Britain's economy appears to have slipped into recession as firms brace for the risk of a disruptive Brexit in just a few weeks' time, according to a survey which showed the dominant services sector took an unexpectedly sharp downturn last month.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-be-out-of-eu-by-october-31-come-what-may-says-british-pm-johnson-253298">Boris Johnson has promised to take Britain out </a>of the European Union by October&nbsp;31 come what may, despite parliament passing a law ordering him to seek a delay if he cannot secure a new transition deal to soften the economic blow.

September's IHS Markit/CIPS services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell by more than any economist predicted in a Reuters poll, tumbling to a six-month low of 49.5, below the 50 level that divides growth from contraction.

It was also the worst reading for service PMIs among major advanced economies in September.

Combined with even weaker manufacturing and construction surveys this week, September's all-sector PMI sank to 48.8 from 49.7, its lowest since the month after the referendum decision to leave the EU in June 2016, and before that 2009.

IHS Markit said the figures suggested Britain's economy shrank by 0.1% in the three months to September.

"Coming on the heels of a decline in the second quarter, (this) would mean the UK is facing a heightened risk of recession," IHS Markit economist Chris Williamson said.

British government bond yields fell slightly on the news, which added to speculation that the Bank of England might cut interest rates. But sterling was little changed, and several economists said they believed the PMIs overstated the slowdown.

Ruth Gregory at Capital Economics said the PMI surveys did not cover Britain's relatively resilient retail sector nor a recent increase in spending on public services. She stuck to her forecast for 0.3% growth in the third quarter.

"Nonetheless, the surveys are probably giving us a reasonable steer on the underlying strength of economic activity, and the risks to our Q4/Q1 GDP growth forecasts appear to be firmly to the downside," she said in an email to clients.

Britain's economy shrank by 0.2% in the three months to June - the first decline since 2012 - and a second quarterly contraction would meet the recession definition used in Europe.

On Wednesday, Johnson sent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lets-get-brexit-done-uk-pm-johnson-tells-conservative-party-253358">new Brexit proposals </a>to the EU and said that unless the bloc compromised, Britain would leave without a deal at the end of this month. The proposals received a cold reception in Brussels.

Leaving the EU without a deal risks causing major disruption to trade, at least in the short term, due to the immediate imposition of new tariffs and regulatory checks at ports.

Britain's economy is also slowing due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-nifty-slip-as-united-states-widens-trade-war-to-europe-yes-bank-recovers-253385">global trade tensions</a>. On Wednesday the United States imposed 10% tariffs on Airbus planes partly made in Britain and 25% duties on whisky and cheese as punishment for EU aircraft subsidies.

The PMI data are not a fail-safe guide to the outlook for the economy. They overstated economic weakness just before Britain was originally due to leave the EU in March and immediately after the 2016 Brexit referendum.

But longer-term trends in the all-sector PMI generally match up well with official quarterly growth numbers.

"September's decline is all the more ominous, being the result of an insidious weakening of demand over the past year rather than a sudden shock," Williamson said.

Firms said foreign customers were switching business away from Britain due to fears of a no-deal Brexit and new export orders fell at the sharpest rate since March.

Solid consumer demand has so far cushioned Britain's economy from some of the impact of Brexit uncertainty. But the latest survey added to signs from consumer sentiment surveys that jobs could be becoming less secure.

Taken as a whole, this week's PMIs pointed to the sharpest fall in employment since December 2009.

Britain's economy appears to have slipped into recession as firms brace for the risk of a disruptive Brexit in just a few weeks' time, according to a survey which showed the dominant services sector took an unexpectedly sharp downturn last month.

Britain's economy appears to have slipped into recession as firms brace for the risk of a disruptive Brexit in just a few weeks' time, according to a survey which showed the dominant services sector took an unexpectedly sharp downturn last month. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to take Britain out of the European Union by October 31 come what may, despite parliament passing a law ordering him to seek a delay if he cannot secure a new transition deal to soften the economic blow. September's IHS Markit/CIPS services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell by more than any economist predicted in a Reuters poll, tumbling to a six-month low of 49.5, below the 50 level that divides growth from contraction. It was also the worst reading for service PMIs among major advanced economies in September. Combined with even weaker manufacturing and construction surveys this week, September's all-sector PMI sank to 48.8 from 49.7, its lowest since the month after the referendum decision to leave the EU in June 2016, and before that 2009. IHS Markit said the figures suggested Britain's economy shrank by 0.1% in the three months to September. "Coming on the heels of a decline in the second quarter, (this) would mean the UK is facing a heightened risk of recession," IHS Markit economist Chris Williamson said. British government bond yields fell slightly on the news, which added to speculation that the Bank of England might cut interest rates. But sterling was little changed, and several economists said they believed the PMIs overstated the slowdown. Ruth Gregory at Capital Economics said the PMI surveys did not cover Britain's relatively resilient retail sector nor a recent increase in spending on public services. She stuck to her forecast for 0.3% growth in the third quarter. "Nonetheless, the surveys are probably giving us a reasonable steer on the underlying strength of economic activity, and the risks to our Q4/Q1 GDP growth forecasts appear to be firmly to the downside," she said in an email to clients. Britain's economy shrank by 0.2% in the three months to June - the first decline since 2012 - and a second quarterly contraction would meet the recession definition used in Europe. On Wednesday, Johnson sent new Brexit proposals to the EU and said that unless the bloc compromised, Britain would leave without a deal at the end of this month. The proposals received a cold reception in Brussels. Leaving the EU without a deal risks causing major disruption to trade, at least in the short term, due to the immediate imposition of new tariffs and regulatory checks at ports. Britain's economy is also slowing due to global trade tensions. On Wednesday the United States imposed 10% tariffs on Airbus planes partly made in Britain and 25% duties on whisky and cheese as punishment for EU aircraft subsidies. The PMI data are not a fail-safe guide to the outlook for the economy. They overstated economic weakness just before Britain was originally due to leave the EU in March and immediately after the 2016 Brexit referendum. But longer-term trends in the all-sector PMI generally match up well with official quarterly growth numbers. "September's decline is all the more ominous, being the result of an insidious weakening of demand over the past year rather than a sudden shock," Williamson said. Firms said foreign customers were switching business away from Britain due to fears of a no-deal Brexit and new export orders fell at the sharpest rate since March. Solid consumer demand has so far cushioned Britain's economy from some of the impact of Brexit uncertainty. But the latest survey added to signs from consumer sentiment surveys that jobs could be becoming less secure. Taken as a whole, this week's PMIs pointed to the sharpest fall in employment since December 2009.

UK economy flirting with recession after services shrink unexpectedly

UK PM Boris Johnson unveils new Brexit proposal. Watch video to know more.

UK PM Boris Johnson unveils new Brexit proposal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-johnson-to-submit-brexit-grand-bargain-but-ireland-sceptical-253001">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> will on Wednesday unveil his final Brexit offer to the European Union and make clear that if Brussels does not engage with the proposal, Britain will not negotiate further and will leave on October&nbsp;31.

In his closing speech to his governing Conservatives' annual conference, Johnson will stick to his hard line on Brexit, offering the party faithful the first details of what he will describe as his "fair and reasonable compromise".

With less than a month until Britain is due to leave the EU, the future of Brexit, the country's biggest trade and foreign policy shift in more than 40 years, is uncertain. Britain could leave with a deal, without one or no&nbsp;exit at all.

Johnson, who says Britain will leave the bloc on October&nbsp;31 no matter what will tell the conference he will send his proposal to Brussels, an attempt to secure a deal to smooth the country's departure and avoid a potentially damaging no-deal Brexit.

"My friends, I am afraid that after three-and-a-half years people are beginning to feel that they are being taken for fools. They are beginning to suspect that there are forces in this country that simply don't want Brexit delivered at all," he will say, according to extracts released by his office.

"Let's get Brexit done on October 31 so in 2020 our country can move on", he added.

More than three years after Britain voted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum, Brexit talks are at an impasse.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-vows-to-stay-put-to-hit-october-31-brexit-deadline-252702">Johnson has been firm that the October&nbsp;31 deadline will be met</a>, but parliament has put roadblocks in his way - passing a law that requires the prime minister to request a Brexit delay if he fails to secure an acceptable deal at an EU summit on October&nbsp;17.

The EU has repeatedly asked Britain to come up with "legal and operational" proposals for the changes Johnson wants to a deal his predecessor negotiated with the bloc last year.

'Nobody will work on a delay'

Following its rejection three times by parliament, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissions-juncker-says-britain-will-be-responsible-if-no-brexit-deal-252324">Johnson has demanded changes to the Withdrawal Agreement</a>, especially over new arrangements with the bloc for the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

But after weeks of talks, since Johnson took power that has made little headway to break the Brexit stand-off, the prime minister will make his last gambit - a new proposal which British officials describe as a final offer.

The Telegraph newspaper cited a briefing to European capitals that Britain was suggesting a plan that would leave Northern Ireland in a special relationship with the EU until 2025, after which Belfast would decide whether to remain aligned to the bloc or return to following British rules.

The proposal would be aimed at replacing the so-called backstop -&nbsp;an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland -- that has become the biggest hurdle to securing an agreement with Brussels.

A senior British government official said: "The government is either going to be negotiating a new deal or working on no-deal — nobody will work on delay."

"We will keep fighting to respect the biggest democratic vote in British history. The EU is obliged by EU law only to negotiate with member state governments, they cannot negotiate with parliament, and this government will not negotiate delay."

Johnson has made the gamble that by pressing a hardline position on Brexit he will steal votes from parties such as the Brexit Party led by veteran eurosceptic Nigel Farage at an election, widely expected to come before the end of the year.

He also has the main opposition Labour Party in his sights and will use his speech to attack its leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who has led efforts to try to stop the prime minister taking Britain out of the EU without a deal.

"Can you imagine another three years of this? That is the Corbyn agenda – stay in the EU beyond October 31, paying $1.23 billion&nbsp;a month for the privilege, followed by years of uncertainty for business and everyone else," he will say.

"That is why we are coming out of the EU on October 31. Let's get Brexit done - we can, we must and we will", he added.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Wednesday unveil his final Brexit offer to the European Union and make clear that if Brussels does not engage with the proposal, Britain will not negotiate further and will leave on October 31.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Wednesday unveil his final Brexit offer to the European Union and make clear that if Brussels does not engage with the proposal, Britain will not negotiate further and will leave on October 31. In his closing speech to his governing Conservatives' annual conference, Johnson will stick to his hard line on Brexit, offering the party faithful the first details of what he will describe as his "fair and reasonable compromise". With less than a month until Britain is due to leave the EU, the future of Brexit, the country's biggest trade and foreign policy shift in more than 40 years, is uncertain. Britain could leave with a deal, without one or no exit at all. Johnson, who says Britain will leave the bloc on October 31 no matter what will tell the conference he will send his proposal to Brussels, an attempt to secure a deal to smooth the country's departure and avoid a potentially damaging no-deal Brexit. "My friends, I am afraid that after three-and-a-half years people are beginning to feel that they are being taken for fools. They are beginning to suspect that there are forces in this country that simply don't want Brexit delivered at all," he will say, according to extracts released by his office. "Let's get Brexit done on October 31 so in 2020 our country can move on", he added. More than three years after Britain voted to leave the EU in a 2016 referendum, Brexit talks are at an impasse. Johnson has been firm that the October 31 deadline will be met, but parliament has put roadblocks in his way - passing a law that requires the prime minister to request a Brexit delay if he fails to secure an acceptable deal at an EU summit on October 17. The EU has repeatedly asked Britain to come up with "legal and operational" proposals for the changes Johnson wants to a deal his predecessor negotiated with the bloc last year. 'Nobody will work on a delay' Following its rejection three times by parliament, Johnson has demanded changes to the Withdrawal Agreement, especially over new arrangements with the bloc for the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. But after weeks of talks, since Johnson took power that has made little headway to break the Brexit stand-off, the prime minister will make his last gambit - a new proposal which British officials describe as a final offer. The Telegraph newspaper cited a briefing to European capitals that Britain was suggesting a plan that would leave Northern Ireland in a special relationship with the EU until 2025, after which Belfast would decide whether to remain aligned to the bloc or return to following British rules. The proposal would be aimed at replacing the so-called backstop - an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border on the island of Ireland -- that has become the biggest hurdle to securing an agreement with Brussels. A senior British government official said: "The government is either going to be negotiating a new deal or working on no-deal — nobody will work on delay." "We will keep fighting to respect the biggest democratic vote in British history. The EU is obliged by EU law only to negotiate with member state governments, they cannot negotiate with parliament, and this government will not negotiate delay." Johnson has made the gamble that by pressing a hardline position on Brexit he will steal votes from parties such as the Brexit Party led by veteran eurosceptic Nigel Farage at an election, widely expected to come before the end of the year. He also has the main opposition Labour Party in his sights and will use his speech to attack its leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who has led efforts to try to stop the prime minister taking Britain out of the EU without a deal. "Can you imagine another three years of this? That is the Corbyn agenda – stay in the EU beyond October 31, paying $1.23 billion a month for the privilege, followed by years of uncertainty for business and everyone else," he will say. "That is why we are coming out of the EU on October 31. Let's get Brexit done - we can, we must and we will", he added.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson to unveil final Brexit offer to European Union

PM Boris&nbsp;Johnson on Wednesday again reiterated that Britain will be out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissions-juncker-says-britain-will-be-responsible-if-no-brexit-deal-252324">European Union</a> "by October 31 come what may".

Johnson began his speech by paying tribute&nbsp;to his predecessor former prime minister Theresa May who had fronted the Brexit agreement for several months.

"We will be out of EU by October 31 come what may," the British prime minister said, adding, "even though things have not been made easier by the "surrender bill", we will work for a deal with our EU friends."&nbsp;

"Let's get Brexit done by October 31," he told party workers.

As he began his speech, Johnson jocked "if the Parliament were a laptop, then the screen would be showing the pizza wheel on a doom."&nbsp;

"I have kept the ace up my sleeve - my mother voted leave."

"We will respect the Good Friday Agreement," the British prime minister asserted.&nbsp;

"I am ready for no-deal Brexit outcome," he said, adding the delay was "pointless"

"Brexit will bring a lot of opportunities," he told party men at the conference.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom is set to exit the EU on October 31, however, several hurdles remain as the European body and Britain look to come up with an exit plan.

Ahead of PM Johnson's speech, EU officials had said the British proposal was "fundamentally flawed", Reuters reported.

PM Boris Johnson on Wednesday again reiterated that Britain will be out of the European Union "by October 31 come what may". Johnson began his speech by paying tribute to his predecessor former prime minister Theresa May who had fronted the Brexit agreement for several months.

PM Boris Johnson on Wednesday again reiterated that Britain will be out of the European Union "by October 31 come what may". Johnson began his speech by paying tribute to his predecessor former prime minister Theresa May who had fronted the Brexit agreement for several months. "We will be out of EU by October 31 come what may," the British prime minister said, adding, "even though things have not been made easier by the "surrender bill", we will work for a deal with our EU friends." "Let's get Brexit done by October 31," he told party workers. As he began his speech, Johnson jocked "if the Parliament were a laptop, then the screen would be showing the pizza wheel on a doom." "I have kept the ace up my sleeve - my mother voted leave." "We will respect the Good Friday Agreement," the British prime minister asserted. "I am ready for no-deal Brexit outcome," he said, adding the delay was "pointless" "Brexit will bring a lot of opportunities," he told party men at the conference. The United Kingdom is set to exit the EU on October 31, however, several hurdles remain as the European body and Britain look to come up with an exit plan. Ahead of PM Johnson's speech, EU officials had said the British proposal was "fundamentally flawed", Reuters reported.

Will be out of EU by October 31, come what may: British PM Johnson

Brexit: 30 days to go

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brexit-row-boris-johnson-defeated-by-uk-supreme-court-but-he-could-still-emerge-as-a-winner-251957">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> will shortly present the European Union with proposals for an amended Brexit agreement, including new ideas that remove the contested insurance policy for the Irish border that Britain previously signed up to.

More than three years since the 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom is heading towards an October&nbsp;31 exit date without a clear understanding of whether it will leave with a deal, without a deal, or even leave by that deadline.

Even before the proposals were formally made, Ireland dismissed the ideas that had been previously floated with Foreign Minister Simon Coveney quipping: "Non-Starter".

"We've made a very good offer, we're going to make a very good offer, we're going to be tabling it formally very soon," Johnson, a Brexiter who helped lead the Out campaign in the referendum, told the BBC.

"We do think there's a good way forward, we do think there's a good solution. I very much hope that our European, EU friends in Brussels, in Dublin, in Germany as well will want to take it forward," he added.

Johnson said he wanted to get rid of the hotly contested element of the Brexit divorce agreement - the Irish border backstop - and that there was no point in leaving the EU if one stayed locked in an EU customs union.

"What we want to do is to get rid of the backstop, that is the most important thing," Johnson said.

"Getting rid of the backstop is a fantastic thing because what that does is it enables the UK genuinely to take back control of our regulatory framework, our tariffs, our customs and commercial policy and it allows us to go forward with a new and exciting relationship, not just with the EU but also with the rest of the world," he said.

The backstop is an insurance policy to prevent the return of border infrastructure between the British province of Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-boris-johnson-brexit-warrior-trumps-friend-chinas-frenemy-237975">Johnson brushed away criticism</a> of leaked plans to manage the Irish border after Brexit, saying comments from Brussels and Dublin were not aimed at Britain's final proposals.

"As far as I can make out from what I've seen from the response from Brussels and I think Dublin, they're not talking about the proposals that we're actually going to be taking, they're talking about some stuff that went in previously," Johnson told the BBC.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will shortly present the European Union with proposals for an amended Brexit agreement, including new ideas that remove the contested insurance policy for the Irish border that Britain previously signed up to.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will shortly present the European Union with proposals for an amended Brexit agreement, including new ideas that remove the contested insurance policy for the Irish border that Britain previously signed up to. More than three years since the 2016 referendum, the United Kingdom is heading towards an October 31 exit date without a clear understanding of whether it will leave with a deal, without a deal, or even leave by that deadline. Even before the proposals were formally made, Ireland dismissed the ideas that had been previously floated with Foreign Minister Simon Coveney quipping: "Non-Starter". "We've made a very good offer, we're going to make a very good offer, we're going to be tabling it formally very soon," Johnson, a Brexiter who helped lead the Out campaign in the referendum, told the BBC. "We do think there's a good way forward, we do think there's a good solution. I very much hope that our European, EU friends in Brussels, in Dublin, in Germany as well will want to take it forward," he added. Johnson said he wanted to get rid of the hotly contested element of the Brexit divorce agreement - the Irish border backstop - and that there was no point in leaving the EU if one stayed locked in an EU customs union. "What we want to do is to get rid of the backstop, that is the most important thing," Johnson said. "Getting rid of the backstop is a fantastic thing because what that does is it enables the UK genuinely to take back control of our regulatory framework, our tariffs, our customs and commercial policy and it allows us to go forward with a new and exciting relationship, not just with the EU but also with the rest of the world," he said. The backstop is an insurance policy to prevent the return of border infrastructure between the British province of Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Johnson brushed away criticism of leaked plans to manage the Irish border after Brexit, saying comments from Brussels and Dublin were not aimed at Britain's final proposals. "As far as I can make out from what I've seen from the response from Brussels and I think Dublin, they're not talking about the proposals that we're actually going to be taking, they're talking about some stuff that went in previously," Johnson told the BBC.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Johnson to submit Brexit grand bargain but Ireland sceptical

Allegations that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-vows-to-stay-put-to-hit-october-31-brexit-deadline-252702">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> groped two women 20 years ago overshadowed the Conservative Party's conference on Monday. A Johnson spokesman denied the claim.

Charlotte Edwardes, a columnist, wrote in The Sunday Times that Johnson had groped her at a lunch in 1999 when he was the editor of The Spectator magazine.

"Under the table, I feel Johnson’s hand on my thigh. He gives it a squeeze," Edwardes wrote. "His hand is high up my leg and he has enough inner flesh beneath his fingers to make me sit suddenly upright", he added.

Edwardes said that after the meal, she confided in another woman who had sat on the other side of Johnson. The other woman said Johnson had also groped her, Edwardes said.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissions-juncker-says-britain-will-be-responsible-if-no-brexit-deal-252324">Prime Minister's</a> spokesman told reporters, "This allegation is untrue."

Finance minister Sajid Javid repeatedly refused to address the allegations when questioned on Monday but said the Prime Minister had said they were untrue.

Allegations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson groped two women 20 years ago overshadowed the Conservative Party's conference on Monday. A Johnson spokesman denied the claim.

Allegations that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson groped two women 20 years ago overshadowed the Conservative Party's conference on Monday. A Johnson spokesman denied the claim. Charlotte Edwardes, a columnist, wrote in The Sunday Times that Johnson had groped her at a lunch in 1999 when he was the editor of The Spectator magazine. "Under the table, I feel Johnson’s hand on my thigh. He gives it a squeeze," Edwardes wrote. "His hand is high up my leg and he has enough inner flesh beneath his fingers to make me sit suddenly upright", he added. Edwardes said that after the meal, she confided in another woman who had sat on the other side of Johnson. The other woman said Johnson had also groped her, Edwardes said. The Prime Minister's spokesman told reporters, "This allegation is untrue." Finance minister Sajid Javid repeatedly refused to address the allegations when questioned on Monday but said the Prime Minister had said they were untrue.

Groping claims against United Kingdom Prime Minister Johnson overshadow Conservative conference

The United Kingdom will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-vows-to-stay-put-to-hit-october-31-brexit-deadline-252702">leave the European Union</a> on October 31, hopefully, with a deal, Finance Minister Sajid Javid said on Monday.

"Hopefully we leave with a deal," Javid told ITV. "If we cannot strike a deal, I think it is important to leave in any case and leave with no deal. It is not perfect but it is appropriate that we leave on the 31st."

Javid repeatedly refused to set out how the government could deliver <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commissions-juncker-says-britain-will-be-responsible-if-no-brexit-deal-252324">Brexit</a> if there was no deal given a law which demands the prime minister delay Brexit in such a scenario.

"The legislation that parliament has passed of course has made things more difficult, but we are clear our own policy is completely unchanged, we will be leaving on 31st," Javid said.

The United Kingdom will leave the European Union on October 31, hopefully, with a deal, Finance Minister Sajid Javid said on Monday. "Hopefully we leave with a deal," Javid told ITV.

The United Kingdom will leave the European Union on October 31, hopefully, with a deal, Finance Minister Sajid Javid said on Monday. "Hopefully we leave with a deal," Javid told ITV. "If we cannot strike a deal, I think it is important to leave in any case and leave with no deal. It is not perfect but it is appropriate that we leave on the 31st." Javid repeatedly refused to set out how the government could deliver Brexit if there was no deal given a law which demands the prime minister delay Brexit in such a scenario. "The legislation that parliament has passed of course has made things more difficult, but we are clear our own policy is completely unchanged, we will be leaving on 31st," Javid said.

UK will leave European Union on October 31, Finance Minister Javid says

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Sunday he would not resign to avoid having to delay Brexit beyond the end of October. Watch this video to know more.

UK PM Johnson says he will not resign to avoid asking for Brexit delay

Britain's aviation regulator said on Monday that refunds of bookings by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-thomas-cook-holidaymakers-back-in-uk-252603">Thomas Cook</a> customers could take longer than expected as the regulator does not have all information needed from the collapsed travel firm.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that it was launching a new, online payment system next week for bookings made by payments methods other than direct debit and would enable customers to get refunds within 60 days of receiving refund forms.

A total of 100,000 bookings made by direct debit would be refunded within the next 14 days.

53 flights are scheduled to operate on September 30, returning 8,000 people following the collapse of collapsed British travel firm Thomas Cook, the regulator said.

CAA said more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-repatriate-16000-people-on-fourth-day-of-thomas-cook-collapse-252153">two-thirds of the total number of customers have been repatriated</a>.

Britain's aviation regulator said on Monday that refunds of bookings by Thomas Cook customers could take longer than expected as the regulator does not have all information needed from the collapsed travel firm.

Britain's aviation regulator said on Monday that refunds of bookings by Thomas Cook customers could take longer than expected as the regulator does not have all information needed from the collapsed travel firm. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said that it was launching a new, online payment system next week for bookings made by payments methods other than direct debit and would enable customers to get refunds within 60 days of receiving refund forms. A total of 100,000 bookings made by direct debit would be refunded within the next 14 days. 53 flights are scheduled to operate on September 30, returning 8,000 people following the collapse of collapsed British travel firm Thomas Cook, the regulator said. CAA said more than two-thirds of the total number of customers have been repatriated.

Thomas Cook customers may face two-month delay for refunds

Boris Johnson vowed on Sunday he would not quit as Britain's prime minister even if he fails to secure a deal to leave the European Union, saying only his Conservative government can deliver Brexit on Oct. 31.

At the beginning of his party's annual conference in the northern city of Manchester, Johnson wants to rally his party with the "do or die" message that he will deliver Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal.

But there are hurdles to clear, not least of which is what Johnson calls "the surrender act" - the law parliament passed to force the prime minister to request a Brexit delay if he has not secured a deal with Brussels by an October&nbsp;17-18 EU summit.

Johnson again declined to explain how he plans to circumvent that law and deliver on his Brexit promise, deepening uncertainty around Britain's biggest trade and foreign policy shift for more than 40 years.

"People can feel that this country is approaching an important moment of choice and we have to get on and we have to deliver Brexit on October the 31st ... I'm going to get on and do it," he told BBC television.

Asked if he would resign to avoid having to ask for a delay, Johnson said: "No, I have undertaken to lead the party and my country at a difficult time and I am going to continue to do that. I believe it is my responsibility."

Opposition lawmakers have been highly critical of Johnson's reference to "the surrender bill", saying his language is stirring even more division in a country that has remained split since the 2016 referendum on EU membership.

Election fever

More than three years after Britain voted to leave the EU, both the governing Conservative Party and others are getting ready for an early election, widely expected to be held before the end of the year to break the Brexit deadlock.

Polling firm Opinium said the main opposition Labour Party gained 2 percentage points after its conference in Brighton last week, but the Conservatives still held a 12-point lead.

Matt Hancock, health minister, used the start of the Conservative conference to announce billions of pounds in spending for hospital projects across England - part of a plan by the ruling party to make good on some of the pledges made during the referendum campaign which Johnson helped lead.

Labour also used its conference to launch new policies, including plans for a four-day working week, but has yet to back Johnson's calls for an election, fearful he will lead Britain out of the EU without an agreement before any such poll is held.

Though the option of bringing a vote of no confidence in Johnson has been mooted in some quarters, Labour's education policy chief Angela Rayner said on Sunday the party wanted to "get no deal off the table" before it did anything else.

But time is running out on efforts to avoid a potentially chaotic departure from the EU, which many businesses say could hurt the economy and tip the country into recession.

The government is expected this week to present proposals aimed at overcoming the main stumbling block in talks - the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. So far the two sides have failed to agree how to prevent the return to a hard border if any future UK/EU deal fails to maintain frictionless trade.

Johnson said he is still hopeful of securing a "good deal" but added that he would not pretend it will be easy.

"It is certainly true that other EU countries also don't want this thing to keep dragging on, and they don't want the UK to remain in the EU truculent and mutinous and in a limbo and not wishing to cooperate in the way that they would like," he said.

"There is a strong view across the EU that it is time to move on." 
&nbsp;

Boris Johnson vowed on Sunday he would not quit as Britain's prime minister even if he fails to secure a deal to leave the European Union, saying only his Conservative government can deliver Brexit on Oct.

Boris Johnson vowed on Sunday he would not quit as Britain's prime minister even if he fails to secure a deal to leave the European Union, saying only his Conservative government can deliver Brexit on Oct. 31. At the beginning of his party's annual conference in the northern city of Manchester, Johnson wants to rally his party with the "do or die" message that he will deliver Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal. But there are hurdles to clear, not least of which is what Johnson calls "the surrender act" - the law parliament passed to force the prime minister to request a Brexit delay if he has not secured a deal with Brussels by an October 17-18 EU summit. Johnson again declined to explain how he plans to circumvent that law and deliver on his Brexit promise, deepening uncertainty around Britain's biggest trade and foreign policy shift for more than 40 years. "People can feel that this country is approaching an important moment of choice and we have to get on and we have to deliver Brexit on October the 31st ... I'm going to get on and do it," he told BBC television. Asked if he would resign to avoid having to ask for a delay, Johnson said: "No, I have undertaken to lead the party and my country at a difficult time and I am going to continue to do that. I believe it is my responsibility." Opposition lawmakers have been highly critical of Johnson's reference to "the surrender bill", saying his language is stirring even more division in a country that has remained split since the 2016 referendum on EU membership. Election fever More than three years after Britain voted to leave the EU, both the governing Conservative Party and others are getting ready for an early election, widely expected to be held before the end of the year to break the Brexit deadlock. Polling firm Opinium said the main opposition Labour Party gained 2 percentage points after its conference in Brighton last week, but the Conservatives still held a 12-point lead. Matt Hancock, health minister, used the start of the Conservative conference to announce billions of pounds in spending for hospital projects across England - part of a plan by the ruling party to make good on some of the pledges made during the referendum campaign which Johnson helped lead. Labour also used its conference to launch new policies, including plans for a four-day working week, but has yet to back Johnson's calls for an election, fearful he will lead Britain out of the EU without an agreement before any such poll is held. Though the option of bringing a vote of no confidence in Johnson has been mooted in some quarters, Labour's education policy chief Angela Rayner said on Sunday the party wanted to "get no deal off the table" before it did anything else. But time is running out on efforts to avoid a potentially chaotic departure from the EU, which many businesses say could hurt the economy and tip the country into recession. The government is expected this week to present proposals aimed at overcoming the main stumbling block in talks - the border between the British province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. So far the two sides have failed to agree how to prevent the return to a hard border if any future UK/EU deal fails to maintain frictionless trade. Johnson said he is still hopeful of securing a "good deal" but added that he would not pretend it will be easy. "It is certainly true that other EU countries also don't want this thing to keep dragging on, and they don't want the UK to remain in the EU truculent and mutinous and in a limbo and not wishing to cooperate in the way that they would like," he said. "There is a strong view across the EU that it is time to move on."

British PM Boris Johnson vows to stay put to hit October 31 Brexit deadline

Boris Johnson said that he won't resign to avoid having to delay Brexit. To know more watch the video

Johnson vows to take Britain out of EU

The government of London said that it had referred&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrage-at-johnsons-rhetoric-in-brexit-impasse-252210">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> to Britain’s police watchdog for potential investigation over allegations of misconduct involving a US&nbsp;businesswoman while he was mayor of London.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) said on Friday it had referred a "conduct matter" concerning Johnson to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which investigates complaints connected to the police.

The referral follows allegations, first reported by The Sunday Times, that when Johnson was mayor, he failed to declare close personal links to tech entrepreneur Jennifer Arcuri who received thousands of pounds in public business funding and places on official trade trips.

Asked about the referral, Johnson's spokesman told Reuters: "The prime minister as mayor of London did a huge amount of work when selling our capital city around the world, beating the drum for London and the UK".

"Everything was done with propriety and in the normal way," he added.

Arcuri did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The matter has been referred to the police watchdog because <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-flies-back-to-face-uk-parliament-as-brexit-chaos-deepens-251977">Johnson was head of the Mayor's Office</a> for Policing and Crime, a role equivalent to a police commissioner, during his 2008-2016 term as mayor.

Under the referral, the authority will try to determine whether there are grounds for a full investigation that could lead to criminal charges of misconduct in public office.

The GLA said in a statement: "The Monitoring Officer of the GLA has today recorded a ‘conduct matter’ against Boris Johnson and referred him to the Independent Office for Police Conduct so it can assess whether or not it is necessary to investigate the former Mayor of London for the criminal offence of misconduct in public office."

It said the action had been taken in accordance with the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

In a letter to Johnson, the GLA said: “Subject to any explanation provided by you, these matters give rise to a suggestion that there has been a failure to safeguard the public purse and if so that amounts to a significant breach of public trust.

“These are the ingredients of the offence of misconduct in a public office,” said the letter from the office of the authority’s monitoring officer, which was made public.

The letter said Innotech, Arcuri’s then-company, received $14,000&nbsp;from London &amp; Partners, the mayor’s promotional agency, for two events in 2013 and 2014. She was able to attend a trade mission to Singapore and Malaysia in 2014 through Playbox, one of her companies, even though an initial application through Innotech had been declined.

The letter said the Monitoring Officer was also aware "from media reports and elsewhere" that Arcuri also had been allowed to participate in events around two other trade missions — to New York and Israel in 2015 — although she had not qualified for the New York mission and had been rejected for the mission to Israel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brexit-row-boris-johnson-defeated-by-uk-supreme-court-but-he-could-still-emerge-as-a-winner-251957">Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union by October 31</a>. British opposition parties are discussing tabling a vote of no-confidence in Johnson as early as next week over his handling of Brexit, the Telegraph newspaper reported on Friday.

The government of London said that it had referred Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Britain’s police watchdog for potential investigation over allegations of misconduct involving a US businesswoman while he was mayor of London.

The government of London said that it had referred Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Britain’s police watchdog for potential investigation over allegations of misconduct involving a US businesswoman while he was mayor of London. The Greater London Authority (GLA) said on Friday it had referred a "conduct matter" concerning Johnson to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which investigates complaints connected to the police. The referral follows allegations, first reported by The Sunday Times, that when Johnson was mayor, he failed to declare close personal links to tech entrepreneur Jennifer Arcuri who received thousands of pounds in public business funding and places on official trade trips. Asked about the referral, Johnson's spokesman told Reuters: "The prime minister as mayor of London did a huge amount of work when selling our capital city around the world, beating the drum for London and the UK". "Everything was done with propriety and in the normal way," he added. Arcuri did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The matter has been referred to the police watchdog because Johnson was head of the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime, a role equivalent to a police commissioner, during his 2008-2016 term as mayor. Under the referral, the authority will try to determine whether there are grounds for a full investigation that could lead to criminal charges of misconduct in public office. The GLA said in a statement: "The Monitoring Officer of the GLA has today recorded a ‘conduct matter’ against Boris Johnson and referred him to the Independent Office for Police Conduct so it can assess whether or not it is necessary to investigate the former Mayor of London for the criminal offence of misconduct in public office." It said the action had been taken in accordance with the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. In a letter to Johnson, the GLA said: “Subject to any explanation provided by you, these matters give rise to a suggestion that there has been a failure to safeguard the public purse and if so that amounts to a significant breach of public trust. “These are the ingredients of the offence of misconduct in a public office,” said the letter from the office of the authority’s monitoring officer, which was made public. The letter said Innotech, Arcuri’s then-company, received $14,000 from London & Partners, the mayor’s promotional agency, for two events in 2013 and 2014. She was able to attend a trade mission to Singapore and Malaysia in 2014 through Playbox, one of her companies, even though an initial application through Innotech had been declined. The letter said the Monitoring Officer was also aware "from media reports and elsewhere" that Arcuri also had been allowed to participate in events around two other trade missions — to New York and Israel in 2015 — although she had not qualified for the New York mission and had been rejected for the mission to Israel. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union by October 31. British opposition parties are discussing tabling a vote of no-confidence in Johnson as early as next week over his handling of Brexit, the Telegraph newspaper reported on Friday.

British PM Johnson referred to police watchdog over businesswoman links

Equity benchmark indices were subdued during early hours on Friday tracking weakness in Asian peers amid global growth concerns.

At 10:15 am, the BSE S &amp; P Sensex was down by 88 points at 39,902 while the Nifty 50 slipped by 37 point to 11,535. At the National Stock Exchange, most sectoral indices were in the red except for financial services, PSU bank and FMCG.

Among stocks, Tata Motors lost by 3.2 per cent to Rs 120.45 per share after Jaguar Land Rover said it will suspend production for a week after the planned Brexit date of October 31 as a prudent measure.

Metal stocks like Tata Steel, Vedanta and Hindalco too suffered losses of over 2 per cent each.

The other prominent losers were ONGC, GAIL, Nestle Indian and Bharti Infratel.

However, FMCG major ITC gained by 2.1 per cent. The others which added gains were Reliance Industries, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv and HDFC.

Meanwhile, Asian shares were on course for a second straight week of losses.

The release of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-in-donald-trump-ukraine-scandal-a-cia-officer-report-252276">whistleblower complaint against</a> US President Donald Trump heightened uncertainties about the global economy which is already reeling under the impact of US-China trade tariff issues.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan slipped by 0.42 per cent while Japan's Nikkei slid by 1.27 per cent.

A whistleblower report released on Thursday said Trump not only abused his office in attempting to solicit Ukraine's interference in the US election for his political benefit but that the White House tried to lock down evidence about that conduct.

The report came after the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi launched an impeachment inquiry into him.

Equity benchmark indices were subdued during early hours on Friday tracking weakness in Asian peers amid global growth concerns. At 10:15 am, the BSE S & P Sensex was down by 88 points at 39,902 while the Nifty 50 slipped by 37 point to 11,535.

Equity benchmark indices were subdued during early hours on Friday tracking weakness in Asian peers amid global growth concerns. At 10:15 am, the BSE S & P Sensex was down by 88 points at 39,902 while the Nifty 50 slipped by 37 point to 11,535. At the National Stock Exchange, most sectoral indices were in the red except for financial services, PSU bank and FMCG. Among stocks, Tata Motors lost by 3.2 per cent to Rs 120.45 per share after Jaguar Land Rover said it will suspend production for a week after the planned Brexit date of October 31 as a prudent measure. Metal stocks like Tata Steel, Vedanta and Hindalco too suffered losses of over 2 per cent each. The other prominent losers were ONGC, GAIL, Nestle Indian and Bharti Infratel. However, FMCG major ITC gained by 2.1 per cent. The others which added gains were Reliance Industries, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv and HDFC. Meanwhile, Asian shares were on course for a second straight week of losses. The release of a whistleblower complaint against US President Donald Trump heightened uncertainties about the global economy which is already reeling under the impact of US-China trade tariff issues. MSCI's broadest index of Asia Pacific shares outside Japan slipped by 0.42 per cent while Japan's Nikkei slid by 1.27 per cent. A whistleblower report released on Thursday said Trump not only abused his office in attempting to solicit Ukraine's interference in the US election for his political benefit but that the White House tried to lock down evidence about that conduct. The report came after the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi launched an impeachment inquiry into him.

Equities subdued on global cues, auto and metal stocks suffer

Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, said that he&nbsp;and the European Union`s Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier were doing all that they could to get a Brexit deal and if they failed it would be Britain`s responsibility.

In an interview with a German newspaper, Juncker said he and Barnier were working intensively for a deal because it would be a catastrophe for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrage-at-johnsons-rhetoric-in-brexit-impasse-252210">Britain and Europe</a> if Britain left the EU without an organised withdrawal process.

"Our chief negotiator Michel Barnier and I are doing everything possible to get an agreement," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper. "But if we don`t succeed in the end, the responsibility would lie exclusively on the British side", he said.

Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on October&nbsp;31. Officials in Brussels say <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-flies-back-to-face-uk-parliament-as-brexit-chaos-deepens-251977">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> has made little progress in negotiating a new exit deal to replace the one agreed by his predecessor Theresa May, but which was rejected three times by the British parliament.

Juncker added that negotiations on a future trade relationship between Britain and the EU would be greatly complicated by a disorderly Brexit.

"We will want to and need to seal a free trade agreement," he said. "But that won`t happen just like that, as some in Britain imagine. Some of the trade deals we sealed in my term of office took many years to reach", he added.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, said that he and the European Union`s Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier were doing all that they could to get a Brexit deal and if they failed it would be Britain`s responsibility.

Jean-Claude Juncker, the President of the European Commission, said that he and the European Union`s Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier were doing all that they could to get a Brexit deal and if they failed it would be Britain`s responsibility. In an interview with a German newspaper, Juncker said he and Barnier were working intensively for a deal because it would be a catastrophe for Britain and Europe if Britain left the EU without an organised withdrawal process. "Our chief negotiator Michel Barnier and I are doing everything possible to get an agreement," he told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper. "But if we don`t succeed in the end, the responsibility would lie exclusively on the British side", he said. Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on October 31. Officials in Brussels say Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made little progress in negotiating a new exit deal to replace the one agreed by his predecessor Theresa May, but which was rejected three times by the British parliament. Juncker added that negotiations on a future trade relationship between Britain and the EU would be greatly complicated by a disorderly Brexit. "We will want to and need to seal a free trade agreement," he said. "But that won`t happen just like that, as some in Britain imagine. Some of the trade deals we sealed in my term of office took many years to reach", he added.

European Commission's Juncker says Britain will be responsible if no Brexit deal

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brexit-row-boris-johnson-defeated-by-uk-supreme-court-but-he-could-still-emerge-as-a-winner-251957">Boris Johnson</a> on Thursday lost yet another vote in parliament over a government request for a three-day recess to allow his Conservative party to hold its annual conference.

The government lost the vote, which could affect the timing of the conference in Manchester, by 306 votes to 289.

The vote could force the party to shorten its party conference, which is scheduled to last from Sunday to Wednesday or even cancel it altogether.

There is no obligation for MPs to be in recess during the party conferences but it is customary.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled "unlawful, void and of no effect" Johnson's decision to suspend parliament earlier this month in the run-up to Brexit.

Following the judgement, MPs reconvened on Wednesday for an ill-tempered debate in which Johnson accused his opponents of trying to reverse the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday lost yet another vote in parliament over a government request for a three-day recess to allow his Conservative party to hold its annual conference.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday lost yet another vote in parliament over a government request for a three-day recess to allow his Conservative party to hold its annual conference. The government lost the vote, which could affect the timing of the conference in Manchester, by 306 votes to 289. The vote could force the party to shorten its party conference, which is scheduled to last from Sunday to Wednesday or even cancel it altogether. There is no obligation for MPs to be in recess during the party conferences but it is customary. The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled "unlawful, void and of no effect" Johnson's decision to suspend parliament earlier this month in the run-up to Brexit. Following the judgement, MPs reconvened on Wednesday for an ill-tempered debate in which Johnson accused his opponents of trying to reverse the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum.

UK PM loses new parliamentary vote, over party conference

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced an angry backlash from across the political spectrum on Thursday following a series of angry exchanges in parliament over Brexit.

Tensions boiled over on Wednesday when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-they-scared-of-uk-pm-johnson-challenges-opposition-to-call-confidence-vote-252076">Johnson </a>went on the offensive after MPs returned to work following a Supreme Court ruling calling parliament suspension unlawful.

He refused to apologize and repeatedly slammed parliament for passing a "surrender act" requiring him to seek a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-flies-back-to-face-uk-parliament-as-brexit-chaos-deepens-251977">Brexit </a>delay past the October 31 deadline if he fails to reach an exit agreement with the EU.

Britain has been bitterly divided over the issue ever since the 2016 EU referendum campaign and the government has delayed Brexit twice because parliament has failed to approve its draft deal with EU leaders.

Watch Video:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson braces for Brexit battle

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The real uproar on Wednesday came when Johnson said the best way to honour Jo Cox an anti-Brexit Labour MP who was fatally shot and stabbed by a Nazi sympathizer during the referendum campaign would be "to get Brexit done".

"Feel a bit sick at Jo's name being used this way," her husband Brendan tweeted.

"The best way to honour Jo is for all of us (no matter our views) to stand up for what we believe in &nbsp;but never to demonize the other side."

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn accused Johnson of using language that was "indistinguishable from (that of) the far-right".

'Toxic' atmosphere

Even some members of Johnson's Conservatives appeared taken aback.

"At a time of strong feelings, we all need to remind ourselves of the effect of everything we say on those watching," Culture and Media Minister Nicky Morgan said.

And Jacob Rees-Mogg a strong Brexit and Johnson supporter who represents the government in parliament noted that everyone "had a responsibility to be mild in our language".

Parliamentary speaker John Bercow said the atmosphere in parliament was "toxic" and announced a special debate later on Thursday on the language used by MPs.

"Treat each other as opponents, not as enemies," Bercow said.

Security has been stepped up around a number of MPs who reported receiving death threats over their Brexit positions online.

Johnson was due to meet Thursday with his party's policymakers as he plots strategy over the crisis with just a month to go before Britain is due to leave the EU.

He was expected to try to pass a motion allowing parliament to be suspended for three days next week during the Conservatives' annual conference.

The House of Commons traditionally does not sit on party conference days.

But the opposition argues that the rules should be changed this time around to let MPs handle Brexit, which could mean the party conference has to be cancelled or shortened.

Johnson has said he is aiming to reach a deal with Brussels ahead of October 31 but is ready to take Britain out of the EU without a deal if necessary.

He has called for an election to resolve the current impasse with MPs, who have rejected the current version of the deal struck by his predecessor Theresa May last year.

The opposition warns a no-deal Brexit would be highly disruptive for Britain's economy and has said Johnson should first delay Brexit before an election is held.

The EU says it has not received any comprehensive proposals from Britain for a new deal.

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier told reporters: "We are still ready to work on any legal and operational proposal with the UK".

"We are still waiting," he said.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced an angry backlash from across the political spectrum on Thursday following a series of angry exchanges in parliament over Brexit.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced an angry backlash from across the political spectrum on Thursday following a series of angry exchanges in parliament over Brexit. Tensions boiled over on Wednesday when Johnson went on the offensive after MPs returned to work following a Supreme Court ruling calling parliament suspension unlawful. He refused to apologize and repeatedly slammed parliament for passing a "surrender act" requiring him to seek a Brexit delay past the October 31 deadline if he fails to reach an exit agreement with the EU. Britain has been bitterly divided over the issue ever since the 2016 EU referendum campaign and the government has delayed Brexit twice because parliament has failed to approve its draft deal with EU leaders. Watch Video: UK PM Boris Johnson braces for Brexit battle × The real uproar on Wednesday came when Johnson said the best way to honour Jo Cox an anti-Brexit Labour MP who was fatally shot and stabbed by a Nazi sympathizer during the referendum campaign would be "to get Brexit done". "Feel a bit sick at Jo's name being used this way," her husband Brendan tweeted. "The best way to honour Jo is for all of us (no matter our views) to stand up for what we believe in but never to demonize the other side." Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn accused Johnson of using language that was "indistinguishable from (that of) the far-right". 'Toxic' atmosphere Even some members of Johnson's Conservatives appeared taken aback. "At a time of strong feelings, we all need to remind ourselves of the effect of everything we say on those watching," Culture and Media Minister Nicky Morgan said. And Jacob Rees-Mogg a strong Brexit and Johnson supporter who represents the government in parliament noted that everyone "had a responsibility to be mild in our language". Parliamentary speaker John Bercow said the atmosphere in parliament was "toxic" and announced a special debate later on Thursday on the language used by MPs. "Treat each other as opponents, not as enemies," Bercow said. Security has been stepped up around a number of MPs who reported receiving death threats over their Brexit positions online. Johnson was due to meet Thursday with his party's policymakers as he plots strategy over the crisis with just a month to go before Britain is due to leave the EU. He was expected to try to pass a motion allowing parliament to be suspended for three days next week during the Conservatives' annual conference. The House of Commons traditionally does not sit on party conference days. But the opposition argues that the rules should be changed this time around to let MPs handle Brexit, which could mean the party conference has to be cancelled or shortened. Johnson has said he is aiming to reach a deal with Brussels ahead of October 31 but is ready to take Britain out of the EU without a deal if necessary. He has called for an election to resolve the current impasse with MPs, who have rejected the current version of the deal struck by his predecessor Theresa May last year. The opposition warns a no-deal Brexit would be highly disruptive for Britain's economy and has said Johnson should first delay Brexit before an election is held. The EU says it has not received any comprehensive proposals from Britain for a new deal. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier told reporters: "We are still ready to work on any legal and operational proposal with the UK". "We are still waiting," he said.

Outrage at UK PM Boris Johnson's rhetoric in Brexit impasse

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he would not seek an extension to Brexit even if the conditions of a recently passed bill were met, forcing him to do so.

UK PM Boris Johnson braces for Brexit battle

US President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;threw his weight Tuesday behind&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson's plan to exit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-supreme-court-ruling-could-throw-boris-johnsons-brexit-plan-into-more-disarray-251621">European Union</a> as the British leader suffered a major setback in court.

Trump said it took a man such as Johnson to get Brexit done and that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-vows-to-pursue-brexit-plan-despite-supreme-court-blow-251822">Brexit had to be done</a>.

"It takes a man like this to get it done,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said of Johnson, adding, "I think he is going to get it done."

"It would be a terrible thing to do it any other way," Trump added as the&nbsp;pair met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

Trump also dismissed&nbsp;British opposition demands that Johnson should resign after the&nbsp;Supreme Court ruled he had acted unlawfully.

Asked by reporters about calls for Johnson to resign, Trump said, "I'll tell you, I know him well, he’s not going anywhere."

Watch: Trouble follows Boris Johnson, wherever he goes!

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Johnson on Tuesday vowed to press ahead with his plan for Brexit on October 31, despite a momentous Supreme Court ruling that found his decision to suspend parliament unlawful.

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The American president told reporters that he had "no reaction" when he heard that Britain's highest court had ruled against Johnson.

"He's a professional. It's just another day in the office,"&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;said of his British counterpart.

The ruling came after a series of defeats in parliament that had curbed Johnson's plans to leave the EU at the end of next month even without a divorce deal with Brussels.

Three years after the 2016 Brexit referendum, Johnson has insisted Britain must leave the EU without further delays, but lawmakers fear the disruptive impact of exiting without a deal with Brussels.

Johnson told reporters in New York that he "strongly disagreed" with the court decision but said he would respect it.

He also renewed his calls for Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of Britain's main opposition Labour party, to back a general election.

Corbyn said Johnson should resign after the court judgement.

US President Donald Trump threw his weight Tuesday behind Boris Johnson's plan to exit the European Union as the British leader suffered a major setback in court.

US President Donald Trump threw his weight Tuesday behind Boris Johnson's plan to exit the European Union as the British leader suffered a major setback in court. Trump said it took a man such as Johnson to get Brexit done and that Brexit had to be done. "It takes a man like this to get it done," Trump said of Johnson, adding, "I think he is going to get it done." "It would be a terrible thing to do it any other way," Trump added as the pair met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Trump also dismissed British opposition demands that Johnson should resign after the Supreme Court ruled he had acted unlawfully. Asked by reporters about calls for Johnson to resign, Trump said, "I'll tell you, I know him well, he’s not going anywhere." Watch: Trouble follows Boris Johnson, wherever he goes! × Johnson on Tuesday vowed to press ahead with his plan for Brexit on October 31, despite a momentous Supreme Court ruling that found his decision to suspend parliament unlawful. The American president told reporters that he had "no reaction" when he heard that Britain's highest court had ruled against Johnson. "He's a professional. It's just another day in the office," Trump said of his British counterpart. The ruling came after a series of defeats in parliament that had curbed Johnson's plans to leave the EU at the end of next month even without a divorce deal with Brussels. Three years after the 2016 Brexit referendum, Johnson has insisted Britain must leave the EU without further delays, but lawmakers fear the disruptive impact of exiting without a deal with Brussels. Johnson told reporters in New York that he "strongly disagreed" with the court decision but said he would respect it. He also renewed his calls for Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of Britain's main opposition Labour party, to back a general election. Corbyn said Johnson should resign after the court judgement.

Should PM Boris Johnson resign? Donald Trump says, 'he's not going anywhere'

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mps-return-to-parliament-after-supreme-court-ruling-251945">Boris Johnson</a> on Wednesday challenged opposition parties to call a vote of no confidence in his government, telling them in parliament, "what are they scared of?"

As he faced MPs for the first time since the Supreme Court quashed his suspension of parliament, Johnson asked, "Will they have the courage to act?... Come on, then."

Johnson was reaction follows the Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn calling on Johnson to resign while also adding that he would not call a no-confidence vote in the parliament until the possibility of a no-deal Brexit had been eliminated.

"Our first priority is to prevent a no-deal exit from the European Union on October 31," Corbyn was quoted as saying by local media.

Watch: Trouble follows Boris Johnson, wherever he goes!

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Reacting on Supreme Court's ruling, Johnson said the top court was "wrong" to get involved in "what is essentially a political question at a time of great national controversy".

The court's judgement has challenged Johnson's authority, prompting calls for his resignation and casting further doubt on his promise to pull Britain out of the European Union on October 31.

The ruling throws Johnson's Brexit planning into disarray - coming after a series of defeats in the parliament that have curbed his plans for Brexit even if there is no divorce deal with Brussels.

The Prime Minister is likely to also renew his call for an early election to end the stand-off with parliament, having said in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that it was "the obvious thing to do".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday challenged opposition parties to call a vote of no confidence in his government, telling them in parliament, "what are they scared of?

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday challenged opposition parties to call a vote of no confidence in his government, telling them in parliament, "what are they scared of?" As he faced MPs for the first time since the Supreme Court quashed his suspension of parliament, Johnson asked, "Will they have the courage to act?... Come on, then." Johnson was reaction follows the Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn calling on Johnson to resign while also adding that he would not call a no-confidence vote in the parliament until the possibility of a no-deal Brexit had been eliminated. "Our first priority is to prevent a no-deal exit from the European Union on October 31," Corbyn was quoted as saying by local media. Watch: Trouble follows Boris Johnson, wherever he goes! × Reacting on Supreme Court's ruling, Johnson said the top court was "wrong" to get involved in "what is essentially a political question at a time of great national controversy". The court's judgement has challenged Johnson's authority, prompting calls for his resignation and casting further doubt on his promise to pull Britain out of the European Union on October 31. The ruling throws Johnson's Brexit planning into disarray - coming after a series of defeats in the parliament that have curbed his plans for Brexit even if there is no divorce deal with Brussels. The Prime Minister is likely to also renew his call for an early election to end the stand-off with parliament, having said in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that it was "the obvious thing to do".

'What are they scared of?': UK PM Johnson challenges opposition to call confidence vote

By Matthew Flinders

It’s fairly clear that the tectonic plates of the British constitution are shifting. After a grating and grinding battle between the legislature and the constitution, the main friction point moved to the judicial sphere.

And the UK Supreme Court has ruled that the process by which prime minister prorogued parliament for five weeks in the run-up the October 31 date when Brexit is now due was not lawful. What happens now in terms of process is unclear but what appears to have been almost completely overlooked in the generally turgid and jargon-rich commentaries that have surrounded the case is that the result is unlikely to matter.

In fact, despite losing this specific trial of strength, Johnson may still come out the winner.

The goal of the teams taking on the government in court was to stop executive overreach. They argued that the government had devised a lengthy prorogation to limit the time available for parliament to hold the government to account over Brexit ahead of the October 31 deadline. The government insisted that the break was needed to organise a new parliamentary session. The courts have decided this was not the case.

But judicial bravery in highly contested constitutional waters may have the unintended consequence of delivering a major “Boris boost” in terms of public support. Whether through serendipity or strategy (probably the former) the prime minister has created a win-win situation that nobody seems to have noticed.

The Supreme Court upheld campaigner Gina Miller’s appeal and overturned a ruling by the English High Court that suspending parliament was “not a matter” for the judiciary.

In so doing, the court is, in effect, siding with the highest court in Scotland, which ruled earlier this month that the prorogation of parliament was unlawful as “it had the purpose of stymieing parliament”.

This decision is certain to spark the political equivalent of a volcanic eruption with claims and counter-claims of judicial activism and political incompetence. Academics will undoubtedly scuttle off to the library in an attempt to somehow reconcile the Supreme Court’s decision with legal scholar JAG Griffith’s classic account of “the political constitution” in the United Kingdom (Modern Law Review, 1979 and still well worth reading).

In reality, such matters are relatively simple. The court’s decision is constitutionally legitimate on the basis that it was upholding the basic tenet of parliamentary sovereignty. Far from undermining the political constitution, the Supreme Court would from this position be protecting it, while retaining a politically subservient position.

But what no one seems to have considered is that Johnson is an explicitly populist politician. He will live to whiff-whaff another day. His whole approach to gaining the keys to No.10 has revolved around constantly responding to – and to some extent amplifying – the populist signal, not least over Brexit. In this context, a Supreme Court defeat risks simply playing into Johnson’s gameplan. It will not stop Brexit. But for Johnson and, especially for his shady apparatchiks, it will be yet another example of “them” (that is, the elite, the experts, the untouchables that wield power without responsibility) against “us” (the Great British public).

The rules of political engagement have already been altered almost beyond recognition, and Johnson’s entire brand is based on being an unconventional politician.

The great risk of the Supreme Court ruling is that it will add fuel to a populist fire that is already raging about the need for a strong leader. Indeed, one of the few similarities between all the different manifestations of populism that have emerged around the world over the past decade is the existence of a charismatic and strong leader who can mobilise the masses and manipulate how dominant issues are framed. In the UK it is Johnson who seems to be staking the greatest claim to this role – and his popularity amongst Conservative Party members provides a powerful platform.

Britain’s threadbare constitutional framework makes it particularly vulnerable to the wrath of a strong leader. Where other countries have adopted a codified constitution, clear rules of engagement and an explicit role for the courts in curbing executive power, the British constitution operates through what the eminent constitutional historian Peter Hennessy has called “the good chaps theory of government”, which presumes that all politicians will exercise a high degree of self-restraint, respecting the unwritten rules of the constitution.

What’s worrying is that the words “Boris Johnson” and “self-restraint” have rarely – if ever – been used in the same sentence. He is not a man to play by the rules and the power of populism appears far too tempting. This is reflected in his refusal to rule out simply suspending parliament again. This tendency to pander to populism is exactly why a judicial loss risks boosting rather than wounding the prime minister.

(Matthew Flinders is Founding Director of the Sir Bernard Crick Centre for the Public Understanding of Politics, University of Sheffield)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/brexit-boris-johnson-defeated-by-uk-supreme-court-but-he-could-still-emerge-as-a-winner-123819"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

By Matthew Flinders It’s fairly clear that the tectonic plates of the British constitution are shifting. After a grating and grinding battle between the legislature and the constitution, the main friction point moved to the judicial sphere.

By Matthew Flinders It’s fairly clear that the tectonic plates of the British constitution are shifting. After a grating and grinding battle between the legislature and the constitution, the main friction point moved to the judicial sphere. And the UK Supreme Court has ruled that the process by which prime minister prorogued parliament for five weeks in the run-up the October 31 date when Brexit is now due was not lawful. What happens now in terms of process is unclear but what appears to have been almost completely overlooked in the generally turgid and jargon-rich commentaries that have surrounded the case is that the result is unlikely to matter. In fact, despite losing this specific trial of strength, Johnson may still come out the winner. The goal of the teams taking on the government in court was to stop executive overreach. They argued that the government had devised a lengthy prorogation to limit the time available for parliament to hold the government to account over Brexit ahead of the October 31 deadline. The government insisted that the break was needed to organise a new parliamentary session. The courts have decided this was not the case. But judicial bravery in highly contested constitutional waters may have the unintended consequence of delivering a major “Boris boost” in terms of public support. Whether through serendipity or strategy (probably the former) the prime minister has created a win-win situation that nobody seems to have noticed. The Supreme Court upheld campaigner Gina Miller’s appeal and overturned a ruling by the English High Court that suspending parliament was “not a matter” for the judiciary. In so doing, the court is, in effect, siding with the highest court in Scotland, which ruled earlier this month that the prorogation of parliament was unlawful as “it had the purpose of stymieing parliament”. This decision is certain to spark the political equivalent of a volcanic eruption with claims and counter-claims of judicial activism and political incompetence. Academics will undoubtedly scuttle off to the library in an attempt to somehow reconcile the Supreme Court’s decision with legal scholar JAG Griffith’s classic account of “the political constitution” in the United Kingdom (Modern Law Review, 1979 and still well worth reading). In reality, such matters are relatively simple. The court’s decision is constitutionally legitimate on the basis that it was upholding the basic tenet of parliamentary sovereignty. Far from undermining the political constitution, the Supreme Court would from this position be protecting it, while retaining a politically subservient position. But what no one seems to have considered is that Johnson is an explicitly populist politician. He will live to whiff-whaff another day. His whole approach to gaining the keys to No.10 has revolved around constantly responding to – and to some extent amplifying – the populist signal, not least over Brexit. In this context, a Supreme Court defeat risks simply playing into Johnson’s gameplan. It will not stop Brexit. But for Johnson and, especially for his shady apparatchiks, it will be yet another example of “them” (that is, the elite, the experts, the untouchables that wield power without responsibility) against “us” (the Great British public). The rules of political engagement have already been altered almost beyond recognition, and Johnson’s entire brand is based on being an unconventional politician. The great risk of the Supreme Court ruling is that it will add fuel to a populist fire that is already raging about the need for a strong leader. Indeed, one of the few similarities between all the different manifestations of populism that have emerged around the world over the past decade is the existence of a charismatic and strong leader who can mobilise the masses and manipulate how dominant issues are framed. In the UK it is Johnson who seems to be staking the greatest claim to this role – and his popularity amongst Conservative Party members provides a powerful platform. Britain’s threadbare constitutional framework makes it particularly vulnerable to the wrath of a strong leader. Where other countries have adopted a codified constitution, clear rules of engagement and an explicit role for the courts in curbing executive power, the British constitution operates through what the eminent constitutional historian Peter Hennessy has called “the good chaps theory of government”, which presumes that all politicians will exercise a high degree of self-restraint, respecting the unwritten rules of the constitution. What’s worrying is that the words “Boris Johnson” and “self-restraint” have rarely – if ever – been used in the same sentence. He is not a man to play by the rules and the power of populism appears far too tempting. This is reflected in his refusal to rule out simply suspending parliament again. This tendency to pander to populism is exactly why a judicial loss risks boosting rather than wounding the prime minister. (Matthew Flinders is Founding Director of the Sir Bernard Crick Centre for the Public Understanding of Politics, University of Sheffield) (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)

Brexit row: Boris Johnson defeated by UK Supreme Court – but he could still emerge as a winner

British Ministers of Parliament (MPs)&nbsp;return to the parliament on Wednesday following a momentous Supreme Court ruling that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to suspend the parliament was unlawful.

The judgement has challenged&nbsp;Johnson's authority, prompting calls for his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-pm-boris-johnson-resign-donald-trump-says-hes-not-going-anywhere-251837">resignation</a> and casting further doubt on his promise to pull Britain out of the European Union on October 31.

The Conservative leader was due to arrive back from New York, heading straight into a political maelstrom triggered by Tuesday's damning court ruling that his decision to suspend parliament for five weeks was unlawful.

Britain's right-wing tabloids reacted angrily to the ruling, with The Sun saying it had been bombarded with letters from readers expressing "fury".

The Daily Telegraph said Johnson was "seen as the champion of the people against an establishment determined to stop Brexit", while for the Daily Mail, "The real political vandals are the out of touch MPs blocking Brexit".&nbsp;

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, announced that MPs would reconvene at 1030 GMT&nbsp;on Wednesday, while the upper House of Lords said it would return later the same day.

Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn called on Johnson to resign but said that he would not call a no-confidence vote in the parliament until the possibility of a no-deal Brexit had been eliminated.

"Our first priority is to prevent a no-deal exit from the European Union on October 31," Corbyn told BBC radio.

Bercow said there would be no Prime Minister's Questions - a weekly session held on Wednesdays - but there would be "full scope for urgent questions, for ministerial statements, and for applications for emergency debates".

Cabinet member Michael Gove said that&nbsp;the government would outline its next steps in parliament later on Wednesday.

"I don't think that the government should apologise for having a strong domestic agenda. I don't think we should apologise also for seeking to advance our exit from the European Union," Gove told the BBC.

Hammer blows for Johnson

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-supreme-court-told-boris-johnson-is-father-of-lies-250462">ruling</a> throws Johnson's Brexit planning into disarray - coming after a series of defeats in the parliament that have curbed his plans for Brexit even if there is no divorce deal with Brussels.

Johnson told British media that&nbsp;he "strongly disagreed" with the decision but would respect it.

The Prime Minister is likely to also renew his call for an early election to end the stand-off with parliament, having said in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that it was "the obvious thing to do".

Despite the series of hammer blows in the House of Commons and the courts as well as losing his parliamentary majority, Johnson is still riding high in the polls and keen for an election to try and win enough seats to push through Brexit.

But he requires the consent of opposition parties to hold a snap election and they are so far reluctant, preferring to use their working majority to keep a tight leash on Johnson as the EU departure deadline of October 31 looms.

Dead in a ditch

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decision-to-suspend-uk-parliament-was-unlawful-supreme-court-251746">11 Supreme Court judges ruled on Tuesday</a> that the parliamentary suspension, which came into effect this month, was "unlawful, void and of no effect".

Johnson had argued that shutting down parliament until October 14 was a routine move to allow his new government to set out a new legislative programme.

But critics accused him of trying to silence MPs.

Johnson is likely to resist resignation calls, insisting that he must take Britain out of the EU next month regardless of the circumstances.

In the week between returning from their summer holiday and prorogation on September 10, MPs passed a law aiming to stop "no deal".

It obliges Johnson to ask to delay Brexit by three months if he has not agreed a divorce deal at an EU summit on October 17 and 18.

But the Prime Minister has said he would rather "be dead in a ditch" than ask for another extension, setting up a potential showdown.

Johnson said Tuesday that he hoped to amend the divorce deal struck between the EU and his predecessor Theresa May, which has been rejected by MPs three times.

British Ministers of Parliament (MPs) return to the parliament on Wednesday following a momentous Supreme Court ruling that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to suspend the parliament was unlawful.

British Ministers of Parliament (MPs) return to the parliament on Wednesday following a momentous Supreme Court ruling that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to suspend the parliament was unlawful. The judgement has challenged Johnson's authority, prompting calls for his resignation and casting further doubt on his promise to pull Britain out of the European Union on October 31. The Conservative leader was due to arrive back from New York, heading straight into a political maelstrom triggered by Tuesday's damning court ruling that his decision to suspend parliament for five weeks was unlawful. Britain's right-wing tabloids reacted angrily to the ruling, with The Sun saying it had been bombarded with letters from readers expressing "fury". The Daily Telegraph said Johnson was "seen as the champion of the people against an establishment determined to stop Brexit", while for the Daily Mail, "The real political vandals are the out of touch MPs blocking Brexit". The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, announced that MPs would reconvene at 1030 GMT on Wednesday, while the upper House of Lords said it would return later the same day. Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn called on Johnson to resign but said that he would not call a no-confidence vote in the parliament until the possibility of a no-deal Brexit had been eliminated. "Our first priority is to prevent a no-deal exit from the European Union on October 31," Corbyn told BBC radio. Bercow said there would be no Prime Minister's Questions - a weekly session held on Wednesdays - but there would be "full scope for urgent questions, for ministerial statements, and for applications for emergency debates". Cabinet member Michael Gove said that the government would outline its next steps in parliament later on Wednesday. "I don't think that the government should apologise for having a strong domestic agenda. I don't think we should apologise also for seeking to advance our exit from the European Union," Gove told the BBC. Hammer blows for Johnson The ruling throws Johnson's Brexit planning into disarray - coming after a series of defeats in the parliament that have curbed his plans for Brexit even if there is no divorce deal with Brussels. Johnson told British media that he "strongly disagreed" with the decision but would respect it. The Prime Minister is likely to also renew his call for an early election to end the stand-off with parliament, having said in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday that it was "the obvious thing to do". Despite the series of hammer blows in the House of Commons and the courts as well as losing his parliamentary majority, Johnson is still riding high in the polls and keen for an election to try and win enough seats to push through Brexit. But he requires the consent of opposition parties to hold a snap election and they are so far reluctant, preferring to use their working majority to keep a tight leash on Johnson as the EU departure deadline of October 31 looms. Dead in a ditch The 11 Supreme Court judges ruled on Tuesday that the parliamentary suspension, which came into effect this month, was "unlawful, void and of no effect". Johnson had argued that shutting down parliament until October 14 was a routine move to allow his new government to set out a new legislative programme. But critics accused him of trying to silence MPs. Johnson is likely to resist resignation calls, insisting that he must take Britain out of the EU next month regardless of the circumstances. In the week between returning from their summer holiday and prorogation on September 10, MPs passed a law aiming to stop "no deal". It obliges Johnson to ask to delay Brexit by three months if he has not agreed a divorce deal at an EU summit on October 17 and 18. But the Prime Minister has said he would rather "be dead in a ditch" than ask for another extension, setting up a potential showdown. Johnson said Tuesday that he hoped to amend the divorce deal struck between the EU and his predecessor Theresa May, which has been rejected by MPs three times.

UK MPs return to parliament after Supreme Court ruling

The UK <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-supreme-court-told-boris-johnson-is-father-of-lies-250462">Supreme Court</a> will say on Tuesday whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson acted unlawfully when he suspended parliament just weeks before Brexit, a ruling that may further complicate his plans to lead his country out of the European Union next month.

A decision against him could lead to parliament reconvening earlier than scheduled, giving it extra time to thwart his Brexit-or-bust agenda to depart the EU by Oct. 31, with or without an exit deal agreed with the bloc.

His foes allege that Johnson suspended the assembly, where he lacks a majority, to sidestep opposition to his plan. Most lawmakers are opposed to a so-called "no-deal Brexit" scenario, fearing that it would cause economic damage and severe disruption, including to food and medicine supply chains.

He says the suspension was necessary to give the government time to prepare a new legislative agenda.

The Supreme Court's ruling is due to be delivered at&nbsp;09.30 GMT. With a constitutional crisis engulfing Britain, there is a high degree of uncertainty on exactly what it might say, and what the ramifications will be for Johnson and for parliament.

On one end of the spectrum, the justices could say that the suspension was a political matter on which they cannot pass judgment. On&nbsp;the other end, they could say that Johnson acted unlawfully and give instructions as to how and when parliament should be recalled. Other outcomes in between the two extremes are possible too.

Striking a defiant tone ahead of the ruling, Johnson rejected criticism from his opponents that his decision to suspend parliament for five weeks at such a crucial time was to prevent it from challenging his Brexit policies.

"Parliament will have bags of time to scrutinise the deal that I hope I will be able to do (with the EU's 27 other members)," he told reporters on Monday during a flight to New York, where he was due to attend the UN General Assembly.

"'Donnez-moi un break (give me a break)&nbsp;is my message to those who say there will be no parliamentary scrutiny. Absolute nonsense," he said.

The Queen Mislead?

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-he-loses-in-court-pm-boris-johnson-could-suspend-parliament-again-250663">parliament was suspended</a>, or prorogued in the British jargon, from September 10 to October&nbsp;14. The prorogation was approved by Queen Elizabeth, Britain's politically neutral Head of State, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister as she is required to do under the country's complex, uncodified constitution.

Johnson told the monarch that the suspension was required to give him time to prepare a Queen's Speech, another term of jargon referring to a new legislative agenda. The legal challenge hinges on whether he gave a false pretext and abused the power of prorogation.

Prior to the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-for-courts-to-decide-parliament-suspension-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-lawyer-250441"> suspension</a>, he had lost&nbsp;a series of crucial votes on how and when Britain should execute its exit from the EU, decided in a 2016 referendum that split the nation bitterly.

Asked on the flight to New York whether a ruling by the Supreme Court that he had deliberately misled the queen would make his position as Prime Minister untenable, he replied: "No. I think that the reasons for wanting a Queen's Speech are extremely good."

Before the prorogation, a cross-party rebel alliance of lawmakers managed to force through a law aimed at stopping a no-deal Brexit by requiring Johnson to ask for a three-month extension if he has not been able to strike a deal by October&nbsp;19.

Johnson and other government ministers have maintained that Britain will exit on October&nbsp;31 and will not accept any further delays, indicating that they might seek to ignore the legislation and possibly bring about further court battles.

The UK Supreme Court will say on Tuesday whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson acted unlawfully when he suspended parliament just weeks before Brexit, a ruling that may further complicate his plans to lead his country out of the European Union next month.

The UK Supreme Court will say on Tuesday whether Prime Minister Boris Johnson acted unlawfully when he suspended parliament just weeks before Brexit, a ruling that may further complicate his plans to lead his country out of the European Union next month. A decision against him could lead to parliament reconvening earlier than scheduled, giving it extra time to thwart his Brexit-or-bust agenda to depart the EU by Oct. 31, with or without an exit deal agreed with the bloc. His foes allege that Johnson suspended the assembly, where he lacks a majority, to sidestep opposition to his plan. Most lawmakers are opposed to a so-called "no-deal Brexit" scenario, fearing that it would cause economic damage and severe disruption, including to food and medicine supply chains. He says the suspension was necessary to give the government time to prepare a new legislative agenda. The Supreme Court's ruling is due to be delivered at 09.30 GMT. With a constitutional crisis engulfing Britain, there is a high degree of uncertainty on exactly what it might say, and what the ramifications will be for Johnson and for parliament. On one end of the spectrum, the justices could say that the suspension was a political matter on which they cannot pass judgment. On the other end, they could say that Johnson acted unlawfully and give instructions as to how and when parliament should be recalled. Other outcomes in between the two extremes are possible too. Striking a defiant tone ahead of the ruling, Johnson rejected criticism from his opponents that his decision to suspend parliament for five weeks at such a crucial time was to prevent it from challenging his Brexit policies. "Parliament will have bags of time to scrutinise the deal that I hope I will be able to do (with the EU's 27 other members)," he told reporters on Monday during a flight to New York, where he was due to attend the UN General Assembly. "'Donnez-moi un break (give me a break) is my message to those who say there will be no parliamentary scrutiny. Absolute nonsense," he said. The Queen Mislead? The parliament was suspended, or prorogued in the British jargon, from September 10 to October 14. The prorogation was approved by Queen Elizabeth, Britain's politically neutral Head of State, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister as she is required to do under the country's complex, uncodified constitution. Johnson told the monarch that the suspension was required to give him time to prepare a Queen's Speech, another term of jargon referring to a new legislative agenda. The legal challenge hinges on whether he gave a false pretext and abused the power of prorogation. Prior to the suspension, he had lost a series of crucial votes on how and when Britain should execute its exit from the EU, decided in a 2016 referendum that split the nation bitterly. Asked on the flight to New York whether a ruling by the Supreme Court that he had deliberately misled the queen would make his position as Prime Minister untenable, he replied: "No. I think that the reasons for wanting a Queen's Speech are extremely good." Before the prorogation, a cross-party rebel alliance of lawmakers managed to force through a law aimed at stopping a no-deal Brexit by requiring Johnson to ask for a three-month extension if he has not been able to strike a deal by October 19. Johnson and other government ministers have maintained that Britain will exit on October 31 and will not accept any further delays, indicating that they might seek to ignore the legislation and possibly bring about further court battles.

UK Supreme Court ruling could throw Boris Johnson's Brexit plan into more disarray

The United Kingdom <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-supreme-court-ruling-could-throw-boris-johnsons-brexit-plan-into-more-disarray-251621">Supreme Court</a> ruled on Tuesday (September 24) that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to shut down parliament in the run-up to Brexit was unlawful, a decision that thrusts Britain's exit from the European Union into deeper turmoil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-uk-will-invest-125-billion-to-save-endangered-species-251653">Johnson </a>told to reporters in New York where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly that he would "respect the judicial process" but that the UK would still leave the EU on October 31.

Britain's lower house of parliament, the House of Commons, is set to sit on Wednesday (September 25) after the Supreme Court ruled Johnson's suspension of parliament was unlawful, Commons Speaker John Bercow said.

The United Kingdom Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday (September 24) that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to shut down parliament in the run-up to Brexit was unlawful, a decision that thrusts Britain's exit from the European Union into deeper turmoil.

The United Kingdom Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday (September 24) that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's decision to shut down parliament in the run-up to Brexit was unlawful, a decision that thrusts Britain's exit from the European Union into deeper turmoil. Johnson told to reporters in New York where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly that he would "respect the judicial process" but that the UK would still leave the EU on October 31. Britain's lower house of parliament, the House of Commons, is set to sit on Wednesday (September 25) after the Supreme Court ruled Johnson's suspension of parliament was unlawful, Commons Speaker John Bercow said.

UK PM says will respect Supreme Court verdict, still leaving EU on October 31

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated a call for "flexibility" from the EU in Brexit talks during a meeting with Council President Donald Tusk in New York Monday that failed to yield a breakthrough.

Johnson and Tusk met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly as Britain races towards its October 31 departure without an exit agreement and the prospect of economic disruption.

The British prime minister underlined to Tusk that his preference is for an exit agreement, a Downing Street spokesperson said, adding that the pair discussed finding an alternative to the so-called "Irish backstop."

They also discussed three papers recently submitted by London with ideas on replacing the backstop provisions in the Brexit deal struck last year but rejected by British lawmakers.

"The Prime Minister emphasized that in order to secure a deal we will now need to see movement and flexibility from the EU," said the spokesman.

"The leaders agreed to keep in touch over the coming weeks," they added.

Tusk tweeted that there had been, "No breakthrough. No breakdown," adding that there was "no time to lose."

The meeting came as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said Monday that London's current position did not offer any "basis to find an agreement" on leaving the bloc.

He said it was "difficult to see how we can arrive at a legally operative solution which fulfils all the objectives of the backstop."

The "backstop" is intended to guarantee that there is no hard border between EU member Ireland and the UK's province of Northern Ireland and to protect the EU's single market.

The British government has admitted leaving without an exit agreement could cause food shortages and spark civil unrest.

Johnson also held a 30-minute meeting with Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium, in which Brexit was discussed, the spokesperson for the British prime minister said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated a call for "flexibility" from the EU in Brexit talks during a meeting with Council President Donald Tusk in New York Monday that failed to yield a breakthrough.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reiterated a call for "flexibility" from the EU in Brexit talks during a meeting with Council President Donald Tusk in New York Monday that failed to yield a breakthrough. Johnson and Tusk met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly as Britain races towards its October 31 departure without an exit agreement and the prospect of economic disruption. The British prime minister underlined to Tusk that his preference is for an exit agreement, a Downing Street spokesperson said, adding that the pair discussed finding an alternative to the so-called "Irish backstop." They also discussed three papers recently submitted by London with ideas on replacing the backstop provisions in the Brexit deal struck last year but rejected by British lawmakers. "The Prime Minister emphasized that in order to secure a deal we will now need to see movement and flexibility from the EU," said the spokesman. "The leaders agreed to keep in touch over the coming weeks," they added. Tusk tweeted that there had been, "No breakthrough. No breakdown," adding that there was "no time to lose." The meeting came as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said Monday that London's current position did not offer any "basis to find an agreement" on leaving the bloc. He said it was "difficult to see how we can arrive at a legally operative solution which fulfils all the objectives of the backstop." The "backstop" is intended to guarantee that there is no hard border between EU member Ireland and the UK's province of Northern Ireland and to protect the EU's single market. The British government has admitted leaving without an exit agreement could cause food shortages and spark civil unrest. Johnson also held a 30-minute meeting with Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium, in which Brexit was discussed, the spokesperson for the British prime minister said.

No breakthrough as EU's Donald Tusk, Britain's Boris Johnson meet in New York

The United Kingdom's Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-supreme-court-ruling-could-throw-boris-johnsons-brexit-plan-into-more-disarray-251621">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> had acted unlawfully when he advised Queen Elizabeth to suspend parliament weeks before Brexit - and that therefore the suspension was void.

The ruling paves the way for legislators to return to parliament, where Johnson has no majority. It could give lawmakers, most of whom are opposed to leaving without the EU without a divorce agreement as he has threatened to do, further opportunity to impede his strategy.

"The decision to advise Her Majesty to prorogue parliament was unlawful because it had the effect of frustrating or preventing the ability of parliament to carry out its constitutional functions without reasonable justification," Supreme Court President Brenda Hale said.

"Parliament has not been prorogued. This is the unanimous judgment of all 11 justices," she added. "It is for parliament, and in particular the speaker and the (House of) Lords speaker, to decide what to do next."

Parliament was suspended, or prorogued in the British jargon, from Sept. 10 to Oct. 14. The prorogation was approved by Queen Elizabeth, Britain's politically neutral head of state, on the advice of the prime minister.

"I welcome the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-supreme-court-told-boris-johnson-is-father-of-lies-250462">Supreme Cour</a>t's judgment that the prorogation of Parliament was unlawful," said the speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.

"As the embodiment of our Parliamentary democracy, the House of Commons must convene without delay. To this end, I will now consult the party leaders as a matter of urgency."

Some lawmakers, including those thrown out of Johnson's Conservative Party for rebelling against his Brexit plans, had said he should resign if he was found to have misled the queen.

The United Kingdom's Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had acted unlawfully when he advised Queen Elizabeth to suspend parliament weeks before Brexit - and that therefore the suspension was void.

The United Kingdom's Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had acted unlawfully when he advised Queen Elizabeth to suspend parliament weeks before Brexit - and that therefore the suspension was void. The ruling paves the way for legislators to return to parliament, where Johnson has no majority. It could give lawmakers, most of whom are opposed to leaving without the EU without a divorce agreement as he has threatened to do, further opportunity to impede his strategy. "The decision to advise Her Majesty to prorogue parliament was unlawful because it had the effect of frustrating or preventing the ability of parliament to carry out its constitutional functions without reasonable justification," Supreme Court President Brenda Hale said. "Parliament has not been prorogued. This is the unanimous judgment of all 11 justices," she added. "It is for parliament, and in particular the speaker and the (House of) Lords speaker, to decide what to do next." Parliament was suspended, or prorogued in the British jargon, from Sept. 10 to Oct. 14. The prorogation was approved by Queen Elizabeth, Britain's politically neutral head of state, on the advice of the prime minister. "I welcome the Supreme Court's judgment that the prorogation of Parliament was unlawful," said the speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow. "As the embodiment of our Parliamentary democracy, the House of Commons must convene without delay. To this end, I will now consult the party leaders as a matter of urgency." Some lawmakers, including those thrown out of Johnson's Conservative Party for rebelling against his Brexit plans, had said he should resign if he was found to have misled the queen.

Decision to suspend UK parliament was 'unlawful': Supreme Court

The European auto industry on Monday warned of catastrophic effects of a no-deal Brexit saying it would have a "seismic" impact on car-making. &nbsp;

In a rare joint statement, chiefs from 23 auto business associations across Europe joined forces to caution against a brutal exit from the bloc by Britain, where giants BMW, Peugeot PSA, and Japan's Nissan have factories.

"Brexit is not just a British problem, we are all concerned in the European automotive industry, and even further," said Christian Peugeot, head of French automotive industry association CCFA in the statement.

Thanks to the EU's single market, automakers have supply chains that criss-cross the Channel and Britain is the destination of around 10 percent of vehicles assembled on the continent, according to industry data.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rattled nerves with his vow to leave the European Union on October 31 come what may -- with or without a trade deal with Brussels.

"The UK's departure from the EU without a deal would trigger a seismic shift in trading conditions, with billions of euros of tariffs threatening to impact consumer choice and affordability on both sides of the Channel," the joint statement said.

A chaotic Brexit would land a "severe" blow against the industry's just-in-time supply chains that stretch across international borders and depend on zero administrative hassle, the associations warned.

"The EU and UK automotive industries need frictionless trade and would be harmed significantly by additional duties and administrative burden on automotive parts and vehicles," said Bernhard &nbsp;Mattes, the head of German auto lobby VDA.&nbsp;

"Consequently, the UK and the EU should undertake all necessary steps to avoid a no-deal Brexit," he said.

Britain's largely foreign-owned car sector is already reeling from Brexit shocks, with French manufacturer PSA warning in July that it could shut down a key plant in northwest England if it becomes unprofitable.

Carmakers are also slamming the brakes on investment in Britain, which fell 70 percent to £90 million ($109 million, 98 million euros) in the six months to June, the UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said in July.

The SMMT has also warned that the cost to auto companies of one minute of stopped production time in Britain would amount to 54,700 euros (£50,000).

A spokesman for the UK government's Department for Business told AFP the government was still working hard towards a deal and was aiding businesses.&nbsp;

"We have turbocharged preparations for Brexit across all sectors, including automotive, with £108 million of funding to promote and support businesses," the government spokesman said.

This would, he said, "ensure they are ready for Brexit and can take advantage of the opportunities of our future outside of the EU."

The European auto industry on Monday warned of catastrophic effects of a no-deal Brexit saying it would have a "seismic" impact on car-making. In a rare joint statement, chiefs from 23 auto business associations across Europe joined forces to caution against a brutal exit from the bloc by Britain, where giants BMW, Peugeot PSA, and Japan's Nissan have factories.

The European auto industry on Monday warned of catastrophic effects of a no-deal Brexit saying it would have a "seismic" impact on car-making. In a rare joint statement, chiefs from 23 auto business associations across Europe joined forces to caution against a brutal exit from the bloc by Britain, where giants BMW, Peugeot PSA, and Japan's Nissan have factories. "Brexit is not just a British problem, we are all concerned in the European automotive industry, and even further," said Christian Peugeot, head of French automotive industry association CCFA in the statement. Thanks to the EU's single market, automakers have supply chains that criss-cross the Channel and Britain is the destination of around 10 percent of vehicles assembled on the continent, according to industry data. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has rattled nerves with his vow to leave the European Union on October 31 come what may -- with or without a trade deal with Brussels. "The UK's departure from the EU without a deal would trigger a seismic shift in trading conditions, with billions of euros of tariffs threatening to impact consumer choice and affordability on both sides of the Channel," the joint statement said. A chaotic Brexit would land a "severe" blow against the industry's just-in-time supply chains that stretch across international borders and depend on zero administrative hassle, the associations warned. "The EU and UK automotive industries need frictionless trade and would be harmed significantly by additional duties and administrative burden on automotive parts and vehicles," said Bernhard Mattes, the head of German auto lobby VDA. "Consequently, the UK and the EU should undertake all necessary steps to avoid a no-deal Brexit," he said. Britain's largely foreign-owned car sector is already reeling from Brexit shocks, with French manufacturer PSA warning in July that it could shut down a key plant in northwest England if it becomes unprofitable. Carmakers are also slamming the brakes on investment in Britain, which fell 70 percent to £90 million ($109 million, 98 million euros) in the six months to June, the UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said in July. The SMMT has also warned that the cost to auto companies of one minute of stopped production time in Britain would amount to 54,700 euros (£50,000). A spokesman for the UK government's Department for Business told AFP the government was still working hard towards a deal and was aiding businesses. "We have turbocharged preparations for Brexit across all sectors, including automotive, with £108 million of funding to promote and support businesses," the government spokesman said. This would, he said, "ensure they are ready for Brexit and can take advantage of the opportunities of our future outside of the EU."

Auto industry warns of 'seismic' no-deal Brexit shock

Britain's main opposition Labour Party begins its annual conference on Sunday desperately searching for a coherent Brexit plan to stem a potential drubbing in a looming election.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's moment of truth comes with the crisis-torn country hurtling toward an October 31 exit from the European Union without a plan for future trade.

Yet the same divisions over Europe that saw Boris Johnson's right-wing Conservatives lose their working majority are also tearing apart Labour on the left.

The 119-year-old party's support base consists of cosmopolitan city-dwelling europhiles and traditional working-class communities that rejected Brussels in the 2016 referendum.

Polls show these views have become even more entrenched today a polarisation that further complicates Corbyn's bid to find a unifying stance.

The strongly anti-European Brexit Party and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats are eroding Labour's support on both flanks, according to recent polls.

Labour officials will hunker down in a swanky hotel on England's south coast Sunday night to whittle down their Brexit options to a single position that will be either rejected or approved Monday.

Corbyn has given every indication that he wants Labour to stay neutral on the defining issue of UK politics.

"No, I am not sitting on the fence," he insisted in a testy ITV interview Friday.

He has promised to negotiate a new divorce deal that maintains closer EU relations and then hold another referendum in which remaining in the bloc is the other option.

But he would not say which of the two he would campaign for or whether he actually wants to stay or go.

"The British people will make that final decision," Corbyn told ITV.

'Ugly polls'

Efforts to keep the peace by appeasing both wings of his party are not sitting well with voters ahead of an early election that most expect to happen within months.

A September YouGov survey showed that just half of self-identifying Labour supporters trust Corbyn's ability to "make the right decisions on Brexit".

The same poll said that fewer than 10 per cent believed the 2016 Brexit decision was "right".

And an Ipsos MORI analysis found Corbyn's net satisfaction rating at 60. No opposition leader has fared worse in more than forty years.

"This strategy of being all things to all people on Brexit it paid off partly in 2017 (elections), but it's not clear that it's going to pay off again," said London School of Economics analyst Sara Hobolt.

"I think it wouldn't be right for Labour to have no opinion on such a big decision," Labour's foreign affairs spokeswoman Emily Thornberry agreed.

"Labour should campaign for remain," she told The Guardian.

'Party discipline'

The push for Labour to reject Brexit is being resisted by a eurosceptic core of socialist Corbyn supporters who include his closest aides.

The rise of the veteran leftist followed a 2015 change in Labour leadership election rules that gave equal weight to the votes of both rank-and-file members and MPs.

Corbyn's left-wing views resonated with members and young people disillusioned by the New Labour approach of Tony Blair's more centrist government.

Tens of thousands joined the party and transformed its platform.

A group called Momentum that helped Corbyn become the leader that year unsuccessfully tried Saturday to abolish the post of the party's pro-European deputy leader Tom Watson.

Corbyn intervened and the second vote scheduled for Sunday was called off.

But Momentum boss Jon Lansman said it was time to instill party discipline and for everyone to adopt Corbyn's neutrality in Europe.

"We need to make sure the deputy leader role is properly accountable to the membership," he said.

'Radical transformation'

Corbyn has sought to move past Brexit and campaign on a more traditionally Labour agenda of workers' rights and clean climate policies.

Some of the proposals that could come up for a vote at the conference include a plan to give 10 per cent of UK companies' shares to workers over the next 10 years.

The Financial Times called this "one of the biggest state expropriations of assets seen in a western democracy".

Momentum also wants Labour to commit to a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2030 and to "abolish private schools" in a "radical and transformational" election platform.

The various motions will be put for a vote before Corbyn concludes the conference with a keynote address Wednesday.

Britain's main opposition Labour Party begins its annual conference on Sunday desperately searching for a coherent Brexit plan to stem a potential drubbing in a looming election.

Britain's main opposition Labour Party begins its annual conference on Sunday desperately searching for a coherent Brexit plan to stem a potential drubbing in a looming election. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's moment of truth comes with the crisis-torn country hurtling toward an October 31 exit from the European Union without a plan for future trade. Yet the same divisions over Europe that saw Boris Johnson's right-wing Conservatives lose their working majority are also tearing apart Labour on the left. The 119-year-old party's support base consists of cosmopolitan city-dwelling europhiles and traditional working-class communities that rejected Brussels in the 2016 referendum. Polls show these views have become even more entrenched today a polarisation that further complicates Corbyn's bid to find a unifying stance. The strongly anti-European Brexit Party and the pro-EU Liberal Democrats are eroding Labour's support on both flanks, according to recent polls. Labour officials will hunker down in a swanky hotel on England's south coast Sunday night to whittle down their Brexit options to a single position that will be either rejected or approved Monday. Corbyn has given every indication that he wants Labour to stay neutral on the defining issue of UK politics. "No, I am not sitting on the fence," he insisted in a testy ITV interview Friday. He has promised to negotiate a new divorce deal that maintains closer EU relations and then hold another referendum in which remaining in the bloc is the other option. But he would not say which of the two he would campaign for or whether he actually wants to stay or go. "The British people will make that final decision," Corbyn told ITV. 'Ugly polls' Efforts to keep the peace by appeasing both wings of his party are not sitting well with voters ahead of an early election that most expect to happen within months. A September YouGov survey showed that just half of self-identifying Labour supporters trust Corbyn's ability to "make the right decisions on Brexit". The same poll said that fewer than 10 per cent believed the 2016 Brexit decision was "right". And an Ipsos MORI analysis found Corbyn's net satisfaction rating at 60. No opposition leader has fared worse in more than forty years. "This strategy of being all things to all people on Brexit it paid off partly in 2017 (elections), but it's not clear that it's going to pay off again," said London School of Economics analyst Sara Hobolt. "I think it wouldn't be right for Labour to have no opinion on such a big decision," Labour's foreign affairs spokeswoman Emily Thornberry agreed. "Labour should campaign for remain," she told The Guardian. 'Party discipline' The push for Labour to reject Brexit is being resisted by a eurosceptic core of socialist Corbyn supporters who include his closest aides. The rise of the veteran leftist followed a 2015 change in Labour leadership election rules that gave equal weight to the votes of both rank-and-file members and MPs. Corbyn's left-wing views resonated with members and young people disillusioned by the New Labour approach of Tony Blair's more centrist government. Tens of thousands joined the party and transformed its platform. A group called Momentum that helped Corbyn become the leader that year unsuccessfully tried Saturday to abolish the post of the party's pro-European deputy leader Tom Watson. Corbyn intervened and the second vote scheduled for Sunday was called off. But Momentum boss Jon Lansman said it was time to instill party discipline and for everyone to adopt Corbyn's neutrality in Europe. "We need to make sure the deputy leader role is properly accountable to the membership," he said. 'Radical transformation' Corbyn has sought to move past Brexit and campaign on a more traditionally Labour agenda of workers' rights and clean climate policies. Some of the proposals that could come up for a vote at the conference include a plan to give 10 per cent of UK companies' shares to workers over the next 10 years. The Financial Times called this "one of the biggest state expropriations of assets seen in a western democracy". Momentum also wants Labour to commit to a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2030 and to "abolish private schools" in a "radical and transformational" election platform. The various motions will be put for a vote before Corbyn concludes the conference with a keynote address Wednesday.

Split by Brexit, Labour Party kicks off conference showdown

Britain said on Friday a Brexit deal with the European Union could be reached at a summit next month, but EU member Ireland said the sides were far from agreement and London had not yet made serious proposals.

Three years after Britons voted to leave the EU, hopes of a breakthrough over the terms of its departure have been stoked in recent days by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying the shape of a deal is emerging and European Commission President Juncker saying agreement is possible.

But diplomats say the two sides are split over London's desire to remove the Irish border "backstop" from the divorce deal struck by Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, and then work out a replacement in coming years.

The backstop is an insurance policy to keep the 500-km (300-mile) border between Ireland, which will remain in the EU, and the British province of Northern Ireland open after Brexit.

"We both want to see a deal," British Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said after talks in Brussels with EU negotiator Michel Barnier. "The meeting overran, which signals we were getting into the detail."

"There is a still a lot of work to do but there is a common purpose to secure a deal," Barclay said, adding that Juncker and Johnson also both wanted a deal.

Leaving the EU would be Britain's biggest shift in trade and foreign policy for more than 40 years and deprive the 28-nation bloc of one of its biggest economies. The EU has set a deadline for a deal to be reached by October&nbsp;31.

British parliament has rejected the deal May agreed with the EU. Johnson has said he wants to secure an amended deal at an EU summit on Oct. 17-18 but that Britain will leave the bloc if that is not possible. He will meet European Council Donald Tusk at the United Nations in New York next week.

Ireland is crucial to any Brexit solution. Unless the Irish border backstop is removed or amended, Johnson will not be able to win parliamentary approval but Ireland and the EU are unwilling to sign a deal without a solution to the border.

The EU fears a hard border could cause unrest in Northern Ireland and undermine the fragile peace provided by a 1998 peace deal that ended three decades of violence between Irish nationalists seeking a united Ireland, and the British security forces and pro-British "unionists".

The Withdrawal Agreement that was agreed with the EU last November says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union "unless and until" alternative arrangements are found to avoid the return of border controls in Ireland.

Pound falls

The British government, worried the backstop will trap it in the EU's orbit for years to come, wants to remove it and find a solution before December 2020, when a planned transition period ends.

The British pound fell from a two-month high after the Financial Times reported Johnson had told colleagues he did not expect to reach a full "legally operable" deal next month.

Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said the mood music had improved and that both sides wanted a deal but that they were not close to an agreement.

"There is certainly a lot of commentary now and some of it is spin I think, in the context of where we are," he told the BBC. "We need to be honest with people and say that we’re not close to that deal right now."

"Everybody needs a dose of reality here, there is still quite a wide gap between what the British government have been talking about in terms of the solutions that they are proposing, and I think what Ireland and the EU will be able to support."

Britain said on Thursday it had shared documents with Brussels setting out ideas for a Brexit deal, but an EU diplomat described them as a "smokescreen" that would not prevent a disorderly exit on the Oct. 31 departure date.

Coveney, Ireland's second most powerful politician, said a no-deal could lead to civil unrest.

"Trade across 300 road crossings that has created a normality and a peace that is settled on the island of Ireland for the last 20 years, that now faces significant disruption," he said. "That is what we're fighting for here.

Britain said on Friday a Brexit deal with the European Union could be reached at a summit next month, but EU member Ireland said the sides were far from agreement and London had not yet made serious proposals.

Britain said on Friday a Brexit deal with the European Union could be reached at a summit next month, but EU member Ireland said the sides were far from agreement and London had not yet made serious proposals. Three years after Britons voted to leave the EU, hopes of a breakthrough over the terms of its departure have been stoked in recent days by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying the shape of a deal is emerging and European Commission President Juncker saying agreement is possible. But diplomats say the two sides are split over London's desire to remove the Irish border "backstop" from the divorce deal struck by Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, and then work out a replacement in coming years. The backstop is an insurance policy to keep the 500-km (300-mile) border between Ireland, which will remain in the EU, and the British province of Northern Ireland open after Brexit. "We both want to see a deal," British Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said after talks in Brussels with EU negotiator Michel Barnier. "The meeting overran, which signals we were getting into the detail." "There is a still a lot of work to do but there is a common purpose to secure a deal," Barclay said, adding that Juncker and Johnson also both wanted a deal. Leaving the EU would be Britain's biggest shift in trade and foreign policy for more than 40 years and deprive the 28-nation bloc of one of its biggest economies. The EU has set a deadline for a deal to be reached by October 31. British parliament has rejected the deal May agreed with the EU. Johnson has said he wants to secure an amended deal at an EU summit on Oct. 17-18 but that Britain will leave the bloc if that is not possible. He will meet European Council Donald Tusk at the United Nations in New York next week. Ireland is crucial to any Brexit solution. Unless the Irish border backstop is removed or amended, Johnson will not be able to win parliamentary approval but Ireland and the EU are unwilling to sign a deal without a solution to the border. The EU fears a hard border could cause unrest in Northern Ireland and undermine the fragile peace provided by a 1998 peace deal that ended three decades of violence between Irish nationalists seeking a united Ireland, and the British security forces and pro-British "unionists". The Withdrawal Agreement that was agreed with the EU last November says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union "unless and until" alternative arrangements are found to avoid the return of border controls in Ireland. Pound falls The British government, worried the backstop will trap it in the EU's orbit for years to come, wants to remove it and find a solution before December 2020, when a planned transition period ends. The British pound fell from a two-month high after the Financial Times reported Johnson had told colleagues he did not expect to reach a full "legally operable" deal next month. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said the mood music had improved and that both sides wanted a deal but that they were not close to an agreement. "There is certainly a lot of commentary now and some of it is spin I think, in the context of where we are," he told the BBC. "We need to be honest with people and say that we’re not close to that deal right now." "Everybody needs a dose of reality here, there is still quite a wide gap between what the British government have been talking about in terms of the solutions that they are proposing, and I think what Ireland and the EU will be able to support." Britain said on Thursday it had shared documents with Brussels setting out ideas for a Brexit deal, but an EU diplomat described them as a "smokescreen" that would not prevent a disorderly exit on the Oct. 31 departure date. Coveney, Ireland's second most powerful politician, said a no-deal could lead to civil unrest. "Trade across 300 road crossings that has created a normality and a peace that is settled on the island of Ireland for the last 20 years, that now faces significant disruption," he said. "That is what we're fighting for here.

Britain and EU spar over Brexit as clock ticks down

Britain's bailed-out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rbs-to-appoint-alison-rose-as-ceo-in-coming-weeks-report-242063">Royal Bank of Scotland</a> (RBS) on Friday appointed a long-serving banker Alison Rose as its Chief Executive, making her the first female boss of a major UK lender.

Rose, currently the Deputy Head of both NatWest Holdings and the bank's commercial and private banking, business, will replace Ross McEwan on November 1, the company said in a statement.

"I am delighted that we have appointed Alison as our new CEO", said RBS Chairman Howard Davies.

"She brings extensive experience and a track record of success from her previous roles at the bank", he added.

Rose, who has worked at the Edinburgh-based giant for 27 years, takes the helm amid a period of heightened global turmoil that includes Brexit, the US-China trade war, and faltering economic growth.

"This is an exciting time as we enter a new chapter for this bank", she said in the statement.

"Our industry is facing a series of challenges; from the ongoing economic and political uncertainty to shifts in the behaviour and expectations of our customers, driven by rapid advances in technology... It will be my priority to make sure we are ready to meet these challenges", she added.

McEwan will step down on October 31 after holding the top job since 2013, having steered it through a steady recovery following a government bailout during the 2008 global financial crisis.

The New Zealander is leaving RBS to become the Chief Executive at National Australia Bank.

RBS is still 62 per cent owned by the government after receiving the world's biggest banking bailout during the crisis.

Britain's bailed-out Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) on Friday appointed a long-serving banker Alison Rose as its Chief Executive, making her the first female boss of a major UK lender.

Britain's bailed-out Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) on Friday appointed a long-serving banker Alison Rose as its Chief Executive, making her the first female boss of a major UK lender. Rose, currently the Deputy Head of both NatWest Holdings and the bank's commercial and private banking, business, will replace Ross McEwan on November 1, the company said in a statement. "I am delighted that we have appointed Alison as our new CEO", said RBS Chairman Howard Davies. "She brings extensive experience and a track record of success from her previous roles at the bank", he added. Rose, who has worked at the Edinburgh-based giant for 27 years, takes the helm amid a period of heightened global turmoil that includes Brexit, the US-China trade war, and faltering economic growth. "This is an exciting time as we enter a new chapter for this bank", she said in the statement. "Our industry is facing a series of challenges; from the ongoing economic and political uncertainty to shifts in the behaviour and expectations of our customers, driven by rapid advances in technology... It will be my priority to make sure we are ready to meet these challenges", she added. McEwan will step down on October 31 after holding the top job since 2013, having steered it through a steady recovery following a government bailout during the 2008 global financial crisis. The New Zealander is leaving RBS to become the Chief Executive at National Australia Bank. RBS is still 62 per cent owned by the government after receiving the world's biggest banking bailout during the crisis.

Royal Bank of Scotland names Alison Rose as Chief Executive

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said Thursday that Brussels could drop the so-called "backstop" solution for Brexit's Irish border dilemma if Britain came up with a fail-safe alternative.

"If the objectives are met -- all of them -- we don't need the backstop," Juncker told Britain's Sky News television.

The disputed proposal attempts to guarantee that no hard border emerges between EU member Ireland and the UK's province of Northern Ireland in any Brexit scenario.

But its effort to simultaneously ensure that the EU's single market remains protected would temporarily keep the UK in the bloc's customs union.

The fix has been repeatedly rejected by the UK parliament and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to come up with a new plan -- and not sign any deal in which the backstop remains.

His government is instead trying to draft "alternative arrangements" that could make sure that no hard border is required for handling trade once Britain leaves the bloc.

Juncker said he had a "rather positive" meeting with Johnson in Luxembourg on Monday and still thought a deal could be done before the October 31 Brexit deadline.

He added that Brussels received the first outlines of Britain's new plan on Wednesday night and that he had not had time to study them yet.

"As far as the so-called alternative arrangements are concerns, allowing us and Britain to achieve the main objectives of the backstop. I don't have an erotic relation to the backstop," Juncker said with a chuckle.

"But if the results are there, I don’t care about the instruments."

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said Thursday that Brussels could drop the so-called "backstop" solution for Brexit's Irish border dilemma if Britain came up with a fail-safe alternative.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said Thursday that Brussels could drop the so-called "backstop" solution for Brexit's Irish border dilemma if Britain came up with a fail-safe alternative. "If the objectives are met -- all of them -- we don't need the backstop," Juncker told Britain's Sky News television. The disputed proposal attempts to guarantee that no hard border emerges between EU member Ireland and the UK's province of Northern Ireland in any Brexit scenario. But its effort to simultaneously ensure that the EU's single market remains protected would temporarily keep the UK in the bloc's customs union. The fix has been repeatedly rejected by the UK parliament and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has vowed to come up with a new plan -- and not sign any deal in which the backstop remains. His government is instead trying to draft "alternative arrangements" that could make sure that no hard border is required for handling trade once Britain leaves the bloc. Juncker said he had a "rather positive" meeting with Johnson in Luxembourg on Monday and still thought a deal could be done before the October 31 Brexit deadline. He added that Brussels received the first outlines of Britain's new plan on Wednesday night and that he had not had time to study them yet. "As far as the so-called alternative arrangements are concerns, allowing us and Britain to achieve the main objectives of the backstop. I don't have an erotic relation to the backstop," Juncker said with a chuckle. "But if the results are there, I don’t care about the instruments."

If objectives meet, we don't need backstop in Brexit deal: European Union chief

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