Outgoing British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/free-from-brexit-burden-pm-theresa-may-watches-england-vs-south-africa-world-cup-match-222792&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi64oSDu7njAhWa7HMBHeduBTMQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15MyZDQYk2o7MVFQEeICrE">Theresa May</a> on Tuesday told her top ministers to keep engaging with businesses over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-brexit-meps-turn-backs-at-european-anthem-in-european-parliament-232506&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIpcflurnjAhXKsY8KHaHSAfsQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw205L7JO00I5SR-Zm2aU1Wq">Brexit</a>, and that firms expect her successor to keep up infrastructure investment and continue developing an industrial strategy.

"The PM noted the resilience of the economy despite the uncertainty of recent years and the importance for the government to keep engaging intensely with business as we approach and after we leave the European Union," May's spokeswoman said.

The comments came as May reported the findings of her meetings with different business groups in recent months, and just over a week before she hands over power to a new prime minister.

"She said there had been a common theme of messaging from businesses which included further investment in infrastructure outside London and the South East, and further support for the industrial strategy," May's spokeswoman said.

"Businesses expect these proposals to be reflected in future policy initiatives."

Later on Tuesday, May is due to meet business leaders from the industrial, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors - one of five consultation groups she set up in November last year to try to improve relations with business over Brexit.

Outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday told her top ministers to keep engaging with businesses over Brexit, and that firms expect her successor to keep up infrastructure investment and continue developing an industrial strategy.

Outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday told her top ministers to keep engaging with businesses over Brexit, and that firms expect her successor to keep up infrastructure investment and continue developing an industrial strategy. "The PM noted the resilience of the economy despite the uncertainty of recent years and the importance for the government to keep engaging intensely with business as we approach and after we leave the European Union," May's spokeswoman said. The comments came as May reported the findings of her meetings with different business groups in recent months, and just over a week before she hands over power to a new prime minister. "She said there had been a common theme of messaging from businesses which included further investment in infrastructure outside London and the South East, and further support for the industrial strategy," May's spokeswoman said. "Businesses expect these proposals to be reflected in future policy initiatives." Later on Tuesday, May is due to meet business leaders from the industrial, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors - one of five consultation groups she set up in November last year to try to improve relations with business over Brexit.

Keep talking to businesses as Brexit nears: UK PM May

Theresa May boogied away one of her last weekends as British prime minister, showing off some of her famously awkward dance moves to Abba hits such as "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia" at a festival.

In a video clip, she is shown dancing at the Henley Festival as her husband and other men in black tie swing their arms to the tunes.

May, whose premiership was riven by crises over Brexit and who was cast as robotic by opponents, occasionally sought to bring some humour to the job by performing dances in public.

She last year danced with school children in South Africa and then grooved onto stage at the Conservative Party conference to "Dancing Queen" - exhibiting a puzzling robotic hand movement that went viral on social media. 
&nbsp;

Theresa May boogied away one of her last weekends as British prime minister, showing off some of her famously awkward dance moves to Abba hits such as "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia" at a festival.

Theresa May boogied away one of her last weekends as British prime minister, showing off some of her famously awkward dance moves to Abba hits such as "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia" at a festival. In a video clip, she is shown dancing at the Henley Festival as her husband and other men in black tie swing their arms to the tunes. May, whose premiership was riven by crises over Brexit and who was cast as robotic by opponents, occasionally sought to bring some humour to the job by performing dances in public. She last year danced with school children in South Africa and then grooved onto stage at the Conservative Party conference to "Dancing Queen" - exhibiting a puzzling robotic hand movement that went viral on social media.

Dancing queen? Theresa May boogies to Abba in final days as British PM

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border.

Ex-London mayor Boris Johnson, the favourite over foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to replace outgoing premier Theresa May, predicted the European Union would instead negotiate the issue during post-Brexit free trade talks.

"We will get a deal by October 31st," Johnson told the BBC during highly-anticipated separate interviews with the leadership rivals, referring to the latest delayed deadline for Britain's departure from the bloc.

"They (the EU) need to take... the Irish backstop and they need basically to remit it, to remove it, to delete it," he added.

Johnson said it was "manifestly in the interests of both sides" to reach a new deal, noting "the EU has a very substantial net balance of trade with us".

"They will want to continue to see those goods flowing," he added.

European leaders have consistently insisted however that the backstop must remain in any withdrawal agreement.

It would keep open the post-Brexit border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland whatever the outcome of negotiations over the future relationship between London and Brussels.

But vehement opposition to the proposal from ardent pro-Brexit Tory MPs led them to repeatedly reject the divorce deal struck by May and European leaders, forcing her to step aside.

Conservative members are this month in the process of selecting a new party leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- with the winner to be announced on July 23.

Johnson's rival Hunt reiterated in his half-hour BBC interview that he had received encouragement from European leaders that they would be willing to abandon the backstop to strike a new deal -- claims Berlin has previously pushed back on.

"Chancellor Merkel had said to me that if a new British prime minister came forward with a different plan for the Northern Irish border, of course, they would look at the package," he said.

However, Hunt refused to commit to Britain's departure from the EU by the end of the year, saying only that he "expects" the country will have left by then.

"Prime ministers should only make promises they know they can deliver," he added.

Meanwhile, outgoing leader May admitted in her own interview Friday that she had underestimated the "entrenched positions" in Parliament over Brexit.

She told the BBC she would leave Downing Street after three years in power with a mixture of pride and disappointment.

"I've always done what I believe to be in the national interest," May said.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border.

The two candidates vying to become Britain's next prime minister both said Friday they believe the EU will agree to a Brexit deal this year without the controversial "backstop" provision for the Irish border. Ex-London mayor Boris Johnson, the favourite over foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to replace outgoing premier Theresa May, predicted the European Union would instead negotiate the issue during post-Brexit free trade talks. "We will get a deal by October 31st," Johnson told the BBC during highly-anticipated separate interviews with the leadership rivals, referring to the latest delayed deadline for Britain's departure from the bloc. "They (the EU) need to take... the Irish backstop and they need basically to remit it, to remove it, to delete it," he added. Johnson said it was "manifestly in the interests of both sides" to reach a new deal, noting "the EU has a very substantial net balance of trade with us". "They will want to continue to see those goods flowing," he added. European leaders have consistently insisted however that the backstop must remain in any withdrawal agreement. It would keep open the post-Brexit border between British-ruled Northern Ireland and EU member the Republic of Ireland whatever the outcome of negotiations over the future relationship between London and Brussels. But vehement opposition to the proposal from ardent pro-Brexit Tory MPs led them to repeatedly reject the divorce deal struck by May and European leaders, forcing her to step aside. Conservative members are this month in the process of selecting a new party leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- with the winner to be announced on July 23. Johnson's rival Hunt reiterated in his half-hour BBC interview that he had received encouragement from European leaders that they would be willing to abandon the backstop to strike a new deal -- claims Berlin has previously pushed back on. "Chancellor Merkel had said to me that if a new British prime minister came forward with a different plan for the Northern Irish border, of course, they would look at the package," he said. However, Hunt refused to commit to Britain's departure from the EU by the end of the year, saying only that he "expects" the country will have left by then. "Prime ministers should only make promises they know they can deliver," he added. Meanwhile, outgoing leader May admitted in her own interview Friday that she had underestimated the "entrenched positions" in Parliament over Brexit. She told the BBC she would leave Downing Street after three years in power with a mixture of pride and disappointment. "I've always done what I believe to be in the national interest," May said.

UK PM contenders say European Union will drop Irish backstop for Brexit deal

Rebalancing is the new mantra of statecraft and reset is the new form of global rapprochement. 
 
Therefore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for as many as 20 meetings, including nine bilaterals and eight pull-aside engagements, with his global counterparts. On the sidelines of the G20 summit at Osaka, Japan, were varied groupings: Russia-India-China, Japan-US-India and Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa. It offered, once again, good optics for the creation of a multilateral system of partnerships with various countries and international organisations.

All great powers realise that the era of super-power domination is over, and with the emergence of new power centres like China, India and Japan, new rules of the game and new terms of engagement need to be chalked out. Forums like G20 are critical for constructing a multi-polar and democratic order, which would guarantee each country — large or small — peace, security, justice and development in order to address challenges like climate change, corruption, pollution, terrorism, technology sharing and data flow management, among others.

In the wake of the financial woes of the West and its increasingly protectionist tendencies of late — Brexit in the UK and the triumphalism of Donald Trump — one can notice a common trend that arises out of part distrust and part national interest. No more prominent example of global rebalancing may be cited than China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) against the backdrop of the US’s ‘Pivot to Asia’ that Beijing intuitively believes to be especially devised to contain its rise.

How is the rebalancing working out? US allies in Asia, connected to and militarily aligned with the pivot, are absolutely okay with engaging economically with China, a phenomenon that seeks to strike a balance between the regional and global geo-economic and geostrategic priorities. The hegemonic struggle between the US and China to stake control over Asia and the world notwithstanding, nations are trying hard to hold on to their values and diplomats are honing their skills on economic statecraft.

Is rebalancing, then, the other name of strategic promiscuity? In a way, it is. Because being close to another country does not necessarily mean hostilities against a third country. Rebalancing, therefore, is more akin to focusing on areas of respective and mutual convergence. That’s where it syncs with national interest. While the reasons for US foreign policy to focus on Brazil, India, Indonesia and Turkey is ascribed to their fluid and open approach to the international order than those of China or Russia, the real factor could be to reduce China’s global clout by fostering partnerships with existing and rising great powers.

Russia, in turn, has been trying to counterbalance the USA’s global leadership by cooperating with China on issues relating to state sovereignty, strengthening the UN Security Council, and pitching for a multi-polar world order wherein no single state assumes a paramount position vis-à-vis the others in world affairs. Despite paeans sung on the merits of multilateralism, it is natural that a leader in power would pursue policy based on his/her perception of national interest. 
 
Napoleon justified his campaign against Russia, and later his act to launch the desperate battle at Waterloo, on the plea that he was acting in the interest of France; Hitler was said to be acting in Germany’s national interest on grounds of which he justified his expansionist policies, including annexation of Austria and the breakup of Czechoslovakia (1938). British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain justified his act of currying favour with Hitler and Mussolini on the pretext that such appeasement was in Britain’s national interest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently justified demonetisation as a move taken in “national interest” and not for “political gains”, arguing that it was a step to fight black money.

It is par for the course, then, that during a recent extensive bilateral meeting in New Delhi, India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar reconfirmed to his American counterpart, Mike Pompeo, about the Indian imperative to act in its national interest and nurture the time-tested, history-honoured relationships with many countries, including Russia and Iran. India is also engaging more actively with Japan, while taking care not to antagonise China, which is another deft exercise of rebalancing. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-rebalancing-is-trademark-in-a-multi-polar-diplomatic-world-2770634">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rebalancing is the new mantra of statecraft and reset is the new form of global rapprochement. Therefore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for as many as 20 meetings, including nine bilaterals and eight pull-aside engagements, with his global counterparts.

Rebalancing is the new mantra of statecraft and reset is the new form of global rapprochement. Therefore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for as many as 20 meetings, including nine bilaterals and eight pull-aside engagements, with his global counterparts. On the sidelines of the G20 summit at Osaka, Japan, were varied groupings: Russia-India-China, Japan-US-India and Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa. It offered, once again, good optics for the creation of a multilateral system of partnerships with various countries and international organisations. All great powers realise that the era of super-power domination is over, and with the emergence of new power centres like China, India and Japan, new rules of the game and new terms of engagement need to be chalked out. Forums like G20 are critical for constructing a multi-polar and democratic order, which would guarantee each country — large or small — peace, security, justice and development in order to address challenges like climate change, corruption, pollution, terrorism, technology sharing and data flow management, among others. In the wake of the financial woes of the West and its increasingly protectionist tendencies of late — Brexit in the UK and the triumphalism of Donald Trump — one can notice a common trend that arises out of part distrust and part national interest. No more prominent example of global rebalancing may be cited than China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) against the backdrop of the US’s ‘Pivot to Asia’ that Beijing intuitively believes to be especially devised to contain its rise. How is the rebalancing working out? US allies in Asia, connected to and militarily aligned with the pivot, are absolutely okay with engaging economically with China, a phenomenon that seeks to strike a balance between the regional and global geo-economic and geostrategic priorities. The hegemonic struggle between the US and China to stake control over Asia and the world notwithstanding, nations are trying hard to hold on to their values and diplomats are honing their skills on economic statecraft. Is rebalancing, then, the other name of strategic promiscuity? In a way, it is. Because being close to another country does not necessarily mean hostilities against a third country. Rebalancing, therefore, is more akin to focusing on areas of respective and mutual convergence. That’s where it syncs with national interest. While the reasons for US foreign policy to focus on Brazil, India, Indonesia and Turkey is ascribed to their fluid and open approach to the international order than those of China or Russia, the real factor could be to reduce China’s global clout by fostering partnerships with existing and rising great powers. Russia, in turn, has been trying to counterbalance the USA’s global leadership by cooperating with China on issues relating to state sovereignty, strengthening the UN Security Council, and pitching for a multi-polar world order wherein no single state assumes a paramount position vis-à-vis the others in world affairs. Despite paeans sung on the merits of multilateralism, it is natural that a leader in power would pursue policy based on his/her perception of national interest. Napoleon justified his campaign against Russia, and later his act to launch the desperate battle at Waterloo, on the plea that he was acting in the interest of France; Hitler was said to be acting in Germany’s national interest on grounds of which he justified his expansionist policies, including annexation of Austria and the breakup of Czechoslovakia (1938). British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain justified his act of currying favour with Hitler and Mussolini on the pretext that such appeasement was in Britain’s national interest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently justified demonetisation as a move taken in “national interest” and not for “political gains”, arguing that it was a step to fight black money. It is par for the course, then, that during a recent extensive bilateral meeting in New Delhi, India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar reconfirmed to his American counterpart, Mike Pompeo, about the Indian imperative to act in its national interest and nurture the time-tested, history-honoured relationships with many countries, including Russia and Iran. India is also engaging more actively with Japan, while taking care not to antagonise China, which is another deft exercise of rebalancing. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Rebalancing is trademark in a multi-polar diplomatic world

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt clashed over who could be most trusted on Brexit on Tuesday. Watch this video to know more.

Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt face off for UK leadership

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-entrepreneur-dyson-backs-exit-from-eu-368">British billionaire James Dyson</a>, the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, has bought Singapore's most expensive penthouse, official records show.

The three-story penthouse - once valued at S$100 million ($73.44 million) - sits on the 62nd-64th floor, is equipped with a private pool and located in the heart of the city-state's financial district.

Dyson, a Brexit supporter, announced in January he is moving his head office from Britain to Singapore to be closer to its fastest-growing markets. His eponymous firm - which also makes bladeless fans, air purifiers and hair dryers - plans to build its first electric car in the city-state.

Wallich Residence's penthouse sits in the tallest building in Singapore, built by developer GuocoLand Ltd.

Before its unveiling in 2017, the highest asking price for the "bungalow in the sky" reached a dizzying S$100 million, making it Singapore's most expensive.

Official title records seen by Reuters show Dyson and his wife became tenants of the 99-year leasehold property on June 20. The records did not state the price paid but Business Times reported that Dyson bought the property for S$73.8 million ($54.17 million).

"Given the decision to locate the headquarters in Singapore and the growing focus of the company's business in the region, of course, James Dyson has bought a property there," a Dyson spokesman said, without giving further details of the purchase.

The 72-year-old has become one of Britain's best-known entrepreneurs, creating a multibillion-dollar company from an insight that a cyclone could collect household dust better than a clogged-up bag.

Singapore is an island of well-heeled stability that attracts the super-rich from its less-developed Southeast Asian neighbours, as well as multi-millionaires from mainland China.

To cool its property market, the Singapore government intensified property curbs last year after a 9.1% annual increase in home prices and as developers paid record amounts to buy land.

Foreigners now have to pay levies of over 20% to buy property in the city-state under the new rules.

($1 = 1.3623 Singapore dollars)

British billionaire James Dyson, the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, has bought Singapore's most expensive penthouse, official records show. The three-story penthouse - once valued at S$100 million ($73.

British billionaire James Dyson, the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, has bought Singapore's most expensive penthouse, official records show. The three-story penthouse - once valued at S$100 million ($73.44 million) - sits on the 62nd-64th floor, is equipped with a private pool and located in the heart of the city-state's financial district. Dyson, a Brexit supporter, announced in January he is moving his head office from Britain to Singapore to be closer to its fastest-growing markets. His eponymous firm - which also makes bladeless fans, air purifiers and hair dryers - plans to build its first electric car in the city-state. Wallich Residence's penthouse sits in the tallest building in Singapore, built by developer GuocoLand Ltd. Before its unveiling in 2017, the highest asking price for the "bungalow in the sky" reached a dizzying S$100 million, making it Singapore's most expensive. Official title records seen by Reuters show Dyson and his wife became tenants of the 99-year leasehold property on June 20. The records did not state the price paid but Business Times reported that Dyson bought the property for S$73.8 million ($54.17 million). "Given the decision to locate the headquarters in Singapore and the growing focus of the company's business in the region, of course, James Dyson has bought a property there," a Dyson spokesman said, without giving further details of the purchase. The 72-year-old has become one of Britain's best-known entrepreneurs, creating a multibillion-dollar company from an insight that a cyclone could collect household dust better than a clogged-up bag. Singapore is an island of well-heeled stability that attracts the super-rich from its less-developed Southeast Asian neighbours, as well as multi-millionaires from mainland China. To cool its property market, the Singapore government intensified property curbs last year after a 9.1% annual increase in home prices and as developers paid record amounts to buy land. Foreigners now have to pay levies of over 20% to buy property in the city-state under the new rules. ($1 = 1.3623 Singapore dollars)

British billionaire James Dyson buys Singapore's priciest penthouse

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday said Britain's next prime minister must put their Brexit plan to a second referendum on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-urges-european-union-to-reopen-withdrawal-deal-talks-234121&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWts6X9qfjAhUn7HMBHSu2BDEQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2cisH69I1RUe1Hp_6dpaoc">European Union </a>membership, saying his party would campaign to remain.

In an email to members, Corbyn said Labour would campaign to stay in the EU to stop a new Conservative Party leader, who will be chosen later this month, taking Britain out of the bloc without a divorce deal or to stop what he called a "damaging" <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-economy-shrinks-as-brexit-global-worries-mount-purchasing-managers-index-232725&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_n5nQ9qfjAhWT6XMBHYFuC5sQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0SBY8A6E_YzS2LYTww-ZvV">Brexit</a>.

The move by Corbyn inches the opposition party closer to heeding demands from many Labour members and some lawmakers to unequivocally embrace a second referendum to break the impasse in parliament over how to leave the EU.

But it might not be enough to satisfy all in his party, falling short of campaigning for a second referendum in any circumstance - a position some wanted to adapt to counter a challenge from the pro-EU, smaller Liberal Democrats.

Brexit has brought down Prime Minister Theresa May, who failed three times to get the divorce deal she agreed with the EU ratified by parliament.

Former foreign minister and London mayor Boris Johnson is battling current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to replace her as party leader and prime minister. Johnson, who says he will take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal, is favorite.

"Whoever becomes the new prime minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or no deal, back to the people in a public vote," Corbyn said.

"In those circumstances, I want to make it clear that Labour would campaign to Remain against either no deal or a Tory (Conservative) deal that does not protect the economy and jobs."

What he did not say in his mail was what his party would campaign for in a parliamentary election - something the veteran socialist renewed his call for by saying:&nbsp;

"We need a Labour government to end austerity and rebuild our country for the many, not the few".

More than three years since voting 52% to 48% to leave the EU, Britain`s two main parties, its parliament and cities and towns across the country are still deeply divided over Brexit, opening the way for smaller parties to grab some share of the vote.

With Labour struggling in some opinion polls, some in the party want it to adopt a clearer message to tackle the twin challenges from the pro-EU Liberal Democrats and the Brexit Party, led by veteran eurosceptic Nigel Farage.

Corbyn, an instinctive critic of the EU, has so far resisted calls to make his party a wholesale supporter of a second referendum, keen to keep on board Labour Brexit supporters.

Chuka Umunna, a former Labour lawmaker who has joined the Liberal Democrats, said on Twitter: "Yet another fudge, where the Labour leadership keeps open the door to standing on a pro-Brexit platform in a general election or supporting it in government."&nbsp;

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday said Britain's next prime minister must put their Brexit plan to a second referendum on European Union membership, saying his party would campaign to remain.

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn on Tuesday said Britain's next prime minister must put their Brexit plan to a second referendum on European Union membership, saying his party would campaign to remain. In an email to members, Corbyn said Labour would campaign to stay in the EU to stop a new Conservative Party leader, who will be chosen later this month, taking Britain out of the bloc without a divorce deal or to stop what he called a "damaging" Brexit. The move by Corbyn inches the opposition party closer to heeding demands from many Labour members and some lawmakers to unequivocally embrace a second referendum to break the impasse in parliament over how to leave the EU. But it might not be enough to satisfy all in his party, falling short of campaigning for a second referendum in any circumstance - a position some wanted to adapt to counter a challenge from the pro-EU, smaller Liberal Democrats. Brexit has brought down Prime Minister Theresa May, who failed three times to get the divorce deal she agreed with the EU ratified by parliament. Former foreign minister and London mayor Boris Johnson is battling current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt to replace her as party leader and prime minister. Johnson, who says he will take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal, is favorite. "Whoever becomes the new prime minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or no deal, back to the people in a public vote," Corbyn said. "In those circumstances, I want to make it clear that Labour would campaign to Remain against either no deal or a Tory (Conservative) deal that does not protect the economy and jobs." What he did not say in his mail was what his party would campaign for in a parliamentary election - something the veteran socialist renewed his call for by saying: "We need a Labour government to end austerity and rebuild our country for the many, not the few". More than three years since voting 52% to 48% to leave the EU, Britain`s two main parties, its parliament and cities and towns across the country are still deeply divided over Brexit, opening the way for smaller parties to grab some share of the vote. With Labour struggling in some opinion polls, some in the party want it to adopt a clearer message to tackle the twin challenges from the pro-EU Liberal Democrats and the Brexit Party, led by veteran eurosceptic Nigel Farage. Corbyn, an instinctive critic of the EU, has so far resisted calls to make his party a wholesale supporter of a second referendum, keen to keep on board Labour Brexit supporters. Chuka Umunna, a former Labour lawmaker who has joined the Liberal Democrats, said on Twitter: "Yet another fudge, where the Labour leadership keeps open the door to standing on a pro-Brexit platform in a general election or supporting it in government."

New United Kingdom Prime Minister must put Brexit plan to second referendum: Labour's Jeremy Corbyn

Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay warned Monday the EU must reopen the withdrawal agreement reached with outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May but rejected by MPs, so as to avoid a "disruptive" no-deal divorce in October.

"We do need to look at it again," he said of the deal agreed by May and European Union leaders last year which British lawmakers have since voted down three times.

"It is in both sides interest to avoid no deal and to look at how we get a deal through parliament," the minister added at a briefing for foreign media in London.

He was speaking on the eve of fresh talks with the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels which has repeatedly insisted it will not reopen the accord reached with May.

The pair last met in March, with the issue of citizens' rights in a no-deal scenario reportedly set to be discussed at Tuesday's meeting.

Barclay insisted Britain "needs to leave" the bloc on the latest deadline of October 31, after May twice delayed departure amid MPs' implacable opposition to her divorce deal.

She resigned last month following her repeated failure to get it approved.

Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson is the frontrunner to replace her when Conservative Party members select a new leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- later this month.

Both he and his opponent Jeremy Hunt, the current foreign secretary, have vowed to take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal.

"Boris Johnson has been very clear that the UK needs to leave on the 31st of October," Barclay said.

"The EU 27 has also been clear that any further extension without a purpose is not desirable," he added, noting "Brexit fatigue" was now apparent in Brussels as well as in London.

Barclay argued a no-deal departure "would be disruptive to the UK but it also very clearly would be disruptive within the EU" as he called for "continued dialogue".

"The impact of a no deal is asymmetric across Europe," he said.

"For example, the impact of no deal in Ireland, according to our analysis, is greater than the impact on the United Kingdom."

Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay warned Monday the EU must reopen the withdrawal agreement reached with outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May but rejected by MPs, so as to avoid a "disruptive" no-deal divorce in October.

Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay warned Monday the EU must reopen the withdrawal agreement reached with outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May but rejected by MPs, so as to avoid a "disruptive" no-deal divorce in October. "We do need to look at it again," he said of the deal agreed by May and European Union leaders last year which British lawmakers have since voted down three times. "It is in both sides interest to avoid no deal and to look at how we get a deal through parliament," the minister added at a briefing for foreign media in London. He was speaking on the eve of fresh talks with the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels which has repeatedly insisted it will not reopen the accord reached with May. The pair last met in March, with the issue of citizens' rights in a no-deal scenario reportedly set to be discussed at Tuesday's meeting. Barclay insisted Britain "needs to leave" the bloc on the latest deadline of October 31, after May twice delayed departure amid MPs' implacable opposition to her divorce deal. She resigned last month following her repeated failure to get it approved. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson is the frontrunner to replace her when Conservative Party members select a new leader -- who will almost certainly become prime minister -- later this month. Both he and his opponent Jeremy Hunt, the current foreign secretary, have vowed to take Britain out of the EU with or without a deal. "Boris Johnson has been very clear that the UK needs to leave on the 31st of October," Barclay said. "The EU 27 has also been clear that any further extension without a purpose is not desirable," he added, noting "Brexit fatigue" was now apparent in Brussels as well as in London. Barclay argued a no-deal departure "would be disruptive to the UK but it also very clearly would be disruptive within the EU" as he called for "continued dialogue". "The impact of a no deal is asymmetric across Europe," he said. "For example, the impact of no deal in Ireland, according to our analysis, is greater than the impact on the United Kingdom."

UK Brexit minister urges European Union to reopen withdrawal deal talks

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-back-at-britains-ambassador-in-us-says-not-served-the-uk-well-233860">UK ambassador</a> called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> "inept".

The confidential telegrams from ambassador Kim Darroch created a political firestorm in London after their publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper.

One of them called the Trump administration "uniquely dysfunctional" while another characterized the US leader as "incompetent" and "insecure".

Their release came just a month after Trump's state visit to Britain during which he visibly enjoyed himself while dining with Queen Elizabeth II and touring Buckingham Palace with his family.

They also threatened to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dysfunctional-inept-britains-trade-minister-liam-fox-to-apologise-to-ivanka-over-leaked-memo-233969">Washington</a> that could help mitigate potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

Trump fired back by saying that people in his administration were "not big fans" of London's man in Washington.

"The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that," Trump told reporters on Sunday.

"We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother."

Very serious consequences

UK officials took turns defending Darroch as a professional who was carrying out his duties by providing "frank" assessments of the latest developments in the White House.

"We need to find out how it happened, not least to give confidence to our teams all over the world that they can continue to give us their frank assessments," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday.

"I hope we get to the bottom of it, and of course there will be very serious consequences if and when we find out who was responsible."

The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments.

"But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote.

The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within Britain's governing Conservative Party.

British politics are in for a major revamp once Prime Minister Theresa May ends her three-year spell in power later this month.

Brexiteer former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favorite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt.

The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires at the end of the year.

But commentators note the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team.

"There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote.

But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexit".

Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 does".

Farage is an anti-EU populist whose new Brexit Party won nearly a third of the vote in European elections in May, and has met Trump several times.

Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" but played down interest in the Washington Post.

"I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio.

But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine".

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the UK ambassador called US President Donald Trump "inept".

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the UK ambassador called US President Donald Trump "inept". The confidential telegrams from ambassador Kim Darroch created a political firestorm in London after their publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper. One of them called the Trump administration "uniquely dysfunctional" while another characterized the US leader as "incompetent" and "insecure". Their release came just a month after Trump's state visit to Britain during which he visibly enjoyed himself while dining with Queen Elizabeth II and touring Buckingham Palace with his family. They also threatened to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade deal with Washington that could help mitigate potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. Trump fired back by saying that people in his administration were "not big fans" of London's man in Washington. "The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that," Trump told reporters on Sunday. "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother." Very serious consequences UK officials took turns defending Darroch as a professional who was carrying out his duties by providing "frank" assessments of the latest developments in the White House. "We need to find out how it happened, not least to give confidence to our teams all over the world that they can continue to give us their frank assessments," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday. "I hope we get to the bottom of it, and of course there will be very serious consequences if and when we find out who was responsible." The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments. "But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote. The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within Britain's governing Conservative Party. British politics are in for a major revamp once Prime Minister Theresa May ends her three-year spell in power later this month. Brexiteer former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favorite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt. The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires at the end of the year. But commentators note the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team. "There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote. But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexit". Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 does". Farage is an anti-EU populist whose new Brexit Party won nearly a third of the vote in European elections in May, and has met Trump several times. Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" but played down interest in the Washington Post. "I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio. But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine".

Britain hunts for leaker of cables calling Donald Trump 'inept'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-adopts-2050-net-zero-emissions-target-230832">Britain's economy</a> appears to have shrunk for the first time since late 2012 between April and June as worries about Brexit were compounded by global trade tensions, a closely watched survey showed on Wednesday.

A day after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney warned of the growing risks from a no-deal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-brexit-meps-turn-backs-at-european-anthem-in-european-parliament-232506">Brexit</a> and protectionist trade policies, a gauge of Britain's huge services industry the IHS Markit/CIPS services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) slipped to 50.2 in June, just above the no-growth level of 50.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected the PMI to remain at May's level of 51.0.

Equivalent surveys for manufacturing and construction published earlier this week showed those sectors contracted in June, meaning Britain's economy overall probably shrank by 0.1 per cent in the second quarter, IHS Markit/CIPS said.

British gross domestic product last shrank from one quarter to another in the final three months of 2012, according to official data. The last time GDP shrank for two or more quarters in a row the widely accepted definition of a recession was in 2008-2009, during the global financial crisis.

"The latest downturn has followed a gradual deterioration in demand over the past year as Brexit-related uncertainty has increasingly exacerbated the impact of a broader global economic slowdown," said Chris Williamson, a chief business economist at IHS Markit.

"Risks also remain skewed to the downside as sentiment about the year ahead is worryingly subdued, suggesting the third quarter could see businesses continue to struggle."

British government bond yields fell further after the survey, with the yield on 10-year gilts hitting its lowest level since the months after the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Curve Inversion

Investors see more chance of a cut to British interest rates after Carney's speech on Tuesday, in which he said the economy might need more support to cope with the shock of a no-deal Brexit or an escalation of global trade tensions.

The yield curve between two- and five-year British government bonds inverted for the first time since 2008 on Wednesday, suggesting investors see a risk of recession.

The BoE says Britain's economy probably flatlined in the second quarter after strong growth early in the year when companies were rushing to get ready for the original March 29 Brexit date.

That deadline has since been pushed back to Oct. 31.

Andrew Wishart, an economist with consultancy Capital Economics, said the pre-March 29 rush accounted for some of the second-quarter weakness.

"But the fact the surveys have not picked up towards the end of the quarter, and global manufacturing is slowing, means the risk is that the economy fails to bounce back in the third quarter," he added.

Many businesses are alarmed by the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, something both candidates to replace Theresa May as prime minister has said they are prepared to do if necessary.

Williamson said the weak reading of Britain's economy should put pressure on the Bank of England to add stimulus.

"For policymakers to not loosen policy with the all-sector PMI at its current level would be unprecedented in the survey's two-decade history," he said.

Britain's economy appears to have shrunk for the first time since late 2012 between April and June as worries about Brexit were compounded by global trade tensions, a closely watched survey showed on Wednesday.

Britain's economy appears to have shrunk for the first time since late 2012 between April and June as worries about Brexit were compounded by global trade tensions, a closely watched survey showed on Wednesday. A day after Bank of England Governor Mark Carney warned of the growing risks from a no-deal Brexit and protectionist trade policies, a gauge of Britain's huge services industry the IHS Markit/CIPS services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) slipped to 50.2 in June, just above the no-growth level of 50. Economists polled by Reuters had expected the PMI to remain at May's level of 51.0. Equivalent surveys for manufacturing and construction published earlier this week showed those sectors contracted in June, meaning Britain's economy overall probably shrank by 0.1 per cent in the second quarter, IHS Markit/CIPS said. British gross domestic product last shrank from one quarter to another in the final three months of 2012, according to official data. The last time GDP shrank for two or more quarters in a row the widely accepted definition of a recession was in 2008-2009, during the global financial crisis. "The latest downturn has followed a gradual deterioration in demand over the past year as Brexit-related uncertainty has increasingly exacerbated the impact of a broader global economic slowdown," said Chris Williamson, a chief business economist at IHS Markit. "Risks also remain skewed to the downside as sentiment about the year ahead is worryingly subdued, suggesting the third quarter could see businesses continue to struggle." British government bond yields fell further after the survey, with the yield on 10-year gilts hitting its lowest level since the months after the 2016 Brexit referendum. Curve Inversion Investors see more chance of a cut to British interest rates after Carney's speech on Tuesday, in which he said the economy might need more support to cope with the shock of a no-deal Brexit or an escalation of global trade tensions. The yield curve between two- and five-year British government bonds inverted for the first time since 2008 on Wednesday, suggesting investors see a risk of recession. The BoE says Britain's economy probably flatlined in the second quarter after strong growth early in the year when companies were rushing to get ready for the original March 29 Brexit date. That deadline has since been pushed back to Oct. 31. Andrew Wishart, an economist with consultancy Capital Economics, said the pre-March 29 rush accounted for some of the second-quarter weakness. "But the fact the surveys have not picked up towards the end of the quarter, and global manufacturing is slowing, means the risk is that the economy fails to bounce back in the third quarter," he added. Many businesses are alarmed by the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, something both candidates to replace Theresa May as prime minister has said they are prepared to do if necessary. Williamson said the weak reading of Britain's economy should put pressure on the Bank of England to add stimulus. "For policymakers to not loosen policy with the all-sector PMI at its current level would be unprecedented in the survey's two-decade history," he said.

United Kingdom economy shrinks as Brexit, global worries mount: Survey

Britain's lead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">Brexit</a> negotiator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-mays-deal-or-long-brexit-delay-uks-chief-negotiator-overheard-saying-in-bar-197142">Olly Robbins</a> will leave his role in government shortly after briefing the new prime minister, The Sunday Times reported.

Robbins had been criticised by Brexiteers for helping negotiate Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-has-irrefutable-evidence-russia-behind-attack-on-skripal-theresa-may-to-putin-at-g20-231275">Theresa May</a>'s Brexit deal, which has been rejected by lawmakers.

Robbins is overdue a move and is prepared to stay and do a smooth handover, a source told Reuters.

In a further possible change, Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill is being lined up to become the new British ambassador in Washington under a Boris Johnson administration according to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper.

Former foreign minister Johnson and current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt are battling each other to succeed Theresa May as prime minister and finally deliver Brexit which has been delayed until Oct. 31.

Johnson, the frontrunner, has a transition team which is preparing to invite EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the bloc's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to London to reopen talks, according to the Mail on Sunday.

Former leadership contenders Matt Hancock and Sajid Javid are lobbying to become finance minister whilst Liz Truss is being lined up to be the next business minister and former Brexit minister Dominic Raab is being earmarked as transport minister, according to the newspaper.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay is "increasingly safe" is in his role, the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, Hunt has suggested he would take a tough line on the 39-billion pound ($50 billion) Brexit bill owed to Brussels if there is a failure to agree the terms of Britain's exit from the bloc.

"If we leave without a deal, I will not hand over a penny more than is legally required of us," he told the Sunday Times newspaper.

He would also not agree to stay in a customs union with the EU and plans to abolish the Brexit ministry and hand over responsibility to the international trade ministry, according to the newspaper.

Britain's lead Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins will leave his role in government shortly after briefing the new prime minister, The Sunday Times reported. Robbins had been criticised by Brexiteers for helping negotiate Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, which has been rejected by lawmakers.

Britain's lead Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins will leave his role in government shortly after briefing the new prime minister, The Sunday Times reported. Robbins had been criticised by Brexiteers for helping negotiate Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, which has been rejected by lawmakers. Robbins is overdue a move and is prepared to stay and do a smooth handover, a source told Reuters. In a further possible change, Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill is being lined up to become the new British ambassador in Washington under a Boris Johnson administration according to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper. Former foreign minister Johnson and current foreign minister Jeremy Hunt are battling each other to succeed Theresa May as prime minister and finally deliver Brexit which has been delayed until Oct. 31. Johnson, the frontrunner, has a transition team which is preparing to invite EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the bloc's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to London to reopen talks, according to the Mail on Sunday. Former leadership contenders Matt Hancock and Sajid Javid are lobbying to become finance minister whilst Liz Truss is being lined up to be the next business minister and former Brexit minister Dominic Raab is being earmarked as transport minister, according to the newspaper. Brexit minister Stephen Barclay is "increasingly safe" is in his role, the newspaper said. Meanwhile, Hunt has suggested he would take a tough line on the 39-billion pound ($50 billion) Brexit bill owed to Brussels if there is a failure to agree the terms of Britain's exit from the bloc. "If we leave without a deal, I will not hand over a penny more than is legally required of us," he told the Sunday Times newspaper. He would also not agree to stay in a customs union with the EU and plans to abolish the Brexit ministry and hand over responsibility to the international trade ministry, according to the newspaper.

United Kingdom Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins to leave role: Report

Loose cannon or influential statesman - what kind of British prime minister would <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-he-is-serious-about-no-deal-brexit-threat-230167">Boris Johnson</a> make on the world stage? Judging by his time as foreign secretary, possibly both.

When Johnson was given the foreign job in 2016, after Britain voted to leave the EU, he was viewed as an unlikely choice by politicians and public alike given his tendency to court controversy with gaffes, oddball jokes and off-the-cuff remarks.

The early days seemed to confirm the worst fears of those who saw the Conservative lawmaker as an unsuitable diplomat, at a critical time when Britain needed to forge new political and commercial ties with a slew of countries.

What should have been a routine conference in Italy, the "Mediterranean Dialogues Forum" aimed at building relations with leading envoys from the West and Middle East, instead turned into something of a diplomatic incident.

Johnson made headlines by going off-script and accusing Saudi Arabia, an important regional ally, of acting as a puppeteer in proxy wars under the guise of religion.

The backlash was swift from Prime Minister Theresa May, who said his comments did not reflect "actual policy", dishing out what a government source described as a shocking and very public "cuffing" for a senior minister.

Now May is stepping down over her failure to extract Britain from the European Union. Johnson, a leader of the Brexit campaign, is the overwhelming favourite to become leader of the governing Conservative Party next month, which would also make him prime minister.

The 55-year-old, famous for his messy mop of blond hair and dishevelled style, has turned upper-class English eccentricity into a political asset in Britain and perfected a personal brand based on a comic talent and a seemingly shambolic style.

His critics say this robs him of statesman-like gravity, arguing that it's difficult to take seriously a man who once said the chance of him becoming prime minister was about as likely as finding Elvis on Mars.

However, two of Johnson's aides and another veteran Conservative who knows him said that he was often misunderstood and that beneath his blustering, self-confident demeanour was a shy, serious man focused on his goals.

He is a natural introvert, two sources close his team told Reuters, adding that his shyness is often construed as arrogance, and he needs a lot of time alone before speaking in public - distinctively at odds with the public perception of Johnson being a natural, unscripted showman.

"Before speaking to a room, he needs to corral himself," said the veteran Conservative. "It's not a performance but it saps him of energy. He just needs to summon up the energy."

One aide, a government source and an EU diplomat also pointed to an influential, but behind-the-scenes, role he played as foreign secretary following the poisoning of a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, by a nerve agent last year in England.

One government source said Johnson had put his "shoulder to the wheel" to win international support for sanctions and Russian diplomatic expulsions from a long list of countries.

A senior European diplomat agreed that he was "professional" in this role, which attracted little publicity.

"People in Brussels didn't take Boris seriously back then," the diplomat said. "In March last year, he showed he could drop the clownish personality, he showed a will to discuss the Skripal affair in the most serious terms and to make the point to his counterparts that they needed to back Britain on this."

Irreverent insurgent

Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, to give his full name, is something of an enigma at home and abroad.

He is man of apparent contradictions, with his privileged background and bursts of Latin phrases seemingly at odds with his popular appeal when elected mayor of left-leaning London in 2008 with the biggest personal mandate in British history.

He is one of those rare politicians to be most commonly referred to by most members of the public by their first names.

Like US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, he can emerge unscathed from gaffes and scandals that would sink any normal public figure. Other offensive remarks he has made include calling black people "piccaninnies" and saying Muslim women wearing burkas "look like letter boxes".

"Boris is a flawed character and flaky but most politicians are underneath," said Ed Costelloe, chair of the campaign group Conservative Grassroots. "It would be lovely to have Mother Theresa as prime minister, but it ain't going to happen."

In fact, some people love him all the more because he appears to be an irreverent insurgent who defies the media training of polished politics, shooting from the hip with comic timing and flair. Others seem to give him more leeway.

After his incendiary comments on Saudi Arabia, for example, two British officials said his words had not in fact gone down badly in Riyadh. "The Saudis appreciated his buffoonery, they understand his kind of humour," said one of the officials.

The biggest task ahead, should he become leader, would be withdrawal talks with the EU, which has said it will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by May in November - a deal that was repeatedly rejected by British lawmakers and led to the original Brexit date of March 29 being pushed back.

Johnson has offended many in Europe, with remarks such as suggesting Italy should help with a Brexit deal to avoid losing out on sales of Prosecco sparkling wine and declaring it was "bollocks" to say that freedom of movement was a founding principle of the EU.

Yet the British government sources said his ability to wrestle changes to the deal from Brussels, as he has demanded, would come down to whether he can carry the support of British lawmakers and end a stalemate that has incensed EU officials.

"His success depends on whether the EU believes he can actually command a majority," said one of the sources. "The thing about the PM was that they just didn't believe she could ever get it through so were never going to give any more ground. If they think Boris can get it through, they might shift."

It's all about Brexit

Johnson has cast himself as the only leadership candidate who can deliver Brexit on the next deadline of Oct. 31 - with or without a deal.

The sources close his team said he was approaching his bid in a similarly quiet way to the Skripal manoeuvring. He has built support through behind-the-scenes talks with lawmakers rather through media appearances and speeches - and had been conspicuously absent from public sight until this week.

He has been listening closely to the counsel of his closest aides and veteran election strategist Lynton Crosby, who is not officially on the payroll but is offering advice.

Johnson's strategy of steering clear of the airwaves and avoiding public head-to-head debates has been carefully thought through as part of a leadership campaign in the works for months in anticipation of May's announcement five weeks ago that she would step down, said the sources.

The plan appeared uncharacteristic for a man who made his name by being highly visible, including appearing in comedy shows and one of Britain's best-loved TV soap operas.

He even drew accusations from his only remaining leadership rival, Jeremy Hunt, of being a coward for avoiding head-to-head debates. Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said she found Johnson's decision to ignore live TV debates "very odd".

The strategy was partly borne of the fact that Johnson is widely viewed as a near-certainty to win the party leadership, and become prime minister, barring an unforeseen catastrophe.

Foreign Secretary Hunt voted to stay in the European Union in 2016, which is likely to count against him among the around 160,000 party members who will choose the winner and are mainly pro-Brexit.

However, Johnson was forced to veer from the gameplan and break cover this week when he was faced with exactly the kind of negative publicity his team had hoped to avoid, after a neighbour called the police upon hearing Johnson and his girlfriend shouting and smashing plates.

Police found no cause for action, but the story dominated the front pages of Britain's newspapers, with some questioning Johnson's character and past - he is divorcing his second wife and has had several reported affairs.

Following the furore, he changed gear and launched into a media blitz on TV and radio.

Nonetheless, few in his party believe anything can seriously impede his cruise to 10 Downing Street.

"Boris is still well ahead with the membership who will ultimately decide who the next prime minister is," said Conservative lawmaker and Johnson supporter Andrew Bridgen.

"The overriding issue is Brexit and unfortunately Jeremy voted remain." 
&nbsp;

Loose cannon or influential statesman - what kind of British prime minister would Boris Johnson make on the world stage? Judging by his time as foreign secretary, possibly both.

Loose cannon or influential statesman - what kind of British prime minister would Boris Johnson make on the world stage? Judging by his time as foreign secretary, possibly both. When Johnson was given the foreign job in 2016, after Britain voted to leave the EU, he was viewed as an unlikely choice by politicians and public alike given his tendency to court controversy with gaffes, oddball jokes and off-the-cuff remarks. The early days seemed to confirm the worst fears of those who saw the Conservative lawmaker as an unsuitable diplomat, at a critical time when Britain needed to forge new political and commercial ties with a slew of countries. What should have been a routine conference in Italy, the "Mediterranean Dialogues Forum" aimed at building relations with leading envoys from the West and Middle East, instead turned into something of a diplomatic incident. Johnson made headlines by going off-script and accusing Saudi Arabia, an important regional ally, of acting as a puppeteer in proxy wars under the guise of religion. The backlash was swift from Prime Minister Theresa May, who said his comments did not reflect "actual policy", dishing out what a government source described as a shocking and very public "cuffing" for a senior minister. Now May is stepping down over her failure to extract Britain from the European Union. Johnson, a leader of the Brexit campaign, is the overwhelming favourite to become leader of the governing Conservative Party next month, which would also make him prime minister. The 55-year-old, famous for his messy mop of blond hair and dishevelled style, has turned upper-class English eccentricity into a political asset in Britain and perfected a personal brand based on a comic talent and a seemingly shambolic style. His critics say this robs him of statesman-like gravity, arguing that it's difficult to take seriously a man who once said the chance of him becoming prime minister was about as likely as finding Elvis on Mars. However, two of Johnson's aides and another veteran Conservative who knows him said that he was often misunderstood and that beneath his blustering, self-confident demeanour was a shy, serious man focused on his goals. He is a natural introvert, two sources close his team told Reuters, adding that his shyness is often construed as arrogance, and he needs a lot of time alone before speaking in public - distinctively at odds with the public perception of Johnson being a natural, unscripted showman. "Before speaking to a room, he needs to corral himself," said the veteran Conservative. "It's not a performance but it saps him of energy. He just needs to summon up the energy." One aide, a government source and an EU diplomat also pointed to an influential, but behind-the-scenes, role he played as foreign secretary following the poisoning of a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, by a nerve agent last year in England. One government source said Johnson had put his "shoulder to the wheel" to win international support for sanctions and Russian diplomatic expulsions from a long list of countries. A senior European diplomat agreed that he was "professional" in this role, which attracted little publicity. "People in Brussels didn't take Boris seriously back then," the diplomat said. "In March last year, he showed he could drop the clownish personality, he showed a will to discuss the Skripal affair in the most serious terms and to make the point to his counterparts that they needed to back Britain on this." Irreverent insurgent Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, to give his full name, is something of an enigma at home and abroad. He is man of apparent contradictions, with his privileged background and bursts of Latin phrases seemingly at odds with his popular appeal when elected mayor of left-leaning London in 2008 with the biggest personal mandate in British history. He is one of those rare politicians to be most commonly referred to by most members of the public by their first names. Like US President Donald Trump, he can emerge unscathed from gaffes and scandals that would sink any normal public figure. Other offensive remarks he has made include calling black people "piccaninnies" and saying Muslim women wearing burkas "look like letter boxes". "Boris is a flawed character and flaky but most politicians are underneath," said Ed Costelloe, chair of the campaign group Conservative Grassroots. "It would be lovely to have Mother Theresa as prime minister, but it ain't going to happen." In fact, some people love him all the more because he appears to be an irreverent insurgent who defies the media training of polished politics, shooting from the hip with comic timing and flair. Others seem to give him more leeway. After his incendiary comments on Saudi Arabia, for example, two British officials said his words had not in fact gone down badly in Riyadh. "The Saudis appreciated his buffoonery, they understand his kind of humour," said one of the officials. The biggest task ahead, should he become leader, would be withdrawal talks with the EU, which has said it will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by May in November - a deal that was repeatedly rejected by British lawmakers and led to the original Brexit date of March 29 being pushed back. Johnson has offended many in Europe, with remarks such as suggesting Italy should help with a Brexit deal to avoid losing out on sales of Prosecco sparkling wine and declaring it was "bollocks" to say that freedom of movement was a founding principle of the EU. Yet the British government sources said his ability to wrestle changes to the deal from Brussels, as he has demanded, would come down to whether he can carry the support of British lawmakers and end a stalemate that has incensed EU officials. "His success depends on whether the EU believes he can actually command a majority," said one of the sources. "The thing about the PM was that they just didn't believe she could ever get it through so were never going to give any more ground. If they think Boris can get it through, they might shift." It's all about Brexit Johnson has cast himself as the only leadership candidate who can deliver Brexit on the next deadline of Oct. 31 - with or without a deal. The sources close his team said he was approaching his bid in a similarly quiet way to the Skripal manoeuvring. He has built support through behind-the-scenes talks with lawmakers rather through media appearances and speeches - and had been conspicuously absent from public sight until this week. He has been listening closely to the counsel of his closest aides and veteran election strategist Lynton Crosby, who is not officially on the payroll but is offering advice. Johnson's strategy of steering clear of the airwaves and avoiding public head-to-head debates has been carefully thought through as part of a leadership campaign in the works for months in anticipation of May's announcement five weeks ago that she would step down, said the sources. The plan appeared uncharacteristic for a man who made his name by being highly visible, including appearing in comedy shows and one of Britain's best-loved TV soap operas. He even drew accusations from his only remaining leadership rival, Jeremy Hunt, of being a coward for avoiding head-to-head debates. Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said she found Johnson's decision to ignore live TV debates "very odd". The strategy was partly borne of the fact that Johnson is widely viewed as a near-certainty to win the party leadership, and become prime minister, barring an unforeseen catastrophe. Foreign Secretary Hunt voted to stay in the European Union in 2016, which is likely to count against him among the around 160,000 party members who will choose the winner and are mainly pro-Brexit. However, Johnson was forced to veer from the gameplan and break cover this week when he was faced with exactly the kind of negative publicity his team had hoped to avoid, after a neighbour called the police upon hearing Johnson and his girlfriend shouting and smashing plates. Police found no cause for action, but the story dominated the front pages of Britain's newspapers, with some questioning Johnson's character and past - he is divorcing his second wife and has had several reported affairs. Following the furore, he changed gear and launched into a media blitz on TV and radio. Nonetheless, few in his party believe anything can seriously impede his cruise to 10 Downing Street. "Boris is still well ahead with the membership who will ultimately decide who the next prime minister is," said Conservative lawmaker and Johnson supporter Andrew Bridgen. "The overriding issue is Brexit and unfortunately Jeremy voted remain."

Genius or joker? British prime minister favourite Boris Johnson set to face the world

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-under-pressure-to-explain-domestic-row-229723">Boris Johnson</a> said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-promotes-hard-brexit-must-clarify-his-position-on-europe-macron-230076">deal with the bloc had not been reached</a>.

The former London mayor is still the frontrunner in the race to succeed Theresa May but his lead had been dented by reports of a heated late-night row with his girlfriend that led to the police being called to their home.

His rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, on Monday, described Johnson as a "coward" for avoiding public head-to-head debates with him.

Johnson declined to comment on the argument in an interview with BBC News. He instead doubled down on his promise to deliver Brexit in October without a deal if necessary - a prospect that has sent sterling down sharply against other currencies.

"My pledge is to come out of the EU at Halloween on 31 October," Johnson said.

"And the way to get our friends and partners to understand how serious we are is finally, I'm afraid, to abandon the defeatism and negativity that has enfolded us in a great cloud for so long and to prepare confidently and seriously for... a no-deal outcome."

Johnson said he did not want a no-deal Brexit, but that it was necessary to put it on the table so that Britain could get the result it wanted.

He again raised doubts over the payment of a previously-agreed 39 billion pound ($49 billion) divorce deal with the EU, something likely to antagonise negotiators in Brussels.

Watch: Boris Johnson's 'girlfriend trouble'

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"I think there should be creative ambiguity about when and how that gets paid over," Johnson said.

On resolving an impasse around the Irish border, Johnson said he thought changing or abandoning the backstop - a guarantee to ensure no return of extensive border checks between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - could be a way forward.

"Let me tell you, there are abundant, abundant technical fixes that can be introduced to make sure that you don't have to have checks at the border," Johnson said.

Trade experts have expressed scepticism that technology can solve the border problem, at least in the near term.

Last week, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the contenders to become Britain's prime minister had offered solutions "simply not based on reality".

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, Boris Johnson said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a deal with the bloc had not been reached.

Seeking to regain momentum in his bid to become the next prime minister of Britain, Boris Johnson said on Monday he was seriously prepared to take the country out of the European Union in October even if a deal with the bloc had not been reached. The former London mayor is still the frontrunner in the race to succeed Theresa May but his lead had been dented by reports of a heated late-night row with his girlfriend that led to the police being called to their home. His rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, on Monday, described Johnson as a "coward" for avoiding public head-to-head debates with him. Johnson declined to comment on the argument in an interview with BBC News. He instead doubled down on his promise to deliver Brexit in October without a deal if necessary - a prospect that has sent sterling down sharply against other currencies. "My pledge is to come out of the EU at Halloween on 31 October," Johnson said. "And the way to get our friends and partners to understand how serious we are is finally, I'm afraid, to abandon the defeatism and negativity that has enfolded us in a great cloud for so long and to prepare confidently and seriously for... a no-deal outcome." Johnson said he did not want a no-deal Brexit, but that it was necessary to put it on the table so that Britain could get the result it wanted. He again raised doubts over the payment of a previously-agreed 39 billion pound ($49 billion) divorce deal with the EU, something likely to antagonise negotiators in Brussels. Watch: Boris Johnson's 'girlfriend trouble' × "I think there should be creative ambiguity about when and how that gets paid over," Johnson said. On resolving an impasse around the Irish border, Johnson said he thought changing or abandoning the backstop - a guarantee to ensure no return of extensive border checks between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - could be a way forward. "Let me tell you, there are abundant, abundant technical fixes that can be introduced to make sure that you don't have to have checks at the border," Johnson said. Trade experts have expressed scepticism that technology can solve the border problem, at least in the near term. Last week, Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney said the contenders to become Britain's prime minister had offered solutions "simply not based on reality".

Boris Johnson says he is serious about 'no-deal' Brexit threat

Not Suitable For The Top Job In United Kingdom: A Report On Boris Johnson's 'Girlfriend Trouble' Boris Johnson may be the frontrunner to take over as Prime Minister of United Kingdom from Theresa May. But he continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons. The latest one involves screaming and shouting, and even some broken plates. A late-night altercation between Johnson & his girlfriend threatens to hurt his political career. Here's Palki summing up the development

Gravitas: Boris Johnson's 'girlfriend trouble'

It would be bizarre for the European Union to impose tariffs on British goods flowing into the bloc after Brexit rather than agree on a standstill agreement on trade, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/british-pm-race-top-horse-boris-johnson-faces-court-hearing-for-brexit-lies-222520">Boris Johnson</a>, the leading candidate to be Britain's next prime minister said.

"I think it would be very bizarre if the EU should decide on their own ... if they decided to impose tariffs on goods coming from the UK it would be ... a return to Napoleon's continental system," Johnson told LBC radio on Tuesday.

Boris Johnson, the favourite to become British prime minister, said he will seek a new Brexit deal with the European Union but if the bloc refuses his demands then he will lead the world's fifth largest economy out without agreement on Oct. 31.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-he-is-serious-about-no-deal-brexit-threat-230167">United Kingdom's three-year Brexit crisis</a> could be about to deepen as Johnson's pledge to leave the EU with or without a deal on Halloween could provoke a standoff with the British parliament which has indicated its opposition to a no-deal exit.

No-deal means there would be no transition period so the exit would be abrupt, the nightmare scenario for many business leaders and the dream of hard Brexiteers who want a decisive split.

Seeking to turn the public discourse away from a discussion about an argument with his girlfriend, Johnson told the BBC he would pick the bits of Theresa May's "dead" Withdrawal Agreement that he likes and seek a new deal with the EU.

It would be bizarre for the European Union to impose tariffs on British goods flowing into the bloc after Brexit rather than agree on a standstill agreement on trade, Boris Johnson, the leading candidate to be Britain's next prime minister said.

It would be bizarre for the European Union to impose tariffs on British goods flowing into the bloc after Brexit rather than agree on a standstill agreement on trade, Boris Johnson, the leading candidate to be Britain's next prime minister said. "I think it would be very bizarre if the EU should decide on their own ... if they decided to impose tariffs on goods coming from the UK it would be ... a return to Napoleon's continental system," Johnson told LBC radio on Tuesday. Boris Johnson, the favourite to become British prime minister, said he will seek a new Brexit deal with the European Union but if the bloc refuses his demands then he will lead the world's fifth largest economy out without agreement on Oct. 31. The United Kingdom's three-year Brexit crisis could be about to deepen as Johnson's pledge to leave the EU with or without a deal on Halloween could provoke a standoff with the British parliament which has indicated its opposition to a no-deal exit. No-deal means there would be no transition period so the exit would be abrupt, the nightmare scenario for many business leaders and the dream of hard Brexiteers who want a decisive split. Seeking to turn the public discourse away from a discussion about an argument with his girlfriend, Johnson told the BBC he would pick the bits of Theresa May's "dead" Withdrawal Agreement that he likes and seek a new deal with the EU.

Would be bizarre for EU to impose post-Brexit tariffs on UK: Boris Johnson

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged US President Trump to "clarify his position" regarding the European Union, repeatedly the target of the US president's barbs.

"What is certain is that we have some ambiguities, especially when you look at Trump's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-no-deal-brexit-i-would-leave-eu-with-a-heavy-heart-jeremy-hunt-229982">position regarding Brexit</a>, and the fact that he promotes a hard Brexit," Macron told the New Yorker magazine an interview published Monday.

"I think he has to clarify his position vis-à-vis Europe," he said.

The interview was held against the backdrop of recent European elections in which Macron's centrist party, Republic on the Move, finished a close second to Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally.

"What is new at the European scale is that the rise of extremism, especially coming from the far right, is everywhere," Macron said when asked about the outcome.

"A few months ago, a lot of people thought that this new coalition of the far right could have a majority or could block any majority at the European Parliament, which didn't happen," he said.

"This is, for me, one of the positive outcomes of these elections, even if they were very much helped by foreign influences."

Asked if he included Trump among those foreign influences, Macron said, "No, because I don't totally assimilate Trump and Bannon."

Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist, has been actively attempting to form a nationalist alliance in Europe, and Macron recently accused him of seeking "the dismantlement of Europe."

In an interview with NBC that aired over the weekend, the US president was asked about European efforts to keep alive the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Trump pulled the US out of last year.

"I don't care about the Europeans," Trump said. "The Europeans are going out and making a lot of money. The Europeans are fine."

"And let me tell you, we're very good to Europe. We take care of them. NATO, we spend a tremendous amount, a disproportionate amount. On trade, the European Union's taken, really, they have really taken advantage of us for a long time," he added. 
&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged US President Trump to "clarify his position" regarding the European Union, repeatedly the target of the US president's barbs.

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged US President Trump to "clarify his position" regarding the European Union, repeatedly the target of the US president's barbs. "What is certain is that we have some ambiguities, especially when you look at Trump's position regarding Brexit, and the fact that he promotes a hard Brexit," Macron told the New Yorker magazine an interview published Monday. "I think he has to clarify his position vis-à-vis Europe," he said. The interview was held against the backdrop of recent European elections in which Macron's centrist party, Republic on the Move, finished a close second to Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally. "What is new at the European scale is that the rise of extremism, especially coming from the far right, is everywhere," Macron said when asked about the outcome. "A few months ago, a lot of people thought that this new coalition of the far right could have a majority or could block any majority at the European Parliament, which didn't happen," he said. "This is, for me, one of the positive outcomes of these elections, even if they were very much helped by foreign influences." Asked if he included Trump among those foreign influences, Macron said, "No, because I don't totally assimilate Trump and Bannon." Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist, has been actively attempting to form a nationalist alliance in Europe, and Macron recently accused him of seeking "the dismantlement of Europe." In an interview with NBC that aired over the weekend, the US president was asked about European efforts to keep alive the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Trump pulled the US out of last year. "I don't care about the Europeans," Trump said. "The Europeans are going out and making a lot of money. The Europeans are fine." "And let me tell you, we're very good to Europe. We take care of them. NATO, we spend a tremendous amount, a disproportionate amount. On trade, the European Union's taken, really, they have really taken advantage of us for a long time," he added.

Trump promotes hard Brexit, must clarify his position on Europe: Macron

Conservative candidate Jeremy Hunt,52, who is running for the prime minister's post against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-under-pressure-to-explain-domestic-row-229723"> fellow partyman Boris Johnson</a> said today that he would accept a "no deal" Brexit with a heavy heart as it would impact jobs, businesses and will be a risk to unions.

During an interview with a British television channel, Hunt who finished second in the Conservative party ballot for prime ministership, ahead of his much hyped final clash with Johonson next month, said: "I would say I've been very clear I would leave the European Union if no deal was on the table and there was no prospect of a better deal that could get through Parliament. I would do it with a heavy heart because of the impact on jobs, on businesses, the risks to the union."

Boris Johnson who led the ballot last week had clearly said he would leave the European Union without a deal on October 31 if no deal was struck by then.

"In the end, we must do what the country voted for because we are a very old very respected democracy," Hunt told the television channel.

With just two weeks to go before Conservative party workers decide on the candidate, Hunt added that he would continue to "negotiate" until Britain exits the European Union. "Boris needs to answer what he would do in that situation," he retorted.

Hunt had earlier called Johnson a "coward" over his refusal to go for a head-to-head to debate on Brexit. The UK foreign secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">had garnered 77 votes</a> in the final ballot last week to finish behind Boris Johnson who won an overwhelming 160 votes. Hunt edged out Michael Gove who won 75 votes.

Hunt was quick to point out during the interview&nbsp;that if the Brexit moves&nbsp;were not&nbsp;carried out&nbsp;properly then Britain could "trip into a general election, Jeremy Corbyn will become prime minister and then we'll have no Brexit at all."

Hunt favoured sending someone from Britain who "doesn't blink", while adding that the person should be "someone who is able to negotiate, someone that they(EU) trust."

Conservative candidate Jeremy Hunt,52, who is running for the prime minister's post against fellow partyman Boris Johnson said today that he would accept a "no deal" Brexit with a heavy heart as it would impact jobs, businesses and will be a risk to unions.

Conservative candidate Jeremy Hunt,52, who is running for the prime minister's post against fellow partyman Boris Johnson said today that he would accept a "no deal" Brexit with a heavy heart as it would impact jobs, businesses and will be a risk to unions. During an interview with a British television channel, Hunt who finished second in the Conservative party ballot for prime ministership, ahead of his much hyped final clash with Johonson next month, said: "I would say I've been very clear I would leave the European Union if no deal was on the table and there was no prospect of a better deal that could get through Parliament. I would do it with a heavy heart because of the impact on jobs, on businesses, the risks to the union." Boris Johnson who led the ballot last week had clearly said he would leave the European Union without a deal on October 31 if no deal was struck by then. "In the end, we must do what the country voted for because we are a very old very respected democracy," Hunt told the television channel. With just two weeks to go before Conservative party workers decide on the candidate, Hunt added that he would continue to "negotiate" until Britain exits the European Union. "Boris needs to answer what he would do in that situation," he retorted. Hunt had earlier called Johnson a "coward" over his refusal to go for a head-to-head to debate on Brexit. The UK foreign secretary had garnered 77 votes in the final ballot last week to finish behind Boris Johnson who won an overwhelming 160 votes. Hunt edged out Michael Gove who won 75 votes. Hunt was quick to point out during the interview that if the Brexit moves were not carried out properly then Britain could "trip into a general election, Jeremy Corbyn will become prime minister and then we'll have no Brexit at all." Hunt favoured sending someone from Britain who "doesn't blink", while adding that the person should be "someone who is able to negotiate, someone that they(EU) trust."

In 'no deal' Brexit, I would leave EU with a heavy heart: Jeremy Hunt

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">Jeremy Hunt</a>, one of the two people vying to replace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-step-down-before-next-phase-of-brexit-negotiations-pm-theresa-may-to-mps-206112">British Prime Minister Theresa May</a>, said on Monday that rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/british-pm-race-top-horse-boris-johnson-faces-court-hearing-for-brexit-lies-222520">Boris Johnson</a> was a coward for avoiding public head-to-head debates on Brexit.

"On the question of debates, he is being a coward," Foreign Secretary Hunt said. "It is cowardice not to appear in head-to-head debates."

Hunt, 52, said it was disrespectful for Johnson to have turned down the opportunity for a televised head-to-head debate on Sky television.&nbsp;

"People need to know what you`re going to do and you need to answer those questions," Hunt said. "I promise Boris Johnson the fight of his life and he`s going to have that and he`s going to lose."

Early on Friday, police were called to Johnson`s home after neighbours heard a loud altercation between him and his girlfriend. Johnson has refused to explain the incident. Police said there was no cause for police action.

Hunt said the personal life of Johnson was irrelevant but that the candidates should explain their Brexit positions - and specifically, what would a new leader do if lawmakers tried to sink a new government heading towards a no-deal Brexit.

When asked the naughtiest thing he had ever done, Hunt said: "When I was backpacking through India, I once had a Bhang Lassi which is a kind of cannabis lassi - that`s the naughtiest thing I am prepared to confess to on this programme."

Jeremy Hunt, one of the two people vying to replace British Prime Minister Theresa May, said on Monday that rival Boris Johnson was a coward for avoiding public head-to-head debates on Brexit.

Jeremy Hunt, one of the two people vying to replace British Prime Minister Theresa May, said on Monday that rival Boris Johnson was a coward for avoiding public head-to-head debates on Brexit. "On the question of debates, he is being a coward," Foreign Secretary Hunt said. "It is cowardice not to appear in head-to-head debates." Hunt, 52, said it was disrespectful for Johnson to have turned down the opportunity for a televised head-to-head debate on Sky television. "People need to know what you`re going to do and you need to answer those questions," Hunt said. "I promise Boris Johnson the fight of his life and he`s going to have that and he`s going to lose." Early on Friday, police were called to Johnson`s home after neighbours heard a loud altercation between him and his girlfriend. Johnson has refused to explain the incident. Police said there was no cause for police action. Hunt said the personal life of Johnson was irrelevant but that the candidates should explain their Brexit positions - and specifically, what would a new leader do if lawmakers tried to sink a new government heading towards a no-deal Brexit. When asked the naughtiest thing he had ever done, Hunt said: "When I was backpacking through India, I once had a Bhang Lassi which is a kind of cannabis lassi - that`s the naughtiest thing I am prepared to confess to on this programme."

United Kingdom's Prime Minister candidate Hunt: 'Boris Johnson is a coward for avoiding debate'

Britain's leadership contest starts a month-long nationwide tour on Saturday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt</a> each seek to win over grassroots Conservatives in their bid to become prime minister.

After five rounds of secret voting by MPs in the governing Conservative Party, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-wins-fourth-ballot-sajid-javed-eliminated-228981">former London mayor Johnson</a> and Foreign Secretary Hunt are the two final contenders out of an original field of 13 hopefuls.

The main task of runaway favourite Johnson will now be to avoid making any major blunders while out on the campaign trail, while Hunt will need to pull off a huge upset if he is to win.&nbsp;

Whoever takes the Tory party leadership in the week beginning July 22 and therefore becomes prime minister will then face the looming Brexit deadline of October 31.&nbsp;

The battle is likely to feature pledges from both contenders to get Britain out of the European Union safely and in one piece, succeeding where outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May repeatedly failed.

But the race might ultimately turn into a popularity contest between Johnson, pugnacious but affable with a tendency for gaffes and the more diplomatic and low-key Hunt.

"Mr. Johnson may stumble. His challenger must attack. It's an outside chance. But there's no other way," The Times newspaper columnist Matthew Parris wrote.

"A challenger will never win on policy," said the former Conservative MP.

&nbsp;Fearing Farage&nbsp;

The 160,000 or so paid-up Conservative members who select the center-right party's next leader are generally older and whiter than the majority of Britain's 66 million citizens.

According to commentator Parris, the group comprises "classic shire Tories", as well as poorer urban workers who are anti-European and more populist in their views.

"Finally, you have young Conservatives, including students. They are predominantly men and boys," Parris wrote.

They might be tempted to veer to the right following the drubbing the Conservatives suffered in last month's European Parliament elections at the hands of Nigel Farage's newly-formed Brexit Party.

Farage and Johnson were the two main promoters of "Leave" in the 2016 EU membership referendum that unleashed the Brexit chaos which May's successor must settle.

The political deadlock might yet have to be broken by a snap general election and Johnson is widely viewed as the one Conservative who can stand up to Farage in a battle of Brexit diehards.

A poll for The Daily Telegraph the paper for which Johnson writes a column showed six out of 10 Brexit Party backers jumping over to the Conservatives should the man known simply as Boris take charge.

The same survey showed the Conservatives losing yet more voters to Farage under Hunt's leadership.

Hunt and Johnson will appear Saturday in Birmingham, central England, for the first of 16 "hustings", &nbsp;occasionally rowdy events where candidates field audience questions three days before the third anniversary of the Brexit vote.

Impossible Brexit promises&nbsp;

But also seeking answers will be the 27 EU leaders who signed the divorce deal May failed three times to ram through parliament.

Both Johnson and Hunt have vowed to get better terms from Brussels or walk away without any strings attached.

It is a game of brinkmanship designed to stoke European fears of mutual economic destruction should the sides break up without a plan for future trade.

There have been few signs that it will ever work.

"Maybe the process of Brexit will be even more exciting than before because of some personnel decisions in London, but nothing has changed when it comes to our position," European Council President Donald Tusk said.

Johnson is also coming under attack from British economic policy-makers for post-Brexit promises they think are impossible to meet.

Bank of England Governor Mark Carney on Thursday took apart Johnson's claim that a "no-deal Brexit" could see Britain keep its current European trade arrangement under World Trade Organization rules.

Carney noted that the EU bloc would have to lower tariffs to the rest of the world under such an arrangement.

"We should be clear that no deal means no deal," Carney said.

Britain's leadership contest starts a month-long nationwide tour on Saturday as Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt each seek to win over grassroots Conservatives in their bid to become prime minister.

Britain's leadership contest starts a month-long nationwide tour on Saturday as Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt each seek to win over grassroots Conservatives in their bid to become prime minister. After five rounds of secret voting by MPs in the governing Conservative Party, former London mayor Johnson and Foreign Secretary Hunt are the two final contenders out of an original field of 13 hopefuls. The main task of runaway favourite Johnson will now be to avoid making any major blunders while out on the campaign trail, while Hunt will need to pull off a huge upset if he is to win. Whoever takes the Tory party leadership in the week beginning July 22 and therefore becomes prime minister will then face the looming Brexit deadline of October 31. The battle is likely to feature pledges from both contenders to get Britain out of the European Union safely and in one piece, succeeding where outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May repeatedly failed. But the race might ultimately turn into a popularity contest between Johnson, pugnacious but affable with a tendency for gaffes and the more diplomatic and low-key Hunt. "Mr. Johnson may stumble. His challenger must attack. It's an outside chance. But there's no other way," The Times newspaper columnist Matthew Parris wrote. "A challenger will never win on policy," said the former Conservative MP. Fearing Farage The 160,000 or so paid-up Conservative members who select the center-right party's next leader are generally older and whiter than the majority of Britain's 66 million citizens. According to commentator Parris, the group comprises "classic shire Tories", as well as poorer urban workers who are anti-European and more populist in their views. "Finally, you have young Conservatives, including students. They are predominantly men and boys," Parris wrote. They might be tempted to veer to the right following the drubbing the Conservatives suffered in last month's European Parliament elections at the hands of Nigel Farage's newly-formed Brexit Party. Farage and Johnson were the two main promoters of "Leave" in the 2016 EU membership referendum that unleashed the Brexit chaos which May's successor must settle. The political deadlock might yet have to be broken by a snap general election and Johnson is widely viewed as the one Conservative who can stand up to Farage in a battle of Brexit diehards. A poll for The Daily Telegraph the paper for which Johnson writes a column showed six out of 10 Brexit Party backers jumping over to the Conservatives should the man known simply as Boris take charge. The same survey showed the Conservatives losing yet more voters to Farage under Hunt's leadership. Hunt and Johnson will appear Saturday in Birmingham, central England, for the first of 16 "hustings", occasionally rowdy events where candidates field audience questions three days before the third anniversary of the Brexit vote. Impossible Brexit promises But also seeking answers will be the 27 EU leaders who signed the divorce deal May failed three times to ram through parliament. Both Johnson and Hunt have vowed to get better terms from Brussels or walk away without any strings attached. It is a game of brinkmanship designed to stoke European fears of mutual economic destruction should the sides break up without a plan for future trade. There have been few signs that it will ever work. "Maybe the process of Brexit will be even more exciting than before because of some personnel decisions in London, but nothing has changed when it comes to our position," European Council President Donald Tusk said. Johnson is also coming under attack from British economic policy-makers for post-Brexit promises they think are impossible to meet. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney on Thursday took apart Johnson's claim that a "no-deal Brexit" could see Britain keep its current European trade arrangement under World Trade Organization rules. Carney noted that the EU bloc would have to lower tariffs to the rest of the world under such an arrangement. "We should be clear that no deal means no deal," Carney said.

United Kingdom leadership race finalists woo Tory grassroots

The EU's top leaders Friday fired a Brexit warning to whoever wins the battle to become the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-jeremy-hunt-to-contest-conservative-leadership-michael-gove-eliminated-in-final-ballot-229043">next British prime minister</a>, saying the existing divorce deal could not be changed.

Hot favourite Boris Johnson will face foreign minister Jeremy Hunt in a run-off vote to decide who takes on the tricky task of piloting the country's departure from the EU.

Both say they want to renegotiate the deal that outgoing PM Theresa May struck with Brussels after two years of painful negotiation, a deal which British lawmakers have rejected three times.

European Council President Donald Tusk said the bloc would remain "very precise and also patient" despite the high political drama unfolding in Westminster.

"Maybe the process of Brexit will be even more exciting than before because of some personal decisions in London but nothing has changed when it comes to our position," Tusk told reporters after a summit of EU leaders in Brussels.

The former Polish premier said that all remaining 27 EU leaders were adamant there could be no changes to the near 600-page legal accord struck in November last year.

"We look forward to working together with the next UK prime minister," Tusk said.

"We are open for talks when it comes to the declaration on the future UK-EU relations if the position of the UK were to evolve, but the withdrawal agreement is not open for renegotiation."

Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commission, which led Brexit talks for the EU side, said there was nothing to add because leaders "repeated unanimously there will be no renegotiation of the withdrawal agreement".

Brexit has been delayed twice already and both Hunt and Johnson say Britain should leave the bloc on the current deadline date of October 31 -- even if it means walking away with no deal.

But Hunt has suggested he might delay Brexit briefly if a deal with Brussels was close, and Johnson has refused to absolutely guarantee leaving on October 31.

Patience across the Channel is wearing thin, with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar warning at the Brussels summit on Thursday of "enormous hostility" in the EU to granting Britain yet another delay.

The EU's top leaders Friday fired a Brexit warning to whoever wins the battle to become the next British prime minister, saying the existing divorce deal could not be changed.

The EU's top leaders Friday fired a Brexit warning to whoever wins the battle to become the next British prime minister, saying the existing divorce deal could not be changed. Hot favourite Boris Johnson will face foreign minister Jeremy Hunt in a run-off vote to decide who takes on the tricky task of piloting the country's departure from the EU. Both say they want to renegotiate the deal that outgoing PM Theresa May struck with Brussels after two years of painful negotiation, a deal which British lawmakers have rejected three times. European Council President Donald Tusk said the bloc would remain "very precise and also patient" despite the high political drama unfolding in Westminster. "Maybe the process of Brexit will be even more exciting than before because of some personal decisions in London but nothing has changed when it comes to our position," Tusk told reporters after a summit of EU leaders in Brussels. The former Polish premier said that all remaining 27 EU leaders were adamant there could be no changes to the near 600-page legal accord struck in November last year. "We look forward to working together with the next UK prime minister," Tusk said. "We are open for talks when it comes to the declaration on the future UK-EU relations if the position of the UK were to evolve, but the withdrawal agreement is not open for renegotiation." Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commission, which led Brexit talks for the EU side, said there was nothing to add because leaders "repeated unanimously there will be no renegotiation of the withdrawal agreement". Brexit has been delayed twice already and both Hunt and Johnson say Britain should leave the bloc on the current deadline date of October 31 -- even if it means walking away with no deal. But Hunt has suggested he might delay Brexit briefly if a deal with Brussels was close, and Johnson has refused to absolutely guarantee leaving on October 31. Patience across the Channel is wearing thin, with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar warning at the Brussels summit on Thursday of "enormous hostility" in the EU to granting Britain yet another delay.

Brexit withdrawal agreement not open for renegotiation: EU

The British Conservative Party today picked foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to take on Boris Johnson for the post of prime minister while eliminating MP Michael Gove in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-wins-fourth-ballot-sajid-javed-eliminated-228981">fifth and final ballot </a>on Thursday evening.

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I'm the underdog - but in politics surprises happen as they did today. I do not doubt the responsibility on my shoulders - to show my party how we deliver Brexit and not an election, but also a turbo-charged economy and a country that walks tall in the world
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Gove who had won 61 votes to edge out Hunt who managed 59 votes in the fourth ballot held earlier in the day saw his fortunes dip in the final ballot falling short by two votes winning 75 to Hunt's final tally of 77 votes.

Former London Mayor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-consolidates-lead-in-third-ballot-rory-stewart-eliminated-228801">Boris Johnson</a> who has been the frontrunner in all five ballots extended his lead to win&nbsp;160 votes after having bagged 157 Conservative votes earlier.

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Count me in! Really looking forward to a debate of ideas with my colleague <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeremy_Hunt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jeremy_Hunt</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/ITV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ITV</a> <a href="https://t.co/F1TqYHoVKQ">https://t.co/F1TqYHoVKQ</a>
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Earlier on Thursday, Sajid Javid was eliminated after he managed the least number of votes(34) as the race for next prime minister of Britain entered a decisive stage.

The prime ministerial candidate will be picked next month through a ballot by 160,000 Conservative Party members.

The final two candidates will face 16 hustings meetings around the UK and two televised debates before Tory party members will pick their leader to head the country. 
&nbsp;

The British Conservative Party today picked foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to take on Boris Johnson for the post of prime minister while eliminating MP Michael Gove in the fifth and final ballot on Thursday evening.

The British Conservative Party today picked foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to take on Boris Johnson for the post of prime minister while eliminating MP Michael Gove in the fifth and final ballot on Thursday evening. I'm the underdog - but in politics surprises happen as they did today. I do not doubt the responsibility on my shoulders - to show my party how we deliver Brexit and not an election, but also a turbo-charged economy and a country that walks tall in the world — Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) June 20, 2019 × Gove who had won 61 votes to edge out Hunt who managed 59 votes in the fourth ballot held earlier in the day saw his fortunes dip in the final ballot falling short by two votes winning 75 to Hunt's final tally of 77 votes. Former London Mayor Boris Johnson who has been the frontrunner in all five ballots extended his lead to win 160 votes after having bagged 157 Conservative votes earlier. Count me in! Really looking forward to a debate of ideas with my colleague @Jeremy_Hunt on @ITV https://t.co/F1TqYHoVKQ — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 20, 2019 × Earlier on Thursday, Sajid Javid was eliminated after he managed the least number of votes(34) as the race for next prime minister of Britain entered a decisive stage. The prime ministerial candidate will be picked next month through a ballot by 160,000 Conservative Party members. The final two candidates will face 16 hustings meetings around the UK and two televised debates before Tory party members will pick their leader to head the country.

UK PM race: Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt to contest Conservative leadership; Michael Gove eliminated in final ballot

British Conservative Party MPs today voted out Sajid Javid in the fourth ballot while voting heavily <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-consolidates-lead-in-third-ballot-rory-stewart-eliminated-228801">in favour of Boris Johnson </a>in the race for next prime minister of United Kingdom.

Johnson who had won the third ballot on Wednesday bagging 143 votes, went further ahead today getting 157 votes from British MPs. MP Michael Gove won 61 votes while British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt grabbed 59 votes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-tops-second-ballot-ex-brexit-minister-dominic-raab-eliminated-228505">Sajid Javid was eliminated </a>after he managed the least number of votes(34) as the race for next prime minister of Britain entered a decisive stage.

After Javid's elimination, one more candidate needs to withdraw otherwise MPs will vote again between 3:30pm and 5:30pm today (1430 GMT and 1630 GMT) to whittle the field down to two.

The prime ministerial candidate will be picked next month through a ballot by 160,000 Conservative Party members.

The final two candidates will face 16 hustings meetings around the UK and two televised debates before Tory party members will pick their leader to head the country.

British Conservative Party MPs today voted out Sajid Javid in the fourth ballot while voting heavily in favour of Boris Johnson in the race for next prime minister of United Kingdom.

British Conservative Party MPs today voted out Sajid Javid in the fourth ballot while voting heavily in favour of Boris Johnson in the race for next prime minister of United Kingdom. Johnson who had won the third ballot on Wednesday bagging 143 votes, went further ahead today getting 157 votes from British MPs. MP Michael Gove won 61 votes while British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt grabbed 59 votes. Sajid Javid was eliminated after he managed the least number of votes(34) as the race for next prime minister of Britain entered a decisive stage. After Javid's elimination, one more candidate needs to withdraw otherwise MPs will vote again between 3:30pm and 5:30pm today (1430 GMT and 1630 GMT) to whittle the field down to two. The prime ministerial candidate will be picked next month through a ballot by 160,000 Conservative Party members. The final two candidates will face 16 hustings meetings around the UK and two televised debates before Tory party members will pick their leader to head the country.

UK PM race: Boris Johnson wins fourth ballot, Sajid Javed eliminated

Conservative MPs began voting on Thursday to finally decide who will join <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-consolidates-lead-in-third-ballot-rory-stewart-eliminated-228801">Boris Johnson in the final two</a> battling to become Britain's next prime minister, with three contenders jostling for the second spot.

Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, environment secretary Michael Gove and interior minister Sajid Javid are vying to join Johnson on the ballot paper to be put before 160,000 Conservative Party members.

Two rounds of voting are scheduled to whittle the four down to two,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-delighted-to-win-first-round-of-race-for-british-prime-minister-226898"> though Johnson, barring a spectacular</a> collapse in support, already has more than enough backing to ensure he cruises through.

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The last two will then face 16 hustings meetings around the country and two televised debates before Tory party members send in their postal votes to pick a new leader.

The winner will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister.

In Wednesday's third ballot of 313 MPs in the governing, centre-right Conservative Party, former foreign secretary Johnson came first with 143 votes, ahead of Hunt on 54, Gove on 51 and Javid on 38.

International development minister Rory Stewart was eliminated with 27 votes.

Thursday's fourth ballot to whittle them down to three opened at 10am (0900 GMT), with the result to be declared at 1pm.&nbsp;

If no candidate then chooses to withdraw, MPs are scheduled to vote again between 3:30pm and 5:30pm (1430 GMT and 1630 GMT).

Thursday's double round of voting will see candidates frantically scrambling for their colleagues' support -- and arm-twisting galore.

Before Wednesday's vote, Stewart said he had been speaking to Gove about potentially joining forces.

Hunt has come second to former London mayor Johnson in the first three rounds and pledged: "If I make it to the final I will put my heart and soul into giving him the contest of his life."

Gove said: "I'm determined to make this a contest of ideas."

Home Secretary Javid was upbeat, saying: "We can do this!"

Former interior minister Amber Rudd on Thursday called on Johnson to denounce reports that some of his supporters were lending their support to other candidates in order to get his less favoured rivals eliminated.

"This is a serious moment," she told BBC Radio. "We don't need that sort of game playing going on in parliament."

His supporters were reported by the Daily Telegraph to be plotting to eliminate Gove in revenge for bringing down Johnson's previous bid to become prime minister in 2016.&nbsp;

Bookmakers say Johnson has a 10 in 11 chance of becoming the next Conservative leader.

May stepped down as Conservative leader earlier this month over her failure to deliver Brexit on time, although she remains prime minister until her successor is chosen.

MPs rejected the divorce deal she struck with Brussels three times, shredding her authority.

May has not revealed who she has voted for. She has repeatedly told journalists "none of your business!" after voting and said she had not even told her husband.

Finance minister Philip Hammond has also kept mum on who he is backing.

All four candidates say they will threaten to leave the EU with "no deal" in a bid to change the withdrawal agreement text, which Brussels has so far said will not be reopened.

Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte told BBC Radio on Thursday that a no deal Brexit would leave Britain "a different country.

"It will be a diminished country. It is unavoidable," he warned.

Johnson and Javid insist Britain must leave on the twice-delayed October 31 exit date, while Hunt and Gove are prepared to delay further if a divorce deal with Brussels seems close.

In his annual Mansion House speech to London banking bigwigs, Chancellor of the Exchequer Hammond will say he cannot imagine any Conservative government "actively pursuing a no-deal Brexit".

According to his Treasury ministry, he will say it would risk breaking up the United Kingdom, Britain's economic prosperity and triggering a general election that could put Jeremy Corbyn, the main opposition Labour Party's left-wing leader, into Downing Street.

Conservative MPs began voting on Thursday to finally decide who will join Boris Johnson in the final two battling to become Britain's next prime minister, with three contenders jostling for the second spot.

Conservative MPs began voting on Thursday to finally decide who will join Boris Johnson in the final two battling to become Britain's next prime minister, with three contenders jostling for the second spot. Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, environment secretary Michael Gove and interior minister Sajid Javid are vying to join Johnson on the ballot paper to be put before 160,000 Conservative Party members. Two rounds of voting are scheduled to whittle the four down to two, though Johnson, barring a spectacular collapse in support, already has more than enough backing to ensure he cruises through. The last two will then face 16 hustings meetings around the country and two televised debates before Tory party members send in their postal votes to pick a new leader. The winner will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister. In Wednesday's third ballot of 313 MPs in the governing, centre-right Conservative Party, former foreign secretary Johnson came first with 143 votes, ahead of Hunt on 54, Gove on 51 and Javid on 38. International development minister Rory Stewart was eliminated with 27 votes. Thursday's fourth ballot to whittle them down to three opened at 10am (0900 GMT), with the result to be declared at 1pm. If no candidate then chooses to withdraw, MPs are scheduled to vote again between 3:30pm and 5:30pm (1430 GMT and 1630 GMT). Thursday's double round of voting will see candidates frantically scrambling for their colleagues' support -- and arm-twisting galore. Before Wednesday's vote, Stewart said he had been speaking to Gove about potentially joining forces. Hunt has come second to former London mayor Johnson in the first three rounds and pledged: "If I make it to the final I will put my heart and soul into giving him the contest of his life." Gove said: "I'm determined to make this a contest of ideas." Home Secretary Javid was upbeat, saying: "We can do this!" Former interior minister Amber Rudd on Thursday called on Johnson to denounce reports that some of his supporters were lending their support to other candidates in order to get his less favoured rivals eliminated. "This is a serious moment," she told BBC Radio. "We don't need that sort of game playing going on in parliament." His supporters were reported by the Daily Telegraph to be plotting to eliminate Gove in revenge for bringing down Johnson's previous bid to become prime minister in 2016. Bookmakers say Johnson has a 10 in 11 chance of becoming the next Conservative leader. May stepped down as Conservative leader earlier this month over her failure to deliver Brexit on time, although she remains prime minister until her successor is chosen. MPs rejected the divorce deal she struck with Brussels three times, shredding her authority. May has not revealed who she has voted for. She has repeatedly told journalists "none of your business!" after voting and said she had not even told her husband. Finance minister Philip Hammond has also kept mum on who he is backing. All four candidates say they will threaten to leave the EU with "no deal" in a bid to change the withdrawal agreement text, which Brussels has so far said will not be reopened. Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte told BBC Radio on Thursday that a no deal Brexit would leave Britain "a different country. "It will be a diminished country. It is unavoidable," he warned. Johnson and Javid insist Britain must leave on the twice-delayed October 31 exit date, while Hunt and Gove are prepared to delay further if a divorce deal with Brussels seems close. In his annual Mansion House speech to London banking bigwigs, Chancellor of the Exchequer Hammond will say he cannot imagine any Conservative government "actively pursuing a no-deal Brexit". According to his Treasury ministry, he will say it would risk breaking up the United Kingdom, Britain's economic prosperity and triggering a general election that could put Jeremy Corbyn, the main opposition Labour Party's left-wing leader, into Downing Street.

UK PM race: Conservative MPs begin voting to pick candidate to join Boris Johnson

Britain's ruling Conservative Party on Wednesday&nbsp;voted overwhelmingly&nbsp;for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-must-leave-european-union-by-october-31-or-pay-the-price-boris-johnson-228539">Boris Johnson in the third ballot</a>&nbsp;eliminating another rival MP Rory Stewart in the race for&nbsp;UK's next prime minister.

Johnson who was&nbsp;the frontrunner in the previous two ballots won 143 votes, followed by British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt who won 54 votes, Michael Gove winning 51 votes and London Mayor&nbsp;Sadiq Khan getting 38 votes.

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Thank you once again to friends and colleagues for your support in the third ballot - especially on my birthday! We’ve come a long way but we have much further to go. 
 
Join the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackBoris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackBoris</a> team 👉 <a href="https://t.co/tGRXu94CmT">https://t.co/tGRXu94CmT</a> <a href="https://t.co/p5ImzGTKDf">pic.twitter.com/p5ImzGTKDf</a>
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International Development Secretary Rory Stewart who was eliminated in the race won 27 votes.

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I am so moved &amp; inspired by the support I have received over the last few weeks - it has given me a new faith in politics, a new belief in our country. I didn’t get enough MPs to believe today - but they will 🙂 I remain deeply committed to you and to this country. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoryWalksOn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoryWalksOn</a>
— Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoryStewartUK/status/1141391952887320576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ex-minister Dominic Raab was knocked out in the second ballot on Tuesday.

He won 30 votes short of the 33-vote threshold needed to stay in the race. Johnson had got 126 votes to lead the race. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt came second in the previous round, with 46 votes.

Raab later backed Johnson declaring that he was the only candidate who would deliver Brexit by October 31.

Britain's ruling Conservative Party on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly for Boris Johnson in the third ballot eliminating another rival MP Rory Stewart in the race for UK's next prime minister.

Britain's ruling Conservative Party on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly for Boris Johnson in the third ballot eliminating another rival MP Rory Stewart in the race for UK's next prime minister. Johnson who was the frontrunner in the previous two ballots won 143 votes, followed by British foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt who won 54 votes, Michael Gove winning 51 votes and London Mayor Sadiq Khan getting 38 votes. Thank you once again to friends and colleagues for your support in the third ballot - especially on my birthday! We’ve come a long way but we have much further to go. Join the #BackBoris team 👉 https://t.co/tGRXu94CmT pic.twitter.com/p5ImzGTKDf — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 19, 2019 × International Development Secretary Rory Stewart who was eliminated in the race won 27 votes. I am so moved & inspired by the support I have received over the last few weeks - it has given me a new faith in politics, a new belief in our country. I didn’t get enough MPs to believe today - but they will 🙂 I remain deeply committed to you and to this country. #RoryWalksOn — Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) June 19, 2019 × Ex-minister Dominic Raab was knocked out in the second ballot on Tuesday. He won 30 votes short of the 33-vote threshold needed to stay in the race. Johnson had got 126 votes to lead the race. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt came second in the previous round, with 46 votes. Raab later backed Johnson declaring that he was the only candidate who would deliver Brexit by October 31.

UK PM race: Boris Johnson consolidates lead in third ballot, Rory Stewart eliminated

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-fends-off-dwindling-british-pm-rivals-in-tv-debate-228529">Britain's prime minister,</a> repeated his pledge on Tuesday that he would take the United Kingdom out of the European Union by October 31, saying otherwise the government would face a catastrophic loss in trust.

"We must come out on the 31 October because, otherwise I am afraid we face a catastrophic loss in politics," Johnson said in a televised debate with the other four remaining candidates seeking to be Britain's next leader.

"Unless we do it, unless we get out on October 31 I think we will all start to pay a really serious price."

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's prime minister, repeated his pledge on Tuesday that he would take the United Kingdom out of the European Union by October 31, saying otherwise the government would face a catastrophic loss in trust.

Boris Johnson, the frontrunner to be Britain's prime minister, repeated his pledge on Tuesday that he would take the United Kingdom out of the European Union by October 31, saying otherwise the government would face a catastrophic loss in trust. "We must come out on the 31 October because, otherwise I am afraid we face a catastrophic loss in politics," Johnson said in a televised debate with the other four remaining candidates seeking to be Britain's next leader. "Unless we do it, unless we get out on October 31 I think we will all start to pay a really serious price."

Britain must leave European Union by October 31 or pay the price: Boris Johnson

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-race-boris-johnson-tops-second-ballot-ex-brexit-minister-dominic-raab-eliminated-228505">Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson </a>said Tuesday that Britain "must come out" of the EU by the new October deadline as he fended off his four remaining UK <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-ministerial-rivals-clash-over-brexit-strategy-227842">leadership race rivals in his first TV debate</a>.

The former foreign minister kept his cool and made no evident stumbles after seeing his advantage grow in a second-round ballot held earlier Tuesday by lawmakers from the ruling Conservatives in the lower House of Commons.

Johnson had ducked out of the first TV showdown on Sunday and has carefully stage-managed his media engagements in a contest that remains his to lose.

He cast himself on Tuesday as the one politician able to bring Britain successfully out of the European Union and therefore deliver the Brexit that UK voters called for three years ago.

"We must come out on October 31 because otherwise I'm afraid we face a catastrophic loss of confidence in politics," said Johnson in the hour-long BBC television question-and-answer session with voters.

"I think the British people are thoroughly fed up."

But neither he nor the other contenders raised their hands when asked by the BBC to do so if they could "guarantee" that Brexit will happen by October 31.

Frantic search for leader

The surprisingly even-tempered debate did little to alter a growing sense that Johnson would need to make an error of monumental proportions to lose at this stage.

The Guardian newspaper called Johnson's performance "sober and sensible".

Brexit Claims Another PM: May Steps Down

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"Still the clear front-runner, still almost certainly the next PM," it wrote.

Johnson picked up 126 of the 313 Conservative MPs' votes cast Tuesday while hardline former Brexit minister Dominic Raab got knocked out after falling three short of 33-vote threshold.

Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt wo 46 votes and environment minister Michael Gove 41.

Moderate international development minister Rory Stewart continued his against-the-odds challenge by expanding his support base from last week's 19 to 37.

Interior minister Sajid Javid scraped through to the next round of coting with exactly 33.

Britain is frantically searching for a leader after Prime Minister Theresa May stepped down last month over her repeated failure to deliver Brexit on time.

Her successor will be saddled with both resolving Britain deepest political crisis in generations and setting the terms of how it deals with the rest of Europe for decades to come.

Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two.

The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner, who will become the next prime minister.

'Not credible'

Johnson's lead is so substantial that some UK media say the others are simply fighting for a good spot in his future government.

Stewart fired the most direct barbs at Johnson on Tuesday by arguing that "no-deal \(Brexit) is not a credible threat".

Both Hunt and Gove repeated that a further delay may be required if a Brexit deal was within reach.

"If we were nearly there, then I would take a bit longer," Hunt said.

Gove said that he would also allow "extra time" if a solution was in sight.

But Javid said it was "fundamental" to get out of the EU by the new October deadline no matter what.

"We have got to learn from our mistakes," said Javid.

UK politicians are split between ardent eurosceptics who would prefer to see Britain leave without any strings attached to the bloc.

Moderate &nbsp;Brexit backers want some sort of deal that preserves established economic links between the ancient trading partners.

Johnson has warned throughout that he is prepared to get Britain out of the European Union without an agreement -- as long as it is done by the October 31 deadline.

But he has also called this tough talk a negotiating tactic designed to scare Brussels and force it to compromise on the nagging issue of status of Irish border.

EU leaders have long ruled out re-opening the binding part of the agreement they all signed with May last year.

Only Stewart is openly trying to salvage May's deal in the hope of pushing it through Britain's splintered parliament at the fourth attempt.

The Daily Telegraph suggested that Stewart and Johnson had moved closer to a face-to-face showdown "after emerging as the big winners" from Tuesday's vote and debate.

Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson said Tuesday that Britain "must come out" of the EU by the new October deadline as he fended off his four remaining UK leadership race rivals in his first TV debate.

Brexit figurehead Boris Johnson said Tuesday that Britain "must come out" of the EU by the new October deadline as he fended off his four remaining UK leadership race rivals in his first TV debate. The former foreign minister kept his cool and made no evident stumbles after seeing his advantage grow in a second-round ballot held earlier Tuesday by lawmakers from the ruling Conservatives in the lower House of Commons. Johnson had ducked out of the first TV showdown on Sunday and has carefully stage-managed his media engagements in a contest that remains his to lose. He cast himself on Tuesday as the one politician able to bring Britain successfully out of the European Union and therefore deliver the Brexit that UK voters called for three years ago. "We must come out on October 31 because otherwise I'm afraid we face a catastrophic loss of confidence in politics," said Johnson in the hour-long BBC television question-and-answer session with voters. "I think the British people are thoroughly fed up." But neither he nor the other contenders raised their hands when asked by the BBC to do so if they could "guarantee" that Brexit will happen by October 31. Frantic search for leader The surprisingly even-tempered debate did little to alter a growing sense that Johnson would need to make an error of monumental proportions to lose at this stage. The Guardian newspaper called Johnson's performance "sober and sensible". Brexit Claims Another PM: May Steps Down "Still the clear front-runner, still almost certainly the next PM," it wrote. Johnson picked up 126 of the 313 Conservative MPs' votes cast Tuesday while hardline former Brexit minister Dominic Raab got knocked out after falling three short of 33-vote threshold. Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt wo 46 votes and environment minister Michael Gove 41. Moderate international development minister Rory Stewart continued his against-the-odds challenge by expanding his support base from last week's 19 to 37. Interior minister Sajid Javid scraped through to the next round of coting with exactly 33. Britain is frantically searching for a leader after Prime Minister Theresa May stepped down last month over her repeated failure to deliver Brexit on time. Her successor will be saddled with both resolving Britain deepest political crisis in generations and setting the terms of how it deals with the rest of Europe for decades to come. Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two. The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner, who will become the next prime minister. 'Not credible' Johnson's lead is so substantial that some UK media say the others are simply fighting for a good spot in his future government. Stewart fired the most direct barbs at Johnson on Tuesday by arguing that "no-deal \(Brexit) is not a credible threat". Both Hunt and Gove repeated that a further delay may be required if a Brexit deal was within reach. "If we were nearly there, then I would take a bit longer," Hunt said. Gove said that he would also allow "extra time" if a solution was in sight. But Javid said it was "fundamental" to get out of the EU by the new October deadline no matter what. "We have got to learn from our mistakes," said Javid. UK politicians are split between ardent eurosceptics who would prefer to see Britain leave without any strings attached to the bloc. Moderate Brexit backers want some sort of deal that preserves established economic links between the ancient trading partners. Johnson has warned throughout that he is prepared to get Britain out of the European Union without an agreement -- as long as it is done by the October 31 deadline. But he has also called this tough talk a negotiating tactic designed to scare Brussels and force it to compromise on the nagging issue of status of Irish border. EU leaders have long ruled out re-opening the binding part of the agreement they all signed with May last year. Only Stewart is openly trying to salvage May's deal in the hope of pushing it through Britain's splintered parliament at the fourth attempt. The Daily Telegraph suggested that Stewart and Johnson had moved closer to a face-to-face showdown "after emerging as the big winners" from Tuesday's vote and debate.

Boris Johnson fends off dwindling British PM rivals in TV debate

The UK leadership race narrowed to five candidates from six on Tuesday in a second round ballot that saw <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-delighted-to-win-first-round-of-race-for-british-prime-minister-226898">former foreign minister Boris Johnson</a> cement his runaway lead.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-candidate-johnson-criticised-for-avoiding-scrutiny-226261">Johnson picked up 126 </a>of the 313 votes from Conservative party members of the lower House of Commons while former Brexit minister Dominic Raab was knocked out.&nbsp;Johnson had won the support of 114 of 313 Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the leadership contest.

Any candidate with 32 votes or fewer is eliminated. If all candidates have more than 32 votes, the one with the fewest is eliminated.

Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt picked up 46 votes, environment minister Michael Gove 41, international development minister Rory Stewart 37, and interior minister Sajid Javid exactly 33.

Johnson, the face of the official campaign to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, has promised to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU with or without a deal.

But parliament has indicated it will try to stop a no-deal Brexit, which investors warn could roil markets and shock the world economy, while the EU has said it will not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement that May agreed.

In his first broadcast interview since the campaign started, Johnson gave an unequivocal pledge that Brexit would happen by the latest Brexit deadline of October&nbsp;31 and Britain had to prepare for a no-deal exit, which he said would not be a disaster.

"All those who say that we should delay ... I think they risk doing terminal damage to trust in politics. We have to get on and do this. We've got to be out by October&nbsp;31," Johnson told BBC radio.

Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two.

The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner.

(Inputs: Reuters, AFP)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The UK leadership race narrowed to five candidates from six on Tuesday in a second round ballot that saw former foreign minister Boris Johnson cement his runaway lead.

The UK leadership race narrowed to five candidates from six on Tuesday in a second round ballot that saw former foreign minister Boris Johnson cement his runaway lead. Johnson picked up 126 of the 313 votes from Conservative party members of the lower House of Commons while former Brexit minister Dominic Raab was knocked out. Johnson had won the support of 114 of 313 Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the leadership contest. Any candidate with 32 votes or fewer is eliminated. If all candidates have more than 32 votes, the one with the fewest is eliminated. Foreign minister Jeremy Hunt picked up 46 votes, environment minister Michael Gove 41, international development minister Rory Stewart 37, and interior minister Sajid Javid exactly 33. Johnson, the face of the official campaign to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, has promised to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU with or without a deal. But parliament has indicated it will try to stop a no-deal Brexit, which investors warn could roil markets and shock the world economy, while the EU has said it will not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement that May agreed. In his first broadcast interview since the campaign started, Johnson gave an unequivocal pledge that Brexit would happen by the latest Brexit deadline of October 31 and Britain had to prepare for a no-deal exit, which he said would not be a disaster. "All those who say that we should delay ... I think they risk doing terminal damage to trust in politics. We have to get on and do this. We've got to be out by October 31," Johnson told BBC radio. Further rounds of voting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday will whittle the list of contenders down to just two. The finalists will face the ruling party's 160,000 grassroots members in a vote next month to decide the winner. (Inputs: Reuters, AFP)

UK PM race: Boris Johnson tops second ballot, ex-Brexit minister Dominic Raab eliminated

Britain's government is committed to doing whatever it can to keep its financial sector globally competitive after Brexit, financial services minister John Glen said on Tuesday.

Britain is due to leave the European Union on October 31 but it has yet to secure a divorce settlement with the bloc, the UK financial sector`s single biggest customer.

Uncertainty for finance has increased as a new British prime minister is being selected.

Glen said there must be a "clear plan" to maintain the UK financial sector`s global success as it cannot be taken for granted. 
 
"It would be a tragedy if we lost our competitive advantage by accident," Glen told a TheCityUK conference.

He knew the financial sector, known in Britain as the City, wanted an end to the 'Brexit impasse'.

Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Luxembourg and Dublin have been vying to attract new hubs being opened by UK-based financial companies needing an EU base after Brexit.

Bankers see the shift of some jobs and activities from the City to the EU as inevitable and one-way, whatever the future UK trading deal with Brussels.

But Glen said none of those rival financial centres in the EU can match all that London has to offer.

TheCityUK`s new chair, Mark Tucker, said the financial sector was Britain`s most successful economic sector bar none and has a comparative advantage over other countries in that it is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate.

"It's the envy of other nations," said Tucker, who also chairs HSBC bank.

Finance needed to recover the public`s trust and have a "coherent and united front" so that it becomes more than the sum of its parts to demonstrate the benefits that finance brings to the economy and communities, Tucker said.&nbsp;

Britain's government is committed to doing whatever it can to keep its financial sector globally competitive after Brexit, financial services minister John Glen said on Tuesday.

Britain's government is committed to doing whatever it can to keep its financial sector globally competitive after Brexit, financial services minister John Glen said on Tuesday. Britain is due to leave the European Union on October 31 but it has yet to secure a divorce settlement with the bloc, the UK financial sector`s single biggest customer. Uncertainty for finance has increased as a new British prime minister is being selected. Glen said there must be a "clear plan" to maintain the UK financial sector`s global success as it cannot be taken for granted. "It would be a tragedy if we lost our competitive advantage by accident," Glen told a TheCityUK conference. He knew the financial sector, known in Britain as the City, wanted an end to the 'Brexit impasse'. Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Luxembourg and Dublin have been vying to attract new hubs being opened by UK-based financial companies needing an EU base after Brexit. Bankers see the shift of some jobs and activities from the City to the EU as inevitable and one-way, whatever the future UK trading deal with Brussels. But Glen said none of those rival financial centres in the EU can match all that London has to offer. TheCityUK`s new chair, Mark Tucker, said the financial sector was Britain`s most successful economic sector bar none and has a comparative advantage over other countries in that it is difficult, if not impossible, to replicate. "It's the envy of other nations," said Tucker, who also chairs HSBC bank. Finance needed to recover the public`s trust and have a "coherent and united front" so that it becomes more than the sum of its parts to demonstrate the benefits that finance brings to the economy and communities, Tucker said.

Britain says it will do everything to keep finance competitive after Brexit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-france-and-uk-in-intense-discussions-with-china-on-azhar-listing-at-un-203689">Britain and China</a> began selling shares in each others' companies Monday under a landmark deal, Britain's Treasury announced, as London looks to remain a leading financial centre post-Brexit.

Launch of the London-Shanghai Stock Connect marks "the first time that any foreign company will be able to list in mainland China", a statement said, as the UK seeks to extend close trading ties with the Asian powerhouse, despite strains caused by the Huawei fallout.

The announcement Monday was the "centrepiece" of the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue, the Treasury said.

Britain's finance minister Philip Hammond was hosting China's Vice Premier Hu Chunhua and a delegation "to discuss multilateral and bilateral economic issues, financial services cooperation, and trade and investment", it added.

Hammond said in the statement: "London is a global financial centre like no other, and today's launch is a strong vote of confidence in the UK market.

"Stock Connect is a ground-breaking initiative, which will deepen our global connectivity as we look outwards to new opportunities in Asia."

The link-up allows investors to trade across London and Chinese time zones and ultimately raise fresh capital, although unlike UK companies, not every Chinese-listed firm is eligible to take part.

"The culmination of four years' work, Stock Connect will mean, for the first time, that international investors will be able to access China A-shares from outside of Greater China, and through international trading and settlement practices," the UK Treasury explained.&nbsp;

"Stock Connect will not require any direct trading infrastructure links," it added.

There are almost 1,500 companies listed in Shanghai, including more than 260 potentially eligible to take part in Stock Connect and list in London, the statement added.&nbsp;

Catherine McGuinness, policy chief for the City of London financial district, described the agreement as "good news for the UK, China and the wider global economy".

She added: “Innovation is key to London maintaining its position as a leading international financial hub."

Britain and China began selling shares in each others' companies Monday under a landmark deal, Britain's Treasury announced, as London looks to remain a leading financial centre post-Brexit.

Britain and China began selling shares in each others' companies Monday under a landmark deal, Britain's Treasury announced, as London looks to remain a leading financial centre post-Brexit. Launch of the London-Shanghai Stock Connect marks "the first time that any foreign company will be able to list in mainland China", a statement said, as the UK seeks to extend close trading ties with the Asian powerhouse, despite strains caused by the Huawei fallout. The announcement Monday was the "centrepiece" of the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue, the Treasury said. Britain's finance minister Philip Hammond was hosting China's Vice Premier Hu Chunhua and a delegation "to discuss multilateral and bilateral economic issues, financial services cooperation, and trade and investment", it added. Hammond said in the statement: "London is a global financial centre like no other, and today's launch is a strong vote of confidence in the UK market. "Stock Connect is a ground-breaking initiative, which will deepen our global connectivity as we look outwards to new opportunities in Asia." The link-up allows investors to trade across London and Chinese time zones and ultimately raise fresh capital, although unlike UK companies, not every Chinese-listed firm is eligible to take part. "The culmination of four years' work, Stock Connect will mean, for the first time, that international investors will be able to access China A-shares from outside of Greater China, and through international trading and settlement practices," the UK Treasury explained. "Stock Connect will not require any direct trading infrastructure links," it added. There are almost 1,500 companies listed in Shanghai, including more than 260 potentially eligible to take part in Stock Connect and list in London, the statement added. Catherine McGuinness, policy chief for the City of London financial district, described the agreement as "good news for the UK, China and the wider global economy". She added: “Innovation is key to London maintaining its position as a leading international financial hub."

United Kingdom shares list in China in first for foreign firms

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson.

The men battling for the leadership of the governing centre-right Conservative Party spoke at a central London hotel ahead of a week of voting that will whittle them down to two.

The contenders were warming up their arguments ahead of a 90-minute televised debate on Sunday although Johnson is sitting it out, claiming direct bickering between them will be counter-productive.

Johnson, who will be given an empty podium in the Channel 4 programme, will take part in a BBC debate on Tuesday.

Conservative MPs whittle the contenders down to two through successive rounds of voting before the 160,000 grassroots party members pick the winner in a postal ballot.

Speaking at the National Conservative Convention hustings meeting, Johnson said he wanted to revitalise the party.

"What we need to do is to speak with confidence again about our basic Conservative message," the former foreign secretary said, according to his campaign office.

"The basic idea that it is wealth creation, it is free market economics that is at the heart of delivering the revenues that we need to pay for civilised objectives."

He said he was the candidate that could win back voters who have drifted to the Brexit Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats, then beat the main opposition Labour Party.&nbsp;

He branded Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a "high taxing, high spending, Hugo Chavez-admiring, an anti-Semitism-condoning apologist for the Kremlin".

Johnson topped Thursday's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on 43 and Environment Secretary Michael Gove on 37.

Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab got 27, interior minister Sajid Javid got 23 and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart was on 19.

There are 50 votes to play for that went to candidates who have dropped out and contenders need 33 votes to get through Tuesday's second round when at least one more candidate will be eliminated.

'Blue on blue' attacks

A report in The Daily Telegraph newspaper report suggested senior party figures had drawn up plans whereby other candidates could pull out, leaving Johnson as the only person going to a confirmatory vote of the membership, in order to avoid weeks of damaging "blue on blue" attacks.

Speaking as he left the private hustings at the London hotel, Javid said: "I don't want to see a coronation. There needs to be a proper process that's followed through."

Stewart attacked Johnson for entering the event via a side door, thereby avoiding speaking to reporters. Former London mayor Johnson has faced criticism for giving few interviews and public appearances.

"The whole genius of British politics is that we don't behave like American presidents sweeping up in a motorcade. We're all about talking to people," Stewart said.

Raab had earlier launched a broadside at Johnson, saying the party did not need a leader who could be "easily caricatured as being from the privileged elite", and suggested he couldn't "take the heat" of the TV debates.

The winner of the members' vote will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister.

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson.

The six contenders vying to become Britain's next prime minister held leadership hustings on Saturday with rival candidates aiming their fire at frontrunner Boris Johnson. The men battling for the leadership of the governing centre-right Conservative Party spoke at a central London hotel ahead of a week of voting that will whittle them down to two. The contenders were warming up their arguments ahead of a 90-minute televised debate on Sunday although Johnson is sitting it out, claiming direct bickering between them will be counter-productive. Johnson, who will be given an empty podium in the Channel 4 programme, will take part in a BBC debate on Tuesday. Conservative MPs whittle the contenders down to two through successive rounds of voting before the 160,000 grassroots party members pick the winner in a postal ballot. Speaking at the National Conservative Convention hustings meeting, Johnson said he wanted to revitalise the party. "What we need to do is to speak with confidence again about our basic Conservative message," the former foreign secretary said, according to his campaign office. "The basic idea that it is wealth creation, it is free market economics that is at the heart of delivering the revenues that we need to pay for civilised objectives." He said he was the candidate that could win back voters who have drifted to the Brexit Party and the centrist Liberal Democrats, then beat the main opposition Labour Party. He branded Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn a "high taxing, high spending, Hugo Chavez-admiring, an anti-Semitism-condoning apologist for the Kremlin". Johnson topped Thursday's first round with 114 votes, ahead of Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt on 43 and Environment Secretary Michael Gove on 37. Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab got 27, interior minister Sajid Javid got 23 and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart was on 19. There are 50 votes to play for that went to candidates who have dropped out and contenders need 33 votes to get through Tuesday's second round when at least one more candidate will be eliminated. 'Blue on blue' attacks A report in The Daily Telegraph newspaper report suggested senior party figures had drawn up plans whereby other candidates could pull out, leaving Johnson as the only person going to a confirmatory vote of the membership, in order to avoid weeks of damaging "blue on blue" attacks. Speaking as he left the private hustings at the London hotel, Javid said: "I don't want to see a coronation. There needs to be a proper process that's followed through." Stewart attacked Johnson for entering the event via a side door, thereby avoiding speaking to reporters. Former London mayor Johnson has faced criticism for giving few interviews and public appearances. "The whole genius of British politics is that we don't behave like American presidents sweeping up in a motorcade. We're all about talking to people," Stewart said. Raab had earlier launched a broadside at Johnson, saying the party did not need a leader who could be "easily caricatured as being from the privileged elite", and suggested he couldn't "take the heat" of the TV debates. The winner of the members' vote will be announced in the week beginning July 22 and then take over from Theresa May as prime minister.

Rivals for British PM take aim at Boris Johnson

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday.

While it is "alarming" that leading contenders to replace Theresa May as Britain's Prime Minister are increasingly threatening a no-deal Brexit, Ireland was 100 per cent certain the European Union would not allow the backstop to go, he said.

Leadership contenders, including front-runner Boris Johnson, have called for the controversial Irish clause that is designed to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland to be changed or scrapped. They have said Britain would be prepared to leave without a deal if there was no compromise.

"To me, no backstop is effectively the same as no-deal because what the backstop is is ... a legally operable guarantee that we will never see a hard border emerge again," Varadkar told RTE radio. "If we don't have that, that is no deal."

How to manage the land border between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - including an emergency "backstop" solution to prevent the return of extensive frontier controls - has proven the most contentious element of Britain's planned exit from the European Union.

Varadkar again rejected a proposal for a time limit on the Northern Ireland clause, saying a backstop with a time limit is "not a backstop."

He said that Ireland remained open to the possibility of alternative arrangements that would allow an open border with Northern Ireland while protecting the European Union's single market - something Johnson has suggested may offer a solution.

But Varadkar said that would only be a possibility once the technologies required had been demonstrated to work effectively.

"What people are saying is give up the backstop, which we know will work legally and operationally in return for something that doesn't yet exist but might exist in the future ... I can't do that to the border communities," Varadkar said.

Varadkar said he was looking forward to sitting down with May's replacement, but said the next prime minister should not expect a better Brexit deal.

"The fact that the failure of the House Of Commons to ratify the withdrawal agreement somehow means they are going to get a better deal, that is just not how the European Union works," he said.

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday.

Ireland will not allow the Northern Ireland "backstop" clause in Britain's EU withdrawal agreement to be dropped because doing so would be as big a threat to the country as Britain leaving without a deal, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Saturday. While it is "alarming" that leading contenders to replace Theresa May as Britain's Prime Minister are increasingly threatening a no-deal Brexit, Ireland was 100 per cent certain the European Union would not allow the backstop to go, he said. Leadership contenders, including front-runner Boris Johnson, have called for the controversial Irish clause that is designed to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland to be changed or scrapped. They have said Britain would be prepared to leave without a deal if there was no compromise. "To me, no backstop is effectively the same as no-deal because what the backstop is is ... a legally operable guarantee that we will never see a hard border emerge again," Varadkar told RTE radio. "If we don't have that, that is no deal." How to manage the land border between EU-member Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland - including an emergency "backstop" solution to prevent the return of extensive frontier controls - has proven the most contentious element of Britain's planned exit from the European Union. Varadkar again rejected a proposal for a time limit on the Northern Ireland clause, saying a backstop with a time limit is "not a backstop." He said that Ireland remained open to the possibility of alternative arrangements that would allow an open border with Northern Ireland while protecting the European Union's single market - something Johnson has suggested may offer a solution. But Varadkar said that would only be a possibility once the technologies required had been demonstrated to work effectively. "What people are saying is give up the backstop, which we know will work legally and operationally in return for something that doesn't yet exist but might exist in the future ... I can't do that to the border communities," Varadkar said. Varadkar said he was looking forward to sitting down with May's replacement, but said the next prime minister should not expect a better Brexit deal. "The fact that the failure of the House Of Commons to ratify the withdrawal agreement somehow means they are going to get a better deal, that is just not how the European Union works," he said.

Brexit: Irish PM says no backstop as bad for Ireland as no deal

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