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

WION Dispatch: Boris Johnson loses 1st Electoral test

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

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

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

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

The Bank of England cut its growth forecasts on Thursday in the face of increased Brexit worries and a slowing global economy but gave no indication it was considering lowering interest rates like other central banks.

A day after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nasdaq-ends-at-record-high-dollar-falls-as-us-fed-signals-possible-rate-cut-234814">US Federal Reserve</a> reduced rates for the first time since the global financial crisis, the BoE said it still expected to raise borrowing costs gradually though this now hinged on a global pick-up as well as a "smooth" Brexit.&nbsp;

The BoE's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 9-0 to keep rates unchanged at 0.75 per cent, as expected in a Reuters poll of economists and said rates could move either way, whatever form Brexit takes.

With new Prime Minister Boris Johnson committed to taking Britain out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-plays-brexit-hardball-with-stubborn-european-union-pound-falls-to-a-two-year-low-239235">European Union</a> on Oct. 31 regardless of whether he can secure a transition deal markets see increased risks of a disorderly, no-deal Brexit.

The BoE said this had led to "a marked depreciation of the sterling exchange rate" which is near a three-year low against a basket of other major currencies and that as of mid-July, business uncertainty about Brexit had become "more entrenched".

"Underlying growth appears to have slowed since 2018 to a rate below potential, reflecting both the impact of intensifying Brexit-related uncertainties on business investment and weaker global growth on net trade," the BoE said.

There was a little immediate market reaction to the statement.

"All eyes will be on the MPC's September meeting. If a disorderly exit from the EU is on the cards, the Bank must not shy away from lowering interest rates in advance to support businesses and households through the turbulence," the Institute of Directors' chief economist, Tej Parikh, said.

The BoE's forecasts assume Britain avoids a Brexit shock, but still foresee a growth of 1.3 per cent for 2019 and 2020, down from 1.5 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively in its last forecasts in May.

This leaves British economic growth roughly in line with that of the eurozone, which Britain used to regularly outperform before June 2016's referendum decision to leave the EU.

The forecasts also showed a relatively high 30 per cent chance of negative year-on-year growth in the first three months of next year. A recession is typically defined in Europe as two consecutive quarters of negative quarter-on-quarter growth.

Rate cut bets

The weaker growth outlook comes despite the implicit stimulus from the expectations in markets of a rate cut that the BoE mechanically factors into the forecasts.

Before Thursday's announcement, markets were pricing in an almost 90 per cent chance that the BoE will cut rates by 25 basis points before Governor Mark Carney steps down at the end of January.

In large part, this reflects the possibility of a significant loosening of BoE policy if there is a no-deal Brexit, to which economists polled by Reuters on average gave a 30 per cent probability.

The European Central Bank is expected to cut rates in September.

Carney will say more about the BoE's thinking in a news conference at 1130 GMT.

The updated BoE forecasts show the central bank expects inflation currently on target at 2 per cent to exceed its target in two and three years, and by a greater margin than it predicted in May.

The BoE said growth and inflation would both probably be slower in the case of a smooth Brexit than its forecasts show, due to a likely snap-back in sterling and market interest rate expectations.

Taking this into account, inflation in three years would not necessarily exceed the BoE's target, but the BoE still foresaw the domestic economy overheating, requiring higher interest rates.

The Bank of England cut its growth forecasts on Thursday in the face of increased Brexit worries and a slowing global economy but gave no indication it was considering lowering interest rates like other central banks.

The Bank of England cut its growth forecasts on Thursday in the face of increased Brexit worries and a slowing global economy but gave no indication it was considering lowering interest rates like other central banks. A day after the US Federal Reserve reduced rates for the first time since the global financial crisis, the BoE said it still expected to raise borrowing costs gradually though this now hinged on a global pick-up as well as a "smooth" Brexit. The BoE's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 9-0 to keep rates unchanged at 0.75 per cent, as expected in a Reuters poll of economists and said rates could move either way, whatever form Brexit takes. With new Prime Minister Boris Johnson committed to taking Britain out of the European Union on Oct. 31 regardless of whether he can secure a transition deal markets see increased risks of a disorderly, no-deal Brexit. The BoE said this had led to "a marked depreciation of the sterling exchange rate" which is near a three-year low against a basket of other major currencies and that as of mid-July, business uncertainty about Brexit had become "more entrenched". "Underlying growth appears to have slowed since 2018 to a rate below potential, reflecting both the impact of intensifying Brexit-related uncertainties on business investment and weaker global growth on net trade," the BoE said. There was a little immediate market reaction to the statement. "All eyes will be on the MPC's September meeting. If a disorderly exit from the EU is on the cards, the Bank must not shy away from lowering interest rates in advance to support businesses and households through the turbulence," the Institute of Directors' chief economist, Tej Parikh, said. The BoE's forecasts assume Britain avoids a Brexit shock, but still foresee a growth of 1.3 per cent for 2019 and 2020, down from 1.5 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively in its last forecasts in May. This leaves British economic growth roughly in line with that of the eurozone, which Britain used to regularly outperform before June 2016's referendum decision to leave the EU. The forecasts also showed a relatively high 30 per cent chance of negative year-on-year growth in the first three months of next year. A recession is typically defined in Europe as two consecutive quarters of negative quarter-on-quarter growth. Rate cut bets The weaker growth outlook comes despite the implicit stimulus from the expectations in markets of a rate cut that the BoE mechanically factors into the forecasts. Before Thursday's announcement, markets were pricing in an almost 90 per cent chance that the BoE will cut rates by 25 basis points before Governor Mark Carney steps down at the end of January. In large part, this reflects the possibility of a significant loosening of BoE policy if there is a no-deal Brexit, to which economists polled by Reuters on average gave a 30 per cent probability. The European Central Bank is expected to cut rates in September. Carney will say more about the BoE's thinking in a news conference at 1130 GMT. The updated BoE forecasts show the central bank expects inflation currently on target at 2 per cent to exceed its target in two and three years, and by a greater margin than it predicted in May. The BoE said growth and inflation would both probably be slower in the case of a smooth Brexit than its forecasts show, due to a likely snap-back in sterling and market interest rate expectations. Taking this into account, inflation in three years would not necessarily exceed the BoE's target, but the BoE still foresaw the domestic economy overheating, requiring higher interest rates.

Bank of England cuts growth forecasts as Brexit and global worries mount

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 31st, 2019

Britain will never impose physical checks on its border with Ireland, Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised his Irish counterpart on Tuesday, while repeating that current plans for the frontier after Brexit were unacceptable.

The land border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland will become part of the bloc's external frontier once Britain leaves the European Union, and how it is managed is hugely controversial.

In his first phone call with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar since taking office last week, Johnson said he emphasised that "the UK under no circumstances will have checks at the border in Northern Ireland".

But speaking to the media afterwards, he warned that unless Brussels dropped its commitment to the current "backstop" plan to keep open the frontier, Britain would leave the EU without a deal on October 31.

"If they really can't do it then clearly we have to get ready for a no-deal exit," Johnson said on a trip to Wales, adding: "It's up to the EU, this is their call."

Removing checks on the border was considered a key factor in bringing peace to Northern Ireland, after years of violence over British control.

But after Brexit, it is expected to be policed as an external frontier unless new arrangements are found.

The backstop is included in a divorce deal the EU agreed with Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, which parliament has rejected three times.

In their phone call, Varadkar repeated the EU position that the backstop was "necessary" and that the deal could not be renegotiated, his office said.

He "explained that the EU was united in its view that the withdrawal agreement could not be reopened", it said.

The backstop would keep Britain aligned with EU trade rules to keep the frontier open and free-flowing, but Johnson believes there is an alternative.

"We have all the sorts of technological solutions that are necessary to do it," he said in Wales but added that this should be dealt with after Britain leaves the EU.

Varadkar conceded that alternative arrangements could replace the backstop in the future but "thus far satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated", his office said.

He invited Johnson to Dublin and the two men agreed to stay in touch, both offices said.

They also discussed the need to restore the devolved government in Northern Ireland, which has been suspended since January 2017 in a dispute between the two main parties that share power.

Britain will never impose physical checks on its border with Ireland, Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised his Irish counterpart on Tuesday, while repeating that current plans for the frontier after Brexit were unacceptable.

Britain will never impose physical checks on its border with Ireland, Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised his Irish counterpart on Tuesday, while repeating that current plans for the frontier after Brexit were unacceptable. The land border between British Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland will become part of the bloc's external frontier once Britain leaves the European Union, and how it is managed is hugely controversial. In his first phone call with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar since taking office last week, Johnson said he emphasised that "the UK under no circumstances will have checks at the border in Northern Ireland". But speaking to the media afterwards, he warned that unless Brussels dropped its commitment to the current "backstop" plan to keep open the frontier, Britain would leave the EU without a deal on October 31. "If they really can't do it then clearly we have to get ready for a no-deal exit," Johnson said on a trip to Wales, adding: "It's up to the EU, this is their call." Removing checks on the border was considered a key factor in bringing peace to Northern Ireland, after years of violence over British control. But after Brexit, it is expected to be policed as an external frontier unless new arrangements are found. The backstop is included in a divorce deal the EU agreed with Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, which parliament has rejected three times. In their phone call, Varadkar repeated the EU position that the backstop was "necessary" and that the deal could not be renegotiated, his office said. He "explained that the EU was united in its view that the withdrawal agreement could not be reopened", it said. The backstop would keep Britain aligned with EU trade rules to keep the frontier open and free-flowing, but Johnson believes there is an alternative. "We have all the sorts of technological solutions that are necessary to do it," he said in Wales but added that this should be dealt with after Britain leaves the EU. Varadkar conceded that alternative arrangements could replace the backstop in the future but "thus far satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated", his office said. He invited Johnson to Dublin and the two men agreed to stay in touch, both offices said. They also discussed the need to restore the devolved government in Northern Ireland, which has been suspended since January 2017 in a dispute between the two main parties that share power.

UK's Boris Johnson promises Irish PM Leo Varadkar no physical border checks

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday to lead Britain out of the European Union on October 31 "no matter what" as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/stormy-sterling-sinks-again-stocks-wilt-before-fed-239448">sterling tumbled</a> and Ireland warned that the bloc would not be renegotiating the thrice defeated divorce deal.

The British pound fell on Tuesday as investors bet Johnson's Brexit brinkmanship could trigger a messy divorce that would sow chaos through the world economy and financial markets.

Sterling crashed through trading barriers, falling to an intraday low of $1.2120 in shallower overnight Asian trade, the lowest since March 2017. The pound has lost 3.6 cents since Johnson was named Britain's new prime minister a week ago.

"The prime minister made clear that the UK will be leaving the EU on October 31, no matter what," Johnson's Downing Street office said in a statement about a phone call with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.

Johnson demanded again that one of the most hotly contested elements of the Brexit divorce agreement - the Irish border backstop - would have to be struck out if there was to be a deal.

"The prime minister made clear that the government will approach any negotiations which take place with determination and energy and in a spirit of friendship, and that his clear preference is to leave the EU with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes the backstop," Downing Street said.

The backstop is a provision in the deal that would require Britain to obey some EU rules if no other way can be found to keep the land border open between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Johnson rejects it as "undemocratic".

Ireland said the backstop was necessary because of the positions Britain had taken in earlier talks, and that the EU would not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement struck by former Prime Minister Theresa May.

"The Taoiseach explained that the EU was united in its view that the Withdrawal Agreement could not be reopened," the Irish government said.

"Alternative arrangements could replace the backstop in the future... but thus far satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated," the Irish government said.

Ever since the 2016 EU referendum, the pound has gyrated to the rhetoric of the Brexit divorce: after the result was announced, it had the biggest one-day fall since the era of free-floating exchange rates was introduced in the early 1970s.

Since the 2016 vote, sterling has now lost 28 cents. It was trading at $1.2177 at 1230 GMT. It also fell sharply against the euro and the Japanese yen.

"We see little chance of Brexit fears calming in the near-term, and if anything will likely escalate further as we head closer to the October 31st deadline," said Mohammed Kazmi, a portfolio manager at UBP which has $136 billion of assets under management.

Brexit Crisis

Sterling briefly shot as low as $1.1450 on October 7, 2016, during a so-called 'flash crash' in Asian trading that lasted only for a few minutes. But otherwise, the fall under Johnson has brought it close to the 32-year lows struck in late 2016 and early 2017.

On entering Downing Street on Wednesday, Johnson set up a showdown with the EU by vowing to negotiate a new deal and threatening that, if the bloc refused, he would take Britain out on October 31 without a deal to limit economic dislocation.

Irish government bond yield spreads over Germany hit their widest levels in over a month on Tuesday, as worries grow over the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on Ireland.

Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

Supporters of Brexit say that while there would be some short-term difficulties, the disruption of a no-deal Brexit has been overplayed and that in the long-term, the United Kingdom would thrive if it left the European Union.

Johnson was expected to tell Welsh farmers on Tuesday they will get a better deal after Brexit, part of a countrywide tour to win support for his "do or die" pledge to leave the European Union by October 31.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday to lead Britain out of the European Union on October 31 "no matter what" as sterling tumbled and Ireland warned that the bloc would not be renegotiating the thrice defeated divorce deal.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised on Tuesday to lead Britain out of the European Union on October 31 "no matter what" as sterling tumbled and Ireland warned that the bloc would not be renegotiating the thrice defeated divorce deal. The British pound fell on Tuesday as investors bet Johnson's Brexit brinkmanship could trigger a messy divorce that would sow chaos through the world economy and financial markets. Sterling crashed through trading barriers, falling to an intraday low of $1.2120 in shallower overnight Asian trade, the lowest since March 2017. The pound has lost 3.6 cents since Johnson was named Britain's new prime minister a week ago. "The prime minister made clear that the UK will be leaving the EU on October 31, no matter what," Johnson's Downing Street office said in a statement about a phone call with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. Johnson demanded again that one of the most hotly contested elements of the Brexit divorce agreement - the Irish border backstop - would have to be struck out if there was to be a deal. "The prime minister made clear that the government will approach any negotiations which take place with determination and energy and in a spirit of friendship, and that his clear preference is to leave the EU with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes the backstop," Downing Street said. The backstop is a provision in the deal that would require Britain to obey some EU rules if no other way can be found to keep the land border open between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Johnson rejects it as "undemocratic". Ireland said the backstop was necessary because of the positions Britain had taken in earlier talks, and that the EU would not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement struck by former Prime Minister Theresa May. "The Taoiseach explained that the EU was united in its view that the Withdrawal Agreement could not be reopened," the Irish government said. "Alternative arrangements could replace the backstop in the future... but thus far satisfactory options have yet to be identified and demonstrated," the Irish government said. Ever since the 2016 EU referendum, the pound has gyrated to the rhetoric of the Brexit divorce: after the result was announced, it had the biggest one-day fall since the era of free-floating exchange rates was introduced in the early 1970s. Since the 2016 vote, sterling has now lost 28 cents. It was trading at $1.2177 at 1230 GMT. It also fell sharply against the euro and the Japanese yen. "We see little chance of Brexit fears calming in the near-term, and if anything will likely escalate further as we head closer to the October 31st deadline," said Mohammed Kazmi, a portfolio manager at UBP which has $136 billion of assets under management. Brexit Crisis Sterling briefly shot as low as $1.1450 on October 7, 2016, during a so-called 'flash crash' in Asian trading that lasted only for a few minutes. But otherwise, the fall under Johnson has brought it close to the 32-year lows struck in late 2016 and early 2017. On entering Downing Street on Wednesday, Johnson set up a showdown with the EU by vowing to negotiate a new deal and threatening that, if the bloc refused, he would take Britain out on October 31 without a deal to limit economic dislocation. Irish government bond yield spreads over Germany hit their widest levels in over a month on Tuesday, as worries grow over the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on Ireland. Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre. Supporters of Brexit say that while there would be some short-term difficulties, the disruption of a no-deal Brexit has been overplayed and that in the long-term, the United Kingdom would thrive if it left the European Union. Johnson was expected to tell Welsh farmers on Tuesday they will get a better deal after Brexit, part of a countrywide tour to win support for his "do or die" pledge to leave the European Union by October 31.

Brexit 'no matter what', Prime Minister Johnson promises as sterling falls

Asian stocks edged up on Tuesday as equity investors prepared for an expected US interest rate cut this week while heightened concerns in currency markets about a no-deal Brexit sent the pound to a 28-month low.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.15%.

South Korea's KOSPI advanced 0.2% and Japan's Nikkei added 0.7%. Australian stocks climbed as much as 0.7% to touch a record high, supported by buoyant mining shares and adding to the previous day's tech-driven gains.

The US Federal Reserve begins a two-day policy meeting later on Tuesday, at which it is widely expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points. If implemented, it would be the central bank's first rate cut in a decade.

Prospective monetary easing by the Fed has been a key factor behind the recent bull run by global equities, particularly US stocks, which have notched up record highs over the past month.

"Up until now, many market participants had been on the sidelines while the markets factored in the likelihood of the Fed's rate cut," said Kota Hirayama, senior emerging markets economist at SMBC Nikko Securities, regarding gains by Asian stocks.

"But with the Fed decision looming close some participants appear to be shaking off the caution and buying."

Also drawing some attention were US-China trade negotiations due to begin in Shanghai on Tuesday, although expectations for progress during the two-day meeting are low with the markets hoping the two sides can at least detail commitments for "goodwill" gestures.

In currencies, the pound extended an overnight slump and fell to $1.2210, its lowest level since March 2017.

Sterling has suffered as investors scrambled to price in the possibility that a last-minute agreement to avert a no-deal Brexit may not be realised under British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has said the Brexit divorce was dead.

The British government said on Monday it assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" EU was refusing to renegotiate their departure.

The dollar index against at basket of six major currencies was a shade higher at 98.084 and not too far from 98.165, a two-month top scaled on Monday on the back of better-than-expected US GDP data.

The greenback was 0.1% higher at 108.900 yen after brushing a three-week high of 108.950.

Immediate focus for the yen was on the Bank of Japan's two-day policy meeting due to end later on Tuesday.

The BOJ is widely expected to sand pat on policy, although some expect it to tweak its forward guidance -a pledge central banks make on future monetary policy moves- with the central bank under increasing pressure to keep up with its dovish peers.

The euro was unchanged at $1.1142 after edging up 0.15% the previous day.

Crude oil prices added to the previous gains, when the stronger-than-expected US GDP strengthened the outlook for oil consumption by the world's largest economy.&nbsp;

US crude futures were up 0.6% at $57.22 per barrel and Brent crude added 0.5% to $64.03.

Asian stocks edged up on Tuesday as equity investors prepared for an expected US interest rate cut this week while heightened concerns in currency markets about a no-deal Brexit sent the pound to a 28-month low.

Asian stocks edged up on Tuesday as equity investors prepared for an expected US interest rate cut this week while heightened concerns in currency markets about a no-deal Brexit sent the pound to a 28-month low. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan gained 0.15%. South Korea's KOSPI advanced 0.2% and Japan's Nikkei added 0.7%. Australian stocks climbed as much as 0.7% to touch a record high, supported by buoyant mining shares and adding to the previous day's tech-driven gains. The US Federal Reserve begins a two-day policy meeting later on Tuesday, at which it is widely expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points. If implemented, it would be the central bank's first rate cut in a decade. Prospective monetary easing by the Fed has been a key factor behind the recent bull run by global equities, particularly US stocks, which have notched up record highs over the past month. "Up until now, many market participants had been on the sidelines while the markets factored in the likelihood of the Fed's rate cut," said Kota Hirayama, senior emerging markets economist at SMBC Nikko Securities, regarding gains by Asian stocks. "But with the Fed decision looming close some participants appear to be shaking off the caution and buying." Also drawing some attention were US-China trade negotiations due to begin in Shanghai on Tuesday, although expectations for progress during the two-day meeting are low with the markets hoping the two sides can at least detail commitments for "goodwill" gestures. In currencies, the pound extended an overnight slump and fell to $1.2210, its lowest level since March 2017. Sterling has suffered as investors scrambled to price in the possibility that a last-minute agreement to avert a no-deal Brexit may not be realised under British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has said the Brexit divorce was dead. The British government said on Monday it assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" EU was refusing to renegotiate their departure. The dollar index against at basket of six major currencies was a shade higher at 98.084 and not too far from 98.165, a two-month top scaled on Monday on the back of better-than-expected US GDP data. The greenback was 0.1% higher at 108.900 yen after brushing a three-week high of 108.950. Immediate focus for the yen was on the Bank of Japan's two-day policy meeting due to end later on Tuesday. The BOJ is widely expected to sand pat on policy, although some expect it to tweak its forward guidance -a pledge central banks make on future monetary policy moves- with the central bank under increasing pressure to keep up with its dovish peers. The euro was unchanged at $1.1142 after edging up 0.15% the previous day. Crude oil prices added to the previous gains, when the stronger-than-expected US GDP strengthened the outlook for oil consumption by the world's largest economy. US crude futures were up 0.6% at $57.22 per barrel and Brent crude added 0.5% to $64.03.

Asia stocks higher ahead of Fed, pound pressured by fresh Brexit pain

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-is-a-massive-economic-opportunity-uk-prime-minister-johnson-238855">Prime Minister Boris Johnson </a>will tell Welsh farmers on Tuesday they will get a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-heads-to-scotland-as-local-leader-attacks-no-deal-brexit-239153"> better deal after Brexit</a>, part of a countrywide tour to win support for his "do or die" pledge to leave the European Union by October 31.

Just days after taking office as prime minister, Johnson kicked off the domestic tour, underlining his desire to win Britain over rather than courting EU leaders to try to persuade them to change their minds on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ditch-backstop-or-face-no-deal-brexit-uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-tells-european-union-238918">divorce deal </a>he says is dead.

His reluctance to engage with EU leaders until they signal a willingness to renegotiate the agreement Britain`s parliament rejected three times has increased the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, sending the pound to its lowest level since early 2017.

He hopes that the threat of Britain leaving without a deal, which would send shocks waves through the world economy, will persuade the EU`s biggest powers - Germany and France - to agree to revise the Withdrawal Agreement.

"I will always back Britain`s great farmers and as we leave the EU we need to make sure that Brexit works for them," Johnson said before arriving in Wales.

"Once we leave the EU on 31st October, we will have a historic opportunity to introduce new schemes to support farming – and we will make sure that farmers get a better deal. Brexit presents enormous opportunities for our country and it`s time we looked to the future with pride and optimism."

Many farmers fear a no-deal Brexit could threaten their livelihoods by suddenly removing subsidies, blocking their access to European markets and leaving them vulnerable to competition from lower-cost producers like the United States that do not match European animal welfare standards.

Johnson said leaving the EU would allow the government to scrap the Common Agricultural Policy -- a system of farm subsidies unpopular in Britain which contributes more than it receives -- and sign new trade deals to expand the market.

Johnson`s visit to Wales is part of a country-wide charm offensive, with the new prime minister trying to sell Brexit, something he has said his predecessor, Theresa May, and her government failed to do while in office. 
&nbsp; 
A figurehead for the successful "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, Johnson has repeated daily that Britain will leave on the latest deadline of Oct. 31, with or without a deal, and will thrive afterwards.&nbsp;

But by playing hardball with the EU by telling its leaders that he will only talk when they drop their insistence on not renegotiating the deal, he has increased the likelihood of a no-deal exit, which he says he does not want.

On Monday, the pound tumbled to its lowest against the dollar since early 2017 on the strengthened rhetoric.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell Welsh farmers on Tuesday they will get a better deal after Brexit, part of a countrywide tour to win support for his "do or die" pledge to leave the European Union by October 31.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will tell Welsh farmers on Tuesday they will get a better deal after Brexit, part of a countrywide tour to win support for his "do or die" pledge to leave the European Union by October 31. Just days after taking office as prime minister, Johnson kicked off the domestic tour, underlining his desire to win Britain over rather than courting EU leaders to try to persuade them to change their minds on a divorce deal he says is dead. His reluctance to engage with EU leaders until they signal a willingness to renegotiate the agreement Britain`s parliament rejected three times has increased the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, sending the pound to its lowest level since early 2017. He hopes that the threat of Britain leaving without a deal, which would send shocks waves through the world economy, will persuade the EU`s biggest powers - Germany and France - to agree to revise the Withdrawal Agreement. "I will always back Britain`s great farmers and as we leave the EU we need to make sure that Brexit works for them," Johnson said before arriving in Wales. "Once we leave the EU on 31st October, we will have a historic opportunity to introduce new schemes to support farming – and we will make sure that farmers get a better deal. Brexit presents enormous opportunities for our country and it`s time we looked to the future with pride and optimism." Many farmers fear a no-deal Brexit could threaten their livelihoods by suddenly removing subsidies, blocking their access to European markets and leaving them vulnerable to competition from lower-cost producers like the United States that do not match European animal welfare standards. Johnson said leaving the EU would allow the government to scrap the Common Agricultural Policy -- a system of farm subsidies unpopular in Britain which contributes more than it receives -- and sign new trade deals to expand the market. Johnson`s visit to Wales is part of a country-wide charm offensive, with the new prime minister trying to sell Brexit, something he has said his predecessor, Theresa May, and her government failed to do while in office. A figurehead for the successful "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum, Johnson has repeated daily that Britain will leave on the latest deadline of Oct. 31, with or without a deal, and will thrive afterwards. But by playing hardball with the EU by telling its leaders that he will only talk when they drop their insistence on not renegotiating the deal, he has increased the likelihood of a no-deal exit, which he says he does not want. On Monday, the pound tumbled to its lowest against the dollar since early 2017 on the strengthened rhetoric.

Brexit means a 'better deal' for farmers, PM Johnson tells Wales

Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/no-deal-brexit-had-become-a-serious-possibility-cbi-chief-carolyn-fairbairn-239206&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xcXFitrjAhVO7mEKHQlcAkYQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07JQut3Vw9Gy2-8QTnDxFn">no-deal Brexit</a> because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce.

Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

The pound, which was trading at $1.50 on the day of the 2016 referendum, dropped 0.4% to $1.2325, the lowest level since March 2017.

Johnson bets that the threat of a no-deal Brexit will persuade the EU's biggest powers - Germany and France - to agree to revise the divorce deal that Theresa May agreed to last November but failed three times to push through the British parliament.

The 27 other EU members, though, say publicly and privately that the divorce settlement - including the Irish border backstop - is not up for barter. Many EU diplomats say an election is highly likely.

"There must be some change from the EU and if the EU is not willing to move at all we must be ready to give the country some finality," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-should-respect-international-laws-britains-foreign-minister-239218">Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab</a> said, adding that London was "turbo-charging" no-deal preparations.

Raab said the United Kingdom wanted a deal but repeatedly cast the bloc as "stubborn". Asked if he was threatening the EU - whose $15.9 trillion economy is nearly six times that of the United Kingdom's - Raab said: "I am not doing any threatening."

Hedge funds increased their net short sterling positions to the highest level in nearly a year. And in a sign investors are scrambling for protection against currency swings around the time of the October 31 exit, three-month implied volatility surged to a four-month high.

Johnson has told EU leaders he will sit down for Brexit talks when they indicate they are ready to shift on the divorce deal, otherwise Britain will prepare for leaving without a deal, his spokeswoman said on Monday.

Our&nbsp;Union

Differences over Brexit have strained the bonds that tie the United Kingdom. While the country voted 52-48 to leave in 2016, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU while Wales and England vote to leave.

The question of the unification of Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland will inevitably arise if Britain leaves the European Union without a divorce deal on October 31, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said.

Varadkar also suggested that a so-called hard Brexit could undermine Scotland's place in the United Kingdom.

Johnson makes his first visit to Scotland as prime minister on Monday, as his Conservative Party's leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit.

"Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history. We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous," Johnson said in a statement ahead of the visit.

"So as we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it's vital we renew the ties that bind our United Kingdom."

Johnson's promise to deliver Brexit, with or without a deal, has put him at odds with some in his party who oppose a "no-deal" exit - including its Scottish leader Ruth Davidson.

Gordon Brown, a Scot and a former prime minister, said this month that Johnson could be the United Kingdom's last prime minister as he could be on a collision course with Scottish nationalists.

Last week, Scotland's nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon wrote to Johnson telling him his Brexit plans would hurt the Scottish economy and that she would continue preparations for a second independence referendum.

Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce.

Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce. Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre. The pound, which was trading at $1.50 on the day of the 2016 referendum, dropped 0.4% to $1.2325, the lowest level since March 2017. Johnson bets that the threat of a no-deal Brexit will persuade the EU's biggest powers - Germany and France - to agree to revise the divorce deal that Theresa May agreed to last November but failed three times to push through the British parliament. The 27 other EU members, though, say publicly and privately that the divorce settlement - including the Irish border backstop - is not up for barter. Many EU diplomats say an election is highly likely. "There must be some change from the EU and if the EU is not willing to move at all we must be ready to give the country some finality," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, adding that London was "turbo-charging" no-deal preparations. Raab said the United Kingdom wanted a deal but repeatedly cast the bloc as "stubborn". Asked if he was threatening the EU - whose $15.9 trillion economy is nearly six times that of the United Kingdom's - Raab said: "I am not doing any threatening." Hedge funds increased their net short sterling positions to the highest level in nearly a year. And in a sign investors are scrambling for protection against currency swings around the time of the October 31 exit, three-month implied volatility surged to a four-month high. Johnson has told EU leaders he will sit down for Brexit talks when they indicate they are ready to shift on the divorce deal, otherwise Britain will prepare for leaving without a deal, his spokeswoman said on Monday. Our Union Differences over Brexit have strained the bonds that tie the United Kingdom. While the country voted 52-48 to leave in 2016, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU while Wales and England vote to leave. The question of the unification of Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland will inevitably arise if Britain leaves the European Union without a divorce deal on October 31, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said. Varadkar also suggested that a so-called hard Brexit could undermine Scotland's place in the United Kingdom. Johnson makes his first visit to Scotland as prime minister on Monday, as his Conservative Party's leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit. "Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history. We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous," Johnson said in a statement ahead of the visit. "So as we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it's vital we renew the ties that bind our United Kingdom." Johnson's promise to deliver Brexit, with or without a deal, has put him at odds with some in his party who oppose a "no-deal" exit - including its Scottish leader Ruth Davidson. Gordon Brown, a Scot and a former prime minister, said this month that Johnson could be the United Kingdom's last prime minister as he could be on a collision course with Scottish nationalists. Last week, Scotland's nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon wrote to Johnson telling him his Brexit plans would hurt the Scottish economy and that she would continue preparations for a second independence referendum.

UK plays hardball with 'stubborn' European Union, pound tumbles to a 28-month low on Brexit woes

Former British prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-iraq-war-report-due-to-be-published-former-british-pm-tony-blair-comes-under-spotlight-1830">Tony Blair's</a> right-hand man said Tuesday he was quitting the Labour Party for good and urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-united-kingdom-prime-minister-must-put-brexit-plan-to-second-referendum-labours-corbyn-234413">Jeremy Corbyn</a> to make way for a more effective leader to fight Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

In an open letter to Corbyn, Alastair Campbell said the party "no longer truly represents my values, or the hopes I have for Britain" and urged the veteran leftist Corbyn to consider standing down.

"With some sadness but absolute certainty, I have concluded that I no longer wish to stay in the party," he wrote in the letter published in The New European magazine.

Anti-Brexit crusader Campbell had begun appealing against his expulsion as a Labour member for voting for the Liberal Democrats in May's European elections.

But Campbell said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Johnson</a> becoming Conservative prime minister and adopting a "crash and burn strategy deliberately aimed at creating the circumstances for a general election" had altered his outlook.

"I see no sign that you and your office have grasped the seriousness of what is happening, let alone devised or begun to execute a strategy to respond and defeat it," Campbell wrote.

"Has the time not come for you to ask yourself, honestly, whether you have the capacity, the plan, and the reach into the British public, to rise to the new challenge, and to win in the country.&nbsp;

"If you have doubt, then there is no doubt you should make way for someone who can provide the leadership, the strategy, and the energy required."

The ruling Conservatives have been boosted by a so-called "Boris bounce" since Johnson became Britain's new leader last Wednesday, according to weekend polls.

One showed a 10-point gain, putting the Tories on 30 per cent, five points ahead of Labour.

Campbell, who served as Blair's chief press secretary and was heavily criticised for his involvement in drawing up Britain's Iraq War policy, emerged back into the political arena after the 2016 Brexit vote.

He has become a leading figure in the campaign to hold another referendum on European Union membership and has been a persistent critic of Corbyn's leadership, particularly over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-means-a-better-deal-for-farmers-pm-johnson-tells-wales-239337">Brexit</a>.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair's right-hand man said Tuesday he was quitting the Labour Party for good and urged Jeremy Corbyn to make way for a more effective leader to fight Boris Johnson.

Former British prime minister Tony Blair's right-hand man said Tuesday he was quitting the Labour Party for good and urged Jeremy Corbyn to make way for a more effective leader to fight Boris Johnson. In an open letter to Corbyn, Alastair Campbell said the party "no longer truly represents my values, or the hopes I have for Britain" and urged the veteran leftist Corbyn to consider standing down. "With some sadness but absolute certainty, I have concluded that I no longer wish to stay in the party," he wrote in the letter published in The New European magazine. Anti-Brexit crusader Campbell had begun appealing against his expulsion as a Labour member for voting for the Liberal Democrats in May's European elections. But Campbell said Johnson becoming Conservative prime minister and adopting a "crash and burn strategy deliberately aimed at creating the circumstances for a general election" had altered his outlook. "I see no sign that you and your office have grasped the seriousness of what is happening, let alone devised or begun to execute a strategy to respond and defeat it," Campbell wrote. "Has the time not come for you to ask yourself, honestly, whether you have the capacity, the plan, and the reach into the British public, to rise to the new challenge, and to win in the country. "If you have doubt, then there is no doubt you should make way for someone who can provide the leadership, the strategy, and the energy required." The ruling Conservatives have been boosted by a so-called "Boris bounce" since Johnson became Britain's new leader last Wednesday, according to weekend polls. One showed a 10-point gain, putting the Tories on 30 per cent, five points ahead of Labour. Campbell, who served as Blair's chief press secretary and was heavily criticised for his involvement in drawing up Britain's Iraq War policy, emerged back into the political arena after the 2016 Brexit vote. He has become a leading figure in the campaign to hold another referendum on European Union membership and has been a persistent critic of Corbyn's leadership, particularly over Brexit.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair's right-hand Alastair Campbell quits Labour party amid 'Boris bounce'

Theresa May: A legacy sunk by Brexit

Who is Boris Johnson? Brexit warrior, Trump's friend & China's frenemy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ditch-backstop-or-face-no-deal-brexit-uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-tells-european-union-238918">Britain's Boris Johnson</a> will make his first visit to Scotland as prime minister on Monday, his office said, as his Conservative Party's leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit.

Johnson took office on Wednesday with a pledge to deliver Britain's exit from the European Union by October 31 "no ifs or buts" and the government is ramping up preparations for "no-deal" -- something some senior politicians have warned could make the break up of the United Kingdom more likely.

Scotland rejected independence by a 55-45% majority in 2014 but then voted to stay in the EU at the 2016 Brexit referendum, fuelling calls for a second independence vote from those who argue it is being taken out of the bloc against its wishes.

On Monday Johnson will visit a military base in Scotland as part of a tour of the United Kingdom to announce extra funding for local communities.

His office said he was also planning a trip to Wales to meet local farmers and to Northern Ireland to discuss ongoing talks to restore its devolved executive.

"Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history. We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous," Johnson said in a statement ahead of the visit.

"So as we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it's vital we renew the ties that bind our United Kingdom."

Watch:&nbsp;UK's New PM Boris Johnson - A Genius or A Joker?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uks-new-pm-boris-johnson-a-genius-or-a-joker-238930/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson's promise to deliver Brexit, with or without a deal, has put him at odds with some in his party who oppose a "no-deal" exit - including its Scottish leader Ruth Davidson. His office did not say whether he would meet Davidson on Monday.

"When I was debating against the pro-Brexit side in 2016, I don't remember anybody saying we should crash out of the EU with no arrangements in place to help maintain the vital trade that flows uninterrupted between Britain and the European Union," Davidson wrote in the Scottish Mail on Sunday newspaper.

"I don’t think the government should pursue a no-deal Brexit and, if it comes to it, I won’t support it."

Last week, Scotland's nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon wrote to Johnson telling him his Brexit plans would hurt the Scottish economy and that she would continue preparations for a second independence referendum.

Johnson will use the visit to announce 300 million pounds of new funding for so-called "Growth Deals" across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which provide investment for local businesses and projects.

It follows a trip to the north of England over the weekend to set out plans to boost investment in local services in a push to address frustrations among voters that led to the vote to leave the EU.

Britain's Boris Johnson will make his first visit to Scotland as prime minister on Monday, his office said, as his Conservative Party's leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit.

Britain's Boris Johnson will make his first visit to Scotland as prime minister on Monday, his office said, as his Conservative Party's leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit. Johnson took office on Wednesday with a pledge to deliver Britain's exit from the European Union by October 31 "no ifs or buts" and the government is ramping up preparations for "no-deal" -- something some senior politicians have warned could make the break up of the United Kingdom more likely. Scotland rejected independence by a 55-45% majority in 2014 but then voted to stay in the EU at the 2016 Brexit referendum, fuelling calls for a second independence vote from those who argue it is being taken out of the bloc against its wishes. On Monday Johnson will visit a military base in Scotland as part of a tour of the United Kingdom to announce extra funding for local communities. His office said he was also planning a trip to Wales to meet local farmers and to Northern Ireland to discuss ongoing talks to restore its devolved executive. "Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history. We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous," Johnson said in a statement ahead of the visit. "So as we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it's vital we renew the ties that bind our United Kingdom." Watch: UK's New PM Boris Johnson - A Genius or A Joker? Johnson's promise to deliver Brexit, with or without a deal, has put him at odds with some in his party who oppose a "no-deal" exit - including its Scottish leader Ruth Davidson. His office did not say whether he would meet Davidson on Monday. "When I was debating against the pro-Brexit side in 2016, I don't remember anybody saying we should crash out of the EU with no arrangements in place to help maintain the vital trade that flows uninterrupted between Britain and the European Union," Davidson wrote in the Scottish Mail on Sunday newspaper. "I don’t think the government should pursue a no-deal Brexit and, if it comes to it, I won’t support it." Last week, Scotland's nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon wrote to Johnson telling him his Brexit plans would hurt the Scottish economy and that she would continue preparations for a second independence referendum. Johnson will use the visit to announce 300 million pounds of new funding for so-called "Growth Deals" across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which provide investment for local businesses and projects. It follows a trip to the north of England over the weekend to set out plans to boost investment in local services in a push to address frustrations among voters that led to the vote to leave the EU.

UK PM Boris Johnson heads to Scotland as local leader attacks no-deal Brexit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-plays-brexit-hardball-with-stubborn-european-union-pound-falls-to-a-two-year-low-239235">UK plays a hardball with 'stubborn' European Union, pound tumbles to a 28-month low on Brexit woes</a>

Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-makes-foray-inside-vietnamese-water-239247">China makes foray inside Vietnamese water</a>

China’s latest move in the South China Sea has further riled up tense atmosphere prevailing in the region.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-put-your-life-in-danger-iran-publishes-exchange-with-british-warship-during-tanker-seizure-239211">Don't put your life in danger: Iran publishes exchange with British warship during tanker seizure</a>

Iranian forces warned a British warship's crew against putting their "life in danger" during the seizure of a tanker this month, in a new recording of the incident released Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-perfect-choice-for-congress-president-cwc-to-take-final-call-amarinder-singh-239223">Priyanka Gandhi perfect choice for Congress president, CWC to take final call: Amarinder Singh</a>

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said Congress leaders will extend all the support if Priyanka Gandhi is chosen to take over as the party president.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-first-cyber-dissident-given-12-year-jail-term-court-239214">Huang Qi, China's first 'cyber-dissident', given 12-year jail term</a>

China's first "cyber-dissident", whose website reported on sensitive topics including human rights, was sentenced to 12 years in prison Monday for leaking state secrets, a court said.

&nbsp;

UK plays a hardball with 'stubborn' European Union, pound tumbles to a 28-month low on Brexit woes Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce.

UK plays a hardball with 'stubborn' European Union, pound tumbles to a 28-month low on Brexit woes Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce. China makes foray inside Vietnamese water China’s latest move in the South China Sea has further riled up tense atmosphere prevailing in the region. Don't put your life in danger: Iran publishes exchange with British warship during tanker seizure Iranian forces warned a British warship's crew against putting their "life in danger" during the seizure of a tanker this month, in a new recording of the incident released Monday. Priyanka Gandhi perfect choice for Congress president, CWC to take final call: Amarinder Singh Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday said Congress leaders will extend all the support if Priyanka Gandhi is chosen to take over as the party president. Huang Qi, China's first 'cyber-dissident', given 12-year jail term China's first "cyber-dissident", whose website reported on sensitive topics including human rights, was sentenced to 12 years in prison Monday for leaking state secrets, a court said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Global shares steadied on Monday and the dollar hit a two-month high against a basket of currencies as markets counted down to a likely cut in US interest rates this week, with much riding on whether the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asian-shares-drift-into-trade-talks-fed-test-239118&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiskeK2ktrjAhVFsY8KHaKRDH0QFjABegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw007h4SGYlL7z1dT2b0Kwqf">Federal Reserve</a>&nbsp;signals more cuts will follow.

After opening lower, European shares began to gain. Deal-making and a rally in defensive sectors pushed the pan-European STOXX 600 index up 0.3%.

The dollar index - which measures it against a basket of peers - was higher by 0.1% and at its highest since May 31.

A stronger-than-expected US gross domestic product report on Friday gave the dollar wings, leading some investors to doubt whether the Fed will continue easing this year after its Wednesday meeting.

Interest rate futures are fully priced for a quarter-point rate cut from the Fed on Wednesday, with only a small chance of a half-point move.

More important will be what the central bank flags for the future, given the market implies 100 basis points of easing over the next year or so.

MSCI's All-Country World Index of stocks, down by as much as 0.2% on the day, erased some losses to trade 0.02% lower. Wall Street futures were flat.

"Central banks are very much the focus of attention for markets at the moment," said Rupert Thompson, head of research at Kingswood.

Investors were also keeping an eye on US-China trade talks. US and Chinese negotiators meet in Shanghai this week for their first in-person talks since a G20 truce last month, but expectations for a breakthrough are low.

Data on the weekend showed profits earned by China's industrial firms contracted in June, fuelling concerns that the trade war will drag on economic growth.

"Both parties know they are running out of time to prevent a sharper slowdown in the global economy. However, given the past experiences, investor sentiment isn’t too high," said Hussein Sayed, chief market strategist at FXTM.

"While resolving their core issues seems far from reach at this stage, especially when it comes to China's subsidies and technology transfers, markets need at least a sign of goodwill to prevent a sharp, volatile reaction..."

In Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares was half a per cent lower. Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.2% and Shanghai blue chips 0.1%.

In bonds, eurozone bond yields dipped as jittery investors eyed the trade talks and waited for the likely Fed rate cut after the European Central Bank's dovish signalling last week disappointed some.

The benchmark German 10-year Bund yield fell more than 1 basis point to -0.3920%, not far from last week's record low of -0.422%.

Elsewhere in currencies, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-plays-brexit-hardball-with-stubborn-european-union-pound-falls-to-a-two-year-low-239235">sterling fell</a> over half a per cent to a 28-month low of $1.2301 amid reports the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson was preparing the ground for a "no-deal" Brexit.

Global shares steadied on Monday and the dollar hit a two-month high against a basket of currencies as markets counted down to a likely cut in US interest rates this week, with much riding on whether the Federal Reserve signals more cuts will follow.

Global shares steadied on Monday and the dollar hit a two-month high against a basket of currencies as markets counted down to a likely cut in US interest rates this week, with much riding on whether the Federal Reserve signals more cuts will follow. After opening lower, European shares began to gain. Deal-making and a rally in defensive sectors pushed the pan-European STOXX 600 index up 0.3%. The dollar index - which measures it against a basket of peers - was higher by 0.1% and at its highest since May 31. A stronger-than-expected US gross domestic product report on Friday gave the dollar wings, leading some investors to doubt whether the Fed will continue easing this year after its Wednesday meeting. Interest rate futures are fully priced for a quarter-point rate cut from the Fed on Wednesday, with only a small chance of a half-point move. More important will be what the central bank flags for the future, given the market implies 100 basis points of easing over the next year or so. MSCI's All-Country World Index of stocks, down by as much as 0.2% on the day, erased some losses to trade 0.02% lower. Wall Street futures were flat. "Central banks are very much the focus of attention for markets at the moment," said Rupert Thompson, head of research at Kingswood. Investors were also keeping an eye on US-China trade talks. US and Chinese negotiators meet in Shanghai this week for their first in-person talks since a G20 truce last month, but expectations for a breakthrough are low. Data on the weekend showed profits earned by China's industrial firms contracted in June, fuelling concerns that the trade war will drag on economic growth. "Both parties know they are running out of time to prevent a sharper slowdown in the global economy. However, given the past experiences, investor sentiment isn’t too high," said Hussein Sayed, chief market strategist at FXTM. "While resolving their core issues seems far from reach at this stage, especially when it comes to China's subsidies and technology transfers, markets need at least a sign of goodwill to prevent a sharp, volatile reaction..." In Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares was half a per cent lower. Japan's Nikkei dipped 0.2% and Shanghai blue chips 0.1%. In bonds, eurozone bond yields dipped as jittery investors eyed the trade talks and waited for the likely Fed rate cut after the European Central Bank's dovish signalling last week disappointed some. The benchmark German 10-year Bund yield fell more than 1 basis point to -0.3920%, not far from last week's record low of -0.422%. Elsewhere in currencies, sterling fell over half a per cent to a 28-month low of $1.2301 amid reports the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson was preparing the ground for a "no-deal" Brexit.

Shares steady as Fed comes into focus; dollar at two-month high

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-is-a-massive-economic-opportunity-uk-prime-minister-johnson-238855">Boris Johnson cautioned the European Union</a> on Saturday that the "anti-democratic" Irish backstop must be ditched if they were to strike a Brexit divorce deal.

Johnson, since taking office on Wednesday, has repeatedly said that if the EU continues to refuse to renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by his predecessor Theresa May, then he will take Britain out on October&nbsp;31 without a deal.

His biggest demand is that the most hotly-contested element of the Brexit divorce agreement, the Irish border backstop, be struck out of the Withdrawal Agreement, a demand that has angered Ireland and perturbed other EU capitals.

"If we get rid of the backstop, whole and entire, then we are making a lot of progress," Johnson said, when asked if it was only the Irish border backstop that he wanted changed.

Speaking before a Stephenson's Rocket, a 19th-century steam locomotive, in the northern England city of Manchester, Johnson dedicated most of his speech to improving public services, transport and the internet and driving up economic growth.

"Our post-industrial towns have a proud, great heritage but an even greater future. Their best years lie ahead of them," he said, announcing new long-term rail links and promising immediate improvements to bus services.

That message, aimed at what Johnson called "left behind" towns, is seen as the early stages of an election campaign, even though Britain is not due a parliamentary election until 2022 and Johnson is adamant he will not hold one before Brexit.

His Conservative Party does not have a majority in parliament, is divided over how to deliver Brexit and under threat of a no-confidence vote when parliament returns in September.

Anti-Democratic

European leaders are prepared to talk with Britain's new leader over Brexit but have so far insisted they will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement. Many EU diplomats think the United Kingdom will hold a snap election soon.

Johnson, who discussed Brexit with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Friday, brushed aside those concerns.

"My friends, I do not want a no-deal Brexit, that is not where we're aiming, but we have to face the fact that at the moment we're being told, as we have been told for the last three year 'rien ne va plus' - 'the deal is fixed' - and can't be changed. I doubt that," he said.

Nevertheless, investors fear a no-deal exit would send shock waves through global markets and hurt the world's economy.

Ireland is crucial to any Brexit solution.

Watch:&nbsp;Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump?

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The backstop is an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of border controls along the 500-km (300-mile) land border between Ireland and Britain's province of Northern Ireland that were ended by the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the question of the unification of Ireland and Northern Ireland would inevitably arise if Britain leaves the EU without a divorce deal on October&nbsp;31.

"The approach of the UK government is not going to be disengaged or aloof or waiting for them to come to us: we are going to try to solve this problem and we are going to do it in a spirit of friendship and cooperation," Johnson said.

"But we can't do it as long as that anti-democratic backstop, that backstop that seeks to divide our country, divide the UK, remains in place," he said. "We need to get it out and then we can make progress, I think."

The Withdrawal Agreement that May struck in November with the EU says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union "unless and until" alternative arrangements are found to avoid a hard border.

Many British lawmakers oppose the prospect of being bound to EU rules and customs duties that would prevent Britain doing its own trade deals and leave it overseen by EU judges.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cautioned the European Union on Saturday that the "anti-democratic" Irish backstop must be ditched if they were to strike a Brexit divorce deal.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cautioned the European Union on Saturday that the "anti-democratic" Irish backstop must be ditched if they were to strike a Brexit divorce deal. Johnson, since taking office on Wednesday, has repeatedly said that if the EU continues to refuse to renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by his predecessor Theresa May, then he will take Britain out on October 31 without a deal. His biggest demand is that the most hotly-contested element of the Brexit divorce agreement, the Irish border backstop, be struck out of the Withdrawal Agreement, a demand that has angered Ireland and perturbed other EU capitals. "If we get rid of the backstop, whole and entire, then we are making a lot of progress," Johnson said, when asked if it was only the Irish border backstop that he wanted changed. Speaking before a Stephenson's Rocket, a 19th-century steam locomotive, in the northern England city of Manchester, Johnson dedicated most of his speech to improving public services, transport and the internet and driving up economic growth. "Our post-industrial towns have a proud, great heritage but an even greater future. Their best years lie ahead of them," he said, announcing new long-term rail links and promising immediate improvements to bus services. That message, aimed at what Johnson called "left behind" towns, is seen as the early stages of an election campaign, even though Britain is not due a parliamentary election until 2022 and Johnson is adamant he will not hold one before Brexit. His Conservative Party does not have a majority in parliament, is divided over how to deliver Brexit and under threat of a no-confidence vote when parliament returns in September. Anti-Democratic European leaders are prepared to talk with Britain's new leader over Brexit but have so far insisted they will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement. Many EU diplomats think the United Kingdom will hold a snap election soon. Johnson, who discussed Brexit with US President Donald Trump on Friday, brushed aside those concerns. "My friends, I do not want a no-deal Brexit, that is not where we're aiming, but we have to face the fact that at the moment we're being told, as we have been told for the last three year 'rien ne va plus' - 'the deal is fixed' - and can't be changed. I doubt that," he said. Nevertheless, investors fear a no-deal exit would send shock waves through global markets and hurt the world's economy. Ireland is crucial to any Brexit solution. Watch: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump? The backstop is an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of border controls along the 500-km (300-mile) land border between Ireland and Britain's province of Northern Ireland that were ended by the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the question of the unification of Ireland and Northern Ireland would inevitably arise if Britain leaves the EU without a divorce deal on October 31. "The approach of the UK government is not going to be disengaged or aloof or waiting for them to come to us: we are going to try to solve this problem and we are going to do it in a spirit of friendship and cooperation," Johnson said. "But we can't do it as long as that anti-democratic backstop, that backstop that seeks to divide our country, divide the UK, remains in place," he said. "We need to get it out and then we can make progress, I think." The Withdrawal Agreement that May struck in November with the EU says the United Kingdom will remain in a customs union "unless and until" alternative arrangements are found to avoid a hard border. Many British lawmakers oppose the prospect of being bound to EU rules and customs duties that would prevent Britain doing its own trade deals and leave it overseen by EU judges.

Ditch backstop or face no-deal Brexit: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tells European Union

A no-deal Brexit could lead to a united Ireland as more people in Northern Ireland would "come to question the union" with Britain, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said.

His comments came after new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../ireland-says-uks-johnson-very-unhelpful-on- brexit-risks-no-deal-238672">current Brexit deal was unacceptable</a> and set preparations for leaving the EU without an agreement as a "top priority" for his right-wing government.

Tension around the withdrawal deal centres on the so-called Irish backstop -&nbsp;a mechanism designed to preserve the bloc's single market and prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland.

Varadkar warned a no-deal Brexit could see more people in the North question the union with England, Scotland and Wales.

"People who you might describe as moderate nationalists or moderate Catholics who were more or less happy with the status quo will look more towards a united Ireland," Varadkar said Friday at a summer school in county Donegal, the Irish Independent newspaper and other media reported.

"And increasingly you see liberal Protestants, liberal unionists starting to ask the questions as to where they feel more at home.

"Is it in a nationalist Britain that's talking about potentially bringing back the death penalty and things like that? Or is it part of a common European home and part of Ireland?" said Vardakar, whose heavily trade-dependent nation stands to lose most from a messy EU-UK split.

Vardakar said there could be no Brexit deal without the Irish backstop, which Johnson is committed to abolishing.

Johnson has staked his reputation on bringing Britain out of the EU by the current deadline of October 31, meaning that if new negotiations are refused the UK would crash out without a deal in place.

"I think one of the things ironically that could really undermine the union is a hard Brexit, both for Northern Ireland and for Scotland. That's a problem they're going to have to face," Varadkar said, according to the Independent.

Separately, Ireland's foreign minister said on Friday that Johnson had deliberately set Britain on a "collision course" with the EU over Brexit negotiations.

"He seems to have made a deliberate decision to set Britain on a collision course with the European Union and with Ireland in relation to the Brexit negotiations," Simon Coveney was quoted by Irish state broadcaster RTE as saying.

European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker told Johnson on Thursday that EU officials have no mandate to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal agreement, and chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said eliminating the Irish backstop was "unacceptable".

A no-deal Brexit could lead to a united Ireland as more people in Northern Ireland would "come to question the union" with Britain, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said.

A no-deal Brexit could lead to a united Ireland as more people in Northern Ireland would "come to question the union" with Britain, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said. His comments came after new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the current Brexit deal was unacceptable and set preparations for leaving the EU without an agreement as a "top priority" for his right-wing government. Tension around the withdrawal deal centres on the so-called Irish backstop - a mechanism designed to preserve the bloc's single market and prevent a hard border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Varadkar warned a no-deal Brexit could see more people in the North question the union with England, Scotland and Wales. "People who you might describe as moderate nationalists or moderate Catholics who were more or less happy with the status quo will look more towards a united Ireland," Varadkar said Friday at a summer school in county Donegal, the Irish Independent newspaper and other media reported. "And increasingly you see liberal Protestants, liberal unionists starting to ask the questions as to where they feel more at home. "Is it in a nationalist Britain that's talking about potentially bringing back the death penalty and things like that? Or is it part of a common European home and part of Ireland?" said Vardakar, whose heavily trade-dependent nation stands to lose most from a messy EU-UK split. Vardakar said there could be no Brexit deal without the Irish backstop, which Johnson is committed to abolishing. Johnson has staked his reputation on bringing Britain out of the EU by the current deadline of October 31, meaning that if new negotiations are refused the UK would crash out without a deal in place. "I think one of the things ironically that could really undermine the union is a hard Brexit, both for Northern Ireland and for Scotland. That's a problem they're going to have to face," Varadkar said, according to the Independent. Separately, Ireland's foreign minister said on Friday that Johnson had deliberately set Britain on a "collision course" with the EU over Brexit negotiations. "He seems to have made a deliberate decision to set Britain on a collision course with the European Union and with Ireland in relation to the Brexit negotiations," Simon Coveney was quoted by Irish state broadcaster RTE as saying. European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker told Johnson on Thursday that EU officials have no mandate to renegotiate the Brexit withdrawal agreement, and chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said eliminating the Irish backstop was "unacceptable".

Irish PM says no-deal Brexit could lead to united Ireland

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-is-a-massive-economic-opportunity-uk-prime-minister-johnson-238855">Brexit is a 'massive economic opportunity': UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said Brexit was a "massive economic opportunity" but had been treated under his predecessor Theresa May as "an impending adverse weather event".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-at-anti-triad-rally-report-238816">Hong Kong unrest: Police fire tear gas at protesters defying ban on 'anti-triad' rally</a>

Hong Kong police fired tear gas Saturday at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected triad gangs who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators near the Chinese border last weekend, tipping the finance hub further into chaos.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-arrested-at-moscow-protest-after-opposition-crackdown-238830">Dozens arrested at Moscow protest after opposition crackdown</a>

Russian police arrested dozens of people as they gathered at Moscow city hall Saturday to demand free and fair elections, an AFP journalist said, following a crackdown on the opposition.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-500-passengers-rescued-from-mahalaxmi-express-238833">Maharashtra: All passengers rescued safely from stranded Mahalaxmi Express</a>

All passengers of stranded Mahalaxmi Express train in Badlapur, Maharashtra have been safely evacuated. The train was stranded due to a heavy downpour that has lashed parts of Maharashtra. As many as 700 passengers who were aboard the train have been rescued, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-says-87-killed-when-security-forces-broke-up-protest-in-june-238850">Sudan says 87 killed when security forces broke up protest in June</a>

The head of a Sudanese investigative committee said on Saturday that 87 people were killed and 168 wounded on June 3 when a sit-in protest was violently broken up by security forces.

Brexit is a 'massive economic opportunity': UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said Brexit was a "massive economic opportunity" but had been treated under his predecessor Theresa May as "an impending adverse weather event".

Brexit is a 'massive economic opportunity': UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said Brexit was a "massive economic opportunity" but had been treated under his predecessor Theresa May as "an impending adverse weather event". Hong Kong unrest: Police fire tear gas at protesters defying ban on 'anti-triad' rally Hong Kong police fired tear gas Saturday at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected triad gangs who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators near the Chinese border last weekend, tipping the finance hub further into chaos. Dozens arrested at Moscow protest after opposition crackdown Russian police arrested dozens of people as they gathered at Moscow city hall Saturday to demand free and fair elections, an AFP journalist said, following a crackdown on the opposition. Maharashtra: All passengers rescued safely from stranded Mahalaxmi Express All passengers of stranded Mahalaxmi Express train in Badlapur, Maharashtra have been safely evacuated. The train was stranded due to a heavy downpour that has lashed parts of Maharashtra. As many as 700 passengers who were aboard the train have been rescued, news agency ANI reported. Sudan says 87 killed when security forces broke up protest in June The head of a Sudanese investigative committee said on Saturday that 87 people were killed and 168 wounded on June 3 when a sit-in protest was violently broken up by security forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/will-new-uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-call-an-early-election-238331">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> on Saturday said Brexit was a "massive economic opportunity" but had been treated under his predecessor Theresa May as "an impending adverse weather event".

In a speech in Manchester where he pledged new investment in Leave-voting areas,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-britain-gets-a-new-prime-minister-boris-johnson-238036"> Johnson </a>promised to step up negotiations on post-Brexit trade deals and set up free ports to boost the economy.

"When people voted to leave the European Union, they were not just voting against Brussels, they were voting against London too," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-boris-johnson-brexit-warrior-trumps-friend-chinas-frenemy-237975">Johnson</a> promised to give more powers to local communities, as well as boost broadband and transport infrastructure in a speech focused on domestic issues.

"Taking back control doesn't just apply to Westminster regaining sovereignty from the EU, it means our cities and counties and towns becoming more self governing," he said.

"Leaving the EU is a massive economic opportunity to do things we've not been allowed to do for decades," he said.

Asked about the prospect of Brexit negotiations, Johnson said he was willing to engage with EU partners but only if the backstop clause was removed from the current divorce agreement struck by May.

The backstop seeks to ensure a free-flowing post-Brexit border between British Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state, in all eventualities.

"The approach of the UK government is not going to be disengaged or aloof or waiting for them to come to us, we are going to try to solve this problem," he said.

"We can't do it as long as that anti-democratic backstop, that backstop that seeks to divide our country, divide the UK, remains in place. We need to get it out and then we can make progress."

Watch: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump?

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'Absolutely' rules out election

The new leader earlier tried to dampen speculation he could call an early election.

The former mayor of London, who only took charge on Wednesday, has promised to take Britain out of the EU by the latest deadline of October 31 -- deal or no deal.

But he has focused on domestic priorities in his first few days in office, including a pledge on Friday to reverse drastic cuts to the police force made under May.

Commentators have speculated that he could be preparing to call a general election, hoping to regain the Conservative majority that May lost at the polls in 2017.

Johnson on Friday "absolutely" ruled out initiating such a poll before Britain leaves the bloc.

"The British people voted in 2015, in 2016, in 2017," he said during a visit to the central English city of Birmingham.

"What they want us to do is deliver on their mandate, come out of the EU on October 31.

"They don't want another electoral event, they don't want a referendum, they don't want a general election."

However, Britons could be headed to the polls if MPs bring down Johnson's new government in a no confidence vote in order to try and prevent a no-deal Brexit from happening.

Britain voted 52 percent in favour of leaving the European Union in a shock 2016 referendum that partially reflected deep resentment over economic inequality.

Johnson said Saturday's speech intended to "set out his vision to rebalance power, growth and productivity across the UK".

May also came to power promising to fight Britain's "burning injustices" but her domestic agenda was overwhelmed by Brexit negotiations and her failed attempts to persuade parliament to vote in favour of her exit deal.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said Brexit was a "massive economic opportunity" but had been treated under his predecessor Theresa May as "an impending adverse weather event".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday said Brexit was a "massive economic opportunity" but had been treated under his predecessor Theresa May as "an impending adverse weather event". In a speech in Manchester where he pledged new investment in Leave-voting areas, Johnson promised to step up negotiations on post-Brexit trade deals and set up free ports to boost the economy. "When people voted to leave the European Union, they were not just voting against Brussels, they were voting against London too," he said. Johnson promised to give more powers to local communities, as well as boost broadband and transport infrastructure in a speech focused on domestic issues. "Taking back control doesn't just apply to Westminster regaining sovereignty from the EU, it means our cities and counties and towns becoming more self governing," he said. "Leaving the EU is a massive economic opportunity to do things we've not been allowed to do for decades," he said. Asked about the prospect of Brexit negotiations, Johnson said he was willing to engage with EU partners but only if the backstop clause was removed from the current divorce agreement struck by May. The backstop seeks to ensure a free-flowing post-Brexit border between British Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state, in all eventualities. "The approach of the UK government is not going to be disengaged or aloof or waiting for them to come to us, we are going to try to solve this problem," he said. "We can't do it as long as that anti-democratic backstop, that backstop that seeks to divide our country, divide the UK, remains in place. We need to get it out and then we can make progress." Watch: Is Boris Johnson 'The British' Trump? × 'Absolutely' rules out election The new leader earlier tried to dampen speculation he could call an early election. The former mayor of London, who only took charge on Wednesday, has promised to take Britain out of the EU by the latest deadline of October 31 -- deal or no deal. But he has focused on domestic priorities in his first few days in office, including a pledge on Friday to reverse drastic cuts to the police force made under May. Commentators have speculated that he could be preparing to call a general election, hoping to regain the Conservative majority that May lost at the polls in 2017. Johnson on Friday "absolutely" ruled out initiating such a poll before Britain leaves the bloc. "The British people voted in 2015, in 2016, in 2017," he said during a visit to the central English city of Birmingham. "What they want us to do is deliver on their mandate, come out of the EU on October 31. "They don't want another electoral event, they don't want a referendum, they don't want a general election." However, Britons could be headed to the polls if MPs bring down Johnson's new government in a no confidence vote in order to try and prevent a no-deal Brexit from happening. Britain voted 52 percent in favour of leaving the European Union in a shock 2016 referendum that partially reflected deep resentment over economic inequality. Johnson said Saturday's speech intended to "set out his vision to rebalance power, growth and productivity across the UK". May also came to power promising to fight Britain's "burning injustices" but her domestic agenda was overwhelmed by Brexit negotiations and her failed attempts to persuade parliament to vote in favour of her exit deal.

Brexit is a 'massive economic opportunity': UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 26th, 2019

Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-reshuffles-cabinet-brexit-loyalists-take-front-seats-238303&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj7mczc2NLjAhUWiXAKHVLAAMMQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rfEjC6AIX2EX6UwLc2YxP">Boris Johnson</a>'s approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to.

Johnson told the British parliament on Thursday he wanted to abolish the backstop, an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of longer-term trade talks collapsing.

Many Brexit supporters dislike the backstop - which would require Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom as a whole to stay in the European Union's customs union - as it would make it hard for Britain to negotiate free trade deals with other countries.

"The statements of the British prime minister yesterday in the House of Commons were very unhelpful to this process," Coveney told reporters on Friday after meeting Britain's new secretary of state for Northern Ireland in Belfast.

"He seems to have made a deliberate decision to set Britain on a collision course with the European Union and with Ireland in relation to the Brexit negotiations," Coveney added.

The backstop forms a part of a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement which Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, negotiated with Brussels last year. Britain's parliament rejected the agreement three times, ultimately forcing May to resign.

The EU has said the backstop is essential for any transition deal and a precondition for talks on a longer-term trade agreement.

WATCH:

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"The approach that the British prime minister seems to now be taking is not going to be the basis of an agreement, and that's worrying for everybody," Coveney said.

Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU on October&nbsp;31, even if it means leaving without a transition deal.

A no-deal Brexit risk bringing chaos at Britain's borders with Ireland and France if the EU reimposes customs checks.

Ireland's prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said on Thursday it was not yet clear whether Johnson had chosen to leave the EU without a deal, and that he hoped to meet Johnson soon.

Coveney said his meeting with Britain's new Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, had been positive, and that he was optimistic political parties in the province would agree to form a government in the coming weeks.

Northern Ireland has been without a government since January 2017 following a rift between its two major parties.

Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to.

Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to. Johnson told the British parliament on Thursday he wanted to abolish the backstop, an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of longer-term trade talks collapsing. Many Brexit supporters dislike the backstop - which would require Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom as a whole to stay in the European Union's customs union - as it would make it hard for Britain to negotiate free trade deals with other countries. "The statements of the British prime minister yesterday in the House of Commons were very unhelpful to this process," Coveney told reporters on Friday after meeting Britain's new secretary of state for Northern Ireland in Belfast. "He seems to have made a deliberate decision to set Britain on a collision course with the European Union and with Ireland in relation to the Brexit negotiations," Coveney added. The backstop forms a part of a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement which Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, negotiated with Brussels last year. Britain's parliament rejected the agreement three times, ultimately forcing May to resign. The EU has said the backstop is essential for any transition deal and a precondition for talks on a longer-term trade agreement. WATCH: × "The approach that the British prime minister seems to now be taking is not going to be the basis of an agreement, and that's worrying for everybody," Coveney said. Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU on October 31, even if it means leaving without a transition deal. A no-deal Brexit risk bringing chaos at Britain's borders with Ireland and France if the EU reimposes customs checks. Ireland's prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said on Thursday it was not yet clear whether Johnson had chosen to leave the EU without a deal, and that he hoped to meet Johnson soon. Coveney said his meeting with Britain's new Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, had been positive, and that he was optimistic political parties in the province would agree to form a government in the coming weeks. Northern Ireland has been without a government since January 2017 following a rift between its two major parties.

Johnson 'very unhelpful' on Brexit, risks no deal: Ireland

Britain on Friday denied it was preparing an emergency budget just hours after a junior minister said a stimulatory spending plan was due in the autumn as Prime Minister Boris Johnson braces for a potential no-deal Brexit.

Johnson took office on Wednesday pledging to do a new Brexit deal with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-macron-invites-british-pm-johnson-to-visit-238559">European Union </a>but also to ramp up no-deal preparations. He has announced a raft of spending pledges including increasing police numbers by 20,000 to help cut crime.

After a junior interior minister responsible for policing, Kit Malthouse, said Johnson had announced there was to be an emergency budget in the autumn, the prime minister's spokesman said there were no plans for one.

"There are no plans to do so," PM Johnson's spokesman said when asked if Britain would be holding an emergency budget. "Fiscal events, as you know, are announced by the Treasury."

Johnson has not announced an emergency budget. The finance ministry, known as the Treasury, said it was up to Sajid Javid, the finance minister whose official title is Chancellor of the Exchequer, to announce fiscal events.

Typically an autumn budget takes place between late October and early December.

If Johnson is unable to convince the European Union to do a new Brexit deal and lawmakers try to prevent a no-deal exit then there is speculation that he could call an election.

Johnson, who made more than 30 billion pounds ($37 billion) worth of spending commitments during his leadership campaign, said on Thursday his pledges had been modest "so far".

He has said spending could be financed using the 27 billion pound "fiscal headroom", an amount of extra borrowing possible without breaking a budget deficit cap of 2% of GDP introduced by former finance minister Philip Hammond.

TAX CUTS

Javid said during his failed bid to lead the Conservative Party that he would prepare for a no-deal Brexit with an emergency budget that would include tax cuts for businesses and individuals.

Before he was appointed to the post, Javid said he wanted to cut tax for the lowest earners but would also consider scrapping the top rate of income tax, if he thought it would inject more dynamism into the economy.

"The prime minister has also announced there's going to be an emergency budget in the autumn which will be designed to stimulate the economy," Malthouse told Sky News.

"What you hope is that a more strongly growing economy will produce greater tax revenue which we can pay for some of the things that we want to do," he said.

Malthouse said a pledge to boost police numbers would cost about 500 million pounds ($622 million) in the first year.

Malthouse said: "There's certainly headroom in the finances."

"We've gone from a situation at the start of 2010 where we were borrowing one pound in every four that the government spent to now borrowing one pound in every thirty-four so we've got a bit of room for manoeuvre."

Britain on Friday denied it was preparing an emergency budget just hours after a junior minister said a stimulatory spending plan was due in the autumn as Prime Minister Boris Johnson braces for a potential no-deal Brexit.

Britain on Friday denied it was preparing an emergency budget just hours after a junior minister said a stimulatory spending plan was due in the autumn as Prime Minister Boris Johnson braces for a potential no-deal Brexit. Johnson took office on Wednesday pledging to do a new Brexit deal with the European Union but also to ramp up no-deal preparations. He has announced a raft of spending pledges including increasing police numbers by 20,000 to help cut crime. After a junior interior minister responsible for policing, Kit Malthouse, said Johnson had announced there was to be an emergency budget in the autumn, the prime minister's spokesman said there were no plans for one. "There are no plans to do so," PM Johnson's spokesman said when asked if Britain would be holding an emergency budget. "Fiscal events, as you know, are announced by the Treasury." Johnson has not announced an emergency budget. The finance ministry, known as the Treasury, said it was up to Sajid Javid, the finance minister whose official title is Chancellor of the Exchequer, to announce fiscal events. Typically an autumn budget takes place between late October and early December. If Johnson is unable to convince the European Union to do a new Brexit deal and lawmakers try to prevent a no-deal exit then there is speculation that he could call an election. Johnson, who made more than 30 billion pounds ($37 billion) worth of spending commitments during his leadership campaign, said on Thursday his pledges had been modest "so far". He has said spending could be financed using the 27 billion pound "fiscal headroom", an amount of extra borrowing possible without breaking a budget deficit cap of 2% of GDP introduced by former finance minister Philip Hammond. TAX CUTS Javid said during his failed bid to lead the Conservative Party that he would prepare for a no-deal Brexit with an emergency budget that would include tax cuts for businesses and individuals. Before he was appointed to the post, Javid said he wanted to cut tax for the lowest earners but would also consider scrapping the top rate of income tax, if he thought it would inject more dynamism into the economy. "The prime minister has also announced there's going to be an emergency budget in the autumn which will be designed to stimulate the economy," Malthouse told Sky News. "What you hope is that a more strongly growing economy will produce greater tax revenue which we can pay for some of the things that we want to do," he said. Malthouse said a pledge to boost police numbers would cost about 500 million pounds ($622 million) in the first year. Malthouse said: "There's certainly headroom in the finances." "We've gone from a situation at the start of 2010 where we were borrowing one pound in every four that the government spent to now borrowing one pound in every thirty-four so we've got a bit of room for manoeuvre."

UK denies emergency budget, after junior minister touts stimulatory plan

&nbsp;British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-reshuffles-cabinet-brexit-loyalists-take-front-seats-238303&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA79O8ydLjAhUz7HMBHSBKC5kQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lliv6xaVvzExtS1l5Xb8r">Boris Johnson</a> has suggested getting a dog for his Downing Street office to join current resident Larry the Cat.

Johnson took office earlier this week, walking through the black front door of Number 10 Downing Street for the first time after setting out a desire to defy his critics over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnsons-backstop-elimination-unacceptable-eu-chief-brexit-negotiator-michel-barnier-238484&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA79O8ydLjAhUz7HMBHSBKC5kQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ur2IvhcbhgceNWXHYONZp">Brexit</a> and bring a decisive new leadership style to Britain's top job.

During an address to staff, he asked whether they would like a dog, a source with knowledge of the meeting said on Friday.

The staff replied with an enthusiastic "Yes".

Downing Street, the nerve centre of the British government for nearly 300 years, is already home to a brown and white tabby cat who carries the official title "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office".

Appointed in 2011, Larry has outlasted two former prime ministers: David Cameron and Theresa May.

He has become a celebrity in his own right, with an unofficial Twitter account that uses some of the thousands of pictures taken by press photographers documenting his comings, goings, and territorial scraps with other departmental cats.

The source said no firm decisions on a dog had been taken and declined to comment on possible living arrangements alongside Larry.

"You can consider it a longer-term project," the source said.

Larry appears to be taking the news in his stride. He was seen lying on a window ledge in Downing Street for most of the morning, according to a Reuters witness.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has suggested getting a dog for his Downing Street office to join current resident Larry the Cat. Johnson took office earlier this week, walking through the black front door of Number 10 Downing Street for the first time after setting out a desire to defy his critics over Brexit and bring a decisive new leadership style to Britain's top job.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has suggested getting a dog for his Downing Street office to join current resident Larry the Cat. Johnson took office earlier this week, walking through the black front door of Number 10 Downing Street for the first time after setting out a desire to defy his critics over Brexit and bring a decisive new leadership style to Britain's top job. During an address to staff, he asked whether they would like a dog, a source with knowledge of the meeting said on Friday. The staff replied with an enthusiastic "Yes". Downing Street, the nerve centre of the British government for nearly 300 years, is already home to a brown and white tabby cat who carries the official title "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office". Appointed in 2011, Larry has outlasted two former prime ministers: David Cameron and Theresa May. He has become a celebrity in his own right, with an unofficial Twitter account that uses some of the thousands of pictures taken by press photographers documenting his comings, goings, and territorial scraps with other departmental cats. The source said no firm decisions on a dog had been taken and declined to comment on possible living arrangements alongside Larry. "You can consider it a longer-term project," the source said. Larry appears to be taking the news in his stride. He was seen lying on a window ledge in Downing Street for most of the morning, according to a Reuters witness.

British PM Johnson eyes key appointment: A Downing Street dog

By Nicholas Allen

Boris Johnson has been confirmed as the Conservative Party’s new leader – and the UK’s next prime minister.

Johnson is the eighth post-war prime minister to take office midway through a parliament. The other eight premierships in that period began with victory in a general election.

There is nothing unusual in the mode of Johnson’s accession. The United Kingdom is a parliamentary system and governments derive their authority from being able to command the confidence of the House of Commons. There is no constitutional requirement for a new prime minister to have won an election.

Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, the next election is not due until May 2022. Everyone at Westminster knows this. But constitutional reality will not prevent demands for an early general election and for Johnson to win the backing of the country.

The arguments are well rehearsed. Voters at the last election were choosing a different prime minister and expecting them to serve a full term. The new man wants to do things that were not set out in the party’s manifesto. There should be an election without delay.

Oddly enough, the new Conservative leader made exactly this argument in 2007, when Gordon Brown succeeded Tony Blair. Johnson was seemingly indignant about Brown’s apparent belief that he could “just trample on the democratic will of the British people”.

He is likely to be reminded of this repeatedly. But could he yet avoid similar criticisms by, like Theresa May in April 2017, suprisingly calling a snap election?

Of the seven post-war prime ministers before Johnson who took office midway through a parliament, almost all toyed with going straight to the country. But only one, Anthony Eden, went ahead and did so. He succeeded Winston Churchill in early April 1955 and won a comfortable parliamentary majority the following month.

Among the remaining six, only Theresa May sought an election very much sooner than was strictly necessary. Her decision to do so, nine months after succeeding David Cameron, caught everyone by surprise. Unfortunately for May, the Conservatives increased their share of the vote but squandered their majority.

The outcome of the June 2017 election is likely to weigh heavy on Johnson’s mind. But so too will the fate of other prime ministers who, having taken office, deferred their chance of going to the country.

Damned if you don’t?

Alec Douglas-Home, prime minister for just short of a year, lost the 1964 general election. James Callaghan, who could have called an election in the autumn of 1978 when Labour was ahead in the polls, ducked the chance. A no confidence vote in the House of Commons triggered the 1979 election, which was won by the Conservatives and Margaret Thatcher.

Brown similarly ducked an early election in the autumn of 2007. Having encouraged speculation, his decision not to go ahead contributed to a collapse in his authority. He went on to lose in 2010.

John Major fared better. He hoped that the passage of time would enable the Tories to recover from the Poll Tax debacle and Thatcher’s personal unpopularity. His strategy paid off with victory in 1992, albeit with a much reduced majority.

A summer vote? 
 
Recent newspaper reports suggest Johnson is gearing up for an election in the summer of 2020. The arguments for waiting at least a year are clear.

From his point of view, waiting will give him a chance to get a feel for the job. It will also give him a chance to experience the trappings of power. Becoming prime minister has been a lifelong ambition and Johnson will want to enjoy his prize.

From his party’s point of view, the polls currently don’t look good. Waiting would give the Tories time to see off the threat posed by the Brexit Party. Johnson has promised that the UK will leave the European Union at the end of October, with or without a deal. Once Britain is out, the Brexit Party will be redundant. Pro-Brexit voters, and their donations, might return in droves.

The time of year is a further argument against an immediate election. Party activists have planned their summer holidays. Many voters will be away. The disruption could be immense.

There is also the practical matter of securing an early election. Before the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, prime ministers could simply ask the Queen to dissolve parliament. Now they must secure the backing of at least two-thirds of all MPs or else engineer a successful vote of no confidence, ensuring there is no viable alternative government. Johnson will become prime minister on the day before parliament rises for its summer recess. There would be little time to act.

But there are also arguments for not waiting. Seeking an immediate election would enable Johnson to define himself as a leader with “gumption”, someone who is willing to take chances to break the present deadlock over Brexit. It would enable him to fend off talk of missing mandates and to avoid the charge of hypocrisy given his criticism of Brown back in 2007.

Seeking an immediate election could even counter the threat of a no confidence vote in the House of Commons. If only a handful of Tory MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit defect to the Liberal Democrats, Johnson will have no majority, even with the DUP’s support.

Moreover, the arrival of a new prime minister tends to give his or her party a bounce in the polls. Labour, which has its own troubles, would be caught on the hop. And Johnson would start an election off the back of his leadership campaign. He would be warmed up for the fight.

If the Conservatives were to win a snap election, Johnson would have a mandate for his vision of Brexit. His personal authority would be very great. This would matter enormously if it were necessary for him to accept some kind of compromise with the EU before October. It would be equally important if Britain were to leave the EU without a deal.

Of course, any prospect of winning would hinge on Johnson being able to persuade a large number of people presently backing the Brexit Party to support him. Like so much in British politics at present, Johnson’s confidence in his ability to persuade is a matter of pure speculation.

Indeed, any talk of early elections is necessarily speculative. As Thatcher wrote in her memoirs: “Calling an election is a big decision, and by constitutional convention is a matter for the prime minister alone.” Only Johnson knows his own mind – and maybe not even he. 
 
(Nicholas Allen is Reader in Politics, Royal Holloway) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/will-boris-johnson-call-an-early-election-what-new-prime-minister-will-be-thinking-as-he-weighs-up-whether-to-take-the-plunge-120702">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

By Nicholas Allen Boris Johnson has been confirmed as the Conservative Party’s new leader – and the UK’s next prime minister. Johnson is the eighth post-war prime minister to take office midway through a parliament.

By Nicholas Allen Boris Johnson has been confirmed as the Conservative Party’s new leader – and the UK’s next prime minister. Johnson is the eighth post-war prime minister to take office midway through a parliament. The other eight premierships in that period began with victory in a general election. There is nothing unusual in the mode of Johnson’s accession. The United Kingdom is a parliamentary system and governments derive their authority from being able to command the confidence of the House of Commons. There is no constitutional requirement for a new prime minister to have won an election. Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, the next election is not due until May 2022. Everyone at Westminster knows this. But constitutional reality will not prevent demands for an early general election and for Johnson to win the backing of the country. The arguments are well rehearsed. Voters at the last election were choosing a different prime minister and expecting them to serve a full term. The new man wants to do things that were not set out in the party’s manifesto. There should be an election without delay. Oddly enough, the new Conservative leader made exactly this argument in 2007, when Gordon Brown succeeded Tony Blair. Johnson was seemingly indignant about Brown’s apparent belief that he could “just trample on the democratic will of the British people”. He is likely to be reminded of this repeatedly. But could he yet avoid similar criticisms by, like Theresa May in April 2017, suprisingly calling a snap election? Of the seven post-war prime ministers before Johnson who took office midway through a parliament, almost all toyed with going straight to the country. But only one, Anthony Eden, went ahead and did so. He succeeded Winston Churchill in early April 1955 and won a comfortable parliamentary majority the following month. Among the remaining six, only Theresa May sought an election very much sooner than was strictly necessary. Her decision to do so, nine months after succeeding David Cameron, caught everyone by surprise. Unfortunately for May, the Conservatives increased their share of the vote but squandered their majority. The outcome of the June 2017 election is likely to weigh heavy on Johnson’s mind. But so too will the fate of other prime ministers who, having taken office, deferred their chance of going to the country. Damned if you don’t? Alec Douglas-Home, prime minister for just short of a year, lost the 1964 general election. James Callaghan, who could have called an election in the autumn of 1978 when Labour was ahead in the polls, ducked the chance. A no confidence vote in the House of Commons triggered the 1979 election, which was won by the Conservatives and Margaret Thatcher. Brown similarly ducked an early election in the autumn of 2007. Having encouraged speculation, his decision not to go ahead contributed to a collapse in his authority. He went on to lose in 2010. John Major fared better. He hoped that the passage of time would enable the Tories to recover from the Poll Tax debacle and Thatcher’s personal unpopularity. His strategy paid off with victory in 1992, albeit with a much reduced majority. A summer vote? Recent newspaper reports suggest Johnson is gearing up for an election in the summer of 2020. The arguments for waiting at least a year are clear. From his point of view, waiting will give him a chance to get a feel for the job. It will also give him a chance to experience the trappings of power. Becoming prime minister has been a lifelong ambition and Johnson will want to enjoy his prize. From his party’s point of view, the polls currently don’t look good. Waiting would give the Tories time to see off the threat posed by the Brexit Party. Johnson has promised that the UK will leave the European Union at the end of October, with or without a deal. Once Britain is out, the Brexit Party will be redundant. Pro-Brexit voters, and their donations, might return in droves. The time of year is a further argument against an immediate election. Party activists have planned their summer holidays. Many voters will be away. The disruption could be immense. There is also the practical matter of securing an early election. Before the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, prime ministers could simply ask the Queen to dissolve parliament. Now they must secure the backing of at least two-thirds of all MPs or else engineer a successful vote of no confidence, ensuring there is no viable alternative government. Johnson will become prime minister on the day before parliament rises for its summer recess. There would be little time to act. But there are also arguments for not waiting. Seeking an immediate election would enable Johnson to define himself as a leader with “gumption”, someone who is willing to take chances to break the present deadlock over Brexit. It would enable him to fend off talk of missing mandates and to avoid the charge of hypocrisy given his criticism of Brown back in 2007. Seeking an immediate election could even counter the threat of a no confidence vote in the House of Commons. If only a handful of Tory MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit defect to the Liberal Democrats, Johnson will have no majority, even with the DUP’s support. Moreover, the arrival of a new prime minister tends to give his or her party a bounce in the polls. Labour, which has its own troubles, would be caught on the hop. And Johnson would start an election off the back of his leadership campaign. He would be warmed up for the fight. If the Conservatives were to win a snap election, Johnson would have a mandate for his vision of Brexit. His personal authority would be very great. This would matter enormously if it were necessary for him to accept some kind of compromise with the EU before October. It would be equally important if Britain were to leave the EU without a deal. Of course, any prospect of winning would hinge on Johnson being able to persuade a large number of people presently backing the Brexit Party to support him. Like so much in British politics at present, Johnson’s confidence in his ability to persuade is a matter of pure speculation. Indeed, any talk of early elections is necessarily speculative. As Thatcher wrote in her memoirs: “Calling an election is a big decision, and by constitutional convention is a matter for the prime minister alone.” Only Johnson knows his own mind – and maybe not even he. (Nicholas Allen is Reader in Politics, Royal Holloway) (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.)

Will new UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson call an early election?

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central London on July 24 to protest against Britain's newly appointed Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Watch this video to know more.

Protests against UK PM Boris Johnson, protesters reject new UK PM

The newly-elected Conservative Party leader Boris Johnson took office as the British prime minister on Wednesday. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson appointed a band of Brexiteers into key cabinet positions. Watch this video to know more.

Boris Johnson reshuffles cabinet, Brexit loyalists take front seats

Britain's new Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/committed-to-leaving-eu-on-october-31-whatever-the-circumstances-pm-boris-johnson-in-parliament-238407">Boris Johnson urged the EU </a>on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels.&nbsp;

In a pugnacious parliamentary debut as leader, the former London mayor warned that the terms of the agreement struck by his predecessor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/buck-stops-here-prime-minister-boris-johnson-promises-new-deal-to-maximise-opportunities-of-brexit-238258">Theresa May were "unacceptable"</a> and would "sign away our economic independence".

"I hope that the EU... will rethink their current refusal to make any changes to the withdrawal agreement," Johnson told MPs.

"If they do not, we will of course have to leave the EU without an agreement," he added, vowing to "turbo-charge" preparations ahead of the latest deadline of October 31.

The former foreign secretary also threatened to withhold the £39 billion ($49 billion) divorce bill that Britain has previously said it owes the European Union and spend it instead on preparing for a no-deal outcome.

Just hours later, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned that Johnson's demands were "unacceptable", in an email to member state ambassadors seen by AFP that described his speech as "rather combative".

"PM Johnson has stated that if an agreement is to be reached it goes by way of eliminating the backstop," Barnier wrote, referring to a contentious element of the current deal to keep the Irish border open under all scenarios.&nbsp;

"This is, of course, unacceptable and not within the mandate of the European Council."

With Britain's position appearing to harden, Johnson will talk by telephone with the president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker later on Thursday.

A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on Barnier's comments, adding: "It's day one."

Johnson addressed a raucous session of parliament, in which he was repeatedly shouted down by opposition MPs, a day after initiating a radical overhaul of the cabinet.

Purging more than half the ministers in May's team, he installed what some have described as the most right-wing British government in decades.

The 55-year-old has assembled a team of social conservatives and Brexit hardliners who argue that leaving the EU after 46 years without an agreement will be less painful than economists warn.

The markets were relieved by the appointment of former Deutsche Bank Sajid Javid as finance chief.

The pound held steady against the dollar and euro as traders waited for Johnson's first policy moves.

Other appointments were more divisive.

Brexit hardliner Dominic Raab became foreign secretary and Jacob Rees-Mogg -- leader of a right-wing faction of Conservatives who helped bring about May's demise -- as the government's parliament representative.

New interior minister Priti Patel has previously expressed support for the death penalty and voted against same-sex marriage.

Johnson argues that his threat of a chaotic end to Britain's EU involvement will force Brussels to relent and give London better terms that would let it pursue trade deals with powers such as China and the United States.

Brexit backers in Parliament had accused May of ignoring voters' wishes by promising to keep the UK tied to the bloc's economic rules if necessary to preserve a free-flowing border between EU member Ireland and Britain's Northern Ireland.

Johnson's solution for the frontier revolves around proposals that have been rejected as either unworkable or insufficient by both EU and Irish leaders.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar -- his heavily trade-dependent nation standing to lose most from a messy EU-UK split -- reiterated Thursday his call for compromise.

"I hope that the new UK prime minister hasn't chosen no deal," he said.

Johnson will have the backing of his governing Conservative party but not the nation in his first days in office.

He beat the now-former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt by a two-to-one margin in a vote held by fewer than 160,000 paying members of the Conservatives.

But a YouGov survey found his approval rating in Britain as a whole at just 31 per cent.&nbsp;Johnson is also immediately confronted by issues beyond Brexit.

Iran's seizure last Friday of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf thrusts him into the middle of the Islamic republic's escalating standoff with US President Donald Trump.

Johnson boasts a friendship with Trump that his doubters criticise but supporters say could boost Britain's chances of clinching a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the EU on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels.

Britain's new Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the EU on Thursday to "rethink" their opposition to renegotiating the current Brexit deal -- only to be immediately rebuffed by Brussels. In a pugnacious parliamentary debut as leader, the former London mayor warned that the terms of the agreement struck by his predecessor Theresa May were "unacceptable" and would "sign away our economic independence". "I hope that the EU... will rethink their current refusal to make any changes to the withdrawal agreement," Johnson told MPs. "If they do not, we will of course have to leave the EU without an agreement," he added, vowing to "turbo-charge" preparations ahead of the latest deadline of October 31. The former foreign secretary also threatened to withhold the £39 billion ($49 billion) divorce bill that Britain has previously said it owes the European Union and spend it instead on preparing for a no-deal outcome. Just hours later, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier warned that Johnson's demands were "unacceptable", in an email to member state ambassadors seen by AFP that described his speech as "rather combative". "PM Johnson has stated that if an agreement is to be reached it goes by way of eliminating the backstop," Barnier wrote, referring to a contentious element of the current deal to keep the Irish border open under all scenarios. "This is, of course, unacceptable and not within the mandate of the European Council." With Britain's position appearing to harden, Johnson will talk by telephone with the president of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker later on Thursday. A Downing Street spokesman declined to comment on Barnier's comments, adding: "It's day one." Johnson addressed a raucous session of parliament, in which he was repeatedly shouted down by opposition MPs, a day after initiating a radical overhaul of the cabinet. Purging more than half the ministers in May's team, he installed what some have described as the most right-wing British government in decades. The 55-year-old has assembled a team of social conservatives and Brexit hardliners who argue that leaving the EU after 46 years without an agreement will be less painful than economists warn. The markets were relieved by the appointment of former Deutsche Bank Sajid Javid as finance chief. The pound held steady against the dollar and euro as traders waited for Johnson's first policy moves. Other appointments were more divisive. Brexit hardliner Dominic Raab became foreign secretary and Jacob Rees-Mogg -- leader of a right-wing faction of Conservatives who helped bring about May's demise -- as the government's parliament representative. New interior minister Priti Patel has previously expressed support for the death penalty and voted against same-sex marriage. Johnson argues that his threat of a chaotic end to Britain's EU involvement will force Brussels to relent and give London better terms that would let it pursue trade deals with powers such as China and the United States. Brexit backers in Parliament had accused May of ignoring voters' wishes by promising to keep the UK tied to the bloc's economic rules if necessary to preserve a free-flowing border between EU member Ireland and Britain's Northern Ireland. Johnson's solution for the frontier revolves around proposals that have been rejected as either unworkable or insufficient by both EU and Irish leaders. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar -- his heavily trade-dependent nation standing to lose most from a messy EU-UK split -- reiterated Thursday his call for compromise. "I hope that the new UK prime minister hasn't chosen no deal," he said. Johnson will have the backing of his governing Conservative party but not the nation in his first days in office. He beat the now-former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt by a two-to-one margin in a vote held by fewer than 160,000 paying members of the Conservatives. But a YouGov survey found his approval rating in Britain as a whole at just 31 per cent. Johnson is also immediately confronted by issues beyond Brexit. Iran's seizure last Friday of a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf thrusts him into the middle of the Islamic republic's escalating standoff with US President Donald Trump. Johnson boasts a friendship with Trump that his doubters criticise but supporters say could boost Britain's chances of clinching a post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

PM Johnson's backstop elimination unacceptable: EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier

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