<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-british-pm-johnsons-move-to-suspend-parliament-246915">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson </a>challenged lawmakers to deliver on the Brexit vote and not thwart his plans to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31.

Johnson has pledged to deliver Brexit with or without a deal, but opposition lawmakers - and several lawmakers from Johnson`s Conservatives - want to act to rule out a no-deal Brexit when parliament returns from recess on Tuesday.

Previous votes have indicated a majority in parliament opposing a no-deal Brexit, but in a newspaper interview, Johnson said that backing opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn risked there being no Brexit at all.

"The fundamental choice is this: are you going to side with Jeremy Corbyn and those who want to cancel the referendum? Are you going to side with those who want to scrub the democratic verdict of the people — and plunge this country into chaos?," Johnson told the Sunday Times. 
&nbsp; 
"Or are you going to side with those of us who want to get on, deliver on the mandate of the people and focus with absolute, laser-like precision on the domestic agenda? That’s the choice."

Johnson is seeking to renegotiate his predecessor Theresa May`s Brexit withdrawal agreement so that Britain can leave the bloc with a deal.

But the EU has ruled out Johnson`s key demand - removal of the "backstop" to preserve an open Irish border - unless he finds an alternative which does a similar job.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson challenged lawmakers to deliver on the Brexit vote and not thwart his plans to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson challenged lawmakers to deliver on the Brexit vote and not thwart his plans to take Britain out of the European Union on October 31. Johnson has pledged to deliver Brexit with or without a deal, but opposition lawmakers - and several lawmakers from Johnson`s Conservatives - want to act to rule out a no-deal Brexit when parliament returns from recess on Tuesday. Previous votes have indicated a majority in parliament opposing a no-deal Brexit, but in a newspaper interview, Johnson said that backing opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn risked there being no Brexit at all. "The fundamental choice is this: are you going to side with Jeremy Corbyn and those who want to cancel the referendum? Are you going to side with those who want to scrub the democratic verdict of the people — and plunge this country into chaos?," Johnson told the Sunday Times. "Or are you going to side with those of us who want to get on, deliver on the mandate of the people and focus with absolute, laser-like precision on the domestic agenda? That’s the choice." Johnson is seeking to renegotiate his predecessor Theresa May`s Brexit withdrawal agreement so that Britain can leave the bloc with a deal. But the EU has ruled out Johnson`s key demand - removal of the "backstop" to preserve an open Irish border - unless he finds an alternative which does a similar job.

British PM Boris Johnson challenges lawmakers to deliver Brexit

The suspension of House of Commons has sparked a furore in the United Kingdom. The government says that the suspension of parliament happens every year. The Opposition says that the suspension is an attack on democracy even as protests erupt across the country.

WION Gravitas: Britain in protest mode after Parliament suspension

How can a country leave the European Union? Watch video to know more.

How can a country leave the European Union?

Opponents of a no-deal Brexit have accused Boris Johnson of a “coup” against parliament, after it was announced that both the Commons and Lords will be suspended for more than a month in the run-up to the date of EU withdrawal.

Queen approves Boris Johnson request to suspend parliament

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-alone-will-be-to-blame-for-no-deal-brexit-eu-tells-johnson-246104">Britain's government</a> will seek to extend the period during which parliament does not normally sit, shutting it for around a month until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan, the BBC reported.

The move, also reported by the Guardian, limits the amount of parliamentary time available to lawmakers who want to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson from leaving the EU without an exit deal.

Johnson's office did not immediately comment on the reports, which caused the pound to fall.

It comes a day after lawmakers who are opposed to a so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-corbyn-will-do-everything-necessary-to-stop-no-deal-brexit-245995">no-deal Brexit</a> met to discuss ways they could use parliamentary procedure to force Johnson to seek a delay to Brexit.

A meeting about the government's move to limit parliamentary time was due to take place at Queen Elizabeth's Scottish summer residence in Balmoral on Wednesday, the Guardian's political editor, Heather Stewart, said on Twitter.

"Suggestion from more than one source of a Privy Council meeting at Balmoral today, to discuss/agree extending the conference recess until 14 October," Stewart said.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

Boris Johnson; Britain's biggest embarrassment

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The BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said senior ministers would hold a conference call on Wednesday morning.

Parliament returns on September 3 and had been expected to sit for two weeks before breaking up again to allow each national political party to hold their annual conference. Typically it begins sitting again in early October.

The BBC said Johnson would set an October 14 date for the Queen's Speech - the formal state opening of a new session of parliament at which Queen Elizabeth reads a speech prepared by the government, setting out a legislative agenda for the coming year.

A Queen's Speech on October 14 would delay parliament's return, and leave lawmakers with just over two weeks until Britain is due to leave the EU on October 31.

Britain's government will seek to extend the period during which parliament does not normally sit, shutting it for around a month until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan, the BBC reported.

Britain's government will seek to extend the period during which parliament does not normally sit, shutting it for around a month until October 14, as part of a drive to prevent politicians from derailing its Brexit plan, the BBC reported. The move, also reported by the Guardian, limits the amount of parliamentary time available to lawmakers who want to prevent Prime Minister Boris Johnson from leaving the EU without an exit deal. Johnson's office did not immediately comment on the reports, which caused the pound to fall. It comes a day after lawmakers who are opposed to a so-called no-deal Brexit met to discuss ways they could use parliamentary procedure to force Johnson to seek a delay to Brexit. A meeting about the government's move to limit parliamentary time was due to take place at Queen Elizabeth's Scottish summer residence in Balmoral on Wednesday, the Guardian's political editor, Heather Stewart, said on Twitter. "Suggestion from more than one source of a Privy Council meeting at Balmoral today, to discuss/agree extending the conference recess until 14 October," Stewart said. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. Boris Johnson; Britain's biggest embarrassment The BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg said senior ministers would hold a conference call on Wednesday morning. Parliament returns on September 3 and had been expected to sit for two weeks before breaking up again to allow each national political party to hold their annual conference. Typically it begins sitting again in early October. The BBC said Johnson would set an October 14 date for the Queen's Speech - the formal state opening of a new session of parliament at which Queen Elizabeth reads a speech prepared by the government, setting out a legislative agenda for the coming year. A Queen's Speech on October 14 would delay parliament's return, and leave lawmakers with just over two weeks until Britain is due to leave the EU on October 31.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to restrict parliament time before Brexit: Report

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would do everything necessary to prevent Britain from leaving the European Union without a divorce deal as he prepared to meet senior lawmakers on Tuesday to discuss tactics.

Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would do everything necessary to prevent Britain from leaving the European Union without a divorce deal as he prepared to meet senior lawmakers on Tuesday to discuss tactics. The United Kingdom is heading towards a constitutional crisis at home and a showdown with the EU as Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged to leave the bloc in 66 days without a deal unless it agrees to renegotiate the Brexit divorce. Corbyn said an EU exit without an agreement would leave Britain at the mercy of President Donald Trump and US corporations. "The battle to stop no-deal Brexit isn't a struggle between those who want to leave the EU and those who want continued membership," Corbyn wrote in the Independent newspaper. "It's a battle of the many against the few who are hijacking the referendum result to shift even more power and wealth towards those at the top. That's why the Labour Party will do everything necessary to stop a no-deal bankers' Brexit." Britain is on course for a no-deal exit on October 31 unless parliament can stop it or a new agreement is reached with the EU. The British parliament has rejected three times the withdrawal deal agreed between Johnson's predecessor Theresa May and the EU, deepening a three-year crisis that threatens Britain's status as one of the world's pre-eminent financial centres and a stable destination for foreign investors. Johnson held talks last week with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Council President Donald Tusk about his demand that the Brexit deal on offer is changed to remove the so-called backstop, an insurance policy to prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland. He said on Monday he was prepared to take Brexit talks with the EU down to the last minute. A UK official said Johnson's Brexit adviser David Frost would travel to Brussels on Wednesday for informal discussions. One EU diplomat said Johnson had not made any big mistakes at the G7 summit in France at the weekend, his first outing on the international stage since taking office last month. "The devil is in the detail. If we could get something similar and if this thing would not be called a backstop - we could have success. All this may mean that, in the end, Johnson will have proven himself to be a refined strategist rather than suicidal," the diplomat said. Division over tactics Lawmakers return from their summer break on September 3, reconvening for a fight that will determine the fortunes of the world’s fifth-largest economy. Votes in parliament have shown there is majority support for measures to block or hinder a no-deal exit. But any majority would be unstable, made up of lawmakers from different parties that are ideologically opposed, except when it comes to stopping a disorderly Brexit. Keir Starmer, the Labour Party's Brexit spokesman, said the purpose of Tuesday's meeting with other opposition parties was to agree on a plan for when parliament returns. He said options included passing a law to force the government to seek a delay to Britain’s EU departure or trying to force the government's collapse in a no-confidence vote. The anti-Brexit Liberal Democrat Party, the Scottish National Party, the Welsh nationalist Plaid Cymru and a group of independent lawmakers are due to attend the discussion. But there are continuing splits about tactics. Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson has said Corbyn should drop the idea of trying to become a caretaker prime minister if parliament forces the government's collapse. "I think we are less likely to win that vote of no confidence if there is the prospect of Jeremy Corbyn becoming prime minister," she told Sky News. Parliament usually sits for only two weeks at the start of September before breaking while the parties hold their annual conferences. Conservative Party chairman James Cleverly said the meeting of opposition parties "isn’t about stopping a no-deal Brexit. It’s about stopping Brexit". "People can see that, and it adds to the cynical view that millions of voters have towards politics and politicians."

Britain's Corbyn 'will do everything necessary' to stop no-deal Brexit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-angela-merkel-says-trump-tweets-go-against-what-makes-america-great-237130">German Chancellor Angela&nbsp;Merkel</a>&nbsp;said on Thursday she had not set Britain a 30-day deadline to find a&nbsp;solution&nbsp;for the so-called Irish&nbsp;backstop, saying they could also&nbsp;have&nbsp;time&nbsp;until&nbsp;Oct.&nbsp;31, when Britain is due to leave the European Union.

"I said that what one&nbsp;can&nbsp;achieve in three or two years&nbsp;can&nbsp;also be achieved in 30 days. Better said, one must say that one&nbsp;can&nbsp;also achieve it by&nbsp;October&nbsp;31,"&nbsp;Merkel&nbsp;told a news conference in the Hague.

Merkel&nbsp;had suggested on&nbsp;Wednesday that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-germany-hints-at-compromise-france-tells-uk-no-new-brexit-deal-244700"> Britain and the EU </a>could find a&nbsp;solution&nbsp;to the sticking point of the Irish&nbsp;backstop&nbsp;in the next 30 days, a possible signal she was willing to compromise with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday she had not set Britain a 30-day deadline to find a solution for the so-called Irish backstop, saying they could also have time until Oct.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday she had not set Britain a 30-day deadline to find a solution for the so-called Irish backstop, saying they could also have time until Oct. 31, when Britain is due to leave the European Union. "I said that what one can achieve in three or two years can also be achieved in 30 days. Better said, one must say that one can also achieve it by October 31," Merkel told a news conference in the Hague. Merkel had suggested on Wednesday that Britain and the EU could find a solution to the sticking point of the Irish backstop in the next 30 days, a possible signal she was willing to compromise with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

We can have until October 31 for Brexit backstop solution: Merkel

The Muslim convert dubbed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jihadi-jack-canada-slams-uk-decision-to-off-load-islamist-fighter-243976">"Jihadi Jack"</a>, who is being held in northern Syria after joining the Islamic State group, on Monday said that Britain's decision to revoke his citizenship was "not something I recognise."

Jack Letts, 24, who was a dual UK-Canadian national, was captured by Kurdish forces in Syria in 2017 and is languishing in jail there, despite saying in a media interview earlier this year he would like to return to Britain.

But in a recent interview with ITV News Letts said that "stripping me of British citizenship and not stripping me is the same thing at the end of the day. It's not something I recognise."

"I never grew up being accepted as a British person anyway," he added.

"But, in the same way Britain hasn't helped me for two and a half years, Canada has done nothing. I always thought Canada was a better country, I had this illusion."

Canada's Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale dashed hopes of a swift return to Canada for Letts, posting to Twitter that the government had "no legal obligation to facilitate" the return of Canadian citizens detained in Syria.

Goodale earlier confirmed that the United Kingdom had "revoked the citizenship of Jack Letts", expressing disappointment at the move.

"It is a crime to travel internationally with a goal of supporting terrorism or engaging in terrorism," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters Monday.

"And that is a crime that we will continue to make all attempts to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law."

'Legal black hole'

Letts converted to Islam at the age of 16 and fled his home in Oxfordshire, central England, two years later to join IS.

"I'm not innocent," he told ITV News earlier this year. "I deserve what comes to me. But I just want it to be... appropriate... not just haphazard, freestyle punishment in Syria."

His Canadian father and British mother were convicted in a UK court in June of funding terrorism by sending him a small amount of money during his time in Syria, but were spared jail.

In an interview on British television Sunday evening, Letts' parents accused the British government of "shirking responsibility".

"It was a real shock that your government can do this to you without any form of redress or discussion or way of actually contacting Jack, given that he's being held incommunicado and has no access to a lawyer," his mother Sally Lane, 57, said.

"Jack and other people are now in a legal black hole," she said, adding that she has been told that the Canadian government has been trying to bring Jack back.

The Mail on Sunday also reported that there were concerns that the issue could overshadow a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Britain's new leader Boris Johnson at the G7 summit in France next weekend.

The decision is the latest instance of Britain revoking the citizenship of its nationals who went to join the Islamic State group's self-proclaimed caliphate.

In February it faced criticism after stripping Shamima Begum, a teenager who travelled to Syria to marry an IS fighter, of her British citizenship.

The Muslim convert dubbed "Jihadi Jack", who is being held in northern Syria after joining the Islamic State group, on Monday said that Britain's decision to revoke his citizenship was "not something I recognise.

The Muslim convert dubbed "Jihadi Jack", who is being held in northern Syria after joining the Islamic State group, on Monday said that Britain's decision to revoke his citizenship was "not something I recognise." Jack Letts, 24, who was a dual UK-Canadian national, was captured by Kurdish forces in Syria in 2017 and is languishing in jail there, despite saying in a media interview earlier this year he would like to return to Britain. But in a recent interview with ITV News Letts said that "stripping me of British citizenship and not stripping me is the same thing at the end of the day. It's not something I recognise." "I never grew up being accepted as a British person anyway," he added. "But, in the same way Britain hasn't helped me for two and a half years, Canada has done nothing. I always thought Canada was a better country, I had this illusion." Canada's Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale dashed hopes of a swift return to Canada for Letts, posting to Twitter that the government had "no legal obligation to facilitate" the return of Canadian citizens detained in Syria. Goodale earlier confirmed that the United Kingdom had "revoked the citizenship of Jack Letts", expressing disappointment at the move. "It is a crime to travel internationally with a goal of supporting terrorism or engaging in terrorism," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters Monday. "And that is a crime that we will continue to make all attempts to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law." 'Legal black hole' Letts converted to Islam at the age of 16 and fled his home in Oxfordshire, central England, two years later to join IS. "I'm not innocent," he told ITV News earlier this year. "I deserve what comes to me. But I just want it to be... appropriate... not just haphazard, freestyle punishment in Syria." His Canadian father and British mother were convicted in a UK court in June of funding terrorism by sending him a small amount of money during his time in Syria, but were spared jail. In an interview on British television Sunday evening, Letts' parents accused the British government of "shirking responsibility". "It was a real shock that your government can do this to you without any form of redress or discussion or way of actually contacting Jack, given that he's being held incommunicado and has no access to a lawyer," his mother Sally Lane, 57, said. "Jack and other people are now in a legal black hole," she said, adding that she has been told that the Canadian government has been trying to bring Jack back. The Mail on Sunday also reported that there were concerns that the issue could overshadow a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Britain's new leader Boris Johnson at the G7 summit in France next weekend. The decision is the latest instance of Britain revoking the citizenship of its nationals who went to join the Islamic State group's self-proclaimed caliphate. In February it faced criticism after stripping Shamima Begum, a teenager who travelled to Syria to marry an IS fighter, of her British citizenship.

'Jihadi Jack' lashes out at UK after it revokes his citizenship

Britain said Monday it will immediately end freedom of movement for people from the European Union <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-uk-faces-food-fuel-and-drugs-shortages-in-no-deal-brexit-times-citing-official-documents-243834">after Brexit on October 31</a>, in a policy shift under <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-parliament-cannot-stop-brexit-johnson-to-tell-macron-and-merkel-243838">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>.

"Freedom of movement as it currently stands will end on October 31 when the UK leaves the EU," a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

She added the government planned "tougher criminality rules for people entering the UK" as part of the new hardline stance.

"Details of other changes immediately on October 31 for a new immigration system are currently being developed," the spokeswoman said.

The change comes amid growing fears Britain is set to leave the 28-member bloc without a divorce deal in two and a half months.

Around 3.6 million EU citizens already in Britain have been told to apply for "permanent settled status", under an interior ministry scheme started by Johnson's predecessor Theresa May.

So far only around one million have signed up for the status.

May's government said in January that it would end free movement "as soon as possible" after a no-deal Brexit, but keep allowing EU arrivals "for a transitional period only".

Legislation drawn up to deal with the issue is stuck in parliament in the House of Commons gridlock over Brexit.

Johnson has said he favours a skills-based immigration system post-Brexit, but Downing Street is yet to unveil full details.

Critics representing EU citizens claim he is trying to evade parliamentary scrutiny of his changed stance towards new arrivals after Brexit -- and fear those already in Britain could get mistakenly caught out.

"Ending freedom of movement abruptly on Oct 31st will lead to mass discrimination against potentially over 2 million EU citizens," the3million lobby group said on Twitter, calling the move "reckless".

Britain said Monday it will immediately end freedom of movement for people from the European Union after Brexit on October 31, in a policy shift under Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Britain said Monday it will immediately end freedom of movement for people from the European Union after Brexit on October 31, in a policy shift under Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "Freedom of movement as it currently stands will end on October 31 when the UK leaves the EU," a Downing Street spokeswoman said. She added the government planned "tougher criminality rules for people entering the UK" as part of the new hardline stance. "Details of other changes immediately on October 31 for a new immigration system are currently being developed," the spokeswoman said. The change comes amid growing fears Britain is set to leave the 28-member bloc without a divorce deal in two and a half months. Around 3.6 million EU citizens already in Britain have been told to apply for "permanent settled status", under an interior ministry scheme started by Johnson's predecessor Theresa May. So far only around one million have signed up for the status. May's government said in January that it would end free movement "as soon as possible" after a no-deal Brexit, but keep allowing EU arrivals "for a transitional period only". Legislation drawn up to deal with the issue is stuck in parliament in the House of Commons gridlock over Brexit. Johnson has said he favours a skills-based immigration system post-Brexit, but Downing Street is yet to unveil full details. Critics representing EU citizens claim he is trying to evade parliamentary scrutiny of his changed stance towards new arrivals after Brexit -- and fear those already in Britain could get mistakenly caught out. "Ending freedom of movement abruptly on Oct 31st will lead to mass discrimination against potentially over 2 million EU citizens," the3million lobby group said on Twitter, calling the move "reckless".

UK to immediately end freedom of movement for people from European Union after Brexit

Britain's Foreign Office said Tuesday it was "extremely concerned" by reports that a Hong Kong consulate employee had been detained by mainland Chinese authorities on his way back to the city.

Britain's Foreign Office said Tuesday it was "extremely concerned" by reports that a Hong Kong consulate employee had been detained by mainland Chinese authorities on his way back to the city. The Hong Kong consulate refused to confirm the man's name or further details of the apparent incident and a Chinese official said he was "not aware" of the situation. But a report in local news outlet HK01 said the consulate employee had failed to return after travelling to Shenzhen in Guangdong province, an hour outside Hong Kong, for a one-day business meeting on August 8. "We are extremely concerned by reports that a member of our team has been detained returning to Hong Kong from Shenzhen," a Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said in a statement. "We are providing support to his family and seeking further information from authorities in Guangdong Province and Hong Kong," it added. Hong Kong police confirmed they had opened a missing person's case on August 9. "So far we have not received any notification from mainland authorities," of his possible detention in China, spokesman senior superintendent Kong Wing-Cheung told reporters. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: "I am not aware of the relevant situation." Weeks of rallies The incident comes as the financial hub faces its worst political crisis in decades. Pro-democracy protesters have staged weeks of rallies that have often descended into violent clashes with police. Beijing has taken an increasingly hard line against the protests, which it sees as a direct challenge to its rule. It has also repeatedly warned Britain the former colonial ruler of Hong Kong against "interference" in the protests, and relations between the two countries have been increasingly strained over the issue. The demonstrations were triggered by a controversial extradition law but have broadened into a call for wider democratic reforms. China had promised to respect the freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory after its handover from Britain in 1997. Hong Kong enjoys liberties unseen on the mainland, including freedom of speech, unfettered access to the internet and an independent judiciary. But the ongoing protests have raised fears of a Chinese crackdown. Known for its high-tech market, the metropolis of Shenzhen sits behind China's "Great Firewall", which restricts access to news and information. With Beijing attempting to shape the narrative of the unrest in Hong Kong, Chinese authorities have increased their inspections at the border, including checking the phones and devices of some passengers for photos of the protests.

Britain 'concerned' by reports Hong Kong consulate employee detained in China

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has fired the opening salvo in his bid to renegotiate Britain's divorce from the European Union, demanding that an insurance policy for the Irish border be removed from the Brexit deal and replaced with a pledge.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has fired the opening salvo in his bid to renegotiate Britain's divorce from the European Union, demanding that an insurance policy for the Irish border be removed from the Brexit deal and replaced with a pledge. After more than three years of Brexit crisis, the United Kingdom is heading towards a showdown with the EU as Johnson has vowed to leave the bloc on October 31 without a deal unless it agrees to renegotiate the divorce terms. The bloc and its leaders have repeatedly refused to reopen the Withdrawal Agreement, which includes a protocol on the Irish border "backstop" that then-prime minister Theresa May agreed in November. In his opening bid to the EU ahead of meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel this week, Johnson wrote a four-page letter to European Council President Donald Tusk setting out his demands. "I propose that the backstop should be replaced with a commitment to put in place (alternative) arrangements as far as possible before the end of the transition period, as part of the future relationship," Johnson wrote. "Time is very short." A diplomat from one EU country told Reuters that Johnson's letter was "pure PR" and not meant to spur constructive talks but rather set the stage for a "blame game" with the EU. Irish source said Johnson had provided no detail on alternative proposals. In a call with Johnson, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar reiterated the EU's position that the Withdrawal Agreement cannot be reopened. The riddle of what to do about Ireland's 500-km (300-mile) land border with the British province of Northern Ireland remains has repeatedly imperilled Brexit talks. The EU wants to ensure that its only land border with the United Kingdom after Brexit does not become a back door for goods to enter the EU's single market - which guarantees the free movement of goods, capital, services, and labour. But Ireland says checks could undermine the 1998 Good Friday agreement, which brought peace after more than 3,600 died in a three-decade conflict between unionists who wanted Northern Ireland to remain British and Irish nationalists who want Northern Ireland to join a united Ireland ruled from Dublin. And the United Kingdom does not want there to be any border - effective or virtual - between Britain and Northern Ireland. Johnson's government is propped up by Northern Irish unionists. Brexit showdown? The backstop was a compromise aimed at squaring the circle: it would keep the United Kingdom in a customs union with the EU until a better solution was found, and keep Northern Ireland aligned to the rules of the EU's single market. Johnson wrote that the backstop was anti-democratic and threatened the United Kingdom's sovereignty as the application of single-market rules in Northern Ireland could divide Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. "It presents the whole of the UK with the choice of remaining in a customs union and aligned with those rules, or of seeing Northern Ireland gradually detached from the UK economy across a very broad range of areas," Johnson said. "Both of those outcomes are unacceptable to the British government." He also argued that the backstop risked weakening the delicate balance between nationalists and unionists in Northern Ireland. He said the best solution was a pledge to put in place arrangements as far as possible before the end of the transition period, and that this could be agreed as part of a deal on Britain'sfuture relationship with the EU. Dublin does not accept the assertion that the backstop is a threat to peace, an Irish government source said, adding that, while the letter refers to alternative arrangements, it gives no detail of what these might be. Under the current text of the Withdrawal Agreement, the backstop would be invoked at the end of the transition period in 2020, creating a single EU-UK customs territory, including "level playing field" rules ensuring fair competition in areas such as environment, state aid, and labour standards. The clause is designed as a default mechanism to remain in place "unless and until" it is superseded by alternative arrangements that ensure the same outcome. Brexiteers fear that this would keep Britain dependent on rules set from Brussels over which they would have no say, and hinder their efforts to strike trade deals with third countries - one of the key benefits they see from leaving the EU in the first place. Some pro-Brexit politicians have said it would make Britain a "vassal state".

Irish backstop should be replaced: PM Johnson's Brexit bid to EU

Britain's&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Andrew&nbsp;has said he was "appalled" by allegations of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epsteins-autopsy-report-finds-broken-bones-in-his-neck-washington-post-243104">sexual&nbsp;abuse surrounding Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein</a>&nbsp;after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010.

"The&nbsp;Duke of York&nbsp;has been&nbsp;appalled&nbsp;by the recent reports of Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein's alleged crimes," Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday.

"His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent," the statement said.

The grainy video published by the Mail on Sunday&nbsp;claims&nbsp;to show the&nbsp;prince&nbsp;waving goodbye to a woman as she leaves&nbsp;Epstein's New York mansion in 2010.

Epstein&nbsp;had pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring for prostitution a girl under the age of 18 and served 13 months in prison before being released on probation.

The video was the latest in a string of revelations about&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Andrew's friendship with&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;in British tabloids.

The Mail on Monday said the&nbsp;prince&nbsp;had hosted&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;at Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II's home in Scotland, in 1999 at a time when the monarch may have been in residence.

He also reportedly hosted&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;at Sandringham, another royal residence in eastern England, a year later.

Britain's Prince Andrew has said he was "appalled" by allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Jeffrey Epstein after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010.

Britain's Prince Andrew has said he was "appalled" by allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Jeffrey Epstein after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010. "The Duke of York has been appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes," Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday. "His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent," the statement said. The grainy video published by the Mail on Sunday claims to show the prince waving goodbye to a woman as she leaves Epstein's New York mansion in 2010. Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring for prostitution a girl under the age of 18 and served 13 months in prison before being released on probation. The video was the latest in a string of revelations about Prince Andrew's friendship with Epstein in British tabloids. The Mail on Monday said the prince had hosted Epstein at Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II's home in Scotland, in 1999 at a time when the monarch may have been in residence. He also reportedly hosted Epstein at Sandringham, another royal residence in eastern England, a year later.

Britain's Prince Andrew 'appalled' by Epstein abuse claims

Over a thousand Hong Kong school teachers braved thunderstorms on Saturday to start a weekend of anti-government demonstrations that some activists fear could see tougher police tactics on the city's streets.

Over a thousand Hong Kong school teachers braved thunderstorms on Saturday to start a weekend of anti-government demonstrations that some activists fear could see tougher police tactics on the city's streets. Following the escalation in violence during the past few days, the demonstrations this weekend will provide a litmus test as to whether the protest movement can retain the broad support that it has appeared to enjoy. Demonstrators say they are fighting the erosion of the "one country, two systems" arrangement that enshrined some autonomy for Hong Kong since China took it back from Britain in 1997. During the past week, they have increasingly directed their frustrations toward police, who have responded with fiercer determination to clear them from the streets. Yu, aged in her 40s and a music teacher at a local secondary school, said she was determined to show support for protesting students, even though she didn't agree with all their actions. "I do appreciate their courage and caring about Hong Kong...they are braver than our government," she said. The teacher's rally was approved by the police and was peaceful. After gathering in the Central business district, they marched on the Government House residence of Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam, chanting "Hong Kong police know the law, they break the law". Anti-government demonstrators were also expected to march through Kowloon districts popular with traders and tourists from mainland China. The pro-democracy Civil Human Rights Front, which organised peaceful million-strong marches in June, has scheduled another protest for Sunday. "We all feel tensions are building and the level of stress is increasing," one front-line protester, Pun, 22, told Reuters during a sit-in at the international airport earlier in the week. "I know violence cannot fight violence but sometimes aggression is needed to attract the attention of the government and others," he said. "I have thrown rocks...I have also been hit by police with batons. We're all slowly getting used to this." Thousands of mostly young protesters forced a shutdown of flights at the city's Chek Lap Kok international airport on Monday, disrupting flights until late Tuesday. The Airport Authority obtained an interim court injunction on Wednesday to restrain people from "unlawfully and wilfully obstructing" its operations. Calls for restraint The increasingly violent confrontations have plunged one of Asia's financial capitals into its worst crisis for decades. The unrest also presents one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Western governments, including the United States, have stepped up calls for restraint following ugly and chaotic scenes at the airport. The crisis is also resulting in corporate casualties, with the chief executive of Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific Airways quitting on Friday after China's aviation regulator demanded it suspends staff involved in or supporting the protests. Chinese officials have likened some actions by protesters to "terrorism" and Chinese state media outlets have urged a tougher response from Hong Kong police. Clashes became noticeably fiercer during the past week. Protesters have used slingshots to fire marbles at police, shone lasers at them and at times thrown bricks and firebombs. Police stations have been surrounded and attacked 76 times during the crisis, police said. Having fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the streets, and at one point in a subway station, police are warning that they could get tougher. Police have so far refrained from deploying armoured cars that could smash through barricades. Nor have they used water cannon two were purchased in 2014 or unleashed the force's dog squad on protesters. "We have in place a more flexible strategy," one police officer said. "We are in a far better position to have a more efficient and rapid response." China's People's Armed Police units have staged extensive drills across the border in Shenzhen in recent days, but Hong Kong police say they have the operational depth and strength to handle local tensions. As protesters have employed a flash-mob strategy, withdrawing when police advance, only to re-appear elsewhere, police have also begun using undercover officers, disguised as protesters, to gather intelligence and make arrests. Police have made some 750 arrests since the unrest began in June, and have charged some protesters with rioting which can attract a 10-year jail term as punishment. In some cases, the arrests have been accompanied by extensive property searches and seizure of phones and computers, police sources say. "They are doing these hit and run lately," one senior police officer told media earlier this week. "Arrests should be a natural consequence. If we can arrest more and more because they are undertaking illegal acts, so be it."

Hong Kong tense as a weekend of protests begins with teachers' rally in the rain

A tanker carrying Iranian oil,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gibraltar-decides-to-free-seized-iranian-tanker-us-opens-new-case-to-hold-it-243219"> released by Gibraltar authorities</a> after being held since July 4, is preparing to set sail into the Mediterranean, a senior Iranian shipping official said Friday.

The ship's seizure, with the help of British Royal Marines, had triggered a sharp deterioration in relations between Tehran and London and the tit-for-tat detention by Iran of the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero.

The Grace 1 will be renamed and switch to the Iranian flag for its onward journey, the deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, Jalil Eslami, told state television.

"At the owner's request, the Grace 1 will depart for the Mediterranean after being reflagged under the Islamic Republic of Iran's flag and renamed as Adrian Darya for the voyage," Eslami said.

"The ship was of Russian origin and Panama-flagged and is carrying two million barrels of Iranian oil," he added.

Gibraltar's Supreme Court ordered the tanker released on Thursday after the British overseas territory received written assurances from Iran that the Grace 1 would not head to any country subject to European Union sanctions.

The ship had been detained on suspicion that its cargo was destined for the Banias oil refinery in Syria in breach of an EU embargo.

Hours before the court's ruling, the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has waged a campaign of "maximum pressure" against Iran, launched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-seeks-to-seize-the-iranian-vessel-in-gibraltar-report-243135">last-minute&nbsp;legal move demanding that the Gibraltar authorities extend the vessel's detention.</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the US attempt at "piracy" had failed, saying it showed the Trump administration's "contempt for the law".

Tehran and Washington have been at loggerheads since Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between major powers and Iran last year and reimposed crippling unilateral sanctions.

Following the Grace 1's release, Britain renewed its demand that Iran releases the British-flagged tanker it seized in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19.

Tehran charged that Stena Impero was in violation of "international maritime rules" but the move was widely seen as retaliation for the detention of the Grace 1.

A tanker carrying Iranian oil, released by Gibraltar authorities after being held since July 4, is preparing to set sail into the Mediterranean, a senior Iranian shipping official said Friday.

A tanker carrying Iranian oil, released by Gibraltar authorities after being held since July 4, is preparing to set sail into the Mediterranean, a senior Iranian shipping official said Friday. The ship's seizure, with the help of British Royal Marines, had triggered a sharp deterioration in relations between Tehran and London and the tit-for-tat detention by Iran of the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero. The Grace 1 will be renamed and switch to the Iranian flag for its onward journey, the deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, Jalil Eslami, told state television. "At the owner's request, the Grace 1 will depart for the Mediterranean after being reflagged under the Islamic Republic of Iran's flag and renamed as Adrian Darya for the voyage," Eslami said. "The ship was of Russian origin and Panama-flagged and is carrying two million barrels of Iranian oil," he added. Gibraltar's Supreme Court ordered the tanker released on Thursday after the British overseas territory received written assurances from Iran that the Grace 1 would not head to any country subject to European Union sanctions. The ship had been detained on suspicion that its cargo was destined for the Banias oil refinery in Syria in breach of an EU embargo. Hours before the court's ruling, the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has waged a campaign of "maximum pressure" against Iran, launched a last-minute legal move demanding that the Gibraltar authorities extend the vessel's detention. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the US attempt at "piracy" had failed, saying it showed the Trump administration's "contempt for the law". Tehran and Washington have been at loggerheads since Trump withdrew from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal between major powers and Iran last year and reimposed crippling unilateral sanctions. Following the Grace 1's release, Britain renewed its demand that Iran releases the British-flagged tanker it seized in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19. Tehran charged that Stena Impero was in violation of "international maritime rules" but the move was widely seen as retaliation for the detention of the Grace 1.

Iran says tanker Grace 1 freed by Gibraltar authorities poised to set sail

Britain and the United States are discussing a partial trade accord that could take effect on November 1, the day after Britain is due to leave the European Union, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday.

During a visit to London, US national security adviser John Bolton discussed with British trade minister Liz Truss the possibility of the two countries` leaders signing a road map declaration towards a trade deal.&nbsp;That could take place at this month`s G7 summit meeting in France, the official said.&nbsp;

Bolton and British finance minister Sajid Javid discussed the possibility of a temporary trade agreement that covered all sectors. Such a deal could last for something like six months, the official told reporters.&nbsp;

Britain is due to leave the European Union on October 31 and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is prepared to take the country out of the bloc without a deal although he hopes to secure an orderly departure with an agreement.&nbsp;

The current impasse with the EU leaves Britain facing an exit without any formal transition period or legal agreement covering issues such as trade, data transfers and border policy, prompting some businesses to warn of damage to their operations.

During a two-day visit, Bolton told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that President Donald Trump wanted to see a successful British exit from the European Union on October 31 and that Washington would be ready to work fast on a US-UK free trade agreement.

Bolton, who has now left Britain, was seeking an improved US-British relationship with Johnson after sometimes tense ties between Trump and Johnson`s predecessor, Theresa May.

A wide-ranging trade deal with the United States, seen as Britain`s closest ally, is a much-cherished prize for Brexit supporters, who hope to show the opportunities for Britain outside of the 28-member bloc and could help cushion any disruption to trade with European neighbours.&nbsp;

However, thorny issues remain over differing farming standards between the two countries and many politicians in Britain are opposed to increased involvement of US pharmaceutical firms in the state-run National Health Service.&nbsp;

Despite that, as Britain prepares to leave the European Union, its biggest geopolitical shift since World War Two, many diplomats expect London to become increasingly reliant on the United States.

Britain and the United States are discussing a partial trade accord that could take effect on November 1, the day after Britain is due to leave the European Union, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday.

Britain and the United States are discussing a partial trade accord that could take effect on November 1, the day after Britain is due to leave the European Union, a senior Trump administration official said on Tuesday. During a visit to London, US national security adviser John Bolton discussed with British trade minister Liz Truss the possibility of the two countries` leaders signing a road map declaration towards a trade deal. That could take place at this month`s G7 summit meeting in France, the official said. Bolton and British finance minister Sajid Javid discussed the possibility of a temporary trade agreement that covered all sectors. Such a deal could last for something like six months, the official told reporters. Britain is due to leave the European Union on October 31 and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is prepared to take the country out of the bloc without a deal although he hopes to secure an orderly departure with an agreement. The current impasse with the EU leaves Britain facing an exit without any formal transition period or legal agreement covering issues such as trade, data transfers and border policy, prompting some businesses to warn of damage to their operations. During a two-day visit, Bolton told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that President Donald Trump wanted to see a successful British exit from the European Union on October 31 and that Washington would be ready to work fast on a US-UK free trade agreement. Bolton, who has now left Britain, was seeking an improved US-British relationship with Johnson after sometimes tense ties between Trump and Johnson`s predecessor, Theresa May. A wide-ranging trade deal with the United States, seen as Britain`s closest ally, is a much-cherished prize for Brexit supporters, who hope to show the opportunities for Britain outside of the 28-member bloc and could help cushion any disruption to trade with European neighbours. However, thorny issues remain over differing farming standards between the two countries and many politicians in Britain are opposed to increased involvement of US pharmaceutical firms in the state-run National Health Service. Despite that, as Britain prepares to leave the European Union, its biggest geopolitical shift since World War Two, many diplomats expect London to become increasingly reliant on the United States.

US and Britain discuss trade deal that could take effect on November 1

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union.&nbsp;

Serbia and its former province Kosovo, which is mainly ethnic Albanian, still have a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/serbia-puts-forces-on-alert-after-kosovo-police-operation-in-serb-populated-north-222264">bitter and tense relationship </a>two decades after Pristina broke away in a separatist war and went on to declare independence.

EU-led talks to normalise their ties have sputtered out in recent months over a series of diplomatic clashes.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, the governments of the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy called on the neighbours to "restart the EU-led Dialogue with urgency".

"The status quo prevents progress on Kosovo's and Serbia's path towards the European Union (EU)and is simply not sustainable", it added.

The governments said they were willing to become more involved in the talks -&nbsp;but only if "you both signal a willingness to compromise, remove obstacles and resume discussions".

The statement urged each side to extend an olive branch.

"For Kosovo, that means suspending the tariffs imposed on Serbia," the governments said, referring to a 100 per cent tax slapped on Serbian goods last November.

The countries then urged Serbia to halt its "de-recognition campaign against Kosovo", referring to Belgrade's efforts to sway other countries to revoke their recognition of Kosovo's statehood.

After the EU-led talks hit a wall last year, Germany and France took their own initiative to try to restart the dialogue, holding a summit in Berlin in April.

But no progress was made and a planned follow-up meeting in July was later scrapped.

Serbia lost control of Kosovo after a NATO bombing intervention forced its troops to withdraw from a war with ethnic Albanian separatists in 1999.

A decade later Kosovo declared independence, a move recognised by the US and most of Western Europe.

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union.

Western powers on Tuesday urged foes Serbia and Kosovo to reboot their stalled dialogue "with urgency", warning that the lack of progress is hindering their dreams of joining the European Union. Serbia and its former province Kosovo, which is mainly ethnic Albanian, still have a bitter and tense relationship two decades after Pristina broke away in a separatist war and went on to declare independence. EU-led talks to normalise their ties have sputtered out in recent months over a series of diplomatic clashes. In a joint statement, the governments of the US, UK, France, Germany and Italy called on the neighbours to "restart the EU-led Dialogue with urgency". "The status quo prevents progress on Kosovo's and Serbia's path towards the European Union (EU)and is simply not sustainable", it added. The governments said they were willing to become more involved in the talks - but only if "you both signal a willingness to compromise, remove obstacles and resume discussions". The statement urged each side to extend an olive branch. "For Kosovo, that means suspending the tariffs imposed on Serbia," the governments said, referring to a 100 per cent tax slapped on Serbian goods last November. The countries then urged Serbia to halt its "de-recognition campaign against Kosovo", referring to Belgrade's efforts to sway other countries to revoke their recognition of Kosovo's statehood. After the EU-led talks hit a wall last year, Germany and France took their own initiative to try to restart the dialogue, holding a summit in Berlin in April. But no progress was made and a planned follow-up meeting in July was later scrapped. Serbia lost control of Kosovo after a NATO bombing intervention forced its troops to withdraw from a war with ethnic Albanian separatists in 1999. A decade later Kosovo declared independence, a move recognised by the US and most of Western Europe.

West urges Kosovo, Serbia to restart talks 'with urgency'

Iran said on Tuesday that <a href="wionews.com/world/iranian-state-tv-shows-smuggled-fuel-aboard-a-seized-foreign-oil-tanker-240680">Britain might free its oil tanker</a> Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West.

But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/captain-of-iranian-tanker-seized-in-gibraltar-accuse-royal-marines-of-brute-force-239560">marines seized the tanker on July 4</a> on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday.

Tehran has denied its vessel was doing anything improper and in retaliation, it's Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz waterway on July 19 for alleged marine violations.

The deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, Jalil Eslami, said in remarks reported by state news agency IRNA that Britain was thinking of freeing the Grace 1 following an exchange of documents.

"The vessel was seized based on false allegations ... it has not been freed yet," Eslami said.

"We hope the release will take place soon."

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, quoting unidentified Gibraltar authorities, said the tanker would be freed by Tuesday evening. A senior Gibraltarian government source said that was not correct, though earlier the territory had said it was seeking the de-escalate the situation.

The tankers' affair has added to worsening hostilities since Washington pulled out of an international agreement curbing Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed economic sanctions

Iran said on Tuesday that Britain might free its oil tanker Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West. But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where marines seized the tanker on July 4 on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday.

Iran said on Tuesday that Britain might free its oil tanker Grace 1 soon in a maritime saga that has exacerbated frictions between Tehran and the West. But a source for the government of British Mediterranean territory Gibraltar, where marines seized the tanker on July 4 on suspicion of violating European sanctions by taking oil to Syria, denied an Iranian report that could happen on Tuesday. Tehran has denied its vessel was doing anything improper and in retaliation, it's Revolutionary Guards seized the British-flagged Stena Impero tanker in the Strait of Hormuz waterway on July 19 for alleged marine violations. The deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organisation, Jalil Eslami, said in remarks reported by state news agency IRNA that Britain was thinking of freeing the Grace 1 following an exchange of documents. "The vessel was seized based on false allegations ... it has not been freed yet," Eslami said. "We hope the release will take place soon." Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, quoting unidentified Gibraltar authorities, said the tanker would be freed by Tuesday evening. A senior Gibraltarian government source said that was not correct, though earlier the territory had said it was seeking the de-escalate the situation. The tankers' affair has added to worsening hostilities since Washington pulled out of an international agreement curbing Iran's nuclear programme and reimposed economic sanctions

Iran says Britain might free oil tanker soon; Gibraltar government source denies claim

A body was found Tuesday in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-search-in-malaysia-for-missing-teen-despite-the-major-holiday-242248">hunt for a Franco-Irish teen</a> in Malaysia with a charity saying it is likely the missing girl, 10 days after she disappeared from a rainforest resort.

Nora Quoirin, 15, went missing on August 4, a day after checking into the resort with her London-based family.

They suspected she was abducted but Malaysian police classified it as a missing person case.

More than 350 people were deployed to hunt through dense jungle next to the Dusun Resort, not far from Kuala Lumpur, backed by helicopters, drones, sniffer dogs and divers.&nbsp;

Shamans conducted rituals in an effort to locate her while the investigation was assisted by police from Britain, Ireland and France.&nbsp;

Mohamad Mat Yusop, Negeri Sembilan state police chief, told reporters that "the body of a white female" was found just before 2:00 pm (0600 GMT) after authorities received a report from a member of the public.

"It was found two kilometres (1.2 miles) from the Dusun Resort where she was staying. The body is intact," he said.&nbsp;

He said the body had not been identified.&nbsp;

But the Lucie Blackman Trust, a UK charity that supports the families of British people missing overseas, said that it "sadly seems likely" to be the teen.

As news emerged a body had been found, police vehicles raced to an area home to palm oil plantations and fruit trees, and a cordon was put up around the site.

Reward offered&nbsp;

The discovery came a day after her family offered a 50,000 ringgit ($11,900) reward, donated by a Belfast business, for information that could lead to her return.

"Nora is our first child. She has been vulnerable since the day she was born," said a family statement.

"She is so precious to us and our hearts are breaking. We are appealing to anyone who has information about Nora to help us find her."

At one point, her mother Meabh fought back tears as she made an emotional speech thanking the search team, with the girl's French father Sebastien by her side.

Watch:&nbsp;'Nora darling, I know you are there', search for missing Irish teen continues after nearly a week

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nora-darling-i-know-you-are-there-search-for-missing-irish-teen-continues-after-nearly-a-week-241676/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The 12-acre (five-hectare) resort where the teenager disappeared from is next to a patch of thick jungle and in the foothills of a mountain range.

Her family said it would be extremely unusual for the reserved youngster to have wandered off on her own.

She has a condition called "holoprosencephaly", which means she has a smaller-than-normal brain, and has limited verbal communication and cannot write more than a few words.&nbsp;

She attended a school for young people with learning and communication difficulties.&nbsp;

While officially treating it as a missing person case, police did not rule out other possibilities.

An open window was found in the cottage where the family was staying at the resort.

A body was found Tuesday in the hunt for a Franco-Irish teen in Malaysia with a charity saying it is likely the missing girl, 10 days after she disappeared from a rainforest resort.

A body was found Tuesday in the hunt for a Franco-Irish teen in Malaysia with a charity saying it is likely the missing girl, 10 days after she disappeared from a rainforest resort. Nora Quoirin, 15, went missing on August 4, a day after checking into the resort with her London-based family. They suspected she was abducted but Malaysian police classified it as a missing person case. More than 350 people were deployed to hunt through dense jungle next to the Dusun Resort, not far from Kuala Lumpur, backed by helicopters, drones, sniffer dogs and divers. Shamans conducted rituals in an effort to locate her while the investigation was assisted by police from Britain, Ireland and France. Mohamad Mat Yusop, Negeri Sembilan state police chief, told reporters that "the body of a white female" was found just before 2:00 pm (0600 GMT) after authorities received a report from a member of the public. "It was found two kilometres (1.2 miles) from the Dusun Resort where she was staying. The body is intact," he said. He said the body had not been identified. But the Lucie Blackman Trust, a UK charity that supports the families of British people missing overseas, said that it "sadly seems likely" to be the teen. As news emerged a body had been found, police vehicles raced to an area home to palm oil plantations and fruit trees, and a cordon was put up around the site. Reward offered The discovery came a day after her family offered a 50,000 ringgit ($11,900) reward, donated by a Belfast business, for information that could lead to her return. "Nora is our first child. She has been vulnerable since the day she was born," said a family statement. "She is so precious to us and our hearts are breaking. We are appealing to anyone who has information about Nora to help us find her." At one point, her mother Meabh fought back tears as she made an emotional speech thanking the search team, with the girl's French father Sebastien by her side. Watch: 'Nora darling, I know you are there', search for missing Irish teen continues after nearly a week The 12-acre (five-hectare) resort where the teenager disappeared from is next to a patch of thick jungle and in the foothills of a mountain range. Her family said it would be extremely unusual for the reserved youngster to have wandered off on her own. She has a condition called "holoprosencephaly", which means she has a smaller-than-normal brain, and has limited verbal communication and cannot write more than a few words. She attended a school for young people with learning and communication difficulties. While officially treating it as a missing person case, police did not rule out other possibilities. An open window was found in the cottage where the family was staying at the resort.

Body found in hunt for Franco-Irish teen in Malaysia

Former 'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson is teaming up with `Time`s Up` and `Rights of Women` organisation to launch legal advice hotline for women in the UK who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. 
 
According to Fox News, currently the cost-free service is available for women in England and Wales, and according to the British star, it`s the only one of its kind.

"It`s completely staggering to think that this is the only service of its type given that research has found that as many as one in two women experience sexual harassment in the workplace," the 29-year-old star said in an official statement.&nbsp;"It finally feels like people are realizing the scale of the problem," the statement added. 
 
According to the Rights of Women website and as reported by Fox News, the hotline was funded "by the public," and will help the UK women "get specialist legal advice on what behavior constitutes sexual harassment, how to bring a grievance against their employer, how to make a claim in the Employment Tribunal, settlement agreements and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and other related legal problems faced by women experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace."

Watson went on to explain the importance of the helpline in her statement."Understanding what your rights are, how you can assert them, and the choices you have if you`ve experienced harassment, is such a vital part of creating safe workplaces for everyone, and this advice line is such a huge development in ensuring that all women are supported, wherever we work," she said. 
 
The actor has been a staunch supporter of the #MeToo movement, and in February last year, she notably donated about $1.4 million to the Justice and Equality Fund, a UK-based organisation which aims to prevent sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination.&nbsp;

Former 'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson is teaming up with `Time`s Up` and `Rights of Women` organisation to launch legal advice hotline for women in the UK who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.

Former 'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson is teaming up with `Time`s Up` and `Rights of Women` organisation to launch legal advice hotline for women in the UK who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. According to Fox News, currently the cost-free service is available for women in England and Wales, and according to the British star, it`s the only one of its kind. "It`s completely staggering to think that this is the only service of its type given that research has found that as many as one in two women experience sexual harassment in the workplace," the 29-year-old star said in an official statement. "It finally feels like people are realizing the scale of the problem," the statement added. According to the Rights of Women website and as reported by Fox News, the hotline was funded "by the public," and will help the UK women "get specialist legal advice on what behavior constitutes sexual harassment, how to bring a grievance against their employer, how to make a claim in the Employment Tribunal, settlement agreements and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and other related legal problems faced by women experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace." Watson went on to explain the importance of the helpline in her statement."Understanding what your rights are, how you can assert them, and the choices you have if you`ve experienced harassment, is such a vital part of creating safe workplaces for everyone, and this advice line is such a huge development in ensuring that all women are supported, wherever we work," she said. The actor has been a staunch supporter of the #MeToo movement, and in February last year, she notably donated about $1.4 million to the Justice and Equality Fund, a UK-based organisation which aims to prevent sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination.

Emma Watson teams up with Time's Up to launch workplace sexual harassment hotline

HSBC on Monday announced its Group Chief Executive John Flint had stepped down after less than two years on the job, as the banking giant revealed decent first-half profits but warned it faced "challenging" geopolitics.

The surprise announcement came shortly before an earlier than expected results release in which the London-headquartered behemoth reported pre-tax profit was up 15.8 per cent at $12.4 billion for the first half of the year.

Flint, who has spent three decades at HSBC, was keen to lower costs with the Asia-focused bank facing the double uncertainties caused by both the US-China trade war and Britain's impending departure from the European Union.

HSBC gave no specific reason for Flint's sudden departure, but said it needed a change at the top as it warned investors of difficult times ahead.&nbsp;

"In the increasingly complex and challenging global environment in which the bank operates, the board believes a change is needed to meet the challenges that we face and to capture the very significant opportunities before us," Group Chairman Mark Tucker said.

Flint, 51, said: "I have agreed with the board that today's good interim results indicate that this is the right time for change, both for me and the bank."

HSBC said it would look both internally and externally for a new leader and that Noel Quinn, head of the commercial banking division, will be interim CEO in the meantime.

"Although not carrying out his day-to-day duties after today, he (Flint) remains available to assist HSBC with the transition," the bank said in a statement.&nbsp;

The move comes just weeks after its US chief Patrick Burke retired following a reorganisation of its North American business.

Flint's departure came despite the good results announced on Tuesday with pre-tax profit of $6.2 billion for the second quarter.&nbsp;

The bank also said it would soon begin a buyback of up to $1 billion, according to a statement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

But there are headwinds on the horizon.&nbsp;

In Asia -- which is acutely vulnerable to the ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing -- the bank said the outlook "is less certain". 
Brexit was also weighing on the bank's future.&nbsp;

"The outlook has changed. Interest rates in the US dollar bloc are now expected to fall rather than rise, and geopolitical issues could impact a significant number of our major markets," the bank said.&nbsp;

"In the near term, the nature and impact of the UK's departure from the European Union remain highly uncertain," it added.

"We are managing operating expenses and investment spending in line with the increased risks to revenue," the Asia-focused firm said.

HSBC on Monday announced its Group Chief Executive John Flint had stepped down after less than two years on the job, as the banking giant revealed decent first-half profits but warned it faced "challenging" geopolitics.

HSBC on Monday announced its Group Chief Executive John Flint had stepped down after less than two years on the job, as the banking giant revealed decent first-half profits but warned it faced "challenging" geopolitics. The surprise announcement came shortly before an earlier than expected results release in which the London-headquartered behemoth reported pre-tax profit was up 15.8 per cent at $12.4 billion for the first half of the year. Flint, who has spent three decades at HSBC, was keen to lower costs with the Asia-focused bank facing the double uncertainties caused by both the US-China trade war and Britain's impending departure from the European Union. HSBC gave no specific reason for Flint's sudden departure, but said it needed a change at the top as it warned investors of difficult times ahead. "In the increasingly complex and challenging global environment in which the bank operates, the board believes a change is needed to meet the challenges that we face and to capture the very significant opportunities before us," Group Chairman Mark Tucker said. Flint, 51, said: "I have agreed with the board that today's good interim results indicate that this is the right time for change, both for me and the bank." HSBC said it would look both internally and externally for a new leader and that Noel Quinn, head of the commercial banking division, will be interim CEO in the meantime. "Although not carrying out his day-to-day duties after today, he (Flint) remains available to assist HSBC with the transition," the bank said in a statement. The move comes just weeks after its US chief Patrick Burke retired following a reorganisation of its North American business. Flint's departure came despite the good results announced on Tuesday with pre-tax profit of $6.2 billion for the second quarter. The bank also said it would soon begin a buyback of up to $1 billion, according to a statement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. But there are headwinds on the horizon. In Asia -- which is acutely vulnerable to the ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing -- the bank said the outlook "is less certain". Brexit was also weighing on the bank's future. "The outlook has changed. Interest rates in the US dollar bloc are now expected to fall rather than rise, and geopolitical issues could impact a significant number of our major markets," the bank said. "In the near term, the nature and impact of the UK's departure from the European Union remain highly uncertain," it added. "We are managing operating expenses and investment spending in line with the increased risks to revenue," the Asia-focused firm said.

HSBC CEO John Flint resigns as bank faces 'challenging' geopolitics

The United Kingdom on Saturday updated the travel advisory for its citizens visiting Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Indian government asked tourists and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-security-forces-recovered-us-made-m-24-sniper-rifle-near-amarnath-yatra-route-240472">Amarnath Yatra</a> pilgrims to immediately curtail their stay after a series of intelligence inputs were received by security agencies over multiple terror attacks.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), in a statement, advised its citizens "against all travel to the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at Wagah, Jammu and Kashmir, except for travel within the city of Jammu, travel by air to the city of Jammu, and travel within the region of Ladakh."

"The tourist destinations of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg fall within the areas to which the FCO advise against all travel," the statement read.

On August 2, the Indian Army had said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-6200-transported-out-of-kashmir-valley-after-issuance-of-jk-security-advisory-aai-240495">Pakistan terrorists are plotting to carry out an attack</a> on the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and that the security forces even recovered a Pakistan Ordnance Factory anti-personnel mine from a terror cache.

Keeping security threats in view, the Jammu and Kashmir government advised all Amarnath Yatris and tourists to curtail their stay in the Valley "immediately".

The advisory stated that the British High Commission in New Delhi is monitoring the situation.

"If you're in Jammu and Kashmir, you should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and keep up to date with developments, including via this travel advice," it said.

The Jammu and Kashmir state government in a security advisory had said, "Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath Yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath Yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible."

However, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said that the state government's advisory to Amarnath pilgrims and other tourists to curtail their visit "immediately" in view of the security situation in the state, has created chaos and confusion among the people.Mufti said that she had never seen such a panic in the Valley.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United Kingdom on Saturday updated the travel advisory for its citizens visiting Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Indian government asked tourists and Amarnath Yatra pilgrims to immediately curtail their stay after a series of intelligence inputs were received by security agencies over multiple terror attacks.

The United Kingdom on Saturday updated the travel advisory for its citizens visiting Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Indian government asked tourists and Amarnath Yatra pilgrims to immediately curtail their stay after a series of intelligence inputs were received by security agencies over multiple terror attacks. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), in a statement, advised its citizens "against all travel to the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at Wagah, Jammu and Kashmir, except for travel within the city of Jammu, travel by air to the city of Jammu, and travel within the region of Ladakh." "The tourist destinations of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg fall within the areas to which the FCO advise against all travel," the statement read. On August 2, the Indian Army had said that Pakistan terrorists are plotting to carry out an attack on the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and that the security forces even recovered a Pakistan Ordnance Factory anti-personnel mine from a terror cache. Keeping security threats in view, the Jammu and Kashmir government advised all Amarnath Yatris and tourists to curtail their stay in the Valley "immediately". The advisory stated that the British High Commission in New Delhi is monitoring the situation. "If you're in Jammu and Kashmir, you should remain vigilant, follow the advice of local authorities and keep up to date with developments, including via this travel advice," it said. The Jammu and Kashmir state government in a security advisory had said, "Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath Yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath Yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible." However, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said that the state government's advisory to Amarnath pilgrims and other tourists to curtail their visit "immediately" in view of the security situation in the state, has created chaos and confusion among the people.Mufti said that she had never seen such a panic in the Valley.

Britain issues travel advisory to citizens travelling to Kashmir over Amarnath alert

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

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

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

Britain's Johnson suffers first electoral setback as prime minister

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong erected barricades in a popular tourist district and briefly blocked a major tunnel Saturday evening, defying increasingly stern warnings from China over weeks-long unrest that has plunged the city into crisis.

The semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub has seen two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms.

Authorities in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/hong-kong-protests-city-workers-expats-and-unions-join-clamour-making-it-even-harder-for-china-to-ignore-239983">Hong Kong</a> and Beijing this week signalled a hardening stance, including with the arrests of dozens of protesters, and the Chinese military saying it was ready to quell the "intolerable" unrest if requested.

But protesters have remained unyielding, vowing to hold multiple occupations and rallies into next week, sending tensions soaring once more.

On Saturday they embraced their mantra "be water" a philosophy of unpredictability espoused by local martial arts legend Bruce Lee in a bid to keep police guessing.&nbsp;

Throughout the evening they put up makeshift barricades across multiple roads in Tsim Sha Tsui, a popular shopping and tourist district on the harbourfront, where many luxury malls and hotels shut their doors.

They also blocked one of the three cross-harbour tunnels connecting to the main island, causing widespread traffic chaos, before disappearing after half an hour.&nbsp;

"We will fight as guerrillas today and be water," a masked and helmeted 19-year-old, who gave her surname Lee, told AFP.

In a statement, police called on protesters to "stop their illegal acts" and told members of the public to avoid the area.

City-wide strike

Many of the chants and graffiti tags that were thrown up called for residents to join a planned strike on Monday.

"The more the government suppresses us, the more we will come out until the government responds to our demands," protester Ah Kit, 36, told AFP.

Two marches are also planned for Sunday one on Hong Kong island and the other in the Tseung Kwan O district as well as a city-wide strike on Monday and rallies in seven locations.

The call for strike action appears to be gaining more traction than previous walkouts, with a host of organizations and unions vowing to join.

Hong Kong has witnessed eight consecutive weekends of huge rallies often followed by violent clashes between police and small groups of hardcore protesters.

Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, the city has rights and liberties unseen on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-hit-300-billion-worth-of-chinese-goods-with-10-tariff-donald-trump-240021">Chinese</a> mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders.

Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever-closer integration with the Chinese mainland.

On Saturday evening, protesters tore down the Chinese flag from a pole on the waterfront and threw it in the harbour.

Violence escalating

The past two weekends have seen a surge in violence used by both protesters and police, who have repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse projectile-throwing crowds.&nbsp;

A mob of pro-government thugs also attacked demonstrators, putting 45 people in hospital.

Hong Kong's police have increasingly adopted tougher tactics, including this week charging 44 protesters with rioting an offence that carries up to 10 years in jail.

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has made few concessions beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill and shied away from public appearances.

Protesters are demanding her resignation, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill, and the right to elect their leaders.

Thousands of pro-government supporters also held a rally in a separate park on Saturday, many waving Chinese flags and chanting slogans in support of the police who have refuted allegations of using excessive force.

Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests as funded by the West.

China has provided little evidence beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians and critics say Beijing's accusations of foreign meddling ignore Hong Kongers' legitimate grievances. 
&nbsp;

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong erected barricades in a popular tourist district and briefly blocked a major tunnel Saturday evening, defying increasingly stern warnings from China over weeks-long unrest that has plunged the city into crisis.

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong erected barricades in a popular tourist district and briefly blocked a major tunnel Saturday evening, defying increasingly stern warnings from China over weeks-long unrest that has plunged the city into crisis. The semi-autonomous southern Chinese financial hub has seen two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms. Authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing this week signalled a hardening stance, including with the arrests of dozens of protesters, and the Chinese military saying it was ready to quell the "intolerable" unrest if requested. But protesters have remained unyielding, vowing to hold multiple occupations and rallies into next week, sending tensions soaring once more. On Saturday they embraced their mantra "be water" a philosophy of unpredictability espoused by local martial arts legend Bruce Lee in a bid to keep police guessing. Throughout the evening they put up makeshift barricades across multiple roads in Tsim Sha Tsui, a popular shopping and tourist district on the harbourfront, where many luxury malls and hotels shut their doors. They also blocked one of the three cross-harbour tunnels connecting to the main island, causing widespread traffic chaos, before disappearing after half an hour. "We will fight as guerrillas today and be water," a masked and helmeted 19-year-old, who gave her surname Lee, told AFP. In a statement, police called on protesters to "stop their illegal acts" and told members of the public to avoid the area. City-wide strike Many of the chants and graffiti tags that were thrown up called for residents to join a planned strike on Monday. "The more the government suppresses us, the more we will come out until the government responds to our demands," protester Ah Kit, 36, told AFP. Two marches are also planned for Sunday one on Hong Kong island and the other in the Tseung Kwan O district as well as a city-wide strike on Monday and rallies in seven locations. The call for strike action appears to be gaining more traction than previous walkouts, with a host of organizations and unions vowing to join. Hong Kong has witnessed eight consecutive weekends of huge rallies often followed by violent clashes between police and small groups of hardcore protesters. Under the terms of the 1997 handover deal with Britain, the city has rights and liberties unseen on the Chinese mainland, including an independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say those rights are being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders. Public anger has been compounded by rising inequality and the perception that the city's distinct language and culture are being threatened by ever-closer integration with the Chinese mainland. On Saturday evening, protesters tore down the Chinese flag from a pole on the waterfront and threw it in the harbour. Violence escalating The past two weekends have seen a surge in violence used by both protesters and police, who have repeatedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse projectile-throwing crowds. A mob of pro-government thugs also attacked demonstrators, putting 45 people in hospital. Hong Kong's police have increasingly adopted tougher tactics, including this week charging 44 protesters with rioting an offence that carries up to 10 years in jail. Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has made few concessions beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill and shied away from public appearances. Protesters are demanding her resignation, an independent inquiry into police tactics, an amnesty for those arrested, a permanent withdrawal of the bill, and the right to elect their leaders. Thousands of pro-government supporters also held a rally in a separate park on Saturday, many waving Chinese flags and chanting slogans in support of the police who have refuted allegations of using excessive force. Beijing has increasingly pitched the anti-government protests as funded by the West. China has provided little evidence beyond supportive statements from some Western politicians and critics say Beijing's accusations of foreign meddling ignore Hong Kongers' legitimate grievances.

Hong Kong protesters seize roads in defiance of China warnings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said Wednesday that Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy's resolve.

William King, commander of HMS Montrose, said during 27 days patrolling the flashpoint entrance to the Gulf he had had 85 "interactions with Iranian forces", which had often led to "an exchange of warnings" over the radio.

"That gives you some idea of the intensity... (it) is perhaps more than we've seen of recent times," he told BBC Radio in a phone interview from aboard the frigate.

"The Iranians seem to be keen to test our resolve, test our reactions most of the time," King added.

"They'll claim that perhaps our presence is illegitimate, even though we're completely lawfully in international waters.

"They may also run boats in at speed towards us, to test what warning levels we get to."

Montrose, on a three-year deployment in the region since April based at a British naval hub opened in Bahrain last year, began the escorts through the world's busiest oil shipping lane earlier this month.

It followed Iranian threats of retribution for Royal Marines helping Gibraltar -&nbsp;a British Overseas Territory -&nbsp;seize one of its tankers on July 4 on suspicion it was carrying oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions.

Despite Montrose's presence in the Gulf, Iran intercepted the British-flagged tanker "Stena Impero" on July 19 as it made its way through the strait and has detained the ship at an Iranian port.

Britain on Monday ruled out swapping the tankers and has proposed the formation of a European-led naval escort mission for global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

It comes as US President Donald Trump exerts a "maximum pressure" campaign of economic sanctions and stepped-up military presence aimed at forcing Tehran to renegotiate a landmark 2015 nuclear pact he pulled out of last year.

However, amid the escalating tensions, King said contact with Iran remained "professional" and "cordial" on the choppy waters of the Gulf.

"There's a healthy understanding, shall I say respect between mariners, which now seems to be established," he added.

Montrose will return to port later this week for pre-planned maintenance and crew changeover and will be replaced by HMS Duncan, a destroyer which arrived in the region on Sunday.

The commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said Wednesday that Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy's resolve.

The commander of a British warship accompanying UK-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions with Iran said Wednesday that Tehran appeared to be testing the Royal Navy's resolve. William King, commander of HMS Montrose, said during 27 days patrolling the flashpoint entrance to the Gulf he had had 85 "interactions with Iranian forces", which had often led to "an exchange of warnings" over the radio. "That gives you some idea of the intensity... (it) is perhaps more than we've seen of recent times," he told BBC Radio in a phone interview from aboard the frigate. "The Iranians seem to be keen to test our resolve, test our reactions most of the time," King added. "They'll claim that perhaps our presence is illegitimate, even though we're completely lawfully in international waters. "They may also run boats in at speed towards us, to test what warning levels we get to." Montrose, on a three-year deployment in the region since April based at a British naval hub opened in Bahrain last year, began the escorts through the world's busiest oil shipping lane earlier this month. It followed Iranian threats of retribution for Royal Marines helping Gibraltar - a British Overseas Territory - seize one of its tankers on July 4 on suspicion it was carrying oil to Syria in violation of EU sanctions. Despite Montrose's presence in the Gulf, Iran intercepted the British-flagged tanker "Stena Impero" on July 19 as it made its way through the strait and has detained the ship at an Iranian port. Britain on Monday ruled out swapping the tankers and has proposed the formation of a European-led naval escort mission for global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. It comes as US President Donald Trump exerts a "maximum pressure" campaign of economic sanctions and stepped-up military presence aimed at forcing Tehran to renegotiate a landmark 2015 nuclear pact he pulled out of last year. However, amid the escalating tensions, King said contact with Iran remained "professional" and "cordial" on the choppy waters of the Gulf. "There's a healthy understanding, shall I say respect between mariners, which now seems to be established," he added. Montrose will return to port later this week for pre-planned maintenance and crew changeover and will be replaced by HMS Duncan, a destroyer which arrived in the region on Sunday.

UK warship commander says Iran trying 'to test' Britain in Gulf

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

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

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

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

Brewing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/asia-stocks-higher-ahead-of-fed-pound-pressured-by-fresh-brexit-pain-239341">no-deal Brexit</a> worries sent the pound sinking towards a two-year low versus the euro and roughed up Irish bonds on Tuesday, while stock markets wilted before what is expected to be the first cut in rates since the financial crisis.

Europe's markets suffered a stormy start as the pound followed its worst day of the year with another 0.5% swoon against all the major currencies.

A blizzard of fiery talk on Monday that included the new UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called his predecessor's Brexit plans dead and its new foreign minister labelling the European Union "stubborn" kept the slide intact.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-plays-brexit-hardball-with-stubborn-european-union-pound-falls-to-a-two-year-low-239235">Sterling fell</a> as far as $1.2120, which was its lowest against the dollar since March 2017, and to 91.85 pence per euro, the weakest since September 2017.

Options markets were pointing to more pain too. Three-month implied volatility, a contract that expires just before the October&nbsp;31 Brexit deadline, jumped to over 11 vols, the highest since before March 29, the original date for Britain to leave the European Union.

"The pound is in a very precarious state, it is as simple as that," said TD Securities' European head of currency strategy Ned Rumpeltin.

"We are now in a different regime," he said, referring to Johnson's explicit agenda of taking Britain out of the EU, whether or not transitional trading agreements are in place.

It was not just sterling reeling either.

Irish government bond yield spreads over Germany hit their widest levels in over a month at 24 basis points, on worries about the damage a no-deal Brexit would do to Ireland's economy.

Other eurozone government bond yields were holding near recent lows ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting which is expected to deliver a 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday and potentially signal more on the way.

Germany's 10-year government bond yield was hovering near the minus 0.40% mark.

European shares slipped as grim forecasts from German chemicals and drugs giant Bayer and airline Lufthansa soured sentiment, although the weakness of the pound kept London's blue-chip FTSE index just about out of the red.

With concerns about global growth still bubbling among investors, a GfK survey also showed German consumer morale worsening for the third month in a row heading into August as trade disputes bit in Europe's biggest exporter.

"Most markets are down this morning," said Simona Gambarini, a markets economist at Capital Economics. "The S&amp;P closed lower yesterday. We have a few data releases regarding the eurozone that could push equity prices down but I think everyone is waiting for the Fed meeting."

Aussie Gold

Asia had been a bit more positive overnight.

Japan's Nikkei rose 0.4%, showing a limited reaction to the Bank of Japan's widely anticipated decision to stand pat on monetary policy. Shanghai rose 0.3% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng edged up 0.2%.

Australian stocks stole the glory again though with another record high, as buoyant mining shares added to tech-driven gains the previous day.

The BOJ added that it would ease policy again "without hesitation" if the economy loses momentum for achieving the central bank's 2% inflation target.

Also drawing some attention were US-China trade negotiations which begin in Shanghai on Tuesday, although expectations for progress during the two-day meeting are low with the markets hoping the two sides can at least detail commitments for "goodwill" gestures.

Among commodities, crude oil prices extended the previous day's gains, with the Fed's expected easing fuelling optimism that it would boost the economy and fuel demand in the world's biggest oil consumer.

US crude futures were up 0.65% at $57.24 per barrel and Brent crude added 0.6% to $64.09. Gold was down 0.1% at $1,425 per ounce.

Brewing no-deal Brexit worries sent the pound sinking towards a two-year low versus the euro and roughed up Irish bonds on Tuesday, while stock markets wilted before what is expected to be the first cut in rates since the financial crisis.

Brewing no-deal Brexit worries sent the pound sinking towards a two-year low versus the euro and roughed up Irish bonds on Tuesday, while stock markets wilted before what is expected to be the first cut in rates since the financial crisis. Europe's markets suffered a stormy start as the pound followed its worst day of the year with another 0.5% swoon against all the major currencies. A blizzard of fiery talk on Monday that included the new UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called his predecessor's Brexit plans dead and its new foreign minister labelling the European Union "stubborn" kept the slide intact. Sterling fell as far as $1.2120, which was its lowest against the dollar since March 2017, and to 91.85 pence per euro, the weakest since September 2017. Options markets were pointing to more pain too. Three-month implied volatility, a contract that expires just before the October 31 Brexit deadline, jumped to over 11 vols, the highest since before March 29, the original date for Britain to leave the European Union. "The pound is in a very precarious state, it is as simple as that," said TD Securities' European head of currency strategy Ned Rumpeltin. "We are now in a different regime," he said, referring to Johnson's explicit agenda of taking Britain out of the EU, whether or not transitional trading agreements are in place. It was not just sterling reeling either. Irish government bond yield spreads over Germany hit their widest levels in over a month at 24 basis points, on worries about the damage a no-deal Brexit would do to Ireland's economy. Other eurozone government bond yields were holding near recent lows ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting which is expected to deliver a 25 basis point rate cut on Wednesday and potentially signal more on the way. Germany's 10-year government bond yield was hovering near the minus 0.40% mark. European shares slipped as grim forecasts from German chemicals and drugs giant Bayer and airline Lufthansa soured sentiment, although the weakness of the pound kept London's blue-chip FTSE index just about out of the red. With concerns about global growth still bubbling among investors, a GfK survey also showed German consumer morale worsening for the third month in a row heading into August as trade disputes bit in Europe's biggest exporter. "Most markets are down this morning," said Simona Gambarini, a markets economist at Capital Economics. "The S&P closed lower yesterday. We have a few data releases regarding the eurozone that could push equity prices down but I think everyone is waiting for the Fed meeting." Aussie Gold Asia had been a bit more positive overnight. Japan's Nikkei rose 0.4%, showing a limited reaction to the Bank of Japan's widely anticipated decision to stand pat on monetary policy. Shanghai rose 0.3% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng edged up 0.2%. Australian stocks stole the glory again though with another record high, as buoyant mining shares added to tech-driven gains the previous day. The BOJ added that it would ease policy again "without hesitation" if the economy loses momentum for achieving the central bank's 2% inflation target. Also drawing some attention were US-China trade negotiations which begin in Shanghai on Tuesday, although expectations for progress during the two-day meeting are low with the markets hoping the two sides can at least detail commitments for "goodwill" gestures. Among commodities, crude oil prices extended the previous day's gains, with the Fed's expected easing fuelling optimism that it would boost the economy and fuel demand in the world's biggest oil consumer. US crude futures were up 0.65% at $57.24 per barrel and Brent crude added 0.6% to $64.09. Gold was down 0.1% at $1,425 per ounce.

Stormy sterling sinks again, stocks wilt before Fed

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

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

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

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

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