British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to all government employees on Friday to tell them that preparing for a no-deal exit from the European Union is his and their top priority, according to a copy of the email seen by Reuters.

Johnson has promised voters Britain will leave the EU on October 31 with or without an exit deal, demanding that Brussels drop parts of the existing proposed deal relating to the Irish border and negotiate a fresh exit arrangement.

But the EU is adamant that the legal terms of the deal cannot be rewritten, raising expectations among politicians and financial markets that Britain is headed for an unmanaged divorce from the bloc in less than three months.

"I would very much prefer to leave with a deal – one that must abolish the anti-democratic Irish backstop, which has unacceptable consequences for our country," Johnson said in the email.

"But I recognise this may not happen. That is why preparing urgently and rapidly for the possibility of an exit without a deal will be my top priority, and it will be the top priority for the Civil Service too."

Previously, pro-Brexit campaigners have criticised the ranks of Britain's civil service, which adopts a politically neutral stance while working to enact government policy, saying they were biased towards remaining in the EU and trying to obstruct the exit process.

Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

"I know many of you have already done a great deal of hard work in mobilising to prepare for a No Deal scenario, so that we can leave on 31 October come what may," Johnson wrote in the email, first reported by Sky News.

"Between now and then, we must engage and communicate clearly with the British people about what our plans for taking back control mean, what people and businesses need to do, and the support we will provide."

Although advocates of a no-deal exit say that Britain would swiftly recover from any disruption and benefit over the long term from improved economic flexibility, sterling and other economic indicators reflect a broadly pessimistic outlook.

Data on Friday showed the British economy shrank unexpectedly for the first time since 2012 in the second quarter, dragged down by a slump in manufacturing.

Johnson, however praised the work of government employees in the 650-word bulletin issued on Friday afternoon, and promised a reforming agenda beyond Brexit, highlighting plans for improved public services.

"The Government I lead is fully committed to leaving the European Union by 31 October 2019 and getting a grip of the vital issues that affect people’s lives: the NHS, education and crime," he wrote.

"While there are no grounds for complacency, there is every reason for optimism."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to all government employees on Friday to tell them that preparing for a no-deal exit from the European Union is his and their top priority, according to a copy of the email seen by Reuters.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote to all government employees on Friday to tell them that preparing for a no-deal exit from the European Union is his and their top priority, according to a copy of the email seen by Reuters. Johnson has promised voters Britain will leave the EU on October 31 with or without an exit deal, demanding that Brussels drop parts of the existing proposed deal relating to the Irish border and negotiate a fresh exit arrangement. But the EU is adamant that the legal terms of the deal cannot be rewritten, raising expectations among politicians and financial markets that Britain is headed for an unmanaged divorce from the bloc in less than three months. "I would very much prefer to leave with a deal – one that must abolish the anti-democratic Irish backstop, which has unacceptable consequences for our country," Johnson said in the email. "But I recognise this may not happen. That is why preparing urgently and rapidly for the possibility of an exit without a deal will be my top priority, and it will be the top priority for the Civil Service too." Previously, pro-Brexit campaigners have criticised the ranks of Britain's civil service, which adopts a politically neutral stance while working to enact government policy, saying they were biased towards remaining in the EU and trying to obstruct the exit process. Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre. "I know many of you have already done a great deal of hard work in mobilising to prepare for a No Deal scenario, so that we can leave on 31 October come what may," Johnson wrote in the email, first reported by Sky News. "Between now and then, we must engage and communicate clearly with the British people about what our plans for taking back control mean, what people and businesses need to do, and the support we will provide." Although advocates of a no-deal exit say that Britain would swiftly recover from any disruption and benefit over the long term from improved economic flexibility, sterling and other economic indicators reflect a broadly pessimistic outlook. Data on Friday showed the British economy shrank unexpectedly for the first time since 2012 in the second quarter, dragged down by a slump in manufacturing. Johnson, however praised the work of government employees in the 650-word bulletin issued on Friday afternoon, and promised a reforming agenda beyond Brexit, highlighting plans for improved public services. "The Government I lead is fully committed to leaving the European Union by 31 October 2019 and getting a grip of the vital issues that affect people’s lives: the NHS, education and crime," he wrote. "While there are no grounds for complacency, there is every reason for optimism."

UK's Boris Johnson tells civil servants their top priority is preparing for no deal Brexit: Report

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged lawmakers to support an October 31 <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/food-sector-is-absolutely-clear-that-a-no-deal-exit-is-a-disastrous-outcometrade-body-241342&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjD-bqNmvPjAhWY7HMBHSNwChMQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1B8F75BnlgyJjJ0HjnYsHo">Brexit</a>, saying they had promised to honour the result of the country's 2016 decision to leave the European Union.

"I think that MPs (Members of Parliament) should get on and deliver on what they have promised over and over and over again to the people of this country: they will deliver on the mandate of 2016 and leave the EU on Oct. 31," Johnson told reporters.

Asked about the prospect of losing a confidence vote in parliament and whether he would then delay an election until after Brexit he said: "We are going to leave the European Union on October 31, which is what the people of this country voted for."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged lawmakers to support an October 31 Brexit, saying they had promised to honour the result of the country's 2016 decision to leave the European Union.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged lawmakers to support an October 31 Brexit, saying they had promised to honour the result of the country's 2016 decision to leave the European Union. "I think that MPs (Members of Parliament) should get on and deliver on what they have promised over and over and over again to the people of this country: they will deliver on the mandate of 2016 and leave the EU on Oct. 31," Johnson told reporters. Asked about the prospect of losing a confidence vote in parliament and whether he would then delay an election until after Brexit he said: "We are going to leave the European Union on October 31, which is what the people of this country voted for."

British Prime Minister Johnson urges lawmakers to back October 31 Brexit

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 7th, 2019

Is it too late to hold an election before Brexit? Yes, probably

The German government is prepared for all possible scenarios regarding Britain's expected departure from the European Union, a spokeswoman said on Monday, adding that Berlin was still aiming to secure a Brexit deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-how-boris-johnson-can-unite-a-country-mired-in-a-brexit-identity-crisis-239628">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> has promised to lead Britain out of the EU on October 31 with or without a deal.

"We still want Britain to have an orderly exit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/divided-european-union-taps-bulgarias-kristalina-georgieva-as-international-monetary-fund-candidate-240499">from the European Union</a>," a spokeswoman told a news conference. "A no deal Brexit would be in nobody's interests."

The German government is prepared for all possible scenarios regarding Britain's expected departure from the European Union, a spokeswoman said on Monday, adding that Berlin was still aiming to secure a Brexit deal.

The German government is prepared for all possible scenarios regarding Britain's expected departure from the European Union, a spokeswoman said on Monday, adding that Berlin was still aiming to secure a Brexit deal. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to lead Britain out of the EU on October 31 with or without a deal. "We still want Britain to have an orderly exit from the European Union," a spokeswoman told a news conference. "A no deal Brexit would be in nobody's interests."

Germany: We are prepared for all Brexit scenarios but want to get a deal

Trade war whiplash and other market themes for the week ahead

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 5th, 2019

Britain's opposition&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;Party on Monday called for Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-johnson-offers-new-health-funds-to-meet-brexit-promise-240632&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjjzLa6zuvjAhUGPI8KHZizAe4QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kcVTrSrF-bXcZtQUJwl0i">Boris Johnson</a> to investigate his&nbsp;finance&nbsp;minister&nbsp;Sajid&nbsp;Javid's&nbsp;role&nbsp;in financial misconduct during his previous career as a banker before entering politics.

Labour's&nbsp;finance&nbsp;spokesman John McDonnell said he had written to Johnson to reconsider&nbsp;Javid's fitness for the job and should look into three areas of concern relating to the minister's 18-year&nbsp;finance&nbsp;career during which time he worked for&nbsp;Deutsche&nbsp;Bank.

These were&nbsp;Deutsche’s activities in the run-up to the global financial crisis while&nbsp;Javid&nbsp;was working at the bank, with McDonnell citing a US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on investigations conclusions.

He also said there were concerns about&nbsp;Javid’s relationship to the trading of risky collateralised debt obligations while at&nbsp;Deutsche, which were blamed for helping to cause the global financial crisis.

The third issue was&nbsp;Javid's&nbsp;role&nbsp;in&nbsp;Deutsche’s use of the ‘Dark Blue’ scheme which McDonnell said the UK Supreme Court had found to constitute tax avoidance.

Deutsche&nbsp;Bank declined to comment and a spokesman for the Conservative Party said&nbsp;Labour&nbsp;"might want to use the time better thinking&nbsp;about their own credentials for governing".&nbsp;

"Their reckless plans&nbsp;would see debt soaring as they&nbsp;spend one thousand billion pounds, tax raids on hard-working families and upheaval of our economic system by replacing key posts such as the governor of the Bank of England with their hard-left choices. Utter disaster," the spokesman said.

"If any party knows about failure and bogus&nbsp;investigations, it's them," he added.

Britain's opposition Labour Party on Monday called for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to investigate his finance minister Sajid Javid's role in financial misconduct during his previous career as a banker before entering politics.

Britain's opposition Labour Party on Monday called for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to investigate his finance minister Sajid Javid's role in financial misconduct during his previous career as a banker before entering politics. Labour's finance spokesman John McDonnell said he had written to Johnson to reconsider Javid's fitness for the job and should look into three areas of concern relating to the minister's 18-year finance career during which time he worked for Deutsche Bank. These were Deutsche’s activities in the run-up to the global financial crisis while Javid was working at the bank, with McDonnell citing a US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on investigations conclusions. He also said there were concerns about Javid’s relationship to the trading of risky collateralised debt obligations while at Deutsche, which were blamed for helping to cause the global financial crisis. The third issue was Javid's role in Deutsche’s use of the ‘Dark Blue’ scheme which McDonnell said the UK Supreme Court had found to constitute tax avoidance. Deutsche Bank declined to comment and a spokesman for the Conservative Party said Labour "might want to use the time better thinking about their own credentials for governing". "Their reckless plans would see debt soaring as they spend one thousand billion pounds, tax raids on hard-working families and upheaval of our economic system by replacing key posts such as the governor of the Bank of England with their hard-left choices. Utter disaster," the spokesman said. "If any party knows about failure and bogus investigations, it's them," he added.

UK's opposition calls for investigation into finance minister Sajid Javid over Deutsche role

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 4th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-is-a-massive-economic-opportunity-uk-prime-minister-johnson-238855">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> promised new funds for Britain's state-run national health service (NHS) on Sunday, seeking to fulfil one of the promises of his 2016 Brexit campaign.

Johnson pledged an extra £1.8 billion (2.0 billion euros, $2.2 billion) to immediately help frontline services, in a move that further fuelled speculation he is preparing for a snap election.

During the referendum on Britain's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-plays-brexit-hardball-with-stubborn-european-union-pound-falls-to-a-two-year-low-239235"> European Union </a>membership, Johnson's "Vote Leave" campaign promised to divert £350 million a week sent to Brussels to the NHS after Brexit.

But the claim was misleading Britain's gross contribution to the EU budget is £350 million but it gets an £85 million a week rebate.

In an article in the Sunday Times, Johnson paid tribute to NHS staff but noted "the pressures, the delays, the cancellations and the obvious need to get more funding to the front line".

"Which is why I am so determined to deliver now on the promises of that 2016 referendum campaign: not just to honour the will of the people, but to increase the cash available for this amazing national institution," he wrote.

However, the main opposition Labour party questioned whether the money would ever be delivered and said that even if it was, it would not make up for a decade of spending cuts.

The Nuffield Trust health think tank said the NHS has a £6 billion maintenance backlog and the new funds were only a "fraction" of what was needed to fulfil Johnson's pledge to modernise 20 hospitals.

Critics also argue that spending plans will never be fulfilled if there is a "no-deal" Brexit.

Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, after his predecessor Theresa May was forced to twice delay Brexit amid wrangling over the exit terms.

Parliament has rejected the divorce deal May struck with the EU but many MPs say they will stop Johnson's threat to leave without a deal, fearing the economic disruption.

EU leaders meanwhile say they will not renegotiate May's deal, creating an impasse that many at Westminster believe can only end in a snap election.

Johnson has fuelled this speculation by touring Britain and making a series of domestic policy pledges in his first days in Downing Street. The NHS pledge follows a promise on police funding. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised new funds for Britain's state-run national health service (NHS) on Sunday, seeking to fulfil one of the promises of his 2016 Brexit campaign.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised new funds for Britain's state-run national health service (NHS) on Sunday, seeking to fulfil one of the promises of his 2016 Brexit campaign. Johnson pledged an extra £1.8 billion (2.0 billion euros, $2.2 billion) to immediately help frontline services, in a move that further fuelled speculation he is preparing for a snap election. During the referendum on Britain's European Union membership, Johnson's "Vote Leave" campaign promised to divert £350 million a week sent to Brussels to the NHS after Brexit. But the claim was misleading Britain's gross contribution to the EU budget is £350 million but it gets an £85 million a week rebate. In an article in the Sunday Times, Johnson paid tribute to NHS staff but noted "the pressures, the delays, the cancellations and the obvious need to get more funding to the front line". "Which is why I am so determined to deliver now on the promises of that 2016 referendum campaign: not just to honour the will of the people, but to increase the cash available for this amazing national institution," he wrote. However, the main opposition Labour party questioned whether the money would ever be delivered and said that even if it was, it would not make up for a decade of spending cuts. The Nuffield Trust health think tank said the NHS has a £6 billion maintenance backlog and the new funds were only a "fraction" of what was needed to fulfil Johnson's pledge to modernise 20 hospitals. Critics also argue that spending plans will never be fulfilled if there is a "no-deal" Brexit. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31, after his predecessor Theresa May was forced to twice delay Brexit amid wrangling over the exit terms. Parliament has rejected the divorce deal May struck with the EU but many MPs say they will stop Johnson's threat to leave without a deal, fearing the economic disruption. EU leaders meanwhile say they will not renegotiate May's deal, creating an impasse that many at Westminster believe can only end in a snap election. Johnson has fuelled this speculation by touring Britain and making a series of domestic policy pledges in his first days in Downing Street. The NHS pledge follows a promise on police funding.

UK's Boris Johnson offers new health funds to meet Brexit promise

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has urged EU leaders again to drop their opposition to renegotiating the terms of Brexit, claiming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-johnson-suffers-first-electoral-setback-as-pm-240346">recent European elections </a>required a change of approach.

Johnson, who took office late last month, says he wants to leave the European Union with a deal but insists the current terms are unacceptable and if necessary Britain will exit on October 31 with no agreement at all.

In an article in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, Johnson's Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said European Parliament elections in May had changed the political dynamic and urged EU leaders to amend the mandate of their chief negotiator, Michel Barnier.

"The political realities have changed since Mr Barnier's instructions were set," Barclay wrote.

"Since the last mandate was agreed, 61 percent of all the EU states' MEPs have changed. Such a fundamental shift illustrates the need for a change of approach.

"Mr Barnier needs to urge EU leaders to consider this if they too want an agreement, to enable him to negotiate in a way that finds common ground with the UK.&nbsp;

"Otherwise, no deal is coming down the tracks."

Former prime minister Theresa May quit after delaying Brexit twice while she tried unsuccessfully to get the divorce terms she struck with Brussels through the British parliament.

But the EU has refused to reopen the deal, the result of 17 months of tough negotiations.

Johnson has ramped up preparations for leaving without any agreement.

However, some British lawmakers have vowed to stop him, fearing the economic consequences of severing ties with Britain's closest trading partner overnight.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has urged EU leaders again to drop their opposition to renegotiating the terms of Brexit, claiming recent European elections required a change of approach.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has urged EU leaders again to drop their opposition to renegotiating the terms of Brexit, claiming recent European elections required a change of approach. Johnson, who took office late last month, says he wants to leave the European Union with a deal but insists the current terms are unacceptable and if necessary Britain will exit on October 31 with no agreement at all. In an article in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, Johnson's Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said European Parliament elections in May had changed the political dynamic and urged EU leaders to amend the mandate of their chief negotiator, Michel Barnier. "The political realities have changed since Mr Barnier's instructions were set," Barclay wrote. "Since the last mandate was agreed, 61 percent of all the EU states' MEPs have changed. Such a fundamental shift illustrates the need for a change of approach. "Mr Barnier needs to urge EU leaders to consider this if they too want an agreement, to enable him to negotiate in a way that finds common ground with the UK. "Otherwise, no deal is coming down the tracks." Former prime minister Theresa May quit after delaying Brexit twice while she tried unsuccessfully to get the divorce terms she struck with Brussels through the British parliament. But the EU has refused to reopen the deal, the result of 17 months of tough negotiations. Johnson has ramped up preparations for leaving without any agreement. However, some British lawmakers have vowed to stop him, fearing the economic consequences of severing ties with Britain's closest trading partner overnight.

UK urges European Union to reflect 'political reality' on Brexit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/remain-alliance-can-it-halt-brexit-and-beat-boris-johnson-240152">Boris Johnson </a>suffered a setback in his first ballot box test as British prime minister on Friday after the Conservative candidate lost to a pro-EU rival in a by-election that slims his parliamentary majority to one.

Thursday's vote in the Welsh sheep farming community of Brecon and Radnorshire offered a stark choice between the Brexit-backing incumbent&nbsp;from Johnson's ruling Tories and a Liberal Democrat who wants to preserve Britain's four-decade membership of the European Union.

Johnson dropped by the region Tuesday to help out Chris Davies -- a Conservative MP who was forced to step down after being criminally convicted of expenses fraud.

Davies protested his innocence and contested the seat again, but saw the Liberal Democrats' Jane Dodds overturn his previous majority of 8,038 and win by a margin of 1,425 votes.

"My very first act as MP when I arrive in Westminster will be to find Boris Johnson wherever he is hiding and tell him loud and clear: stop playing with the futures of our communities and rule out no-deal Brexit," she said.

Watch: Boris Johnson loses 1st Electoral test

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Johnson's&nbsp;newly-formed government is trying to force Brussels to return to the negotiating table by insisting Britain is ready to leave the EU without a deal on the latest delayed departure date of October 31.

Finance minister Sajid Javid announced Wednesday an extra £2.1 billion ($2.6 billion, 2.3 billion euros) in funding to prepare for such an eventuality.

But Bank of England governor Mark Carney said Friday a no-deal Brexit would be a shock for the country's economy causing supply disruption and potentially undermining entire sectors such as the car industry and farming.

Meanwhile, an official government document obtained by Sky News warned of potential "consumer panic" and gaps in security within weeks.

Such fears have already pushed the pound to its lowest levels since Britons first voted to leave the EU in June 2016.

'So much at stake'&nbsp;

Control of Brecon and Radnorshire has swung between&nbsp;the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives since the 1990s. It voted 52 per cent to leave in the EU referendum -- mirroring the UK-wide result.

Dodds benefitted from a so-called "Remain alliance" which saw two smaller pro-EU parties back her bid.

The result extends a recent revival for the Liberal Democrats at the major parties' expense, thanks to its firm stand against Britain's split from the EU.

It came a surprise second behind populist eurosceptic Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in European Parliament elections in May.

Farage's candidate in the Wales by-election ate into the Conservative's support, while the main opposition Labour Party came in a distant fourth.

Liberal Democrats leader Jo Swinson, elevated to the role just last month, said the party would look to forge further pro-EU alliances at the next election.

"I do think that working across party lines is important when there is so much at stake for the future of our country," she told BBC Radio.

Test of strength

Despite the loss, polling expert John Curtice argued that the result confirmed a "Boris bounce" seen in opinion polls because it was not as bad as it could have been.

The party had been haemorrhaging support under Johnson's predecessor Theresa May, particularly at the expense of the newly-created Brexit Party.

But Curtice warned that polls indicated the Conservatives would still be short of a majority in any election.

The by-election defeat still leaves Johnson in danger of being unable to control parliament when it returns from a summer break on September 3.

MPs are already plotting ways to thwart his threat to take Britain out of the EU by October 31, fearing the dire economic consequences predicted.

The new Conservative leader also needs to be able to pass legislation to make that potentially chaotic outcome as smooth as possible -- and to pass any compromise he might suddenly strike with Brussels.

The 650-seat House of Commons is highly fractured across party lines over Brexit and includes MPs who at times switch sides or abstain in crunch votes.

This leaves Johnson dependent on the whims of just a few legislators at one of the most crucial points in British history since World War II.

Boris Johnson suffered a setback in his first ballot box test as British prime minister on Friday after the Conservative candidate lost to a pro-EU rival in a by-election that slims his parliamentary majority to one.

Boris Johnson suffered a setback in his first ballot box test as British prime minister on Friday after the Conservative candidate lost to a pro-EU rival in a by-election that slims his parliamentary majority to one. Thursday's vote in the Welsh sheep farming community of Brecon and Radnorshire offered a stark choice between the Brexit-backing incumbent from Johnson's ruling Tories and a Liberal Democrat who wants to preserve Britain's four-decade membership of the European Union. Johnson dropped by the region Tuesday to help out Chris Davies -- a Conservative MP who was forced to step down after being criminally convicted of expenses fraud. Davies protested his innocence and contested the seat again, but saw the Liberal Democrats' Jane Dodds overturn his previous majority of 8,038 and win by a margin of 1,425 votes. "My very first act as MP when I arrive in Westminster will be to find Boris Johnson wherever he is hiding and tell him loud and clear: stop playing with the futures of our communities and rule out no-deal Brexit," she said. Watch: Boris Johnson loses 1st Electoral test × Johnson's newly-formed government is trying to force Brussels to return to the negotiating table by insisting Britain is ready to leave the EU without a deal on the latest delayed departure date of October 31. Finance minister Sajid Javid announced Wednesday an extra £2.1 billion ($2.6 billion, 2.3 billion euros) in funding to prepare for such an eventuality. But Bank of England governor Mark Carney said Friday a no-deal Brexit would be a shock for the country's economy causing supply disruption and potentially undermining entire sectors such as the car industry and farming. Meanwhile, an official government document obtained by Sky News warned of potential "consumer panic" and gaps in security within weeks. Such fears have already pushed the pound to its lowest levels since Britons first voted to leave the EU in June 2016. 'So much at stake' Control of Brecon and Radnorshire has swung between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives since the 1990s. It voted 52 per cent to leave in the EU referendum -- mirroring the UK-wide result. Dodds benefitted from a so-called "Remain alliance" which saw two smaller pro-EU parties back her bid. The result extends a recent revival for the Liberal Democrats at the major parties' expense, thanks to its firm stand against Britain's split from the EU. It came a surprise second behind populist eurosceptic Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in European Parliament elections in May. Farage's candidate in the Wales by-election ate into the Conservative's support, while the main opposition Labour Party came in a distant fourth. Liberal Democrats leader Jo Swinson, elevated to the role just last month, said the party would look to forge further pro-EU alliances at the next election. "I do think that working across party lines is important when there is so much at stake for the future of our country," she told BBC Radio. Test of strength Despite the loss, polling expert John Curtice argued that the result confirmed a "Boris bounce" seen in opinion polls because it was not as bad as it could have been. The party had been haemorrhaging support under Johnson's predecessor Theresa May, particularly at the expense of the newly-created Brexit Party. But Curtice warned that polls indicated the Conservatives would still be short of a majority in any election. The by-election defeat still leaves Johnson in danger of being unable to control parliament when it returns from a summer break on September 3. MPs are already plotting ways to thwart his threat to take Britain out of the EU by October 31, fearing the dire economic consequences predicted. The new Conservative leader also needs to be able to pass legislation to make that potentially chaotic outcome as smooth as possible -- and to pass any compromise he might suddenly strike with Brussels. The 650-seat House of Commons is highly fractured across party lines over Brexit and includes MPs who at times switch sides or abstain in crunch votes. This leaves Johnson dependent on the whims of just a few legislators at one of the most crucial points in British history since World War II.

Britain's Johnson suffers first electoral setback as prime minister

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 3rd, 2019

New UK PM faces blow in By-Elections. Johnson wants Brexit with or without a deal on October 31

WION Dispatch: Boris Johnson loses 1st Electoral test

President Donald Trump and Britain's new Conservative prime minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/remain-alliance-can-it-halt-brexit-and-beat-boris-johnson-240152">Boris Johnson</a>, have discussed trade and the growing struggle for control of emerging 5G technology, the White House said Friday.

In the call made Thursday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-would-do-great-job-as-british-pm-donald-trump-237196">Trump and Johnson </a>discussed "areas of further cooperation, especially relating to trade, 5G, and global security," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement.

This was the second call between the two leaders made public in a week and underlines the Trump administration's support for Johnson as he tries to manage Britain's risky exit from the European Union.

Trump said last week that a "very substantial" US-British trade deal was under discussion.

Watch: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump?

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In Thursday's call, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-call-him-britains-trump-says-us-president-on-boris-johnson-238131">Trump</a> "reiterated his strong appreciation for the special relationship between the United States and United Kingdom and noted he is looking forward to meeting with the Prime Minister at the G7 Summit in Biarritz, France later this month," the White House said.

The United States is leaning hard on allies to keep out Chinese companies from the fast emerging 5G cellular market, arguing that they pose a security risk.

Earlier last month, US President Donald Trump said that Boris Johnson would do a "great job" as the UK PM.

"I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

"He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well."

"He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-would-do-great-job-as-british-pm-donald-trump-237196">We get along well</a>. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters.

Meanwhile, Britain's Boris <a href="http://wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-suffers-first-leadership-blow-in-by-election-240049">Johnson lost his first major test as prime minister</a> on Friday when his candidate lost to a pro-EU rival in a by-election that could narrow his parliamentary majority to one.

Thursday's vote in the Welsh sheep farming community of Brecon and Radnorshire offered a stark choice between a Brexit-backing candidate from Johnson's Conservative party and a Liberal Democrat who wants to preserve Britain's four-decade stay in the EU.

Johnson dropped by the region on Tuesday to help out Chris Davies -- a Conservative MP who was forced to step down after becoming embroiled in an expanses scandal.

Davies protested his innocense and contested the seat again but the Liberal Democrats' Jane Dodds received 13,826 votes to Davies' 12,401 after having two smaller pro-EU parties back her bid.

The result extends a recent revival for the Liberal Democrats at the major parties' expense.

President Donald Trump and Britain's new Conservative prime minister, Boris Johnson, have discussed trade and the growing struggle for control of emerging 5G technology, the White House said Friday.

President Donald Trump and Britain's new Conservative prime minister, Boris Johnson, have discussed trade and the growing struggle for control of emerging 5G technology, the White House said Friday. In the call made Thursday, Trump and Johnson discussed "areas of further cooperation, especially relating to trade, 5G, and global security," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement. This was the second call between the two leaders made public in a week and underlines the Trump administration's support for Johnson as he tries to manage Britain's risky exit from the European Union. Trump said last week that a "very substantial" US-British trade deal was under discussion. Watch: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump? × In Thursday's call, Trump "reiterated his strong appreciation for the special relationship between the United States and United Kingdom and noted he is looking forward to meeting with the Prime Minister at the G7 Summit in Biarritz, France later this month," the White House said. The United States is leaning hard on allies to keep out Chinese companies from the fast emerging 5G cellular market, arguing that they pose a security risk. Earlier last month, US President Donald Trump said that Boris Johnson would do a "great job" as the UK PM. "I like him," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "He is going to do a great job," the Republican president added. "We get along well." "He's a different kind of a guy, but they say I'm a different kind of a guy too. We get along well. I think we'll have a very good relationship," Trump told reporters. Meanwhile, Britain's Boris Johnson lost his first major test as prime minister on Friday when his candidate lost to a pro-EU rival in a by-election that could narrow his parliamentary majority to one. Thursday's vote in the Welsh sheep farming community of Brecon and Radnorshire offered a stark choice between a Brexit-backing candidate from Johnson's Conservative party and a Liberal Democrat who wants to preserve Britain's four-decade stay in the EU. Johnson dropped by the region on Tuesday to help out Chris Davies -- a Conservative MP who was forced to step down after becoming embroiled in an expanses scandal. Davies protested his innocense and contested the seat again but the Liberal Democrats' Jane Dodds received 13,826 votes to Davies' 12,401 after having two smaller pro-EU parties back her bid. The result extends a recent revival for the Liberal Democrats at the major parties' expense.

Trump, Johnson discuss 5G and trade ahead of G7: White House

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 2nd, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-how-boris-johnson-can-unite-a-country-mired-in-a-brexit-identity-crisis-239628">Britain's Boris Johnson lost his first major test</a> as prime minister on Friday when his candidate lost to a pro-EU rival in a by-election that could narrow his parliamentary majority to one.

Thursday's vote in the Welsh sheep farming community of Brecon and Radnorshire offered a stark choice between a Brexit-backing candidate from Johnson's Conservative party and a Liberal Democrat who wants to preserve Britain's four-decade stay in the EU.

Johnson dropped by the region on Tuesday to help out Chris Davies -- a Conservative MP who was forced to step down after becoming embroiled in an expanses scandal.

Davies protested his innocense and contested the seat again but the Liberal Democrats' Jane Dodds received 13,826 votes to Davies' 12,401 after having two smaller pro-EU parties back her bid.

The result extends a recent revival for the Liberal Democrats at the major parties' expense.

Its firm stand against Britain's split from the European Union saw it come a surprise second behind populist eurosceptic Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in the European Parliament elections in May.

Farage's candidate ate into the Conservative's support by picking up 3,331 votes. The main opposition Labour Party -- once a dominant force in Wales -- came in a distant fourth with just 1,680.

"My very first act as MP when I arrive in Westminster will be to find Boris Johnson wherever he is hiding and tell him loud and clear -- stop playing with the futures of our communities and rule out no-deal Brexit," a visibly relieved Dodds said.

Test of strength

The election was viewed as a test of strength for the "Boris bounce" that has helped the Conservatives regain a slim lead in some national opinion polls.

Control of Brecon and Radnorshire has swung between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives since the 1990s. It voted 52 per cent to leave the European Union in the 2016 vote -- mirroring the UK-wide result.

But the controversies surrounding Davies turned this into an unusual contest whose outcome might not reflect either Johnson's or Brexit's true level of wider support.

The defeat still leaves Johnson in danger of being unable to control parliament in the crucial runup to Britain's scheduled departure from the EU on October 31.

MPs are already plotting ways to thwart his threat to take Britain out by the twice-delayed deadline without a divorce deal.

Johnson also needs to be able to pass legislation to make the potentially chaotic "no-deal" outcome as smooth as possible -- and to pass any compromise he might suddenly strike with Brussels.

The 650-seat chamber is fractured and includes MPs who at times switch sides or abstain at pivotal moments.

This leaves Johnson dependent on the whims of just a few legislators at one of the most crucial points in British history since World War II.

Fears of a no-deal divorce have already pushed the pound to its lowest levels since Britons first voted to leave in June 2016.

The Bank of England warned Thursday that a messy split would drop the pound even further and slow growth this year and next to 1.3 per cent from around 1.5 per cent.

Brexit PR blitz

The pound's slump reflects broader business jitters both in Britain and its main trading partners in Europe.

Johnson's government is trying to boost its negotiating hand with Brussels by showing that the country is ready for any outcome.

Finance minister Sajid Javid announced Wednesday an extra £2.1 billion&nbsp;to prepare for leaving without an agreement.

Politico reported that part of the money would be spent on a Europe-wide media blitz that included adverts in major continental newspapers aimed at convincing EU governments about the strength of Britain's no-deal resolve.

Some analysts questioned how much of the funding was new and whether it would actually be used in the 90 days remaining before Brexit.

"We have to be prepared because we will be leaving on October 31," Javid said on Thursday.

The main opposition Labour Party's finance spokesman John McDonnell branded the funding an "appalling waste of taxpayers' cash".

The Labour MP who heads parliament's spending watchdog also pledged to investigate how the money was being spent.

Britain's Boris Johnson lost his first major test as prime minister on Friday when his candidate lost to a pro-EU rival in a by-election that could narrow his parliamentary majority to one.

Britain's Boris Johnson lost his first major test as prime minister on Friday when his candidate lost to a pro-EU rival in a by-election that could narrow his parliamentary majority to one. Thursday's vote in the Welsh sheep farming community of Brecon and Radnorshire offered a stark choice between a Brexit-backing candidate from Johnson's Conservative party and a Liberal Democrat who wants to preserve Britain's four-decade stay in the EU. Johnson dropped by the region on Tuesday to help out Chris Davies -- a Conservative MP who was forced to step down after becoming embroiled in an expanses scandal. Davies protested his innocense and contested the seat again but the Liberal Democrats' Jane Dodds received 13,826 votes to Davies' 12,401 after having two smaller pro-EU parties back her bid. The result extends a recent revival for the Liberal Democrats at the major parties' expense. Its firm stand against Britain's split from the European Union saw it come a surprise second behind populist eurosceptic Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in the European Parliament elections in May. Farage's candidate ate into the Conservative's support by picking up 3,331 votes. The main opposition Labour Party -- once a dominant force in Wales -- came in a distant fourth with just 1,680. "My very first act as MP when I arrive in Westminster will be to find Boris Johnson wherever he is hiding and tell him loud and clear -- stop playing with the futures of our communities and rule out no-deal Brexit," a visibly relieved Dodds said. Test of strength The election was viewed as a test of strength for the "Boris bounce" that has helped the Conservatives regain a slim lead in some national opinion polls. Control of Brecon and Radnorshire has swung between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives since the 1990s. It voted 52 per cent to leave the European Union in the 2016 vote -- mirroring the UK-wide result. But the controversies surrounding Davies turned this into an unusual contest whose outcome might not reflect either Johnson's or Brexit's true level of wider support. The defeat still leaves Johnson in danger of being unable to control parliament in the crucial runup to Britain's scheduled departure from the EU on October 31. MPs are already plotting ways to thwart his threat to take Britain out by the twice-delayed deadline without a divorce deal. Johnson also needs to be able to pass legislation to make the potentially chaotic "no-deal" outcome as smooth as possible -- and to pass any compromise he might suddenly strike with Brussels. The 650-seat chamber is fractured and includes MPs who at times switch sides or abstain at pivotal moments. This leaves Johnson dependent on the whims of just a few legislators at one of the most crucial points in British history since World War II. Fears of a no-deal divorce have already pushed the pound to its lowest levels since Britons first voted to leave in June 2016. The Bank of England warned Thursday that a messy split would drop the pound even further and slow growth this year and next to 1.3 per cent from around 1.5 per cent. Brexit PR blitz The pound's slump reflects broader business jitters both in Britain and its main trading partners in Europe. Johnson's government is trying to boost its negotiating hand with Brussels by showing that the country is ready for any outcome. Finance minister Sajid Javid announced Wednesday an extra £2.1 billion to prepare for leaving without an agreement. Politico reported that part of the money would be spent on a Europe-wide media blitz that included adverts in major continental newspapers aimed at convincing EU governments about the strength of Britain's no-deal resolve. Some analysts questioned how much of the funding was new and whether it would actually be used in the 90 days remaining before Brexit. "We have to be prepared because we will be leaving on October 31," Javid said on Thursday. The main opposition Labour Party's finance spokesman John McDonnell branded the funding an "appalling waste of taxpayers' cash". The Labour MP who heads parliament's spending watchdog also pledged to investigate how the money was being spent.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suffers first leadership blow in by-election

New UK PM faces blow in By-Elections. Johnson wants Brexit with or without a deal on October 31.

By Paula Keaveney

This week’s by-election in Brecon and Radnorshire will be the first formal test of the so-called Remain Alliance. The unusually shortlist of candidates in this contest is partly because parties such as the Green Party and Plaid Cymru, have stood down in favour of the Liberal Democrats. Campaign visits have also been made by those who originally formed Change UK, such as former Conservatives MPs Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen.

It is rare in British politics for parties to stand down in favour of their usual competitors. And while this isn’t the first occurrence or the first initiative, the Brecon agreements could well lead to something more formal. A little earlier in the summer, former Change UK (now Independent Group for Change) leader Heidi Allen launched Unite to Remain. The idea is for Remain-supporting parties to work together to maximise the chance of electoral, and therefore policy, success. This would include the use of a common title or strapline to make the point.

There have been attempts to achieve a common purpose in the past. The 2017 general election, for example, saw the promotion of the so-called Progressive Alliance (of which more later). But what marks out the latest attempt is the move to register a name and logo (Remain Alliance) with the Electoral Commission. Current electoral law means that ballot papers can only include registered names and logos (or the word “Independent”).

Tribalism

To understand whether or not the current initiative can succeed, it is worth looking at cross-party cooperation, or the lack of it, in the past.

British politics is usually very tribal. This tribalism has meant that past efforts at cooperation have generally been motivated by negative factors, such as a desire to defeat a particular party (usually the Conservatives).

But the nature of the electoral system also means that tactics could trump tribalism. In a first-past-the-post system, which is used for UK parliamentary elections, a horse-race narrative often develops. It is in the interests of a challenger party to appear as the only participant with a chance to overtake the favourite and win.

This, in turn, means supporters of lower-placed, unlikely-to-win parties are targeted to “lend” their votes to defeat a less-preferred option. This has given birth to the idea that only certain parties are worth supporting.

Resistance, however, can come from the candidates and activists of those lower-placed parties. While the Green Party did stand down in favour of the Liberal Democrats in the 2016 Richmond Park by-election when the Lib-Dems successfully took the seat from Zac Goldsmith, for example, parts of the local Green Party felt very aggrieved and voiced their annoyance quite publicly. This, in turn, means that cooperative arrangements are often rare.

Who wins, and loses?

It can be very difficult to negotiate cooperation, particularly when one party will feel it is losing out. Anyone who thinks this is easy needs to look further into the SDP-Liberal Alliance.

The SDP was formed in 1981 and almost immediately began working with the existing Liberal Party. The idea was that one of either party would contest each parliamentary seat. This was generally achieved, but only after tortuous negotiations which rather ruined the image of cooperation and which are well described by participants such as the then MP, now Lord, Bill Rogers and the authors Ivor Crewe and Anthony King.

In fact, the Croydon North West by-election in 1981 was fought by the Liberal Bill Pitt – rather than by the leaders’ preferred option, Shirley Williams – because Pitt simply refused to budge. Pitt went on to win.

Of course, parties do not need to be working together explicitly for voters, or organisations, to urge tactical outcomes. While tribalism has a long history in UK politics, so too do attempts to persuade voters to make tactical decisions.

TV87, for example, referenced in an article in Political Behaviour, was a campaign set up to focus voters’ minds on the possibility of lending votes in the 1987 election. And it became common for publications and campaigns to produce lists of seats where incumbents were vulnerable to temporary tactics.

The current initiative, which goes well beyond leaving decisions to voters alone, can perhaps best be judged against more recent projects. The 2017 general election saw the promotion of the so-called Progressive Alliance. The thinking was that Progressive parties (generally centre-left or left wing) could stand down for each other in seats where this might help defeat a Tory, or assist a vulnerable Progressive incumbent. The book All Together Now by Barry Langford lists 42 seats in which this happened, but it was not always successful and it was only really the Green party which played a full part.

So can Remain Alliance work?

The Brecon and Radnorshire by-election result may provide part of an answer, although we need to remember that this has been a Lib-Dem seat in the past and the party has been campaigning there for some time (in other words, the cooperation between parties may not be the crucial factor here).

Perhaps more telling will be any negotiations ahead of the forthcoming Sheffield Hallam by-election as well as what happens when more than one party has a justifiable claim to stand.

The big issue, however, must be Labour’s role and how one can define a Remain party. Labour played no active part in the 2017 Progressive Alliance, so what would the Remain Alliance do if Labour was the clear challenger to the Conservatives, or Brexit party, in a tight contest? Only time will tell, but the answer hangs on whether or not Jeremy Corbyn ever comes out as an unequivocal supporter of either Leave or Remain.

(Paula Keaveney is Senior Lecturer in Politics, Edge Hill University)

(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.)

 
&nbsp;

By Paula Keaveney This week’s by-election in Brecon and Radnorshire will be the first formal test of the so-called Remain Alliance. The unusually shortlist of candidates in this contest is partly because parties such as the Green Party and Plaid Cymru, have stood down in favour of the Liberal Democrats.

By Paula Keaveney This week’s by-election in Brecon and Radnorshire will be the first formal test of the so-called Remain Alliance. The unusually shortlist of candidates in this contest is partly because parties such as the Green Party and Plaid Cymru, have stood down in favour of the Liberal Democrats. Campaign visits have also been made by those who originally formed Change UK, such as former Conservatives MPs Anna Soubry and Heidi Allen. It is rare in British politics for parties to stand down in favour of their usual competitors. And while this isn’t the first occurrence or the first initiative, the Brecon agreements could well lead to something more formal. A little earlier in the summer, former Change UK (now Independent Group for Change) leader Heidi Allen launched Unite to Remain. The idea is for Remain-supporting parties to work together to maximise the chance of electoral, and therefore policy, success. This would include the use of a common title or strapline to make the point. There have been attempts to achieve a common purpose in the past. The 2017 general election, for example, saw the promotion of the so-called Progressive Alliance (of which more later). But what marks out the latest attempt is the move to register a name and logo (Remain Alliance) with the Electoral Commission. Current electoral law means that ballot papers can only include registered names and logos (or the word “Independent”). Tribalism To understand whether or not the current initiative can succeed, it is worth looking at cross-party cooperation, or the lack of it, in the past. British politics is usually very tribal. This tribalism has meant that past efforts at cooperation have generally been motivated by negative factors, such as a desire to defeat a particular party (usually the Conservatives). But the nature of the electoral system also means that tactics could trump tribalism. In a first-past-the-post system, which is used for UK parliamentary elections, a horse-race narrative often develops. It is in the interests of a challenger party to appear as the only participant with a chance to overtake the favourite and win. This, in turn, means supporters of lower-placed, unlikely-to-win parties are targeted to “lend” their votes to defeat a less-preferred option. This has given birth to the idea that only certain parties are worth supporting. Resistance, however, can come from the candidates and activists of those lower-placed parties. While the Green Party did stand down in favour of the Liberal Democrats in the 2016 Richmond Park by-election when the Lib-Dems successfully took the seat from Zac Goldsmith, for example, parts of the local Green Party felt very aggrieved and voiced their annoyance quite publicly. This, in turn, means that cooperative arrangements are often rare. Who wins, and loses? It can be very difficult to negotiate cooperation, particularly when one party will feel it is losing out. Anyone who thinks this is easy needs to look further into the SDP-Liberal Alliance. The SDP was formed in 1981 and almost immediately began working with the existing Liberal Party. The idea was that one of either party would contest each parliamentary seat. This was generally achieved, but only after tortuous negotiations which rather ruined the image of cooperation and which are well described by participants such as the then MP, now Lord, Bill Rogers and the authors Ivor Crewe and Anthony King. In fact, the Croydon North West by-election in 1981 was fought by the Liberal Bill Pitt – rather than by the leaders’ preferred option, Shirley Williams – because Pitt simply refused to budge. Pitt went on to win. Of course, parties do not need to be working together explicitly for voters, or organisations, to urge tactical outcomes. While tribalism has a long history in UK politics, so too do attempts to persuade voters to make tactical decisions. TV87, for example, referenced in an article in Political Behaviour, was a campaign set up to focus voters’ minds on the possibility of lending votes in the 1987 election. And it became common for publications and campaigns to produce lists of seats where incumbents were vulnerable to temporary tactics. The current initiative, which goes well beyond leaving decisions to voters alone, can perhaps best be judged against more recent projects. The 2017 general election saw the promotion of the so-called Progressive Alliance. The thinking was that Progressive parties (generally centre-left or left wing) could stand down for each other in seats where this might help defeat a Tory, or assist a vulnerable Progressive incumbent. The book All Together Now by Barry Langford lists 42 seats in which this happened, but it was not always successful and it was only really the Green party which played a full part. So can Remain Alliance work? The Brecon and Radnorshire by-election result may provide part of an answer, although we need to remember that this has been a Lib-Dem seat in the past and the party has been campaigning there for some time (in other words, the cooperation between parties may not be the crucial factor here). Perhaps more telling will be any negotiations ahead of the forthcoming Sheffield Hallam by-election as well as what happens when more than one party has a justifiable claim to stand. The big issue, however, must be Labour’s role and how one can define a Remain party. Labour played no active part in the 2017 Progressive Alliance, so what would the Remain Alliance do if Labour was the clear challenger to the Conservatives, or Brexit party, in a tight contest? Only time will tell, but the answer hangs on whether or not Jeremy Corbyn ever comes out as an unequivocal supporter of either Leave or Remain. (Paula Keaveney is Senior Lecturer in Politics, Edge Hill University) (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.)

Remain Alliance – can it halt Brexit and beat Boris Johnson?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/my-focus-is-restoring-power-sharing-in-northern-ireland-uk-pm-boris-johnson-239728">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> could see his working majority in parliament reduced to just one when voters in a rural Welsh parliamentary seat go to the polls on Thursday in his first electoral test as leader.&nbsp;

The pro-European Union Liberal Democrats are the bookmakers` favourites to win the vote in Brecon and Radnorshire, triggered when Conservative lawmaker Chris Davies was ousted by a petition of constituents after being convicted of falsifying expenses.

Brecon is a region where sheep outnumber people many times over and where the prospect of steep EU tariffs being slapped on its Welsh lamb exports in a no-deal Brexit have prompted widespread concern among farmers.

Johnson`s government already relies on the support of a small Northern Irish party for its wafer-thin majority, with just a handful of rebels in his own Conservatives needed to lose key votes - as his predecessor Theresa May repeatedly found.

May stepped down after her Brexit deal with the EU was rejected three times by parliament.&nbsp;

Johnson has said he plans to renegotiate that deal but that Britain will leave the bloc on October 31 with or without an agreement, potentially setting himself up for a fight with parliament, which has pledged to try to block a no-deal exit.

The Liberal Democrats held the seat of Brecon from 1997 until 2015 when it was won by Davies. In the 2017 snap election he held the seat with a majority of just over 8,000 votes and is running again for the Conservatives on Thursday.

Wales, and the Brecon area, voted to leave the EU at the 2016 Brexit referendum but the pro-Brexit vote is likely to be split between the Conservatives and the Brexit Party, which won the United Kingdom`s European Parliament election in May by riding a wave of anger over the failure to deliver Brexit.&nbsp;

In contrast, in a bid to boost the Liberal Democrats` chances by concentrating the support of `Remain` voters, other pro-EU parties including the Greens and Plaid Cymru are not standing in the election. 
Liberal Democrat candidate Jane Dodds has also sought to focus her campaign on local issues.

"I believe we deserve better from our politicians and the Westminster government. I`ll be a strong voice for everyone who feels let down by those in power," Dodds, who is also the Liberal Democrats` leader in Wales, said on her website.&nbsp;

The Conservatives, who have seen their national poll ratings jump since Johnson took over in what has been dubbed a Boris bounce, will be hoping for a last-minute boost from their new leader, who visited the area on Tuesday.

But the National Farmers` Union (NFU) in Wales has warned Johnson of the potential consequences for lamb producers of leaving the EU without a deal.

"The prime minister must prioritise the protection of this core market through securing continued, unfettered access," its president John Davies said. "The EU is our nearest and largest export market and any interruption to this trade will have catastrophic impacts for Welsh farming."&nbsp;

The result is expected in the early hours of Friday morning.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson could see his working majority in parliament reduced to just one when voters in a rural Welsh parliamentary seat go to the polls on Thursday in his first electoral test as leader.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson could see his working majority in parliament reduced to just one when voters in a rural Welsh parliamentary seat go to the polls on Thursday in his first electoral test as leader. The pro-European Union Liberal Democrats are the bookmakers` favourites to win the vote in Brecon and Radnorshire, triggered when Conservative lawmaker Chris Davies was ousted by a petition of constituents after being convicted of falsifying expenses. Brecon is a region where sheep outnumber people many times over and where the prospect of steep EU tariffs being slapped on its Welsh lamb exports in a no-deal Brexit have prompted widespread concern among farmers. Johnson`s government already relies on the support of a small Northern Irish party for its wafer-thin majority, with just a handful of rebels in his own Conservatives needed to lose key votes - as his predecessor Theresa May repeatedly found. May stepped down after her Brexit deal with the EU was rejected three times by parliament. Johnson has said he plans to renegotiate that deal but that Britain will leave the bloc on October 31 with or without an agreement, potentially setting himself up for a fight with parliament, which has pledged to try to block a no-deal exit. The Liberal Democrats held the seat of Brecon from 1997 until 2015 when it was won by Davies. In the 2017 snap election he held the seat with a majority of just over 8,000 votes and is running again for the Conservatives on Thursday. Wales, and the Brecon area, voted to leave the EU at the 2016 Brexit referendum but the pro-Brexit vote is likely to be split between the Conservatives and the Brexit Party, which won the United Kingdom`s European Parliament election in May by riding a wave of anger over the failure to deliver Brexit. In contrast, in a bid to boost the Liberal Democrats` chances by concentrating the support of `Remain` voters, other pro-EU parties including the Greens and Plaid Cymru are not standing in the election. Liberal Democrat candidate Jane Dodds has also sought to focus her campaign on local issues. "I believe we deserve better from our politicians and the Westminster government. I`ll be a strong voice for everyone who feels let down by those in power," Dodds, who is also the Liberal Democrats` leader in Wales, said on her website. The Conservatives, who have seen their national poll ratings jump since Johnson took over in what has been dubbed a Boris bounce, will be hoping for a last-minute boost from their new leader, who visited the area on Tuesday. But the National Farmers` Union (NFU) in Wales has warned Johnson of the potential consequences for lamb producers of leaving the EU without a deal. "The prime minister must prioritise the protection of this core market through securing continued, unfettered access," its president John Davies said. "The EU is our nearest and largest export market and any interruption to this trade will have catastrophic impacts for Welsh farming." The result is expected in the early hours of Friday morning.

UK PM Boris Johnson faces first electoral test in vote for Welsh parliamentary seat

Britain's Boris Johnson faces his first test at the ballot box Thursday in a by-election that could reduce his parliamentary majority to just one, as his new government vowed to double funding for a possible no-deal &nbsp;Brexit.

Finance minister Sajid Javid announced Wednesday an extra £2.1 billion ($2.6 billion, 2.3 billion euros) to prepare for leaving without an agreement, with a parliamentary showdown looming when MPs return from their summer recess in September.&nbsp;

The extra cash will be used to launch a public information campaign and "accelerate preparations at the border, support business readiness and ensure the supply of critical medicines," a government statement said.

John McDonnell, the finance spokesman of the main opposition Labour Party branded it an "appalling waste of taxpayers' cash" and Labour MP Meg Hillier, who heads parliament's spending watchdog, said it would probe how the money was being spent.

Johnson's Brexit plan could also become harder to enact as his governing Conservative Party looks set to lose the Welsh seat of Brecon and Radnorshire to a pro-Europe candidate on Thursday.

He is already facing strong opposition in the 650-seat parliament to his plan to take Britain out of the European Union without a deal if necessary on October 31 amid fears of the severe economic fallout.

Victory for the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats in Brecon would embolden those opposition MPs and some Conservatives who have pledged to do whatever it takes to stop such a "no-deal" departure.

Brexit party challenge

Thursday's by-election was called after former Conservative MP Chris Davies was forced out, following his conviction for making false expenses claims.

He insists it was an honest mistake and is standing again, but polling points to a win for the Lib Dems, who have previously held the seat.

Number Cruncher Politics, a polling consultancy, put the Lib Dems on 43 per cent, the Conservatives on 28 per cent, Nigel Farage's Brexit party on 20 per cent and Labour on eight per cent.

However, another Wales-wide survey by YouGov published this week gave an unexpected boost to the Conservatives, which experts attributed to a modest "Boris bounce".

Brecon and Radnorshire voted 52 per cent to leave the European Union in the 2016 vote - echoing the UK-wide result.

Johnson, a leading Brexit campaigner in the referendum, made a low-key visit on Tuesday to meet Davies.

He urged voters not to defect to the Brexit Party, which has been capitalising on the political deadlock over Britain's EU departure.

"The Brexit party cannot deliver Brexit, only the Conservatives can," Johnson said, adding that the Lib Dems "will do everything they can to stop Brexit".

In European elections in May, the Brexit Party won 31 per cent of the vote, pushing the Conservatives into fifth place with just nine per cent.

The pro-European Welsh nationalists and Green party are not fielding candidates in Brecon to avoid splitting the anti-Brexit vote.

'Political need'

Johnson says he wants an EU divorce deal but argues the terms negotiated by his predecessor Theresa May - which parliament has rejected three times - are unacceptable.

EU leaders have repeatedly said the existing deal is the only one on the table, with both sides' stances appearing increasingly entrenched.

Fears Britain was heading into a disorderly split with its closest trading partner sent the pound to new two-year lows against the dollar and the euro this week.

Johnson's no-deal cash boost will fund a Europe-wide media blitz, including adverts in major continental newspapers, aimed at convincing EU governments Britain is serious about leaving without a deal, Politico reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, analysts questioned how much of the funding was new and whether it would actually be spent in the next 91 days before the Brexit deadline.

"What has changed, of course, is the political need to be seen to be ramping up preparation," The Times newspaper's Oliver Wright wrote in an analysis.

"When the dust settles, what is allocated and what has been spent maybe two very different figures."

Britain's Boris Johnson faces his first test at the ballot box Thursday in a by-election that could reduce his parliamentary majority to just one, as his new government vowed to double funding for a possible no-deal Brexit.

Britain's Boris Johnson faces his first test at the ballot box Thursday in a by-election that could reduce his parliamentary majority to just one, as his new government vowed to double funding for a possible no-deal Brexit. Finance minister Sajid Javid announced Wednesday an extra £2.1 billion ($2.6 billion, 2.3 billion euros) to prepare for leaving without an agreement, with a parliamentary showdown looming when MPs return from their summer recess in September. The extra cash will be used to launch a public information campaign and "accelerate preparations at the border, support business readiness and ensure the supply of critical medicines," a government statement said. John McDonnell, the finance spokesman of the main opposition Labour Party branded it an "appalling waste of taxpayers' cash" and Labour MP Meg Hillier, who heads parliament's spending watchdog, said it would probe how the money was being spent. Johnson's Brexit plan could also become harder to enact as his governing Conservative Party looks set to lose the Welsh seat of Brecon and Radnorshire to a pro-Europe candidate on Thursday. He is already facing strong opposition in the 650-seat parliament to his plan to take Britain out of the European Union without a deal if necessary on October 31 amid fears of the severe economic fallout. Victory for the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats in Brecon would embolden those opposition MPs and some Conservatives who have pledged to do whatever it takes to stop such a "no-deal" departure. Brexit party challenge Thursday's by-election was called after former Conservative MP Chris Davies was forced out, following his conviction for making false expenses claims. He insists it was an honest mistake and is standing again, but polling points to a win for the Lib Dems, who have previously held the seat. Number Cruncher Politics, a polling consultancy, put the Lib Dems on 43 per cent, the Conservatives on 28 per cent, Nigel Farage's Brexit party on 20 per cent and Labour on eight per cent. However, another Wales-wide survey by YouGov published this week gave an unexpected boost to the Conservatives, which experts attributed to a modest "Boris bounce". Brecon and Radnorshire voted 52 per cent to leave the European Union in the 2016 vote - echoing the UK-wide result. Johnson, a leading Brexit campaigner in the referendum, made a low-key visit on Tuesday to meet Davies. He urged voters not to defect to the Brexit Party, which has been capitalising on the political deadlock over Britain's EU departure. "The Brexit party cannot deliver Brexit, only the Conservatives can," Johnson said, adding that the Lib Dems "will do everything they can to stop Brexit". In European elections in May, the Brexit Party won 31 per cent of the vote, pushing the Conservatives into fifth place with just nine per cent. The pro-European Welsh nationalists and Green party are not fielding candidates in Brecon to avoid splitting the anti-Brexit vote. 'Political need' Johnson says he wants an EU divorce deal but argues the terms negotiated by his predecessor Theresa May - which parliament has rejected three times - are unacceptable. EU leaders have repeatedly said the existing deal is the only one on the table, with both sides' stances appearing increasingly entrenched. Fears Britain was heading into a disorderly split with its closest trading partner sent the pound to new two-year lows against the dollar and the euro this week. Johnson's no-deal cash boost will fund a Europe-wide media blitz, including adverts in major continental newspapers, aimed at convincing EU governments Britain is serious about leaving without a deal, Politico reported. Meanwhile, analysts questioned how much of the funding was new and whether it would actually be spent in the next 91 days before the Brexit deadline. "What has changed, of course, is the political need to be seen to be ramping up preparation," The Times newspaper's Oliver Wright wrote in an analysis. "When the dust settles, what is allocated and what has been spent maybe two very different figures."

UK PM boosts no-deal Brexit spending ahead of local election test

The dollar charged to its highest in more than two years on Thursday after the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/stormy-sterling-sinks-again-stocks-wilt-before-fed-239448&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjO-ZbLuOHjAhUBr48KHSApDvgQFjAFegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Y8jTTDaVY7qnK939Bej7w">Federal Reserve</a> spoiled hopes of a run of US interest rate cuts.

A blizzard of global data and events was going on, but it was Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks on Wednesday that set the markets running. Powell said the first US rate cut in over a decade was "not the beginning of a long series of rate cuts".

The dollar’s reaction said it all. The DXY index surged to its highest in more than two years, euro/dollar dropped below $1.11 for the first time since May 2017, and Brexit-hobbled sterling hit 30-month lows just above $1.21.

World stocks had recoiled overnight and emerging markets had their longest run of falls in almost a year.

"Markets interpreted the Fed’s communication as slightly hawkish and therefore further rate cuts in the immediate future were somewhat priced out," said David Milleker, senior economic advisor at Union Investment. "And the dollar strengthened. All in all, the Fed did not achieve what it presumably wanted."

US Treasuries were sold off as investors scaled back their pre-Fed expectations for at least 100 basis points of cuts in the near term. Yields on 10-year notes climbed as high as 2.058% in Europe from a US close of 2.007%.

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Core eurozone bond yields were rising, too, although -0.428% German Bund levels were still extraordinary. "I didn’t say it’s just one rate cut," Powell had been careful to emphasise after Wednesday's 25-basis-point move.

Instead, he characterised it as "a mid-cycle adjustment to policy", citing signs of a global slowdown, US trade tensions and a desire to boost inflation.

Wall Street fell afterwards and E-minis futures for the S&amp;P 500 were pointing 0.15% lower.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.8%, extending losses for a fifth day to the lowest since mid-June and posting its biggest one-day percentage drop in a month.

Japan's Nikkei rose, reversing early declines. Australian shares declined 0.4%. Losses by Chinese shares ended down 0.8%.

"We believe the Fed is trying to thread the needle, balancing market jitters about slowing global growth with robust consumer spending and a strong job market in the US," said Nick Maroutsos, co-head of global bonds at Janus Henderson.

"In other words, by cutting just 25 bps, the Fed is trying to bolster market confidence while also keeping some dry powder in reserve in case of an economic shock."

Trade Talks

Adding to worries, the United States and China on Wednesday ended a brief round of talks without much progress in ending their year-long trade war.

Downbeat data and factory surveys on Thursday had also pointed to further weakness for Asia's trade-reliant economies.

South Korea's exports fell for an eighth straight month in July amid weak global demand and a dispute with Japan. New export orders shrank the most in about six years.

South Korea, the world's sixth-largest exporter, is the first major industrial economy to release trade data each month, providing an early assessment on the health of global demand.

Pressure on Chinese factories eased slightly, but manufacturing activity continued to shrink.

"The broader global trade dynamic remains a challenge," Morgan Stanley strategist Michael Zezas said. "Trade should continue to drag on corporate confidence, CapEx and global growth in the near term."

In Europe's foreign exchange markets, sterling dropped as low as $1.2101 before a Bank of England meeting that's expected to leave its 0.75% interest rate unchanged but result in plenty of interesting discussions.

Fears of a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-to-spend-an-extra-26-billion-on-no-deal-brexit-planning-239860&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjd24uDu-HjAhUW8XMBHSfID2IQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw05e85f7pwO51L5lCnpMiS3">no-deal Brexit</a> now that Boris Johnson is prime minister continue to afflict the pound, although it was fractionally higher against a weakening euro at 91.17 pence.

"Sterling remains vulnerable to a further escalation in Brexit tensions and we anticipate the market will likely discount higher risks of a ‘no deal’ outcome in the weeks ahead," said Roger Hallam, currency chief investment officer at JP Morgan Asset Management.

Elsewhere, the Aussie dollar slipped below key chart support of $0.6832 to as low as $0.6828, a level not seen since an early January "flash crash".

The kiwi hit a six-week trough of $0.6535 on expectations the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will cut rates next week.

US crude futures fell 76 cents to $57.82 per barrel after comments on the rating outlook. Brent was down 71 cents at $64.34.

Spot gold also fell, to $1,405.26.

The dollar charged to its highest in more than two years on Thursday after the Federal Reserve spoiled hopes of a run of US interest rate cuts. A blizzard of global data and events was going on, but it was Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks on Wednesday that set the markets running.

The dollar charged to its highest in more than two years on Thursday after the Federal Reserve spoiled hopes of a run of US interest rate cuts. A blizzard of global data and events was going on, but it was Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks on Wednesday that set the markets running. Powell said the first US rate cut in over a decade was "not the beginning of a long series of rate cuts". The dollar’s reaction said it all. The DXY index surged to its highest in more than two years, euro/dollar dropped below $1.11 for the first time since May 2017, and Brexit-hobbled sterling hit 30-month lows just above $1.21. World stocks had recoiled overnight and emerging markets had their longest run of falls in almost a year. "Markets interpreted the Fed’s communication as slightly hawkish and therefore further rate cuts in the immediate future were somewhat priced out," said David Milleker, senior economic advisor at Union Investment. "And the dollar strengthened. All in all, the Fed did not achieve what it presumably wanted." US Treasuries were sold off as investors scaled back their pre-Fed expectations for at least 100 basis points of cuts in the near term. Yields on 10-year notes climbed as high as 2.058% in Europe from a US close of 2.007%. WATCH VIDEO × Core eurozone bond yields were rising, too, although -0.428% German Bund levels were still extraordinary. "I didn’t say it’s just one rate cut," Powell had been careful to emphasise after Wednesday's 25-basis-point move. Instead, he characterised it as "a mid-cycle adjustment to policy", citing signs of a global slowdown, US trade tensions and a desire to boost inflation. Wall Street fell afterwards and E-minis futures for the S&P 500 were pointing 0.15% lower. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.8%, extending losses for a fifth day to the lowest since mid-June and posting its biggest one-day percentage drop in a month. Japan's Nikkei rose, reversing early declines. Australian shares declined 0.4%. Losses by Chinese shares ended down 0.8%. "We believe the Fed is trying to thread the needle, balancing market jitters about slowing global growth with robust consumer spending and a strong job market in the US," said Nick Maroutsos, co-head of global bonds at Janus Henderson. "In other words, by cutting just 25 bps, the Fed is trying to bolster market confidence while also keeping some dry powder in reserve in case of an economic shock." Trade Talks Adding to worries, the United States and China on Wednesday ended a brief round of talks without much progress in ending their year-long trade war. Downbeat data and factory surveys on Thursday had also pointed to further weakness for Asia's trade-reliant economies. South Korea's exports fell for an eighth straight month in July amid weak global demand and a dispute with Japan. New export orders shrank the most in about six years. South Korea, the world's sixth-largest exporter, is the first major industrial economy to release trade data each month, providing an early assessment on the health of global demand. Pressure on Chinese factories eased slightly, but manufacturing activity continued to shrink. "The broader global trade dynamic remains a challenge," Morgan Stanley strategist Michael Zezas said. "Trade should continue to drag on corporate confidence, CapEx and global growth in the near term." In Europe's foreign exchange markets, sterling dropped as low as $1.2101 before a Bank of England meeting that's expected to leave its 0.75% interest rate unchanged but result in plenty of interesting discussions. Fears of a no-deal Brexit now that Boris Johnson is prime minister continue to afflict the pound, although it was fractionally higher against a weakening euro at 91.17 pence. "Sterling remains vulnerable to a further escalation in Brexit tensions and we anticipate the market will likely discount higher risks of a ‘no deal’ outcome in the weeks ahead," said Roger Hallam, currency chief investment officer at JP Morgan Asset Management. Elsewhere, the Aussie dollar slipped below key chart support of $0.6832 to as low as $0.6828, a level not seen since an early January "flash crash". The kiwi hit a six-week trough of $0.6535 on expectations the Reserve Bank of New Zealand will cut rates next week. US crude futures fell 76 cents to $57.82 per barrel after comments on the rating outlook. Brent was down 71 cents at $64.34. Spot gold also fell, to $1,405.26.

Mind your backs, dollar coming through!

The new government led by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-how-boris-johnson-can-unite-a-country-mired-in-a-brexit-identity-crisis-239628">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>, which took power last week, has pledged to leave the trading bloc without an agreement in three months unless the EU agrees to renegotiate the deal agreed by his predecessor Theresa May.

Ministers have warned that one of the most hotly contested elements of the divorce agreement the Irish border backstop will have to be struck out if there is to be a deal, something the EU has repeatedly said it won`t agree to.&nbsp;

In his first major policy announcement, new finance minister Sajid Javid doubled spending on preparations for a no-deal exit this year. The extra money will fund a nationwide advertising campaign, help Britons living abroad, ensure the supply of medicine and improve infrastructure around ports.

"With 92 days until the UK leaves the European Union it’s vital that we intensify our planning to ensure we are ready,” Javid said. "We want to get a good deal that abolishes the anti-democratic backstop. But if we can`t get a good deal, we`ll have to leave without one."

Wrenching the United Kingdom out of the EU without a deal means there would be no formal transition arrangement to cover everything from post-Brexit pet passports to customs arrangements on the Northern Irish border.

Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London`s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.&nbsp;

The finance ministry said among other initiatives, 434 million pounds will be spent to ensure vital supplies of medicines and medical products can be brought into the country, including hiring additional freight capacity, warehousing and stockpiling.

To get people and businesses ready for a no-deal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnsons-top-team-meet-to-plot-brexit-gambit-238368">Brexit</a>, 138 million pounds will be spent on one of the biggest peacetime advertising campaigns.&nbsp;

The finance ministry also said a further 1 billion pounds will be available for government departments and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to improve their readiness.

This means the government has in total allocated 6.3 billion pounds to prepare for a no-deal exit, including 4.2 billion pounds of funding for this financial year.&nbsp;

Javid’s predecessor Philip Hammond, who opposed leaving the EU without a divorce deal, was accused by Brexit supporters of failing to spend enough money to get Britain ready for a no-deal Brexit, undermining its negotiating position with Brussels.

The new government led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which took power last week, has pledged to leave the trading bloc without an agreement in three months unless the EU agrees to renegotiate the deal agreed by his predecessor Theresa May.

The new government led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, which took power last week, has pledged to leave the trading bloc without an agreement in three months unless the EU agrees to renegotiate the deal agreed by his predecessor Theresa May. Ministers have warned that one of the most hotly contested elements of the divorce agreement the Irish border backstop will have to be struck out if there is to be a deal, something the EU has repeatedly said it won`t agree to. In his first major policy announcement, new finance minister Sajid Javid doubled spending on preparations for a no-deal exit this year. The extra money will fund a nationwide advertising campaign, help Britons living abroad, ensure the supply of medicine and improve infrastructure around ports. "With 92 days until the UK leaves the European Union it’s vital that we intensify our planning to ensure we are ready,” Javid said. "We want to get a good deal that abolishes the anti-democratic backstop. But if we can`t get a good deal, we`ll have to leave without one." Wrenching the United Kingdom out of the EU without a deal means there would be no formal transition arrangement to cover everything from post-Brexit pet passports to customs arrangements on the Northern Irish border. Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London`s position as the pre-eminent international financial centre. The finance ministry said among other initiatives, 434 million pounds will be spent to ensure vital supplies of medicines and medical products can be brought into the country, including hiring additional freight capacity, warehousing and stockpiling. To get people and businesses ready for a no-deal Brexit, 138 million pounds will be spent on one of the biggest peacetime advertising campaigns. The finance ministry also said a further 1 billion pounds will be available for government departments and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to improve their readiness. This means the government has in total allocated 6.3 billion pounds to prepare for a no-deal exit, including 4.2 billion pounds of funding for this financial year. Javid’s predecessor Philip Hammond, who opposed leaving the EU without a divorce deal, was accused by Brexit supporters of failing to spend enough money to get Britain ready for a no-deal Brexit, undermining its negotiating position with Brussels.

Britain to spend an extra $2.6 billion on no-deal Brexit planning

By Timothy Oliver

As Boris Johnson begins his term as British prime minister, he takes charge of a country facing a series of overlapping crises. Alongside the constitutional and political crises provoked by the Brexit process, are wider social and economic problems of homelessness and poor productivity. But one of the most significant challenges he faces is the UK’s current identity crisis.

Countries, like people, have identities, and that’s remained true of Britain since the EU referendum of 2016, regardless of the divisions that have hardened since.

Precisely identifying what a country’s identity is can be a difficult process, but Britain certainly imagines itself to be a major international player, focused on upholding the rules-based international order. Under that overarching identity, there are a host of other identities at play – some of them longstanding, but two of significant importance that have only emerged since that referendum: Leave, and Remain.

Research on Brexit identities published by the UK in a Changing Europe research group in January 2019, found that while Remain as an identity appeared later than Leave during the referendum campaign, they are now roughly of equal strength.

Roughly equal numbers of people adhere to both Remain and Leave identities, with about equivalent strength. These identities are also more powerful than other existing political identities, such as party identity. While one in five British people don’t report a party identity, only one in 16 doesn’t report either a Remain or Leave identity.

The electorate are therefore broadly divided between two powerful identity blocs, of roughly equal size. As we saw in the European parliamentary elections, they are strongly polarised – the two parties that finished top of that ballot, the Brexit Party and the Liberal Democrats, represent the clearest articulation of each side of this divide.

These identities are deeply and sincerely held on both sides. They are defined in part by a rejection of the other identity, but also by what positive vision they hold for the future. This poses a significant challenge for politicians and civil servants seeking to lead the UK through the process of leaving the EU, and through a host of related policy issues around trade, immigration, and so on.

The polarisation between Leave and Remain is often commented on in dark tones. Many have said that the UK is irreparably divided and therefore dysfunctional to the point of impeding the ability of anyone party to govern it effectively.

Others claim that the referendum and then Brexit itself created and then embedded unbridgeable divides between these two large groups of voters. This gap will be near impossible to surmount, particularly as research shows these voters interpret the same economic data differently.

Looking for Common Ground 
 
But there is also reason to believe that some common ground can be found here. Both sides do hold a set of common beliefs. Both, for example, have extolled the virtues of openness. For Leavers, Britain’s membership of the EU was a barrier to being a globally connected and accessible country, for Remainers it was a means to facilitate that.

Both sides have also argued that Britain is an important country in global terms. While Remainers say this is, in part, due to membership of the EU which serves to amplify Britain’s voice in the world, Leavers say it’s despite the country being inside the union, and that Britain’s importance may even be enhanced by leaving. The commonalities here reflect elements of the overarching identities such as Britishness that cross both groups.

The downside is that these concepts might not be firm bases upon which to bring the country together. This can play out in two ways. Either neither side will recognise the other as truly sharing the value that they proclaim. Openness is a good example here. Both sides proclaim that they value openness, but that the other is in favour of being closed off from the world – either because they seek to detach the UK from the EU, or because they seek to keep the UK inside the club.

The other possibility is that, when a common ground issue is used to try and build a consensus, it is co-opted by one side or another, and so the bridge to common ground is lost.

Either way, British politicians will need to try and reunite the country. Indeed, the newly appointed prime minister made it the second point of his campaign list – but only after delivering Brexit. Electorally, it will be difficult for him, or any party leader, to get a majority in a general election in a country that is so divided on what has become such a central issue.

When it comes to building public support for policies to tackle the myriad crises facing Britain – from immigration policy to regional devolution – the same problem persists: policies can be perceived radically differently by the two identity groups. Seeking to bridge that gap will be hard.

The way forward should centre on speaking to the common ground that does exist, but also spending more time discussing trade offs and compromise. Johnson does not appear to have adopted this strategy – the immediate reaction to his government appointments has been to colour it as a more, not less, divisive government, and his rhetoric on Brexit has not shown much sign of compromise.

Public figures from both sides of the Leave and Remain divide will have to discover more overt enthusiasm for compromising if they want to draw the venom out of the Brexit identity clash. Otherwise, governing the UK will continue to be far more challenging that it was before 2016 for some time to come. 
 
(Timothy Oliver is Lecturer in British Politics and Public Policy, University of Manchester)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/boris-johnson-now-leads-a-country-mired-in-a-brexit-identity-crisis-heres-how-he-could-reunite-it-114458">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

By Timothy Oliver As Boris Johnson begins his term as British prime minister, he takes charge of a country facing a series of overlapping crises. Alongside the constitutional and political crises provoked by the Brexit process, are wider social and economic problems of homelessness and poor productivity.

By Timothy Oliver As Boris Johnson begins his term as British prime minister, he takes charge of a country facing a series of overlapping crises. Alongside the constitutional and political crises provoked by the Brexit process, are wider social and economic problems of homelessness and poor productivity. But one of the most significant challenges he faces is the UK’s current identity crisis. Countries, like people, have identities, and that’s remained true of Britain since the EU referendum of 2016, regardless of the divisions that have hardened since. Precisely identifying what a country’s identity is can be a difficult process, but Britain certainly imagines itself to be a major international player, focused on upholding the rules-based international order. Under that overarching identity, there are a host of other identities at play – some of them longstanding, but two of significant importance that have only emerged since that referendum: Leave, and Remain. Research on Brexit identities published by the UK in a Changing Europe research group in January 2019, found that while Remain as an identity appeared later than Leave during the referendum campaign, they are now roughly of equal strength. Roughly equal numbers of people adhere to both Remain and Leave identities, with about equivalent strength. These identities are also more powerful than other existing political identities, such as party identity. While one in five British people don’t report a party identity, only one in 16 doesn’t report either a Remain or Leave identity. The electorate are therefore broadly divided between two powerful identity blocs, of roughly equal size. As we saw in the European parliamentary elections, they are strongly polarised – the two parties that finished top of that ballot, the Brexit Party and the Liberal Democrats, represent the clearest articulation of each side of this divide. These identities are deeply and sincerely held on both sides. They are defined in part by a rejection of the other identity, but also by what positive vision they hold for the future. This poses a significant challenge for politicians and civil servants seeking to lead the UK through the process of leaving the EU, and through a host of related policy issues around trade, immigration, and so on. The polarisation between Leave and Remain is often commented on in dark tones. Many have said that the UK is irreparably divided and therefore dysfunctional to the point of impeding the ability of anyone party to govern it effectively. Others claim that the referendum and then Brexit itself created and then embedded unbridgeable divides between these two large groups of voters. This gap will be near impossible to surmount, particularly as research shows these voters interpret the same economic data differently. Looking for Common Ground But there is also reason to believe that some common ground can be found here. Both sides do hold a set of common beliefs. Both, for example, have extolled the virtues of openness. For Leavers, Britain’s membership of the EU was a barrier to being a globally connected and accessible country, for Remainers it was a means to facilitate that. Both sides have also argued that Britain is an important country in global terms. While Remainers say this is, in part, due to membership of the EU which serves to amplify Britain’s voice in the world, Leavers say it’s despite the country being inside the union, and that Britain’s importance may even be enhanced by leaving. The commonalities here reflect elements of the overarching identities such as Britishness that cross both groups. The downside is that these concepts might not be firm bases upon which to bring the country together. This can play out in two ways. Either neither side will recognise the other as truly sharing the value that they proclaim. Openness is a good example here. Both sides proclaim that they value openness, but that the other is in favour of being closed off from the world – either because they seek to detach the UK from the EU, or because they seek to keep the UK inside the club. The other possibility is that, when a common ground issue is used to try and build a consensus, it is co-opted by one side or another, and so the bridge to common ground is lost. Either way, British politicians will need to try and reunite the country. Indeed, the newly appointed prime minister made it the second point of his campaign list – but only after delivering Brexit. Electorally, it will be difficult for him, or any party leader, to get a majority in a general election in a country that is so divided on what has become such a central issue. When it comes to building public support for policies to tackle the myriad crises facing Britain – from immigration policy to regional devolution – the same problem persists: policies can be perceived radically differently by the two identity groups. Seeking to bridge that gap will be hard. The way forward should centre on speaking to the common ground that does exist, but also spending more time discussing trade offs and compromise. Johnson does not appear to have adopted this strategy – the immediate reaction to his government appointments has been to colour it as a more, not less, divisive government, and his rhetoric on Brexit has not shown much sign of compromise. Public figures from both sides of the Leave and Remain divide will have to discover more overt enthusiasm for compromising if they want to draw the venom out of the Brexit identity clash. Otherwise, governing the UK will continue to be far more challenging that it was before 2016 for some time to come. (Timothy Oliver is Lecturer in British Politics and Public Policy, University of Manchester) (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.)

Here's how Boris Johnson can unite a country mired in a Brexit identity crisis

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Mind your backs, dollar coming through!

Britain to spend an extra $2.6 billion on no-deal Brexit planning

Here's how Boris Johnson can unite a country mired in a Brexit identity crisis