The&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-march-in-new-york-city-against-anti-semitism-in-wake-of-attacks-272505">anti-Semitic</a>&nbsp;incidents&nbsp;logged&nbsp;in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finally-british-lawmakers-approve-historic-brexit-deal-273275">Britain&nbsp;</a>last year hit&nbsp;record&nbsp;levels yet&nbsp;again&nbsp;amid accusations the opposition <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finally-british-lawmakers-approve-historic-brexit-deal-273275">Labour Party</a> had failed to tackle the issue within its ranks, a Jewish advisory body said on Thursday.

The Community Security Trust (CST), which advises&nbsp;Britain's estimated 280,000 Jews on security matters, said there had been 1,805&nbsp;incidents&nbsp;in 2019, a rise of 7 per cent&nbsp;and the fourth consecutive year the figure had reached a new high.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-march-in-new-york-city-against-anti-semitism-in-wake-of-attacks-272505">Thousands march in New York City against anti-Semitism in wake of attacks</a>

CST chief executive David Delew said the&nbsp;record&nbsp;came as no surprise and the organisation believed the real&nbsp;number&nbsp;was likely to be far higher.

"It is clear that both social media and mainstream politics are places where&nbsp;anti-Semitism and racism need to be driven out, if things are to improve in the future," he said.

World leaders warned last month of a growing tide of&nbsp;anti-Jewish sentiment, driven both by far-right white supremacists and those from the far-left, as they commemorated victims of the Holocaust in World War Two.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accuses-icc-of-anti-semitism-in-pursuit-of-war-crimes-probe-269630">Netanyahu accuses international court of anti-semitism in war crimes probe</a>

In&nbsp;Britain, the CST said there was an increase in&nbsp;incidents&nbsp;in months when Labour's problems with&nbsp;anti-Semitism were in the news.

Ever since veteran socialist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finally-british-lawmakers-approve-historic-brexit-deal-273275">Jeremy Corbyn</a>, an ardent supporter of Palestinian rights, became leader in 2015, the party has faced accusations that it has failed to stem&nbsp;anti-Semitism among some members.

Corbyn, who is stepping down as leader in April, has said&nbsp;anti-Semitism is "vile and wrong" but the party is now under investigation by&nbsp;Britain's Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-criticism-trump-signs-order-targeting-anti-semitism-at-universities-267765">Amid criticism, Trump signs order targeting anti-Semitism at universities</a>

Last February, a&nbsp;number&nbsp;of Labour lawmakers left the party citing the issue as a reason, while ahead of December's national election,&nbsp;Britain's chief rabbi said Corbyn was unfit to be prime minister.

Of the total&nbsp;number&nbsp;of&nbsp;incidents, 224 were connected to Labour, said the CST, which has collated such data since 1984.

"It is hard to precisely disaggregate the impact of the continuing Labour&nbsp;anti-Semitism controversy upon CST’s statistics, but it clearly has an important bearing," the report said.

The charity said the main reason for the overall increase in&nbsp;incidents&nbsp;was a sharp rise in online&nbsp;anti-Semitism.

But there were also 157 assaults&nbsp;a 27 per cent&nbsp;increase on 2018 with almost 50 per cent&nbsp;of these occurring in just three areas of the country Barnet and Hackney in London and Salford in northern England which are home to some of the largest Jewish communities.

A rise of intolerance after Britons voted in the 2016 referendum to leave the European Union and the Brexit discourse since, which brought nationalism and immigration to the fore, had also led an atmosphere where people might have felt able to express their "hatred of otherness", the report said.

The number of anti-Semitic incidents logged in Britain last year hit record levels yet again amid accusations the opposition Labour Party had failed to tackle the issue within its ranks, a Jewish advisory body said on Thursday.

The number of anti-Semitic incidents logged in Britain last year hit record levels yet again amid accusations the opposition Labour Party had failed to tackle the issue within its ranks, a Jewish advisory body said on Thursday. The Community Security Trust (CST), which advises Britain's estimated 280,000 Jews on security matters, said there had been 1,805 incidents in 2019, a rise of 7 per cent and the fourth consecutive year the figure had reached a new high. Also read: Thousands march in New York City against anti-Semitism in wake of attacks CST chief executive David Delew said the record came as no surprise and the organisation believed the real number was likely to be far higher. "It is clear that both social media and mainstream politics are places where anti-Semitism and racism need to be driven out, if things are to improve in the future," he said. World leaders warned last month of a growing tide of anti-Jewish sentiment, driven both by far-right white supremacists and those from the far-left, as they commemorated victims of the Holocaust in World War Two. Also read: Netanyahu accuses international court of anti-semitism in war crimes probe In Britain, the CST said there was an increase in incidents in months when Labour's problems with anti-Semitism were in the news. Ever since veteran socialist Jeremy Corbyn, an ardent supporter of Palestinian rights, became leader in 2015, the party has faced accusations that it has failed to stem anti-Semitism among some members. Corbyn, who is stepping down as leader in April, has said anti-Semitism is "vile and wrong" but the party is now under investigation by Britain's Equality and Human Rights Commission. Also read: Amid criticism, Trump signs order targeting anti-Semitism at universities Last February, a number of Labour lawmakers left the party citing the issue as a reason, while ahead of December's national election, Britain's chief rabbi said Corbyn was unfit to be prime minister. Of the total number of incidents, 224 were connected to Labour, said the CST, which has collated such data since 1984. "It is hard to precisely disaggregate the impact of the continuing Labour anti-Semitism controversy upon CST’s statistics, but it clearly has an important bearing," the report said. The charity said the main reason for the overall increase in incidents was a sharp rise in online anti-Semitism. But there were also 157 assaults a 27 per cent increase on 2018 with almost 50 per cent of these occurring in just three areas of the country Barnet and Hackney in London and Salford in northern England which are home to some of the largest Jewish communities. A rise of intolerance after Britons voted in the 2016 referendum to leave the European Union and the Brexit discourse since, which brought nationalism and immigration to the fore, had also led an atmosphere where people might have felt able to express their "hatred of otherness", the report said.

Record number of anti-Semitic incidents logged in Britain, again

A British scientist has made a significant breakthrough in the race to beat coronavirus by reducing the normal development time from ''two to three years to just 14 days'', Reuters reported today.

The leading scientist, Robin Shattock, the Head of Mucosal Infection and Immunity at Imperial College London claims that he intends to start testing the vaccine on animals as early as next week. He additionally plans to invest in human studies this summer if he received enough funding and backing.

WATCH:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-nine-year-old-girl-in-wuhan-asks-people-to-not-give-up-on-the-city-amid-coronavirus-crisis-says-we-shall-overcome-278825" hreflang="en"> Nine-year-old girl in Wuhan asks people to not give up on the city amid coronavirus crisis, says 'we shall overcome'</a>

"Conventional approaches usually take at least two to three years before you even get to the clinic," the scientist told Sky News.&nbsp;

"And we've gone from that sequence to generating a candidate in the laboratory in 14 days'', he added.

However, the vaccine may not help to contain the current outbreak but will be helpful in case there's another one.

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39755ccd-ec6e-408a-a6e2-ad57c738e24a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_76.jpg" /> 
This photo taken on February 4, 2020 shows a medical staff member (L) taking samples from a person to be tested for the new coronavirus at a quarantine zone in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, in China's central Hubei province. The world has a "window of opportunity" to halt the spread of a deadly new virus, global health experts said, as the number of people infected in China jumped to 24,000 and millions more were ordered to stay indoors | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The coronavirus outbreak has killed 490 people in China. The number of infected cases rose to 24,324 as the virus continued to spread in China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-china-is-fighting-novel-war-on-coronavirus-through-twitter-278807" hreflang="en">How China is fighting 'novel' war on coronavirus through Twitter</a>

Two deaths were reported outside China with Hong Kong being the latest where a 39-year-old man who had visited Wuhan died on Tuesday. Another man had earlier died due to the virus in the Philippines.

Additionally, new cases were reported on a Japanese cruise ship which now remains under quarantine.

On Tuesday, the Chinese National Health Commission claimed new 65 deaths were recorded, which shot up the death toll to 490 in China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-490-figure-expected-to-rise-278644" hreflang="en">China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected</a>

A British scientist has made a significant breakthrough in the race to beat coronavirus by reducing the normal development time from ''two to three years to just 14 days'', Reuters reported today.

A British scientist has made a significant breakthrough in the race to beat coronavirus by reducing the normal development time from ''two to three years to just 14 days'', Reuters reported today. The leading scientist, Robin Shattock, the Head of Mucosal Infection and Immunity at Imperial College London claims that he intends to start testing the vaccine on animals as early as next week. He additionally plans to invest in human studies this summer if he received enough funding and backing. WATCH: Nine-year-old girl in Wuhan asks people to not give up on the city amid coronavirus crisis, says 'we shall overcome' "Conventional approaches usually take at least two to three years before you even get to the clinic," the scientist told Sky News. "And we've gone from that sequence to generating a candidate in the laboratory in 14 days'', he added. However, the vaccine may not help to contain the current outbreak but will be helpful in case there's another one. This photo taken on February 4, 2020 shows a medical staff member (L) taking samples from a person to be tested for the new coronavirus at a quarantine zone in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, in China's central Hubei province. The world has a "window of opportunity" to halt the spread of a deadly new virus, global health experts said, as the number of people infected in China jumped to 24,000 and millions more were ordered to stay indoors | AFP The coronavirus outbreak has killed 490 people in China. The number of infected cases rose to 24,324 as the virus continued to spread in China. Also read: How China is fighting 'novel' war on coronavirus through Twitter Two deaths were reported outside China with Hong Kong being the latest where a 39-year-old man who had visited Wuhan died on Tuesday. Another man had earlier died due to the virus in the Philippines. Additionally, new cases were reported on a Japanese cruise ship which now remains under quarantine. On Tuesday, the Chinese National Health Commission claimed new 65 deaths were recorded, which shot up the death toll to 490 in China. Also read: China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected

British scientist makes breakthrough as race for coronavirus vaccine picks up

Britain laid out a tough opening stance for future talks with the European Union on Sunday, saying it would set its own agenda rather than meeting the bloc's rules to ensure frictionless trade.

After officially leaving the EU on Friday, Britain now must negotiate future trade relations with the bloc, to take effect when a standstill transition period expires at the end of the year.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been quick to send Brussels a message before trade talks begin in March: Brexit, for him, means sovereignty trumps the economy.

The EU has repeatedly told Britain the level of access to its lucrative single market will depend on how far London agrees to adhere to a "level playing field" -- shorthand for rules on environmental standards, labour regulations and state aid.

But despite the appeals of many businesses for the government to ensure goods can trade across borders freely, ministers have been briefing companies that they should adjust to a new future when Britain will not adhere to EU rules.

Johnson, according to sources close to him, has taken last year's election, which handed him a large majority in parliament, as approval for his policy of putting Britain's right to set its own rules above the demands of businesses. He will outline that approach in a speech on Monday.

"We are taking back control of our laws, so we are not going to have high alignment with the EU, legislative alignment with their rules," foreign minister Dominic Raab told Sky News. "But we'll want to cooperate and we expect the EU to follow through on their commitment to a Canada-style free trade agreement."

After more than three years of often tortuous talks, Johnson wants to draw a line under what has been an angry debate that has deepened divides across the country. His aim is a trade deal allowing for tariff- and quota-free trade in goods, similar to the terms the bloc now has in place with Canada.

Asked whether the government expected businesses to have to prepare for new checks on goods at the border, Raab said: "The agreement that we made with the EU was to avoid all of that, and I am sure they will want to live up to the undertakings they have made just as we'd expect to do the same."

Late on Saturday, a government source said if the EU would not offer a Canada-style trade deal, London would instead pursue a looser trade agreement, similar to the bloc's ties with Australia.

"There are only two likely outcomes in negotiation - a free trade deal like Canada or a looser arrangement like Australia - and we are happy to pursue both," the source said.

The EU says it will not seal a trade deal with a large, economically powerful neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition. Some European leaders fear Johnson could try to undercut EU businesses by loosening regulatory standards, something he has promised not to do.

"If Great Britain wants to establish outside the European Union a sort of 'Singapore-on-Thames', we would be against it," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a joint interview with broadcasters LCI and RTL and Le Figaro newspaper.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also called on the British government not to set strict red lines, saying this could make an already difficult negotiation even harder.

"One thing I'd say to everyone is let's not repeat some of the errors that were made in the past two-and-a-half years," Varadkar told the BBC. "Let's not set such rigid red lines that makes it hard to come to an agreement and let's tone down the nationalistic rhetoric."

Britain laid out a tough opening stance for future talks with the European Union on Sunday, saying it would set its own agenda rather than meeting the bloc's rules to ensure frictionless trade.

Britain laid out a tough opening stance for future talks with the European Union on Sunday, saying it would set its own agenda rather than meeting the bloc's rules to ensure frictionless trade. After officially leaving the EU on Friday, Britain now must negotiate future trade relations with the bloc, to take effect when a standstill transition period expires at the end of the year. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government has been quick to send Brussels a message before trade talks begin in March: Brexit, for him, means sovereignty trumps the economy. The EU has repeatedly told Britain the level of access to its lucrative single market will depend on how far London agrees to adhere to a "level playing field" -- shorthand for rules on environmental standards, labour regulations and state aid. But despite the appeals of many businesses for the government to ensure goods can trade across borders freely, ministers have been briefing companies that they should adjust to a new future when Britain will not adhere to EU rules. Johnson, according to sources close to him, has taken last year's election, which handed him a large majority in parliament, as approval for his policy of putting Britain's right to set its own rules above the demands of businesses. He will outline that approach in a speech on Monday. "We are taking back control of our laws, so we are not going to have high alignment with the EU, legislative alignment with their rules," foreign minister Dominic Raab told Sky News. "But we'll want to cooperate and we expect the EU to follow through on their commitment to a Canada-style free trade agreement." After more than three years of often tortuous talks, Johnson wants to draw a line under what has been an angry debate that has deepened divides across the country. His aim is a trade deal allowing for tariff- and quota-free trade in goods, similar to the terms the bloc now has in place with Canada. Asked whether the government expected businesses to have to prepare for new checks on goods at the border, Raab said: "The agreement that we made with the EU was to avoid all of that, and I am sure they will want to live up to the undertakings they have made just as we'd expect to do the same." Late on Saturday, a government source said if the EU would not offer a Canada-style trade deal, London would instead pursue a looser trade agreement, similar to the bloc's ties with Australia. "There are only two likely outcomes in negotiation - a free trade deal like Canada or a looser arrangement like Australia - and we are happy to pursue both," the source said. The EU says it will not seal a trade deal with a large, economically powerful neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition. Some European leaders fear Johnson could try to undercut EU businesses by loosening regulatory standards, something he has promised not to do. "If Great Britain wants to establish outside the European Union a sort of 'Singapore-on-Thames', we would be against it," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a joint interview with broadcasters LCI and RTL and Le Figaro newspaper. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also called on the British government not to set strict red lines, saying this could make an already difficult negotiation even harder. "One thing I'd say to everyone is let's not repeat some of the errors that were made in the past two-and-a-half years," Varadkar told the BBC. "Let's not set such rigid red lines that makes it hard to come to an agreement and let's tone down the nationalistic rhetoric."

Sovereignty comes first: Britain lays out tough stance for EU trade talks

The United Kingdom leaves the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barnier-warns-european-union-and-britain-must-rebuild-after-brexit-276906">European Union</a> on Friday with a mixture of joy, anger and indifference, casting off into the unknown in one of the biggest blows yet to Europe's attempt to forge unity from the ruins of World War Two.

The EU's most powerful leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, cast Brexit - due at 2300 GMT - as a sad moment that was a turning point for Europe. The EU warned that leaving would be worse than staying.

Watch: What will be UK and EU relations post-Brexit?

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In the United Kingdom's most significant geopolitical move since its lost its empire, it turns its back on 47 years of membership and must begin charting its own course for generations to come.

In pics<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chief-characters-in-britains-brexit-saga-277805">: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga</a>

At the stroke of midnight in Brussels, the EU will lose 15% of its economy, its biggest military spender and the world's international financial capital - London.

Brexit supporters burned an EU flag outside Downing Street, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson lives. Some EU supporters were mocked by a larger group of Brexiteers nearby chanting "Bye-bye EU" and "Shame on you" to the tune of Auld Lang Syne.

"This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act," said Johnson, one of the leaders of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum. "It is a moment of real national renewal and change."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-newsnew-dawn-or-biggest-gamble-uk-headlines-on-brexit-day-277638">'New dawn' or 'biggest gamble'? UK headlines on Brexit day</a>

Johnson planned to celebrate with English sparkling wine and a distinctly British array of canapés including Shropshire blue cheese and Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish.

In Brussels, the European Union's flag was removed from outside the British embassy. The official symbol of the EU, a circle of 12 stars on a blue background, was pulled in, leaving only Britain's Union Jack flying on the flagpole.

Leaving the EU was once far-fetched: the UK joined in 1973 as “the sick man of Europe” and less than two decades ago British leaders were arguing about whether to join the euro.

But the turmoil of the euro zone crisis, fears about mass immigration and a series of miscalculations by former Prime Minister David Cameron prompted the 52% to 48% vote to leave.

Also read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-what-changes-and-what-stays-the-same-for-uk-277885">: Brexit - What changes and what stays the same for UK?</a>

Anticlimax?

The final parting of the EU's most reluctant member is an anticlimax of sorts.

Beyond the symbolism of the Union Jack flag also being lowered at the European Council building in Brussels at 7 p.m. (1800 GMT), put away with the flags of non-EU countries, little will change until the end of 2020.

By then, Johnson has promised to strike a broad free trade agreement with the EU, the world's biggest trading bloc.

"These negotiations certainly won’t be easy," Merkel said, cautioning London that if it deviated from the EU's rules then its access to the EU's market would be limited.

Macron said Britain it could not expect to be treated the same way as when it was part of the club.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-brexit-new-fast-track-global-talent-visa-unveiled-by-united-kingdom-276861">After Brexit, new fast track 'global talent visa' unveiled by United Kingdom</a>

"You can't be in and out," Macron told the French in a televised address. "The British people chose to leave the European Union. It won't have the same obligations, so it will no longer have the same rights."

US President Donald Trump has long supported Brexit. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Britons wanted to escape the "tyranny of Brussels".

Some Britons will celebrate and some will weep - but many will do neither.

'Independence day'

For proponents, Brexit is "independence day" - an escape from what they cast as a doomed German-dominated project with a doomed single currency that is failing its 500 million people.

They hope departure will herald reforms to reshape Britain and propel it ahead of its European rivals.

Karen Evans, a 47-year-old hairdresser carrying a Union Jack, dismissed the concerns of "Remainers": "They lost. They need to get over it. They are bad losers. This is a day for celebrating."

Opponents believe Brexit is a folly that will weaken the West, shrivel what is left of Britain's global clout, undermine its economy and ultimately lead to a less cosmopolitan set of islands in the northern Atlantic. They say Britain will now have little option but to cosy up to Trump.

David Tucker, a pro-European of 75, said he had come to London from Wales to march in the hope that others would keep alive the hope that Britain would one day rejoin the EU:

"It is a tragedy," he said. "We were once part of the world's most powerful economic bloc. Now we are just an inward-looking island that is going to get smaller."

"It's a very sad day," said engineer Roger Olsen, 63. "I think it is a disaster. An absolutely wrong thing. And I think time will prove that we have taken the wrong course."

Brexit was always about much more than Europe.

The referendum exposed deep divisions and triggered soul-searching about everything from secession and immigration to empire and modern Britishness.

Brexit has tested the very fabric of the supposedly united kingdom: England and Wales voted to leave the bloc but Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay.

Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, used the moment to demand a second independence referendum. A poll on Thursday suggested a slim majority of Scots would now back a split because of Brexit.

But after the twists and turns of 3-1/2-years, many voters are simply happy the wrangling is over. "I just wanted to see it done with," said Lee Stokes, a 44-year-old project manager. 
&nbsp;

The United Kingdom leaves the European Union on Friday with a mixture of joy, anger and indifference, casting off into the unknown in one of the biggest blows yet to Europe's attempt to forge unity from the ruins of World War Two.

The United Kingdom leaves the European Union on Friday with a mixture of joy, anger and indifference, casting off into the unknown in one of the biggest blows yet to Europe's attempt to forge unity from the ruins of World War Two. The EU's most powerful leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron, cast Brexit - due at 2300 GMT - as a sad moment that was a turning point for Europe. The EU warned that leaving would be worse than staying. Watch: What will be UK and EU relations post-Brexit? × In the United Kingdom's most significant geopolitical move since its lost its empire, it turns its back on 47 years of membership and must begin charting its own course for generations to come. In pics: Chief characters in Britain's years-long Brexit saga At the stroke of midnight in Brussels, the EU will lose 15% of its economy, its biggest military spender and the world's international financial capital - London. Brexit supporters burned an EU flag outside Downing Street, where Prime Minister Boris Johnson lives. Some EU supporters were mocked by a larger group of Brexiteers nearby chanting "Bye-bye EU" and "Shame on you" to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. "This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act," said Johnson, one of the leaders of the "Leave" campaign in the 2016 referendum. "It is a moment of real national renewal and change." Also read: 'New dawn' or 'biggest gamble'? UK headlines on Brexit day Johnson planned to celebrate with English sparkling wine and a distinctly British array of canapés including Shropshire blue cheese and Yorkshire puddings with beef and horseradish. In Brussels, the European Union's flag was removed from outside the British embassy. The official symbol of the EU, a circle of 12 stars on a blue background, was pulled in, leaving only Britain's Union Jack flying on the flagpole. Leaving the EU was once far-fetched: the UK joined in 1973 as “the sick man of Europe” and less than two decades ago British leaders were arguing about whether to join the euro. But the turmoil of the euro zone crisis, fears about mass immigration and a series of miscalculations by former Prime Minister David Cameron prompted the 52% to 48% vote to leave. Also read: Brexit - What changes and what stays the same for UK? Anticlimax? The final parting of the EU's most reluctant member is an anticlimax of sorts. Beyond the symbolism of the Union Jack flag also being lowered at the European Council building in Brussels at 7 p.m. (1800 GMT), put away with the flags of non-EU countries, little will change until the end of 2020. By then, Johnson has promised to strike a broad free trade agreement with the EU, the world's biggest trading bloc. "These negotiations certainly won’t be easy," Merkel said, cautioning London that if it deviated from the EU's rules then its access to the EU's market would be limited. Macron said Britain it could not expect to be treated the same way as when it was part of the club. Also read: After Brexit, new fast track 'global talent visa' unveiled by United Kingdom "You can't be in and out," Macron told the French in a televised address. "The British people chose to leave the European Union. It won't have the same obligations, so it will no longer have the same rights." US President Donald Trump has long supported Brexit. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Britons wanted to escape the "tyranny of Brussels". Some Britons will celebrate and some will weep - but many will do neither. 'Independence day' For proponents, Brexit is "independence day" - an escape from what they cast as a doomed German-dominated project with a doomed single currency that is failing its 500 million people. They hope departure will herald reforms to reshape Britain and propel it ahead of its European rivals. Karen Evans, a 47-year-old hairdresser carrying a Union Jack, dismissed the concerns of "Remainers": "They lost. They need to get over it. They are bad losers. This is a day for celebrating." Opponents believe Brexit is a folly that will weaken the West, shrivel what is left of Britain's global clout, undermine its economy and ultimately lead to a less cosmopolitan set of islands in the northern Atlantic. They say Britain will now have little option but to cosy up to Trump. David Tucker, a pro-European of 75, said he had come to London from Wales to march in the hope that others would keep alive the hope that Britain would one day rejoin the EU: "It is a tragedy," he said. "We were once part of the world's most powerful economic bloc. Now we are just an inward-looking island that is going to get smaller." "It's a very sad day," said engineer Roger Olsen, 63. "I think it is a disaster. An absolutely wrong thing. And I think time will prove that we have taken the wrong course." Brexit was always about much more than Europe. The referendum exposed deep divisions and triggered soul-searching about everything from secession and immigration to empire and modern Britishness. Brexit has tested the very fabric of the supposedly united kingdom: England and Wales voted to leave the bloc but Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay. Scotland's first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, used the moment to demand a second independence referendum. A poll on Thursday suggested a slim majority of Scots would now back a split because of Brexit. But after the twists and turns of 3-1/2-years, many voters are simply happy the wrangling is over. "I just wanted to see it done with," said Lee Stokes, a 44-year-old project manager.

Britain cuts loose from EU with delight, anger and indifference

Three and a half years after the referendum - Britain has finally left the European Union. Here is how the British people celebrated the first day of Brexit.

Britain exits from the European Union: Day 1 | Gravitas

Britain is leaving the European Union today. But uncertain times lie ahead for the British people. What's in store for the UK after Brexit?

Britain finally exits from the European Union

It was an emotional moment in the European Parliament. As the Brexit deal was passed, lawmakers stood up to sing "Auld Lang Syne" - as a goodbye gesture to the UK. Here is how Europe bid farewell to Britain.

Gravitas: European MPs bid emotional farewell to the UK

Britain is leaving the European Union today. But uncertain times lie ahead for the British people. What's in store for the UK after Brexit? WION's Palki tells you all you need to know.

Gravitas: Britain finally exits from the European Union

Britain's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brexit-deal-cleared-in-eu-parliament-lawmakers-in-tears-277462">Brexit</a>-day front pages expressed both joy at the country's imminent departure from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brexit-deal-cleared-in-eu-parliament-lawmakers-in-tears-277462">European Union</a> and remorse and trepidation on Friday as the UK prepares to go it alone after nearly half a century as part of the bloc.

"Yes, we did it!" said the "Daily Express" tabloid, a fervent campaigner for Britain to leave the EU.

The headline was imposed over a map of the UK made up of front pages from the newspaper from the 43 months since the June 2016 vote, which saw three&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;deadlines come and go before the British parliament finally ratified the divorce agreement.

Watch:&nbsp;Brexit Deal cleared in EU Parliament, Lawmakers in tears

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brexit-deal-cleared-in-eu-parliament-lawmakers-in-tears-277462/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"A new dawn for Britain," said its rival and fellow&nbsp;Brexit-supporting tabloid The Daily Mail. "At 11pm our proud nation finally leaves the EU, still a friend of Europe, but free and independent once more after 47 years." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The left-leaning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-activist-group-listed-as-extremists-in-us-274224">Guardian</a> was more circumspect, leading its front page with the words "Small Island" and describing&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;as "the biggest gamble in a generation".

"PM wants Canada-style trade deal with Brussels," said the Times, leading with an article on Boris Johnson's attempts to flesh out his ideas for a free trade agreement along the lines of a recent EU deal with Canada.

"Britain bows out of EU with a mixture of optimism and regret," said The Financial Times.

Watch:&nbsp;European MPs bid emotional farewell to the UK

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-european-mps-bid-emotional-farewell-to-the-uk-277616/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It's been quite a ride," splashed the business City AM paper over a mock-up of a roller coaster carriage filled with prominent faces from the&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;saga, including a sombre-looking Angela Merkel and a jubilant&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;Party leader Nigel Farage holding aloft a glass of beer.

"This is not an end but a beginning," said the Daily Telegraph, carrying remarks from Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of a special cabinet meeting Friday in Sunderland, a city in northeast England that voted heavily for&nbsp;Brexit.

The tabloid Daily Mirror gave most of its front page to the news that 150 Britons were in quarantine over coronavirus fears. On a smaller section of the page titled "Brexit&nbsp;Day", it said "Now it's time to bring country back together."&nbsp;

In Scotland, where a majority of voters chose to remain in the bloc, the headlines were less jubilant.

In Edinburgh, The Scotsman went with "Farewell, not goodbye", above the word for farewell in 24 European languages.

"Shortchanged: Isolated, worse off, weaker and divided," said the Daily Record.

Despite the momentous occasion, one English tabloid could not resist a joke.

"Tonight is a truly HISTORIC MOMENT for our great nation," read the front page of The Daily Star "....That's right, it's the end of Dry January!", referring to the increasingly popular practice of giving up alcohol for the first month of the year.&nbsp;

Britain's Brexit-day front pages expressed both joy at the country's imminent departure from the European Union and remorse and trepidation on Friday as the UK prepares to go it alone after nearly half a century as part of the bloc.

Britain's Brexit-day front pages expressed both joy at the country's imminent departure from the European Union and remorse and trepidation on Friday as the UK prepares to go it alone after nearly half a century as part of the bloc. "Yes, we did it!" said the "Daily Express" tabloid, a fervent campaigner for Britain to leave the EU. The headline was imposed over a map of the UK made up of front pages from the newspaper from the 43 months since the June 2016 vote, which saw three Brexit deadlines come and go before the British parliament finally ratified the divorce agreement. Watch: Brexit Deal cleared in EU Parliament, Lawmakers in tears "A new dawn for Britain," said its rival and fellow Brexit-supporting tabloid The Daily Mail. "At 11pm our proud nation finally leaves the EU, still a friend of Europe, but free and independent once more after 47 years." The left-leaning Guardian was more circumspect, leading its front page with the words "Small Island" and describing Brexit as "the biggest gamble in a generation". "PM wants Canada-style trade deal with Brussels," said the Times, leading with an article on Boris Johnson's attempts to flesh out his ideas for a free trade agreement along the lines of a recent EU deal with Canada. "Britain bows out of EU with a mixture of optimism and regret," said The Financial Times. Watch: European MPs bid emotional farewell to the UK "It's been quite a ride," splashed the business City AM paper over a mock-up of a roller coaster carriage filled with prominent faces from the Brexit saga, including a sombre-looking Angela Merkel and a jubilant Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage holding aloft a glass of beer. "This is not an end but a beginning," said the Daily Telegraph, carrying remarks from Prime Minister Boris Johnson ahead of a special cabinet meeting Friday in Sunderland, a city in northeast England that voted heavily for Brexit. The tabloid Daily Mirror gave most of its front page to the news that 150 Britons were in quarantine over coronavirus fears. On a smaller section of the page titled "Brexit Day", it said "Now it's time to bring country back together." In Scotland, where a majority of voters chose to remain in the bloc, the headlines were less jubilant. In Edinburgh, The Scotsman went with "Farewell, not goodbye", above the word for farewell in 24 European languages. "Shortchanged: Isolated, worse off, weaker and divided," said the Daily Record. Despite the momentous occasion, one English tabloid could not resist a joke. "Tonight is a truly HISTORIC MOMENT for our great nation," read the front page of The Daily Star "....That's right, it's the end of Dry January!", referring to the increasingly popular practice of giving up alcohol for the first month of the year.

'New dawn' or 'biggest gamble'? UK headlines on Brexit day

Stock markets struggled Friday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-declares-coronavirus-as-global-health-emergency-277634">World Health Organisation</a> declared a global health emergency over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-wuhan-virus-death-toll-hits-213-in-china-nearly-10000-infected-277621">China</a>'s spreading deadly virus.

With hours to go until <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-will-be-uk-eu-relations-post-brexit-277791">Britain</a> finally leaves the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-will-be-uk-eu-relations-post-brexit-277791">European Union</a>, the London stock market sank 0.8 per cent in late morning deals as a relief rally for the pound hurt exporters.

Frankfurt and Paris shed 0.2 per cent and 0.4 per cent respectively around midday after Asia was also gripped by virus worries in a volatile end to the week.

The novel coronavirus epidemic, which originated in the central Chinese city Wuhan, has so far killed 213 people and spread to at least 19 countries including two cases declared on Friday in Britain.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-wuhan-virus-death-toll-hits-213-in-china-nearly-10000-infected-277621">Wuhan virus death toll hits 213 in China, nearly 10000 infected</a>

China's National Health Commission meanwhile said nearly 10,000 people have been infected.

"Coronavirus is currently spreading six times faster than SARS. Unless a cure is found, this could push a fragile world economic recovery into reverse," warned Douglas McWilliams, deputy chairman at British research group the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).

He added, "It is clear that unless a cure and a vaccination are found rapidly, the fragile recovery that we predict is at risk. That is why from an economics point of view it is so vital that a cure and a vaccine is found."

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-declares-coronavirus-as-global-health-emergency-277634">WHO declares Coronavirus as global health emergency</a>

Separately, the EU's official statistics agency announced Friday that the 19-member single currency area had already suffered a sharp slowdown after a turbulent year of Brexit uncertainty and trade spats with US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-impeachment-witnesses-and-prez-privilege-dominate-qa-277635">Donald Trump.</a>

The eurozone economy grew 1.2 per cent over the year, down from 1.8 per cent in 2018 and well off the 2.7 per cent seen in 2017.

Meanwhile, the Geneva-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-declares-coronavirus-as-global-health-emergency-277634">WHO</a> invoked a global health emergency on coronavirus but stopped short of recommending trade and travel restrictions that could have had a bruising effect on key global growth engine China.

"This is not a vote of no confidence in China," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesushe said, praising Beijing for its swift action to tackle the outbreak.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/myths-vs-facts-about-coronavirus-277676">Myths vs facts about China's coronavirus</a>

'We must act now'

China has locked down a swathe of its centre, effectively quarantining millions of people in their cities and halting travel around the country.

"We must all act together now to limit further spread... We can only stop it together," said Tedros, who travelled to China this week and met with President Xi Jinping.

Foreign airlines including British Airways and Lufthansa have begun cancelling or curtailing flights to and from China, and a number of governments are recommending citizens do not visit the country.

Investors initially applauded the WHO's move, plunging back into markets that have lost altitude over recent days as the 2019-nCoV crisis has worsened.

"Coronavirus fears continue to remain a dominant driver of market sentiment, with the continued proliferation of the virus providing a huge cause for concern," noted IG analyst Joshua Mahony.

"Growth fears remain relevant as the virus continues to spread," he also warned.

World oil prices firmed Friday after plunging the previous day to three-month lows on virus-linked demand fears in China, which is a major market for raw materials including crude.

Stock markets struggled Friday after the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency over China's spreading deadly virus. With hours to go until Britain finally leaves the European Union, the London stock market sank 0.

Stock markets struggled Friday after the World Health Organisation declared a global health emergency over China's spreading deadly virus. With hours to go until Britain finally leaves the European Union, the London stock market sank 0.8 per cent in late morning deals as a relief rally for the pound hurt exporters. Frankfurt and Paris shed 0.2 per cent and 0.4 per cent respectively around midday after Asia was also gripped by virus worries in a volatile end to the week. The novel coronavirus epidemic, which originated in the central Chinese city Wuhan, has so far killed 213 people and spread to at least 19 countries including two cases declared on Friday in Britain. Also read: Wuhan virus death toll hits 213 in China, nearly 10000 infected China's National Health Commission meanwhile said nearly 10,000 people have been infected. "Coronavirus is currently spreading six times faster than SARS. Unless a cure is found, this could push a fragile world economic recovery into reverse," warned Douglas McWilliams, deputy chairman at British research group the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR). He added, "It is clear that unless a cure and a vaccination are found rapidly, the fragile recovery that we predict is at risk. That is why from an economics point of view it is so vital that a cure and a vaccine is found." Watch: WHO declares Coronavirus as global health emergency Separately, the EU's official statistics agency announced Friday that the 19-member single currency area had already suffered a sharp slowdown after a turbulent year of Brexit uncertainty and trade spats with US President Donald Trump. The eurozone economy grew 1.2 per cent over the year, down from 1.8 per cent in 2018 and well off the 2.7 per cent seen in 2017. Meanwhile, the Geneva-based WHO invoked a global health emergency on coronavirus but stopped short of recommending trade and travel restrictions that could have had a bruising effect on key global growth engine China. "This is not a vote of no confidence in China," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesushe said, praising Beijing for its swift action to tackle the outbreak. Also see: Myths vs facts about China's coronavirus 'We must act now' China has locked down a swathe of its centre, effectively quarantining millions of people in their cities and halting travel around the country. "We must all act together now to limit further spread... We can only stop it together," said Tedros, who travelled to China this week and met with President Xi Jinping. Foreign airlines including British Airways and Lufthansa have begun cancelling or curtailing flights to and from China, and a number of governments are recommending citizens do not visit the country. Investors initially applauded the WHO's move, plunging back into markets that have lost altitude over recent days as the 2019-nCoV crisis has worsened. "Coronavirus fears continue to remain a dominant driver of market sentiment, with the continued proliferation of the virus providing a huge cause for concern," noted IG analyst Joshua Mahony. "Growth fears remain relevant as the virus continues to spread," he also warned. World oil prices firmed Friday after plunging the previous day to three-month lows on virus-linked demand fears in China, which is a major market for raw materials including crude.

Markets struggle after World Health Organisation declares coronavirus emergency

Britain on Friday ends almost half a century of integration with Europe, finally making its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-newsnew-dawn-or-biggest-gamble-uk-headlines-on-brexit-day-277638">historic departure from the EU</a> to begin a new -- but still uncertain -- future, with emotions running high following years of wrangling and several false starts.&nbsp;

At the clocks strike 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) -- midnight in Brussels -- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barnier-warns-european-union-and-britain-must-rebuild-after-brexit-276906">Britain becomes the first country to leave the 28-member bloc</a> and will go it alone for the first time since 1973.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has backed Brexit since the 2016 referendum vote to leave that triggered deep bitterness and division but he has promised to unite the country in a new era of prosperity.

"Our job as the government, my job, is to bring this country together and take us forward," Johnson said in a statement to mark the occasion.

"This is not an end but a beginning. This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act."

A 'sea change'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Britain's departure a "sea-change" for the bloc, although nothing will immediately feel different because of an 11-month transition period negotiated as part of an EU-UK exit deal ratified this week.

Britons will be able to work in and trade freely with EU nations until December 31, and vice versa, although the UK will no longer be represented in the bloc's institutions.

But legally, Britain is out -- with no easy way back.

And while the exit terms have been agreed, Britain must still strike a deal on future relations with the EU, its largest trading partner, which sets out its negotiating position on Monday.

"We want to have the best possible relationship with the United Kingdom, but it will never be as good as membership," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said.

"Our experience has taught us that strength does not lie in splendid isolation, but in our unique union."

Years of tumult

Getting this far has been a traumatic process.

Despite Britain's resistance to many EU projects over the years -- it refused to join the single currency or the Schengen free travel area -- the 2016 vote to leave was a huge shock.

It unleashed political chaos in London, sparking years of bitter arguments that paralysed parliament and forced the resignations of two prime ministers.

Johnson brought an end to the turmoil with his decisive election victory last month, which gave him the parliamentary majority to ratify the Brexit deal.

But Britons remain as divided as they were nearly four years ago, when 52 per cent voted to leave and 48 per cent voted to remain in the EU.

Friday's newspapers reflected that continued split, with best-selling eurosceptic tabloid The Sun triumphantly declaring "our time has come" on its front page alongside an image of Big Ben.

But pro-European The Guardian opted for the headline "small island", calling Brexit "the biggest gamble in a generation".

In Scotland, which backed remaining in the bloc in 2016, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called it "a moment of real and profound and sadness... tinged with anger".

She vowed to step up the campaign for independence, which Scots rejected in a vote in 2014.

Parties and vigils

Johnson, himself a polarising figure, has emphasised unity and is avoiding any major celebrations that might exacerbate divisions.

The Conservative leader was hosting a special cabinet meeting in the northeastern English city of Sunderland, which was the first to declare for Brexit in the 2016 vote.

At 10 pm, he will broadcast an address to the nation, and then host a reception for staff at Downing Street, before a light-show outside No 10.

Millions of commemorative 50 pence coins go into circulation.

Ex-MEP Nigel Farage, who has spent decades campaigning to leave the EU, is planning a large rally in nearby Parliament Square -- one of several pro-Brexit parties being held around the country.

Pro-EU groups have planned candlelit vigils.

Trade talks loom

British eurosceptics have campaigned for decades to free their country from what they see as an overly bureaucratic and unaccountable institution.

Johnson has promised to leave the EU's single market and customs union so Britain can strike trade deals around the world.

But exactly how that will work -- and at what cost to firms that depend on EU business -- is unclear.

The divorce deal resolved the issue of London's debts, the rights of EU expatriates, the status of Northern Ireland and the transition period.

But Johnson has given himself just 11 months to negotiate a new partnership, covering everything from trade to security cooperation.

He will set out his plans in a speech on Monday but Brussels has already warned he must either limit his ambitions or ask for more time.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar warned Friday that a failure to reach a post-Brexit trade deal by the deadline would pose an "existential threat" to Britain's nearest neighbour.

"So we do need that deal," he said.

Johnson also wants a trade agreement with the United States, where President Donald Trump is a big Brexit backer.

Britain on Friday ends almost half a century of integration with Europe, finally making its historic departure from the EU to begin a new -- but still uncertain -- future, with emotions running high following years of wrangling and several false starts.

Britain on Friday ends almost half a century of integration with Europe, finally making its historic departure from the EU to begin a new -- but still uncertain -- future, with emotions running high following years of wrangling and several false starts. At the clocks strike 11:00 pm (2300 GMT) -- midnight in Brussels -- Britain becomes the first country to leave the 28-member bloc and will go it alone for the first time since 1973. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has backed Brexit since the 2016 referendum vote to leave that triggered deep bitterness and division but he has promised to unite the country in a new era of prosperity. "Our job as the government, my job, is to bring this country together and take us forward," Johnson said in a statement to mark the occasion. "This is not an end but a beginning. This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act." A 'sea change' German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Britain's departure a "sea-change" for the bloc, although nothing will immediately feel different because of an 11-month transition period negotiated as part of an EU-UK exit deal ratified this week. Britons will be able to work in and trade freely with EU nations until December 31, and vice versa, although the UK will no longer be represented in the bloc's institutions. But legally, Britain is out -- with no easy way back. And while the exit terms have been agreed, Britain must still strike a deal on future relations with the EU, its largest trading partner, which sets out its negotiating position on Monday. "We want to have the best possible relationship with the United Kingdom, but it will never be as good as membership," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said. "Our experience has taught us that strength does not lie in splendid isolation, but in our unique union." Years of tumult Getting this far has been a traumatic process. Despite Britain's resistance to many EU projects over the years -- it refused to join the single currency or the Schengen free travel area -- the 2016 vote to leave was a huge shock. It unleashed political chaos in London, sparking years of bitter arguments that paralysed parliament and forced the resignations of two prime ministers. Johnson brought an end to the turmoil with his decisive election victory last month, which gave him the parliamentary majority to ratify the Brexit deal. But Britons remain as divided as they were nearly four years ago, when 52 per cent voted to leave and 48 per cent voted to remain in the EU. Friday's newspapers reflected that continued split, with best-selling eurosceptic tabloid The Sun triumphantly declaring "our time has come" on its front page alongside an image of Big Ben. But pro-European The Guardian opted for the headline "small island", calling Brexit "the biggest gamble in a generation". In Scotland, which backed remaining in the bloc in 2016, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called it "a moment of real and profound and sadness... tinged with anger". She vowed to step up the campaign for independence, which Scots rejected in a vote in 2014. Parties and vigils Johnson, himself a polarising figure, has emphasised unity and is avoiding any major celebrations that might exacerbate divisions. The Conservative leader was hosting a special cabinet meeting in the northeastern English city of Sunderland, which was the first to declare for Brexit in the 2016 vote. At 10 pm, he will broadcast an address to the nation, and then host a reception for staff at Downing Street, before a light-show outside No 10. Millions of commemorative 50 pence coins go into circulation. Ex-MEP Nigel Farage, who has spent decades campaigning to leave the EU, is planning a large rally in nearby Parliament Square -- one of several pro-Brexit parties being held around the country. Pro-EU groups have planned candlelit vigils. Trade talks loom British eurosceptics have campaigned for decades to free their country from what they see as an overly bureaucratic and unaccountable institution. Johnson has promised to leave the EU's single market and customs union so Britain can strike trade deals around the world. But exactly how that will work -- and at what cost to firms that depend on EU business -- is unclear. The divorce deal resolved the issue of London's debts, the rights of EU expatriates, the status of Northern Ireland and the transition period. But Johnson has given himself just 11 months to negotiate a new partnership, covering everything from trade to security cooperation. He will set out his plans in a speech on Monday but Brussels has already warned he must either limit his ambitions or ask for more time. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar warned Friday that a failure to reach a post-Brexit trade deal by the deadline would pose an "existential threat" to Britain's nearest neighbour. "So we do need that deal," he said. Johnson also wants a trade agreement with the United States, where President Donald Trump is a big Brexit backer.

Boris Johnson hails 'new dawn' as Britain set to bid farewell to European Union

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indias-progress-on-artificial-intelligence-route-185592">Artificial intelligence</a> has invented a drug molecule that will be used to treat patients who have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-bottle-a-day-mother-of-five-has-been-addicted-to-eating-talcum-powder-for-nearly-15-years-273197">obsessive-compulsive disorder</a> (OCD) for the first time.

It has been created by a British start-up called Exscientia and Japanese pharmaceutical firm called Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma.

AI was able to produce this drug molecule in just a period of 12 months.

Usually, it takes about five years for a drug to develop.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cars-camera-system-can-keep-drowsy-drivers-awake-277353">Soon, cars to have inbuilt system to keep drowsy drivers alert and awake</a>

''It is a key milestone in drug discovery'', Exscienta chief executive professor Andrew Hopkins.

AI has been used to diagnose patients and to analyse patients and their data and scans.

But this is the first time that it has been directly used for the creation of a new medicine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/francis-pope-discusses-ethics-of-artificial-intelligence-with-microsoft-chief-brad-smith-197242">Pope Francis, Microsoft chief Brad Smith discuss ethics of artificial intelligence</a>

The molecule is called DSP-1181.

It was invented by using algorithms that go through potential compounds and check them against an enormous database that comprises of several parameters.

It will enter ''phase one'' trails in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-tells-citizens-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-to-china-277709">Japan</a>.

It will be followed by more global tests if successful.&nbsp;

The entities are also working on potential drugs that can treat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-finds-google-system-could-improve-breast-cancer-detection-271720">cancer </a>and cardiovascular diseases.&nbsp;

Artificial intelligence has invented a drug molecule that will be used to treat patients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for the first time. It has been created by a British start-up called Exscientia and Japanese pharmaceutical firm called Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma.

Artificial intelligence has invented a drug molecule that will be used to treat patients who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for the first time. It has been created by a British start-up called Exscientia and Japanese pharmaceutical firm called Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. AI was able to produce this drug molecule in just a period of 12 months. Usually, it takes about five years for a drug to develop. Also read: Soon, cars to have inbuilt system to keep drowsy drivers alert and awake ''It is a key milestone in drug discovery'', Exscienta chief executive professor Andrew Hopkins. AI has been used to diagnose patients and to analyse patients and their data and scans. But this is the first time that it has been directly used for the creation of a new medicine. Also read: Pope Francis, Microsoft chief Brad Smith discuss ethics of artificial intelligence The molecule is called DSP-1181. It was invented by using algorithms that go through potential compounds and check them against an enormous database that comprises of several parameters. It will enter ''phase one'' trails in Japan. It will be followed by more global tests if successful. The entities are also working on potential drugs that can treat cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

In a first, medicine created by artificial intelligence to treat obesessive-compulsive disorder

Key dates in Britain's relations with the European Union

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-sovereignty-at-risk-if-huawei-is-allowed-for-5g-warns-mike-pompeo-276792">Britain</a> has to "rebuild everything" in its relationship with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-leaders-draft-anti-caa-5-page-resolution-call-it-fundamentally-biased-276779">European Union </a>once it leaves the bloc later this week, the Brussels' chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-brexit-new-fast-track-global-talent-visa-unveiled-by-united-kingdom-276861">Brexit </a>negotiator Michel Barnier said on Monday.

Barnier, in Dublin for talks with Irish Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-leo-varadkar-to-hold-a-parliamentary-election-in-february-274252">Leo Varadkar</a>, said Britain had "no time to lose" as he warned of "the risk of a cliff-edge" change in relations at the end of the year.

"Round one is over and we have to rebuild everything," he told a joint news conference, referring to the end of the first stage in Britain's divorce from the European Union.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-brexit-new-fast-track-global-talent-visa-unveiled-by-united-kingdom-276861">After Brexit, new fast track 'global talent visa' unveiled by United Kingdom</a>

"If we have no agreement, it will not be business as usual and the status quo. We have to face a risk of a cliff edge, in particular for trade.

"We have no time to lose with any polemics, and to use this time to rebuild this friendship, this relationship."

Britain will become the first country to leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/entirely-internal-matter-india-on-european-union-parliament-setting-resolution-against-caa-276781">EU</a> at 2300 GMT on Friday, ending nearly five decades of membership.

An 11-month transition phase will then start, during which existing arrangements remain unchanged

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/entirely-internal-matter-india-on-european-union-parliament-setting-resolution-against-caa-276781">'Entirely Internal Matter': India on EU Parliament setting resolution against CAA</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to agree the terms of the future relationship, modelled on the EU's free trade agreement with Canada, by the end of that period. &nbsp;

Varadkar, who is fighting a general election on February 8, said Johnson's timetable would be "very challenging" but insisted the EU would enter the talks "united and in a positive spirit".

Barnier said he would present a draft negotiating mandate to the bloc's member states next Monday.

EU ministers are then set to agree their joint mandate on February 25 ahead of a meeting of the European Council in March.

No piecemeal solution

Varadkar argued the bloc was in "a very strong position" in the talks given the remaining 27 members' collective size compared to Britain.

"We have a population of 450 million people and the single market is the largest economy in the world," he said.

"But I don't think we have to see it as a contest."

In a separate BBC television interview broadcast on Monday, the Irish leader also warned Brussels would not accept anything less than a comprehensive free trade agreement with Britain.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/post-brexit-uk-trade-deal-with-us-optimistic-mnuchin-276612">Post-Brexit UK trade deal with US 'optimistic', says Treasury Secretary Mnuchin</a>

London indicated earlier this month it could seek a piecemeal post-Brexit deal with the EU that leaves some issues unresolved but still lets it break free from the bloc at the end of the year.

But Varadkar said: "When I hear people talk about piecemeal, it sounds a bit like cake and eat," he said, referring to securing only a partial deal by the end of the year.

"That isn't something that will fly in Europe."

Britain has to "rebuild everything" in its relationship with the European Union once it leaves the bloc later this week, the Brussels' chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Monday.

Britain has to "rebuild everything" in its relationship with the European Union once it leaves the bloc later this week, the Brussels' chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Monday. Barnier, in Dublin for talks with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, said Britain had "no time to lose" as he warned of "the risk of a cliff-edge" change in relations at the end of the year. "Round one is over and we have to rebuild everything," he told a joint news conference, referring to the end of the first stage in Britain's divorce from the European Union. Also read: After Brexit, new fast track 'global talent visa' unveiled by United Kingdom "If we have no agreement, it will not be business as usual and the status quo. We have to face a risk of a cliff edge, in particular for trade. "We have no time to lose with any polemics, and to use this time to rebuild this friendship, this relationship." Britain will become the first country to leave the EU at 2300 GMT on Friday, ending nearly five decades of membership. An 11-month transition phase will then start, during which existing arrangements remain unchanged Also read: 'Entirely Internal Matter': India on EU Parliament setting resolution against CAA British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to agree the terms of the future relationship, modelled on the EU's free trade agreement with Canada, by the end of that period. Varadkar, who is fighting a general election on February 8, said Johnson's timetable would be "very challenging" but insisted the EU would enter the talks "united and in a positive spirit". Barnier said he would present a draft negotiating mandate to the bloc's member states next Monday. EU ministers are then set to agree their joint mandate on February 25 ahead of a meeting of the European Council in March. No piecemeal solution Varadkar argued the bloc was in "a very strong position" in the talks given the remaining 27 members' collective size compared to Britain. "We have a population of 450 million people and the single market is the largest economy in the world," he said. "But I don't think we have to see it as a contest." In a separate BBC television interview broadcast on Monday, the Irish leader also warned Brussels would not accept anything less than a comprehensive free trade agreement with Britain. Also read: Post-Brexit UK trade deal with US 'optimistic', says Treasury Secretary Mnuchin London indicated earlier this month it could seek a piecemeal post-Brexit deal with the EU that leaves some issues unresolved but still lets it break free from the bloc at the end of the year. But Varadkar said: "When I hear people talk about piecemeal, it sounds a bit like cake and eat," he said, referring to securing only a partial deal by the end of the year. "That isn't something that will fly in Europe."

European Union and Britain must 'rebuild' after Brexit: Michel Barnier

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed Britain's EU divorce agreement on Friday after Brussels' top two officials earlier did likewise at a ceremony behind closed doors.

"Today I have signed the Withdrawal Agreement for the UK to leave the EU on January 31st, honouring the democratic mandate of the British people," Johnson wrote on Twitter.

On Wednesday next week, the text will go to the European Parliament for ratification and on Thursday diplomats from the EU member states will approve the deal in writing.

Then, on Friday, January 31, Britain spends its last day in the EU before leaving the bloc at 2300 GMT as clocks strike midnight in Brussels.

"Charles Michel and I have just signed the Agreement on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU, opening the way for its ratification by the European Parliament," European Commission president von der Leyen tweeted.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-johnson-sets-brexit-on-january-31-as-top-priority-queen-269204">Britain's Johnson sets Brexit on January 31 as top priority - Queen</a>

In a separate tweet, European Council president Michel said: "Things will inevitably change but our friendship will remain. We start a new chapter as partners and allies."

The former Belgian premier, whose council represents EU member governments, added, in French: "I'm keen to write this new page together."

Official photographs of the official signing ceremony, conducted before dawn in the European Council's headquarters in Brussels, showed chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier looking on.

No reporters or photographers were allowed to witness the low key ceremony, despite news agencies offering to organise a pool.

British voters backed leaving the European Union in a June 2016 referendum, and after lengthy negotiations and several delays, Johnson's new government plans to "get Brexit done" next week.

Queen Elizabeth II gave her formal assent to the British withdrawal legislation on Thursday and the European Union is now expected to complete the final formalities in the coming days.

11-month transition period

Britain will leave the institutions of the union, reducing it to 27 member states, but the withdrawal agreement provides for an 11-month transition period until the end of the year.

During this time, Britain and the rest of the bloc will continue to apply the same rules of business to avoid economic disruption while officials try to negotiate a broader trade deal.

Most experts regard the idea that London and Brussels could agree a comprehensive free trade agreement in that time as ambitious.

But officials have expressed cautious optimism that some kind of agreement can be reached.

Formal trade talks are not expected to begin until the end of February or even March, and in the meantime, Barnier has been in intensive talks with EU member states on his negotiating mandate.

After the transition, Britain wants the right to set its own rules in areas such as workers' rights and environmental standards.

But Brussels has warned that the more the UK diverges from EU standards, the less it will have unfettered access to Europe's huge single market.&nbsp;

And a comprehensive free trade agreement of the type the European Union has signed with Canada could take years to negotiate.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed Britain's EU divorce agreement on Friday after Brussels' top two officials earlier did likewise at a ceremony behind closed doors.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson signed Britain's EU divorce agreement on Friday after Brussels' top two officials earlier did likewise at a ceremony behind closed doors. "Today I have signed the Withdrawal Agreement for the UK to leave the EU on January 31st, honouring the democratic mandate of the British people," Johnson wrote on Twitter. On Wednesday next week, the text will go to the European Parliament for ratification and on Thursday diplomats from the EU member states will approve the deal in writing. Then, on Friday, January 31, Britain spends its last day in the EU before leaving the bloc at 2300 GMT as clocks strike midnight in Brussels. "Charles Michel and I have just signed the Agreement on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU, opening the way for its ratification by the European Parliament," European Commission president von der Leyen tweeted. Also read: Britain's Johnson sets Brexit on January 31 as top priority - Queen In a separate tweet, European Council president Michel said: "Things will inevitably change but our friendship will remain. We start a new chapter as partners and allies." The former Belgian premier, whose council represents EU member governments, added, in French: "I'm keen to write this new page together." Official photographs of the official signing ceremony, conducted before dawn in the European Council's headquarters in Brussels, showed chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier looking on. No reporters or photographers were allowed to witness the low key ceremony, despite news agencies offering to organise a pool. British voters backed leaving the European Union in a June 2016 referendum, and after lengthy negotiations and several delays, Johnson's new government plans to "get Brexit done" next week. Queen Elizabeth II gave her formal assent to the British withdrawal legislation on Thursday and the European Union is now expected to complete the final formalities in the coming days. 11-month transition period Britain will leave the institutions of the union, reducing it to 27 member states, but the withdrawal agreement provides for an 11-month transition period until the end of the year. During this time, Britain and the rest of the bloc will continue to apply the same rules of business to avoid economic disruption while officials try to negotiate a broader trade deal. Most experts regard the idea that London and Brussels could agree a comprehensive free trade agreement in that time as ambitious. But officials have expressed cautious optimism that some kind of agreement can be reached. Formal trade talks are not expected to begin until the end of February or even March, and in the meantime, Barnier has been in intensive talks with EU member states on his negotiating mandate. After the transition, Britain wants the right to set its own rules in areas such as workers' rights and environmental standards. But Brussels has warned that the more the UK diverges from EU standards, the less it will have unfettered access to Europe's huge single market. And a comprehensive free trade agreement of the type the European Union has signed with Canada could take years to negotiate.

PM Johnson signs agreement for Britain to leave European Union

Britain's duchess Kate, the wife of Prince William, began a 24-hour tour on Tuesday (January 21) to launch a survey of people's views on bringing up children, as the royals carry on with official duties in the wake of the rift over Prince Harry.

UK's Duchess Kate begins 24-hour tour for childhood survey

Hundreds of protesters in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-birth-rate-is-at-its-lowest-in-70-years-275226">China</a>-ruled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-airlines-apologies-for-the-unconvinced-caused-to-the-women-274863">Hong Kong</a> gathered in a central park on Sunday to call for democratic reforms and denounce communism, as police stopped and searched people on nearby streets and in metro stations.

The "Universal Siege Against Communism" demonstration was the latest in a relentless series of protests against the government since June when Hong Kongers took to the streets to voice their anger over a now-withdrawn extradition bill.

<img alt="Hong Kong protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="30c49d91-6041-4705-a283-3c5fb1b9a526" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-19T150623.841.jpg" />

The protests, which have since broadened to include demands for universal suffrage and an independent investigation into police handling of the demonstrations, have lost some of their intensity in recent weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-work-with-new-chinese-envoy-to-get-back-on-right-path-hong-kongs-carrie-lam-272610">Will work with new Chinese envoy to get back on 'right path': Hong Kong's Carrie Lam</a>

In an apparent new tactic, police have been showing up ahead of time in riot gear, with officers conducting "stop and search" operations near expected demonstrations. A water cannon truck and armoured jeeps were also visible on central streets on Sunday.

Also watch:&nbsp;Hong Kong riot police detain protesters

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-riot-police-detain-protesters-271719/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Everyone understands that there’s a risk of stop-and-search or mass arrests. I appreciate Hong Kong people still come out courageously, despite the risk,” said organiser <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-fete-landslide-election-win-for-taiwans-tsai-ing-wen-273784">Ventus Lau</a>.

Lau initially applied for a permit for a march, but the police only gave a green light for a static rally instead, saying previous marches have turned violent.

On January 1, a march of tens of thousands of people ended with police firing tear gas to disperse crowds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-defuse-pipe-bomb-arrest-four-for-manufacturing-explosives-274330">Hong Kong police defuse pipe bomb, arrest four for manufacturing explosives</a>

At Sunday's rally, more than one thousand people gathered in a park surrounded by some of Hong Kong's tallest skyscrapers, chanting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-defuse-pipe-bomb-arrest-four-for-manufacturing-explosives-274330">pro-democracy</a> slogans as they listened to speeches by activists.

Youngsters, dressed in black and covering their faces, mixed with older people and families with children and the atmosphere was relaxed.

In one corner, a group of volunteers set up a stand where people could leave messages on red cards for the lunar new year to be sent to those who have been arrested. One read: “Hong Kongers won’t give up. The future belongs to the youth”.

Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested more than 7,000 people, many on charges of rioting that can carry jail terms of up to 10 years. It is unclear how many are still in custody.

<img alt="Police arrest protesters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ed14692-02de-47ca-935a-750cb6eae30e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-19T150805.360.jpg" /> 
&nbsp;

Anger has grown over the months due to perceptions that Beijing was tightening its grip over the city, which was handed over to China by Britain in 1997 in a deal that ensured it enjoyed liberties unavailable in the mainland.

Beijing denies meddling and blames the West for fomenting unrest.

Hundreds of protesters in China-ruled Hong Kong gathered in a central park on Sunday to call for democratic reforms and denounce communism, as police stopped and searched people on nearby streets and in metro stations.

Hundreds of protesters in China-ruled Hong Kong gathered in a central park on Sunday to call for democratic reforms and denounce communism, as police stopped and searched people on nearby streets and in metro stations. The "Universal Siege Against Communism" demonstration was the latest in a relentless series of protests against the government since June when Hong Kongers took to the streets to voice their anger over a now-withdrawn extradition bill. The protests, which have since broadened to include demands for universal suffrage and an independent investigation into police handling of the demonstrations, have lost some of their intensity in recent weeks. Also read: Will work with new Chinese envoy to get back on 'right path': Hong Kong's Carrie Lam In an apparent new tactic, police have been showing up ahead of time in riot gear, with officers conducting "stop and search" operations near expected demonstrations. A water cannon truck and armoured jeeps were also visible on central streets on Sunday. Also watch: Hong Kong riot police detain protesters "Everyone understands that there’s a risk of stop-and-search or mass arrests. I appreciate Hong Kong people still come out courageously, despite the risk,” said organiser Ventus Lau. Lau initially applied for a permit for a march, but the police only gave a green light for a static rally instead, saying previous marches have turned violent. On January 1, a march of tens of thousands of people ended with police firing tear gas to disperse crowds. Also read: Hong Kong police defuse pipe bomb, arrest four for manufacturing explosives At Sunday's rally, more than one thousand people gathered in a park surrounded by some of Hong Kong's tallest skyscrapers, chanting pro-democracy slogans as they listened to speeches by activists. Youngsters, dressed in black and covering their faces, mixed with older people and families with children and the atmosphere was relaxed. In one corner, a group of volunteers set up a stand where people could leave messages on red cards for the lunar new year to be sent to those who have been arrested. One read: “Hong Kongers won’t give up. The future belongs to the youth”. Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested more than 7,000 people, many on charges of rioting that can carry jail terms of up to 10 years. It is unclear how many are still in custody. Anger has grown over the months due to perceptions that Beijing was tightening its grip over the city, which was handed over to China by Britain in 1997 in a deal that ensured it enjoyed liberties unavailable in the mainland. Beijing denies meddling and blames the West for fomenting unrest.

Over 1,000 gather in central Hong Kong park to call for democracy

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving to <a>Canada</a> after the transition from their royal positions and duties, the 'skeleton' staff working at Sussexes’ Frogmore Cottage are being ‘let-go’.&nbsp;

Ahead of the ad-hoc staff, only two permanent employees which include a house manager and a cleaner are moved to the Queen’s household.

According to sources, the Sussexes were operating the Frogmore Cottage on the Queen’s Windsor estate.&nbsp;

The couple’s decision to move North America for at least part of the year might fuel speculation among palace officials that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/post-split-from-royal-family-meghan-markle-visits-a-womens-charity-in-canada-274637">Meghan Markle</a> might never return to Britain in order to live in a “meaningful” way.

The 93-year old monarch was deeply saddened by the couple’s decision to step back from their royal duties. She even wished for them to be ‘full-time royals’ and continue their roles.

However, she was interestingly supportive in their decision and emphasized that the royal family respects the Sussexes’ decision to attain ‘financial independence’.

She also held an unprecedented summit with Prince Charles, Prince William, and Harry at Sandringham to discuss the forwarding roles of the royal couple.

The British and Canadian governments are in constant talks about the residency and security issues of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/royal-mess-all-the-controversies-that-british-monarchy-has-faced-till-date-274729">Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a>.&nbsp;

The staff is already foretold to expect changes but official plans are yet to be announced.

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving to Canada after the transition from their royal positions and duties, the 'skeleton' staff working at Sussexes’ Frogmore Cottage are being ‘let-go’.

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are moving to Canada after the transition from their royal positions and duties, the 'skeleton' staff working at Sussexes’ Frogmore Cottage are being ‘let-go’. Ahead of the ad-hoc staff, only two permanent employees which include a house manager and a cleaner are moved to the Queen’s household. According to sources, the Sussexes were operating the Frogmore Cottage on the Queen’s Windsor estate. The couple’s decision to move North America for at least part of the year might fuel speculation among palace officials that Meghan Markle might never return to Britain in order to live in a “meaningful” way. The 93-year old monarch was deeply saddened by the couple’s decision to step back from their royal duties. She even wished for them to be ‘full-time royals’ and continue their roles. However, she was interestingly supportive in their decision and emphasized that the royal family respects the Sussexes’ decision to attain ‘financial independence’. She also held an unprecedented summit with Prince Charles, Prince William, and Harry at Sandringham to discuss the forwarding roles of the royal couple. The British and Canadian governments are in constant talks about the residency and security issues of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The staff is already foretold to expect changes but official plans are yet to be announced.

Meghan Markle 'may not return' to UK for a very long time

Britain's Prince Harry will make his first public appearance today since Queen Elizabeth has approved to the wishes of her grandson and his wife Meghan Markel to step back from their senior royal roles and seek more independent future. The monarch agreed to the pair's wishes during an emergency meeting in Sandringham, days after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the bombshell announcement. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Prince Harry's first public appearance since Sussexes announce to step back from royal roles

After tensions between the US and Iran reached a tipping point leaving West Asia on the boil. The war of words between the several sides have intensified now and there has been a call for de-escalation from several countries. The tensions revolve around the 2015 nuclear agreement. The Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif has hit out at France, Germany and Britain for triggering the dispute mechanism of that nuclear agreement. Watch report:

Fineprint: Iran foreign minister hits out at E3 nations over breach of 2015 nuclear deal

Hours after European allies Britain, France and Germany formally accused Iran of violating the terms of its 2015 nuclear deal to curb its nuclear programme, Iran hit back saying the usage of dispute mechanism is a legally baseless and strategic mistake.

Hours after European allies Britain, France and Germany formally accused Iran of violating the terms of its 2015 nuclear deal to curb its nuclear programme, Iran hit back saying the usage of dispute mechanism is a legally baseless and strategic mistake. "The usage of the dispute mechanism is legally baseless and a strategic mistake from a political standpoint," Iran Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said, according to the Fars news agency. Iran, which denies its nuclear programme is aimed at building a bomb, has gradually rolled back its commitments under the accord since the United States quit. It argues that Washington's actions justify such a course. European allies Britain, France and Germany on Tuesday formally accused Iran of violating the terms of its 2015 nuclear deal to curb its nuclear programme. The breach of the nuclear deal would eventually lead to the reimposing of U.N. sanctions lifted under the deal. The European allies said they were acting to avoid a crisis over nuclear proliferation adding to an escalating confrontation in the Middle East. However, Russia, another signatory to the pact, said it saw no grounds to trigger the mechanism and Iran dismissed the step as a "strategic mistake." The European allies said they still wanted the nuclear deal with Tehran to succeed and were not joining a "maximum pressure" campaign by Washington which pulled out of the deal in 2018 and reimposed economic sanctions on Iran. The countries triggered the deal's "dispute mechanism," which amounts to formally accusing Iran of violating the terms of the agreement.

European powers in nuclear deal using dispute mechanism is a 'strategic mistake', warns Iran foreign minister

After the Brexit, Britain has to fret over the decision of the royal split of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel from their ‘senior’ royal duties to new progressive roles. The royal pair wishes to be financially independent and will now divide their time between the United Kingdom and Canada.&nbsp;

Though Queen Elizabeth wanted Duke and Duchess of Sussex to have completed their full-time role as ‘royals’ but she was interestingly 'supportive' in their transition.

This led to tweet flood coming from all corners of Great Britain and the royal transition covering up the front pages of major newspapers across the United Kingdom and the world.

Daily Mirror<meta charset="utf-8" />

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Tomorrow's front page: Queen to Harry: I want you to stay...but you're free to go <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TomorrowsPapersToday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TomorrowsPapersToday</a> <a href="https://t.co/30LUoAHKVc">https://t.co/30LUoAHKVc</a> <a href="https://t.co/w8vtQyD5lV">pic.twitter.com/w8vtQyD5lV</a>
— Daily Mirror (@DailyMirror) <a href="https://twitter.com/DailyMirror/status/1216848235043655680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Monarchy is in crisis with the ‘disappointed’ Queen requesting Prince Harry and Meghan to quit after attending a two-hour summit at Sandringham writes the Daily Mirror.&nbsp;

The Sun

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Tomorrow's front page: Harry and Meghan get their way as sad Queen gives in to their demands <a href="https://t.co/wSeCPrBHIk">https://t.co/wSeCPrBHIk</a> <a href="https://t.co/jwzPS1crmo">pic.twitter.com/jwzPS1crmo</a>
— The Sun (@TheSun) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSun/status/1216854273314689024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Her Majesty might be deeply upset by Harry and Meghan's decision to 'step back' from their royal duties but she gave them the financial freedom, the couple wished for.

The Guardian

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Guardian front page, Tuesday 14 January 2020: Record heat in world’s oceans is ‘dire’ warning on climate crisis <a href="https://t.co/F4CANAqcLS">pic.twitter.com/F4CANAqcLS</a>
— The Guardian (@guardian) <a href="https://twitter.com/guardian/status/1216842366671298561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ahead of the royal transition, The Guardian writes about the heat in the world's oceans reached a record level in 2019, showing, "irrefutable and accelerating" heating of the planet.

Daily Mail

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Tuesday's <a href="https://twitter.com/DailyMailUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DailyMailUK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MailFrontPages?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MailFrontPages</a> <a href="https://t.co/KduLdO9IEW">pic.twitter.com/KduLdO9IEW</a>
— Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/DailyMailUK/status/1216859532321792002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Daily Mail says the Queen 'would have preferred' Harry and Meghan to stay as full-time royals but regretfully agrees to the 'transition' period.

Daily Express

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Today's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/frontpage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#frontpage</a> - Gracious Queen Grants Harry His Wish <a href="https://t.co/O9MxUTh47q">pic.twitter.com/O9MxUTh47q</a>
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) <a href="https://twitter.com/Daily_Express/status/1216958873942102016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In huge-bold letters writes the Daily Express,&nbsp;the "Gracious Queen grants Harry his wish".

Daily Star

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Tomorrow's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/frontpage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#frontpage</a> - Millionaire United ace Rashford to cash in... with his own BOG ROLL<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tomorrowspaperstoday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tomorrowspaperstoday</a> <a href="https://t.co/mlPiKgYC45">pic.twitter.com/mlPiKgYC45</a>
— Daily Star (@dailystar) <a href="https://twitter.com/dailystar/status/1216848005460111360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Daily Star aligned the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Marcus Rashford. The 'sad' Queen, it quotes, frees the prince and his wife the 'independence' they wished for.

The Telegraph

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The front page of tomorrow’s Telegraph: ‘The Queen’s reluctant farewell’ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TomorrowsPapersToday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TomorrowsPapersToday</a> <a href="https://t.co/0R0dTfqLvC">pic.twitter.com/0R0dTfqLvC</a>
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) <a href="https://twitter.com/Telegraph/status/1216839749689905153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Queen and the Royal Family understand and respect Harry and Meghan's wish to live a more independent life as a family and the Queen gives a reluctant farewell, reports The Telegraph.&nbsp;

i Newspaper

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Tuesday's front page: Queen's seal of approval for reshaped Royal Family<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tomorrowspaperstoday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tomorrowspaperstoday</a> <a href="https://t.co/DKsy423lZB">pic.twitter.com/DKsy423lZB</a>
— i newspaper (@theipaper) <a href="https://twitter.com/theipaper/status/1216852399140298752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Monarch approves Harry and Meghan's wish to resign from their posts, however, would have preferred them to continue their existing roles says i Newspaper.

The Independent

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Tomorrow's <a href="https://twitter.com/Independent?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@independent</a> front page <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tomorrowspaperstoday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tomorrowspaperstoday</a> To subscribe to the Daily Edition <a href="https://t.co/XF8VnDpHYF">https://t.co/XF8VnDpHYF</a> <a href="https://t.co/lwsqlAh5i5">pic.twitter.com/lwsqlAh5i5</a>
— The Independent (@Independent) <a href="https://twitter.com/Independent/status/1216906211674787846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As the latest advancement in the series of events after Harry and Meghan's announcement of leaving the royal positions, the Queen has finally given her consent on their demand, reports The Independent.

After the Brexit, Britain has to fret over the decision of the royal split of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel from their ‘senior’ royal duties to new progressive roles.

After the Brexit, Britain has to fret over the decision of the royal split of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel from their ‘senior’ royal duties to new progressive roles. The royal pair wishes to be financially independent and will now divide their time between the United Kingdom and Canada. Though Queen Elizabeth wanted Duke and Duchess of Sussex to have completed their full-time role as ‘royals’ but she was interestingly 'supportive' in their transition. This led to tweet flood coming from all corners of Great Britain and the royal transition covering up the front pages of major newspapers across the United Kingdom and the world. Daily Mirror Tomorrow's front page: Queen to Harry: I want you to stay...but you're free to go #TomorrowsPapersToday https://t.co/30LUoAHKVc pic.twitter.com/w8vtQyD5lV — Daily Mirror (@DailyMirror) January 13, 2020 × Monarchy is in crisis with the ‘disappointed’ Queen requesting Prince Harry and Meghan to quit after attending a two-hour summit at Sandringham writes the Daily Mirror. The Sun Tomorrow's front page: Harry and Meghan get their way as sad Queen gives in to their demands https://t.co/wSeCPrBHIk pic.twitter.com/jwzPS1crmo — The Sun (@TheSun) January 13, 2020 × Her Majesty might be deeply upset by Harry and Meghan's decision to 'step back' from their royal duties but she gave them the financial freedom, the couple wished for. The Guardian Guardian front page, Tuesday 14 January 2020: Record heat in world’s oceans is ‘dire’ warning on climate crisis pic.twitter.com/F4CANAqcLS — The Guardian (@guardian) January 13, 2020 × Ahead of the royal transition, The Guardian writes about the heat in the world's oceans reached a record level in 2019, showing, "irrefutable and accelerating" heating of the planet. Daily Mail Tuesday's @DailyMailUK #MailFrontPages pic.twitter.com/KduLdO9IEW — Daily Mail U.K. (@DailyMailUK) January 13, 2020 × The Daily Mail says the Queen 'would have preferred' Harry and Meghan to stay as full-time royals but regretfully agrees to the 'transition' period. Daily Express Today's #frontpage - Gracious Queen Grants Harry His Wish pic.twitter.com/O9MxUTh47q — Daily Express (@Daily_Express) January 14, 2020 × In huge-bold letters writes the Daily Express, the "Gracious Queen grants Harry his wish". Daily Star Tomorrow's #frontpage - Millionaire United ace Rashford to cash in... with his own BOG ROLL#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/mlPiKgYC45 — Daily Star (@dailystar) January 13, 2020 × Daily Star aligned the Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Marcus Rashford. The 'sad' Queen, it quotes, frees the prince and his wife the 'independence' they wished for. The Telegraph The front page of tomorrow’s Telegraph: ‘The Queen’s reluctant farewell’ #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/0R0dTfqLvC — The Telegraph (@Telegraph) January 13, 2020 × The Queen and the Royal Family understand and respect Harry and Meghan's wish to live a more independent life as a family and the Queen gives a reluctant farewell, reports The Telegraph. i Newspaper Tuesday's front page: Queen's seal of approval for reshaped Royal Family#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/DKsy423lZB — i newspaper (@theipaper) January 13, 2020 × The Monarch approves Harry and Meghan's wish to resign from their posts, however, would have preferred them to continue their existing roles says i Newspaper. The Independent Tomorrow's @independent front page #tomorrowspaperstoday To subscribe to the Daily Edition https://t.co/XF8VnDpHYF pic.twitter.com/lwsqlAh5i5 — The Independent (@Independent) January 14, 2020 × As the latest advancement in the series of events after Harry and Meghan's announcement of leaving the royal positions, the Queen has finally given her consent on their demand, reports The Independent.

'Royal crisis' dominates UK newspaper front pages

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nireland-government-returns-after-three-year-suspension-273609">Boris Johnson</a> on Tuesday proposed a&nbsp;crowdfunding&nbsp;campaign to&nbsp;allow&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;bell in parliament’s landmark clock tower to ring out when Britain is due to leave the European Union.

The 13.7-tonne bell has been largely silent since 2017 while renovation work is carried out on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-i-are-separate-entities-prince-william-273926">Elizabeth Tower</a> which houses it, sounding only for important events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The prime minister was speaking after a House of Commons Commission dismissed the proposal for the bell to sound for&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;because it would be too expensive.

Johnson said it would cost 500,000 pounds ($648,450) to&nbsp;allow&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;to sound at 2300 GMT on January&nbsp;31, the moment&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;is officially due to take place. But he said people could donate cash to pay for it.

"We are working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;bong," Johnson told the BBC in an interview.

"As everybody knows,&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;is being refurbished, they seem to have taken the clapper away. So we need to restore the clapper in order to&nbsp;bong&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;on&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;night. And that is expensive."

The prime minister's suggestion comes after a group of pro-Brexit&nbsp;members of parliament spearheaded a campaign to chime <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/independence-day-queen-elizabeth-ii-agrees-grandson-harry-wife-meghan-can-exit-senior-royal-role-274105">Britain</a> out of the EU, sounding the death knell for almost half a century of integration with the bloc.

But an attempt to have it enshrined in law that&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;would chime for&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;failed last week.

The celebrations for&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;day are set to divide Britain once again, a fitting conclusion to more than three years of angry debate about whether to leave the world’s largest trading bloc.

While supporters of leaving the bloc will celebrate with parties, there will be little joy in homes of pro-Europeans.

Brexit&nbsp;Party leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-enthusiastic-about-boris-johnsons-victory-but-it-wont-be-smooth-sailing-for-them-269348">Nigel Farage</a> is planning to host a party in Parliament Square on January 31 where supporters of leaving the EU would be able to hear&nbsp;Big&nbsp;Ben&nbsp;ring out.

More than 12,000 people applied for tickets in the first day after they were advertised last week.

Big&nbsp;Ben's tower, in the Palace of Westminster, has been under renovation since 2017 and the work is not due to be completed until 2021.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday proposed a crowdfunding campaign to allow Big Ben bell in parliament’s landmark clock tower to ring out when Britain is due to leave the European Union.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday proposed a crowdfunding campaign to allow Big Ben bell in parliament’s landmark clock tower to ring out when Britain is due to leave the European Union. The 13.7-tonne bell has been largely silent since 2017 while renovation work is carried out on the Elizabeth Tower which houses it, sounding only for important events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations. The prime minister was speaking after a House of Commons Commission dismissed the proposal for the bell to sound for Brexit because it would be too expensive. Johnson said it would cost 500,000 pounds ($648,450) to allow Big Ben to sound at 2300 GMT on January 31, the moment Brexit is officially due to take place. But he said people could donate cash to pay for it. "We are working up a plan so people can bung a bob for a Big Ben bong," Johnson told the BBC in an interview. "As everybody knows, Big Ben is being refurbished, they seem to have taken the clapper away. So we need to restore the clapper in order to bong Big Ben on Brexit night. And that is expensive." The prime minister's suggestion comes after a group of pro-Brexit members of parliament spearheaded a campaign to chime Britain out of the EU, sounding the death knell for almost half a century of integration with the bloc. But an attempt to have it enshrined in law that Big Ben would chime for Brexit failed last week. The celebrations for Brexit day are set to divide Britain once again, a fitting conclusion to more than three years of angry debate about whether to leave the world’s largest trading bloc. While supporters of leaving the bloc will celebrate with parties, there will be little joy in homes of pro-Europeans. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage is planning to host a party in Parliament Square on January 31 where supporters of leaving the EU would be able to hear Big Ben ring out. More than 12,000 people applied for tickets in the first day after they were advertised last week. Big Ben's tower, in the Palace of Westminster, has been under renovation since 2017 and the work is not due to be completed until 2021.

PM Boris Johnson proposes crowdfunding to allow Big Ben to bong for Brexit

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;was&nbsp;briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;as a "flagrant&nbsp;violation&nbsp;of international&nbsp;law".

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Foreign Secretary <a href="https://twitter.com/DominicRaab?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DominicRaab</a> calls brief detention of <a href="https://twitter.com/HMATehran?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMATehran</a> a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: <a href="https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb">https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb</a>
— Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/foreignoffice/status/1216114167888912385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the&nbsp;Tehran-based Tasnim news agency reported that British&nbsp;envoy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-iran-against-massacre-as-protests-erupt-over-downing-of-ukrainian-airplane-273670">Rob Macaire</a> was&nbsp;arrested for several hours in front of Amir Kabir University for inciting anti-government protesters.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/British?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#British</a> ambassador to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tehran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tehran</a> has been detained for organizing suspicious movements and protests in front of Amir Kabir University but released after hours and will be summoned by foreign ministry tomorrow morning <a href="https://t.co/lWfPasQsIH">pic.twitter.com/lWfPasQsIH</a>
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tasnimnews_EN/status/1216104698182356992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;of our Ambassador in&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;without grounds or explanation is a flagrant&nbsp;violation&nbsp;of international&nbsp;law," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.

"The Iranian government is at a crossroads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forward," Raab said.

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in Tehran was briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the arrest as a "flagrant violation of international law".

Britain's Foreign Office confirmed on Saturday that the country's ambassador in Tehran was briefly detained by Iranian authorities, denouncing the arrest as a "flagrant violation of international law". Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab calls brief detention of @HMATehran a “flagrant violation of international law.” Full statement: https://t.co/bcx5dYInUb — Foreign Office 🇬🇧 (@foreignoffice) January 11, 2020 × Earlier, the Tehran-based Tasnim news agency reported that British envoy Rob Macaire was arrested for several hours in front of Amir Kabir University for inciting anti-government protesters. #British ambassador to #Tehran has been detained for organizing suspicious movements and protests in front of Amir Kabir University but released after hours and will be summoned by foreign ministry tomorrow morning pic.twitter.com/lWfPasQsIH — Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) January 11, 2020 × "The arrest of our Ambassador in Tehran without grounds or explanation is a flagrant violation of international law," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement. "The Iranian government is at a crossroads moment. It can continue its march towards pariah status with all the political and economic isolation that entails, or take steps to de-escalate tensions and engage in a diplomatic path forward," Raab said.

UK denounces brief arrest of envoy in Tehran as violation of law

Untested Australia doubles pairing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">Alex De Minaur</a> and Nick Kyrgios saved four match points before sealing a nail-biting win in the deciding match of their quarter-final clash with Great Britain at the inaugural&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;team event on Thursday.

The Australian duo, better known for their singles play, defeated doubles specialists Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury 3-6 6-3 18-16 to set up a semi-final against either <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888">Rafael Nadal</a>-led Spain or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-destroys-david-goffin-to-reach-semis-234792">David Goffin</a>'s Belgium.

In something resembling both a hug and a wrestle, De Minaur and Kyrgios fell to the ground in a celebratory embrace after edging the half-hour-long extended tiebreak, used in place of a deciding third set.

"That was the most stressful tie-breaker I've ever been involved in," Kyrgios said in an on-court interview after the match. "I'll definitely be having a couple of red wines tonight."

The pair were subbed in by team captain Lleyton Hewitt at the last moment after the teams split the two singles matches, a decision he attributed to Kyrgios' irresistible form.

While Kyrgios' on-court behaviour often raised hackles, few handle pressure moments as well as he did on Thursday. Facing a match point in the doubles tiebreak, he ripped a backhand winner off a serve down a narrow gap.

&nbsp;

Earlier, Kyrgios was too strong for London-based left-hander Cameron Norrie, winning 6-2 6-2, while Britain's Dan Evans then outlasted the top 20-ranked De Minaur 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(2).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nick-kyrgios-beats-alexander-zverev-to-win-acapulco-title-200862">Kyrgios</a> said after his comfortable victory that he wasn't happy with his serving rhythm, although he did successfully use an underarm serve that appeared to confuse his British opponent, who was looking out for the tactic to be redeployed throughout the match.

"Anytime is a match where the opponent stops thinking about what he needs to do ...I think I have an edge straight away," said Kyrgios.

Krygios has previously employed the obscure but long-used tactic, notably against Nadal, the world's top player, who has criticised the Australian's on-court behaviour.

"If it gets in Rafa's head, then it's a success," Kyrgios said after Thursday's match.

De Minaur and Evans split the opening sets, setting up a third set contest that went to a tiebreak. Britain's top player used his all-court game to press his younger opponent and successfully employed serve-and-volley tactics at key moments.

De Minaur saved four match points before Evans eventually secured a morale-boosting victory weeks out from the Australian Open.

Hewitt then made the prescient call to put the 20-year-old immediately back out on court, partnered with Kyrgios, instead of doubles specialists.

"You have five minutes to decide after the second singles," said Hewitt, who added that Kyrgios' form was too good to leave him out of the deciding match.

&nbsp;

Untested Australia doubles pairing Alex De Minaur and Nick Kyrgios saved four match points before sealing a nail-biting win in the deciding match of their quarter-final clash with Great Britain at the inaugural ATP Cup team event on Thursday.

Untested Australia doubles pairing Alex De Minaur and Nick Kyrgios saved four match points before sealing a nail-biting win in the deciding match of their quarter-final clash with Great Britain at the inaugural ATP Cup team event on Thursday. The Australian duo, better known for their singles play, defeated doubles specialists Jamie Murray and Joe Salisbury 3-6 6-3 18-16 to set up a semi-final against either Rafael Nadal-led Spain or David Goffin's Belgium. In something resembling both a hug and a wrestle, De Minaur and Kyrgios fell to the ground in a celebratory embrace after edging the half-hour-long extended tiebreak, used in place of a deciding third set. "That was the most stressful tie-breaker I've ever been involved in," Kyrgios said in an on-court interview after the match. "I'll definitely be having a couple of red wines tonight." The pair were subbed in by team captain Lleyton Hewitt at the last moment after the teams split the two singles matches, a decision he attributed to Kyrgios' irresistible form. While Kyrgios' on-court behaviour often raised hackles, few handle pressure moments as well as he did on Thursday. Facing a match point in the doubles tiebreak, he ripped a backhand winner off a serve down a narrow gap. Earlier, Kyrgios was too strong for London-based left-hander Cameron Norrie, winning 6-2 6-2, while Britain's Dan Evans then outlasted the top 20-ranked De Minaur 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(2). Kyrgios said after his comfortable victory that he wasn't happy with his serving rhythm, although he did successfully use an underarm serve that appeared to confuse his British opponent, who was looking out for the tactic to be redeployed throughout the match. "Anytime is a match where the opponent stops thinking about what he needs to do ...I think I have an edge straight away," said Kyrgios. Krygios has previously employed the obscure but long-used tactic, notably against Nadal, the world's top player, who has criticised the Australian's on-court behaviour. "If it gets in Rafa's head, then it's a success," Kyrgios said after Thursday's match. De Minaur and Evans split the opening sets, setting up a third set contest that went to a tiebreak. Britain's top player used his all-court game to press his younger opponent and successfully employed serve-and-volley tactics at key moments. De Minaur saved four match points before Evans eventually secured a morale-boosting victory weeks out from the Australian Open. Hewitt then made the prescient call to put the 20-year-old immediately back out on court, partnered with Kyrgios, instead of doubles specialists. "You have five minutes to decide after the second singles," said Hewitt, who added that Kyrgios' form was too good to leave him out of the deciding match.

Australia oust Britain in knife-edge ATP Cup quarter-final

British MPs on Tuesday resume scrutiny of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnsons-brexit-deal-wins-first-vote-in-new-parliament-269404">Brexit deal</a> as he races to get it ratified in time for Britain to leave the European Union on January 31.

After his stunning victory in last month's general election, Johnson is expected to have little trouble getting the legislation enshrining his EU divorce terms through parliament.

But the Conservative leader is still up against the clock, as both the British and European parliaments must ratify the deal before departure day in just a few weeks' time.

Britons voted in the 2016 referendum to end more than four decades of integration with the EU, but the process has been plagued by political rows over how, when and even whether Britain should leave.

After years of uncertainty that weighed on economic growth, Johnson now looks set to finally make it happen -- even if a potentially bigger battle awaits on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-and-health-britains-johnson-sets-out-priorities-in-queens-speech-269050">future ties with the EU</a>.

MPs gave their initial approval to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in a vote on December 20, a week after Johnson secured a majority of 80 in the 650-seat House of Commons.

Starting on Tuesday, they will have three days of debate before the bill passes to the unelected House of Lords for further scrutiny next week.

Opposition lawmakers and troublesome peers will try to amend the text, but Johnson is virtually certain of getting it through on time.

In a sign of his confidence, his government announced it would hold a new post-Brexit budget vote on March 11, to "seize the opportunities that come from getting Brexit done".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-stresses-reconciliation-after-bruising-brexit-year-269917">Queen stresses reconciliation after bruising Brexit year</a>

Scene-setting talks

Johnson meanwhile will hold his first meeting with the new European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, in London on Wednesday.

Both sides are keen to prepare for talks on their future trading relationship, although these cannot start formally until Britain leaves the EU.

The Brexit deal includes a transition period in which ties remain unchanged in practice until December 31, 2020, to provide continuity until a new economic partnership can be agreed.

EU officials -- including von der Leyen herself -- have warned this is a very tight timeframe, but Johnson insists he will not opt to extend the transition period.

Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said Monday that von der Leyen would "discuss with the prime minister how to try to overcome these challenges and make sure that we can come out with a positive agreement at the end of the year".

The meeting, which will also be attended by EU <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-stresses-reconciliation-after-bruising-brexit-year-269917">Brexit</a> negotiator Michel Barnier, will "set the scene", he added, but would not go into details.

Many opposition MPs believe Johnson cannot negotiate a new trade deal with Brussels in 11 months and are seeking to amend the Withdrawal Agreement Bill to allow for more time.

Other amendments put forward include stronger rights for around 3.5 million EU citizens living in Britain after Brexit.

Expatriate rights are already covered in the Brexit deal, alongside Britain's financial liabilities, the transition period and new trade arrangements for Northern Ireland.

British MPs on Tuesday resume scrutiny of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit deal as he races to get it ratified in time for Britain to leave the European Union on January 31.

British MPs on Tuesday resume scrutiny of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit deal as he races to get it ratified in time for Britain to leave the European Union on January 31. After his stunning victory in last month's general election, Johnson is expected to have little trouble getting the legislation enshrining his EU divorce terms through parliament. But the Conservative leader is still up against the clock, as both the British and European parliaments must ratify the deal before departure day in just a few weeks' time. Britons voted in the 2016 referendum to end more than four decades of integration with the EU, but the process has been plagued by political rows over how, when and even whether Britain should leave. After years of uncertainty that weighed on economic growth, Johnson now looks set to finally make it happen -- even if a potentially bigger battle awaits on future ties with the EU. MPs gave their initial approval to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in a vote on December 20, a week after Johnson secured a majority of 80 in the 650-seat House of Commons. Starting on Tuesday, they will have three days of debate before the bill passes to the unelected House of Lords for further scrutiny next week. Opposition lawmakers and troublesome peers will try to amend the text, but Johnson is virtually certain of getting it through on time. In a sign of his confidence, his government announced it would hold a new post-Brexit budget vote on March 11, to "seize the opportunities that come from getting Brexit done". Also read: Queen stresses reconciliation after bruising Brexit year Scene-setting talks Johnson meanwhile will hold his first meeting with the new European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, in London on Wednesday. Both sides are keen to prepare for talks on their future trading relationship, although these cannot start formally until Britain leaves the EU. The Brexit deal includes a transition period in which ties remain unchanged in practice until December 31, 2020, to provide continuity until a new economic partnership can be agreed. EU officials -- including von der Leyen herself -- have warned this is a very tight timeframe, but Johnson insists he will not opt to extend the transition period. Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said Monday that von der Leyen would "discuss with the prime minister how to try to overcome these challenges and make sure that we can come out with a positive agreement at the end of the year". The meeting, which will also be attended by EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, will "set the scene", he added, but would not go into details. Many opposition MPs believe Johnson cannot negotiate a new trade deal with Brussels in 11 months and are seeking to amend the Withdrawal Agreement Bill to allow for more time. Other amendments put forward include stronger rights for around 3.5 million EU citizens living in Britain after Brexit. Expatriate rights are already covered in the Brexit deal, alongside Britain's financial liabilities, the transition period and new trade arrangements for Northern Ireland.

British MPs scrutinise Brexit deal as January 31 deadline nears

Britain is urgently speaking to parties across the globe about&nbsp;Iran's recent&nbsp;announcement&nbsp;which indicates that it will abandon limitations on enriching uranium which is extremely concerning, a spokesman for Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-exclaimed-with-f-word-in-reaction-to-soleimanis-killing-in-us-airstrikes-272225">Boris Johnson</a> said on Monday.

The spokesman also said there were international conventions in place to prevent the destruction of cultural heritage after US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/should-iran-strike-us-will-quickly-strike-back-says-trump-272374">Donald Trump</a> threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites, including targets important to Iranian culture, if Tehran attacks Americans or US&nbsp;assets.

Watch:&nbsp;Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran

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"Iran's announcement is clearly extremely concerning. It is in everyone's interests that the deal remains in place. It makes the world safer by taking the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran firmly off the table," the spokesman told reporters.

"We have always said the nuclear deal is a reciprocal deal, and in light of Iran's announcement we are urgently speaking to partners about next steps."

On Trump's threat to strike Iranian sites, the spokesman said,&nbsp;"There are international conventions in place which prevent the destruction of cultural heritage.

Britain is urgently speaking to parties across the globe about Iran's recent announcement which indicates that it will abandon limitations on enriching uranium which is extremely concerning, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday.

Britain is urgently speaking to parties across the globe about Iran's recent announcement which indicates that it will abandon limitations on enriching uranium which is extremely concerning, a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. The spokesman also said there were international conventions in place to prevent the destruction of cultural heritage after US President Donald Trump threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites, including targets important to Iranian culture, if Tehran attacks Americans or US assets. Watch: Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran × "Iran's announcement is clearly extremely concerning. It is in everyone's interests that the deal remains in place. It makes the world safer by taking the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran firmly off the table," the spokesman told reporters. "We have always said the nuclear deal is a reciprocal deal, and in light of Iran's announcement we are urgently speaking to partners about next steps." On Trump's threat to strike Iranian sites, the spokesman said, "There are international conventions in place which prevent the destruction of cultural heritage.

Britain alarmed by Iran nuclear announcement: PM Boris Johnson's spokesman

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumers-up-borrowing-at-slowest-rates-in-uk-bank-of-england-271888">Boris Johnson's</a> chief adviser is calling for "weirdos and misfits" to apply for jobs in Downing Street, as part of a shake-up of how Britain's government does business.

Dominic Cummings outlined what he said was the need to diversify the skills and backgrounds of policymakers and advisers, in a nearly 3,000-word post on his blog on Thursday.

The special adviser, who headed the referendum campaign for Britain to leave the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-regime-must-halt-escalation-of-violence-european-union-270860">European Union</a>, said the government wanted to hire "an unusual set of people with different skills and backgrounds".

They included data scientists, software developers, economists, policy experts, project managers, communications experts, as well as "weirdos and misfits with odd skills".

He said the need to change was because of "profound problems at the core of how the British state makes decisions", such as not having civil servants with dedicated, long-term expertise.

It was also because Brexit required large policy and decision-making structure changes, he added.

Johnson, who won a comfortable majority in a general election last month, has reportedly promised "seismic changes" to the civil service.

Cummings believes it needs to have fewer arts graduates educated, like him, at private schools and "Oxbridge" &nbsp;the leading universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Instead, he wants "super-talented weirdos" and "some true wild cards, artists, people who never went to university and fought their way out of an appalling hell hole".

"If you want to figure out what characters around Putin might do, or how international criminal gangs might exploit holes in our border security, you don't want more Oxbridge English graduates who chat about Lacan at dinner parties with TV producers and spread fake news about fake news," he wrote.

One of the new recruits encouraged to apply would become his assistant, said Cummings.

The head of the FDA civil service union, Dave Penman, told BBC radio that "merit, not patronage" was key to recruitment and was essential in order for ministers to receive impartial advice.

"It would be ironic if, in an attempt to bring in radical new thinking, Cummings was to surround himself with like-minded individuals -- recruited for what they believe, not what they can do -- and less able to provide the robust advice a minister may need, rather than simply the advice they want."

He also said current government pay rates could put off world-class experts from joining.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's chief adviser is calling for "weirdos and misfits" to apply for jobs in Downing Street, as part of a shake-up of how Britain's government does business.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's chief adviser is calling for "weirdos and misfits" to apply for jobs in Downing Street, as part of a shake-up of how Britain's government does business. Dominic Cummings outlined what he said was the need to diversify the skills and backgrounds of policymakers and advisers, in a nearly 3,000-word post on his blog on Thursday. The special adviser, who headed the referendum campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, said the government wanted to hire "an unusual set of people with different skills and backgrounds". They included data scientists, software developers, economists, policy experts, project managers, communications experts, as well as "weirdos and misfits with odd skills". He said the need to change was because of "profound problems at the core of how the British state makes decisions", such as not having civil servants with dedicated, long-term expertise. It was also because Brexit required large policy and decision-making structure changes, he added. Johnson, who won a comfortable majority in a general election last month, has reportedly promised "seismic changes" to the civil service. Cummings believes it needs to have fewer arts graduates educated, like him, at private schools and "Oxbridge" the leading universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Instead, he wants "super-talented weirdos" and "some true wild cards, artists, people who never went to university and fought their way out of an appalling hell hole". "If you want to figure out what characters around Putin might do, or how international criminal gangs might exploit holes in our border security, you don't want more Oxbridge English graduates who chat about Lacan at dinner parties with TV producers and spread fake news about fake news," he wrote. One of the new recruits encouraged to apply would become his assistant, said Cummings. The head of the FDA civil service union, Dave Penman, told BBC radio that "merit, not patronage" was key to recruitment and was essential in order for ministers to receive impartial advice. "It would be ironic if, in an attempt to bring in radical new thinking, Cummings was to surround himself with like-minded individuals -- recruited for what they believe, not what they can do -- and less able to provide the robust advice a minister may need, rather than simply the advice they want." He also said current government pay rates could put off world-class experts from joining.

From economists to experts to 'weirdos and misfits': Britain wants you!

As per the data received from&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesco-suspends-chinese-supplier-after-suspected-prisoner-message-269636">Bank of England</a>&nbsp;on Friday, the British consumers increased their borrowing in November&nbsp;at the slowest rate in more than five years that indicates the economy stalled late the previous year.&nbsp;

The growth rate in unsecured consumer lending slowed to 5.7 per cent&nbsp;in the 12 months to November from 6.1 per cent&nbsp;in October, the BoE said, marking the smallest increase since June 2014.

The figures also showed credit card repayments exceeded borrowing for the first time since July 2013.

Household spending has helped to drive Britain's economy over the last few years, helped by record levels of employment and recovery in wage growth.

But some BoE officials are concerned that the labour market may finally be on the turn, raising questions about the sustainability of solid rates of consumer spending.

Investors are watching for signs that Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trump-enthusiastic-about-boris-johnsons-victory-but-it-wont-be-smooth-sailing-for-them-269348">Boris Johnson's</a> victory in the December&nbsp;12 election has lifted worries about Britain's political stability, potentially providing a much-needed boost to the economy.

In cash terms, consumer credit rose by 563 million pounds in November after a 1.339 billion-pound rise in October, the smallest increase since November 2013, the BoE said.

The data also showed the number of mortgages approved for house purchase edged up to 64,994 in November from 64,662 in October, compared with the consensus forecast of 64,450 in a poll of economists.

British house price growth has slowed since 2016's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnsons-brexit-deal-wins-first-vote-in-new-parliament-269404">Brexit referendum</a>, with price falls in London and some neighbouring areas and nationally price growth is around 1-2 per cent, according to figures from the country's two main mortgage lenders.

Earlier on Friday lender, Nationwide said house prices rose in annual terms by more than 1 per cent&nbsp;for the first time in more than 12 months in December.

As per the data received from the Bank of England on Friday, the British consumers increased their borrowing in November at the slowest rate in more than five years that indicates the economy stalled late the previous year.

As per the data received from the Bank of England on Friday, the British consumers increased their borrowing in November at the slowest rate in more than five years that indicates the economy stalled late the previous year. The growth rate in unsecured consumer lending slowed to 5.7 per cent in the 12 months to November from 6.1 per cent in October, the BoE said, marking the smallest increase since June 2014. The figures also showed credit card repayments exceeded borrowing for the first time since July 2013. Household spending has helped to drive Britain's economy over the last few years, helped by record levels of employment and recovery in wage growth. But some BoE officials are concerned that the labour market may finally be on the turn, raising questions about the sustainability of solid rates of consumer spending. Investors are watching for signs that Prime Minister Boris Johnson's victory in the December 12 election has lifted worries about Britain's political stability, potentially providing a much-needed boost to the economy. In cash terms, consumer credit rose by 563 million pounds in November after a 1.339 billion-pound rise in October, the smallest increase since November 2013, the BoE said. The data also showed the number of mortgages approved for house purchase edged up to 64,994 in November from 64,662 in October, compared with the consensus forecast of 64,450 in a poll of economists. British house price growth has slowed since 2016's Brexit referendum, with price falls in London and some neighbouring areas and nationally price growth is around 1-2 per cent, according to figures from the country's two main mortgage lenders. Earlier on Friday lender, Nationwide said house prices rose in annual terms by more than 1 per cent for the first time in more than 12 months in December.

Consumers up borrowing at slowest rate in UK: Bank of England

China&nbsp;has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London&nbsp;stock&nbsp;exchanges because of&nbsp;political&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;with Britain.

Suspending the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/experts-optimistic-about-chinas-capital-market-249642">Shanghai-London&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Connect</a> scheme casts a shadow&nbsp;over&nbsp;the future of a project meant to build ties between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-lower-as-investors-book-decade-end-profits-271229">Britain and&nbsp;China</a>, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies.

The sources, who include public officials and people working on potential <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/made-up-china-denies-allegations-of-forced-labour-at-shanghai-prison-269719">Shanghai-London deals</a>, all said that politics was behind the suspension.

Two of them highlighted Britain's stance&nbsp;over&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protests-severely-challenged-one-country-two-systems-principle-xi-in-his-new-year-address-271325">Hong Kong protests</a> and one pointed to remarks&nbsp;over&nbsp;the detention of a now former staff member at its consulate in Hong Kong.

All five sources have been involved in talks with Chinese officials and spoke&nbsp;on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak about the matter publicly.

British&nbsp;companies and banks involved in the scheme are watching closely how recently-elected Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-new-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-ps872-271242">Boris Johnson</a> approaches relations with Beijing and what stance he takes on Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests.

China&nbsp;blames the Hong Kong unrest, heavily supported by an anti-government movement seeking to curb controls by Beijing, on interference by foreign governments including the United States and Britain.

The&nbsp;China&nbsp;Securities Regulatory Commission and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-china-lifts-asian-shares-oil-up-on-drawdowns-mideast-tensions-270929">Shanghai&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Exchange</a> did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the London&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Exchange and a spokeswoman for the UK's finance ministry declined to comment.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a faxed statement that it is not aware of the specifics, but added that it "hopes the UK can provide a fair and unbiased business environment for Chinese companies that invest in the UK and create the appropriate conditions for both countries to carry out practical cooperation smoothly in various fields".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/alibabas-hong-kong-shares-rise-66-on-debut-in-heavy-volume-264639">Stock&nbsp;Connect</a>, which began operating last year, was devised as a way of improving Britain's relationship with the world's second-biggest economy and was seen as a major step by&nbsp;China&nbsp;to open up its capital markets as well as&nbsp;linking them globally.

Huatai Securities was the first Chinese company to use the scheme in May, with SDIC Power set to become the second in December with a listing of global depository receipts (GDRs) in London representing 10 per cent&nbsp;of its share capital.

However, the alternative energy operator's deal was postponed at an advanced stage, with SDIC Power citing market conditions as the main reason.

Five sources told media SDIC Power's deal was halted because of Beijing's suspension of&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;Connect.

Other hopefuls such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-asian-shares-buoyed-by-wall-st-rally-but-china-worry-caps-gains-267070">China&nbsp;Pacific Insurance</a>, which one of the sources said could have launched a deal as early as the first quarter of 2020, have also been told to put their cross-border listing plans on ice, they added.

SDIC Power and&nbsp;China&nbsp;Pacific Insurance did not respond to requests for comment.

"It's not only a big blow to the companies looking to broaden the investor base via listings in London, but also to&nbsp;China's&nbsp;links with global markets," one source, who has worked on one of the GDR deals.

Trouble with the scheme comes at a bad time for Britain, which is keen to build ties with non-European Union countries as it prepares to leave the bloc, and the LSE.

The London exchange was set for its worst year in terms of new listings in a decade as of December&nbsp;4, Refinitiv data showed, with&nbsp;political&nbsp;volatility and concerns&nbsp;over&nbsp;Britain's EU divorce crimping&nbsp;stock&nbsp;market fundraisings.

China has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges because of political tensions with Britain. Suspending the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme casts a shadow over the future of a project meant to build ties between Britain and China, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies.

China has temporarily blocked planned cross-border listings between the Shanghai and London stock exchanges because of political tensions with Britain. Suspending the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme casts a shadow over the future of a project meant to build ties between Britain and China, help Chinese firms expand their investor base and give mainland investors access to UK-listed companies. The sources, who include public officials and people working on potential Shanghai-London deals, all said that politics was behind the suspension. Two of them highlighted Britain's stance over the Hong Kong protests and one pointed to remarks over the detention of a now former staff member at its consulate in Hong Kong. All five sources have been involved in talks with Chinese officials and spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak about the matter publicly. British companies and banks involved in the scheme are watching closely how recently-elected Prime Minister Boris Johnson approaches relations with Beijing and what stance he takes on Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests. China blames the Hong Kong unrest, heavily supported by an anti-government movement seeking to curb controls by Beijing, on interference by foreign governments including the United States and Britain. The China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Shanghai Stock Exchange did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the London Stock Exchange and a spokeswoman for the UK's finance ministry declined to comment. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a faxed statement that it is not aware of the specifics, but added that it "hopes the UK can provide a fair and unbiased business environment for Chinese companies that invest in the UK and create the appropriate conditions for both countries to carry out practical cooperation smoothly in various fields". Stock Connect, which began operating last year, was devised as a way of improving Britain's relationship with the world's second-biggest economy and was seen as a major step by China to open up its capital markets as well as linking them globally. Huatai Securities was the first Chinese company to use the scheme in May, with SDIC Power set to become the second in December with a listing of global depository receipts (GDRs) in London representing 10 per cent of its share capital. However, the alternative energy operator's deal was postponed at an advanced stage, with SDIC Power citing market conditions as the main reason. Five sources told media SDIC Power's deal was halted because of Beijing's suspension of Stock Connect. Other hopefuls such as China Pacific Insurance, which one of the sources said could have launched a deal as early as the first quarter of 2020, have also been told to put their cross-border listing plans on ice, they added. SDIC Power and China Pacific Insurance did not respond to requests for comment. "It's not only a big blow to the companies looking to broaden the investor base via listings in London, but also to China's links with global markets," one source, who has worked on one of the GDR deals. Trouble with the scheme comes at a bad time for Britain, which is keen to build ties with non-European Union countries as it prepares to leave the bloc, and the LSE. The London exchange was set for its worst year in terms of new listings in a decade as of December 4, Refinitiv data showed, with political volatility and concerns over Britain's EU divorce crimping stock market fundraisings.

China halts listings between Shanghai, London due to tensions: Sources

Britain's Big Ben bell in parliament's landmark clock tower will ring at midnight on New Year's Eve, marking the start of a year for the first time since its new face was revealed from under scaffolding halfway through restoration work.

The work has seen the 96-metre-tall Elizabeth Tower, one of the most photographed buildings in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-royal-family-mixes-pudding-in-anticipation-of-christmas-269546">Britain</a>, enveloped in scaffolding for the last two years as the four clock dials are reglazed, ironwork repainted and intricately carved stonework cleaned and repaired.

In March, part of the scaffolding was removed, showing that the clock's once black numerals and hands have been repainted blue, in line with what scientists say was its original colour.

Since restoration work began in 2017, Big Ben has been largely silenced, sounding only for important events. It last tolled on Remembrance Day on November&nbsp;11.

The bell will be tested several times in the run-up to New Year's Eve, parliament said in a statement.

The 4-billion-pound&nbsp;restoration work is due to be completed in 2021.

Britain's Big Ben bell in parliament's landmark clock tower will ring at midnight on New Year's Eve, marking the start of a year for the first time since its new face was revealed from under scaffolding halfway through restoration work.

Britain's Big Ben bell in parliament's landmark clock tower will ring at midnight on New Year's Eve, marking the start of a year for the first time since its new face was revealed from under scaffolding halfway through restoration work. The work has seen the 96-metre-tall Elizabeth Tower, one of the most photographed buildings in Britain, enveloped in scaffolding for the last two years as the four clock dials are reglazed, ironwork repainted and intricately carved stonework cleaned and repaired. In March, part of the scaffolding was removed, showing that the clock's once black numerals and hands have been repainted blue, in line with what scientists say was its original colour. Since restoration work began in 2017, Big Ben has been largely silenced, sounding only for important events. It last tolled on Remembrance Day on November 11. The bell will be tested several times in the run-up to New Year's Eve, parliament said in a statement. The 4-billion-pound restoration work is due to be completed in 2021.

Newly face-lifted Big Ben will ring in London New Year

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