants US to share details of draft deal with all leaders: Spokesman</a>

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Monday told the US envoy for Afghanistan to share details of a draft deal between the US and Taliban with all Afghan leaders, news agency Reuters reported quoting president's spokesman.

British PM preparing to call election on eve of Brexit showdown with parliament? British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to call an election, media reported on Monday, on the eve of an historic showdown with parliament over Brexit.

British PM preparing to call election on eve of Brexit showdown with parliament? British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to call an election, media reported on Monday, on the eve of an historic showdown with parliament over Brexit. Indian chargé d'affaires Ahluwalia meets Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan jail Indian chargé d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia held a two-hour meeting with Kulbhushan Jadhav at a sub-jail in Pakistan after the Indian national was granted consular access which has been one of the most prickly issues between India and Pakistan. Hong Kong students rally peacefully after weekend of protest violence Thousands of Hong Kong university and school students boycotted class and rallied peacefully for democracy on Monday, the latest acts of defiance in an anti-government movement that has plunged the Chinese-ruled city into crisis. Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2: ISRO The Vikram Lander successfully separated from Chandrayaan-2 on Monday, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. Afghan president Ghani wants US to share details of draft deal with all leaders: Spokesman Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Monday told the US envoy for Afghanistan to share details of a draft deal between the US and Taliban with all Afghan leaders, news agency Reuters reported quoting president's spokesman.

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